(Bangkok, 30 July 2009): The Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) called on the Malaysian government to respect the right to freedom of assembly and allowed the mass rally against the draconian Internal Security Act (ISA) to be held as scheduled in Kuala Lumpur on 1 August by the Abolish ISA Movement.
The rally aimed to gather 100,000 supporters from non-governmental organizations, political parties, student bodies, women’s organizations and human rights movements to push their “ultimate call” to revoke the repressive ISA, release those held under the ISA and close down the Kamunting detention camp where ISA detainees are detained.
The Abolish ISA Movement is a coalition of 83 civil society organizations, trade unions and political parties that campaigned for the abolition of the ISA.
On April 15, Najib Razak who was appointed as the new Prime Minister after the worst election result for the ruling parties in history, expressed that his government will review the ISA, the draconian legislation left from the British colonial legacy that provides for indefinite detention without trial.
Civil society, however, has been calling for the complete abolition rather than review of the legislation.
“The ISA is in direct contravention with basic principles of human rights such as the right to trial. Thousands languished in jail without a trial. Such law should not be tolerated, especially since Malaysia is also a member of the United Nations Human Rights Council. The ISA should be abolished altogether,” said Wahyuningrum, East Asia Program Manager of FORUM-ASIA in a statement July 31.
FORUM-ASIA is also alarmed on the possible violent disruption of this rally by the Majlis Permuafakatan Ummah (Pewaris), an ultra right wing group closely associated to the ruling parties who planned to hold a counter-rally on the same day and same venue purportedly to support the ISA.
FORUM-ASIA called on the police to be impartial and professional in ensuring a safe environment to facilitate for the exercising of the right to peaceful assembly by the Abolish ISA Movement. The Pewaris should not be allowed to undermine the right to freedom of assembly of others by way of threat of violence.
The organization urged the Malaysian Human Rights Commission (SUHAKAM) to play its role to monitor the police conduct in dealing with the planned public assemblies on the 1st of August.
FORUM-ASIA called on the Malaysian Government to take the necessary steps to repeal the law to respect fundamental rights and freedoms, and release all the remaining individuals detained under ISA in the absence of valid legal charges that are consistent with international legal standards, or if such charges exist, bring them before an impartial and competent tribunal and guarantee their procedural rights at all times.
FORUM-ASIA is regional human rights organization with 46 members across Asia.
Anti-ISA rally on Aug 1 to kick off at 2pm
July 10, 2009
UALA LUMPUR(July 10,PATC) : Islamic Party of Malaysia(PAS) central committee member Mohamad Sabu has urged the public to turn up on Aug 1 to participate in a peaceful rally to call for the Internal Security
Act(ISA) to be abolished.
”We hope everybody could come out to stand against (the injustice of) the ISA,” Mohamad said.
When contacted today, Mohamad said the rally on Aug 1, could be an opportunity for the country to start the process of getting rid of the notorious act that has chained the country for the past 49 years.
”We are the only country to have this act apart from Singapore, Israel and Brunei,” he said.
The ISA allowed for indefinite detention without trial with several detainees currently being held for almost eight years.
The Act which originally aimed to counter communist insurgency in the 60s had turned into what several quarters described as a “political tool” for the ruling coalition to silent dissenting voices.
Mohamad said those participating should wear black and red as proposed by the organiser and he expressed confidence that the rally would proceed peacefully without any untoward incidents.
Three meeting points have been allocated for the rally namely in front of shopping complex Sogo, Masjid Jamek and the National mosque before participants march to the National Palace at 2pm.
Abolished ISA Movement(GMI) working committee chairman Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh said the rally aimed to mobilise the masses to call for the draconian act to be abolished, for all ISA detainees to be released and for Kamunting Camp in Perak to be closed down.
Makkal Sakhti
He said the rally in conjunction with 49th anniversary of the draconian act would culminate with a people declaration being handed over to the Yang diPertuan Agong, the King.
He said the secretariat of the rally would be sending a letter to the National Palace seeking audience.
In a statement distributed July 10, Syed Ibrahim said the rally is part of GMI continuous effort to highlight the injustices of the ISA.
”The pressure from the people (to the government) play an important role in this effort (to repeal the draconian act),” he said.
”The people has once again call for change,” he said hinting that people power and “makkal sakhti” would be the battlecry for the rally.
”We are calling for bloggers, reformists and social activists to support this rally,” he said.
He said in the presence of ISA, everyone could be detained at any time and their freedom being taken away.
Syed Ibrahim said a series of rally would also be held nationwide in the run up to Aug 1.
He said updated information could be obtained from the rally’s official blog at himpunanmansuhisa.wordpress.com
There will also be banner, posters and fliers to be distributed nationwide.
/end.
Comment: Unity gov’t
June 12, 2009
For all the noise there were about “unity government” put forward by PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang, I’m wondering why detractors to the idea failed to mention that the idea is for Pakatan Rakyat coalition and Barisan Nasional to come together to form a temporary unity government with the aim to correct our dying public institutions.
However to stall the idea some quarters had portrayed it as talks for coalition government between PAS and Umno.
Well I guess time will tell who got what right.
Its also interesting to see competing leaderships offering their service to the country. May the man with the best idea wins.
Report: Possible contest for PAS two wings
May 20, 2009
KUALA LUMPUR, May 20 (ES) – Possible contest for two top posts in Islamic Party of Malaysia (PAS)’s wings in next month general assembly seem to be shaping up with President Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang assured of retaining his post.
The contest for the youth chief’s position involved current deputy Nasrudin Hassan and Kelantan deputy speaker Mohd Zaki Ibrahim.
Meanwhile five candidates are eligible to battle it out for the youth deputy chief. They are current secretary Ahmad Sabki Yusuf, current vice chief Azman Shapawi Abd Rani, Musoddak Ahmad, Nasrudin and Nik Abduh Nik Abdul Aziz.
The third highest position in youth wing will also probably see a contest with five candidates eligible to contest.
The women wing meanwhile will probably witness a four cornered fight for the chief post between incumbent Nuridah Salleh, former chief Azizah Khatib Mat, Kota Raja parliamentary member Siti Mariah Mahmud and Dr Asiah Ali.
Similarly the wing deputy and vice chief position will also probably see a contest with four candidates being eligible to contest the former post and three candidates eligible to contest for the latter.
Meanwhile there is no contest for the Ulama wing with Terengganu PAS deputy commissioner, Datuk Harun Taib and Johor PAS commissioner Datuk Dr Mahfodz Mohamed winning the chief and vice-chief posts unopposed, respectively.
Contest however seems to be shaping up for the Ulama deputy chief between Hashim Jasin and Datuk Ahmad Yaakob.
The party selection committee chairman Datuk Mustafa Ali had last week announced possible contest for the party deputy and vice president post in an election he agreed to be more “intense” compared to years past.
Candidates have until May 25 to confirm their intention to contest.
Analysts had pointed out that the party election could be decisive to tune up the future direction of the party from its traditional rightist inclination to the centre.
PAS with its allies People’s Justice Party (KeADILan) and Democratic Action Party currently controlled 82 out of Malaysian 222 parliamentary seats after the landmark March 8 election last year which denied the ruling Barisan Nasional coalition its two-third majority for the first time in almost four decades.- ES _
In connection with the recent court decision to acquit the suspect Abdul Razak Baginda, the Minister for Exterrnal Relations of Mongolia Mr. S.Batbold has sent another letter addressed to the Foreign Minister of Malaysia Mr. Rice Yatim requesting the latter to pay attention to and render support for ensuring conditions for a final court decision free from politics and other side influence.
The letter carries a statement by Mongolia’s Government testifying that it will have a strong reasoning for turning to the international court in order to defend rights and interests of its citizen if the court’s final decision results in unfair trial and proceedings.
Statement: Tourism Minister misled Parliament, says state exco
November 5, 2008
Press Statement
5 November 2008
TOURISM MINISTER MISLED PARLIAMENT
APOLOGISE OR BE REFERRED TO HOUSE COMMITTEE OF PRIVILEGES
I am aghast by the false statements made by the Minister for Tourism, Azalina Othman during Question Time in Parliament on Tuesday 4 November 2008, which were aired live on RTM1 and reported by major newspapers and blogs today.
From the news reports, she had misled the august House, among other misleading information, on the following:-
- That I did not attend the opening of the Ministry of Tourism’s launch of ‘ZOOM’ (‘No party sentiments in promoting tourism’, Bernama, 5 November 2008)
- That I was invited to Pulau Carey during the Minister’s visit there. (‘Pelancongan: Negeri pembangkang tidak dipinggir, Utusan Malaysia ms 8, 5 November 2008)
- That I lied to the Honourable Member of Parliament Shah Alam, Khalid Samad (‘We’re fair to all states: Azalina’, The SUN, page 6, 5 November 2008)
For the record, I was present at the Ministry’s launch of ‘ZOOM’ where Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi graced the event. The Exco for Tourism from Kedah, Penang and I even had the opportunity to speak to the Prime Minister, who was seated on the next table.
The Minister challenged me to prove that I was never invited to Pulau Carey in her programme there (Berita Harian, 5 November 2008). Allow me to state publicly that I was never invited to Pulau Carey by the Minister. In fact the Minister herself has never stepped foot officially on Pulau Carey.
In Selangor, the Minister has visited the following sites – Batu Caves, Pulau Ketam and Royal Gallery Klang. On those occasions, I was left out on purpose, whereas by convention, I should have been informed to host or to to accompany the Minister.
Similarly, I have never received an invitation to programmes organised by the Selangor Tourism Action Council (MTPN-Selangor).
It is an open secret that since the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ministry and state governments was cancelled after the General Elections, and with the chairmanship of the State Tourism Action Councils in the 5 Pakatan Rakyat states relegated to BN officials, there has been very limited communication and cooperation of the Ministry with Pakatan Rakyat states.
Even the General Manager of the Selangor Tourism Action Council, when invited to meet me for discussions on tourism matters, was too frightened to meet officially. In the end, he only spoke to me on a personal basis.
The disconnect between the state governments and State Tourism Action Councils is glaringly unproductive and unhealthy for the nation. Further, the signal sent to the tourism industry is extremely negative and jeopardises the tradition of close collaboration of the state government with related government agencies.
I do not wish to prolong this unnecessary protracted war of words with the Minister. It has been 7 months since we took office, and the Minister should be looking into revamping the current communication channels to foster closer and productive ties with state governments. To carry on in this current mode of operations and communications is detrimental to the nation.
Nonetheless, Pakatan Rakyat states’ Excos on tourism will continue to soldier on despite the odds, as we are mindful of the national importance of tourism to the economic health and wealth of the nation.
Tourism is a national agenda and all parties should be mindful that success in this sector needs proper official channels and access to plans, programmes and decision-making by the state governments to the Ministry of Tourism. Political interference serves only personal agendas. To this end, I have from very beginning, instructed state officials, including local councils, to cooperate fully with the Ministry of Tourism.
I call on the Minister to apologise publicly as her statements, assertions and insinuations have gravely affected my credibility and that of the Selangor state government. Failure to do so will compel me to refer the Minister to the House Committee of Privileges for censure.
Released by,
Elizabeth Wong
EXCO for Tourism, Consumer Affairs and Environment
Selangor State Government
08 AUGUST 2008, PETALING JAYA, MALAYSIA
[read online] [watch video]
I promise that under a Pakatan Rakyat government Malaysians will never again be subjected to such gross abuse of executive power as we are again witnessing today. Arbitrary arrest and detention, frivolous investigation and malicious prosecutions shall be a thing of the past. Police officers and prosecutors who launch conspiracies to defame and humiliate the innocent will be severely punished. The use of police powers as well the office of the Attorney General to persecute political opponents will be criminalized so as to ensure a healthy and vibrant democracy where dissent is not only tolerated but nurtured.
In this regard every Malaysian’s fundamental liberties will be treated as sacrosanct and safeguarded by a truly independent judiciary guided by principles of utmost integrity and an adherence to the spirit of the federal constitution.
The politically motivated trial launched against me will, Insha’Allah, be the last of its kind. No Malaysian will suffer from this cruel injustice ever again.
Yesterday’s events confirm my innocence from the charges that recently surfaced. The medical report and statutory declaration by Dr. Osman Abdul Hamid of the Pusrawi Hospital that surfaced on Thursday shatter lingering doubts as to whether the alleged act ever took place. Dr. Osman’s statement also confirms what we have already stated regarding deplorable actions by the police to fabricate evidence in a manner identical to the manipulation of my case in 1998. Anything short of a thorough investigation into the mishandling of this investigation would further tarnish the credibility of the police.
The doctor’s personal safety is a matter of deep concern to us. Material witnesses in high-profile cases in Malaysia have gone missing in the past such as the PI Balasubramanian. I applaud those brave individuals who have demonstrated their commitment to freedom and justice by coming forward with important evidence, and call upon the authorities to ensure their protection.
Yesterday in court we learned that the prosecution’s case has, in a manner similar to the botched trials of 1998, shape-shifted from a charge of assault to one of a consensual act. The conspiracy launched against me in the final week of June 2008 is falling apart. There is a hasty attempt by some to patch up glaring holes in the complainant’s testimony. This will certainly fail given the preponderance of evidence confirming my innocence.
The Prime Minister has actively involved himself in this matter in an attempt to derail the process of transformational change in Malaysia and stave off his own political demise. But in soiling his hands with this sordid matter he has deepened the crisis within his own administration. His most ardent supporters among the Malays have also expressed their disgust with the matter. Furthermore Prime Minister Badawi now faces investigation by the Anti Corruption Agency for his involvement in corruption and money politics.
The shadow of corruption and mismanagement of the economy darkens the legacy of his Premiership. Prime Minister Badawi has still offered no convincing explanation over the huge profits reaped by his family in the Oil For Food scandal at the expense of dying Iraqis.
I advise those around him to leave the sinking ship of his leadership while there is still a chance to do so.
Pakatan Rakyat’s reform agenda is firmly back on track and the New Dawn for Malaysia is well within reach. We will mount a unified campaign to win in Permatang Pauh with a solid majority encompassing that constituency’s diverse population. I look forward to entering Parliament on August 27th with the support of my friends in the coalition.
ANWAR IBRAHIM
6 AUGUST 2008, PETALING JAYA, MALAYSIA
This morning the Malaysian Election Commission announced nomination and polling day for the by-election that I will contest in Permatang Pauh. I look forward to the campaign period to meet with voters in my home constituency. I invite all Malaysians to join me in this historic campaign to bring forth a New Dawn for Malaysia as we work together to build a more peaceful and prosperous nation.
At the same time we would reiterate our longstanding concerns about the integrity of the electoral process. To this date, the evidence of phantom voters and ballot box stuffing has yet to be addressed by the Election Commission. The poor handling of the use of indelible ink in the General Elections gives all Malaysians, particularly those in Permatang Pauh, reason to be concerned about the conduct of polling this month. I urge the Election Commission to take this opportunity to restore some credibility to its reputation by fulfilling its constitutional mandate to ensure that voting is fair and unbiased.
On a darker note, I regret to say that I fear an enormous injustice is about to be perpetrated upon the Malaysian people, worse than those actions taken in 1988 and 1998 which rendered almost irreparable harm against the institutions of democracy and the rule of law. While some individuals suffered greatly by those actions, the Malaysian people have been the greatest losers.
Tomorrow I will be charged with a crime I did not commit. The real criminals will, in their efforts to humiliate me and to derail the people’s aspirations for transformational change in Malaysia, hide behind a smokescreen created by the government controlled mainstream media.
This travesty of justice will take place. It will happen with the active support and the criminal involvement of the highest echelons of the police and politicians—including the office of the Prime Minister.
We have been informed that the Attorney General’s chambers has advised against charging me after having studying the investigation papers. Despite its views, some individuals within the Police have insisted on pursuing this case even though the legal professionals in the AG’s Chambers take a different view.
The evidence proves that the accuser lied in his initial report. He has been seen to be working in close collaboration with the police, [he named two high ranking police personnel here] to conspire against me in 1998. Other witnesses in this matter have been threatened and harassed in order to fabricate evidence. Doctors appear to have been pressured to violate all norms of medical ethics. Senior Ministers, in their comments about the case, have demonstrated their consistent interference in the investigation.
We are also informed that some individuals within the Prime Minister’s close circles are adamant about pursuing this case. Their involvement further undermines the credibility of the case and proves that the entire conspiracy hatched against me is politically motivated.
Today the Prime Minister faces a crisis of confidence. His approval ratings have plummeted since the March elections and senior members of the Barisan Nasional have joined Pakatan Rakyat in droves. The economy under his abysmal management has reached its lowest ebb in decades and all signs point to further weakening. And just yesterday prominent UMNO members have initiated an investigation into his own involvement in corruption and money politics. This is a man under siege – and he sees no way out but to deflect the attention of the Malaysian people with a sham trial against me.
He is now burning the forest to save his own tree!
I have thus far constrained my criticism of the Prime Minister to his failed policies and general incompetence in leading the nation. But now it is clear that his vendetta against those who would seek his early dismissal from office knows no boundaries and will transgress all limits of the rule of law.
I hold the Prime Minister personally responsible for the damage that is about to be done to the nation and to the integrity and dignity of the Malays.
Our international standing, recently lambasted by prominent leaders from around the world, will plummet even further. Overseas investors are already deeply skeptical about Malaysia on account of its reputation for deeply engrained corruption and economic inefficiency. They will certainly be further dissuaded from any further activity in Malaysia. The continued decline in the economy will lead to greater unemployment and rampant stagflation.
I will fight this with the hope and energy of the people who have supported reformasi in Malaysia. I will not allow this cowardly attack to derail Pakatan Rakyat’s agenda for change. Insha’Allah we will win in Permatang Pauh. Insha’Allah we will win convincingly. I look forward to joining my colleagues in the Parliament to prepare for the historic transition that the country is eagerly awaiting.
ANWAR IBRAHIM
Report: Doctor is only a GP, says hospital
July 30, 2008
KUALA LUMPUR, July 30(PATC): A private hospital here today pointed out that the leaked medical report on former aide of former deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who alleged being sodomised, was only done by a general practitioner.
Pusrawi Hospital Manager Wan Mahmud Wan Yaakob said Dr. Muhammad Osman Abdul Hamid was not a specialist but only a general practitioner stationed at the hospital Emergency Unit.
In a press conference also attended by its medical director Dr. Kamarudin Ahmad, Wan Mahmud also indicated that the medical officer did not purposely examine Mohd Saiful Anwar solely for sodomy.
Wan Mahmud said Saiful had gone to the hospital complaining of pain in the stomach and anus and that Dr. Muhammad Osman had advised the former to undergo further examination at a government hospital.
A leaked medical report by the doctor however ruled out assault of sodomy.
Wan Mahmud also said the hospital has not released any official reports pertaining to the case and gave assurance that the hospital would always abide by medical ethics and that the leaked was the first of its kind.
Looks the same
When repeatedly quizzed on the authenticity of the leaked medical record Wan Mahmud said it “looks the same, contents are the same” with the original copy in the hospital possession, but added that an internal investigation was still deliberating on the matter.
He said a decision as well as the possible culprit who leaked the record would be identified in a week’s time.
Wan Mahmud said Dr Muhammad Osman has been working with the hospital since early this year and was due to come back from his leave on Monday.
He also revealed that there were two doctors attending to Saiful and this explained two different hand writings on the leaked medical report but he did not revealed the identity of the first attending female doctor.
Dr. Kamarudin said Muhammad was also questioned by the police for two hours about two week ago.
Hospital Pusrawi was thrust into the limelight following media reports on the findings of the doctor who examined Saiful on June 28. Saiful had filed a police report accusing Anwar Ibrahim of sodomising him.
/end.
Report: Grassroots protest postpone indefinitely
July 25, 2008
KUALA LUMPUR, July 25(PATC): A source told PATC that the grassroots protest scheduled this afternoon against talks(muzakarah) between PAS and UMNO has been postponed. The source however said that the grassroots would keep tab of any development regarding the talks.
