Utusan now has academics in its crosshairs

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'It looks like Utusan is not a business: it is not out to make money like all other businesses. It has become more of an Umno gutter newspaper.'

Aziz Bari to sue Utusan for defamation

your say Simon Lee 3ed5: During the corrupt rule under Dr Mahathir Mohamad, the MSM (mainstream media) under Umno went on an evil campaign to vilify the sultans and drag them through mud, culminating with the amendment of the constitution and the removal of the powers of the royalties.

It was the most humiliating era for the sultans and the news we read about them were most shocking and seditious in nature. Many grateful thanks to Abdul Aziz for standing up for the rakyat.

David Dass: Freedom of expression and academic autonomy - these are the subjects of attack.

Abdul Aziz Bari is a professor of law. He is an expert on constitutional law. He is competent to make statements on matters affecting the constitution. Aziz Bari is also a citizen of Malaysia. His right to express his views as a citizen are found in the federal constitution.

The Selangor sultan had issued a statement in connection with the Jais (Selangor Islamic Affairs Department) raid on the premises of DUMC PJ, a Methodist church. Aziz Bari was careful to say that one could criticise the ruler over his performance of his constitutional duties. He said that this would not be regarded as disrespectful to a ruler.

Aziz Bari was certainly not advocating removal of the ruler. Aziz Bari is now exercising his right to sue a newspaper for defamation and to have the matter determined by the courts. All good.

We are a thriving democracy. Disputes should be resolved by the courts. After all, we are a country where the rule of law prevails.

Ksn: We need Aziz and many like him to interpret the laws correctly without fear or favour, as in this case; a sober voice especially from among the Malays.

It is necessary for the less informed Malays to understand the correct position of the rulers, even some rulers themselves, so that no one, no political party or their mouthpieces can mislead our people without realising the damage being done to the country.

Ferdtan: We wonder how Utusan can survive with all the law suits against them. The business is bad with its circulation reduced year on year. The Bursa price of its share is currently at 0.74 sen.

It looks like Utusan is not a business: it is not out to make money like all other businesses. It has become more of an Umno gutter party newspaper - a pity since Utusan had a rich history of pure journalism, and its past journalists like A Samad Ismail had the courage to lend a hand in the fight for independence against the British.

Nik V: One of the reasons this Umno mouthpiece is willing to make malicious and slanderous statements is because the rakyat know that in spite of all the lawsuits, they are funded by ill-gotten political money stolen right from the taxpaying rakyat's coffers by Umno to cover these legal inconveniences.

If Umno can pocket or spend hundreds of millions of the rakyat's money, to Utusan , these lawsuits are nothing, especially if it means they can continue to hoodwink their loyal but blinded readers in order to stay in power.

Ace: Our respect goes out to you, Aziz Bari. A true professional will always say what is correct and interpret the law correctly.

Umno-BN, on the other hand, is most fearful of two things:

1) The rakyat get educated.

2) The rakyat get united, regardless of race and religion.

If both are realised, their regime of lies and treachery will end.

Armageddon: We blacked out educated professionals from giving talks but allow ignorant politicians to take their places instead. It seems like winning the election is paramount over educating the public.

Prof Aziz, may be it is not a bad idea for you to go into politics and help Pakatan Rakyat get rid off BN.

Up2U: Some people and/or organisation are way above the law. Suing Utusan will be a waste of time.

Malay extremists are thriving as they have the law enforcers behind them. They are practically looking for a fight knowing well nobody dares take them up as they are protected by the powers-that-be.

Malaysians who love peace will just have to bide their time and transform their frustration at the next GE.

Rick Teo: Well done, Aziz Bari. The rakyat is fully behind you against this rubbish news media. They are not a news media, but a propaganda organ to perpetuate racial strife.

Tell the Truth: Utusan has a team of cursed writers who print lies after lies. Little do they know that the lies they tell are adding up to their ticket to hell.

Even now on earth, the more lies they tell, the more they will be cursed. Unfortunately, their master Umno don't give a crap where they will go in the afterlife as long as they themselves are not involved.

Utusan, beware, all the haj you perform will not save you.

Anonymous: Bravo Aziz, ‘berani kerana benar, takut kerana salah' (courage for the truthful, fear for the wrong). Sue Utusan to bankruptcy - they are so unpopular now they are giving away the newspaper free to schools.

Mirror On The Wall: Utusan is now a newspaper to fight anyone who is against Umno. It is still, in a sense, a freedom fighter, using nonsense as its main ammunition.

 


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