Supporting Bersih 2.0: It’s personal
By Hafidz Baharom
June 21, 2011 | The Malaysian Insider
JUNE 21 — 2008 was the first time I voted, and this was in the state of Selangor, in its capital city of Shah Alam. At the time, I was given the choice, in terms of Parliament members, of either voting for a person the same age as John McCain who had been given a “safe” seat, or vote for a person whose brother in Johore is as honest and true to his conscience in voting.
Of course, one point against the latter was that he was from PAS. However, when you have an 80-year-old aunt from Wangsa Maju suddenly calling you to vote for Umno, you know something’s up, right?
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Call on leaders of all BN component parties to join in the Bersih 2.0 rally on July 9
I would like to call on the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Razak, Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, Cabinet Ministers and leaders of all Barisan Nasional component parties to come forward to join in the Bersih 2.0 rally on July 9 to support the civil society initiative for free and fair elections.
Let July 9 be a historic day in Malaysia to celebrate the coming-of-age of 54 years of parliamentary democracy where political parties, both ruling and opposition, together with the civil society, can come together to address the major defects of our democratic system of governance – the many serious flaws of the electoral system failing to give real meaning to the principle of “one person, one vote, one value”; a clean, free and fair election process and elected government hich commands unquestioned credibility, legitimacy and authority.
I am sure representatives from Barisan Nasional parties would be welcomed to join the Bersih 2.0 steering committee to ensure that the July 9 Bersih 2.0 rally will be an event all Malaysians regardless of political affiliation would feel proud as a Malaysian. Read the rest of this entry »
EC chief, it’s too little, too late
Malaysiakini Your Say | Jun 21, 11 9:09am
‘The EC under your watch has been arrogant and blatantly partisan and refused to even look at the mountains of evidence of widespread electoral fraud.’
EC prepared to meet Bersih if it scraps rally
Anak Bangsa Malaysia: Too little, too late, Election Commission chief Abdul Aziz Yusof. Only when faced by the unstoppable wrath of the people do you even give the impression of getting off your high horse.
The EC under your watch has been arrogant and blatantly partisan. You refused to even look at the mountains of evidence collected by multiple parties showing widespread electoral fraud – not just in the recent Sarawak state elections but also in numerous previous by-elections.
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How long will Hisham let Ibrahim run amok?
Posted by Kit in Hishammuddin, Perkasa, Police, UMNO on Tuesday, 21 June 2011, 11:00 am
Malaysiakini Your Say | Jun 21, 11
‘It appears Ibrahim Ali has now been mandated by Najib to set in motion the events to realise the counting of ‘crushed bodies’ in their defence of Putrajaya.’
Bar Council: Use Sedition Act against Ibrahim Ali
Rubystar_4037: Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein, if you are doing your job, then you should know that Ibrahim Ali is a clear and present danger to the harmony and peaceful existence of all rakyat in Malaysia.
Ibrahim knows that the Home Ministry will not touch him, Utusan Malaysia will fan his fiery brimstone speeches, Dr Mahathir Mohamad is behind him, that he has tremendous value to Umno, the RMP (Royal Malaysian Police) will not arrest him, he will not be put under the ISA and that he is above the law.
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Bersih vs Bising
By Zunar
Bersih 2.0 to EC: Enough talk, now we walk
Hafiz Yatim | Jun 20, 11 6:36pm
Malaysiakini
The Coalition for a Free and Fair Election (Bersih 2.0) movement will proceed with its march on July 9 despite attempts by the Election Commission (EC) dissuade them from proceeding by offering a dialogue.
Bersih 2.0 chairperson Ambiga Sreenevasan (right) said the movement’s representatives have already met the EC with its proposals for electoral reform before but there had been no progress.
“We thank the EC for the invitation but the time for talk and discussion has passed. This is due the reports of blatant abuses in the recent elections in Sarawak and in view of the impending general election.
“The EC’s continued assertions that they have no power to act in the face of such abuses and the information that the suggestions they have made to the government for reform have met with no success gives us little hope in further discussion,” she said. Read the rest of this entry »
Ready for psychological warfare
Posted by Kit in State Assembly on Monday, 20 June 2011, 10:13 pm
By Samuel Aubrey
June 20, 2011 | Borneo Post
KUCHING: State BN elected representatives have braced themselves for a possible massive ‘onslaught’ by the opposition during the eight-day State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting which starts today.
Chief Minister and State BN chairman Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud told reporters yesterday that they (BN assemblymen) were now prepared to respond to members from the opposition in the august House. Read the rest of this entry »
Kit Siang demands action against Perkasa
By Joseph Sipalan
Jun 20, 11 | MalaysiaKini
Senior opposition parliamentarian Lim Kit Siang (DAP-Ipoh Timor) today demanded that the government take a clear position on Perkasa and its recent string of allegedly seditious statements against the upcoming Bersih 2.0 rally this July 9.
In trademark style, Lim (left) made clear his incredulity over Perkasa’s controversial behaviour as he hammered both the government and the right wing Malay rights NGO for the growing tension surrounding the planned mass gathering. Read the rest of this entry »
Refugee swap: Still no human rights commitment
Posted by Kit in Human Rights on Monday, 20 June 2011, 5:52 pm
By Aliran
June 20, 2011 | The Malaysian Insider
JUNE 20 — Asylum seekers in Malaysia have never had any guarantee of safety in this country as Malaysian immigration laws do not recognise those granted official UNHCR refugee status. This month, as in years past, is the month of the refugee. World Refugee Day falls on 20 June, a day significant to all refugees and asylum seekers hoping to be freed from fear and danger to life and liberty.
Yet, what Malaysia has to offer asylum seekers has always been less than a safe place. Asylum seekers and refugees constantly remain at risk of arrest, detention and human rights violations in this country, which some see as a shade better than where they came from. Read the rest of this entry »
One refugee without hope is too many
Posted by Kit in Human Rights on Monday, 20 June 2011, 5:50 pm
By Nora Murat
June 20, 2011 | The Malaysian Insider
JUNE 20 — Whirring helicopter blades, cast a mini tornado over the mass of humanity below. Outstretched hands from rooftops reached towards the magnificent soaring machine.
As its silhouette shrunk into the horizon, the many bodies pressed against one another slumped in exhaustion. Nevertheless, hope like morning dew on the parched surface of nature continued to balm their panic.
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Is asking for free and fair elections too much?
By The Malaysian Insider
June 20, 2011 | The Malaysian Insider
JUNE 20 — The Bersih 2.0 has attracted its fair share of supporters and detractors, especially those who believe that Malaysians shouldn’t march or assemble for a series of demands and causes that will lead to greater democracy.
Perkasa’s curiously named Gerak Aman movement, which ironically said it won’t be responsible for any violence if Bersih 2.0 continues with its July 9 march, believes it, too, will exercise its democratic right to march on that day. Read the rest of this entry »
DAP: Inaction on Perkasa shows Umno’s true colours
Malaysiakini | Jun 20, 11
Umno’s inaction over Perkasa chief Ibrahim Ali’s allegedly seditious and racist statement yesterday, has showed its true colours as a party that survives on racial division, said DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng.
In a statement today, Lim (left) said Ibrahim had raised the threat of another May 13, by proclaiming himself a ‘war general’ and warning of severe repercussions for the Chinese community if they proceed with the Bersih march.
“Never before in Malaysian history has anyone issued such an irresponsible and racist statement by calling on a certain community to stock up on food. Such a remark is clearly unacceptable by every peace-loving Malaysian,” read the statement.
Lim then directed his fire at Umno for its inaction on Ibrahim.
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DAP takes offence at pig snout comic book
Posted by Kit in 1Malaysia, Najib Razak on Monday, 20 June 2011, 4:49 pm
By K Pragalath | June 20, 2011
Free Malaysia Today
PETALING JAYA: DAP secretary general Lim Guan Eng and veteran DAP leader Lim Kit Siang criticised the Prime Minister’s press secretary, Akmar Hisham Mokhles on how he portrayed the Chinese in a comic book.
Guan Eng who has apparently not see the book said: “If it is true, it is an act of self delusion and mass deception. I am utterly shocked.”
Guan Eng who is also the Penang Chief Minister said: “It is utterly deplorable, and unacceptable.
The criticism against Akmar comes following the depiction of the Chinese with pig snouts in a comic book entitled Transformasi Najib that Akmar authored.
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DAP faults Umno for Perkasa threats
Posted by Kit in Election, Lim Guan Eng, Post-2008 general election, UMNO on Monday, 20 June 2011, 4:42 pm
By Debra Chong
June 20, 2011 | The Malaysian Insider
KUALA LUMPUR, June 20 — DAP’s Lim Guan Eng pronounced Umno guilty today of fanning racial and religious strife for its tacit support of Perkasa’s “Nazi-like” threat against ethnic Chinese ahead of three massive — and conflicting — marches on July 9.
The DAP secretary-general further accused the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) lynchpin of being “politically bankrupt” for resorting to provocation to cover its own shortcomings.
Lim pointed out Umno and the BN government have been deflecting questions on health and environmental safety over Australian miner Lynas Corp’s RM700 million rare earths project in Pahang and the Tourism Ministry’s RM1.8million Facebook scandal. Read the rest of this entry »
Kit Siang slams inaction over Ibrahim’s veiled threats
By Debra Chong | June 20, 2011
The Malaysian Insider
KUALA LUMPUR, June 20 — Calling it the most “bloodcurdling and incendiary” statement made in public, DAP’s Lim Kit Siang questioned today Putrajaya’s silence against Perkasa’s warning to ethnic Chinese to “stay home” and “stock up on food” on July 9.
Perkasa president Datuk Ibrahim Ali, who founded the grassroots Malay nationalist group, had yesterday launched a counter-strike to the July 9 public rally organised by electoral reform group Bersih 2.0.
There, he declared “If the Bersih rally is not cancelled… I believe the Chinese community will have to stock up on food”.
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Fleeing talent would stay for family, survey finds
Posted by Kit in Brain drain on Monday, 20 June 2011, 12:53 pm
By Yow Hong Chieh | June 20, 2011
The Malaysian Insider
KUALA LUMPUR, June 20 — Only one in 50 Malaysians seeking greener pastures overseas will consider staying to contribute to national interest, a Jobstreet survey has shown.
Half of those who intend to go abroad — who made up 87 per cent of those surveyed — told the recruitment company they were, however, willing to remain here for family.
The Jobstreet poll also confirmed that higher pay (42 per cent), better career prospects (24 per cent) and children’s education (13 per cent) were the primary reasons for Malaysia’s ongoing brain drain.
Other respondents said they wished to explore travel opportunities (nine per cent) and follow their spouses (three per cent).
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Tikus Makmal in a Natural Experiment?
Posted by Kit in environment, Health on Monday, 20 June 2011, 11:26 am
By Chan Chee Khoon, ScD (Epidemiology)
On June 7, 2011, in a live interview with CNN, Arnie Gundersen, a licensed nuclear power engineer with 39 years experience in managing and coordinating projects at 70 nuclear power plants in the US, noted that with the prevailing wind patterns after the Fukushima disaster’s radioactive discharges, air filter monitors in Seattle detected about half the level of “hot” (radioactive) suspended fine particulates as were detected in the air over Tokyo, 7700 km away.
Gundersen didn’t clarify what the baseline level of airborne radioactive particulates in Seattle was, pre-Fukushima, but if the measured levels in April 2011 were indeed largely blown over from Fukushima, it’s very sobering considering that Kuantan and Kemaman are within a 28 km radius of the Lynas rare earths refinery being built at Gebeng, which will be handling rare earth concentrates ground and milled into a fine powder for acid extraction at the plant.
The ARE experience from Bukit Merah in the 1980s tells us that beyond the dust-generating cracking, grinding and milling operations, powdery thorium cake waste was also spilling onto roads during transportation, during packing and unpacking, loading and unloading, and children were frequently playing in the vicinity of exposed mounds of the waste. Indeed, the thorium waste was reportedly offered to local farmers as fertiliser.
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Bersih 2.0 launch: The show must go on
By Hazlan Zakaria | Jun 19, 11
Malaysiakini
To a clatter of drums and flashing placards, Bersih 2.0 chief S Ambiga launched the eight point demands of the free and fair elections advocacy coalition in Kuala Lumpur tonight.
The eight point demand will spearhead the massive Bersih 2.0 ‘Walk For Democracy’ planned for July 9 that has been hot topic all of last week.
Ambiga’s speech was read to the thunderous applause and cheers of the over 700 activists, civil society and NGO members crammed into the Kuala Lumpur Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall.
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It’s clear, Ibrahim Ali out to create chaos
Malaysiakini Your Say | Jun 20, 11
‘Ibrahim Ali is openly threatening racial violence against the Chinese community. As usual, we expect the home minister to do absolutely nothing.’
Anything can happen on July 9, Perkasa warns
Anonymous_40a7: “I believe the Chinese community, many of them, will have to stock up on food at home,” said Perkasa chief Ibrahim Ali.
Is that a thinly veiled threat against the Chinese community, Ibrahim? You should be charged under ISA for this… oh wait, I forgot he’s untouchable.
By the way, I feel bad for the people of Pasir Mas who voted for this bigot because instead of having a person who serves his constituency faithfully, they ended up with someone who is hell bent on destroying everyone he doesn’t see eye to eye.
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Malaysia in the Era of Globalization #70
Posted by Kit in Bakri Musa, globalisation on Monday, 20 June 2011, 11:15 am
Chapter 8: Culture, Institutions, and Leadership
Lack of Checks and Balances in Malaysian Leadership
One unhealthy trend in the Malaysian leadership is the increasing concentration of power and the consequent absence of checks and balances. Invariably this leads to the lack of accountability and potential abuse. It is not so much that power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely, as Lord Acton had put it, rather we do not have a system that prevents the inherently corrupt from becoming powerful.
Consider that Mahathir is not only the chief executive (Prime Minister) of the country; he is also the leader of his party, chairman of a number of government corporations, as well as being the finance minister! With the lack of an effective system of checks and balances, such a structure is a set up for either spectacular achievement given a competent, honest and humble leader, or the destruction of the country given a lesser mortal.
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