Gerakan Youth attempt to serve memorandum

Merdeka Review – Gerakan Youth chief Lim Si Pin decided at the last minute not to participate in tomorrow’s rally, instead to submit a memorandum to the Head of State this afternoon at the National Palace. About 40 youth members are there to support the anti-ISA movement but were intercepted by the police and Royal Palace officer. Press conference held in front of the palace was choke off with nosy spray.

GMI demonstration originally scheduled for tomorrow, but when Si Pin said that the police have announced that tomorrow’s march is illegal and possibility of violence, but in order to express support for GMI, Youth Gerakan change it today to walk from the MA Alliance Insurance Building (Menara MAA) to the national palace to submit a memorandum.

At about 14:30, the police approached Lim and the congregate。 After the two sides negotiated, Lim decided to go in a convoy of cars to the palace。 Congested road traffic near the palace resulted Lim Si Pin, Ang Chin Tat and others arrived at about 15:00. CPO Wan Abdul Bakhri informed the palace administrative staff and was told to Si Pin that only allow one person getting close to the palace gate.

The administrative staff informed Si Pin, because they are not notified via a letter of this memorandum to be submitted to the Royal Palace today, she refused to accept it, thus “calling for the abolition of” the Internal Security Act unofficial.

Lim held a press conference at the scene and told the media, they will send a letter to the palace as soon as possible and hope to submit a memorandum to the palace next week. There was a orange taste police pepper spray released during the conference, a choking smell orange pepper nasal at the site, 60 journalists and members of the public were forced to leave the palace.

In addition to the Youth Gerakan members at the scene, the Bar Council also sent two observers Saha Deva and Roger Chan at the scene.

However, the Brickfields police district had already placed more than 50 police officers at the main entrance of the palace, in addition to uniformed police officers, several of the Political Department and 20 police officers waiting at the scene. Lastly Lim also said Gerakan Youth is to defend the spirit of the Constitution and safeguard the position of the citizens. He expressed the hope that the people adhere to the previous position of Youth Gerakan, to do things right.

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KUALA LUMPUR: Pemuda Gerakan hari ini gagal menyerahkan memorandum kepada Yang di-Pertuan Agong yang meminta supaya Akta Keselamatan Dalam Negeri (ISA) dihapuskan.

Kira-kira 40 orang anggota Pemuda Gerakan termasuk ketuanya Lim Si Pin serta lima orang peguam yang berkumpul di hadapan Istana Negara gagal menyerahkan memorandum itu kepada wakil istana kerana penyerahan itu dikatakan tidak mengikut prosedur.

"Pihak istana menasihati kita supaya menulis surat penyerahan memorandum dan diberikan kepada istana. Kita akur dengan arahan itu dan akan menulis surat pada Isnin depan untuk diserahkan kepada istana," kata Lim kepada pemberita di hadapan Istana Negara.

Ditanya mengapa beliau menyerahkan memorandum itu hari ini, Lim berkata tindakan itu dibuat kerana Gerakan mengambil keputusan membatalkan hasrat menyertai perhimpunan anti-ISA esok.

Sebelum itu, kumpulan terbabit berkumpul di hadapan Wisma MAA di Jalan Lapangan Terbang Lama jam 2.30 petang untuk berarak ke Istana Negara tetapi terpaksa membatalkan rancangan itu setengah jam kemudian atas arahan polis.

Timbalan Ketua Polis Daerah Brickfields, Superintendan Azri Abdul Rahman ketika dihubungi berkata, tiada sebarang kekecohan berlaku dan keadaan adalah terkawal. – Bernama

The Narcissus Effect

When the inner world, that is our mind, is peaceful, we definitely feel happy and contented. We will have the capacity to create peace in the outer world or, at least, not affected by the peacelessness out there. However it is not as simple as it sounds. My submissions in court this morning drawed a surprise decision. Every authorities used by me were rebutted with decisions of a higher court. My learned friend pressed very hard to set aside my appeal, no mercy. I maintained inner equilibrium, closed my eyes and be mindful of my thoughts. I redirect the issues into a question of justice. I succeeded, the judgment was in my client’s favour. Perhaps some call this as the power of introspection. Thought are either peaceful, ordinary, wasteful or negative. We need to focus in order to generate positive energy within us. With this positivity, we can even change the environment and surroundings. There is benefit in whatever happens.

Is ISA that cruel, inhumane, unjust and draconian?

MALAYSIAKINI 25.7.2009

“The fateful knock came in the middle of the night, bringing me into a life without light. They took me away from my family. They threw away my rights and my dignity.” – anonymous.

“I could not imagine then that the time would come when the power of detention…would be used against political opponents, welfare workers and others dedicated to non-violent, peaceful activities” - late R.H. Hickling.

“Of course the detainee(s) and his family will never admit guilt of any kinds that threaten the national security. Do you expect to regret after unfortunate events like the bombings in Indonesia or America 911? Do you want to see another Al Maunah group robbing the military camp?”. “If ISA is that bad, why is Singapore having it? Why USA and UK also have the similar law?”

On the other hand what if the ISA detainees are truly innocent? If one considers locking up a rebellious child an abuse, what do you call it when someone is put behind bars indefinitely without trial, worst still without knowing the offence committed. What if it is apparent that the law is abused and turned it into a convenient tool to deter political freedom and freedom of expression? It can actually allows the government to arrest anyone it likes, without any trial or judicial review whatsoever. (I am not accusing any government but I am sure with our current PM ideals and vision, he must consider the advantage of repealing such act to a certain extent, for the people of Malaysia).

Before I elaborate the need to maintain national security and public order, allow me to simply justify that such Act has no place in our modern society today. Of recent I have also received criticisms in relation to my support of GMI movement whereby there are many ways to convince the government. Let me reiterate that many social groups, lawyers, commissions and NGOs had used all avenues and methods (soft and hard approach) in the past but failed. The PM has promised a review of the Act, a laudable deed. How and when, we are yet to know. But if the intention is not truly based on a fair and just government; “there is no point of a review if [they wish] to preserve an unfettered power to detain at will” – Malik Imtiaz.

ISA violates human rights, there is no doubt about it. No one should have the absolute power to detain someone without trial for an indefinite period of time. It simply goes against the basic tenets of human rights. I had visited the Kamunting camp, all I can say is the condition and treatment of the detainees are not encouraging. Of course I am not expecting five star treatment but the mental torture and suffering particularly those with a happy family at home need no further explanation. Whether there is actually proper investigation conducted is also questionable. We know it, you know it. There is definitely a lot of rooms for improvement.

In relation to the similar law in other countries, I would say that the rationale behind its purpose in Singapore is very similar to our country. “Laws such as USA Patriot Act 2001 and the UK’s Terrorism Act 2006, came about as needful responses to the 11 September 2001 World Trade Centre attacks and 7 July 2005 London bombings…An overview of the ISA, Patriot Act and Terrorism Act will show that key differences lie in the safeguards and access to legal resources for detainees to challenge their detention” – Edmund Bon.

But what if these people really pose a serious threat to the national security? Isn’t the welfare and peace of a family are more important than all the talks about rights and freedoms? “The bottom line is public interest, which is equal to maintaining public order, maintaining security and understanding perceptions and threats. If we are wrong, then the court can decide that we are wrong. But meanwhile we cannot wait for things to happen in order for us to take action.” – Datuk Seri Syed Hamid.

At the end of the day, we are all humans. We are born into this world with basic freedoms and rights which shall not be deprived of. Terrorism or extremism can be dealt with without undue compromise of liberties and causing fear in a democratic country of ours. There are definitely better and fairer laws if drafted properly to serve the needful purpose.

“Of course the government has a duty to protect the lives and property of its citizens. But that is a duty which it owes all the time and which it must discharge without destroying our constitutional freedoms.” – Lord Bingham.

“Parti Gerakan is well aware that the passage of time, demand for greater transparency and accountability as well as more human rights will surely be made. This is inevitable and almost irresistable. Parti Gerakan is equally committed to the protection and promotion of human rights and fundamental freedoms as enshrined in our country’s Constitution, the United Nations Charter and the Universal Declaration on Human Rights 1948. While we recognise that most human rights are universal, indivisible interdependent and inter-related, we also share the view that the right to development as contained in the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action on Human Rights adopted in June 1993 is equally a universal and inalienable right and hence an integral part of fundamental human rights.”

Previous 311 Organisations Endorsement for ISA Abolition

BC 08 – “The Bar Council will keep up the deafening sound of objections against the ISA,” said Lim Chee Wee, in his speech during the gathering to endorse the abolition of the Internal Security Act, 1960.

Also speaking at the gathering were Dato’ Bong Hon Liong, President of KLSCAH, Dr. Yap Sin Tian, Chairman of Dong Zong, Tan Sri Lim Gait Tong, President of the Federation of Chinese Assembly Hall (FECAM), Ong Chiow Chuan, President of Jiao Zong, Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh, Chairman of Gerakan Mansuhkan ISA (GMI), Norlaila Othman, wife of ISA detainee Mat Sah Mohd Satray and Haris Ibrahim, lawyer and founder of the blog, The People’s Parliament.

Based on the record provided by GMI Secretariat Enalini Elumalai, last year alone GMI has organised over 30 events calling for abolition of the ISA. Today’s endorsement by various organisations from all over the country is seen as the beacon of hope for this draconian law to be abolished in very near future.

Lim Chee Wee in his speech also noted that endorsements are received from organisations, which comprise not only human rights activists, political parties on both sides of the spectrum and educationists, but even business people. If even business people whom are conservative are concerned about ISA, this goes to show how threatening the public as a whole find ISA, he explained.

The gathering which ended at about 1pm saw about 500 people from the various organisations in attendance, including the President of Pertubuhan Jamaah Islah Malaysia (JIM), Tn Hj Zaid Kamaruddin.

Also present were Amer Hamzah, Andy Yong, Fadiah Nadwa Fikri, Maria Soosai Raj and Seira Sacha Abu Bakar from the Bar Council Human Rights Committee. – BC Wbsite

Camaraderie in Pemuda Gerakan

Often one can feel it in a football team, social groups, a rugby team, a church, a political party and even among the members of the underworld society. Some call it comradeship – do we have such spirit in the youth wing? Yes and no. Perhaps it is more accurate to state more in the negative.

In the party, every member seems to subscribe to the idea of ’satu hati’ (one heart-unity) being the core political value. Virtually every meetings and conferences, we hear the cheering of such motto. Are their claims justifiable? If we are to explore the value of comradeship, we must in the first place know what the term means. On the other hand is there any true intention to foster such spirit? Surprisingly or not I am actually of the view that other political parties in Malaysia embrace such spirit more enthusiastically than Gerakan as a whole. Motivating factor such as common goals/ideals or pecuniary interest has indeed encouraged comradeship among them. The party’s performance last year was a result of self-inflicted bad luck, arrogance, poor judgment and inexplicable stupidity. None of the Pemuda will want to see a repetition of the same nor hoping that the party goes into oblivion or extinction. The stakes are high.

Of late, for some reasons, participation in meetings and activities organised by the national youth had not been encouraging. To me it is simply a matter of commitment, respect and priority. For instance if there is a meeting to be called in relation to the appointment of councillors or candidates, suddenly the spirit of comradeship will be on fire (or interlocutory camaraderie). I can also guarantee that any event invited by the party President will hardly be ignored. The more so in the year of the party election or general election, everyone is rejuvenated and reinvigorated. Put it simply, one is unlikely to be late or miss his date with a lady he loved. Not to mention to leave early. It does not require a rocket scientist to answer the underlying reasons.

Only the fittest survives, this is what comradeship all about in (most) the youth wing today. There are actually ‘different teams’ (or each states minding their own business) within the wing, with each conserving their forces and energies trying to dominate in the future. Everyone must speak with sarcasm and conceal their intention. No one is eager to build a united team spirit, let alone to foster comradeship. Never say ‘yes’ nor ‘no’ to all request but such attitude is bound to failed in any politics around the world according to Anthena. Turning sly and manipulative are all counterproductive in the long run. Learn when to say yes or no is the right way to go and then commit it. “But that is what politics all about” said another comrade, no wonder we can hardly progress as such is not under conscious and rational control and often proves the saying that no forever friends or foes in politics to be true. This is not healthy for Gerakan now. It is inevitable that everyone has his own agenda but what is more important now is the party agenda (if there is a sincere one).

I am trained as a lawyer, my knowledge of the orthodox party’s culture is relatively shallow. Some comrades pointed that I am ignorant or too naive to play the game of politics in the party. I am not discouraged. Knowledge pertaining to strategies of Sun Tzu, Napolean, Athena and Machiavelli had always been my favourite readings and discussion since many years ago. I feel that very often a simple answer to a complicated (or even easy) problem is often around the corner, but they fail to find it only because their minds are overly occupied by some preconceived ideas. I was encouraged by a comrade who recently advised via a sms that states “It is when the tide is against (us) that we know we are moving in the right direction. If we back off, we’ll be carried by the wave. Move forward and chart a new course”.

At the end of the day, the youth just cannot convince the people out there or compete if we are unable to clean up our own backyard. As what our advisor Tun Lim once said “if you are telling the truth, you do not need to hide in anonymity. He/She must be committed…to reinvent and to strengthen Gerakan…”.

Pak Lah Wants ISA To Be Abolished

SINTOK 17 Julai – Akta Keselamatan Dalam Negeri (ISA) wajar dimansuh dan diganti dengan perundangan baru yang membenarkan penahanan pencegahan terhadap tertuduh.

Bekas Perdana Menteri, Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi berkata, undang-undang baru itu mampu menjamin hak asasi rakyat apatah lagi ISA sering dikaitkan dengan persepsi negatif.

Beliau berkata, ISA memberi skop kuasa yang terlalu besar kepada pihak berkuasa untuk menentukan apa yang boleh dianggap sebagai ancaman keselamatan.

“Oleh itu, akta baru boleh dihadkan khusus untuk mencegah kegiatan keganasan sahaja dan mengurangkan kemungkinan penyalahgunaan kuasa demi matlamat politik,” katanya.

Beliau menyatakan demikian dalam ucapan selepas menerima Ijazah Kehormat Doktor Falsafah Demokrasi di Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) di sini hari ini.

Sultan Kedah, Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah berkenan menyempurnakan penganugerahan berkenaan.

Menurut Abdullah, untuk benar-benar melakukan pembaharuan, kerajaan perlu berani melangkaui kerangka lama dan membuka lembaran baru.

“Saya percaya kerajaan perlu berani melakukan perubahan seumpama itu sebagai satu petanda komitmen kepada agenda pembaharuan demokrasi negara,” ujarnya.

Jelas beliau, ia merupakan transformasi yang rakyat harapkan kerana tindakan pencegahan itu seharusnya tidak mengorbankan kebebasan hak asasi manusia atau disalahgunakan untuk tujuan politik.

Sementara itu, Abdullah menyifatkan anugerah yang diterimanya hari ini sebagai pengiktirafan kepada wawasan, pendekatan dan kaedah kepimpinan beliau dalam kerajaan.

“Falsafah demokrasi mencerminkan pengiktirafan kepada aliran falsafah yang amat dekat dengan pendirian dan prinsip kepimpinan yang telah saya pelopori.

“Sejak kecil saya telah diasuh untuk mencari kejernihan, menjalinkan silaturahim menyatakan kebaikan serta membina persahabatan,” ujarnya.

[Utusan]

R.I.P Teoh

Hundreds of people, mostly Chinese and DAP supporters gathered at the MACC building last night to pay respect to the deceased, solidarity support and demanding an explanation. They carried banners, placards and candles. The deceased boss YB Ean Yong is holding MACC fully accountable for the death of his political secretary. Guan Eng and Tony echoed the same. I received smses and was also informed by a friend (pro-PR) that they suspect the authority killed Teoh. In the circumstance, I condemn strongly against those who spread such rumours or accusation. Until the investigation is complete, it is unjustifiable to accuse falsely for the purpose of support or to instil hatred against BN. There could be various reasons that caused the death, only God knows. Therefore I urge the politicians and people to be rational and just without taking side until the truth prevails. This is not a time to play politics.

God bless.

Statement from Sarawak – Ah Tok

1 Ogos ini akan ada perhimpunan besar di ibu kota Kuala Lumpur. Perhimpunan ini adalah sebuah demonstrasi aman, dianjurkan oleh Gerakan Mansuhkan ISA (GMI) dengan sokongan beberapa kumpulan NGO dan parti politik, sempena ulangtahun ke-49 pemasyhuran akta paling kontroversi tersebut. Namun harus diingat, perhimpunan ini bukanlah pula satu perayaan, ia adalah tentangan!

Ironinya, di bulan Ogos juga, saban tahun kita merayakan sambutan bulan kemerdekaan lambang bebasnya rakyat kita. Sedangkan 49 tahun yang lalu, di bulan yang sama, ISA digubal dan diluluskan sebagai sebuah akta yang sampai hari ini dilihat sebagai pembunuh sebahagian kebebasan rakyat yang kononnya merdeka.

Penentangan terhadap ISA bukanlah hakmilik parti pembangkang, kerana siapa sahaja di antara kita yang percaya tentang kebebasan sebagai warga negara merdeka akan memberi penghormatan tinggi kepada kebebasan hak asasi, yang seharusnya tidak boleh dibayangi oleh gari dan jeriji besi.

Nyata, Pemuda GERAKAN percaya tentang ini, percaya bahawa hak asasi adalah sesuatu yang mulia, sebab itu ia dimaktubkan dalam Perlembagaan Persekutuan, sebab itu wujudnya pengisytiharan sejagat tentangnya. Maka Pemuda GERAKAN menjanjikan komitmen untuk bersama GMI dalam demonstrasi 1 Ogos nanti. Iltizam Pemuda GERAKAN bukan sekadar melindungi, tetapi mempertahankan hak asasi rakyat Malaysia, ini bermaksud menentang ISA! Menentang satu akta yang diwujud, digubal dan diluluskan oleh parti pemerintah yang bernama Barisan Nasional, yang mana GERAKAN merupakan salah sebuah komponennya.

Pemuda GERAKAN memang berani, berani untuk persetankan sahaja persefahaman Barisan Nasional, kerana tanggungjawabnya sebagai sebuah gerakan siasah untuk mempertahankan hak rakyat adalah lebih penting berbanding dengan tanggungjawabnya untuk mempertahankan dokongan Barisan Nasional, seperti ISA yang terbukti dek sejarah telah menyusahkan ramai rakyat.

Kenapa ISA atau Akta Keselamatan Dalam Negeri ini ditentang? Termasuk oleh kalangan mereka yang berada dalam parti pemerintah, seperti GERAKAN ini? ISA wujud sebagai akta yang membenarkan penahanan tanpa bicara, ditahan selama 60 hari tanpa ketahuan tempat dan masa, kemudian dihantar ke Kemunting paling kurang selama duatahun, maksudnya anda boleh dihakimi tanpa hakim, anda boleh dihukumi tanpa hukum. ISA juga menafikan hak anda untuk dibicarakan, dan dalam tempoh tahanan 60 hari itu, anda turut dihalang dari mendapat akses peguam.

Inilah intipati modus operandi ISA versi Malaysia, yang menjadikan ia sangat bersalahan dengan hak asasi yang wajib diberi kepada setiap individu rakyat negara ini, iaitu jika dimisalkan saya ditahan, maka antara hak asasi saya ialah saya berhak mengetahui apa kesalahan saya, saya berhak mendapatkan akses dan nasihat peguam, saya pun berhak untuk mohon dibicarakan di mahkamah terbuka.

Saya bukanlah seorang yang obses dengan kebebasan tanpa had, saya tidak minta untuk diberi kebebasan bertelanjang bulat, di tengah jalan, di hadapan orang-ramai. Saya percaya ada elemen-elemen keselamatan negara yang perlu dijaga, ada unsur-unsur subversif yang perlu dihadang dari berkembang. Tetapi, kalau sekalipun kita memang memerlukan undang-undang yang berbentuk preventif, pencegahan, ia sepatutnya wujud sebagai satu undang-undang yang punya kawal-selia yang sangat ketat, menutup segala ruang dan lompang yang memungkinkan ia disalahguna, kebiasaannya untuk kekal BERKUASA!

Pemuda GERAKAN ternyata tidak memikirkan tentang ini, tidak mementingkan kedudukan mereka yang sebahagian dari kekuasaan. Tidak boleh tidak, tindakan Pemuda GERAKAN ini pastinya bakal mencetus kontroversi dalam Barisan Nasional. Seperti insiden-insiden “pandangan kedua” dalam Barisan Nasional sebelum ini, penggantungan Sothinathan misalnya, Pemuda GERAKAN sudah sah akan dituduh sebagai tiada disiplin dalam menyuarakan pandangan, tidak menghormati kesepakatan Barisan Nasional.

GERAKAN boleh sahaja dihadiahkan surat tunjuk sebab mengapa mereka tidak boleh disingkir dari Barisan Nasional kerana tindakan berani sayap pemudanya ini. Untuk lebih memedaskan lauk cerita, saya pasti episod pertelingkahan Umno dan GERAKAN Pulau Pinang akan diungkit semula, sudahlah luka itupun sampai sekarang belum sembuh dan masih berbalut.

Yang pening kepala melayani cerita ini tentulah Presiden GERAKAN, Koh Tsu Koon, yang sekarang sedang selesa dengan kerusi menterinya, kerusi yang tidak dimimpinya setelah kehilangan paling memalukan Negeri Pulau Pinang ke tangan Pakatan Rakyat dalam Pilihanraya Umum Ke-12 yang lalu.

Kita tahu Najib mengangkat Koh Tsu Koon menjadi Menteri untuk menjaga KPI (Indikator Prestasi Utama). Sudah pasti selepas ini, KPI Parti GERAKAN di mata Pengerusi dan pengurusan tertinggi Barisan Nasional, dari segi kesetiaan, kebolehpercayaan, disiplin dan kesepakatan akan diukur sangat rendah. Dalam mesyuarat Dewan Tertinggi Barisan Nasional selepas ini, Koh Tsu Koon, Presiden GERAKAN yang juga Menteri KPI akan terpaksa menjelaskan mengapa KPI partinya seteruk itu.

Inilah implikasi-implikasi yang mungkin akibat dari tindakan berani Pemuda GERAKAN, bahkan implikasi paling teruk iaitu GERAKAN terus dipecat dari Barisan Nasional juga boleh berlaku, kerana seperti saya jelaskan di atas, tindakan Pemuda GERAKAN ini adalah seperti membuka jahitan luka belum sembuh antara partinya dengan Umno Pulau Pinang. Darah akan mengalir semula, suara-suara fundamentalis Umno yang pernah mengoyakkan poster Koh Tsu Koon akan bergema kembali.

Apakah Pemuda GERAKAN begitu bodoh untuk tidak memikirkan ini semua? Saya rasa tidak, yang saya jangka, semangat asal penubuhan GERAKAN mungkin masih bersisa, kalaupun sisanya hanyalah titis-titis kecil yang hampir kering. Kita kena maklum GERAKAN tidak lahir di rumah Barisan Nasional, tidak berbidankan Umno, bukan Umno juga yang memotong tali pusatnya.

Biasalah dalam keramaian keturunan, walau dikawal dan cuba dibentuk, pasti akan ada yang tidak membesar dengan disiplin Barisan Nasional, tetapi lebih mengikut leluhur asalnya.

Soalnya, apakah hanya Pemuda GERAKAN yang berani? Adakah hanya Ketua Pemudanya sedar politik ikhlas?

Gerakan Youth Chief: Huan’s threat and GMI participation

Kuala Lumpur – Gerakan Youth Chief Lim Si Pin indicated that he (on Tuesday, July 14) received the party Vice-President Huan Cheng Guan’s sms threat in relation to previous day news, referred to him not respecting last Saturday central committee’s resolution, to reduce his suspension to 6 months.

He stressed on Tuesday at a press conference that last Saturday’s meeting was only a discussion, we discussed several topics, but has not achieved any resolution or decision.

He urges Huan to use the correct avenue to commission his appeal to the party, but not to threaten other people.

“He said that I as the Youth chief, will respect the central committee decision (reduction of the suspension), but we only discuss, not made any decision, why does he want to threaten me through the sms, I think this is not right.”

“The Youth Central Committee discussion, moreover is not made public, we will not make any decision, this will prejudice the disciplinary committee who is authorized to process with Huan’s appeal.”

It is also the party Central Committee’s decision, Lim indicated in relation to Huan’s destiny to wait till July 25 for its result.

He also urges the Youth Central Committee to respect the confidentiality, not disclose anything in the meeting, “We ended our meeting in about 2:30 pm, at about 3:30 pm I received reporter’s inquiry.”

In relation to the participation of GMI peaceful assembly, Lim Si Pin confirmed that the Pemuda Gerakan will send out 15 people to 20 people, to participate on August 1 the event organized by GMI in conjunction with ISA 49 years anniversary.

When asked whether the participation to abolish the law will jeopardise the party being a component in BN, he indicates that between both there is no conflict, after all “the Prime Minister also indicated that he will examine ISA thoroughly, we stand on the principle, namely to oppose indefinite detention without trial.”

Lim also said that at the appointed time, he or the central legal and social welfare bureau chief Andy Yang will lead to attend the related activity. “I must stress that we are to participate in a peaceful assembly, but if the police request dismissal, we will respect the authority.”

In view of possible threat and accusation by other parties in the participation, Lim replied that no matter whether to participate or not, possible politicking will be initiated by certain quarters.

(Sin Chew Jit Poh ‧ 2009.07.14)

Pemuda Gerakan sertai demo anti-ISA

13.7.2009
Malaysiakini

Dalam satu tindakan yang berani, Pemuda Gerakan secara terbuka menyatakan sokongan terhadap – dan turut serta dalam – demonstrasi besar membantah Akta Keselamatan Dalam Negeri (ISA) awal bulan depan.

“Pemuda Gerakan akan menggerakan sekumpulan ahli (Pemuda) untuk menyokong perhimpunan aman MANSUH pada 1 Ogos ini bersempena ulang tahun ke-49 (pelaksanaan) ISA,” kata ketua biro khidmat guaman dan aduan awamnya Andy Yong.

Perhimpunan besar anjuran Gerakan Mansuhkan ISA (GMI) turut disertai parti-parti pembangkang dan NGO hak asasi.

Menurut satu kenyataannya hari ini, Yong berkata keputusan itu dimaklumkan dalam mesyuarat jawatankuasa pusat kebangsaan Gerakan.

Beliau juga berkata parti komponen BN itu beriltizam melindungi dan mempertahankan hak-hak asasi manusia dan kebebasan asas seperti termaktub dalam Perlembagaan Persekutuan dan Perisytiharan Sejagat Hak Asasi Manusia (UHDR) 1948.

“Keputusan kami telah dimaklumkan kepada pengerusi GMI Syed Ibrahim (Syed Noh) dan beliau menyambut baik,” kata Yong lagi.

Pada 22 Jun lalu, GMI secara rasmi mengumumkan perhimpunan besar-besaran dengan mensasarkan jumlah “sekurang-kurang menyamai jumlah mereka yang menyertai perarakan anjuran Gabungan Pilihanraya Bersih dan Adil (Bersih)”, dua tahun lalu.

Pada perarakan ke Istana Negara pada November 2007, kira-kira 40,000 ribu orang turun bersama-sama dengan tokoh-tokoh pembangkang.

Demonstrasi besar itu pernah ditangguhk sebanyak dua kali, pada Mac dan Jun, bagi menghadapi beberapa pilihanraya kecil – menjelang pilihanraya parlimen Bukit Gantang dan DUN Penanti.

Tarikh 1 Ogos dipilih sempena 49 tahun ISA yang digubal sejak 1 Ogos tahun 1960.

Jumaat lepas, mesyuarat jawatankuasa induk Himpunan MANSUH yang dianggotai pemimpin parti politik, NGO, mahasiswa sepakat menetapkan perhimpunan tersebut jam 2 petang di tiga lokasi utama di Kuala Lumpur – tempat-tempat itu belum diputuskan.

Menurut kenyataan GMI, mesyuarat itu juga memutuskan untuk menghantar satu “deklarasi rakyat” kepada Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

“Surat memohon temujanji dengan pihak Istana Negara akan dikirim tidak lama lagi,” kata Syed Ibrahim.

“Rakyat digalakkan untuk memakai pakaian warna tema merah hitam bagi menunjukkan solidariti ketika perhimpunan.”

Menurutnya lagi, Himpunan MANSUH diadakan sebagai kesinambungan kempen GMI untuk membela nasib tahanan dan keluarga, dan juga menutup Kem Kamunting, Taiping.

“Siri ceramah umum sedang giat dijalankan di seluruh negara hinggalah menjelang 1 Ogos 2009,” tambahnya.

The Sun Wish List to PM

One has to give our PM credit for what he has done so far since taking up the premiership. It is never easy to please everyone particularly in a multi-racial society. Although his approval rating improved, the PM has more clout to call the shots, more so in the coming days. It is an uphill task and battle to prove himself at this moment of political crisis which may not be favourable on his administration. When I read page 20 of the Sun just now, I cannot help but to say that those are exactly what I have in mind if I am to advise the PM today. Just as the PM has his agenda, theSun stated a wish list that also draws on public feedback to help him in decision-making. “They are: cut crime, kill corruption, prioritise mastering of English language, less politicking, race relations – no racism, eradicate hardcore poverty, need to promote inter-religious dialogue, a freer media, the Rukun Negara must be our guiding national philosophy again and the importance of history”.

If PM can walk the talks of the list effectively, it is only a matter of time before returning to the glorious era.

Pakatan leaders prefer BM or English?

Inconsistency and insincerity; judge the following two press statements:

Anwar: Scrap use of English for Science and Maths
Monday, 29 June 2009 08:18am
©The Star

PETALING JAYA: Scrap the policy of teaching Science and Mathematics in English and bring back Bahasa Melayu as the medium of instruction in the education system, said Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

He also called for the return of Bahasa Melayu’s status as the supreme language, which includes using it as the medium to teach Science and Maths in national schools and also strengthening its usage in Chinese and Tamil schools.

“This issue has become a controversy for far too long. We consider this policy a betrayal of Bahasa Melayu as our official language,” he told a press conference yesterday.

Anwar, however, conceded that it was important to master English and agreed that there should be constructive steps taken to improve the usage and understanding of the language.

“But how we do it should be decided by educationists and with consideration towards the national education policy.

“This includes not forcing our children to pass English as a compulsory subject in the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) as this will result in many students, especially in rural areas, to fail,” added Anwar.

On another matter, Anwar questioned Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak’s sincerity when announcing the government’s plan to introduce a new category of Public Service Department (PSD) scholarships which would be based purely on merit.

“The last time when I suggested the plan, I was called a Chinese agent and a traitor to the Malays,” he said.

Anwar also lauded PAS spiritual leader Datuk Nik Aziz Nik Mat’s proposal to have a debate with Najib.

He said an open debate would be the best way to clear up the accusations against the Kelantan Mentri Besar.

______________________________________
OK now, read this from MI:

KUALA LUMPUR, July 9 — Pakatan Rakyat (PR) continued its attacks today against the government’s decision yesterday to scrap the policy of teaching science and mathematics in English introduced six years ago.

DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng said parents of children in urban national schools should be given the option of learning the two subjects in English because of the existence of better teaching facilities.

“If a sufficient number of parents want to continue in English it should be continued in English,” Lim told a press conference.

He hoped that his recommendation would prevent a confrontation between Datuk Seri Najib Razak and Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad who said yesterday he was saddened by the Cabinet’s decision to scrap the policy introduced during his administration.

Meanwhile, PKR asked the government to immediately scrap the policy.

“We are of the view that the decision falls short of expectation and is a disappointment. It deliberately delays what ought to be implemented early,” said its deputy president Dr Syed Husin Ali.

“What is disappointing is that the Cabinet decided that the termination of this unwise policy should take effect only from 2012 and not immediately next year,” he added.

Yesterday Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin announced the scrapping of the teaching of mathematics and science in English in all primary and secondary schools effective 2012, citing failure to achieve its objectives as intended.

But Muhyiddin, who is also the education minister, said the government would also implement several new measures to improve the teaching of English in schools in an attempt to improve proficiency in the language.

The Blame Game

Kg Buah Pala problems in Penang, water issues in Selangor, defection in Perak, undeveloped Kelantan, high crime rates etc; whose fault? BN governmentlah! Sounds familiar? Luckily the adjournment of Sodomy II trial is due to Anwar’s counsel health condition as well as the decision to abolish English language for Maths/Science (as Anwar insisted on BM a few days back); otherwise the integrity of the judiciary and education ministry will be criticised again.

It is easy and convenient for some people to blame and criticise whenever something goes wrong. Blame it on Najib’s administration or Koh Tsu Koon or BN as a whole. Is that what we want?

Recently (or since 308) most political problems we see, we’ll find that our nation’s political parties are trying hard to attract the masses. Every party is busy in accusing its opposition and trying to show that it is better than the latter.

Amid all this commotion, politicians lose no time in bringing the faults of their competitors to the fore. After raising decade-old issues, one thing is clear and transparent, that all this hard work is being done to increase vote. While taking the oath, people say, “Malaysia is my country, all are Malaysians, Bangsa Malaysia or 1Malaysia”. However, does this really make a difference to politicians?

I believe that there must be some sort of eligibility in order to be able to contest elections, otherwise more and more inadequate people will contest them and hamper the image of our country in the eyes of the world.

In the midst of the finger-pointing game, issues like poverty, employment and development of the country are lagging behind. But PR leaders are actually least bothered about these developmental issue; they are just busy in finding flaws in BN.

Thus, the question arises: should we vote for politicians for whom nothing is more important than winning election or position; even more important than the country and its people and their interests? Think of the people, find a worthy and constructive solution. Serve The People!

Opposition, please deliver…

This morning, I was impressed with a writer’s feedback at the comments column of the Sun. The writer complains that the oppositions have been blaming the past government for almost every problems encountered by the rakyats. This is especially so in the state of Penang. I can’t agree more with the content not because I am a member in a component party of BN but as a voter. Most of us agree that without 2/3 majority, the government should perform better and more efficient. While the respective state opposition is there to monitor the performance of the state government, it is discouraging to see that all those political parties are not putting the people’s interest first. For that, I must say that both BN and PR as state and federal oppositions have so far failed to be a constructive opposition. In fact any opposition that is not constructive is labeled “destructive” (SM Lee Kuan Yew). As the saying goes: “by the people, of the people, for the people”. Be that as it may, if an opposition does not voice out constructively, they might as well forget about winning the next election. Criterias such as proposing alternative ideas in policies instead of just criticising, calling for reform instead of pretending like they are operating in a democracy, speaking up on important issues and not being dormant in between elections are important for the oppostions to function effectively.

Talk about being dormant, such behaviour happens not only by the opposition but also politicians. Many were on a specific agenda and aggressively participated in every activities of his or her constituency during the election but when the results are not in their favour, back to sleep. As a result, many supports and contacts may have become redundant. The candidate would lie dormant until the next attempt. Similarly within a party, there are also some members of the same plight. The potential candidate of the party election will start contacting the delegates and prepare the menu (‘cai dan’) just before the election. The root of such problem lies in the nature of the party itself, that breed opportunists.

Whether it is to contest a party or general election, some believe in lobbying strong grassroot supports while others believe in individual skills such as intellectual capability, publicity or the most despicable ones are those who believe in currying favour with the top leaders. Such phenomenon does not occur only in Gerakan but in most political parties. Although it can be a political strategy, to me, it is not justifiable that he or she deserves a vote particularly if it is obvious that their faces are back in action only months before the election or by support of certain quarters’ dominance.

No doubt political rights, freedoms, internal squabbles and strategy are part of the game, without consistency, credibility and clearest demonstration of commitment, no one can truly excel in his or her political life. Nothing in the world of politics has ever been accomplished without passion, sincerity and integrity.

ISA should go…

Judging from every angles of politics, rights, fairness, equality and democracy principles, the government should sensibly abolish the ISA. In essence if a related law is required, perhaps a similar UK Terrorism Act would be an ideal one to replace ISA.

HIMPUNAN MANSUH ISA AKAN DIADAKAN PADA 1 OGOS 2009

1. Sekretariat Himpunan MANSUH sebagai penganjur Himpunan MANSUH ditubuhkan khas bagi menggerakkan rakyat menyatakan sikap terhadap akta zalim, Akta Keselamatan Dalam Negeri (ISA) melalui perhimpunan secara aman.

2. Sekretariat diwakili oleh wakil-wakil daripada anggota Gabungan Gerakan Mansuhkan ISA (GMI) terdiri daripada badan bukan kerajaan (NGO), parti-parti politik dan mahasiswa. Jawatankuasa Pepandu Himpunan MANSUH diwakili oleh pimpinan parti-parti politik dan NGO.

3. Hari ini Sekretariat Himpunan MANSUH ingin memaklumkan secara rasminya tarikh Himpunan Besar-besaran Mansuhkan ISA iaitu pada hari Sabtu, 1 Ogos 2009.

4. Tarikh 1 Ogos 2009 dipilih sempena 49 tahun ISA yang digubal pada 1 Ogos 1960. Selama 49 tahun negara dinaungi kezaliman ISA. Masa yang terlalu lama untuk negara dibiarkan diselubungi dengan akta yang empunya kuasa amat luas menahan tanpa bicara, menghukum tanpa bukti dan memenjarakan tanpa tempoh menentu. Sudah tiba masanya akta usang itu bukan sahaja dikajisemula tetapi dimansuhkan sama sekali.

5. Himpunan MANSUH dianjurkan dengan hasrat untuk rakyat menzahirkan sikapnya secara jelas dan lantang dengan membuat tiga tuntutan:
a. Bebaskan semua tahanan ISA
b. Mansuhkan ISA
c. Tutup Kem Kamunting – Kem ’Guantanamo’ Malaysia

6. Pada 3 April 2009, sebaik menjadi Perdana Menteri ke-6, Dato’ Seri Najib telah membebaskan 13 orang tahanan ISA (termasuk dua orang tahanan Hindraf) dan mengumumkan untuk mengkajisemula ISA. Satu tindakan yang dikatakan bukan populis. Empat hari kemudian pada 7 April, Pilihanraya Kecil 2 Bukit 1 Batang berlangsung.

7. Pada 8 Mei 2009, 13 orang lagi tahanan dibebaskan termasuk tiga orang lagi tahanan Hindraf. Sekali lagi ini dikatakan bukan tindakan populis sedangkan sehari sebelumnya berlaku titik hitam di Perak.

8. Dalam pada pembebasan diumumkan, secara senyap-senyap empat orang tahanan baru ditahan sekitar bulan April termasuk Mas Selamat Kastari yang dilaporkan lari daripada ISA Singapura. Bahkan sebenarnya di Kem Kamunting masih terdapat seramai 14 orang tahanan ISA seperti yang dilaporkan GMI. Tiga orang daripadanya telah ditahan lebih daripada 7 tahun.

9. Cadangan untuk kajisemula ISA pula dibuat sejak 3 April 2009, lebih dari 2 bulan yang lalu. Tetapi sehingga kini, tiada sesiapa tahu bila sebenarnya kajian tersebut akan siap. Suhakam sudah mengesyorkan ISA dimansuhkan sejak 2003 lagi. Pada masa yang sama, sudah ada peruntukan undang-undang sediada yang mencukupi untuk menangani keganasan.

10. ISA memusnahkan konsep asas undang-undang berperlembagaan. Ia mencemar asas pengasingan kuasa. Ia membenarkan kuasa eksekutif melangkaui kehakiman dengan menahan seseorang tanpa waran, tanpa bicara dan tanpa hak peguam. ISA telah menghapuskan apa juga semakan undang-undang yang disyorkan perlembagaan. ISA juga membenarkan kuasa yang luas, arbitrari dan tidak boleh dicabar mahkamah yang menyebabkan berlakunya penyeksaan fizikal dan mental.

11. Kemuncak asas-asas ISA ialah elemen mengancam, mengugut dan mewujudkan rasa takut dan gerun…”climate of fear”…”under siege mentality”… sehingga merencatkan daya fikir dan teguran berani serta fitrah manusia yang bebas.

12. Atas sebab keadaan ini, atas sebab kezaliman berterusan dengan penahanan tanpa bicara, arbitrari, tanpa pembelaan dan tanpa diketahui bilakah dibebaskan, penganiayaan ke atas isteri, anak dan keluarga dan atas tuntut keadilan, maka rakyat perlu zahirkan kebenciannya terhadap ISA dan mendesak Kerajaan bertindak segera mansuhkan ISA. Tindakan populis dan berlengah-lengah oleh Kerajaan mesti dihentikan. Rakyat tidak harus terpedaya dan membenarkan amalan begini berterusan.

13. Himpunan MANSUH dianjurkan sebagai kesinambungan pelbagai usaha Gerakan Mansuhkan ISA (GMI) selama ini dalam membawa kesedaran tentang kezaliman ISA, membela nasib tahanan dan keluarga, membongkar kezaliman ISA dan mendesak Kerajaan untuk membebaskan tahanan, memansuhkan ISA dan menutup Kem Kamunting sehinggalah membawa kepada pembebasan ramai tahanan ISA dan janji kerajaan untuk mengkajisemula ISA.

14. Beberapa program akan dianjurkan menjelang Himpunan tersebut. Antaranya jelajah ceramah seluruh negara, pengedaran risalah, pertunjukan seni, forum, pengumpulan tandatangan, petisyen on-line dan sebagainya.

15. Himpunan MANSUH menganjurkan Himpunan besar-besaran bagi menyeru dan menggembleng seluruh warganegara Malaysia daripada pelbagai lapisan masyarakat, budaya, bangsa dan agama yang cintakan keadilan, kebenaran dan keamanan rakyat untuk turut serta berhimpun pada 1 Ogos 2009 bagi menyatakan sikap tegas kita terhadap ISA. Bersama memansuhkan ISA dan membebaskan bumi Malaysia daripada kezaliman!

Mansuhkan ISA!
Bebaskan Tahanan!
Tutup Kemta – Kem Guantanamo Malaysia!

Presiden GMI

Fiesta

Eco-friendly Politics?

While environmental issues have come to the forefront of election campaigns in some western countries, this is yet to happen in Malaysia. More and more locals aware and understand the importance to protect the environment nowadays. This is proven during my stay in one of jungle trip recently. It was my first experience to feel the thrill and exposure of 4WD off-roads adventure. Most of the comrades enjoyed the quality time spent together. We were advised not to be litterbugs and taught why is forest environment is such a significant area to protect. Among others I can understand it is crucial to prevent the rivers, livelihood of tribals (orang asli), trees and wildlife from pollution or being destroyed. It is also important to link environment protection issues with issues of sustainable development so that concerns of farmers, forest-produce gathers, fishermen and pastoral people can be taken up.

So particularly if the sustainability aspects are kept in mind, then environment protection issues become issues on which mass mobilisation is possible. Whether we talk of environment protection getting the due place in elections, then in fact we ought to be talking about environment protection plus sustainable livelihoods. And once we do that, it becomes difficult for politicians to ignore these issues. It will be a challenge for democracy how such issues can get an important place in our local politics contradicting the money factor. Are Malaysians prepare to accept such potential issue, recognising the need of it? Would it also be an interest to political parties and candidates (for instance Gerakan) to attract support and votes if such schemes can be in the forefront of election campaigns? Nay, I doubt so, we are yet to be educated in understanding the long term effect instead of material needs. Nonetheless I do hope in the near future, there will be politicians out there interested to think constructively on issues of sustainable development and environmental protection.