When the unavailability of free universal healthcare for ALL increases health risks of Malaysians -

We do not have free universal healthcare for all in Malaysia and hence...

- some of the poor would not have access to healthcare - for some the cost to travel to hospital is just too much (In UK - the government reimburses travel to and from the hospital for the poor...in fact all)

- for foreigners, there is at least the need to place a deposit of RM50 and more before they can get and receive public healthcare - and thereafter there are more payments to be made. (This means that many foreigners may not be even going to hoispitals when they are sick ...or when they have flu-like symptoms....)

- In Malaysia, unless you have a passport and a valid visa, government hospitals and clinics will not provide you with healthcare. You have to show your original passport - and even many who have them cannot do that because employers hold on to them...Also note that there are about 5 million undocumented migrants in Malaysia - and this number could be more. And without proper 'immigration documentation', there is literally no access to healthcare..

The Malaysian government seriously need to review its policies with regard to healthcare - and, I say we must have free universal healthcare..

Denial to healthcare to some only jeopardizes everyone else in the country - H1N1 flu, TB, etc...

Denial of healthcare to some is also a violation of human rights...

In Malaysia, if you do not have proper travel documents - you generally will not access to public healthcare (and also private healthcare)...

In Malaysia, if you do not have enough money, you generally will not have access to healthcare.. (And here, we have realize that it is sometimes more than just the cost of healthcare - but also the cost of getting to healthcare providers, as tolls, etc have made cost of travel expensive...)

And do we have awareness and education material out there in the various different languages - so that all in Malaysia can read it. Burmese, Nepali, Bangladeshi, Tamil, Vietnam, Cambodian, English, Chinese, Indonesian .....

And look at the report below, where we see the government is still paying too much attention to private healthcare (i.e. healthcare for only those who can afford it) - Please let us have free universal healthcare for all in Malaysia.

Malaysia can't even provide proper healthcare for all that is in Malaysia - and are talking about encouraging 'medical tourism' - the getting of 'rich' foreigners to come to Malaysia to get healthcare. Look at the National Heart Institute ...and see the local waiting list, how many die before they even get a chance to see a doctor...or receive the necessary treatment which would have seen them still living..

Three more people including a baby and a child died of Influenza A (H1N1), bringing the death toll to 18.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said the 16-month-old baby girl had fever, cough and runny nose for a week before she was admitted to hospital last Sunday.

He said the baby died of severe pneumonia with underlying A (H1N1) infection at Sultanah Aminah Hospital in Johor Baru on Friday.

A five-year-old boy with upper respiratory tract infection, died of encephalitis secondary to A (H1N1) at Tengku Ampuan Afzan Hospital in Kuantan on Friday, said Liow.

He said the other flu-hit victim was a 63-year-old asthmatic patient who died of severe pneumonia and underlying pulmonary tuberculosis.

“He had fever, runny nose and cough for five days before being admitted to Selayang Hospital last Sunday.’’

Liow said the country also recorded 53 new cases, bringing the total to 1,578.

“There are still 64 people warded at the hospital including two babies, two obese persons and a post-delivery mother in the high-risk group.’’

Liow has urged the public to practise good hygiene, avoid crowded places and shun big events.

However, he said the Merdeka celebrations at Bukit Jalil National Stadium this month would be held as planned for now.

“We will screen everyone including participants of the parade and the public before they enter the stadium,’’ he said.

He also called for private medical practitioners to give out masks to flu and cough patients as part of their treatment.

“The vaccine will only arrive by the end of the year. For now, we must prevent the flu from spreading,’’ he told a press conference after opening the Japan Clinic at HSC Medical Centre here Saturday.

Liow also urged local doctors to be more competitive following healthcare liberalisation.

The liberalisation, which is taking place in stages, enables foreign companies to open hospitals and foreign doctors to work in the country.

Liow said the ministry has so far opened up five sectors.

Wrong for Education Department to intefere in Parent-Teacher Association - Respect freedom of opinion

It is outrageous - it is certainly not a democratic action..

The problem is that when the UMNO-led BN government decided to revert back to using Bahasa Melayu in the teaching of Science and Maths - it was not at all done democratically. There never was a referendum.

REFERENDUM - that is the way a government gets the feedback of the people...but not in Malaysia, for here the PM decides (and all the Cabinet possibly just follow suit) ...

UMNO decides...and the rest of the BN component parties just follow... [Did the various BN parties even do a referendum/poll amongst its own members?]

Let us listen to these 'minority views' - or is it in truth the views of the majority?

After all, should not parents and the students themselves have a bigger say in the language that would like to study Maths and Science?

Where do the PM and the Ministers (and the 'big-guns' in society) send their children to study? In the local schools and universities...just like all other Malaysians. I do not think so - and it is an irony that it is they wh0 decide on the schools, the curriculum, the language of instructions, etc...

Decisions that affect the people of Malaysia must be decided by REFERENDUM by the people always.... we have to start becoming truly democratic in Malaysia...

Maybe, the Malaysian government should do a referendum about ISA and the other laws that allow for Detention Without Trial [ A poll on the Home Ministry website is certainly not enough...]

Parents of SMK Seri Hartamas students are fuming over a directive to bar a meeting to voice their opposition over the reversal of the policy to use English as the medium of instruction for science and mathematics.

The Parents-Teachers Association's (PTA) extraordinary general meeting was supposed to have been held in the school compound this morning, but the Education Department, through the school, had ruled the meeting null and void.

As the decision was handed orally to the PTA late yesterday afternoon, many parents were not informed and gathered at the school gates, only to be disappointed.

Though unable to hold the meeting, the parents were however able to witness one agenda of the intended EGM, which was to count ballots slips from parents stating whether they wanted the teaching of science and mathematics to continue in that school.

Of the 553 ballots counted, an overwhelming 97 percent were in favour. A total of 1,310 ballot slips were issued to students to hand over to their parents.

PTA president Salmah Abu Bakar (photo, left) said the results of the poll would be forwarded to the prime minister and education minister along with an appeal.

"We want to tell them that the teaching of science and mathematics in English is good for this school. We want to be exempted," she said.

Salmah said many parents sent their children to this school because of its high standard of teaching in English, thus the PTA wants status quo maintained.

'EGM by the book'

PTA deputy president Azimah Abd Rahim said the EGM was called "by the book" and there was no reason for the authorities to bar the meeting.

"We understand that PTAs in many schools nationwide want to hold similar EGMs and they are facing the same problems. We hope they would be allowed to do so," she said.

According to Azimah, there was no written instruction stopping them from holding the meeting and teachers did not take part in the PTA's activity today.

PTA committee member Mazidah Mohd Zin said she was worried that her child who had learnt science in mathematics in primary school, would have to revert to Bahasa Malaysia just two years before sitting for Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM).

She is concerned that her child would have problems adjusting in such a short period of time and is hopeful that the government would consider the PTA's appeal.

Another parent, Yee Li Li, said that she has two children in the school, and the youngest, now in Form 1, had urged her to act as she had already undergone six years of primary schooling in English for the two subjects.

"I'm representing my daughters who themselves are opposed to the language switch," she said. - Malaysiakini, 8/8/2009, Language switch: Gov't bars parents-teachers meet

"...who deftly tells different audiences—religious or secular—what they like to hear..." Is this true of Anwar Ibrahim...of most politicians?

An interesting article in the Economist, entitled Banyan: Malaysia's Chameleon seem to describe describe Anwar Ibrahim (or maybe just most of our Malaysian politicians) of being persons '...who deftly tells different audiences—religious or secular—what they like to hear...'

Is this the characteristics of Anwar and most of our politicians? Is that the reason why we do not see clear written positions of political parties (and/or coalitions) on various issues, especially the controversial ones. When you talk to different audiences, you can say different things - and many a time, there is no record to determine what exactly was said - but, if it was written out, then it is difficult to change it.

Transparency demands clarity in positions taken by government, including local governments, political parties and coalitions. This can be achieved by written statements. In Thailand, they have clear written cabinet resolutions whenever their cabinet makes any decision on any subject matter. Maybe, the same should also be practiced in Malaysia.

Maybe, the Pakatan Rakyat governed states can start by:-

a) State Exco Resolutions/Decisions [This will be issued and placed on the State Government websites, which will be continuously updated]

b) Local Council Resolutions/Decisions [This will be issued and placed on the respective Local Government websites, which will be continuously updated. Local Councils should also have Agenda of Up-Coming Local Council Meetings {esp. since these are open to the public}, Minutes of Local Council Meetings, etc..]

c) Political Party or Political Coalition's positions/stance...

I wonder:-

* What exactly is the position of the PKR on the existence of gambling outlets like Toto, Magnum, etc...?

* What exactly is the position of PKR on the usage of the term 'Allah' by persons, not Muslims, in reference to their God?

OR, is their position not to take a position ...and go around telling different crowds just what they would want to hear...i.e. just be chameleons..

I do not want that....Malaysians, I believe, do not want that. We want clarity...transparency - take and state your position...

When it comes to the ISA and Detention Without Trial, it is easy to take a position that we are for the repeal of those laws..

When it comes to other issues, it is a bit more difficult - but, we do have to make a stand...and thereafter, go forth and explain why we made the stand...

Today, we have the issue of the sale of Beer (and alcohol) in Selangor..., and Pakatan Rakyat will have to make a decision on this... [Percentage of Muslims in Malaysia - about 57%]

What about Beef - should it be taken off the menu of all government, political party/coalition functions...[because the cow is sacred to Hindus...and Buddhists]? Should there not be a state policy, that requires clear signs to indicate when beef is sold in food shops?

This points to a trap waiting to catch the silver-tongued Mr Anwar, who deftly tells different audiences—religious or secular—what they like to hear. The same blogosphere that helped his meteoric rise may one day pay more attention to his chameleon qualities. Malaysians would then come to ask more closely: who and what exactly does Anwar stand for? - The Economists, Jul 30th 2009, Banyan: Malaysia's Chameleon

Some may angrily suggest that Anwar sues the Economist - but let us not forget freedom of expression, freedom of opinion, etc... The Economist article raises several points that deserve consideration, and I believe it is time for Malaysian politicians and political parties (and governments) to be more transparent and clear on the positions that they take on various issues.

JUSTICE is not the same as legally correct. What is legal can many a time be very unjust...Kg Buah Pala

What is legally correct may not really be what is just...

Our concern must be for JUSTICE - not just what is 'legal' ..or what is in accordance with the law...

Arresting people and detaining persons without any trial (or opportunity to defend oneself) is something that the laws in Malaysia allows - i.e. the ISA and the other Detention Without Trial Laws...

That we need to get police permission to hold an peaceful assembly is in accordance to Malaysian Law..

Hence, what is legal is sometimes not what is right and JUST...

Likewise, with regard to the Kg Buah Pala - it must be resolved JUSTLY, and the responsibility lies with Lim Guan Eng and the Pakatan Rakyat government of Penang. Note that matters concerning land are in the hands of the State government. People are looking to see whether there is any difference between a Pakatan Rakyat government and a BN State government. If it was BN, we can say that it is a 99% chance that the homes of the people will be demolished....in favour of development by some company...

A human chain stood in the way of about 50 members of a demolition team who were supposed to tear down Kampung Buah Pala today.

Both sides stood down after the demolition exercise was subsequently called off following discussions between villagers and developer Nusmetro Ventures (P) Sdn Bhd.At about 11am, the situation became tensed after a demolition team arrived, armed with hardhats, crowbars and sledgehammers.

Upon noticing their presence, some 300 male villagers formed the human shield and began chanting slogans.More than 100 police personnel stood watch. The police later brought representatives from the developers and villagers into a police van for discussions.After a brief negotiation, the workers left and villagers breathed a sigh a relief.Court hearing

The workers had come despite Deputy Chief Minister P Ramasamy visiting the village earlier this morning and reassuring residents that no demolition would take place.

According to the agreement reached in the police van, developer Nusmetro would not proceed with the destruction of the 23 houses until after a Federal Court hearing on the status of the land.

The villagers have filed an appeal against the Court of Appeal's decision which ruled in favour of the developer.In the decision, the appellate court overturned an earlier High Court decision, which favoured the villagers, and issued an eviction order effective June 11. - Malaysiakini, 4/8/2009, Kg Buah Pala: Human shield confronts sledgehammers

There is no need to wait for a decision of the Federal Court - the Penang State Government can resolve the matter justly NOW...

An article from ALIRAN about Kg Buah Pala to give readers a background into this issue...

How could the Penang state government under the BN sell the Kampong Buah Pala land when “the available evidence seemed to show that the land is still vested in the Federal Lands Commissioner”, wonders a bewildered P Ramakrishnan.

Negative elements - greed, corruption, abuse of power and judicial indifference - have conspired to wipe out part of Penang’s history and destroy its heritage.

History and heritage are assets of a nation and they should be preserved for posterity. All civilised nations take pride in their history and heritage and accord them the rightful place in honouring these assets.

But we in Malaysia do not attach as much affection and concern for our history and heritage. There was a time when we even considered getting rid of the Merdeka Stadium to make way for commercial projects.

Merdeka Stadium is best remembered as the place where our beloved first Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman, declared this nation’s independence. It represents so many memories and so much history but that meant nothing to human avarice. Thank God it did not take off but the point is we were even prepared to commit this sacrilege!

Then there was an attempt to shift the well-known St Michael’s Institution in Ipoh somewhere else just because it was in the middle of a fast growing township. But St Michael’s was there long before so-called development caught up with it. Thank God it did not take place!

But Bukit Bintang Girls’ School in Kuala Lumpur was not that fortunate. This famous school, which was a landmark in the history of our education, had produced so many brilliant students and leaders but that notable achievement did not spare it. It eventually lost to development and greed. It was demolished to make way for commercial purposes. Though the school was
shifted elsewhere, they made sure that its history would not continue. They got rid of that famous name: BBGS. They did not even bother to retain the old name of the school to honour its history and contribution to our education.

I’m sure there are numerous other examples of indifference and sacrilege.

But the latest example to wipe out history and a legacy that goes back nearly 200 years and make way for greed and corruption is taking place in the Pearl of Orient: Penang’s version of High Chaparral is facing extinction within a matter of weeks.

How did the Penang govt acquire the land?

Much has been written about the history of this community that has been occupying this parcel of land which has been home to more than five generations of descendants. Therefore it is unnecessary to dwell on this.

What I’m interested in is how this land was acquired by the Penang Government Officers Cooperative – Koperasi Pegawai Kerajaan Pulau Pinang. How was the cooperative able to obtain this parcel of land below market value? Did the officers who were influential and closely linked to the Barisan Nasional Government and Umno just help themselves to it with the blessings of the Penang state government? After all it was Umno that was effectively running the government and who would have dared to question it or oppose whatever that was done by the Umno Exco Members?

Did the land actually belong to the Penang state for these officers to grab it on behalf of their cooperative?

According to legal circles, this land was under a trusteeship. But this trusteeship was dissolved by an Act of Parliament in 1976. When this took place, we are told, this parcel of land reverted to the federal government. The ownership of this land, it is believed, is still with the federal government.

It is a mystery why the BN government deprived these poor Kampung Buah Pala residents of theirtotally ignore this vital point when the residents turned to these courts for justice?

It is significant to note that the High Court Judge had ruled that the villagers and the residents of Kampong Buah Pala have a claim to this land.

In a well-argued judgment, Justice O’ Hara had clearly established that there are points to be tried before the courts and there are issues for the courts to weigh and consider before arriving at the truth as to the ownership of the land.

In upholding the decision of the Deputy Registrar (DR), Justice O’ Hara referred to the DR’s ruling, “There is no evidence before this court that the land in question had reverted back to the state under the operation of the old Article 84. The ownership of the land when it was purportedly alienated to the 2nd defendant - Koperasi Pegawai Kerajaan Negeri Pulau Pinang - is an important issue to be considered and for that reason I am not prepared to grant summary judgment as sought by the 2nd and 3rd defendants.”

The Court of Appeal totally ignored the valid points raised by the High Court and, without any legally established basis, ruled in favour of the defendants in setting aside the High Court ruling.

This decision seemed to be a repeat of Nizar’s case in which the High Court in a sound judgment had ruled that Nizar was the legitimate Menteri Besar of Perak at all material times. But the one-man Appeal Court set aside this finding without any written judgment. This scandalous situation was re-enacted in the case of the Kampung Buah Pala case.

In both cases the Federal Court was a total disappointment.

In the Buah Pala case, it ruled that the plaintiff had no locus standi. How could this be so when the residents of Buah Pala can trace their ancestry to more than five generations!

It is this vital and critical point that has to be addressed. Whose land is it? Does it belong to Penang? If so, what is the evidence and where is it?

If “the available evidence seemed to show that the land is still vested in the Federal Lands Commissioner, regardless of whether the Commissioner is aware of that fact” as contended by the Deputy Registrar, how could this transaction have taken place?

Can you sell something that you don’t own? Or transfer something that you don’t have? That is the only question that deserves an honest answer. - ALIRAN, Kg Buah Pala: Can you sell something that you don’t own?

Why charge some ...and not the other 570 arrested? What kind of 'mind-games' are the police and the UMNO-led BN engaging in?

Over 20,000 took part in the public protest calling for the repeal of the ISA (and all other laws that allow for Detention Without Trial)

600 arrested - and all released except for 30 - who were charged in court. WHY were the other 570 not charged as well? What happened to equality and equal treatment under the law? Why this selective persecution of the 30? What kind of 'mind games' ....psychological tactics are the police and the UMNO-led Government using? Will the 570 be charged later? Could be -- and this can happen anytime - does the police and the UMNO-led BN hope that this 'sword of Damocles' hanging over the head of the rest of the 570 would instill sufficient fear in their heart for them them to stop openly protesting in the future? Psychological games that the police play...?

Not arresting and charging the so-called leaders is also a strategy - it causes anger for these leaders from amongst the many who protested, got arrested, detained.... charged. Why the special treatment for these leaders? In fact, maybe the main leaders should surrender to be arrested...if the police and the state persist in arresting, detaining and charging others who came and protested. Maybe, all the 'over 20,000...' should step forward and be arrested - just like what Gandhi did whilst Indians fought for their independence from their British colonial masters...

Police will be calling in 11 political leaders or “VIPs” suspected of being behind the protests against the Internal Security Act (ISA) last Saturday, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan said on Tuesday.

More than 20,000 people gathered to protest the ISA on Saturday, but were dispersed by police deploying watercannons aned teargas.

Nearly 600 people arrested, including Subang Member of Parliament R. Sivarasa, although all but 30 were later released.

Sivarasa was freed on police bail on Monday, while 16 were charged at the by the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court with “illegal assembly with the intention to create a public disturbance” under Section 143 of the Penal Code.

The remaining 13 -- including a 16-year-old boy -- were charged under the Societies Act.

Their trial has been set for Sept 4.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein has directed the police to investigate and take action against those responsible for organising and instigating the ISA rallies.

Meanwhile, Musa said police would recommend to the Attorney-General that parents who “exploited” their children by allowing them to participate in the rallies be charged as well.

Two other underaged boys, aged 16 and 13, were released over the weekend after a magistrate refused to allow them to be remanded.

Women, Children and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil had earlier said that 44 children under the age of 18 were detained on Saturday.

She said that those who intentionally exposed children to dangerous situations under the Child Act, 2001, risk being jailed 10 years or fined RM20,000 or both. - Star, 4/8/2009, Anti-ISA protests: ‘VIPs’ to be hauled up

We do not need private venues to protest - we want people to hear us... see us - we want the right to express our views to everyone ...

Why do people come out along streets and public areas to protest....

Because the object of a peaceful protest is to communicate a viewpoint/opinion/position to others - those who have yet to take a position and those who hold a contrary viewpoint...

Hence, nobody wants to hold a protest in a hall ...or a Stadium...It is just like asking someone to go alone into the bathroom and express yourself...

Freedom of expression...freedom of opinion... freedom of assembly is all about communicating a viewpoint to others...and also a show of the growing numbers of persons that support a particular position...

Protestor reach out to the by-standers to join in ...to express support --- "Honk Your Horns"...Flash Your Light...Join in the chanting of slogans..."

Thus, Najib's proposal is absurd - he just does not understand the meaning of freedom of expression, freedom of opinion,freedom of assembly and protest...

Well, if you are unhappy with these peaceful assemblies of protest - then provide alternatives - like licenses for radio stations, television stations, permits for magazines/newspapers, more space for alternative voices/opinions in the media, etc.... Proposing venues where people can protest in private is really absurd.... (unless maybe if you give live TV coverage...mmmm)

 The government is prepared to provide suitable venues like stadiums for the people to hold peaceful gatherings instead of parading in the streets and incoveniencing others, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

"We can provide them stadiums where they can shout themselves hoarse till dawn, but don’t cause disturbances in the streets," said Najib in commenting on the illegal assemblies organised in the federal capital yesterday. - New Straits Times, 2/8/2009,Govt willing to give venues for peaceful rallies

We do not need 'permission' from the police - for us to be able to gather, assemble and peacefully express ourselves or protest...

Malaysians have got to wake and decide whether they want a better Malaysia - a Malaysia where there really exist democracy, freedoms, justice and human rights...

DEMOCRACY - where the people choose their own leaders/representatives at all levels of society [In Malaysia, the people only have the right to elect their member of Parliaments,and their State Legislative Assembly Rep...]. We should be electing our local leaders,local council members and mayors, our Senators...  but we are not.

In a Democracy, the people have a right to express themselves, ventilate their opinions, freedom of assembly and protest.... BUT, in Malaysia a gathering of 3 requires a police permit. [At present, if there are more than 3 [or 5 according to another law] persons in one place, you have broken the law, and the police can arrest you... and you can be charged for 'illegal assembly'. 

When you have guests over,and you number more than 3 (or 5) - 'illegal assembly'

When you have a party - and there are more than 3(or 5) - 'illegal assembly'

When you have a prayer gathering/meeting -and you number more than 3 (or 5) - 'illegal assembly'

When you go for a walk - and you number more than 3 (or 5) - 'illegal assembly'

SO - you really need to make an application to the police and get the necessary permits - and the police may impose conditions (like - no political talk, must end by 11pm, etc... any conditions or they may just say "NO")

YES - all these are illegal gatherings according to the law in Malaysia - and whether to arrest is really up to the police.

Whether to charge you in court, then it is up to the prosecutors, the AG and the government of the day...

Many of us are continuously breaking this law about 'illegal assembly'  - and the possibility of arrest and being charged for an offence related to 'illegal assembly' hangs over our head always like a Sword of Damocles - and we continue to live in Malaysia with this fear...with this 'threat'... 

We should never have to ask permission from the police to organize and have a gathering, meeting, etc

PERMISSION never - But, say if we are having a gathering, procession, etc - maybe a requirement to INFORM may be acceptable. INFORM - not asking for permission. Who are the police? We are certainly not 'kids' and they are certainly not our 'parents' or persons who have a 'loco-parentis' role. 

We are adult mature Malaysians - and we have a right to assemble, gather, have diners,...and even peaceably protest  

5) Any assembly, meeting or procession-

(a) which takes place without a licence issued under subsection (2); or

(b) in which three or more persons taking part neglect or refuse to obey any order given under the provisions of subsection (1) or subsection (3),

shall be deemed to be an unlawful assembly, and all persons attending, found at or taking part in such assembly, meeting or procession and, in the case of an assembly, meeting or procession for which no licence has been issued, all persons taking part or concerned in convening, collecting or directing such assembly, meeting or procession, shall be guilty of an offence. - Police Act, section 27(5)

CFM(31/7/2009):- STATEMENT OF CONCERN ON THE SUDDEN DEATH OF MR. TEOH BENG HOCK

In recent days the Christian community in Malaysia has been truly appalled and saddened by the sudden death of Mr. Teoh Beng Hock in strange and unclear circumstances on the morning of 16 July.

The Prime Minister himself has personally promised Mr. Teoh’s parents that every effort would be made to find out the cause of the political aide’s death (NST, 29 July 2009). To this end the Government of Malaysia has convened an inquest to look into the circumstances of Mr. Teoh’s death and to inquire if anyone was criminally liable. At the same time, a Royal Commission of Inquiry will be set up to inquire into the investigatory procedures of the MACC.

Collectively as a community we want to express our deepest condolences and sympathies to the family of the late Mr. Teoh and our prayers go out to them for God’s grace and comfort to face this difficult period. We encourage church leaders to express their prayers and condolences to the family.

As Christian citizens of Malaysia we pray that Almighty God will guide the inquest and the Royal Commission of Inquiry to unearth the truth, to uphold justice and to bring closure to the very unfortunate death of a young man with a bright future ahead of him.

We also pray that the Lord God will help us to seek an end to the many deaths in custody that occur all too frequently in our prisons, detention centres and lock-ups. [According to SUARA RAKYAT MALAYSIA’s 2008 Human Rights Report, citing government statistics, in 2008 itself there were 13 cases of deaths in police custody while 255 deaths were recorded in prisons.]

The very least that must be demanded of the relevant authorities and which they in any event should at least do is to thoroughly investigate every loss of life in ambiguous circumstances while in the custody of our law enforcement agencies so that any element of foul play may be ruled out.

We call upon our fellow Christians in government and in the political parties to also seek to leave no stone unturned in seeking the truth of the death not only of Mr. Teoh but the many others who have died whilst in the custody of our law enforcement agencies. Every human life is precious in the sight of Almighty God. Every family of each deceased person has the right to know the truth behind the death of their loved one.

May we together in love and patience grapple with the issues of the day in seeking to act justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly before God (Micah 6 : 8). This is the very least that God demands of us.

Bishop Ng Moon Hing
Chairman and the Executive Committee,
Christian Federation of Malaysia
Petaling Jaya
31 July 2009

If police behave as they should, all will be well ...

In Malaysia, it is the presence and behavior of the Malaysian police at peaceful assemblies and protests that aggravates the situation, and makes it all very bad for all others...

"Shoppers stuck inside along Jalan TAR calling media, complaining they cannot get out and wondering how long the standoff will last...LRT skips Masjid Jamek station; commuters told to get off at Dang Wangi or KL Sentral stations...Roads into city centre are all jammed; more shops close along Jalan TAR..." - Star Online, 1/8/2009, ISA protests: Water cannons, tear gas fired at crowds

In other countries, even those sometimes perceived more unstable like Sri Lanka, I have seen peaceful protests involving tens of thousands of people being carried out without much interference to life and business in the immediate surrounding area...

In Malaysia, the way our police react - we believe that there is some sort or attack by a 'terrorist' group...In 1998, I have seen shopkeepers sigh when they see our FRU arrive on the scene - it is only then that they have to consider shutting down shops...

Can the Malaysian police handle large protests, assemblies and gatherings...without resorting to violence, tear gas and water-cannons? The answer is definitely 'YES' - look at the nomination day processions during the General Elections - all is done with no tension, and life generally goes on as usual - maybe even better business for the nearby shops, etc....

Even, on 1/8/2009, the police need not have had to resort to violence ....and things would have gone on very very peacefully - and all would have been happy...

Can the people assemble peacefully and express themselves in Malaysia?

Can the people protest a government decision in Malaysia?

If they cannot do this, then Malaysia is not a true democracy - it is really a kind of dictatorship (save for Parliamentary and State Assembly elections once every 4 or 5 years), and this means that Najib is that dictator - and the UMNO and the UMNO-led BN is akin that German Nazi party???

But, alas many Malaysians have been brainwashed into believing that Malaysia is indeed a democracy ...and things are as it should be in any democracy....

Wake up - we, in Malaysia, do not even have the freedom to choose our own local community leaders - the Ketua kampung, Ketua Kampung Baru, Ketua Taman Perumahan [ It is the government that appoints ----- JKKK, JKKKT - and it is they that are consulted on behalf of the people on local matters, and many do not even know who their appointed local reps are, and what are the things that they have said 'YES" or "NO" on behalf of the local community...]

The BN government chose for you...and now the Pakatan Rakyat government is also doing the same for you in the Pakatan Rakyat states.

NEXT level is the Local Council.... We had local council elections in Malaysia before and the UMNO-led coalition discontinued it when it ruled all States - Pakatan Rakyat now rules 4 States, and they too prefer to appoint their chosen party members/supporters rather than let the people elect their own Local Councillors.

More than 20,000 anti-ISA protests, At least 69 arrests, 3 places where Tear Gas been used, - Abolish ISA and Detention Without Trial Laws

We know that there are 20,000 anti-ISA protesters along Jalan Kinabalu,
2,000 people moving from National Mosque to Dataran Merdeka
400 people marching down Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman

ARRESTS
Twenty-five people, including six women, arrested near Central Market
Total number of people arrested near Sogo is 20
At least 69 people have been arrested, so far, in the city in locations in National Mosque, KL Sentral, Central Market, Sogo and Masjid Jamek
Staff of the Bar Council's legal aid bureau among those arrested

USE OF TEAR GAS
Water cannons and tear gas deployed on 20,000 crowd along Jalan Kinabalu
Tear gas fired on crowd in front of City Hall along Jalan Raja Laut
Police start firing tear gas at crowd marching down Jln Tuanku Abdul Rahman and Masjid Jamek

02.44pm: Water cannons and tear gas deployed on 20,000 crowd along Jalan Kinabalu

02.40pm: Roads into city centre are all jammed; more shops close along Jalan TAR; protesters getting louder

02.33pm: Tear gas fired on crowd in front of City Hall along Jalan Raja Laut

02.30pm: A crowd of about 20,000 on Jalan Kinabalu

02.27pm: Police start firing tear gas at crowd marching down Jln Tuanku Abdul Rahman and Masjid Jamek; crowd disperses, regathers

02.15pm: Pro-ISA rally is cancelled, according Mohd Khairul Azamdin, legal adviser to Majlis Gabungan NGO Pembela Negara but a representative will hand over memorandum at the Istana.

02.12pm: About 400 people marching down Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman wearing flu masks, chanting 'Reformasi'.

02.00pm: About 2,000 people moving from National Mosque to Dataran Merdeka. Police have arrested, at least, 80 people in various locations in the city centre.

01.45: Police enter Sogo complex and arrest man clad in black wearing an anti-ISA badge and holding a loud speaker and a newspaper. Federal Reserve Units standing in line outside, blocking the road.

01.40pm: Hundreds making their way to the National Mosque for zohor prayers. Several people questioned by police.

01.34pm: Twenty-five people, including six women, arrested near Central Market. There was some struggle when the women were picked up.

01.25pm: Total number of people arrested near Sogo is 20. A few shops along Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman close.

01.00pm: Heavy police presence near National Mosque as some people gather nearby.

12.55pm: Police block off Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, near Sogo complex. The complex draws down its shutters.

12.50pm: Staff of the Bar Council's legal aid bureau among those arrested. she is one of the two women detained so far.

12.43pm: At least 69 people have been arrested, so far, in the city in locations in National Mosque, KL Sentral, Central Market, Sogo and Masjid Jamek.

12.35pm: Twelve people arrested so far in Central Market. Several Opposition MPs, including Kelana Jaya MP Loh Gwo Burne, spotted.

12.30pm: Police order several people gathered near Masjid Jamek to disperse. More people arrested at the Masjid Jamek LRT station.

12.15pm: Another five arrested near Sogo. Traffic near the complex is still moving.

12.03pm: Five more arrested, bringing the total number of people detained near Sogo to 12.

11.40am: Seven people detained from the entrance to the Sogo complex.

11.30am: Four more people have been arrested at Central Market.

11.00am: City police chief Deputy Comm Mohd Sabtu Othman said police arrested over 25 people, including suspected organisers of illegal gatherings, near the National Mosque.

10.00am: The situation at areas where two non-governmental groups have planned to gather over the Internal Security Act issue is still calm.

Roads leading to the city centre continued to be jammed Saturday as police maintained roadblocks.

Riot police backed by trucks with water cannons are standing guard at train stations and shopping malls in the city where protesters plan to gather.

The protesters intend to march to Istana Negara to submit a petition to the King denouncing the ISA and urging its repeal.

Bernama reports KL traffic police as saying that the Seremban-Sungai Besi Highway, Jalan Kelapa Gading, Jalan Mahameru, roads around Dataran Merdeka, Jalan Travers and roads around Istana Negara have been closed.

Federal Reserve Unit personnel were at strategic areas, including the Sultan Abdul Samad Building, Masjid Negara and Masjid Jamek.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein has warned that stern action would be taken against those participating in rallies whether supporting or opposing the abolition of the ISA.

The police started setting up roadblocks on Friday ahead of the illegal gatherings, causing major traffic jams around the city. - Star Online, 1/8/2009, ISA protests: Water cannons, tear gas fired at crowds

The Call of all Justice and Human Rights Loving Persons, who believe in true democracy is and should be as follows:-

We call for the abolition of the Internal Security Act (ISA) and all other laws that allow for Detention Without Trial.

We call for the immediate and unconditional release of all persons that are being currently held/detained/restricted under the ISA and other laws that allow for Detention Without Trial.

We are for the full exercise of a persons freedom of expression, freedom of opinion and freedom of assembly (and protest).

Malaysia's using of police, tear gas, water cannons, violence, arrest/detention, etc to prevent these exercise of freedom is condemned. Najib's and the the UMNO-led BN's behaviour clearly show that Malaysia is not truly a democracy - but, is in fact, a 'dictatorial' regime that prevents public expression of other opinions/viewpoints...Shame on you Malaysia...