‘The police worked hard at dispersing people at the anti-ISA vigil in KL on Sunday. Well, you can silence a vocal few, but it is the silent majority that you have to fear.'
On Police disperse crowd, 24 arrested
Stephen Ng:
The police worked hard at dispersing the people who came forward to express their protest against the Internal Security Act (ISA).My suggestion to Pak Lah and his successor is to continue to ban pressure groups like Bersih and Hindraf, and carry out another infamous Operation Lallang, which was used by their predecessor, the former prime minister of 22 years, Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
Without fail, they will see what I predict to be yet another major political tsunami that will rock the strongholds of this nation.
As I have often said, you can silence a vocal few, but it is the silent majority that you have to fear. When they cast the votes, you will know where their votes go. I am one of many who started taking sides this year.
I appeal for some sense to be returned to this country instead of prolonging the era of Mahathirism in this nation. The damage he has done in the past three years is enormous.
Now, I have lost my every confidence in the BN to continue governing this nation when I see that it is clearly influenced by one man who has not kept his word not to intervene.
If BN continues with the legacy of Mahathir, it will regret seeing further erosion of the people's confidence worse than Mahathir's 1999 report card.
Please, bring back some sense to this nation and into the administration of the country. Engage in forums and discussions, instead of using the big stick the way you have learnt it in the past.
Tyong:
I think this is an abuse of power. In Ipoh, the same thing took place and the people there were not caught.After the candlelight vigil they went home safely and peacefully. The world is laughing at us.
There is misuse of power in Malaysia. What is happening in KL? Who would want to invest in a country where there is no justice and law at the moment?
Anybody fighting for justice will be caught but does the present government know that they cannot intimidate adults or even children today.
Looking at the present political scenario, it would seem that the law is for the people, not for our leaders. Our leaders can do and say what they want.
But innocent people who fight for justice are arrested and some even put under the ISA.
Daljit Singh Gendeh:
It is amazing that so many police personnel can be deployed for a peaceful event such as a candlelight vigil, but there are never enough police to prevent crime.Incidents of snatch thieves and knife-point robberies are now part of our daily life. One does not need fancy nor expensive security equipment- just the presence of some honest able-bodied policemen would suffice (key word being honest).
Many neighbourhood committees have resorted to paying for private security firms for night patrols, and have seen less crime.
Mr Policeman, are there more perks for arresting law abiding citizens than criminals? Maybe greater career advancement and bonuses?
Sang Kancil: The known fact is that Malaysia is a well-known for police brutality and these uniformed people always live in a state of denial as their boss, the home minister.
I was passing by the place for dinner at AmCorp mall and I was not allowed in. Where is the basic human right for me? I was not allowed to move freely in my own country.
The police and Selangor CPO fail to understand that they are actually the servants of the rakyat and they have actually beaten and arrested their own masters who are paying their salary.
Total failure in this act of PDRM. Shame on you!
John Johnson: It is high time the police get their act together. Every gathering according to them is illegal.
It is plain ridiculous for others to have to apply for a permit each time they want to have a peaceful gathering but when it comes to the Umno people and their bigwigs, there is no need for a permit.
Get this ridiculous law of having a permit to be declared null and void. We should have freedom of expression and speech especially in the interest of justice and equality.
The police force are playing games when it comes to permits being issued. It is entirely a government ploy where they get to choose who to give permits to.
As far as I know all the vigils and gatherings have all been peaceful and with no security threats or violence involved.
Waytha Moorthy:
The latest arrest of members of the civic-conscious public for attending a candlelight vigil to release all ISA detainees is another blunder by the Umno-led government which is currently operating under a modus operandi similar to that of a loose canon.The act of instilling fear and intimidation instigated by the Umno-led government is wearing out as Malaysian frustration against an authoritarian government is increasing triple-fold as the public embraces the idea of freedom from fear and intimidation.
The public's quest for truth, reality and freedom is in everyone and the self-serving Umno leaders cannot kill that spirit with their arrogance, fear and intimidation through which they hope to silence a liberated Malaysian public. ( The writer is Hindraf chairperson )
V Gayathry:
The Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) condemns the arrest of these demonstrators as well as a videographer from Malaysiakini.tv. The authorities should respect their fundamental right to gather and express themselves.CIJ calls on the Inspector-General of Police Musa Hassan to explain the use of the riot police in controlling the crowd, which had planned for a peaceful gathering.
The continuous use of force against people expressing their views on issues such as the need for free and fair elections and for abolishing the ISA is a demonstration of the intolerance for public criticism of the status quo. ( The writer is executive-director, CIJ )
On Gov't to appeal RPK release
Kaisim:
Among the Malaysian home ministers, the current one seems to be making blunders one after another then issuing funny explanations to clear his ignorance.The latest one being the wrongful detention of RPK under the ISA. He is trying his best to have RPK arrested again by appealing against the judge`s decision.
He told the press that the Sin Chew journalist was arrested because her life was in danger and so the police needed to detain her under the ISA. What rubbish is this?
The police beat base in Chow Kit was closed because the area around it was dirty or because there were too many bad hats and the police would be in constant danger?
How do we expect the police to help us when they themselves are afraid of gangsters? However, the latest explanation said that the landowner wanted back the land for development.
This sort of flip-flop explanations makes one wonder whether Malaysia is really short of capable politicians.
At the Kota Tinggi branch election, PAS accused him of corruption. The right thing for him to do is to sue the PAS member for slander but he had only a little advice - not to meddle in Umno affairs.
If you are of an upright character and are capable, there is nothing to fear. But by abusing power and misusing the ISA for political mileage, life will become difficult in the days ahead.
JD Lovrenciear: When the court courageously returned Raja Petra Kamarudin's freedom, a Rolls-Royce whisked him away. There was a strong message in that journey.
If the authorities adamantly re-attempt to detain him again without just trail, the people will form a human chariot to take him home when the courts again return his freedom for sure.
Several individuals have clearly and in no uncertain terms admonished the government for its misuse of the ISA. Above all, the reeking corruption is probably the main reason for all the short- sighted and mangled decisions by the ruling party.
Hence, the recent response from the authorities that they may appeal the court's decision on RPK's case is not only foolish but a desperate attempt fueled with sheer arrogance.
The talk in the market place is that if RPK gets detained again, the justice system will be pressured to act without fear or favour.
And the people will form a human chariot by the thousands to carry this icon of the rakyat' s war against injustice and corruption from the Palace of Justice to his rightful home.
It is time that the government redeems itself or face the lashing from the voters even before the next election. For, all the rakyat are asking is for the government and its professed elders to come clean.
Is that hard to oblige?
On Court frees ISA detainee Raja Petra
Wong Kok Keong:
Hooray for justice. First, RPK's release, as the judge reasoned that the manner of his detention was unconstitutional because the home minister did not follow proper procedure.It is nothing more than a reminder that people in government are not above the law. Nonetheless, what guts the judge had shown.
Also demonstrating tremendous guts on the same day was Judge S Komathy ruling on the prosecution's bid to have Anwar's sodomy trial transferred to a higher court. Her reasons were particularly admirable.
First, she argued that Attorney-General Gani Patail had attempted to transfer the case when he himself signed off on the certificate of transfer.
Second, Komathy actually took PM Abdullah's words seriously and used them to differentiate Anwar's case from a previous case that the prosecution cited as precedent that, they argued, should force the judge to allow the transfer.
So, while PM Abdullah has not been keeping his words to the rakyat , he has been made to keep them. What a genius of an argument!
May both honourable judges long prosper in dispensing justice fairly.
Jing Yi Lim: The release of Raja Petra Kamarudin was certainly a triumph for both the judicial system and for human rights in our country.
It indicated that our judiciary has started picking up its courage and determination to go against the inappropriate actions of the government and to safeguard the rights and welfare of the people.
It is out of the question to have all detainees held under the ISA released. Such a move would only prompt the government to react strongly against it, like re-arresting all the freed detainees or intervening in the judicial system.
The case of Raja Petra is just the beginning of a new epoch in our country. Let us hope for a better tomorrow.
On Sodomy trial: Anwar wins first round
Kenny Gan: I note with consternation that the prosecution will appeal and seek a revision on the court's ruling.
The question is, why is the prosecution fighting tooth and nail to transfer the case to the high court? Isn't the sessions court competent enough to hear a simple case of sodomy?
When pressed for a reason, the prosecution can only mention vaguely about ‘security'. This is rubbish as security is no different in either court.
One cannot help but come to the conclusion that the real reason for this rabid determination to transfer the case is to appoint a compliant judge to hear it.
If the prosecution has insufficient supporting evidence to argue their case before a fair-minded judge, they should drop all charges against Anwar before they are laughed out of court. It is better than being publicly humiliated.
If a transfer is forced through, the public will no longer stomach a biased judge presiding over the case with rulings of ‘irrelevant! irrelevant! irrelevant!' to stymie the defence's case.
A conviction in a kangaroo trial is no victory at all. It will only succeed in making Anwar a political martyr and there will be hell to pay in the next elections.
On Anwar can make a good PM: Ramon
Eugene Tan:
Ramon Navaratnam, as befitting a senior civil servant, and a patriot in the true sense of the word, is rational, courageous and understated. However, I beg to differ with him that the reason for endemic corruption is the lack of long-term thinking.The shelf life of a politician is short anywhere, and very much more so in countries where there are two dominant parties to rotate power. In the case of Malaysia, a politician's shelf life under Barisan Nasional and Umno is very long by comparison.
So why is corruption not systemic in so many countries in western Europe or Australia and New Zealand and yet so endemic in Malaysia? The answer has to be that the culture of politics changed very much under Mahathir.
From service to the people, it became self-service. In fact, the long tenures of the politicians actually allowed these politicians to embed corruption into the system.
We have politicians who really cannot make it elsewhere. Look at the race for deputy PM. None of the three could have had a decent professional career outside politics. They cannot afford not to be in politics.
So they will fight tooth and nail to preserve whatever they have; hence the prevalence of money politics. Whereas, Zaid Ibrahim, already a successful lawyer, can walk away with his integrity intact when his principles are encroached.
The only way we can wipe out corruption is political will. Bring in good people, pay them a decent compensation for their service but prosecute without fear or favour when acts of corruption are uncovered.
Then, good quality people will enter politics to serve. Then Malaysia can truly be an example to the world.
R Thayakugan: Ramon Navaratnam was the one of the most senior Indian civil servants. In addition, he has served with NGOs to propagate what he preaches .
But with regards to disbanding MIC, I believe the MIC was and is the sole Indian party in BN since 1946, even before other component parties. It is difficult to erase history to suit certain new parties with multi-racial ideas.
As we have seen in Pakatan, are the Indians being represented fairly and receiving the benefits? The answer is in the negative.
Navaratnam says the tide is against Samy Vellu but really is the tide against Samy Vellu or the Umno-led BN government?
If Samy Vellu retires and the MIC is disbanded, there will the woes and problems of the Indians be settled. Probably Navaratnam will be able to give some alternative suggestions.
Dr Narimah Awin: Ramon Navaratnam is absolutely right about DSAI being a good candidate to lead the country.
Indeed that is not half of it all, DSAI is crucially needed to lead the country. He is the only saviour to lead us out of the quagmire created by a government so corrupt that the rakyat is in such a state of despair, at a level never known before.
We need to have the change, and then we will judge DSAI on whether he comes up to our expectations
I also am curious to know Navaratnam's opinion of the ‘cloud' hovering over Najib. Of course, he did say he does not know what to believe anymore in the context of charges against DSAI.
But using logic and the power of reasoning, what does he believe in - in both DSAI vs Saiful and in about the reality of those ‘clouds' above the DPM?
Mano Maniam: The whole BN government should resign due to its inefficiency in many areas rather than just one minister.
Mrs Alan: If Syed Hamid Albar did not followed the proper procedure, that means that he is not fit to be the home minister or to hold any ministerial post.
Do you think the rakyat will respect him as a minister? The answer is ‘no'. The rakyat can clearly see through him. He must resign.
On Dr M back in spotlight after long exile
Sang Kancil: ‘I will be back'. Sounds like the ‘Terminator'. But in Malaysia it is the voice of the famous dictator cum terminator Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
What he is up to? His time has gone past. He should forget about influencing whoever the next PM is going to be? He has done enough damage to the country.
He believes in having big structures that he feels symbolises success but they do not. Look at countries like Sweden. You hardly see any skyscrapers there but they are a well-developed First World nation.
All should be done to stop Mahathir from entering with invisible hands into Malaysian politics. I am sure we all still remember ‘Correct! Correct! Correct! It was all his marvelous product.
On PM: Umno would struggle if leadership weak
Dulu Umno, Sekarang Pas: As a presiding Umno party chief, Pak Lah should not just hope for money politics to end. The poor rakyat can hope, but not Pak Lah. Pak Lah can and must do something quick to end it.
For example he can table a proposal to abolish the quota system. Why not let all party posts be open to any party member who want to contest them? Who is afraid of this idea?
By holding on to the quota system, a rich and irresponsible candidates can afford to spend a few million to buy some of the 190 divisions to nominate him.
Those without money or those with money but with a conscience like Ku Li will not pay for their nominations.
Another reform Pak Lah can do is to limit the term of the Umno presidency to a maximum two terms like what is done by the MCA.
So, Pak Lah, the ball is at your feet. Make full use of the few months left. For the sake of Umno, the Malays and Malaysia, act like an Umno president. And act fast.
Nathan: I'm not a Umno member but a keen observer of the on-going Umno divisional meetings based on media reports. It seems to me the root cause of money politics during Umno elections is the flaw in the system of nominating candidates for the senior party positions.
If the nominations were to take place simultaneously in all the divisions on the same day nation- wide, then they can be expected to be clean, unbiased and unanimous.
More importantly, all the outcome of the nominations for all the posts - the president's post excluded - will be known and announced on the same day , thus giving no room for manipulation etc, to take place.
But as the system stands, there is room for the divisions that have yet to hold their meetings to observe keenly the outcome of the nominations in other divisions and be influenced by the voting trend.
Thus their delegates will be in a better bargaining position when approached by candidates who have yet to get the minimum number of nominations to qualify to stand for election.
On Umno issues show cause letter to Zaid
Jeffrey TK Ong:
I find that what Zaid Ibrahim expresses is the same sentiment of most Malaysians. The only Malaysians that would disagree with this would be the ones who have benefitted from Ketuanan Melayu as an excuse to plunder the country of its wealth.In a modern democratic economic society, there is no substitute for meritocracy. Put the best men/women for the job irrespective of race and religion.
Draconian laws like the ISA should be repealed as it is now it is used to silence vocal Malaysians and stunt the growth of the opposition parties. Their only fault is to expose the weaknesses of the government.
Zaid Ibrahim has also pointed out there other laws that can be used against these so-called ‘offenders'. To arrest using the ISA indicates that the government has lost its grasp on reality.
The government expects the present day well-informed and educated Malaysians to swallow whole any explanation however ridiculous and illogical. Unfortunately for them, present day Malaysians are not the same of the Malaysians of the 1950s and 1960s.
We need more Malaysians like Zaid Ibrahim who has an open outlook to society. In fact, we need more politicians with this type of ideology.
Given a chance, the majority of Malaysian would vote Zaid Ibrahim as the next prime minister.
On Datuk Najib, the choice is yours...
Om Prakash: Najib as the new prime minister must do more to tone down on Umno rhetoric.
He has yet to convince all Malaysians that a non-raced policy and process will govern the country.
After more than 50 years, the national economic plans have all been benefitting only the Umno members and the political masters.
There is no end to it with such deeply-ingrained corruption, greed and arrogance in Umno. We must have leverage from MCA, PAS, PKR, MIC and Gerakan to counter it.
On Fitch downgrades M'sia sovereign rating to stable
YM Sin:
It is now clear that our PM was not so informed when he asked all Malaysians to pray for lower oil prices.The outcome of lower oil prices is not favourable to the nation, as evidenced by the Fitch downgrade.
Alas, if only our leaders truly understand the notion of first putting the nation's interest above that of individuals.
