Who does Anwar think he is? BERSIH is an independent movement for free elections...

Who does Anwar think he is? Does he think that BERSIH is an opposition entity that will obediently listen to him? I do not think so - I do not hope so. Like Najib, Anwar can tell - but I do not believe that BERSIH or the Malaysian people will ever stop calling for a free and fair elections in Malaysia.

BERSIH is a peoples' movement, independent of political parties, fighting for free and fair elections in Malaysia, and any person including those in BN or Pakatan Rakyat or other political parties, should come out in support of a call for free and fair elections. People should not be participating in BERSIH's activities for a free and fair elections because their political party or organization told them to but because they as individual Malaysians believe in the cause and want to personally. Political parties can express support for BERSIH - but not force members to go and support. The choice is and must be an individual Malaysian's choice.

There is much reforms that are needed. 

1- Constituencies need to be re-defined, so that there will be no more constituencies that have 100,000 over voters and others having tens of thousands only. This really is, I believe, an against the constitutional guarantee of equality of persons in Malaysia. If a constituency of 50,000 has a right to vote in 1 MP, then a constituency of 100,000 should rightfully have the right to vote in 2 MPs. Certain differences are permissible - but the difference in numbers in voters per constituencies must be not more than 10,000 in my opinion. 

2 - Those parties in government must certainly stop using government officers, departments and resources during election campaigns. Taking the recent Kuala Krau by elections, I do not see why certain Ministries and government officers suddenly had to come open new temporary officers and work in the area for a month or two in the area when elections were called. This certainly must stop, and it was a waste of the people's money. Government money must not be used for campaigning...Use your own money, your political party money, your friends and donors money - but never the government's money, which is the peoples' money.

3 - The period between nomination days and voting must increase, and Malaysian voters overseas and in other states from a particular constituency must be allowed to vote. This was the real intention of postal ballots but today it is only for those who will be working during polling day as Election Commission officers, police and military personnel in the constituencies. With regard to military personnel, one must realize that many of regiments and divisions in Peninsular Malaysia are from Sabah and Sarawak, and rightfully they and their families should be given the right to vote in the constituencies where they choose to be registered as voters. Many would have preferred to vote in the recent Sarawak State elections but were deprived that right. For true postal voting to be effective, the period between nomination and polling must be longer - it takes time to print ballot papers, send them to the registered voter overseas and elsewhere, for them to vote, send back the ballot papers, etc - maybe 30 days would be best.

4 - The need to get police permits for election campaign periods need to be abolished. The requirement may be to just to inform the police - and not get permission from the police. 

5 - Reports of election offences must all be investigated, even after the polling date, and action taken against those who committed them - charge them, try them, if guilty convict and sentence them. Election Petitions is only bothered whether the allegations involves sufficient numbers to affect the final outcome of the election in a particular constituency. EC must be seen to act on all complaints.

I am sure BERSIH would have much more points about what we need to ensure truly free and fair elections in Malaysia.

Anwar: I'll tell Ambiga to call off Bersih rally if...

Hazlan Zakaria
Jun 19, 11

 

PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim said that he would tell Bersih 2.0 chairperson S Ambiga to call off the July 9 rally if Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak can assure tomorrow that elections will be free and fair.

"I will call Ambiga and tell her to call off Bersih, if Najib can promise free and fair elections tomorrow," he told over 2,000 PKR members at the party's election convention in Shah Alam today.

Anwar (left) said this in his concluding speech at the convention, that aimed to educate and energise the party's grassroots election machinery who were mostly present at the event.

The Permatang Pauh MP was trying to make a point, arguing that the BN regime will not dare to allow free and fair elections because the ruling coalition knows that it no longer has the favour of the voters and thus has to resort to dirty means to cling on to power.

Former Bar Council chief Ambiga was however not amused, and in an immediate response ticked Anwar off for overstepping his role.

"It is not up to him to decide,” the activist quipped.

“We have decided to hold the rally and it is we who will decide on whether or not to hold it," she told reporters prior to the official launch of the Bersih 2.0 rally in Kuala Lumpur tonight.

Ambiga: 'It's not about me'

Ambiga also refuted right-wing pressure group Perkasa's allegations made in the latter's launch of their anti-Bersih rally in Kuala Lumpur earlier today.

"Bersih is not about the individual; it is not about me. I will not respond to their character attacks," she said.

The lawyer added that she will neither respond to Perkasa nor lodge police reports on the group burning her photo and making threats against her during their event.

"Free and fair elections is our message, and our means is peaceful. If there is violence on that day it will not be from our side," assured the Bersih chief.

The Berish 2.0 coalition for free and fair elections comprising over 60 NGOs and political parties is planning a mega rally on July 9 to press for electoral reform.

The organisers aim the event to be even bigger than the first Bersih rally in November 2007, that saw 40,000 turning Kuala Lumpur into a sea of yellow shirted protestors demanding changes to the electoral system that critics say is favouring the ruling party.- Malaysiakini, 20/6/2011, Anwar: I'll tell Ambiga to call off Bersih rally if...

RM1 million to PR ADUNs, RM0 to BN and other ADUNs - Discrimination just like what BN did

BN is bad when it only gives allocations of millions to their own MPs and ADUNs .... but, just like BN Pakatan Rakyat (Selangor) is also doing the same. I hope that PR will behave differently, and if there are allocations going to ADUNs for the benefit of the people in the constituencies, then the allocations must be for all the ADUNs, the representatives chosen by the people irrespective of the ADUN's political affiliations. Just giving to PR ADUNs and not to BN and other ADUNs is discriminatory, disrespect for the people and the democratic process, and certainly wrong.

So, when PR come into power, will things be the same as now. Would only PR MPs get money from the Federal Government? Will BN States not get the same allocations as the other PR States? Will 'oil royalties', etc due to the state be withheld because the state is being governed by a BN government? Will Najib and some BN leaders be languishing in Kamunting under the ISA? 

Malaysians want PR to be different - to be a better alternative to the present BN, but the actions of the Selangor PR government does not help.

SHAH ALAM: The Selangor state government is allocating RM1mil to each of its Pakatan Rakyat state assemblymen to carry out upgrading works in their respective constituencies ahead of a possible general election this year.

Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim said the allocation was for road repairs, drainage and other upgrading works for the people’s benefit.

Speaking to reporters after chairing the weekly exco meeting yesterday, Khalid said, no allocation, however, would be channelled through state representatives from Barisan Nasional.

Explaining the matter, he said, Barisan federal government also discriminated against Pakatan MPs.

“If Parliament allocates funds for its MPs, we will also do the same,” he said. - Star, 13/1/2011, S’gor PKR reps to get RM1mil for upgrading works

See also earlier posts:-

RM1 mil for BN MPs, RM500,000 for PR ADUNs - this is Discrimination, bad practice and should stop

BN ADUNs should also get RM500,000 from Selangor Government. End discrimination - respect people's democratic choice

SELCAT- step in the right direction. Open to the public? Non-PR ADUN should also get the RM500,000

Remember also that Sungai Siput MP Dr Michael D Jeyakumar has taken this matter to court in an effort to end this kind of discrimination by the UMNO led-BN Federal Government, and so really Pakatan Rakyat must not be like the BN.

In my opinion, there should maybe not be such allocation to MPs/ADUNs, i.e. "...for road repairs, drainage and other upgrading works for the people’s benefit...". MPs/ADUNs should be doing the job of MPs and ADUNs and not that of the Local Councils and other departments. People should be educated and empowered about the various different departments/etc that they should go to get their road repaired, etc. MPs/ADUNs of the Opposition, the alternative to BN, must stop the old ways of BN that tells people that they cannot do anything or get anything done unless they come through BN. This must change... 

If the State or Federal government wants to give MPs and/or ADUNs additional allocations, then this must be for setting up of 'service centres', hiring of more staff, researchers, phone/communications, etc for currently the allowances of MPs/ADUNs is pathetic and there is not enough even to set up a good team of assistants to the ADUN/MP - who would include also research assistants who will assist MPs/ADUNs go through Bills they have to debate, research so that when they make a point - it will no more be 'cakap kosong' but is backed up with some good points, etc...

And if MPs and/or ADUNs are given any allocation by the Federal (or State governments or Local Governments), then it must be to all of them irrespective of party affliations. 

Talking about roads and drains... maybe, as a matter of practice, the ADUN  and the MP and/or  their nominated representative, should be members of the Local Council - and this is where such matters could be effectively raised by these democratically elected  representatives of the people...

Selangor Menteri Besar Khalid Ibrahim today announced an allocation of RM1 million to all Pakatan Rakyat state assemblypersons disbursed within the next three months.

“This is for the state representatives to repair roads, build bridges and improve drainage, in conjuction with the respective local governments,” explained Khalid at a press conference after chairing the state exco meeting at the state secretariat building in Shah Alam this afternoon.

However, he admitted that the disbursement of the allocations will mimic BN's practice of withholding allocations from opposition elected represenatives, in an eye-for-an-eye move that will see state allocations denied to BN representatives.

“This allocation is only to Pakatan representatives, just like they withhold funds from our parliamentarians,” said Khalid (left), who is also Bandar Tun Razak MP.

Asked if he would follow BN if the ruling coalition "jumped off a cliff", Khalid laughed it off.

“If they jumped off a cliff, we will look first,” quipped the MB.

Taking a more serious tone, he said that they had actually approached BN to try and work out a solution.

“We offered them that if they distribute allocations to all MPs fairly, we will do the same with state allocations.

“But they refused,” said Khalid, shrugging off the matter.

Draft amendment ready next week

Meanwhile, at the same press conference, Khalid also announced that the final draft for the proposed bill to amend the state constitution to return the power of appointing state executive officers to the MB and sultan, will be ready next week.

“The initial draft is ready, but we need to discuss with our exco members further. We already briefed them, but they are asking for another meeting.

“We also need to brief our friends in Pakatan, as this is a big issue with serious implications. I estimate that the draft will be ready next Wednesday at the latest,” he said.

Khalid was also asked for his reaction to Umno's challenge for him to point out how have they committed treason against the king.

Umno took away sultan's power

“I never said they committed treason, but if that word is used, I am okay with it.

“They took away the power of the sultan in 1993,” said Khalid in response.

Asked about Umno's answer that they remain loyal to the sultan as they continue to consult the ruler over state executive appointments after the amendment, he argued that it was just an Umno PR exercise.

“They were just being diplomatic.

“They took away the sultan's power and then went to him and say, this is our choice, now you just look and smile,” contended Khalid. - Malaysiakini, 12/1/2011, RM1 million windfall for Selangor Pakatan reps

 

Pakatan's 1st 100 Day promises when it wins at the next GE..

Let us all look at Pakatan Rakyat's 1st 100 day pledge to the people after it wins the next GE and forms Federal government...

I will comment on this later - but I wonder why they are only interested in repealing the ISA, and the other 2 Detention Without Trial Laws? 

I wonder whether what happen to the commitment to Local Council Elections and democracy at all levels of government. This was there in the last GE promises - but seem to have be absent here.

I also note that the President of PKR has not signed this document - Why?

Pakatan pledges ‘100 day’ reforms for Putrajaya win

By Shazwan Mustafa Kamal
The Malaysian Insider
December 19, 2010

KEPALA BATAS, Dec 19 — Pakatan Rakyat (PR) finally revealed a detailed policy framework today, emphasising quick economic and political reforms should the coalition win federal power.

Titled the “Pakatan agenda”, the policy framework is seen as PR’s answer and solution to questions surrounding the opposition’s administrative plans in comparison to Barisan Nasional (BN).

Speculation is rife that a general election will be held as early as next March although BN’s mandate does not expire until May 2013.

“Pakatan Rakyat will initiate reform plans throughout the country in all fields following the original principles underlined in the common policy framework,” an excerpt from the 56-page orange-bound booklet read.

According to the booklet, PR promised instant reforms within the first 100 days of them taking over Putrajaya.

Among the reforms are:

1. A restructure of institutions including the Elections Commission (EC), the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), the Attorney-General’s Chambers and the Royal Malaysian Police. During a debate on the policy framework, DAP’s Anthony Loke said PR bring the MACC under the purview of Parliament.

2. A repeal of the Internal Security Act (ISA)

3. Instruct Khazanah Berhad, Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) and other government bodies to take over highway assets from the concessionaires in order to abolish the toll system.

4. A restructure of the country’s subsidies, to lessen subsidies given to the private sector (such as the RM19 billion in gas subsidies given to independent power producers) and transferring these to subsidies for the man on the street.

5. Acknowledging the role and sacrifices of civil servants by studying the current pay schemes and increasing the incentives for teachers by RM500 a month

6. Transferring private water concessions to the government

7. Offering free wireless Internet access to those in urban and semi-urban areas

8. Cancelling Felda Plantations and opening up its farms to second- and third generation Felda settlers.

9. Increasing oil royalty payments to Sabah, Sarawak, Terengganu and Kelantan to 20 per cent from 5 per cent currently.

10. Formation of a Royal Commission to solve the problem of illegal immigrants and citizenship issues in Sabah and Sarawak.

“This is what we can promise you immediately, within 100 days, if you vote us in. We can deliver results, which BN has never done,” said Loke earlier today.

PR’s CPF last year touched on issues of federalism, separation of powers, along with fair and free elections, but was heavily panned for lacking details in its implementation details. - Lim Kit Siang's blog

The Malay version of this pledge can be found in Lim Guan Eng's blog

For the full copy of the Buku Jingga (Orange Book) - see article below from Suara Keadilan that provides the relevant link to download it.

Agenda Pakatan, Buku Jingga : Ubah Sekarang, Selamatkan Malaysia!

UBAH SEKARANG, SELAMATKAN MALAYSIA!

(Klik di sini untuk muat turun edisi penuh)

Setelah 53 tahun merdeka negara kini berada dalam krisis. Cita-cita untuk membina sebuah bangsa yang bersatu padu dan negara yang makmur telah gagal.

 

Demokrasi dan hak asasi rakyat terus dinodai oleh pemerintah UMNO/BN. Rasuah dan penyalahgunaan kuasa membarah. Kekayaan negara telah dibolot oleh segelintir elit berkuasa. UMNO/BN tidak mempedulikan rakyat terbanyak yang dihimpit oleh kos sara hidup yang tinggi. Pendapatan rakyat tidak meningkat kerana dikekang oleh pemerintah. Daya saing negara dan rakyat terhakis akibat dasar yang lemah, pelaksanaan yang tidak berkesan dan kebijakan (dasar) yang tidak berjiwa rakyat.

Krisis parah sebegini memerlukan tekad dan azam politik untuk diatasi. Malaysia memerlukan dasar-dasar baru dengan membuat anjakan paradigma. Maka, Pakatan Rakyat sebagai permuafakatan politik (tahalluf siyasi) mengangkat suatu rencana dasar dan kebijakan yang menyeluruh untuk membela rakyat melalui Dasar 

Bersama yang dimeterai.

Dasar Bersama adalah berlandaskan empat kerangka asas iaitu:

1. Demokrasi yang telus dan tulen untuk memperkasakan ketuanan rakyat;
2. Memacu ekonomi berprestasi tinggi yang mampan untuk menjana kemakmuran dan kebajikan kepada semua secara adil;
3. Keadilan sosial bagi menjamin pembangunan insan secara menyeluruh; dan
4. Hubungan persekutuan-negeri dan dasar luar negara yang adil-setara.

Dasar Bersama ini menggariskan iltizam kami untuk mengalih hala tuju negara dan bangsa ke landasan yang betul setelah berdekad diruntun salah guna kuasa, rasuah dan politik perkauman.

Muafakat asas yang membentuk Dasar Bersama adalah ketulusan parti-parti Pakatan Rakyat meletakkan Perlembagaan Persekutuan sebagai kompas perjuangannya. Tiga perkara pertama yang diangkat dalam Dasar Bersama adalah komitmen Pakatan Rakyat untuk:

1. Mempertahankan Perlembagaan Persekutuan, Islam sebagai agama bagi Persekutuan dan agama-agama lain boleh diamalkan dengan aman dan damai di mana-mana di negara ini serta melindungi kedudukan istimewa orang Melayu dan anak negeri mana-mana antara Negeri Sabah dan Sarawak dan kepentingan sah kaum-kaum lain sejajar dengan Perkara 153.
2. Mempertahankan peranan dan tanggungjawab institusi Raja berperlembagaan.
3. Memartabatkan penggunaan Bahasa Melayu selari dengan Perkara 152 Perlembagaan Persekutuan dan memperluaskan Bahasa Melayu sebagai lingua franca serantau, melindungi dan memperkukuhkan penggunaan bahasa ibunda semua kaum, serta meningkatkan penguasaan Bahasa Inggeris demi memperbaiki daya saing Malaysia di peringkat global.

Ketetapan Pakatan Rakyat mengangkat konsep muafakat di antara parti-partinya membentuk kesepakatan perjuangan di dalam Pakatan Rakyat, lantas memberi laluan kepada lahirnya sistem dua parti di negara ini. Sejarah besar yang dicipta dalam PRU12 perlu dimanfaatkan supaya tekad rakyat untuk menukar kerajaan persekutuan dan sistem pemerintahan yang bobrok dalam PRU13 berhasil. Tekad rakyat ini bukan sahaja mulia dan bersejarah, ia satu kemestian untuk menyelamatkan Malaysia dari krisis parah.

Agenda Pakatan ini adalah nadi kepada perjuangan rakyat Malaysia yang pelbagai kaum dan pegangan untuk membina sebuah negara dan masyarakat yang menzahirkan semangat demokrasi dan keadilan dalam semua aspek. Agenda ini menuntut perubahan mutlak (minda, pendekatan dan kaedah) untuk menggembleng muafakat semua pihak. Ini perlu demi membebaskan institusi-institusi penting negara dari durjana campur tangan sebahagian kecil golongan elit yang mempertahankan tembolok mereka semata-mata.

Pakatan Rakyat juga meletakkan agenda pengagihan kekayaan negara secara adil dan saksama sebagai teras kepada kesemua program yang telah dilaksanakan dan sedang dirancang, demi membela nasib rakyat terbanyak.

Malaysia berdepan dengan prospek ekonomi yang pudar dan semakin ketinggalan berbanding dengan negara-negara serantau yang pernah setanding dengan kita. Tatkala Malaysia masih meraba-raba mencari penawar kepada kemunduran ekonomi ini, negara wajib waspada dengan saingan baru dari negara-negara yang sebelum ini lebih mundur dari kita. Darjat ekonomi kita di mata antarabangsa dan dalam konteks ekonomi global telah merudum.

Lebih parah lagi, pemerintah yang bongkak dan mementingkan diri mengabaikan penderitaan rakyat. Bantuan-bantuan kepada rakyat disekat atas nama mengurangkan beban kerajaan, sementara lohong ketirisan sengaja dibesarkan agar kekayaan negara dapat mereka bolot secara rakus.

Tindakbalas pemerintah juga adalah songsang dan tidak mencerminkan keikhlasan untuk mengembalikan daya saing negara. Rencana ekonomi baru yang dipersembahkan hambar kerana janji untuk membawa ‘transformasi ekonomi’ bercanggah dengan tindakan semasa yang bertentangan dengan tuntutan reformasi.

Makanya, negara dan rakyat berdepan dengan ketakutan yang berlipat kali ganda. Amalan menunggang institusi-institusi penting negara demi menutup kelemahan sendiri dan menekan Pakatan Rakyat semakin berleluasa. Matlamat kuasa BN adalah untuk terus berkuasa, bukannya mencari kebijakan yang adil dan berkesan untuk membawa negara keluar dari kemelut ekonomi, politik dan sosial yang semakin menghimpit.

Malaysia perlu diubah sekarang. Perjalanannya dan masa depan rakyat di bawah pentadbiran persekutuan sedia ada adalah kabur. Jika perubahan tidak dilakukan sekarang, segala kerosakan bangsa dan negara akan berterusan. Malaysia akan bertukar dari status malap kepada gelap.

Harapan dan kepercayaan rakyat bahawa Malaysia adalah sebuah negara berbilang bangsa yang berlandaskan prinsip keadilan dan permuafakatan perlu dikembalikan segera. Pakatan Rakyat yakin bahawa agenda perubahan yang dijunjung bersama akan meniupkan kembali roh keadilan dan permuafakatan dalam sistem negara dan masyarakat kita.

Agenda Pakatan ini menggariskan perincian dasar dan langkah yang berlandaskan Dasar Bersama untuk merealisasikan cita-cita Pakatan Rakyat membina sebuah negara yang makmur dan adil. Kami percaya kemakmuran negara hanya akan dicapai dan berkekalan jika ia ditunjangi oleh prinsip keadilan sosial dan persaudaraan rakyat. Hasrat ini akan mekar berkembang; bila mana semangat demokrasi meresap ke seluruh pentadbiran dan institusi-institusi penting negara.

Agenda Pakatan ini adalah penzahiran hasrat rakyat untuk melaksanakan islah masyarakat yang digariskan oleh Dasar Bersama. Ia adalah jendela yang paling luas untuk menggambarkan sebuah Malaysia yang makmur dan adil di bawah Pakatan Rakyat.

Bersama-sama kita berubah sekarang untuk menyelamatkan Malaysia. Ayuh kita bawa mesej perubahan ini ke seluruh pelusuk negara.

Y.B. Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim
Ketua Umum
Parti Keadilan Rakyat (KEADILAN)

Y.B. Lim Kit Siang
Ketua Ahli Parlimen Parti Tindakan Demokratik (DAP)

Y.B. Dato’ Seri Hj. Abdul Hadi Awang
Presiden
Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS)

(Untuk edisi penuh Buku Jingga sila klik di sini)

Wonder whether this book is also available in English, Chinese, Tamil and maybe the most used indigenous languages in Sabah and Sarawak.

Confusing Memo - what really does PR want with regard to water in Selangor?

What's new ... just another case of how undemocratic Malaysia really is. There is no freedom of peaceful assembly - and when people do exercise their universally acknowledged right, even if it was only to deliver a memorandum to the King - the police comes down hard with water-cannons, tear gas, beatings, arrest and detention...

In Malaysia, according to the law when 3 or more persons intend to gather in one place, there is a requirement that one has to first get police permission to do this. Even holding a private function in your own home requires a police permit. Of course, the police have been rather selective as to when they do exercise their power ...and 'force' to break up gatherings...

The UMNO-led BN government, when it ruled the State of Selangor privatized the processing and supply of piped water to the people of the State,. and now the new Pakatan Rakyat Selangor State government (which came into power  in March 2008) apparently wants to gain control of the processing and supply of this basic amenity.

What does the Selangor Pakatan Rakyat State government really want?

Is it only what Selangor wants or is it something that all Pakatan Rakyat States want?

Does the State want to take back direct control, and hence be totally responsible for water supply - or does it merely want to privatize it but this time maybe to companies owned by friends of Pakatan Rakyat? 

What is the Pakatan Rakyat's position on privatization? Are they for the the retaining of control and responsibility with the government when it comes to the basic amenities - water, electricity, cooking gas, sewage, roads, etc....?

Looking at the memo, I am confused 

- they seem to be in support of the Water Services Industry Act 2006 which puts control in the Federal Government - and then also talk about State Lists - do they want water & water supply,etc to come exclusively under the jurisdiction of the State?

- are they only not happy that Syabas has it and wants it back under the Selangor State government - why do they not just terminate the agreement?

- are they unhappy with the rates?

Maybe, there is a need for clarification of their position? 

Maybe, we should really be having a referendum - a signature petition of only 150,000 (or 250,000) in a State of millions is really not very convincing...[Remember this was not merely a civil society petition - but one where the MB and Selangor government played a big part - the MB was the one who handed over the memorandum to the Yang Di-Pertuan Agung]

The demonstration on Selangor water tariffs that started from the Masjid Negara this afternoon saw at least 48 people arrested.

Subang MP Sivarasa Rasiah reported from Cheras general operations force police station that 52 are being held there, including PKR member Zahir Hassan.

Earlier, Ampang MP Zuraida Kamaruddin reported that she was arrested along with 46 others; 32 protestors were loaded into a police truck and another 15 in a second.

"Out of the amount, 5 are students. There is an excessive use of force," she said.

This took place as police fired their water cannons and tear gas at the crowd in the vicinity of the Masjid, and about 300 police personnel marched into the protestors after the latter had failed to disperse despite continuous reminders to do so.

At least 20 tear gas shells, possibly more, were fired to break up the protest as the procession headed slowly towards the Istana Negara as planned.

Cops 'unprofessional'

Suhakam commissioner Mohd Shaani Abdullah said their personnel noticed some unprofessional conduct by the police.

"They have to be further trained. It is not their job to mendera (attack) and maki hamun (shout abuses) at the people. This is not proper as they have to be professional in their conduct."

"This results in hatred for the police. Maybe there is no permit, but they should not shout abusive words," he said.

Mohd Shaani said he will report the matter to Parliament.

Kuala Selangor MP Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad also agreed that the police had displayed an excessive use of force.

"We will bring this issue to Parliament," he said.

As for those arrested, Shah Alam MP Khalid Samad (above, left) and Dzulkefly told the gathered that they will see to the detainees' release.

According to Zuraida, the detainees in her group of 30 are: Abdul Aziz Noordin, Afrodi Ali, Kamaruzaman Mokthar, Mohamed Hafez Mat Som, Mohd Hussin Jala, Mohd Asyraf Mohd Dawam, Mohd Ezzuandi Ngadi, Mohd Saibani Wasim, Muhammad Faiz Mukmin Abd Mutalib, Noor Azwan Ramli, Nur Hadi Mohamad, Saharuddin Bakri, Syaiful Huzaimi Mohamed, Syed Ahmad Thani Tuan Hadi, Ustaz Fauzan and Zairul Izman Othman.

Earlier this morning at around 11.30am - before the start of the protest march - PSM president Dr Nasir Hashim and secretary general S Arutchelvan (below) were also picked up by the police at KL Sentral. 

Memo delivered to Istana

Selangor MB Khalid Ibrahim meanwhile announced in a statement that they managed to hand their memorandum on reclaiming the state's water rights, along with 250,000 signatures, to the Istana Negara press officer Khairi Abdul Rahman at around 2.15pm.

“The federal government is dismissing the importance of the water issue to the rakyat. They ought to be supporting the state government in stopping an unfair water agreement (with Syabas) that only profits the concessionaire, while the welfare of the people is totally forgotten,” said Khalid (above, in light-coloured shirt).

He also regretted that the police had gone back on their promise to allow the peaceful gathering and made the numerous arrests.

“I urge the police to release them without further notice,” he said.

Meanwhile, former PKR supreme council member Zahir Hassan (above) who was brought to the General Operations Force (GOP) police headquarters in Cheras said that it was apparent that the police had been prepared to make mass arrests.

"There are at least four desktops and many more with laptops used by police, which are taking our particulars. Lawyers have not been allowed in to meet with us. I do not know when they will be allowed in," Zahir told Malaysiakini from the GOP headquarters.

"Police have yet to take our statements. We do not know what our offence is, as they have not related it to us," he said.

Those arrested are between 16 and 60, with all of the males at the GOP in Cheras. 

Zahir said the police were in the process of releasing them after their details had been recorded.

'Arrested for wearing T shirts'

Meanwhile human rights NGO Suaram has condemned the heavy-handed police action and the “authority's intolerance to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression” that saw the arrest of even a minor.

Suaram coordinator Hasbeemasputra Abu Bakar in a statement this evening in particular questioned why the three PSM members were arrested before the rally, “..for wearing red T-shirts and on the suspicion that they might be involved in an illegal assembly.”

Suaram condemned the police's “brutal actions” that allegedly resulted in some injuries amongst the protestors.

“The Inspector-General of Police Ismail Omar even went so far as to threaten Menteri Besar Khalid Ibrahim with arrest if he rejoined the rally after handing over the memorandum,” said Hasbeemasputra.

The NGO called on the immediate release of all the detainees, and is encouraging the public to write letters of protest to the government and the police “to express your strongest condemnation of the arrests and the ongoing denial of rights of expression and peaceful assembly” and to demand for “freedom of expression and assembly as stated under the Article 10 of the federal constitution”.

All 48 people said to have been arrested were released by 7.45pm, except for two persons who had failed to produce their identity cards. - Malaysiakini,5/12/2010,Water demo: Police used 'excessive force'

The Pakatan Rakyat-led Selangor government is seeking to rally support around its efforts to regain control and management over water in the state.

Up against them are water concessionaire Syabas and the BN-led federal government, which signed contracts with Syabas and the previous Selangor government for the distribution of water in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor.

After a long and protracted tussle between the two sides, the Selangor government has taken recourse to seek the intervention of the country's ruler, the Yang DiPertuan Agong Mizan Zainal Abidin.

A rally has been organised today wherehy participants will march from the National Mosque to Istana Negara, where they hope to submit the document to the Yang diPertuan Agong.

Below is the letter in full:

From: The people and the Selangor state government

To:

Duli Yang Maha Mulia
Tuanku Al-Wathiqu Billah Al-Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin Ibni Almarhum Sultan Mahmud Al Muktafi Billah Shah
Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Malaysia

Dengan nama Allah s.w.t., Tuhan Yang Maha Pengasih dan Maha Penyayang.

Selawat dan salam buat junjungan besar Nabi Muhammad s.a.w., pesuruh Allah s.w.t. yang sangat mencintai dan menggesa umatnya berlaku adil.

Assalamu'alaikum w.b.t.
Ampun Tuanku beribu ampun, sembah rakyat harap diampun.

i. With the knowledge that basic human living is dependent upon access to clean and affordable water,

ii. With the realisation that people's expanding costs of living are steadily increasing in comparison with their incomes,

iii. With a firm opposition to misappropriation, abuse and mismanagement of power,

iv. With a commitment towards building a leadership that is transparent, responsible, efficient and respectful of the spirit and practice of Federalism;

We, the people and the Selangor state government, hereby gather together seeking the humble permission of Duli Yang Maha Mulia Tuanku to deliver our concerns towards the issue of restructuring of the water services industry in Selangor Darul Ehsan.

Ampun Tuanku beribu ampun, sembah rakyat harap diampun.

1) Return the rights of water to the people

We, on behalf of 150,000 people of Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya, plead that justice is given to us by correcting the past mistakes of water privatisation, resulting in poor quality of water and water services, and with water tariff increases at unreasonable rates.

We hereby seek clean and good quality of water and water services at reasonable and affordable prices, taking into consideration the poor and low-income groups of Selangor. We call upon Tuanku to return the rights of water to the people.

2) Uphold the Water Services Industry Act 2006

We humbly request for Tuanku to uphold the spirit and aim of the Water Services Industry Act (WSIA) 2006, that is to restructure the water services industry into one that is holistic and managed by the Selangor state government.

The WSIA 2006 was originally enacted for the purpose of reversing the errors made in privatising the water industry. We call upon Tuanku to remind the federal government of this.

3) Empower the people

The concession agreement signed in 2004 between Syarikat Bekalan Air Selangor Sdn Bhd (Syabas), the federal dovernment and the Selangor State Government contains a number of ambiguities that show SYABAS is not concerned with the people's welfare, namely the water tariff increases at alarmingly high rates (37% in 2009, and 25%, 20%, 10% and 5% in 2012, 2015, 2018 and 2021).

The agreement should have been discussed with the people originally as it affects them primarily. We call upon Tuanku to empower the people by ensuring that any new agreement must be discussed with the people before it is finalised.

4) Restore state government's powers

Water services falls under the 'Concurrent List' in the Federal Constitution 1957, giving both the federal government and state government shared jurisdiction over the matter.

We urge the federal government to uphold the spirit of federalism and the powers of the state in the issue of water services, instead of using coercion tactics against the Selangor government. We call upon Tuanku to restore the state government's powers.

5) End cronyism

It is the perception of the people that the federal government sides with the private sector, in this case a particular company, which is equivalent to cronyism.

It is evident that to ensure concessionaires' profitability, they were allowed high tariff rates and more than adequate federal government guarantees to loans that the rakyat has to ultimately pay for.

The rakyat has to now pay high water rates, and Malaysian taxpayers are forced to underwrite the risk of Syabas' business. We call upon Tuanku to remind the federal government of their promise to end cronyism.

With the mandate that is given by the people, the Selangor state government is committed to ensure their interests are protected. The Selangor state government ensures that the water services industry will be managed in the best manner possible for the benefit of the people through its taking over of the water services industry.

Thus the Selangor state government together with the people have placed their hopes in supporting this important motion.

It is the people's hope that this issue will be given serious attention by Duli Yang Maha Mulia Tuanku. The people thank Duli Yang Maha Mulia Tuanku for the attention that has been given.

Thank You
Daulat Tuanku
Dec 5, 2010- Malaysiakini, 5/12/2010, S'gor appeals to King on regaining water control

Jaya Supermarket Tragedy : Is the Selangor Government still using OSA to hide the truth?

It has been pointed out by Malaysiakini and others that really the current Selangor government have sufficient power under the existing Official Secrets Act (OSA), even before we get it repealed, to declassify documents/information that have been marked 'secret' by previous governments, and not mark any new documents 'secret' in the interest of accountability, transparency and freedom of information but alas, they still behave like BN ....

Was there a report by the MBPJ on the Jaya Supermarket Tragedy that saw the death of 7 workers....? I have not seen any .... and if any person is aware of it, post it here under comments...or e-mail me at easytocall@yahoo.com {For the record I searched the MBPJ website for the words 'Jaya Supermarket" - and there was nothing about the incident that caused 7 deaths...and then I looked at the Suara Keadilan, but they did not have any search function }

I recall a report in the Nut Graph in June 2009, which is pasted below:-

PETALING JAYA, 5 June 2009: The Majlis Bandaraya Petaling Jaya (MBPJ) has failed to disclose documents of public interest relating to a development project in Section 19, Petaling Jaya, even after residents' repeated requests.
"First they told us the documents were classified. Now they say that these documents belong to the developers, and that they would need the developers' consent to disclose them," Section 19 resident Ow Yew Teik told The Nut Graph.

"This is ridiculous," Ow said, adding that the information was in the public's interest.

Ow, along with other residents living along the Section 19/30 and 19/27 residential roads, have been requesting development orders, building plans, and other documents related to a development project in their neighbourhood. They have been petitioning MBPJ for the documents since June 2008.

In a letter sent to news organisations, the Section 19 residents group outlined their questions about the development project:

1. why a portion of the land adjoining Jalan 19/30 had been re-gazetted for commercial use, when it was previously gazetted as residential;

2. when the development project, which sits between Jalan 19/30, SS2/72, and Ken 3 Condominiums, was approved; and

3. why the residents of Section 19 were not consulted on the project before approval was given.

"The MBPJ claims they have an approval list from us. But no one gave them consent. Show us proof that they consulted with us," Ow said in a phone interview.

According to Ow, there were many particulars that were questionable about the development project, including the height and close proximity of the buildings.

"What we want is the council to show us the development plans," Ow said. "In the event that everything is legal, we will shut up."

However, if the documents revealed that there were irregularities in the development project, Ow said it was up to the MBPJ to rectify matters.

Councillors acting

Ow revealed that at the last MBPJ full-board meeting held on 28 May 2009, all 24 MBPJ local councillors agreed that the documents should be made available to the public.

"I have written a number of letters to the MBPJ Town Planning Department, instructing them to reveal to residents these documents," local councillor Mak Khuin Weng said in an interview.

Mak, who writes for The Nut Graph, pointed out that the Section 19 case was "not normal".

"In the case of other developments, residents are normally given access to the development plans, and documents such as traffic impact assessments," Mak explained.

"I have given the department a deadline," Mak said, adding that he had hoped the documents would be released without any conditions by 2 June.

"These documents should be released. Failing which, we will have to take the matter up with the menteri besar's office."

However, according to Ow, Section 19 residents still have not received the documents as of 4 June 2009.

The Nut Graph's attempts at contacting MBPJ's town planning department and the legal department since 2 June have not yielded any official explanations.

MBPJ's reticence is in contrast with the Selangor government's commitment to freedom of information. On 19 May, Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim announced that the Pakatan Rakyat (PR)-governed state would table a Freedom of Information Enactment (FOIE) bill by the end of 2009. - Nut Graph, 6/6/2009, MBPJ keeps mum on Section 19 project
 

Has things changed? MBPJ (and other local councils in Pakatan Rakyat's Selangor) has still has not disclosed their accounts for 2008, 2009 - Why are they hiding how much the MBPJ earned, and how did they spend it?

We demand transparency and accountability - no more secrets please...

I wonder whether the same contractors were still allowed to continue with the demolition exercise....and maybe even given other contracts in Selangor, etc... 

 

Will Anwar also be democratically elected as 'Supreme Leader' of PKR?

I was just wondering whether PKR members will be also be voting for the 'Ketua Umum' (Supreme Leader?) of the party, being Anwar Ibrahim. This really is not the post of some 'Honourary Advisor', which may be some ex-Presidents or senior party member, but is really the position of the head of PKR - and, over the past months we have seen that it has not been the 'President' who have been perceceived and/or treated as the head of PKR but Anwar Ibrahim, their 'Supreme Leader'

The term, 'Ketua Umum' has been also used by others refering to the leader of the party - but they, who are democratic, should have elections for this position too...this will ensure that the 'Ketua Umum' also has the support of the membership. It is best that this be a contested elections - not a 'no contest' position.

PETALING JAYA: Some 400,000 Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) members will pick their national leaders through an eight-day staggered election in October and November.

The members, from 205 branches and 13 pro tem branches, will cast their ballots between Oct 29 and Nov 21 to decide on the president, deputy president, four vice-presidents and 20 central committee members for the 2010-2013 term.

“We have set out a schedule for the branches to cast their votes during the weekends and the counting would be done on the same day,” PKR deputy president Dr Syed Husin Ali told a press conference here yesterday.

He said there would also be elections for 25 posts each in the Wanita and Youth wings and the leadership at the branch levels from Sept 17 to Oct 3.

“It has been decided that members whose applications were approved before June 27 are eligible to contest and vote,” he said, disclosing that a 10-member election steering committee, headed by Dr Molly Cheah, would oversee the running of the branch and national party elections.

There will also be 150 election supervisors.

Dr Syed Husin said party members from Sabah and Sarawak who are working in the peninsula would be allowed to vote at the PKR headquarters here for the national leadership.

“This would be convenient for them, rather than having to travel back to their home states,” he said.

Dr Syed Husin said it was a historic event, claiming that no other political party had their leadership elected directly by the members.

Until the amendments to the party’s constitution last year, the PKR leadership was chosen by delegates to its general assembly.

Dr Syed Husin said the party had prepared a code of ethics for prospective candidates as well as a list of “frequently asked questions” to help in the smooth running of the party elections.

The official results of the party polls will be announced at its national assembly scheduled for Nov 27 and Nov 28. - Star, 11/8/2010, PKR leaders to be elected

 

 

Given that Anwar is the "Ketua Umum" - it may be best that his wife not be sitting as President, but it is for the membership to decide.

 

The Deputy President's position is also of importance - the removal of Dr Syed Husin Ali (former PRM President) may be unwise - for it would in fact erase effectively the significance of the merger that gives rise to Parti Keadilan Rakyat. How many of the ex-PRM members are in positions of leadership at the different branch, division and State levels? Almost none - for it is difficult to compete with the 'UMNO-style political tactics', where votes are obtained through promises of 'goodies' - not by reason that so and so is the best leader.  Today, only a few ex-PRM members remain in the leadership of the party, and this include Tian Chua, Sivarasa Rasiah, Lateefa Koya. Come, this elections of the party may again see the rise of more ex-BN persons into leadership positions - and hence, PKR may become even more another UMNO like party or a BN like party.

 

It is also sad that there seem to be very few prominent new leaders in the party, with their own progressive thinking and ideas. Having attended some PKR ceramahs, it saddens me to note that there seriously needs a development of leaders - who have an indepth understanding of issues and concerns. Most, when they get on the podium, reiterates 'old stories' that have been spoken about (written about). In a recent ceramah in Temerloh, it was sad that a PKR leader was so caught up with Rosmah & the stories about her. People really are bored with the scandals, etc - and want to hear what PKR (and/or Pakatan Rakyat) plans to do that will be beneficial for the people as a whole...

 

There have been rumours that Azmin Ali may be going for the No.2 (or is it the No.3) position of Deputy President but again this is an Anwar's boy - i.e. he was Anwar's political secretary from don't know when, and given that fact, would it not be an 'all in the family' affair at the pinnacle of PKR's leadership. Some say it may be Zaid Ibrahim - well, after his sudden stand on the ISA after GE12, he jumped to PKR and Anwar has raised him high in the party (and Pakaotan Rakyat). But remember, despite not being an MP - the UMNO/BN leadership made him a Senator and a Minister...and one still wonders whether this 'favourite son of UMNO' is really not a well-devised strategy that may one day jump boat and take many with him to continue an UMNO-led BN rule in Malaysia. I say let him just be an exco member - and maybe in the next PKR election one could consider him for an higher up position. But again, it is all up to the PKR members to decide...

 

Disturbingly, the issue of personal wealth is becoming material. One of the criticisms against Syed Husin seem to be that he is 'poor' - i.e. he does not have the money to be able to move around and meet supporters (or maybe what they really mean is that he has  'no money to pay supporters to guarantee continued support (i.e. something practiced in a lot of BN parties, and some say even within some opposition parties. My support depends on what you can give me - i.e. money, contracts, positions of power, etc...)'. Knowing Syed Husin, I believe that even if he was super wealthy like the likes of Khalid or Zaid or Anwar, he will not use his money/position to stay in power.

More importantly, they say, he lacks the personal financial means to move around as much as he would like to, or as expected.

And Syed Husin (left) is not one known to beg the party for financial help or, allegedly like some of the others eyeing the deputy presidency, lobby for opportunities that will help oil his political machine.- Malaysiakini, 6/8/2010, Five in fray for PKR deputy presidency

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It is sad because today many people in Malaysia (influenced by the culture propagated during the UMNO-led BN rule of Malaysia) will only support you if they know that they will get something material in return - money, contracts, positions,... But, I do hope that this is still not the case with the majority - you chose your leaders and/or wakil rakyat because you know that this person will fighting for changes that will be for the good of all in Malaysia, especially the poor and the oppressed. Support is given freely unconditionally without any hope of reaping any rewards or preferences for oneself (or one's family) if the the candidate is successful.

 

 

 

 

Support Letters :- A disempowering tool used to keep people down and promotes dependency

Empowering of the people so that they may be able to stand on their own and fight for their own rights and issues was the philosophy that was adopted by many community organizers, labour and political activist in the past. The 'outsiders' and/or 'leaders' emphasized in process, and their role was merely to facilitate the bringing of  people together so that they can sit down understand, discuss, analyze their reality, develop solutions/visions for change and there after act to bring about changes. Success is achieved the day the community of people are empowered and are able to act on their own.

See, Judge and Act was one of the many names that this process was given, and interestingly we find many of the present leaders of trade unions, civil society and even some political parties are products of this empowering process. People share their perception/facts about the reality. They strive to try to find out more information to understand their reality - and this would mean going through resource materials, like articles and books and even maybe listening to some resource persons. They then proceed to analyze the facts, interested always in determining also who really benefits from the current reality. They judge based on their own sense of good and bad, right and wrong and/or just or unjust and basis of this judgment is their own value system which could have come from their religion, their family/community and their life experience. 

And then, they move towards trying to discover how things could be better, more just, more equitable and more pro-people. It would be good if people are aware of alternative ways of doing things, but alas the UMNO led-BN government has ensured that people are just not aware of any alternative ways of doing things by media control, and the suppression of freedom of expression. Criticism of government proposals, and suggestion of alternative better ways are doing things are almost totally absent from the mainstream media. 

Then, there is a need for the people to act to bring about changes and/or improvements on their own....but alas, today UMNO-led BN government has created a culture so much so that people believe that they need to get the support of the BN MPs, ADUNs and/or the BN parties before they can get anything done, and this support usually comes in the form of a support letter...by the relevant politician asking that the matter be looked into and action taken. Note that this practice just creates dependency, when really people can just go straight to the relevant government departments and/or Local Authority with their complaints, applications, etc. What is communicated to the people is also that in the absence of local BN support, their attempts to go directly to claim rights will be futile, or will take a very long time. 

Sadly, this culture of dependency and 'people have no power by themselves to get things done' has also been adopted by most of the Opposition politicians, and even some of civil society groups....and this is very sad. This is happening at all levels, even when it comes to building plan approvals, government tender applications, claims to Labour Department for worker rights violations, claims for compensation/benefits under the SOCSO, Welfare Department, etc... The message is simple, 'If you do not have a letter of support and/or support from the politicians then nothing will get done'.

Recently, Chuah Boon Seong (BN ASUN of Mentakab) again reiterated that people with problems should come to him or to the BN party service centres to get the letters of support and/or support to ensure that their applications/complaints get the necessary reponse from the relevant government departments. He said he will write letters to the relevant department, etc. 

The Malaysian government promotes this culture of dependency, keeping people dis-empowered, by its failure to disclose information about rights/benefits/assistance available, and what are the steps that should be done to claim these rights, and which department one should go to claim these rights. There really is a lack of education about rights and access to justice in Malaysia - it should be a priority of governments to educate people so that they can go direct to the relevant department/office - and this could very easily be done by TV ads, etc.

This culture of keeping people dis-empowered, promoting that idea that you can never achieve/.do anything without the explicit support of your politician and/or political party is also being propagated by Opposition. 

Support letters is one of these tools used, and surely it is wrong when decision to process and approve an application is governed on whether one has support letters from the ADUN,MP, Politicians...and who. A support letter from PM/Menteri Besar may produce better results than a support letter from a Minister/State Exco...and so on and so forth.

If there is a failure on the part of any department/office, then people should write complaints about inaction or slow action or... to the relevant heads of Department, Minister, State Exco, Prime Minister and/or Menteri Besar demanding speedy action.

Complaints can also be addressed to the Public Complaints Bureau, and also SUHAKAM (Malaysia's Human Rights Commission)...and also the ADUNs/MPs/Political Party. Complaints could also be raised to the media. 

If the relevant departments/offices of government is showing bias with regard to application - i.e. process first those that have 'letters of support' or approving only those that have "letters of support" - then this is so very wrong and discriminatory. I am certain that the relevant Acts/State Enactments/Regulations do not even have provision for the need of such "letters of support"...

The government's of the day should discontinue this practice, and instructions must be given that such "letters of support" should either be removed and destroyed, or all applications should be treated equally irrespective of whether there is a letter of support or not, and the fact that there is a letter of support should not factor at at all in the decisions/actions of the relevant government department/office/authority.

Klang Municipal Councillor Tee Boon Hock will take temporary leave until the state finishes its investigation over an allegation that he had abused the state's letterhead in getting contracts.

Selangor Menteri Besar Abdul Khalid Ibrahim, in a statement today, said he had directed the state's Audit Department to conduct a probe into the issue.

"Its director Ungku Arfah Ungku Tahir will be given a month to conduct an investigation to scrutinise the letters and also interview the parties and individuals related to the matter.

"Until then, I have suggested that Tee take leave from his post until a decision had been made, and he has agreed."

The menteri besar emphasised that the Selangor government will not punish anyone until he has been proven guilty.

"The state adopts a responsible and transparent administration, and will not compromise on any abuse of power," Khalid said.

Tee is involved in a possible abuse of Selangor exco member Ronnie Liu's letterhead and seal to obtain contracts worth a total of RM1 million for 20 companies, including one to a family member. - Malaysiakini, 29/7/2010, Letterhead abuse: Tee asked to take leave

The question must also be whether Ronnie Liu, other State Exco members, the Menteri Besar, MPs/ADUNs, Local Councillors are issuing these kind of letters of support. Is Anwar issuing letters of support? If Lim Kit Siang/Anwar/Hadi  issued a letter of support that this project should be given this Local Council project, would he/she not get it as the Local Councillors are all appointed by the 3 parties and fear of no re-appointment would ensure that the request is complied with...

Openess, transparency, accountability would ensure that these 'letters of support" is not the reason why some get the projects...and others do not. But alas, still Local Council minutes are kept 'secret'....

I say, that until there is a full disclosure...openness and transparency, we may have to assume that the bad practices and culture of the UMNO led-BN is still continuing today in the new Pakatan Rakyat governments.

Until there is free and fair Local Council Elections, then Local Councilors may not be independent, and will more likely than not follow the request in these "letters of support"  especially when it comes from those who can influence/determine who gets re-appointed and who does not.