Former Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad has challenged the government to charge him following the report of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the Lingam Video Clip scandal.
Dare the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, pick up the gauntlet?
This is the AFP report of Mahathir’s cdare:
Malaysia’s Mahathir challenges govt to charge him
JOHOR BAHRU, Malaysia (AFP) — Malaysia’s former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad on Saturday challenged the government to charge him for his alleged involvement in a judge-fixing scandal during his rule.
The government on Friday released a report that found evidence of an “insidious” conspiracy to influence the appointment of judges and had listed Mahathir, along with other top figures, as being involved.
Following the release of the report, Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi’s cabinet agreed for the attorney-general’s chambers to immediately investigate the allegations against those identified in the report, including Mahathir.
“I welcome it,” the 82-year-old influential leader said at a meeting in southern Johor state.
“I want them to charge me in court. Only then will I have the opportunity to expose more conflicts faced by the judges, including those who have implicated me,” he told reporters.
The report was prepared by a royal commission that investigated a video clip allegedly showing top lawyer V.K. Lingam brokering judge appointments.
“We are of the view that there was, conceivably, an insidious movement by (V.K. Lingam) with the covert assistance of his close friends,” it said, citing business tycoon Vincent Tan — Mahathir’s close associate — and secretary general of the ruling United Malays National Organisation, Tengku Adnan.
“In the process, Tun Mahathir Mohamad was also entangled,” the report said, referring to the man who ruled Malaysia with an iron fist for 22 years.
The report said there was “sufficient cause” to invoke laws including those on sedition and corruption against “some of the principal individuals involved.” But it did not specify who should face prosecution.
During the commission inquiry, Mahathir testified that he was not influenced by his associates when he selected judges.
His arch foe and former deputy premier, Anwar Ibrahim, unleashed a furore last year by releasing the clip, which apparently showed Lingam telling a person identified as former chief justice Ahmad Fairuz that that he would put him forward for a top job.
#1 by Mr Smith on Sunday, 18 May 2008 - 10:39 am
“Judges Beware! Mahathir has regained his memory”.
Here is my take on his sudden ability to remember.
http://mrsmith2.blogspot.com/
#2 by madmix on Sunday, 18 May 2008 - 11:19 am
What can you charge TDM with??? Under the law, the PM has the power to appoint judges after consultations with CJ etc. He is under no obligation to accept anyone’s recommendation. If he is influenced Adnan’s or Vincent Tan’s recommendations, that is also legal. If he decides to do lucky draw, that is also legal.
TDM knows very well he cannot be found guilty if charged. Besides if he is charged, there will be chaos in UMNO.
#3 by ch on Sunday, 18 May 2008 - 11:20 am
Dear All,
We should rejoice as Dr. Mahathir is willing to testify and would seize every given opportunity to explain himself in court. He would also attempt to clear himself from all charges and be once again proven that he has done no wrong during his 22 years reign. We can also seize the opprtunity how many times he would “out-remember” everyone instead of “out-forgetting” them.
It is once in a life-time opportunity.
#4 by kentutoyol on Sunday, 18 May 2008 - 11:43 am
The A-G will decide the next cause of action. Previously, Mahathir had forgotten almost everything. People excuse him ‘cos at his age it is not uncommon. The release of the commission findings has suddenly put back his memories and most willing to testify. Mahathir after all is not a “Melayu mudah lupa” gentleman. The ball is now at the A-G side.
#5 by ADAM YONG IBNI ABDULLAH on Sunday, 18 May 2008 - 11:51 am
Since , everone is happy to see Yabhg Tun to be charged. Than he will charged.
He will be charged at the session court at PJ New town. Nope, wrong jurisdiction, he should be charged at POJ, Nope , wrong again. So, it got to be at Jalan Duta. Ok.
Presiding Judge ( conflict of Interest) as the current Attorney General ) who is the boss, Ybhg Tun ‘s appointed Legal advisor. The lawyer representing Ybhd Tun, will argue, it is prejudicial to his client.
The Judiciary will have to find one judge who has no whatsoever during his/her tenure that has anything to do with Tun. Let ‘s be serious, all would have something to do with Tun.
Now, even if we find one presiding Judge ( high court ). Imagine the list of potential witnessess that Ybhg Tun has to offer. This list will certainly pales the Commission of Judiciary Inquiry report.
Among the TOP on the List will be Yab DAtuk Seri Abdullah Mohammad . (tHE OIL FOR FOOD) .malaysians really have short short memory.
#6 by Godfather on Sunday, 18 May 2008 - 11:57 am
Q: What’s the difference between Nik Aziz, Mahathir and Badawi?
A: Nik Aziz can’t tell a lie, Mahathir can’t tell the truth, and Badawi can’t tell the difference.
#7 by wtf2 on Sunday, 18 May 2008 - 11:58 am
the mamat is playing the racial card to get rid of bodowi.
If najis goes along the situation about this stupid “ketuanan” tag will get overboard.
When people are a master of a certain skill they are called “guru” not tuan
#8 by ADAM YONG IBNI ABDULLAH on Sunday, 18 May 2008 - 12:03 pm
YB lim, where is the presumption ” innocent until proven guilty “.
Are we not having a trial by internet.?
Even Yb Karpal made that statement yesterday.
The Star reported that “the Bar Counsel mulls new charges against Lingham. The counsel had earlier lodged a complaint of misconduct against the lawyer arising rom the contents of the video clip, when it had first surface last year.”
members of the bar, what was the result of the complaint?
nfa too.
#9 by ADAM YONG IBNI ABDULLAH on Sunday, 18 May 2008 - 12:09 pm
dear wtf2,
must be related to undergrad2.
which party in BN does not play the racial card?
do you need to use the word M…..t?
#10 by lovemalaysiaforever on Sunday, 18 May 2008 - 12:09 pm
Let the titans fights among themselves in court..this is the way it shuould be if they want to proof themselves are clean. It is actually a good start then the next will follow up for Najib if he want to prove his capability. GOOD START!
Secondly, Tun M is playing with is silly racial card in Johor just will cause more defects to the nation. See chedet dot come about his “Ketuanan Melayu” recent agenda. What is he up to?? Create another chaos?? This is already century 2000.
Hopes that the younger generations of Malays are mature enough with their mentality thinking. The real enemy is other’s countries like US and British not within Malaysia. History is history and we do not live in the past. What is the true meaning of Merdeka? It is the unity among our nations, no point reading the past and reciting the past all the time and it serves no purpose at all….
Malaysia is constantly moving ahead with global challenges why kill among ourselves in our own country??? It is absolutely insane and his statements makes loses for his own supports. It is the silliest thing he spoke in Johor. It HURTS FEELINGS of all the Non-Malays after 50 years of Independency. If Malays want a better future the “RACIST ” issue must be ABOLISH IMMEDIATELY. Prove that Malay are mature and not silly. Do not forget the contributions and sacrifices of all Non-Malays in this country!!!
Sorry and sad to say Tun have made his big mistakes again.
PR must WIN! Many have totally lost hope this time because the goverment and the former ministers have totally ignorance of the Non-Malays!
It is time for all Non-Malays to unite and WAKE UP! Perpaduan and equal is all we want and fighting for. The mission is not ended yet.
Please don’t wait and do nothing for our future generations.
We want a brighter future and not living in the past! Even PAS knows how to respect and appreciate the non-malays contributions, sacrifices and hard work. We non-malays are NOT “Buruh” and owes nothing. We deserves to live in equal and in harmony!
#11 by ADAM YONG IBNI ABDULLAH on Sunday, 18 May 2008 - 12:12 pm
dear caishen,
hungry ghost festival has another 75 days to go.
HAPPY WESAK CELEBRATION TO ALL MALAYSIAN OF BUDDHIST FAITH.
#12 by boh-liao on Sunday, 18 May 2008 - 1:01 pm
Suddenly our number 1 racist got his memories back again!
True to himself, he is playing the race card again, calling Malays to watch out against non-Malays, otherwise the latter will take over the former!
His children, all with MM initials, should wear T-shirts that declare: “My father manipulates race – Proud of it” and “My father, a staunch supporter of Robert Mugabe – Proud of it”.
#13 by k1980 on Sunday, 18 May 2008 - 1:20 pm
“My father is a mamak – NOT Proud of it”
#14 by blablowbla on Sunday, 18 May 2008 - 1:29 pm
the old-horse is an extremist and racist,he criticizes iskandar mega project of bringing- in 500,000 chinese ppl by singapore gomen,and enable singapore to achieve 10 million population (5,000,000 + 500,000 = 10 million?,crazy!),and on top of that,he was the culprit who implemented the open citizenship for indons and phillipinos in sabah,with the condition that they vote BN!(if this accusation is true,he shall be detained under ISA now,take-away his TUNship,charge him too for the judicial scandals!)
#15 by limkamput on Sunday, 18 May 2008 - 1:33 pm
Judging from the statements made my TDM, he is putting up defence even before he is charged. This is how desperate he is. Look, he is not as smart as most would labelled him. For 22 years, he only has power that came with the premiership but he mistook it as his prowess and intellectual capability. I agree with most here their characterisation of TDM – racist, tribal and dictatorial. We knew long ago, but as I said, power is always right in Malaysia. Think again, TDM, even AAB is powerful and as smart as you now, am I right? All of you are just third world tribal leaders!
#16 by jameselva on Sunday, 18 May 2008 - 1:47 pm
The poor old man is in a mix now.Brave talk & brave face as your BBC interview.God bless you now
#17 by pulau_sibu on Sunday, 18 May 2008 - 1:57 pm
People who play with the fire will be burnt by fire.
People who played with ISA will be under ISA.
So I think it is best to let Abdullah charge Mahathir under ISA, since Mahathir loved it so much and executed ISA numerous times. Overall, they are both byproducts of ISA.
#18 by Cinapek on Sunday, 18 May 2008 - 2:07 pm
Amidst all these furore of the RCI on Lingamgate, everyone has forgotten about the pressure on the sleepy one to step down.
He has the last chuckle. He has created the perfect diversion. Let you guys go after TDM and he can sit back and enjoy the breaking of scandal after scandal while buying time to cement his position. With TDM backtracking to cover his backside, AAB is free to complete his task of salvaging his poisiton and consolidating his power. Sigh!! A good student of Sun Tzi’s Art of War.
#19 by taxpayer on Sunday, 18 May 2008 - 2:59 pm
“Today, the Malays have lost their political power and the non-Malays no longer respect the Malays and the Malay institutions. All the special rights of the Malays are being challenged and questioned. And the Malays cannot do anything to strengthen their position,” he wrote. From The Malaysian Insider.
This is a lie. He is inciting hatred among the races. Will some one make a police report. THis statement is highly seditious.
#20 by cheng on soo on Sunday, 18 May 2008 - 3:15 pm
Look like some racist hope all Malay will suport him if he is charged !
#21 by ShiokGuy on Sunday, 18 May 2008 - 3:36 pm
What Pak Lah will and is doing is removing all TDM pet projects until his legacy are all gone.
Just heard about the Government is removing the support for Proton! Its above time. I have some write up about it in my blog and also doing some comparison!
How nice I can buy a BMW 3 series for RM140K or less, read all about it here
http://shiokguy.blogspot.com/2008/05/rip-proton.html
Shiok Guy
#22 by ShiokGuy on Sunday, 18 May 2008 - 3:39 pm
Wait… I smell something cooking…
Could it be time he want to remove the petrol subsidy?
I dont mind really, let market force decide and I can always cycle to work.
Shiok Guy
#23 by Damocles on Sunday, 18 May 2008 - 4:19 pm
“I say “a little difficult” because there are extra-legal and extra-judicial ways of bringing them to justice.” – Undergrad2
Like what the Israelis did to Eichmann who was abducted in Argentina and subsequently hanged after trial!
That’s real accountability!
#24 by llb_gan on Sunday, 18 May 2008 - 5:59 pm
eik, the old fella suddenly remembers everything that he can, may or has to say. maybe he did not forget any of it in the first place. but that surely cannot be – as he is (as he has always presupposed himself to be) all innocent.
#25 by negarawan on Sunday, 18 May 2008 - 7:46 pm
Mahathir has done great damage to the racial unity of Malaysia. It was because of his racially biased policies that Malaysia has become polarized. Racial and religious bigotry is promoted by UMNO. Now Mahathir is defending “ketuanan Melayu” and using his lame son as his proxy. Malaysia has to move away from communal based politics and policies before further irreversible damage is done!
#26 by undergrad2 on Sunday, 18 May 2008 - 8:03 pm
“Like what the Israelis did to Eichmann who was abducted in Argentina and subsequently hanged after trial!
That’s real accountability!” Damocles
Dispatch a few Mak Foon Than’s to South America would do just fine. No need to enlist the services of Israeli Intelligence!
#27 by undergrad2 on Sunday, 18 May 2008 - 8:19 pm
“Today, the Malays have lost their political power and the non-Malays no longer respect the Malays and the Malay institutions. All the special rights of the Malays are being challenged and questioned” Mahathir said.
Had the same words been uttered by a non-Malay that would be seditious according to the meaning of ‘sedition’ within the Act. However, when uttered by a Malay and a former PM who clearly wished it were not so, who saw his work stretching over two decades go up in flames as a result of recent events, who was merely expressing his disappointment, it is not incitement but a legitimate observation as it has none of the ‘seditious’ tendency referred to under Sec 3 of the Act.
Or is it?
#28 by undergrad2 on Sunday, 18 May 2008 - 8:26 pm
“undergrad2, been away from our country for too long? One cannot simply apply ‘global standards’..” digard
I’m not! That’s why I say it is unlikely to happen under BN rule. I’m not sure if it will happen under Pakatan rule. But I could be wrong.
Going by ‘global standards’ to use your phrase, it is more than enough to bring any government down – which is my point.
#29 by bra888 on Sunday, 18 May 2008 - 8:44 pm
If Dr M were to be convicted, I believe that he should receive severe punishment being that he has a reputation of being the prime minister before.
#30 by Godfather on Sunday, 18 May 2008 - 10:07 pm
Mahathir singlehandedly destroyed the future of Bolehland. God will grant him a long life so that he can see for himself what he has wrought on the country. Of course he will pin the blame on the his incompetent successor, but we all know better. Seeing Bolehland go the way of the Philippines and Myanmar is enough punishment for this megalomaniac.
#31 by Godfather on Sunday, 18 May 2008 - 10:08 pm
Undergrad2:
Isn’t Mak Foon Than already out of jail and enjoying the fruits of his labors ?
#32 by undergrad2 on Sunday, 18 May 2008 - 10:13 pm
“Think again, TDM, even AAB is powerful and as smart as you now..” limkamput
Let’s give the guy some credit la!
Mahathir has a medical degree from University of Malaya in S’pore (now University of S’pore) in the 50s. Badawi is a Malay Studies graduate from University of Malaya in the 60s who couldn’t understand the difference between geometric and arithmetic mean
#33 by undergrad2 on Sunday, 18 May 2008 - 10:17 pm
“Isn’t Mak Foon Than already out of jail and enjoying the fruits of his labors ?” GODFATHER
Latest reports put him on the trail of V.K. Lingam! So that means he’s somewhere in London probably in Luton, otherwise known as “Little India” an hour by train from London.
#34 by limkamput on Sunday, 18 May 2008 - 10:27 pm
Undergrad2,
“Think again, TDM, even AAB is powerful and as smart as you now..” limkamput
The word smart supposed to be “smart” lah, i.e. once you are PM, you are “smart” lah – it does not matter one is Medical graduate from S’pore or a Malay studies graduate from MU or just from an attap school. Make me PM and you shall see whether I am smart or not.
#35 by Jong on Sunday, 18 May 2008 - 11:37 pm
Pardon my ignorance, who’s Mak FoonThan? Not a friend of John Wayne Bobbit eh?
#36 by undergrad2 on Sunday, 18 May 2008 - 11:40 pm
Mak Foon Than was a Jewish agent sent to Hong Kong to clean up the mess left by the Carrian Group.
#37 by undergrad2 on Sunday, 18 May 2008 - 11:43 pm
He is otherwise known as “The Cleaner”.
Now that we have another mess that requires cleaning, I hear a few Mak Foon Thans have been dispatched to all four corners of the globe awaiting fresh instructions.
#38 by Jong on Sunday, 18 May 2008 - 11:48 pm
Then why was he in jail?
#39 by undergrad2 on Sunday, 18 May 2008 - 11:53 pm
He was jailed because he was caught sleeping with Ms. Carrian.
#40 by undergrad2 on Sunday, 18 May 2008 - 11:58 pm
Who is Ms Carrian Lai? She was George Tan’s secretary and he named the Carrian Group after her.
#41 by Jong on Sunday, 18 May 2008 - 11:59 pm
Thanx!
#42 by taxpayer on Monday, 19 May 2008 - 12:07 am
To undergrad2,
Why would a non-malay utter those words, even if he did it can only be his opinion. When those words are uttered by a leader, the intention to incite racial hatred is there.
#43 by undergrad2 on Monday, 19 May 2008 - 1:15 am
Jong,
You must know I was only pulling your leg??
#44 by undergrad2 on Monday, 19 May 2008 - 2:04 am
“He was jailed because he was caught sleeping with Ms. Carrian.”
Since when sleeping with somebody’s mistress is a crime??
Mak Foon Than was a head hunter for MCA sent to Hong Kong to look for a very special kind of talent and ended up in Hong Kong prison for life.
#45 by undergrad2 on Monday, 19 May 2008 - 3:23 am
“Why would a non-malay utter those words, even if he did it can only be his opinion.” taxpayer
Not quite.
If it falls within the ambit of Sub-sec. (e), it is deemed to have that ‘seditious’ tendency referred to under Art.3 of the Sedition Act 1948.
It is both a question of law and fact for the judge alone – unfortunately.
If we have a jury system, the judge gives instructions on the law to the jury and the jury determines if in fact the words are seditious.
#46 by greenacre on Monday, 19 May 2008 - 12:59 pm
Dear undergrad2 malaysia doesn’t have a jury system. In fact it was during Mahathir’s time it was taken off / and appeal to privy council.
#47 by bennylohstocks on Monday, 19 May 2008 - 1:52 pm
Do we a whale of time listening..
DON’T HAVE A WHALE OF A TIME LISTENING