Police and Media must be held accountable for antics at "anti-vice' raid

The police must be condemned for their action of 'inviting the media' to accompany them as they conduct a raid on a premise allegedly carrying out illegal activities...

The law gives police certain powers....to enter premises where there is a believe that crime is being committed - but certainly, there is no power to bring guests ....and certainly not the media and 'outside' photographers and video camera men..

The police is supposed to gather evidence to prove a crime....and then submit to the prosecutors...who then may charge a person in court... and only after a person is convicted will he be presumed guilty...

And in this case, what were the police doing? What were the media personnel doing? Was it criminal intimidation.... or maybe even defamation...assault???

506.  Punishment for criminal intimidation.
Whoever commits the offence of criminal intimidation shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both; and if the threat be to cause death or grievous hurt, or to cause the destruction of any property by fire, or to cause an offence punishable with death or imprisonment, or with imprisonment for a term which may extend to seven years, or to impute unchastity to a woman, shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to seven years, or with fine, or with both.

Was there any 'prostitution' proven at all? Was there any sex for money at all? At night, they raided a premise - and there were women - some not having the time to dress up properly...

"If one of the girls is your mother, sister, or daughter, would you take the photos and publish them?" - Muhammad Sha'ani Abdullah, Commissioner, Human Rights Commission of Malaysia

Is it a crime for a group of women scantily dressed to be in a private premise at night? I do not think so...

Is it even wrong for a man and women to be caught having sex....No, it is not a crime if it is consensual and both are adults. For Muslims, it may be an offence in Syariah law if they are not married...but not the case for non-Muslims.

Is it wrong for a women masseur to be scantily dressed when she is massaging a customer...in a premises licensed as premise that provides massage services...No, it is not.

Is it wrong for a women scantily dressed to be massaging a man in some other premises... No, it is not.

Sometimes, our own prejudices...and 'excitement' blinds us from the facts...interestingly also we find that there are very few (if any at all) cases where a person have been tried and convicted for prostitution... 

Too many times, these kind of abuses by the police (and the media) have occurred - and sadly it continues... We have seen many media reports (even reports on TV) about similar raids ... where we are also shown pictures and images of usually young women....

SUHAKAM maybe should have a public inquiry about this raid - and come up with recomendations about proper conduct of the police and the media...

1. Media should never be invited to accompany the police on any such raids... 

2. If media is to report on any such raid, there must be no pictures, video or graphics of any of the said women or persons arrested, etc that allows any third person to be able to be able identify such women and persons....be it vide their faces, clothing, physical trait/description, nationality, religion ....

*** The victims, the women and other persons victimized, most likely would not want to take any action (or legal action) against the police, media and ...who violated their privacy and rights... 

Be that the case, justice loving Malaysians and persons, must insist an end to such behavior and conduct by the police, the media ....against SUSPECTED sex workers...

 

Photographers have a ball at anti-vice raid

Loh Iee Wen 9:10AM Aug 1, 2012

COMMENT Two weeks ago, the media was invited by the Selangor police to witness its anti-vice, gambling and secret societies unit in action.

Media personnel gathered at the Puchong Jaya police station that night and were given a short briefing by the enforcement team.

The team leader then told his 20-strong team that the police rarely bring the media along during a raid, reminding his subordinates to behave and not to embarrass themselves.

He also reminded his men not to smoke cigarettes or behave aggressively during their raid. Just before the briefing ended, the leader said: "I don't like the media following us either."

This remark didn't really bother me, but I did find it rather baffling at the time.

Later, we arrived at the gates of a suspected vice-den and the police went through a considerable effort to break down the door.

Personal gratification

What followed were some rather "lively" scenes caused by the media personnel present.

While the police did not abuse their power, some media personnel did. They used their cameras and cell phones to take photographs of suspected sex workers for their personal gratification.

Many suspected sex workers did not have enough time to dress, and were forced to stand naked in front of the trigger-happy press photographers. The police did not interfere.

Some suspected sex workers were shocked by the sudden appearance of the police personnel and the media horde, causing them to grab their clothes to cover their bodies.

One senior male media personnel appeared extremely excited when he saw a naked woman in front of him. While training his camera on the woman, he scolded her in Malay: "Who asked you to cover (your body)?"

The woman tried in vain to locate a private nook to dress herself, but the photographer tailed her until a police personnel said: "Forget it. Let her dress up."

The media man slowly made his way out of the room, but stopped in front of a curtained cubicle to take photographs of another woman putting on her clothes.

After the suspected sex workers had put on their clothes, they were taken to the lobby of the establishment.

Female journalists too join the fun

One suspected sex worker wore a short dress and in her haste, did not put on any underwear. As she sat down, several photographers and videographers noticed her exposed private part and quickly trained their cameras on her.

When the victim realised what was going on, she rushed back to a room to put on an underwear.

Meanwhile, several female journalists were having a ball posing for photographs in front of the suspected sex workers.

The incident clearly illustrate how some media personnel had violated their journalistic ethics.

It is no surprised that Bukit Aman Anti-Vice, Gambling and Secret Societies Division director Abdul Jalil Hassan once said that the media often enjoyed such assignments.

This reminded me of the police officer who had earlier ordered his subordinates to take care of their image during the raid.

But that night, the members of the media were the ones who embarrassed themselves.

WAO: Stop taking media on anti-vice raids

---

LOH IEE WEN is a crime desk reporter with Oriental Daily News. The above article appeared in Oriental Daily News on July 30, and is reproduced with permission.- Malaysiakini, 1/8/2012, Photographers have a ball at anti-vice raid

See earlier post: -

Not just defaming young foreign women - but now chaining and marking them - Shame on you Malaysia

WAO: Stop taking media on anti-vice raids

Sara Ghazie 5:10PM Aug 1, 2012

Amidst criticism of a media pursuit to photograph naked women during a recent police anti-vice raid in Selangor, calls have been aired for greater respect for news subjects as well as a stronger grip on journalistic ethics.

Women’s Aid Organisation executive director Ivy Josiah said the police should stop taking media personnel along on the raids, especially to massage parlours.

“Why should the media be there in the first place? The police should have never invited the media,” said the long-time campaigner for fairer portrayal of women in the media.

“Over the years, whenever there is a raid, they (media have) tended to take photographs of naked women… The customers and employers have rarely been shown and this is sexist.

“It is a common practice but it is humiliating and disrespectful to the women. The portrayal of women in the media has always been problematic.”

Photographers involved in the raid stand accused of taking pictures of the women, even following them to their changing rooms. The police apparently did not stop the photographers.

Ivy said reporters and media photographers should be educated by their editors to stop being unethical.

“The editors should focus on the ethical issues of their subordinates. They should be educated to respect women, innocent or guilty,” she told Malaysiakini today, noting that those caught in such situations could be victims of human trafficking.

She suggested that the media industry should monitor itself by seeking help from support groups like the Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) and National Union of Journalists (NUJ) to step up ethical reporting.

Malaysiakini also spoke to other stakeholders on this issue.

NUJ secretary-general V Anbalagan 

All journalists and photographers covering events must respect the privacy of the people involved.

They (news subjects) are innocent until proven guilty. Media are quick in blaming people and it is dangerous especially when it involves the rights of women and children.

The media is trying to paint a negative picture by posting (indecent) photos of women. The women have not been charged (with any offence). They are still being questioned by the police.

Since reporters need to write their stories, they should be careful in handling the photos and should not identify the women.

Although the NUJ has provided classes on ethics in the past, it is the job of the employer to fully educate the photographers and journalists.

The NUJ will look into updating the code of ethics. Times have changed, so the code needs to be changed too.

Muhammad Sha'ani Abdullah, Commissioner, Human Rights Commission of Malaysia

The media should not sensationalise their articles to sell more newspapers.

In any news coverage, they (media) should respect the subject's dignity.

The media should not use images of these people to promote their newspapers. This is not in our culture.

The police too have no right to invite the media on raids.

Suhakam will decide whether or not a dialogue is required with news editors to discuss the journalistic code of ethics.

We have highlighted this before. It is the media's responsibility to protect the privacy of (subjects), not degrade them any further.

If one of the girls is your mother, sister, or daughter, would you take the photos and publish them?  - Malaysiakini, 1/8/2012, WAO: Stop taking media on anti-vice raids

Settled? Lynas should restore Free Malaysia Today's press freedom...

Should we allow businesses, corporations, MNCs.... take away freedom of expression, freedom of opinion, press freedom, freedom to highlight human rights violations and other real concerns about rights, justice, health risks, environment? 

Well, sadly in Malaysia - there is still no legal protection accorded to human rights defenders and others (including media) who try to exercise these freedoms....

...and, it should not be so - there must be laws that protect the ordinary citizen and concerned groups of persons so that they can truly exercise these freedoms in democratic Malaysia...

The case of Lynas is of great interest... for this corporation, I believe, went to court to effectively try to 'gag' or prevent any statement, opinions and views that were anti-Lynas... 

There were 2 suits filed, and we look now at the second suit that was filed...i.e. the suit against the publishers of Free Malaysia Today (an alternative on-line media)... which was just recently settled...

Let us look at the apology...

An apology to Lynas Corp Ltd

July 17, 2012

Re: Lynas Corporation Ltd & Anor v Mtoday News Sdn Bhd
Kuala Lumpur High Court Civil Suit No 23 NCVC-52-04-2012
We refer to the articles previously published by us which claim that the Lynas plant may be unsafe. We apologise for these publications as such claims do not have a scientific basis. The regulatory review of the Lynas plant has been thorough and diligent.

[ http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2012/07/17/an-apology-to-lynas-corp-ltd/#ixzz21omXEMfv ]

Comment - so the articles raised concerned that the Lynas Plant may be unsafe .... it was not an allegation that the Lynas plant was definitely unsafe. 

And, today there was a settlement recorded in court...

And, shockingly part of the settlement seems to be an undertaking that Free Malaysia Today will no more publish anti-Lynas statements

MToday’s counsel, Rueben Mathiavaranam, told reporters that as part of terms of the settlement, Lynas withdrew the suit and the defendant gave the undertaking not to publish any more anti-Lynas statements.

So, VICTORY for Lynas - for now Malaysians and others have lost ONE avenue to assert opinions, views... for the shutting down of the Lynas Plant....etc...

So, will the strategy for such corporations be further legal actions against other forms of expression - resulting in just a shut down of all anti-Lynas protest, opinions, etc....

It is a good strategy for corporations, who do have the resources to do so, --- but is something that individual persons, protest groups, civil society, alternative media, bloggers do not have... being taken to court is not only stressful, but there is a lot money and resources needed for lawyers, etc...The Malaysian courts, with the quantum of costs and damages being awarded is no more for the poorer folks - but only the rich can utilize this battleground...

It would have been more just to have just been required to give an undertaking that no anti-Lynas statement be published until Lynas be given an opportunity to respond before publication. That is what is expected of the media anyway...

 “We apologise for these publications as such claims do not have a scientific basis. The regulatory review of the Lynas plant has been thorough and diligent,” it said.

Are we expected to only say things after we have done scientific research or scientist opinions.... Can media or persons publish matters based on their own belief, opinion, etc - based on a general understanding of a subject matter obtained by 'limited' research vide internet, libraries, publications, etc ... I believe, yes.... 

Is rare earth dangerous? Is radiation generated a health risk? ... It is sad that part of the settlement required FMT to say ...'no scientific basis...' at all....and to also say that the review had been 'thorough and diligent' - who is FMT (or its owners) to say that it had been thorough and diligent.... Lynas can say that, but ultimately it will be the reviewing body who has to show that it was 'thorough and diligent'... and if persons disagree, then they should have the opportunity to appeal....and even take the matter to Court for a determination that it was 'thorough and diligent'.... I say, at the end of the day, all that one can really say is that I "...verily believe that it was thorough...blah...blah..." - for only God can say whether something is thorough or not....

PROPOSAL TO GOVERNMENT & CORPORATION/BUSINESSES

This is not a Battle between Lynas and the people of Malaysia  - both have a right to have their say, raise their points, make their assertions and arguements.... and all this is directed to the Malaysian Government and/or the State Government and/or the relevant Local Council and/or Parliament....- who have the power to decide whether the said rare earth processing plant be allowed to operate, continue to operate, etc.... (and after that decision is made, anyone not happy can appeal ...challenge it in courts...). For cases of judicial review, there must be no cost and damages awarded at all...

So, there must be laws against parties using the courts and/or other means to attempt to gag, to gag, or to undermine the right and freedom of opinions, views, expression of the other party...

We do not want a society where human persons are expected to be 'silent' and all accepting all that is done by governments and businesses.... we want a society where human persons are concerned about others, environment and the overall well-being and  good of the community... we want people to express their views and opinions....freely...and unhindered. There should be no requirement that this must be done in 'good' English or BM - likewise there should be no requirement that they must have scientific basis or proof first... before they can express a view...Views and opinions of ordinary persons are generally based of feelings, perceptions, beliefs, values, etc... seldom does it come after any 'thorough investigations' or scientific experimentation or research....and to expect that 'high standards' of ordinary human persons (not experts in the field) is really nothing more than a suppression of the freedom of expression and views...

Malaysia must ratify the UN Human Rights Defenders Convention ...

We must have laws that promote freedom of expression - not that suppress them...? As such, the repeal of the Sedition Act is certainly a step in the right direction....

We certainly must be also given full freedom of expression when it comes to corporations and businesses...

When it comes to statements about individual persons - it may have some control

 

I am of the opinion that the right to sue for defamation/libel should only be available to individual human persons - certainly not to corporations and other legal entities...

Lynas withdraws suit after FMT apologises

Bernama 12:57PM Jul 27, 2012

Lynas Corporation Limited and Lynas Malaysia Sdn Bhd today withdrew their suit after MToday News Sdn Bhd, operator of the online news portal Free Malaysia Today (FMT), apologised to Lynas over an allegedly defamatory article published on its website.

The parties recorded the settlement of the suit in chambers before High Court Judge Nor Bee Ariffin.

MToday’s counsel, Rueben Mathiavaranam, told reporters that as part of terms of the settlement, Lynas withdrew the suit and the defendant gave the undertaking not to publish any more anti-Lynas statements.

“As part of the settlement, the court also made no order as to costs and no damages to be payable, and for three offending articles also to be removed from the FMT (website),” he said.

On July 17, MToday posted an apology on its website, www.freemalaysiatoday.com, over the published articles which claimed that the Lynas plant might be unsafe for the public.
 
“We apologise for these publications as such claims do not have a scientific basis. The regulatory review of the Lynas plant has been thorough and diligent,” it said.

On April 19, Lynas Corporation of Sydney, Australia, and Lynas Malaysia filed the suit against MToday News over an allegedly defamatory article published on its website on March 6.

Lynas sought general and aggravated damages, costs and an injunction restraining the defendant from publishing further defamatory articles on Lynas.

Counsel Rishwant Singh represented Lynas.

- Bernama - Malaysiakini, 27/7/2012, Lynas withdraws suit after FMT apologises

Do hope that Lynas - will review its position - and give back full press freedom to Free Malaysia Today with regard its future coverage about Lynas. The condition to contact Lynas for a comment/response if the news report is 'anti-Lynas' before publication of the said report, with the assurance that Lynas will respond within 1 hour failing which the report shall be published - and any response by Lynas shall be forthwith published thereafter as soon as possible...

Resolution condemning actions of police at BERSIH 3.0, and demanding apology passed (11/5/2012)

Extraordinary General Meeting of the Malaysian Bar (11 May 2012)

Friday, 11 May 2012 10:05pm

Contributed by Chin Oy Sim, Deputy CEO, and photos by Md Faizal Mahat, Administrative Assistant, Bar Council 1,270 Members of the Bar attended the Malaysian Bar’s Extraordinary General Meeting (“EGM”) held at Sunway Putra Hotel on 11 May 2012. The EGM was scheduled to begin at 3:00 pm.  By 2:20 pm, 143 Members had already signed in, and the figure rose quickly to 214 Members within the next 11 minutes.  The quorum of 500 Members was achieved by 2:55 pm, but the meeting did not commence until almost 3:30 pm, while the crowd waited for hundreds of additional Members to be registered.  By 3:32 pm, 1,101 Members had signed in, and there was standing room only in the hall. One motion had been proposed for consideration at the EGM: “Motion in relation to the events of and surrounding the BERSIH 3.0 public assembly on 28 April 2012, and matters in connection therewith, proposed by Lim Chee Wee (Chairman, Bar Council), on behalf of the Bar Council, dated 4 May 2012”. Although a few Members spoke fervently against the motion and the convening of the EGM, the vast majority of Members present were strongly supportive of both, and were vocal in expressing their viewpoints.  After a number of amendments had been made to the motion, it was put to a vote and carried by a majority, with 939 votes in favour, 16 against, with no abstentions. The EGM was adjourned at approximately 5:40 pm. (Full report to come) Resolution adopted at the Extraordinary General Meeting of the Malaysian Bar held at Sunway Putra Hotel, Kuala Lumpur (Friday, 11 May 2012) Resolution in relation to the events of and surrounding the BERSIH 3.0 public assembly on 28 April 2012, and matters in connection therewith Motion proposed by Lim Chee Wee (Chairman, Bar Council), on behalf of the Bar Council, dated 4 May 2012 (As amended) Whereas: (A)  A public assembly was called for and organised by BERSIH 2.0, a coalition of 84 NGOs, on 28 April 2012 for electoral reforms.  The public assembly was commonly known as BERSIH 3.0; (B)  Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur refused to allow the assembly at Dataran Merdeka, as chosen by the organisers, and insisted on the use of alternative venues; (C)  Despite the Minister of Home Affairs having twice asserted that the BERSIH 3.0 assembly was not a security threat, the police obtained an ex parte order from the Magistrates’ Court on the evening of 26 April 2012 restraining Dato’ Ambiga Sreenevasan, the organisers of the BERSIH assembly and members of the public from gathering at Dataran Merdeka; (D)  The police announced, after obtaining the court order, that participants were permitted to gather at various points in Kuala Lumpur, except Dataran Merdeka; (E)  It has been reported by various news agencies that there were between approximately 30,000 to 250,000 people gathered for the assembly in Kuala Lumpur on 28 April 2012.  The Malaysian Bar monitoring team estimated the crowd to be at least 100,000 people; (F)  The crowd that gathered that day reflected a broad cross-section of Malaysian society, and was peaceful; (G)  There were police barriers set up at every point/road leading to Dataran Merdeka, most of which consisted of metal gates, water-filled dividers and razor wire; (H) There was massive police presence: approximately 14,000 personnel were reportedly deployed (including personnel from the Federal Reserve Unit) together with water cannons.  It was observed that a substantial number of police personnel did not display their police identification numbers on their uniforms;  (I)  At approximately 2:35 pm the organisers of the assembly, through its Co-Chairperson Dato’ Ambiga Sreenevasan, announced that the assembly had concluded and requested that the crowd disperse; (J)  The police were initially restrained.  However, this changed at approximately 3:00 pm, when there was a reported breach of the perimeter barriers set up at the junction of Jalan Tun Perak and Jalan Raja; (K)  The police then responded by unleashing water cannon and firing successive volleys of tear gas directly into the crowd gathered at that junction, and along Jalan Tun Perak, Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman and Jalan Raja Laut.  Similar police action was reported at other points where crowds had gathered; (L)  The Malaysian Bar’s monitoring teams reported witnessing the use of heavy-handed tactics by the police, including the indiscriminate discharging of multiple rounds of tear gas directly into the crowds, without any obvious provocation, and the arbitrary use of water cannons; (M)  The police also directed their use of water cannon and firing of tear gas to box in participants rather than allowing them to disperse quickly.  As participants retreated, the police should have re-established their barriers and given sufficient time to the crowd to disperse in an orderly and safe manner, instead of chasing participants and persistently shooting water cannon and firing tear gas on them.  It appeared that the purpose of the police was not to disperse, but to attack, the crowd; (N)  Random, widespread and wanton physical assault and brutality by the police on members of the public and media professionals have been reported.  It has further been reported that there was confiscation and/or destruction of photographs and video recordings made by members of the public and media professionals, and damage caused to their recording equipment; (O)  There were unwarranted arrests of members of the public and media professionals.  The police also arrested Members of the Bar who had participated in the public assembly.  Whilst in the care and custody of the police, at least three of these Members were physically assaulted and beaten, and suffered serious injuries; (P)  In response to the use of force by the police, sections of the crowd resorted to retaliatory acts, including the throwing of stones and bottles.  The police responded like for like.  These skirmishes between the police and sections of the crowd carried on until approximately 7:00 pm; (Q)  The police have failed to display the maturity, discipline and restraint required of a professional force.  Instead of acting to calm the situation, they aggravated it and contributed to its escalation; (QA) The findings and recommendations of the previous four SUHAKAM public inquiries, regarding the incidents at Kesas Highway (2001), KLCC (2007), Bandar Mahkota Cheras (2008) and the BERSIH 2.0 public assembly (2012), do not appear to have been put into consistent practice by the police; (R)  It has been reported that the organisers of the BERSIH 3.0 assembly had not made sufficient efforts to manage the crowds or to resolve the impasse between the police and the crowds; (S)  It has been reported that between 388 and 513 persons were arrested and taken to Pusat Latihan Polis (“PULAPOL”), Jalan Semarak, Kuala Lumpur.  The Malaysian Bar’s urgent arrest team, comprising members of the Bar Council Legal Aid Centre (Kuala Lumpur) and volunteer lawyers, were present at PULAPOL to assist and represent the arrested persons.  However, the police refused to allow them access to the arrested persons despite repeated requests by both the lawyers present and the arrested persons.  This denial of access to legal representation is a violation of Article 5 of the Federal Constitution and section 28A of the Criminal Procedure Code; (T)  The right of every citizen to freedom of speech and expression, and to assemble peaceably, is enshrined in Article 10 of the Federal Constitution as well as Articles 19 and 20 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights; (U)  The right of every person to life and liberty, including the right not to be assaulted or harmed, is enshrined in Article 5 of the Federal Constitution as well as Article 5 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights; and (V)  The Malaysian Government, as a member of UNESCO, is aware of the Medellin Declaration on Securing the Safety of Journalists and Combating Impunity, adopted at the UNESCO Conference on Press Freedom, Safety of Journalists and Impunity on World Press Freedom Day 2007; Now it is hereby resolved that with respect to the events of and surrounding the BERSIH 3.0 public assembly on 28 April 2012 in Kuala Lumpur:   (1)    The Malaysian Bar views with grave concern, and condemns: (a)    the excessive, indiscriminate and wrongful use of water cannons and tear gas by the police on participants of the assembly; (b)    the action of the police in not allowing the crowd sufficient time to disperse in an orderly and safe manner, and instead chasing the participants and attacking them by persistently shooting water cannon and tear gas on them; (c)    the tactics of the police in trapping and attacking the participants with water cannon and tear gas instead of permitting them to disperse;         (d)    the random, widespread and wanton physical assault and brutality by the police on members of the public and media professionals; (e)    the unwarranted arrests of members of the public, media professionals and Members of the Bar, and the physical assault and beating of at least three arrested Members; (f)    the unjustifiable and unlawful confiscation and/or destruction of photographs and video recordings made by members of the public and media professionals, and damage caused to their recording equipment; and (g)    the lack of discipline and professionalism of the police; (2)    The Malaysian Bar calls for the police to identify their personnel involved in the misconduct and unlawful acts and surrender all the wrongdoers, in particular those who assaulted members of the public, media professionals and lawyers, for prosecution; (3)    The Malaysian Bar renews our call on the Government to give effect to the recommendation of the Royal Commission to Enhance the Operation and Management of the Royal Malaysia Police to set up the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission recommended therein, without further delay; (4)    The Malaysian Bar calls for the Minister of Home Affairs and the Inspector General of Police to issue a public apology for the actions and conduct of the police, including the excessive, indiscriminate and wrongful use of water cannons and tear gas; (5)    The Malaysian Bar calls for the Minister of Home Affairs and the Inspector General of Police to issue a public apology to members of the public, media professionals and lawyers who were assaulted or beaten by the police; (6)    The Malaysian Bar calls for the setting up of an independent commission to recommend and formulate proper guidelines or operating procedures governing conduct of police in the control and management of public assemblies, and the use of non-lethal and lethal weapons, which would be in accordance with internationally-accepted standards, in particular the Code of Conduct for Law Enforcement Officials (adopted by United Nations General Assembly resolution 34/169 of 17 December 1979) and the Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials 1990; (7)    The Malaysian Bar calls on the Government to pay just and proper compensation to members of the public, media professionals and lawyers who were assaulted; (8)    The Malaysian Bar condemns the police for denying lawyers access to arrested persons and calls upon the police to abide by and give effect to Article 5 of the Federal Constitution and section 28A of the Criminal Procedure Code; (9)    The Bar Council will look into how it can assist those denied their constitutional rights and those who were assaulted to pursue claims against the relevant parties for just and proper compensation; (10)    The Malaysian Bar calls on the Government, in line with the Medellin Declaration, to: (a)    prevent crimes against media professionals, investigate and penalise such crimes, provide witness protection for those testifying about them and ensure that the perpetrators do not go unpunished; (b)    promote awareness and train Malaysian law enforcement agencies to respect and promote the safety of media professionals, and ensure that they are able to work in full security and independence; and (c)    take resolute action for the safety of media professionals and ensure respect for their professional independence; (11)    The Malaysian Bar calls on Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur to uphold freedom of assembly and the right of all to utilise Dataran Merdeka for public assemblies; and (12)    The Malaysian Bar reaffirms the right of individuals to participate in public assemblies.  The Malaysian Bar is however concerned by, and does not countenance, any acts of violence in a public rally.  Such action by participants is not an appropriate response to the police.  Such right of public assembly must be exercised in a peaceful and responsible manner.  The Malaysian Bar reminds organisers of public assemblies of their responsibility to take all reasonable action to ensure a peaceful assembly.  The Malaysian Bar is equally concerned by reports that certain persons had crossed through the police perimeter barriers at the relevant location when the said organisers had at about 2:35 pm called for a dispersal of the assembly. The motion, as amended, was put to a vote and carried by a majority (939 votes in favour, 16 against, with no abstentions). Source: Malaysian Bar Website

Civil Society and peoples' voices need more media coverage

Mainstream media, usually 'controlled'/owned by the political personalities/parties of the government of the day, gave little space to civil societies, NGOs and ordinary people - and that was why we were happy with the emergence of independent alternative media ...and other alternative media (i.e. those belonging to Opposition Political parties, and/or other individuals/companies) believing that there will be more space for the alternative voices.

Unfortunately, this seems today to be no more true - for many civil society/NGO media statements do not even get a mention in alternative media...Alternative media seem to be distracted in internal political party disputes/fights...and is more inclined to cover only the voices of political personalities (they call 'news-makers')

Maybe, someone will start talking about a "Third Force" alternative media....

Have a look at Harakah (PAS newsletter), SUARA Keadilan (PKR), Rocket (DAP) - and we find that there is not much coverage of civil society/NGO media statements... Why? Could they not at least carry some of these media statements/stories on the online edition of their publications, if not the print version.

What about Malaysiakini - the alternative online media which was initiated by civil society itself. Maybe, Malaysiakini should stop and review its current reporting priorities... There just have been too much time wasted on internal party disputes...and most of this are really personality clashes - not a clash on different issues/policies. Was it a fight between a person wanted Local Council elections to be conducted now in Selangor and one that who did not? Was it about any issue/principle? 

Remember that the method used nowadays is not the de-registering of political parties ...and the arrest and detention using the ISA and other Detention Without Trial Laws...

Now, the method is by encouraging and creating splits...that is what was done with HINDRAF, and soon we may see  a similar phenomena happening in PKR - maybe there may be a 'Keadilan Baru'?

Proposal for media:-

1- Cover the voices/expressions of people on various issues, including media statements be civil society groups.

2- If you cannot do by reason of insufficient time and resources, then at the very least, carry the media statements. If not in the print media, at least on the website of the online edition.

3- Remember that the role of the media is not just to report in-fighting, scandals, etc  but to also to educate, evaluate and discuss more serious issues. In the near absence of freedom of assembly/expression in Malaysia, media plays an even more important role of being a channel where the voices of the people will be heard. Free Trade Agreements - maybe good for the investor, but is it really good for Malaysians. Privatized basic amenity providers - is it working or is it better for the state to take over - should we nationalize. Are there no stories about workers....worker struggles. etc? What about stories from the Parliament? State Legislative Assembly? - tell us why MPs/ADUNs are opposing some Bill...why are they supporting it?

Give the 'rakyat' and the people in Malaysia more space...more coverage in your media please...

Media should uphold responsibilities, not self-censor

Press Statement - 4 March 2010

Media should uphold responsibilities, not self-censor

The Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) is concerned about The Star newspaper's spiking of a column about the shari'ah law, following the show-cause letter issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs for an earlier article on a related topic. Once again, the media resorts to self-censorship in favour of the state and Muslim pressure groups, instead of upholding its check and balance role.

On 2 March, social activist and commentator Marina Mahathir, who has been writing for the Star for 20 years, updated on her blog that her Musings column -- slated for publication on 3 March in The Star -- was spiked. Marina said the reason for The Star's censorship was to avoid the risk of losing its publication permit after a show cause letter was recently issued over an article in February by its managing editor P. Gunasegaram questioning the caning of three Muslim women under the shari'ah law.

Although the media is restricted under the Printing Presses and Publications Act (PPPA), resorting to self-censorship demonstrates the medium's inability to read into readers' demand for the media to provide them with informed and balanced views. The Star, which has one of the
widest circulation in the country and recently launched its Malay weekly, Mingguan mStar, clearly has failed to respect the role of the media to provide different perspectives in news, information and opinions that benefit the public's right to information. It has caved in to pressures by the authorities and the Muslim groups which lodged police report against the paper, first by publishing a public apology and later by taking P. Gunasegaram' s column, 'Persuasion, not Compulsion' off its website.

As The Star refused to publish Marina's column which argues that shari'ah laws are man-made and like civil laws, should be open for debate, the writer posted the entry on her blog instead. This shows that, with the proliferation of online publishing platform, the act of self-censorship is a futile one. When the censored content surfaces online, it only entrenches the public impression that the mainstream media is less reliable than their online counterpart.

CIJ urges the media to uphold its responsibilities as the fourth estate, and calls on the Government to enable an environment for the media to operate freely. To achieve this end, the PPPA, as well as other restrictive laws must be repealed.

 
Yip Wai Fong
Communication and Publications Officer

Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ)
27C Jalan Sarikei, off Jalan Pahang
53000 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03 4023 0772
Fax: 03 4023 0769
 

*The Centre for Independent Journalism, Malaysia (CIJ) is a non-profit organisation that aspires for a society that is democratic, just and free where all people will enjoy free media and the freedom to express, seek, and impart information.

Malaysiakini:- Independent? Alternative? 10 years have gone, and they are still here....do not lose your way..

It was indeed a grand celebration at the Sime Convention Centre when we all gathered to celebrate Malaysiakini 10th 'birthday' on 28/11/2009.

There is a saying that when we are young, we are idealistic... but as we get older we become realistic. Has that happened to Malaysiakini? Are they still idealistic...or have they lost  some idealism along the way and are becoming more 'realistic'...

I know Steven Gan and Premesh have got a human rights, pro-justice background but alas most new reporters of Malaysiakini may not have that. Being Malaysians, over the past 50 over years, we have been 'brain-washed' by the government and the pro-government media, by our education system which does not encourage questioning and critical thinking, by the media. Some of these reporters have also even been trained by and been with the main-stream media before they joined Malaysiakini.

Compared to journalist in some countries, Malaysian journalists are no more than 'minute takers' - they go and listen to press conferences and jot down the statements made by the Minister, government officials, police - and then run back and write out their reports. There is almost no questioning of the statement, no challenges made...Why? That is the Malaysian culture. And, if you ask questions, it is not encouraged - but then, most of government personalities and politicians also do not have the capacity to answer these questions - save maybe for ex-PM Mahathir.

To be able to ask good questions, reporters also need to be well-versed on the subject matter, widely read, analytical, etc - but alas in Malaysia that skill may not there in the case  of most reporters. Reporters have to research the subject matter before even rushing off to cover stories and press statements. They must understand the subject matter,

So, as Malaysiakini expands the number of its reporters and editors - there is the risk that idealism and vision of the original founders may be lost.

Over the years, things have been changing in Malaysiakini - the reports seem to be lacking the 'umph' that it used to have. Some have commented that they are becoming very much like the mainstream media.

What is news in the mainstream media is also the news in Malaysiakini? Hence, the differences slowly may fade away unless it is checked...In Malaysiakini, however, there is sometimes things that may not appear in the mainstream papers.

The stories of workers, farmers, urban settlers, migrants, environmental issues and the common people seem to be absent.. The news nowadays is very much on political party in-fightings,  and issues raised by politicians, etc...[Like the mainstream media, Malaysiakini is also there covering the big political events and happenings, that is the 'juicy' stuff] When was the last time Malaysiakini broke a new story.... the last I remember, is was about the unpaid bills of the BN for election paraphenelia]

But the people [the readers] may not be so interested in the smaller stories about workers, farmers, urban settlers, environmental issues, common people.... Yes, they are Malaysians, and as I mentioned earlier, their appetite has also been dictated by the system. That is why, it becomes all the more important for an alternative media to cover these new kinds of news...the news of the common people. These news also give ideas and strength to the 'little' people. Remember that news is not necessarily always about scandals and tragedy - but can also be about success stories, and alternatives.

People in Malaysia love scandals - sex or financial. People in Malaysia love political in-fightings. People in Malaysia love to hear about one political party hitting out at another political party. They love PM and BN bashing...So, should Malaysiakini just cater to these interests. Note, people also are not so bothered about human rights, justice issues, environmental concerns, etc...

An alternative media, besides reporting the news, have also the duty about educating the masses...and that includes presenting alternatives from other countries, other authors, etc...

The lack of follow-ups is also now the problem of the Malaysiakini. A story is reported, and that is that. Let us take the case of the recent 'police shoot to kill' incident that saw 5 Malaysians shot to dead. What does the police do in these cases? Are there police interior investigations when firearms are used and/or when suspects are shot dead?  Were the police from the locality, or were they special police, who were expert marksmen, who were brought in for this special assignment? How many bullets were used by the police? How did the police identify the suspects so fast - so as to make statements like '...The identities of the five have yet to be ascertained. However, police identified one of them as "PCO Boy" who is believed to be the leader of the gang and had 13 criminal records...He is also wanted for nine robbery cases...Mohamad said the five were believed to be part of a bigger gang and police were hunting for the remaining members....Police believe they have solved 10 armed robberies with the death of the five men.-- New Straits Times, 9/11/2009, PCO Boy gang killed in shoot-out' See also - Another 'shoot to kill' incident - 5 dead.

There were so many questions that could have raised, and Malaysiakini could have had a field day raising the various inconsistencies and questions. But alas, like the mainstream media, Malaysiakini followed the herd and got distracted in the suicide attempt of a sister of the victims. Malaysiakini could have gone a different way, and been an alternative media. And they still can do this now.

There is still a long way for Malaysiakini to go, and truly become an alternative independent media, and my hope is that it takes this path, and got get distracted from its initial objectives and goals.

For Malaysiakini's 10th Anniversary dinner, the guest of honour was the Selangor Menteri Besar... the Selangor Pakatan Rakyat Menteri Besar. Somehow, I felt that it was not proper for it is important also that Malaysiakini not only be indepent but also be seen to be independent. You are Malaysiakini, not Selangorkini or Reformasikini or Pakaotan Rakyat kini. It would have better if some respected journalist or media personality was invited as the guest of honour... not the Menteri Besar. There is that Talam 'bail-out' issue which still has not been explained by this MB as well.Will Malaysiakini pursue this Talam story which implicates the Selangor MB, or not? I think they must for Malaysiakini is an independent media.

On the entertainment, a better comedian and dancers would have been more suitable for THE Malaysiakini dinner. They would have been OK for some company annual dinner - but for the crowd at the Malaysiakini dinner, I think the content was inappropriate and reflects badly on Malaysiakini. This is my personal opinion, which others may not agree.

Achievement for an alternative media like Malaysiakini should not be measured by merely the number of hits, or the increase of staff, on language versions, ...or the new Malaysiakini TV, etc..or the financial stability (although this is important) or should it?

How much is Malaysiakini changing Malaysia? How much is Malaysiakini changing the way the main-stream media reports, a change driven by a more demanding people who will no longer only accept the role of media as a propaganda tool of the political parties....or as a channel to only give us selected news from a single perspective?

Malaysiakini has certainly got the attention of the UMNO-led BN government - but is this  because Malaysiakini is perceived as a dangerous and more effective alternative political party media or because it is an independent alternative media that functions as such?  As I said before, it is important also for Malaysiakini to not only be independent and also be seen to be independent - beware the perception of being  a pro-Pakatan Rakyat anti-BN media.

That is a different alternative... Malaysiakini must always remain and be seen as an independent media - not aligned to any particular political party/coalition. Critical it must be of all parties and governments (Federal or State). It must also highlight the good things that the political parties do. That is what is best for the people of Malaysia. That is what Malaysiakini should be - an independent media (just like what Steven Gan said in his speech).

Congrats and Happy 10th birthday Malaysiakini - Carry on the struggle to be come what a truly independent media should be.

I hope this Blog posting would also be picked up by the Malaysiakini editorial, and posted as an Opinion piece - for blogs are often missed by the readers that matter.

Has the media been 'advised' not to cover Leptospirosis outbreak in Juru Detention except...that the sick are getting better?

Leptospirosis outbreak in Malaysian Detention Centre for undocumented migrants shocked 123 civil society groups from all over the world, that issued a joint statement on 23/5/2009. - And, of course Malaysian media did not carry the statement.

The statement was also handed over to SUHAKAM on 25/5/2009, and the media was informed about this - and again the media did not carry this event.

The statement with the additional 10 names, was again re-issued on 26/5/2009, and again the Malaysian media did not carry it.

Today(27/5/2009), a group of Malaysian NGOs will be submitting another memorandum about the Leptospirosis outbreak to SUHAKAM - I hope the media carries this story...

We would not have known about this if not for the Star news paper had not highlighted the matter, and told us about the outbreak and the subsequent 2 deaths. Thank you STAR...

But alas, this outbreak and deaths that infuriated people from across the globe, was just not covered by the local media - only the National News Agency seem to have those reports (which can only be accessed online). Sadly, the print media was no more interested (or were they just 'advised' not to cover the story).

Malaysia, sadly, has a habit of 'covering up' diseases and deaths caused by disease, industrial accidents, and police action.

Why? To protect and propagate a clean beautiful image of the country t0 attract tourist...or just to hide failings of government from its people. Outbreaks of dengue and deaths have also been many a time not reported.

This time, the death by reason of Leptospirosis, may have been reported because there was much hue and cry about that A(H1N1) flu,. and suddenly our reporters, as it was the in thing, started reporting of disease outbreaks - Leptospirosis, Meningitis, (1 died,) respiratory tract infections, etc..

The public has a right to know the truth...and the journalist and media companies have a duty and a obligation to not merely report the truth and facts - but also to do a bit of analysis as to the causes, and the persons responsible...

Follow-up news about the Leptospirosis seem to be just about numbers of persons getting better..

What brought about the outbreak? Who will be responsible for the neglect that resulted in death and sufferings? Most importantly, what will be the measures taken to prevent similar outbreaks and deaths in places of detention in Malaysia? - But alas, Malaysia's mainstream media is just not interested...(or have they been 'advised' by the government not to, for after all permits need to be re-applied every year, and in 1987 Star lost its permit for about 2 months because of the truth they published...)

It is interesting that all the rest recovered and are fine - and that makes one wonder , or rather believe, that the 2 Burmese migrants would not have died if they had speedier access to healthcare. [Remember, this is, most likely, not a disease they contracted before detention, as they have been in Detention for some time - "..Sa La Hin, 26, who had been detained in the camp since January..."

The symptoms would have manifested much earlier - and the question is when were those who died sent to hospital. When did the detaining authority detect the symptoms, and what did they do....

A collection of news reports, is attached below... (see also earlier posts, including:-

10 more join 113 in global concern about healthcare in Malaysia's detention places - 2 deaths Leptospirosis

What is the media interested in these days? Issues of farmers, migrants, detainees, etc.. are all not getting covered...

2nd Burmese dies in ' unhygienic' Malaysian Detention Centres - Leptospirosis

Now migrants are dying in Detention Centres because of diseases transmitted by 'animal urine contaminated water'...

The Health Ministry announced today that the Leptospirosis outbreak in the Juru Detention Camp, Bukit Mertajam, Penang is now stable and under control.

Health Director-General Tan Sri Dr Mohd Ismail Merican said no new cases have been reported.

"Until 8am today, the number of Leptospirosis cases being treated at the hospital remains at seven. All six cases treated at the Bukit Mertajam Hospital isolation ward and a case treated at the Seberang Jaya Hospital's intensive care unit (ICU) have been shifted to normal wards," he said in a statement here. - Bernama, 24/5/2009, Leptospirosis Cases In Juru Reported Stable

And, on 23/5/2009, the Star reported:-

Two Leptospirosis patients, treated at the isolation ward of Bukit Mertajam Hospital, Penang were discharged Saturday, said Director General of Health Tan Sri Dr Mohd Ismail Merican.

He said the remaining seven Leptospirosis patients from the Immigration detention centre at Juru, Bukit Mertajam were in stable condition and that the situation was under control.

"Six patients are being treated at the isolation ward of Bukit Mertajam Hospital (one was transferred from ICU Friday) and another is treated at the ICU ward of Seberang Jaya Hospital," he said in a statement here Saturday. - Star, 23/5/2009, Two Leptospirosis patients discharged from hospital

And, on 20/5/2009, Bernama report

One of nine Leptospirosis patients under treatment at two hospitals in Seberang Prai, Penang is still in critical condition.

Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Mohd Ismail Merican said the patient was treated at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Seberang Jaya Hospital.

"Eight patients are being treated at Bukit Mertajam Hospital, one in ICU ward and seven in isolation ward. They are in stable condition," he said in a statement here Wednesday.Bernama, 20/5/2009, Leptospirosis Patient Still Critical

19/5/2009 - Star Report

A second Myanmar illegal immigrant in the Juru detention camp in Central Seberang Prai here has died of Leptospirosis.

Immigration Department director-general Abdul Rahman Othman said that the immigrant, Sa La Hin, 26, who had been detained in the camp since January, succumbed to the contagious bacterial disease late Sunday at the Bukit Mertajam Hospital.

Last Tuesday, Myanmar detainee Thang Hoih Ping, 21, died of the disease in the same hospital following an outbreak in the camp.

Abdul Rahman said that as at 11am Tuesday, 24 detainees were still warded, including one in the Seberang Jaya Hospitals intensive care unit.

Of the 24 detainees, 22 are Myanmar nationals and two are Bangladeshis.

Deeply concerned over the situation, Abdul Rahman ordered all migrant detention camps in the country to increase hygiene standards and cleanliness levels, including the preparation of food and drinks.

“We have yet to obtain an official report from the Health department on the two deaths as well as the actual cause of the outbreak.

“However, we have taken precautionary measures by stationing a medical team on daily shift duty at the Juru camp to closely monitor the situation,” he said.

Not ruling out the possibility that the disease could have been transmitted from the immigrants, Abdul Rahman said that according to standard operating procedures, a medical officer usually visited the camp once a week.

However, since the outbreak, the department had opened the doors of its detention camps nationwide for health officials to come in and provide necessary medical assistance, he said.

He also said the Juru camp’s catering tender might be reviewed if the cause of the outbreak pointed to contamination of its food and drinks.

Abdul Rahman, however, discarded over-crowding as among the reasons for the widespread of the disease, noting that the Juru detention camp merely had an additional 53 detainees compared to its 500 detainee-capacity.

He also sought the co-operation of the Myanmar embassy, to help contact the next-of-kin of the two deceased detainees to enable their bodies to be sent back immediately. - Star, 19/5/2009, Leptospirosis kills 2nd Myanmar illegal immigrant (Update)

15/5/2009 - Star Report

A 21-year-old Myanmar illegal immigrant from the Juru Detention Camp died of leptospirosis in Bukit Mertajam Hospital on Tuesday.

Twenty-four people were admitted at the Bukit Mertajam Hospital and another two at the Seberang Jaya Hospital, said State Health, Welfare and Caring Society Committee member Phee Boon Poh on Friday.

Leptospirosis is a rare, severe, and contagious bacterial infection caused by exposure to the bacteria which can be found in fresh water contaminated by animal urine. It occurs in warm climates.

The statement said that the Myanmar immigrant was hospitalised on May 7 suffering from fever, lethargy and other symptoms consistent with Leptospirosis.

More cases emerged and the affected people hospitalised.

The statement said that the camp has been disinfected including bathrooms and toilets.

Samples have been taken from all water sources, including all water tanks and sources of drinking waters for evidence of the bacterial contamination.

All inmates were being monitored daily, the statement said. - Star, 15/5/2009, Leptosprosis kills Myanmar immigrant; 26 hospitalised

Is Najib's desperation the cause of the suspension without reason of Harakah and SK?

The suspension of PAS's Harakah and PKR's Keadilan for 3 months - with no reasons given is really so undemocratic..

The Home Ministry has suspended the organs of two opposition parties - PAS' Harakah and PKR's Suara Keadilan - for three months, effective immediately.

MCPX

With the suspension, both newspapers will not be able to publish until the end of June, missing out on a number of crucial political events including the three by-elections on April 7. - Malaysiakini, 23/3/2009, Harakah, Suara Keadilan banned 3 months

I saw the letter from Home Ministry that was sent to Wan Azizah, President of PKR, which was dated 23/3/2009, and I see that there was no reasons given for the suspension. [The letter could be seen in Malaysiakini]

It certainly looks like UMNO-BN is really worried - and wants to cut communications between Opposition parties and the people.

The mainstream print-media generally take a pro-UMNO-BN stance, and to get the perspective of the Opposition parties, many usually read the Harakah, and recently also the Suara Keadilan.

What about the internet media? Well, the truth is that many still rely on print media for their information....and the suspension will cause a 'black-out' to the truth (or to the PAS and PKR's version of the truth...) for 3 months, and it will affect the coming by-elections, and more importantly the possible change in the Premiership of Malaysia.

The Prime Ministership cannot be handed over like a baton in a relay race...but that seems to be the way it is going to happen, possibly some time in April. See my earlier posting :-

Golden Opportunity if Pak Lah Resigns - MPs can determine new PM - Anwar? Najib? Kit Siang?

And, remember that the Prime Minister need not be the President of UMNO. Someone else can be the Prime Minister.

There are many, even within UMNO, who do not want Mohd Najib Razak to become the next Prime Minister...

There may be MPs in BN who do not want Mohd Najib Razak to be the PM...

Hence, there should never be the presumption that since BN numbers outnumber the Opposition MPs, that all the BN MPs want Mohd Najib Razak as the next Prime Minister - or that they want the current PM to resign.

Recently, with the preventing of one of the 3 Deputy President candidate contesting, namely one Mohd Ali Rustam, who did manage to get 46 UMNO Division nominations, one wonders about the support that Mohd Najib Razak will still be having. Note that this man had more votes than even Muhyiddin in 2004...

During the 2004 Umno election, Mohd Ali won one of the three vice-president seats when he secured the second highest vote with 1,329 votes behind the former Federal Territories Minister, Tan Sri Isa Abdul Samad (1,507). The other winner was Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin (then Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister) who secured 1,234 votes.

Last November, Mohd Ali received 46 nominations to contest the Umno Deputy President's post, together with Muhyiddin (now International Trade and Industry Ministry), and Rural and Regional Development Minister Tan Sri Muhammad Muhd Taib. - Bernama, 17/3/2009, Profile Of Mohd Ali Rustam

Would this barring of some candidates, all seemingly not allied with Najib, have an impact on the support of the UMNO MPs in parliament when it comes to choosing the next Prime Minister. See my earlier posting,'Corruption' and Discrimination in UMNO - Has the report to MACC against Ali Rustam (and KJ) been made?

There can be NO assumptions this time around that all BN MPs want Mohd Najib Razak to be the Prime Minister. The determination of whether Mohd Najib Razak has the requisite support of the majority can and should only be made after Abdullah actually resigns.

But will Parliament still be sitting? Or like Perak, will the Yang Di-Pertuan Agung call in MPs, one after the other, to determine who they support to be the next PM. Will Mohd Najib Razak be there in the room when this is done - or will he like Nizar be kept out? If he is on the room, some MPs may be too scared...and may just lie saying that they support Mohd Najib Razak...

Maybe, Mohd Najib Razak should just remain Deputy Prime Minister for some time to come...

The suspending of the alternative print media - the Harakah and the Suara Keadilan, would surely deprive the Malaysian people of views and opinions about very important things that will be happening in Malaysia in the next few months...

The non-giving of reasons is also very unjust and wrong - surely some reasons must be given.

Many persons employed by these publications directly and indirectly, and those who earn a living by distributing/selling, will lose their jobs and/or earnings - and this again is not at all right.

I urge the Malaysian Government, the Home Minister, to immediately revoke this suspension of permits in the name of democracy and justice.