Aftermath of Lina Joy

Uncle Kit gave an excellent piece regarding post Lina Joy and I quote what he says,

"It casts a larger shadow over the national horizon with the country entering the second half-century of nationhood, with increasing doubts among Malaysians about the meaning, permanence, sustainability and viability of constitutional guarantees, civil liberties and fundamental rights.

This is because the Lina Joy case has shattered confidence in the constitutional guarantees on freedom of religion, the Constitution as the supreme law of the land and above all, the sacred Merdeka “Social Contract” underlying the Constitution that Malaysia is a secular nation with Islam as the official religion but not an Islamic state.

Malaysians alarmed at the abandonment of the “Social Contract” principles are fully justified in their concerns, especially when one compares as to what would have happened to a Lina Joy case in the first quarter-century of the nation’s history as compared to today when the nation stands on its 50th year of nationhood!"

This is indeed true, is Malaysia abandoning the Social Contract that exist in the last 50 years for the sake of appeasing to some fanatical work. If the Constitution is supreme than what is the fuss of the whole saga. So they said, a challenge to the Islamic faith. But what Lina did was not about challenging the Islamic faith but basically wanting to just change her religion because she now believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and that is her conviction and nothing else. For example, I love Jesus Christ but that doesn't mean I'm challenging the Islamic faith. The religion of Islam is still the official religion of the Federation of Malaysia said Article 3 of the Constitution. All of us knows that and everybody has the right to profess his or her belief.

As she says through her lawyer after the decision was pronounced and I quote “I am disappointed that the Federal Court is not able to vindicate a simple but important fundamental right that exists in all persons; namely, the right to believe in the religion of one's choice and equally important, the right to marry a person of one's choice and to raise a family in the Malaysia context. The Federal Court has not only denied me that right but to all Malaysians who value fundamental freedoms...”

My heart and my cry goes out with her.

Secondly, I wonder when the Highest Court of this land states that she goes to the Syariah Court, I'm a little bit confuse. If that is the right way wouldn't it be more difficult for her to get an apostasy order. There are two reasons I see the impossibility (i) she is no longer a Muslim as she has proclaimed in a statutory declaration that she has converted to Christianity and as such her avenue is to the Civil Courts to force the NRD to delete the word Islam in her IC. Of course this argument does not sink in but what about (ii) will she really get an apostasy order by the syariah court at the first place. I predict, she may not get an order after all, and that she will first have to be counselled or in a more appropriate word 'rehabilitated'. Put in a god forsaken place like an open jail and be rehabilitated for at least 100 days. And if she does not cooperate a further 20, 40 or 100 days. That in itself will infringe her liberty as an ordinary free person. What about the freedom of conscience and thoughts, the freedom of believing in a God she is convicted of. Is this fair? Will it be fair to her?

Enough is enough!

Thirdly, since the Highest Court has decide there are two avenue, though impossible but why not a try since she has already go to the Federal Court. First, an application to the Federal Court for a review. This will be a humongous task for their lawyers even though the Federal Court has the power to review it's own decision, but certain condition has to be satisfied before leave is granted. Such as a new area of law need to be discussed.

I was surprised since in the Court of Appeal, there is a strong dissenting judgement by Gopal Sri Ram, why not a full panel of five federal judges in the Federal Court. This is not a case of breach of contract or a family matter but it involve many questions of constitutional importance and human rights issues such as the administrative right of the NRD to do what it likes and issues of grave concern regarding religion and the law, freedom of religion, human rights etc.

And Secondly, the role of MPs in Parliament and/or State Assemblymen in various state assemblies to do a turn about in the law making process. There should be some laws amended or make to have a safety net in the administrative system in the government. This is important to curb further abuse from administrative function. In Lina Joy, it involve the National Registration Department. So the role of Parliament in this area is needed to give new light to Administrative laws.

But will that be achieved? I doubt it will

wow on Lina Joy's case

©mStar (Digunakan dengan kebenaran)
Oleh Salhan K. Ahmad

PUTRAJAYA: Orang ramai berbaris sejak jam 7.30 pagi di pintu masuk ke Mahkamah Persekutuan hari ini untuk mengikuti keputusan permohonan Lina Joy, yang telah menganut Kristian, untuk memadamkan perkataan Islam daripada kad pengenalannya.

Bagaimanapun, hanya kira-kira 60 orang termasuk wartawan dan peguam dibenarkan memasuki bangunan makhamah itu di Palace of Justice yang dikawal ketat oleh kira-kira 30 orang anggota polis untuk mengikuti perbicaraan tersebut.

Lebih 300 orang lagi, yang terdiri daripada anggota-anggota kepada gabungan 80 buah pertubuhan Islam membanjiri perkarangan bangunan berkenaan.

Ketua penyelaras kepada kumpulan itu yang dikenali sebagai Pertubuhan-pertubuhan Pembela Islam (Pembela), Khairul Ariffin Mohd Munir berkata mereka mengambil keputusan untuk berhimpun di bangunan mahkamah itu untuk menunjukkan keprihatinan terhadap kes berkenaan.

Anuar Tahir, bekas pemimpin utama Abim dan juga Parti Keadilan Nasional, berdiri (kanan) ketika menyampaikan ucapan kepada penyokong Pembela sebelum keputusan diumumkan. (foto The Star oleh Ibrahim Mokhtar)

Gabungan NGO itu antara lain dianggotai oleh Angkatan Belia Islam Malaysia (Abim), Pertubuhan Jemaah Islah Malaysia (JIM), Persatuan Peguam Syarie Malaysia (PGSM), Peguam Pembela Islam (PPI) dan Yayasan Dakwah Islamiah Malaysia (Yadim).

"Kita cuba untuk terlibat dengan kes ini, Pembela ni kita tubuhkan kerana timbulnya banyak kes atau isu berkaitan Islam," kata Khairul Ariffin, yang juga setiausaha agung Abim, ketika ditemui wartawan.

Jelasnya gabungan berkenaan adalah rangkaian yang lebih besar daripada Gabungan NGO-NGO Islam (ACCIN) dan Badan Anti IFC (Badai) yang bertindak proaktif ke atas usaha untuk menubuhkan Majlis Antara Agama (IFC) sejak awal tahun lalu.

Khairul Ariffin, juga seorang peguam syarie, memberi nasihat kepada kumpulan penyokong Pembela agar berhimpun secara aman dan tidak bertindak balas terhadap provokasi mana-mana pihak.

Kumpulan berkenaan kemudiannya duduk bersila di perkarangan itu dan mula bermunajat pada kira-kira 10.45 pagi apabila perbicaraan mula bersidang.

Setiausaha eksekutif Persekutuan Kristian Malaysia Dr Hermen Shastri, yang ditemui mStar Online di kawasan berkenaan, berkata pertubuhan yang diwakilinya tidak perlu membawa beratus-ratus orang penyokong ke perbicaraan tersebut.

Katanya, kehadiran ramai penganut daripada sesuatu agama bukanlah faktor yang boleh memberi kesan kepada keputusan perbicaraan.

Beliau yang juga wakil gabungan persatuan agama bukan Islam MCCBCHS (Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, and Sikhism) juga menolak dakwaan bahawa ada agama tertentu "sedang diserang" dengan menggunakan isu-isu keagamaan seperti kes perbicaraan Lina Joy.

"Tanggapan sebegitulah yang menjadi punca masyarakat berpecah-belah mengikut kepercayaan mereka," katanya.

Laungan takbir memecah kehinangan kompleks mahkamah itu selepas jurucakap Pembela, Mohd Anuar Tahir mula membacakan keputusan rayuan tersebut yang dihantar melalui SMS oleh seorang daripada tiga wakil mereka yang mengikuti perbicaraan berkenaan.

Penyokong pakatan NGO Islam bergembira selepas keputusan 2-1 dianggap "memihak kepada kebenaran." (foto The Star)

Secara rasmi, tiga wakil pakatan NGO Islam itu menghadiri perbicaraan tersebut sebagai peguam pemerhati: Zulkifli Nordin bagi pihak Abim, Zainur Zakaria (PPI) dan Zainul Rijal (PGSM).

Keputusan pertama daripada Hakim Ahmad Fairuz Datuk Sheikh Abdul Halim dan yang kedua daripada Hakim Alauddin Datuk Mohd Sheriff disambut dengan laungan takbir yang gemuruh.

Kedua-dua hakim berkenaan telah menolak rayuan Lina Joy untuk menggugurkan perkataan "Islam" dalam kad pengenalannya, kes yang berlarutan sejak beberapa tahun dan hari ini ditunggu dengan penuh debaran.

Ahmad Fairuz dan Alaudin berpendapat, Lina, 42 tahun, perlu mendapatkan sijil pengisytiharan daripada Mahkamah Syariah untuk mengesahkan dia tidak lagi menganut agama Islam sebelum dibolehkan untuk berbuat demikian.

Hakim Besar Sabah dan Sarawak, Datuk Richard Malanjum bagaimanapun membenarkan permohonan Lina Joy.

Selepas mendengar kepurusan hakim ini, Anuar yang menggunakan alat pembesar suara berkata keputusan berkenaan mengecewakan dan beberapa orang penyokong mereka kelihatan mengeluh panjang dan terkejut dengan keputusan tersebut.

"Oleh itu keputusan hakim daripada negeri di bawah bayu ini (Sabah) nampaknya menyebelahi kepada pihak pemohon," kata Anuar, juga bekas setiausaha agung Parti Keadilan Nasional, kepada kumpulan berkenaan tanpa disambut takbir seperti sebelumnya.

Mahkamah Persekutuan memutuskan untuk menolak permohonan Lina dalam keputusan majoriti 2-1.

Dalam penghakimannya, Ketua Hakim Negara Tun Ahmad Fairuz Sheikh Abdul Halim berkata JPN berhak untuk mengenakan syarat kepada Lina Joy memintanya mengemukakan sijil atau deklarasi atau satu perintah daripada Mahkamah Syariah untuk mengesahkan dia keluar daripada Islam sebelum bertindak menggugurkan perkataan Islam dalam kad pengenalannya.

Khairul Ariffin dalam sidang akhbar setelah keputusan rasmi dikeluarkan berkata, Pembela mengalu-alukan keputusan tersebut yang telah "memihak kepada kebenaran."

"Keputusan ini juga melegakan orang Islam dan bukan Islam kerana ia dilihat mempertahankan dan mendukung suatu sistem dan arrangement dan kedudukan mahkamah syariah.

"Ia tidak harus dilihat sebagai keputusan yang hanya memihak kepada orang Islam, sebaliknya sebagai keputusan yang memenangkan sistem kehidupan bersama," katanya.

"Keputusan ini telah berjaya menolak usaha sesetengah pihak yang cuba merombak dan dan mengganggu satu sistem yang selama ini kita pertahankan bersama."

Kumpulan berkenaan kemudiannya bersurai pada kira-kira jam 12.30 tengahari dalam suasana aman.

Judgment of Lina Joy at a glance...taken from Malaysiakini

The atmosphere was tense in the Federal Court in Putrajaya today, with more than 80 people packed in the public gallery and 300 people milling outside the building.

Some had been waiting outside the courthouse as early as 7am while the three judges only appeared at about 10.40am deliver their judgments.

The majority judgment was first read out in Malay by Chief Justice Ahmad Fairuz Sheikh Abdul Halim who ruled that jurisdiction remained with the syariah court and the appeal was dismissed with costs.

He was then followed by Justice Richard Malanjum who delivered his 57-paged dissenting judgment to the relief of Lina Joy’s counsels.

Thirty minutes later, Justice Alauddin Mohd Sheriff briefly said he concurred with the Ahmad Fairuz and Lina's fate was sealed. The crowd soon broke into murmurs before adjournment was called.

Below are the three questions that were raised before the Federal Court, together with the majority and dissenting views given by the judges of the apex court.

1. Was the National Registration Department entitled to require a person to produce a certificate or a declaration or an order from the syariah court before deleting “Islam” from his or her identity card?;

Majority (Ahmad Fairuz): Yes. The NRD had a right to demand a certificate or a declaration or an order from the syariah court before deleting “Islam” from his or her identity card to avoid labelling someone non-Muslim erroneously when the person has not exited the religion.

This also to prevent indecisive Muslims from exiting the religion just to avoid any punishments under Islamic law.

The decision to exit Islam is a matter for Islamic Law to decide and the NRD needs the syariah courts’ confirmation whether a person is Muslim or not. After this confirmation procedure, NRD has the discretion to remove the word Islam or not.

Dissenting (Malanjum): No. In the Article 8 of the Federal Constitution, all person is equal before the law and are entitled to equal protection of the law. However, Regulation 4(c)(iva) of the National Registration Regulations 1990 (which states that Muslims need to display their religion on the IC) singled Muslims out for additional procedural burdens which are not connected to personal law.

The requirement does not apply to non-Muslims hence it tantamount to unequal treatment. It is in other words discriminatory and unconstitutional and should be struck down.

Insistence by NRD for a certificate of apostasy from the Federal Territory Syariah Court or other Islamic authority is not only illegal but unreasonable. This is because under applicable law, the syariah court in the Federal Territory has no statutory power to adjudicate on the issue of apostasy. Jurisdiction must come under established law and cannot be assumed.

2. Did the NRD correctly construe its powers under the National Registration Regulations 1990 when it imposed the above requirement, which is not expressly provided for in the regulations?

Majority: Yes. The Regulation 4(c)(ix) and (x) National Registration Regulations 1990 which states that a registration officer may request for ‘such other particulars [...] considered necessary’ and ‘necessary to support the accuracy of any particulars submitted’ can be construed that way.

The NRD thus was empowered with these administrative provision to deem (Lina’s) statutory declaration as insufficient for her to remove “Islam” from her IC.

Dissenting: (read with Question 1) No. It is not the function of the NRD to add in further requirement (for Lina to acquire a confirmation certificate from the syariah courts) which have not been stipulated in those Regulations. It is also not the function of the NRD to ensure that the Lina has properly apostasised.

Apostasy involves complex questions of constitutional importance especially when some states in Malaysia has enacted legislation to criminalise it. It is critical importance that the civil superior courts should not decline jurisdiction by merely citing Article 121 (1A) [...] legislation criminalising apostasy or limiting the scope of the provisions of the fundamental liberties as enshrined in the Constitution are constitutional issues in nature which only civil courts have jurisdiction to determine.

3. Was the landmark case Soon Singh vs Perkim Kedah – which held that syariah courts have the authority over the civil courts to hear cases of Muslims renouncing Islam – correctly decided?

Majority: Yes. While, the Federal Court acknowledges that there are no express provisions that syariah courts can decide on the issue of apostasy. However, if non-Muslims are converting into Islam, they have to go through the syariah courts.

Therefore based on the concept necessary implication, if one chooses to exit Islam, (one) must go through the same authorities. I see no flaws in that logic.

This does not conflict with Article 11 that says every ‘person has a right to profess and practise his religion’. Islam is not just a collection of dogmas and rituals but it is a complete way of life which includes private and public matters as well as law, politics, economy, social, culture, moral and judicial issues.

In my view relating to Islam, Article 11 cannot be interpreted so widely as to cancel out all laws that a Muslim is required to execute and abide to. This is because Islam has a special position in the Federal Constitution which is different from other religions. Therefore, Article 11 should not be interpreted as an supreme right; and the right to profess and practice a religion is subjected to the religion that governs the individual.

Dissenting: It is logical that matters concerning apostasy could be read as ‘necessary implied’ in and falling within the jurisdiction of the syariah courts. It does seem inevitable that matters on conversion to Islam comes under the jurisdiction of the syariah courts because the syariah courts are the experts and appropriate to adjudicate.

However, jurisdiction must be express, not implied. In the matters of fundamental rights there must be as far as possible be express authorisation for curtailment of violation of fundamental freedoms. In my view, to rely on implied power as source of jurisdiction would set an unhealthy trend.

I am therefore inclined to follow the reasoning of Soon Singh and my answer is therefore in the negative.

Lina Joy .... PRESS STATEMENT

PRESS STATEMENTS

The Christian Federation of Malaysia (CFM) is disturbed and saddened by the decision of the Federal Court in the Lina Joy’s case, where the Court has confirmed the National Registration Department’s right to insist on a certificate from the Syariah Court that she has apostatized, prior to registering her conversion in the identity card.

We reiterate that the NRD’s insistence on such a certificate being produced has curtailed the fundamental right of an individual to profess and express his or her religion as provided for in Article 11.

We have also noted with much concern that this decision reflects a growing trend of decisions in the courts where civil courts are abdicating their responsibility of providing legal redress to individuals who only seek to profess and live their religion according to their conscience.

As a result of this decision, it is now more pressing for the government and lawmakers to revisit the relevant legislation and to reinstate the jurisdiction of the Civil Courts so that equal protection of the right to choose and express one’s religion is accorded to all Malaysians, as enshrined in Article 11.

The CFM will continue to cooperate with the government and all Malaysians to uphold the Government’s vision of upholding the multiracial, multicultural and multi-religious character of our nation.

Bishop Paul Tan Chee Ing, SJ
Chairman and Executive Committee
Christian Federation of Malaysia

Dated 30th May 2007

The Muslim Organisations in Defence of Islam (PEMBELA) welcome today's decision by the Federal Court by praising Allah the Almighty for by His grace and mercy that the court has taken this position. We welcome and applaud this decision by which we believe that justice has been served. We believe that this decision is a relief for the majority of both Muslims and non-Muslims alike in Malaysia.

We say this because we see this decision as vindicating and upholding the existing arrangement relating to the position of Islam and the Shariah courts in the constitutional and legal set-up of the country. An arrangement that has been in place since before independence and 50 years after. It has been well accepted by all communities to the extend that for 50 years after Merdeka (Independence) we have been able to maintain one of the best records in the world of a multiracial multireligious society co-existing and building a nation together. In that spirit, this decision should not be perceived as a victory for Muslims and a loss for non-Muslims in Malaysia. Instead it should be seen as a rejection of an attempt by a certain individuals and segments to deconstruct and radically revamp of the current formula. A formula built upon a mutual appreciation and understanding of the historical background and social realities of the Malaysian society. One that is in harmony and reflects well with what we are as a nation.

We would like to urge all parties to accept the decision wholly and graciously. We also plead to those who were hoping for an opposite outcome to consider modifying their expectations to suit what is good and more sustainable given our circumstances. We reiterate that this decision is clearly more just and fair in a broader and higher sense of these words.

We also hope that we have seen the last of similar attempts. We invite instead anyone who feels that they are aggrieved within the existing arrangement, to choose other less confrontational, controversial or disruptive approach towards change or reform.

We also take this opportunity, in a time when Islamophobia seems to be very popular, to call upon all Islamic religious authorities and agencies to be extra diligent, efficient and professional in discharging their duties so that the good name of the religion does not suffer by mistakes or weaknesses at the implementation level. The Muslim NGOs are willing to come to the assistance of anyone, Muslims or non-Muslims, in genuine cases. It would be un-Islamic and wrong for us to tolerate any injustice, even by Muslims or in the name of Islam. Having said that, as Muslims, we re-affirm our full faith in the notion of justice as espoused by true teachings of Islam.

YUSRI MOHAMAD
On behalf:Organisations to the Defence of Islam (PEMBELA) and President of the Muslim youth Movement of Malaysia

The Malaysia Hindu Sangam is gravely concerned with the Federal Court’s majority decision in Lina Joy’s case.

The Federal Court by a 2-1 majority today rejected the appeal by this ethnic Malay (who was born to Muslim parents but says she is now a Christian) for the Government to issue her an identity card without the description “Islam” on it. Lina Joy had argued that the Government’s requirement for her to first obtain a declaration from the Islamic court that she had “apostasized” from Islam was unconstitutional.

The decision may have serious personal repercussions for a significant number of persons living in Malaysia who say they are not Muslim but are nevertheless being forced to comply with Islamic laws by the government.

We anxiously await a perusal of the full written grounds of judgment to assess the full implications of this decision.

In the meanwhile, since the Judiciary appears unable or unwilling to act in these matters, we call on Parliament and all State Legislatures to urgently enact laws that ensure persons who do not profess Islam are not subjected to Islamic law.

The fundamental liberty of all Malaysians to profess and practise their faith in peace and harmony must be respected, both in fact and in law.

Dated 30th May 2007

Datuk A. Vaithilingam PJN, SSA, AMN, ASA, PJK
President
Malaysia Hindu Sangam

Lina Joy case continue with Jalil Hamid Syed Azman

By Jalil Hamid and Syed Azman

(Reuters) - Malaysia's best known Christian convert, Lina Joy, lost a six-year battle on Wednesday to have the word "Islam" removed from her identity card, after the country's highest court rejected the change.

The ruling threatens to further polarize Malaysian society between non-Muslims who feel that their constitutional right to religious freedom is being eroded, and Muslims who believe that civil courts have no right to meddle in Islamic affairs.

"You can't at whim and fancy convert from one religion to another," Federal Court Chief Justice Ahmad Fairuz Sheikh Abdul Halim said in delivering judgment in the case, which has stirred religious tensions in the mainly Muslim nation.

He said the civil court had no jurisdiction in the case and that it should be dealt with by the country's Islamic courts.

"The issue of apostasy is related to Islamic law, so it's under the sharia court. The civil court cannot intervene."

About 200 mostly young Muslims welcomed the ruling outside the domed courthouse with shouts of "Allah-o-Akbar" (God is great), but Christians and non-Muslim politicians were dismayed.

"I think it's a major blow," opposition politician Lim Kit Siang said. "It casts a large shadow on civil liberties and the constitutional rights of Malaysians."

Malaysia's Council of Churches was saddened.

"We still go by the possibility that the constitution allows any citizen of the country to exercise his or her right to choose a religion and practice it," council secretary Rev. Hermen Shastri said outside the court.

"I don't think this decision is going to stop an individual from exercising that right for whatever reason."

DISSENTING RULING

The three-judge appeal bench ruled 2-1 against Joy. The dissenting judge, the only non-Muslim on the bench, said the department responsible for issuing identity cards should have complied with Joy's request to remove "Islam" from her card.

He accused the National Registration Department of abusing its powers. "In my view, this is tantamount to unequal treatment under the law. She is entitled to an IC where the word Islam does not appear," dissenting judge Richard Malanjum said.

Malaysia's Muslim Youth Movement welcomed the ruling, which asserted the overriding jurisdiction of the Islamic or sharia courts in cases centering on a Muslim's faith.

"We hope that we have seen the last of such attempts," said the movement's president, Yusri Mohamad. "We invite anyone who feels that they are aggrieved or victimized within the current system to choose other, less confrontational and controversial attempts towards change and reform."

In practice, sharia courts do not allow Muslims to formally renounce Islam, preferring to send apostates to counseling and, ultimately, fining or jailing them if they do not desist.

They often end up in legal limbo, unable to register their new religious affiliations or legally marry non-Muslims. Many keep silent about their choice or emigrate.

Lina Joy, 43, was born Azlina Jailani and was brought up as a Muslim, but at the age of 26 decided to become a Christian. She wants to marry her Christian boyfriend, a cook, but she cannot do so while her identity card declares her to me Muslim.

In 1999, the registration department allowed her to change the name in her identity card to Lina Joy but the entry for her religion remained "Islam".

Malaysia, like neighboring Indonesia, practices a moderate brand of Islam, but Muslims account for only a bare majority of Malaysia's population and are very sensitive to any perceived threats to Islam's special status as the official religion.

Malaysia has been under Islamic influence since the 15th century, but big waves of Chinese and Indian immigrants over the last 150 years has dramatically changed its racial and religious make-up. Now, about 40 percent of Malaysians are non-Muslim.

Decision of Lina Joy

11.47am: Justice Alauddin Mohd Sheriff said he agrees with Fairuz's judgment. (2-1)

11.45am Richard Malanjum allows Lina's appeal. (1-1)

11.32am - Justice Malanjum appears to be delivering the only dissenting judgment of the Federal Court. (1-0)

11.13am: Chief Justice Tun Ahmad Fairuz Sheikh Abdul Halim who has just finished reading his judgment said he is with the majority when he dismissed Lina Joy's appeal against the majority decision of the Court of Appeal delivered on September 19, 2005

It is like the Final of the Champion's League between AC Milan v Liverpool. The score is 2-1 to AC MIlan. It was a very tense match so also is the decision of Lina Joy. Lina's appeal was dismissed with cost. Indeed a sad day for freedom of religion and Art 11 of the Constitution. Fortunately or unfortunately, there are another three different set of cases to go. All of different facts involving Hindu women where their husbands (whether dead or alive) converted and it involve Children.

The Federal Court has given it's decision, my views are two folds

First, the decision gives no avenue for an aggrieved party who wants to convert out of the religion. Going to the Syariah courts is definitely a NAY this is seen in Revathi's case where the bailiff immediately surrendered her to the religious organisation so that she will be 'rehabilitated' whether forcefully or not. People who becomes an apostates undermine the Islamic Religion so says them (Islamic organisation such as Badai). I believe the judges does not intend to rock the boat and is afraid that there will be bloodshed and riots in the country.

Second, there may be a possible exoneration of syariah laws and principles in due time. This was seen by the argument put forth by Sulaiman Abdullah who represented the Islamic religious authority, and state that Article 121(1A) actually exonerate the Syariah High Court, meaning Malaysia for the first time base on this decision, will have 2 legal systems i.e.Syariah and Civil laws. There will be an interpretation by other that this ruling undermines the secular state of our constitution which was promulgated and drafted by the Reid Commission after getting responds from all people in this land in 1957 and the Malaysia Act (that welcome Sabah and Sarawak into Malaysia in September 1964).

This was an argument raised by Malik Imtiaz who holds a watching brief for the Bar Council, says that this cannot be done because it will infringe the Constitution if we have of a dual system. He felt that the syariah Court in our country is an inferior court like an administrative tribunal compared to the Pakistan's Constitution which declares the Islamic state of Pakistan and Pakistan adopts literally the Syariah Laws. Nothing mention in our Constitution that Malaysia is an Islamic state. You either choose Islamic State or the secular State under the Constitution. Meaning Parliament may or must amend the constitution to declare an Islamic State for Malaysia. This is something I fear most but I don't think (I may be wrong) the government of the day will do it.

Nation Transformation

It's me again putting some writings in this blog, just to spice your routine . Had a wonderful time with Dr Dexter and Dr Lily for a leadership meeting in Malacca. Rev Dr Lily talks about the need for transformation in our country. There must be a reversal in each and every seven pillars of this nation and we have about 48 weeks to go to see the window of opportunity for this country we so love to continue to pour.

The singing of our NegaraKu even in Church is so wonderful and awesome. The land that our founding fathers so shed their blood. Where people live in harmony and prosperity, with God given blessings of happiness, so that our King reign in peace. This is the English translation of our national anthem. Written by a panel of Judges and Tunku Abdul Rahman himself. The song was composed by Wah Idris.

Looking at it again, I will say WOW awesome. We are asking the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob to release His great blessing to everybody so that peace and harmony will be established in this country. There is a need for transformation and the time is now or never. We can't afford to see persecution in this country like what happen to Indonesia. And if so the prophesy is real, then the urgency is there for us to pray for this country as His people is not ready to see it.

We were enlighten to hear from Rev. Dr. Dexter Low's sharing about what happened in Indonesia before the Tsunami where there were so many persecution on to the Christian churches. They send the Jihadist to surround the country and they came with guns from Afghanistan and Pakistan. So many of them but yet our God delivered the Christians in that country. And when the Tsunami came the Christians in Aceh were told to celebrate Christmas on the hill whereas one million died when the Tsunami hit. Most religious leaders died. But a turn of event happen after that when these muslim leader who survived ask for forgiveness to the believers of Christians (Nasrani). God is in control some how and I'm truly encouraged by the fantastic moved of God in my generation. Through this the Christian growth is now 20% in Indonesia, what a blessing.

Be that as it may, we will have to be ready for the things to come. I sense in my spirit, after the decision of Lina Joy, whether the decision is for us or not, there will definitely be a move by some quarters and we have to be ready either for the flood of harvest or at the same time the dangers that is ahead of us. I'm not surprise to see bloodshed among their own people. We need to pray like never before and to be united to show love to our neighbours and the people in need

We have to stand in the gap to pray for those in authority, the judiciary, the legislature and the executive. There is a need for Christians in the marketplace to arise to shape this nation for the better. BECAUSE GOD LOVE THIS NATION AND SO ARE WE. We cannot sit and be quiet any more or to just play church.

Dr Dexter Low call us as leaders to be UNITED as we got to work as one. How are we to be transformed nation if we ourselves are not united. We have to look forward in seeing each other in Church. Not just a hi or bye, but a longing to meet one another, having a heart for one another. There must be a connection between each and everyone of us. Until then we can extend it to other church leaders in our territory. SO that we will be the gatekeepers of our jurisdiction and territory. We have to work together as a team so that there is a bonding between us and then we will overcome everything.with love. This is where we will appreciate each other and bear each burden. Together means a synergy.

The other aspect I learnt is that we must be a good model. Exhibit the spirit of excellence. Like Daniel and his friends where even when they were tested, it turn out that they become ten times better then the rest. Joseph too, a class above anybody else until he get himself promoted by Pharaoh.

Thank you for reading.

Our Mandate

We attended the Million Leader Mandate Graduation Dinner through the good invitation of Bro Simeon Locke and Ratna. Instead of representing Malacca Church, we went to the dinner representing the Malacca Christian Lawyers Fellowship. We were supposed to take a table, but my fellowship was stretch due to members’ involvement with the Global Day of Prayer.

We were excited to hear for the second time, the NegaraKu was played in a Christian gathering (the first was in the National Convention in Fraser Hill). I felt the awesomeness of the presence of God as though as the atmosphere was charged with the power of God because we honour our nation. It was so real and I knew that God was in control.

We were glad that we came and we were happy to know that the Church (Latter Rain of Malaysia) suddenly became the fore front and energy to drive this nation to something bigger and exciting through the Marketplace. As I see it, the culmination of the event was not so much on the graduation but when the opportunity was given to our Pastor and Founder, Dr Dexter Low in taking the lead in informing leaders in society that night the need to established Christians and saints of God in Malaysia through the establishment of the seven pillars which are not only just important but so fundamental in seeing the country free from corruption and dishonesty and going towards justice, righteousness, transparency, and good virtues.

That I see was the start of something beautiful taking place for our nation. There will be a major reversal starting with the coming landmark decision of Lina Joy on freedom of religion, regardless of whether we win or lose.

Dr Dexter’s sharing was so apt and timely for the need of leaders in society to be raised up not only in religion, which we are good at, but also in politics and judiciary, family, business and economy, education, media and performing arts. To see a dynamic and vibrant nation, God has to reign in each of these seven pillars.

We were so excited to see also the representative of each branch of the seven pillars notably Datuk Pandhitan, President of the Indian Progressive Front representing politic and judiciary. That is a cause of excitement.

We are also encouraged to see even our Mediaworks being represented in such a prestigious event. Very professional indeed and we were so proud to tell our new found friends in the dinner, that the media crew led by Rachel was not only my sister but from our Church that is called the Latter Rain Church of Malaysia. The Mediaworks did us a proud that night without any hiccups except that from the audio that is not part of Mediawork. They were all very professional and I’m glad to meet them personally and thank them for their tireless and diligent effort namely, Rachel Yeo, Jeremiah Tan, Daniel Seah, Daniel Ling & Wife and Choong Kiat (I hope I have not miss any of them)

We are also so proud to tell that we are from Latter Rain albeit a little explanation that we are always confused by others as the Latter Day Saint.

We are excited with the new challenge God has for us and are glad to be part of this exciting family.

The Lina Joy's case

The Federal Court will deliver its decision on the Lina Joy case on Wednesday May 30. All lawyers representing each and every parties including the Bar Council, MCCBCHS, Religious authorities were informed. I'm now giving a background on the case so that you can pray and ask the Lord for a direction. This decision will be the first decision direct on point on whether a muslim can convert out of the religion, in this case, to a Christian. Just a brief fact and points of law for the court to decide are set below for your reading.

Lina, 42, who was named Azlina Jailani decided at the age of 26 to become a Christian. In 1999, she managed to change the name in her identity card to Lina Joy but her religion remained stated as Islam. As a result, Lina contended that she could not contract a legitimate marriage with her non-Muslim boyfriend.

In July last year, the Federal Court comprising Ahmad Fairuz and Justices Richard Malanjum and Alauddin Mohd Sheriff heard submissions from the parties on the following questions which leave was earlier granted last April by Ahmad Fairuz and Justices Richard Malanjum and S. Augustine Paul:

• whether she needed to prove apostasy on her part before the word “Islam’’ could be deleted from her IC;
• whether National Registration Department had correctly construed its powers to impose the requirement on Lina when it was not expressly provided for under National Registration Regulations; and
• whether the Syariah Court is the sole authority to decide on the issue of conversion out of Islam.

Let us all pray for a good and fair decision.

Parliament in Shambles? We have been fooled

Figuratively or literally? Politically or in real? My answers to all these questions are two folds. First, the mentality of First World Parliament amongst Parliamentarian have not reach even a desired position. After watching some clips in youtube.com, it is a shame that Malaysian members of Parliament today can’t even know how to debate properly. Let alone I doubt for their understanding to debate legal and constitutional matters for every bill that pass through this legal filter. Parliamentary debate is a must to see that all areas of a particular Bill is modified and amended to manifest the intention of the Rakyat. Secondly, the bloody leak after the high cost of renovation and rebranding our Parliament. I have no problems with the money spend i.e. RM90 million but please let it last for another 100 years.

Parliament in Malaysia beside the Constitution is the highest law making process in the country. All laws governed any and every area is debated in this place. We were told in law school there is a tacit understanding that regardless of whether the passage of the Bill is tainted with illegality or duress, so long as the Bill is passed through the legal filters i.e. Dewan Rakyat and Dewan Negara and upon the DYMM Seri Paduka Baginda Yang DiPertuan Agung’s assent then that Bill will be law. This function was borrowed from the Westminister style of legislative practice.

Name calling in Parliament is a norm, but what amount to unparliamentary language or gestures is depending on how the interpretation by the House Speaker on the relevant clauses in the Standing Orders. Unfortunately in Malaysia due to the 90% plus majority the Barisan National gets during the 2004 general election, the Barisan National backbenchers alone will be able to arm twist the minority His Majesty’s Loyal Opposition charged by the DAP. And due to the minority voice, they have to literally shout and scream just to catch the attention of the Speaker who hails from the government BN.

Sad but real our parliamentary committees that was established after a long time, have even gone astray. This led to the recent troubles and exchanges between the person in charge of Parliament affair, Datuk Seri Nazri and Parliamentary Committee Chairman for Integrity Tan Sri Bernard Dompok on the role and power of such Committee. For a more proactive and able Committee, they should be given powers to call for papers, questions individuals, call witnesses and even probably propose prosecution, then Malaysians will see a true and viable Parliament that for a long time is unheard. Unfortunately Dompok resign honourably saying he find it hard to act as he is also a member of the cabinet. Thus infringe his sense of responsibility towards the people.

Some of us will remember that Karpal Singh an opposition MP was send to the Privilege Committee and was literally sentence for misleading Parliament, a claim by the Opposition that what Karpal did was quoting a wrong law which he later realize the mistake, corrected it. But sending him to the privilege Committee is so unfair, what about the other Ministers such as dear Rafidah, Nazri and Samy Vellu and Parliamentarian such as Bung Mokhtar and Datuk Said who have misled and lied got off without even a warning and was vindicated by the thumping majority of the Barisan backbenchers denying justice in Parliament. But if the charge is upon the Opposition, then it will be a adious amigos to him and not only that a suspension would mean living without salary for six months. That happened in the likes of Fong and Karpal. Unfortunate, believe it. It only happened to Malaysia.

Recently, Malaysia gets angrier for yet another fiasco, the leakage in Parliament. We were told that Parliament was renovated for the cost of RM90 million. I have no problems with that UNTIL you hear leakage, roofing problem and now wiring problem to the highest law chamber of the country which according to our friend Samy, a major renovation has to be done. Today Star he says,

“Absence of maintenance and wear and tear were among the reasons for the leaking roof at Parliament House.

Works Minister Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu said the waterproofing material used when the building was constructed had worn off after 44 years, resulting in water seeping through the roof.

The waterproofing was also installed without any protective layers, he added.

He said the reasons were cited in an inspection report by the Kuala Lumpur Public Works Department's (PWD) maintenance division on May 10.

Samy Vellu said the department's report revealed:

· CRACKS and water seepage on the concrete roof;

· SEEPAGE through the rain gutter surface edge;

· CLOGGED gutters which caused water retention;

· WATERPROOFING on the roof was not working and had been used beyond its lifespan;

· WATERPROOFING was installed on the concrete surface without any protective layer;

· CLOGGED drainage pipes;

· SEWERAGE pipe leaks at VIP and other toilets;

· DAMAGED expansion joints; and

· THE absence of maintenance work.”

There is an interesting article in the Star too on the issue. Let’s see

“Refuting claims made by Public Accounts Committee chairman Datuk Shahrir Samad that the PWD was responsible for maintaining the building, Samy Vellu said:

“Maintenance of the building has all along been under the Parliament itself, not the PWD. And when there are others carrying out maintenance, we cannot interfere. As Parliament is independent, we cannot order them around.”

See what the Deputy Prime Minister says,

“The Deputy Prime Minister added that the Public Works Department (PWD) would also be asked to explain how and why the leak occurred.

In expressing his regret over the water leakages in the building, Najib said the repairs should have been included in the original renovation budget.

He said that when the allocation report for the major facelift work for the Parliament building was submitted to the Government earlier, no request was made to carry out roof repair work at that time. “

Hmmm, there is a contradiction, is the PWD answerable?

I think Malaysians are very confused NOW and that is how we are fooled

Damn it MU lost

Manchester United lost after a nail biting game. 1-0 to Chelsea during extra time. Drogba scored. What a damn shit? Never expect that to happen. Raj and Des was around to cheer for MU but looks like Nazim Bashir's team of Chelsea won. I'm not an MU fan, but Chelsea is a NO NO. Anyway congratulations to them for winning the FA Cup.

part 3....on the Unnecessary Statement

It is damning to read the so called APOLOGY statements. This is definitely not an unqualified, unequivocal or even honest apology to all women gender. Their statements are statements tainted with threat by the minister, tainted with coercion and lies of the highest honour. I find the whole episode as two baduts wanting to have very cheap publicity by uttering unnecessary statements so as to show themselves known to the whole wide world of their stupidity and foolishness.

After seeing youtube again on the remarks against Batu Gajah MP, after and before the statements were made, I don't see how those clowns can give valid reasons by saying that they were provoked by the DAP charges led by Ipoh Timur MP. I don't see any provocation in youtube. As Parliamentarians, they should know how to first conquer their emotions and patients or else quit being a parliamentarian and give way to a more suitable people who would understand real politics and functions of parliament. Utterance without thinking of the repercussion and a reason such as this (being provoke by the Opposition) are just lame excuses.

After the whole episode, my conclusion is simply two words "NOT SINCERE" at all. Full of Bullshit.

Is this a Breach?

Under the Legal Profession Act 1976, lawyers are bound under the etiquette rule especially the rules relating to advertisement. This photograph below is one example of flouting the law by a lawyer. Sometimes I just don't understand why he has to do this really embarrassing thing. This is just one of his stupid act to tell the world at large that he is a lawyer.

Part 2 of the unnecessary statement

Below is the complaint report by Lim Guan Eng regarding the "Bocor-gate" controversy to the Deputy Prime Minister for his stand on the issue. How could the DPM say such a thing not forgetting he has a mother, wife, sister and children who are not happy with the statements made by the two idiots.

YAB Dato' Sri Mohd Najib Bin Tun Haji Abdul Razak,

Timbalan Perdana Menteri,

Aras 4, Blok Barat, Bangunan Perdana Putra,

Pusat Pentadbiran Kerajaan Persekutuan,

62502 Putrajaya

Yang Amat Berhormat Dato' Sri,

Ahli Parlimen Harus Bersikap Serius Dalam Masalah Rakyat Dan Bukan Main-main Menjadi Badut Sarkas Dengan Mengeluarkan Bahasa Kesat Yang Menghina Maruah Wanita Dan Martabat Parlimen Sebagai Institusi Paling Unggul Dalam Negara

Ahli-ahli Parlimen harus bersikap serius dalam masalh rakyat dan bukan main-main menjadi badut sarkas dengan mengeluarkan bahasa kesat yang menghina maruah wanita dan martabat Parlimen sebagai institusi paling unggul dalam negara.

Kami telah menghantarkan memorandum bantahan kepada YAB semalam tentang tingkah laku tidak bertanggungjawab dan biadab dua Ahli Parlimen BN yang menyakitkan hati dan menghina semua kaum wanita dan rakyat Malaysia serta menjatuhkan imej Parlimen. Ucapan prejudis dilemparkan pada 9 Mei 2007 di Parliamen oleh YB Datuk Bung Mokhtar Radin (BN – Kinabatangan) dan YB Datuk Mohd Said Yusof (BN – Jasin), ke atas YB Fong Poh Kuan (DAP – Batu Gajah) semasa perbahasan hangat tentang kebocoran dinding bangunan Parlimen.

"Mana ada bocor? Batu Gajah pun bocor tiap-tiap bulan juga "

Kenyataan seperti ini amat memalukan dan menghina semua wanita dan bukan sesuatu yang boleh diketepikan begitu sahaja. Kami agak kecewa YAB menganggap perkara ini sesuatu perkara kecil yang harus dilihat ringan secara berseloroh. Kami tidak dapat bersetuju pandangan ini kerana ia harus dilihat dengan serius kerana semua wakil rakyat diperwajibkan membahaskan masalah negara dan bukanlah berlagak berseloroh dan menggunakan kaum wanita sebagai objek seks atau penghinaan.

Kenyataan tidak bertanggungjawab ini telah menerima kecaman umum baik di dalam mahupun di luar negara. Sungguhpun kedua ahli Parlimen BN berlagak macam mereka tidak ada ibu, anak perempuan, isteri atau kakak dan adik perempuan, kami percaya ini berlainan untuk YAB Dato' Seri. Sekiranya YAB Dato' Seri lihat penghinaan ini bukan dari sudut politik tetapi seorang suami, anak dan bapa patutlah tindakan keras diambil ke atas kedua-dua wakil rakyat ini.

Demi membuktikan pandangan menghina jantina wanita ini tidak didokong oleh BN, YAB Dato' Seri harus memecat mereka dari BN. Keengganan YAB Dato Seri enggan meminta mereka menarik balik atau meminta maaf tidak boleh diterima.

Sekurang-kurangnya tindakan keras seperti menggantung gaji harus diambil demi memulihkan martabat Parlimen sebagai forum tinggi membincangkan dan menyelesaikan masalah negara dan rakyat bukannya tempat berjenaka dan berlagak seperti badut sarkas yang hanya menghiburkan mereka yang cauvinis dan berdiskriminasi ke atas kaum wanita. Sekian.

Yang benar

-tandatangan-

LIM GUAN ENG

SETIAUSAHA-AGUNG

A VERY unnecessary statement....

What do I mean? None other than the disgusted, stupid, moronic mentality, uneducated and humilated words from none other than Jasin MP, Mr Close-One-Eye and MP for Kinabatangan (Bung Mokhtar) to MP for Batu Gajah, Miss Fong Poh Kuan. All started when an issue regarding leakage in Parliament was raised by a MP for Bandar Kuching, Chong Chen Jien (DAP) and to my horror JASIN MP uttered ‘‘Mana ada bocor, Batu Gajah pun tiap-tiap bulan pun bocor juga.” To all women this is a most humilating and disgusted statements ever uttered by an MP having disregard of the sensativity of an issue pertaining to the woman gender. Both of these MPs should be hung in public display showing the Malaysian public that MPs of this nature showing third class or worst of all a no-class mentality. A waste of public fund nominated them and got voted to be menber of parliament. Maybe there should be a proposal to take away their honorific title 'Yang Berhormat" to "Yang Tidak Berhormat".

THE TWO IDIOTS

Happy Mother's Day

Tribute to the two mothers I love and care dearly.

Firstly, MY WIFE and mother to Paul, none other than Peggy the pillar of my strength. Known her since 1987 in church but really know her years after that. A superb lady who loves cantonese drama. After having said that, not that true though, as she will spend time in the office even after 7pm just to finish work thus sacrificing her love for that drama.

She is what I call the woman in Proverbs 49, the complete lady. Not only that she took care of the family but at the same time the messy office in Melaka Raya. She helped me in my office in the end of 2005 as Personal Assistant to the Managing Partner and later Office Manager to the Firm. That really helps me in managing the office especially to balance the account and reconcile it. AT least now I'm able to concentrate the law and marketing for clients as compared before she came in, it was like Jack of all trade and master of none.

God has been so good to allow me to know her in a special way. I enjoy her touch, her love to me, her ever amazing patient especially during my operation and recuperation and her charm that attracts me all the time. The love and inspiration to my life.

The second Woman, is my MOM, the woman that knows me inside out literally and love me the day I was born. She is what I call the foundation of the family. She make sure that we have food on the table, the money to go to school and that she will only sleep when everybody is back from school or work. She enjoys the big TV, that is why I bought it for her so at least that add a smile in her face. She is really a mother, the woman that not think of herself but the others.

Even though she only had standard two education, my siblings suspected that she is able to read. Haha. Why? She could recognised who's letters are whose. Her patient and perserverance is LONG and her sacrifice is an example to all mothers. She enjoys very simple food and thank God for Paul in making her laugh (not all the time though), panicked and at times cry.

On her relationship with Peggy, I would say excellant. Never have I seen a wife and mother in law works so well before compare to the many stories and news I've seen and heard. There is such a mutual respect between them and the privacy and space given between themselves.

So to the both of you...HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

Towards a Better Local Government - Organised by the Malacca Bar Committee

Friday, 11th May 2007 at Legacy Hotel Malacca, the Human Rights Committee of the Malacca Bar organised a forum titled "Towards a Better Local Government" with such a title, the Committee invited four distinguished penal of speakers representing a wide spectrum of society with Datuk Shahrir Samad (MP for JB and PAC Chairman, representing the government), R. Nadeswaran aka Citizen Nades (editor of the Sun Newspaper), Lim Guan Eng (secretary General of DAP, representing the opposition) and Dr Lim Teck Ghee (academician & former Research fellow of Asian Strategy and Leadership Institute (ASLI)). The talk was moderated by none other than Mr. R. R. Chelvarajah, former Bar Council Chairman of the Malaysian Bar and the current state Bar representative to the Bar Council. Emceed by Nizam Bashir and cameraman + projectionist MYSELF. We had two reporters / rapporteur namely Miss Ting and Pierre, a chambie.

Attendance was close to 400 people with a quick start from Datuk Shahrir who touches on local government as to what the government thinks and how should the people respond to calls for an elected local government. He also felt that the problem is within the system itself and that he has the role to play in the system so as to demand a more transparent, integrity of the civil services

Next come Citizen Nades started of by explaining the dangers of certain section in the Local Government Act and also who gave examples of corrupted local government through his handling and exposing of the many cases in Klang Valley such as Datuk Z's Istana and the Sport Club's approval which unncessary saw the abuse of power by those in authority and the bias conduct of such local councillors. He even gave prove through letters of such transaction being done in the open through his presentation.

Lim Guan Eng, with his witty political moves exposes further the local council's corruption and using unnecessary spending of local councillors tours which spend hundreds of thousand ringgit using tax payer's money. He also felt that the only way is to restore the Third Vote and to give this authority back to the people instead by the street gangs of the current Local Councillors.

He felt that local authorities have been called "secret societies" because of:-
• Lack of transparency and accountability,
• double-standards in enforcement of laws where poor hawkers have their stalls torn down for not having building approvals whilst BN leader have full exemption;
•wastage of public funds on overseas junkets under the pretext of study tours,
•Poor service in basic amenities
•approvals for deforestation of land causing untold damage to the environment,
•bribery and corruption in local townships.
•Abuse of power
•Issuing parking summons, hawkers’ summons, health summons or even banning or shooting dogs indiscriminately. And yet no summons are issued for illegal telecommunications towers.

He also cited examples of democratic countries allow local elections of councilors and Mayors, including regional neighbours Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand and Cambodia. Even in so-called dictatorial systems like China, village elections were first introduced in China as early as 1978 and subsequently conducted on a trial basis from 1988 onwards. China’s 1998 Organic Law on Villager Committees institutionalizes local democracy in China by allowing competitive elections of directly elected villager committees by secret ballot, including the Village Head. So if country like China is practising elections of local authorities, what about country like Malaysia. Are worst of compare to a communist state?

Isn’t it ridiculous that Malaysians can select and decide on our Prime Minister at the Federal level and Chief Minister at the State level but have no right to elect our municipal councilors?

Last come Dr Lim, who gave a chronology as to the demise of local government election in Malaysia. He recalled that Local Government elections was suspended on March 2, 1965 due to the Indonesian Confrontation but that the Alliance Party had promised its restoration at the very moment peace is declared and the emergency regulation are withdrawn. This promised was not honoured. He also noted that the Royal Commission Report (Nahappan Report) had also recommended the principle of elected representation to be extended to all local authorities. Unfortunately this recommendation was hijacked by a minority report which decided otherwise.

He felt that the Government needs to reopen this important but little known chapter of Malaysian history and to correct the injustices and distortions that have been perpetrated.

Local Government forms the underpinning of democratic values and public accountability at the grassroot. It s a factor in determining the quality of urban life for the two thirds of the country's population. As such there must be accountability, transparency and integrity of each level of civil services in the Local Government or else there will be abuse of powers, corruption in every level, inefficient, wasteful and poorly managed urban authorities and its services to the people. Badly run local authorities adversely affect everybody's consumption of environment, health, social, cultural and other goods. They also hit our wallets and act as a key constraint to a better future.

In conclusion, there is a need to revamp the current system and as suggested by Dr. Lim to have a second Royal Commission on it or as what Lim Guan Eng says that there should be an interim tribunal for local government before the actual setting up of the third vote i.e. Local Government elections.

I'm back with my new LapTop

Yes, I am back, hopefully for good. Why? Life of a lap top in the economic sense is 3 years. Anything more than that it's a bonus. Mine is a Dell Inspiron 640m, cost about RM3040. Pretty light though. I think lighter than my former. A centrino wireless technology with a Intel Core Duo Processor with a 1GB memory and a loads of stuff. I was surprised that it came with a 5-in-1 Media Card Reader. And thanks to Paul again, I'm back anew, fully refreshed.

Guan Eng's Press Statement

Apart from my reasons in my post, here is DAP SG press statement on the Ijok by election

10 reasons why there is a swing of Chinese voters against BN in Ijok and Machap by-elections

Press Statement
by Lim Guan Eng

1. Corruption becoming more rampant until Transparency International ranking for, Malaysia has declined from No. 37 in 2003 to No. 44 in 2006 shown by the:-
1.1. The RM 900 million commission paid by the suppliers of war submarines and Sukhoi fighter jets to Abdul Razak Baginda and a former Melaka Chief Minister;
1.2. The ACA Director-General is himself investigated for corruption and sexual crimes or the Deputy Internal Security Minister Datuk Mohamad Johari Baharom is investigated for the RM 5.5 million “freedom for sale” scandal involving the release of 3 kingpins of black society triads, one of the three allegedly the younger brother of a MCA Deputy Minister.
1.3. The refusal of Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak to sue Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for his alleged involvement in the murder of a Mongolian model by his close aide Datuk Abdul Razak Baginda;

2. Malaysians suffer the worst income inequality between the rich and poor in South-East Asia with the share of income of the bottom 40% of the population declining from 14.5% in 1990 to 13.5% in 2004 whilst the share of the top 20% of the population increased from 50% in 1990 to 51.2% in 2004.

3. Stubbornly persisting with an outdated New Economic Policy(NEP) based on mediocrity, quotas and crony capitalism when globalization stresses on competitiveness, merit, accountability and transparency.

4. Allowing the brain-drain to worsen with quota policies causing a sharp decline in educational standards;

5. Discriminating Chinese and Tamil primary schools in terms of development funds and refusing to take action against contractors responsible for charging RM30,000 for RM3,000 repair work.

6. Unfair contracts against national interest given to highway concessionaires where total amount of toll collections and government compensation paid of RM 62 billion far exceeds the RM 27 billion construction and maintenance cost.

7. The failure of the police to reduce crime which increased by 10.7% for the first three months of the year to ensure that Malaysian can live, work and study safely;

8. The failure to share Petronas’ profits of RM 70 billion in 2005 with the people as compared to Singapore government’s distributing cash to the people despite not having a single drop of oil. Such injustice is even more severe with the refusal of the government to reduce petrol prices even though the average price of oil this year is less than US61 per barrel, which was the international price of oil when the government increased fuel prices by 30 cents on 28.2.2006.

9. EPF spending RM 11.9 billion of our cash cash to take over RHB Bank. Including the RM 2.3 billion already spent earlier on RHB Bank, total investment of RM 14.2 billion represents nearly 22% of total equity investments of RM 65 billion. EPF’s poor track record in financial institutions as witnessed by its subsidiary company, Malaysia Building Society Berhad (MBSB), with the highest non-performing loans in the banking industry ranging from a high of 62% in 2002 to 34% in 2005 when the industry average is 4-5%;

10. Poor governance and lack of democracy, especially local government services, resulting in abuses of power and poor service of basic facilility.

Lap Top Crashing

Anytime soon, my dearest companion 'DELL INSPIRON 600m' for 4 years will be crashing. It has been a living hell for me the past two days trying to back up my important files which I have build up for the past 4 years. I thought I have back up it but unfortunately I have not done so or that it is alittle bit out of date. It all started when my Paul accidently or intentionally push my dearest companion and cause it to literally crash. I was trying to save my documents and transfer it to my pen drive and have been doing it for the past 48 hours. And everytime my lap top shows or a slow brain damage. Fortunately internet is still ok albeit a little slow and sometimes it hang for whatever reason known only to her. Difficult but my documents has to be saved before it's too late. I have also asked Peggy to buy another pen drive just in case I need it for my 'adventure'. Hopefully it won't be hung after I finish this post.

Anyway, I was abit upset and angry but what can I say he is my Paul my one and only son (at the moment) whom I love most.