Another Minister talking S***

I must say another minister talking shit. I guess our Minister of Information got the clip video information wrong. He says that the video is taken from a blog site. The whole wide world knows that the source came from Anwar. Maybe he should be sacked as Information Minister. What an embarrassment to the PM for having Minister "separuh jalan". Is the Bar Council acted professionally? I think they are as lawyers are officers of the court (Karpal Singh v PP) . AND Lawyers are duty bound to uphold the dignity of the judiciary and the profession. Are we being influenced by Opposition party? I think NOT. Maybe Zam should get his facts right before commenting as he not only embarrass himself but an insult to the PM for appointing him.

----- Taken from Bernama

SUNGAI PETANI, Sept 28 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Bar Council has been told to rid itself of political influence so as to remain a professional body.

Information Minister Datuk Seri Zainuddin Maidin said the council should act professionally to be respected and should not allow itself to be used by certain individuals for their own political interest.

He said the Bar Council was no longer professional by pressuring the government to set a Royal Commission of Inquiry to investigate the unauthenticated video clip of a telephone conversation of a senior lawyer purportedly brokering the appointment of judges in 2002.

In light of this, he added, the Bar Council members should call for a commission be set up to investigate the unprofessional conduct of their leaders.

Zainuddin believed the video clip was not valid as it only carried the visual and audible conversation of a lawyer and it was picked from a blogsite on the Internet.

He was speaking at a breaking of fast with members of the Kampung Hilir Smart Community programme in Merbok Thursday night.

Zainuddin said although the video clip was unverified, the government had been transparent about it by forming an independent panel to investigate the allegation.

He said the Bar Council should be thankful for the government's effort and should not continue to pressure for the setting up of a Royal Commission of Inquiry.

He also hit out at certain media for giving wide coverage on the video clip issue whereas they should act based on facts and professionally.

On Wednesday, more than 1,500 members of the Bar Council march from the Palace of Justice to Dataran Putra in Putrajaya to hand over a memorandum calling on the government to set up a Royal Commission to investigate the video clip issue, and for transparency in the appointment of court judges.

Protocol? Nah....

How did Nazri (Protocol No. 16) become Minister for Ahmad Fairuz, when CJ is No. 11 on protocol list?

by Lim Kit Siang

Malaysia is still reeling from the many shocks reverberating from the expose of the Lingam Tape – confirming what had been widely talked about concerning the perversion of the course of justice in the fixing of judicial appointments and court judgments but also from the responses from the Executive and Judiciary.

Both the Executive and the Judiciary had come out of the Lingam Tape scandal with their reputation in tatters.

The thunderous ten-day silence of the Chief Justice, Tun Ahmad Fairuz Sheikh Abdul Halim has completely drowned out the puny denial which the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz had made on the Chief Justice’s behalf.

In the 50-year history of the nation, one top judicial officer had been sacked from his office but he retained national and international respect for his honour and integrity. However, two other top judicial officers who completed their term of office did so under a black cloud and nobody would have thought there would be a third top judicial officer who would be exiting from office in ignominy.

The Executive on its part had brought the whole system of democratic governance into a tragic-comedy of errors – not least of which was the decision to set up a so-called “Independent Panel” to investigate into the authenticity of the Lingam Tape and headed by someone who is tainted by his role in the “mother” of all judicial crisis in the past 19 years, the 1988 Judicial Crisis.

Even now, the term of reference of the so-called “Independent Panel” into the Lingam Tape has not been fully made public. What is there so secretive that its actual term of reference is still being kept a secret?

But it is Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz, the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department in charge of law and justice, who has wrought the greatest harm to the system of governance in Malaysia.

Nazri publicly claiming that he is “Minister” for the Chief Justice when none of the five Prime Ministers in 50 years had dared to make such a claim shows how lowly the judiciary had fallen and the contempt meted out to the doctrine of separation of powers.

Under the doctrine of separation of powers, the three branches of government, the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary are independent and do not infringe upon each other’s rights and duties – providing an important check and balance for democratic good governance to avert any form of tyrannical government.

In this system, the Prime Minister, the Chief Justice and the Speaker of Parliament are meant to be independent and almost equal status as respective heads of the three branches of government.

This is why in the official protocol list as gazetted, the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister are listed as No. 6 and 7 respectively after the Yang di Pertuan Agong, Sultans and royal dignitaries, while the Chief Justice is No. 11, the President of Senate No. 12, the Dewan Rakyat Speaker No. 13 while Cabinet Ministers are placed No. 16.

It is therefore most outrageous for Nazri to claim that he is the Minister for the Chief Justice when even the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, placed on a higher level than the Chief Justice protocol-wise, cannot make any such claim.

Protocol wise, the Chief Justice is No. 11 between the Prime Minister (No. 6) and Parliament Speaker (No. 13) – how did Nazri (No. 16 for Cabinet Ministers) become Minister for Ahmad Fairuz?

What is shocking is that Ahmad Fairuz is now so subservient to an ordinary Cabinet Minister, who is five places below him in the official protocol list, that he dared not even bleat a protest to uphold the dignity of the office of Chief Justice and the independence and integrity of the Judiciary from any Executive interference or encroachment!

However, Nazri had not only wrought great damage to the public standing of the judiciary, the de facto law Minister had also gravely undermined the credibility of the government with his tirade against the Bar Council and Malaysian lawyers for their historic march for justice on Wednesday from the Palace of Justice to the Prime Minister’s Department in Putrajaya and his comment: “There is no crisis in our judiciary. No crisis, no problems. I don’t seen any scandal.”

Is Nazri seriously suggesting that when some 2,000 lawyers could be so moved as to be involved in a March for Justice express their long-held and deep-seated concerns about the rot in the system of justice, Nazri is completely blind and deaf to such concerns?

And is Nazri typical of all the Cabinet Ministers in the country – for if so, then the former Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad was being very kind in dubbing them as “half-past six Cabinet”!

The 50th Merdeka anniversary has seen many knotty nation-building problems surfacing in public – including the long-standing rot in the judiciary. The question is whether the 50th Merdeka anniversary will see the beginning of a new national resolve to right these generational and historic wrongs or their further aggravation.

Joke of the Century from Kerajaan Malaysia

The Expedition 16 crew members pose for a portrait at the Johnson Space Center. From the left (front row) are Russia’s Federal Space Agency cosmonaut Yuri Malenchenko, flight engineer and Soyuz commander; astronaut Peggy Whitson, commander; and Malaysian spaceflight participant Sheikh Muzhaphar Shukor. From the left (back row) are European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Léopold Eyharts, astronaut Garrett Reisman and astronaut Dan Tani, all flight engineers.

Taken the above from Lulu-Aiseyman. Pictures and caption from NASA website. And as Aiseyman pointed out our angkasawan is just a spaceflight participant not an astronaut or a cosmonaut. Looks like our kerajaan is lying again. Spend lots of our money for doing magic and bluff us all. Haha

For Justice Sake

I received an sms from a client at around 3.15pm saying, "Thank You". I replied "Welcome, but what is it for". And he replied, "for marching for us". A simple reply but speaks a thousand words. I suddenly remember that I am, an officer of the court, the bulwark of civil liberties.

"When lawyers marched, something is wrong" said Bar Council chairwoman, Miss Ambiga Sreenevasan. This indeed is true. It is a rare march. The Malaysian Bar don't march for just everything like what political parties do whether opposition or BN. The Malaysian Bar will march when there is no other way to go about it. The march was done professionally and with firmness. We were blocked by the police from going to the Palace of Justice, at Putrajaya. We went to another exit albeit a much longer one. But we were persistent because we know the fight for justice is crucial.

Something is dead wrong for the police to block the road. Something is dead wrong with the judiciary and that is why we march. We march for justice sake. We want it to be cleaned. We want the whole system to be overhauled so as to see that Justice is not only be done but seen to be done. There were placards demanding the sacking of the Chief Justice together with banners saying Bersihkan Badan Kehakiman, Selamatkan Badan Kehakiman, "No to Corruption" and the likes. There were also chants like "Who are we?" and the crowd shouted "Malaysian Bar", "What do we want?", and a loud cry from the people, "Justice!"

Before the march, there were many disappointments and discouragement such as those from the government that says that the Bar stoop so low like the Opposition and that from the Muslim Lawyer group. Especially to the group, I think more is demanded from them by the people. There is no doubt that the people is now looking at us

Real Stupid Fella.....so ARROGANT

I am disgusted with old Nazri. What a stupid fella. I think he is the most damn arrogant person on earth right now. He was commenting on lawyers marching the "Walk for Justice" as "brains are like opposition party". Maybe Nazri has brains like government dog and a jackass. A real idiot he is.

I think the Bar will not want to have anything to do with him any more. The Bar Council and all Malaysians has the right to call the government for the setting up of a Royal Commission of Inquiry.

A Good March

I have just got back from Putrajaya to Melaka and I'm tired, wet and cold. I am drenched. BUT I'm proud for what I did with my fellow friends and comrades of the Bar. We stood for justice. I'm proud at the Malaysian Bar and the Bar Council for standing up for the people and at the same time managed to send a strong message to the government and to the world at large that the Malaysian Bar and the people will no longer tolerate any form of corruption and evil doing. We stand up for justice, integrity and righteousness for the administration of justice so that the future of all Malaysians will be preserved. I don't intend to leave this country. But I want to continue to fight until justice is prevailed and seen to be done. I want to be part of it. It is a duty call for me to see things work in the country I love.

The Star reported that there were 1000 lawyers/NGOs and members of the public. But in fact it is more than just a thousand. We had a count of at least 2000 people marching together to the Prime Minister's office and to give two memorandum. I must applaud our Chairperson, Miss Ambiga for her courage and leadership in having a march that is peaceful and professionally done. As she had stated in her message that we are here not to condemn the government but to instruct the government to do what is right. To right the wrong. We want a clean up of the judiciary as we cannot stand that corruption has been rooted deeply since the dismissal of Tun Salleh as Lord President in 1988.

PEOPLE'S APPEAL... taken from the People's Parliament

The People’s Appeal To His Majesty The Yang DiPertuan Agung

On 19/9/2007, the nation was rocked by another scandal, this time in the form of a video clip which exposed what appears to be a telephone conversation between senior lawyer VK Lingam and another person, allegedly fixing the appointment of ‘friendly’ senior judges.

A careful study of the monologue presented in the video clip leaves a very clear impression that the telephone conversation is indeed between VK Lingam and the present CJ, Tun Ahmad Fairuz Sheikh Abdul Halim and relates to the appointment and promotion of judges. Other judges are also named in the course of the conversation.

That Tun Ahmad Fairuz had, subsequent to the release of the video clip, first responded that he would need to first view the video clip before saying anything, then issuing a ‘no comment’ response and only lately and that too through a third party making a bare denial of being a party to the conversation leaves us, the rakyat with a sense that Tun Ahmad Fairuz has not responded with complete candour on this matter.

This scandal now casts serious doubts on the suitability of Tun Ahmad Fairuz to head the judiciary as well as on the propriety of the appointments and promotions, made on the recommendation of Tun Ahmad Fairuz, of several judges of the High Courts, the Court of Appeal and the Federal Court.

We, the rakyat, no longer have any confidence whatsoever in the judiciary.

We, the rakyat have noted for some time that some very senior judges have been constantly overlooked in the numerous promotion exercises that have proceeded during the tenure of Tun Ahmad Fairuz, with junior judges being preferred.

We the rakyat have also noted that it was recently reported that Their Royal Highnesses acting through the Conference of Rulers rejected two nominations by Tun Fairuz for the position of President of the Court of Appeal and the Chief Judge of Malaya although these positions had been vacant for a long time. It is rumoured that those nominated by Tun Fairuz were junior in comparison with many other more senior serving judges.

We, the rakyat, have further noted that there is at least one judge promoted to the Federal Court who, it is reported, has failed to deliver written judgments in up to as many as 35 cases, with the result that appeals by many who have been convicted of offences and are in prison are unable to have their appeals heard.

This most recent scandal also raises again real concerns about the sudden change of the trial judge in an ongoing murder trial in Shah Alam.

We, the rakyat, are also gravely concerned about the recent decisions in several high-profile cases and whether these were ‘fixed’ by Tun Ahmad Fairuz and, if so, the implications it has in relation to the other judges of our superior courts.

The reaction of the Prime Minister, other members of his cabinet and the Attorney-General to the matter of this video clip give us, the rakyat, no reason at all to believe that this scandal will be honestly investigated so that the truth of the matter will never be known.

We, the rakyat, do not believe that the Prime Minister and his present government are committed to getting to the bottom of this scandal and, if ascertained to be the truth, to take all necessary steps to restore the judiciary as a constitutional institution emplaced to independently defend the constitution, the rights of the rakyat, and to uphold the rule of law.

In this regard, the announcement on 25/6/2007 by the Deputy Prime Minister of a 3-man panel to be headed by one who was implicated in the sacking of Tun Salleh Abas in 1988 to now investigate this scandal fortifies our belief that the present government is determined that the truth in relation to this scandal never becomes known.

We, the rakyat, are gravely concerned that if this scandal is left to be investigated by the administration of the Prime Minister, the police or the Anti-Corruption Agency, the rakyat will only witness another cover-up, leaving us, the rakyat without any recourse to justice, ever suspicious whether the judiciary is to protect the rakyat or the interests of a chosen few.

This most recent scandal raises concerns whether the corruption that has become so prevalent in the management of this country has now also made its way into the judiciary.

For these many reasons, we, the rakyat, now pray that Your Majesty may be so moved and in the exercise of the full powers conferred on Your Majesty to :-

1. direct the establishment of a Royal Commission to inquire into, consider and/or determine whether in fact the conversation reflected in the said video clip did occur between VK Lingam and Tun Ahmad Fairuz and the veracity of the assertions made by VK Lingam in the said video clip and, if found to be so, that the Commission be further mandated to enquire into, consider and/or determine:-

1.1 the involvement of all those named in the said video clip in connection with the appointment and promotion of judges;

1.2 cases in which VK Lingam was involved and which were heard and / or decided by Tun Ahmad Fairuz and / or any of the other judges named in the said video clip;

1.3 all acts carried out by Tun Ahmad Fairuz during his tenure as Chief Judge of Malaya, President of the Court of Appeal and Chief Justice, more particularly:-

• the basis of the appointment and / or promotion of judges by Tun Ahmad Fairuz with particular emphasis on the other judges named in the said video clip;
• the manner in which the members of the panels of the Court of Appeal and the Federal Court were selected by Tun Ahmad Fairuz during his tenure as President of the Court of Appeal and Chief Justice; and
• the manner in which files were allocated to the panels of the Court of Appeal and the Federal Court by Tun Ahmad Fairuz during his tenure as President of the Court of Appeal and Chief Justice.

2. the Royal Commission having ascertained that the conversation reflected in the said video did occur between VK Lingam and Tun Ahmad Fairuz and assertions made by VK Lingam in the said video clip to be true, to :-

• direct the Prime Minister to take all necessary steps to appoint a tribunal under Article 125 of the Federal Constitution to remove Tun Ahmad Fairuz and/or any and all judges found by the Commission to have been implicated, directly or otherwise by the acts of misconduct of Tun Ahmad Fairuz; and

• direct the Prime Minister to take all necessary steps to suspend Tun Ahmad Fairuz and/or any and all judges found by the Commission to have been implicated, directly or otherwise by the acts of misconduct of Tun Ahmad Fairuz, pending the reference to and/or report of the tribunal.

3. direct the immediate establishment of an independent Commission for the appointment and promotion of judges to the High Courts, the Court of Appeal and the Federal Court.

Kit Press Statement on the Independent Panel

By LIM KIT SIANG,
Parliamentary Opposition Leader

3-man independent panel into authenticity of Lingam Tape unsatisfactory and unacceptable as it falls far short of what should be done – a Royal Commission of Inquiry into Lingam Tape and alleged perversion of the course of justice and the compromising of judicial independence, impartiality and integrity

Disbelief, shock and outrage – these three feelings sum up the general reaction to news of the announcement by Deputy Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak of the three-man independent panel set up by the government to investigate the authenticity of the Lingam Tape of a telephone conversation between a senior lawyer V.K. Lingam and Chief Justice Tun Ahmad Fairuz Sheikh Abdul Halim in 2002 on fixing of judicial appointments and perversion of the course of justice.

Najib said the panel would be headed by former Chief Judge of Malaya Tan Sri Haidar Mohd Noor, with former Court of Appeal Judge Datuk Mahadev Shankar and social activist Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye as members.

The three-man independent panel into the authenticity of the Lingam Tape is unsatisfactory and unacceptable as it falls far short of what should be done – a Royal Commission of Inquiry into the Lingam Tape and the alleged perversion of the course of justice and the compromising of judicial independence, integrity, impartiality and integrity.

The establishment of a Royal Commission of Inquiry to conduct a full and comprehensive investigation is particularly urgent and imperative to restore public confidence in the system of justice as up to now, Ahmad Fairuz has been conspicuously silent in failing to personally issue a statement on the Lingam Tape – five days after its expose by Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

The denial which the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department, Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz had made on Ahmad Fairuz' behalf is just not good enough, with zero credibility.

In restricting the panel to the question of the authenticity of the Lingam Tape instead of allowing full investigations into all aspects of the allegations of perversion of the course of justice and the compromising of judicial independence, impartiality and integrity raised by the video clip, the government is avoiding the imperative issue of the long-standing rot in the judiciary and the urgent need to restore national and international confidence in the system of justice with a truly independent judiciary and a just rule of law.

A Royal Commission of Inquiry into the Lingam Tape would have first to address the issue of the authenticity of the video clip and there is no reason why an independent panel should be formed with the very narrow and restricted focus of deciding whether the video clip is authentic or otherwise, without the further powers of proceeding to further conduct comprehensive investigations into all the allegations of perversion of the course of justice and the compromising with judicial independence, impartiality and integrity.

In short, the government is trying to focus public attention on the technical question about the authenticity of the Lingam Tape and distract and disregard it from the urgent, imperative and substantive issue of the long-standing rot in the system of justice which must be identified and stopped.

Najib said that the panel's findings are expected in a few weeks' time and will be made public.

Is the whole game-plan to drag out the issue until after October when Ahmad Fairuz would have retired as Chief Justice and the whole issue could be laid to rest on the ground that it is now academic with Ahmad Fairuz' retirement?

The selection of members of the inquiry panel is highly questionable, particularly as the former Chief Judge of Malaya Tan Sri Haidar Mohd Noor had played a most controversial role in the 1988 Judicial Crisis (he was at the time Chief Registrar of Supreme Court) leading to the arbitrary and unconstitutional sacking of Tun Salleh Abas as Lord President and Datuk George Seah and the late Tan Sri Wan Suleiman as Supreme Court Judges.

In the circumstances, it is most regrettable that Haidar should be involved in any investigation into the Lingam Tape scandal, which should be the first step to clean the Augean Stables in the Judiciary to return it to the high international repute and esteem it enjoyed before 1988.

Rock and Roll

It was reported in the Star that the government had just appointed an independent panel to investigate the VK Lingam's video. The Panel consists of Tan Sri Haidar Mohd Noor (left), Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye (below right) and Datuk Mahadev Shankar (below left). Question, is that all? Or should there be more? Earlier the PM declared that he was disappointed. So will he be happy with the appointment of an independent panel to probe. I find it a little difficult to understand why not a Royal Commission of Inquiry? Is that so difficult? Or is he afraid that it will lead to something bigger? A mega scandal that would certainly rock Malaysia.

Malaysians I believe are waiting for tough action and measure. Malaysians still felt the controversy surrounding the judiciary in 1988. I remember recently when the Bar Council wanted to propose a royal commission of inquiry to revisit events surrounding the removal of Tun Salleh as Lord President and the government was against the move because it was a little too late. If it had been earlier, the government would probably consider the idea. BULL SHIT.

Well, well, what about now then? Since the VK Lingam's video is currently hot in the news and we are saying WHY NOT, a royal commission of inquiry to inquire not only the recent scandal but at the same time to restore public confidence on the judiciary which means EVERYTHING. Why not make Malaysia judiciary independent and an example for all.

I endorse Kit's press statement when he says, "The establishment of a Royal Commission of Inquiry to conduct a full and comprehensive investigation is particularly urgent and imperative to restore public confidence in the system of justice as up to now, Ahmad Fairuz has been conspicuously silent in failing to personally issue a statement on the Lingam Tape – five days after its expose by Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The denial which the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department, Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz had made on Ahmad Fairuz' behalf is just not good enough, with zero credibility."

As such Malaysians call on the government to walk the talk instead to talk and talk.

What a Reporting

Taken from Tony Phua's blog

This is what I call Malaysia false and misreporting. Very unfair. Why a cover up?

Malaysia's Misreporting Media

Guys, if you want to know how the local mainstream media reports activities by the DAP, then there is no better example than what happened last week with regards to the case of Nurin Jazlin Jazimin who was brutally assaulted and murdered.

See the image of the basket of flowers published on 19 September (Wed) on page 4 of The New Straits Times (NST) below?


Well, the caption says "One family's message, one nation's grief for the brutal death of an unknown child."

That for your information is an outright lie by the NST editors. The basket wasn't placed there by "one family" but by a delegation led by the DAP Secretary-General, Lim Guan Eng.

I Am His Minister....

Nazri infamous quote "I am His Minister...."

I wonder what happen to separation of powers in Malaysia right now. If Nazri says to the AG or the legal services department under the PM's department then I would understand. But saying that to the judiciary is nothing but usurping the traditions of governing institutions. That in my mind is nothing short but ARROGANT.

Hostility to wards the Government.....pooordah

Nazri branded the Bar Council’s plan to hold a march on Wednesday to press for investigation into the scandal as an attempt to display ‘hostility’ and as support of the opposition. He says, “Lawyers are officials of the court, they have a place in the society. They shouldn’t behave like the opposition.”

He further says, “If they want to stoop so low and go there like opposition demonstration, certainly they will lose my respect because I have been having a very good relationship with the Bar.

Mr. Minister, you are dead wrong. Yes lawyers are officers of the court and as such owe a duty to protect the courts from being used as blardieeeeee tool to some very unscrupulous and irresponsible people. The judiciary must be free and independent from the government. The judiciary is the bulwark of civil liberties. AND that has to be respected.

The Bar Council is not being hostile but basically wanting to protect what that has been a disgrace to the community and society. In fact the government should and must confront this root of evil and do something positive. As such what the Chairperson of the Malaysian Bar says is true that the Malaysian Bar stands up for justice. It is non-partisan and only issue orientated. Justice is for all people, regardless of political persuasions and that the present situation is a matter of justice, AND not politics.

As such I hope the Minister can just at this point of time think as a person not affiliate with party politics.

Food Price Up

I'm not surprise.....

--- Taken from the Star

Food prices going up

PETALING JAYA: The price of food in restaurants and hawker stalls has been on the rise since the salary increase for civil servants from July 1.

Many consumers say they were paying more for the same meals while restaurant owners and hawkers admit increasing prices by between 20sen and 50sen.

Those who have not increased prices are serving smaller portions of food.

The National Consumers Complaints Centre (NCCC) said it was receiving more complaints about the rising food prices.

NCCC director Darshan Singh said that even the prices of teh tarik, Milo and Nescafe had gone up by between 50sen and RM1.

Becoming expensive: many consumers have started paying more for the food as prices at restaurants and hawker stalls have been steadily increasing since July 1.

“We are receiving an average of 30 complaints a day from consumers on the higher price of food,” he added.

The NCCC works closely with the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry and forwards all complaints received to the enforcement division of the ministry.

The Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) said more enforcement was needed to rein in food prices.

“Clearly, many traders and restaurateurs are still not being kept in check. We have received many complaints,” CAP officer Uma Ramaswamy said.

She added that, in Penang, the food portions served had become smaller.

“Food prices, however, have in general only gone up by 10sen. But this (price increase) will continue if nothing is done.

“True, there is no law against increasing prices but the authorities should not just leave it at that,” she said.

Uma said CAP had also been encouraging the public to have more home-cooked meals to save money but this practice was troublesome for working couples.

Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry’s enforcement (development) division deputy director-general Iskandar Halim Sulaiman said that under Ops Gaji, which started on May 21, the ministry had conducted 580,485 checks on grocery shops, restaurants and food outlets.

More than 130,000 compounds were issued and 550 restaurants hauled up for not adhering to their price list.

“So far, RM459,166 worth of goods have been seized and RM219,480 in compounds collected,” he added.

Those who have complaints about higher food prices and other essential items can call the enforcement division at 1800-886-800, SMS 32255 or e-mail e-aduan@kpdnhep.gov.my

Senior Judge deny.....

Nazri the Minister of Law says the senior judge told him that he denies talking to VK Lingam. Now I wonder....
(i) Who is the hell is Nazri that warrant the senior judge to call him?
(ii) Is the senior judge answerable to the Minister?
(iii) What about separation of powers between the legislature and the executives?
(iv) Is there judiciary independence?

What a damn joke of the year. A mockery to the judiciary.

Bar Coucil Press Statement on the present SCANDAL

PRESS STATEMENT

THE TIME HAS COME FOR US TO ACT DECISIVELY

Yet again a crisis has emerged in the Judiciary.

It is universally recognised that a competent, honest and impartial Judiciary free from interference is critical to every society; and that public confidence in the Judiciary, and in its moral authority and integrity is essential to the Judicial process.

As such, any hint of impropriety in the Judiciary, whether in the appointment process or in the disposal of cases, or in the conduct of judges, must be investigated swiftly and in a thorough and transparent manner, so that the public is assured that there is no cover up.

The rot and shaken confidence in the Judiciary began with the 1988 Judicial Crisis which involved the suspension of 6 Supreme Court Judges and the subsequent removal of 3 of them including the then Lord President. Since then numerous other allegations have surfaced which have not been taken seriously.

For too long we have watched the confidence in the Judiciary wane. For too long we have watched the judicial appointment process become unfathomable and shrouded in secrecy. For too long we have heard criticism after criticism about the Judiciary. For too long we have cried out for reform, but the authorities have not heeded our pleas.

Malaysians cannot afford to stand by and watch any longer. The time has come for us to act decisively.

The videotape raises at least the following questions:

1. How exactly were the appointments of Judges made at that time and since 1988, and what was the basis?
2. Were appointments determined by outsiders to the process under the Constitution (involving e.g. businessmen or litigants), and how was this allowed?
3. Who are the "key players" in the Judiciary referred to in the conversation?
4. Who were the "soldiers" referred to in the conversation?
5. Who were in the "other camp" referred to in the conversation?
6. Who were the people who "fought for us"? Who is "us"? Who are "our friends"?
7. What was the "private arrangement" referred to in the conversation?
8. What was the 110% loyalty referring to?
9. What was the nature of the relationships between the businessman, the lawyers, the politicians and members of the Judiciary?

These and many other questions raised by the video cry out for answers. It underscores the need for a Judicial Commission. If there is no truth in the allegations or inferences arising out of the video, then the parties concerned must be vindicated. If there is truth in the allegations (or in some of them), stern and appropriate action must follow. Either way, silence, dismissal, lukewarm responses or lack of action are not options for the Government. The response of the Chief Justice on Friday (21 September 2007) that he has no comment in response to the video clip is unacceptable but telling.

It is most disappointing to hear of official responses that seek to divert attention to the whistleblower, and threaten possible action against such person should the allegations turn out to be untrue. To do so at this stage casts serious doubts on the willingness of the authorities to properly and impartially investigate the matter. It will instead be a case of shooting the messenger.

The Bar Council calls upon the Government to immediately appoint a Royal Commission of Inquiry into the incident and into the state of the Judiciary.

We have a duty to the public to act. We have a duty to the many good, honest and hardworking judges, to act. We have a duty to the institution of the Judiciary to act. We have a duty to ourselves as Malaysians, and to civilised society, to say loudly that: enough is enough. Let us find out what really went on (and goes on) in the Judiciary. Let us not continue to be in a state of denial.

Dated: 22nd September, 2007.

Ambiga Sreenevasan
President
Malaysian Bar

The March Is Now

The VK Lingam video clip confirms the rot in the judiciary. Of course we were all very ignorant of it but this rot set in almost 20 years ago i.e. the wrongful dismissal of Tun Salleh Abas as Lord President (the current position is renamed as the Chief Justice of Malaysia). Tun Salleh Abas was dismissed together with five others Supreme Court judges (two others were later reinstated). Even though the incident happened 20 years ago but it is still fresh in our memory. We studied constitutional law in law school and were given example of the Executive challenging the independence of the judiciary in the like of the 1988 judicial crisis.

Now, the judiciary face yet another scandal through the VK Lingam's video clip. The last was during our national convention involving unwritten judgement and this time it involved appointments of high judicial position but unscrupulous and irresponsible people claiming to be doing it in the interest of the PM and the country. That to my mind is a disgrace. Nothing but to their own selfish means and agendas. No wonder those people are rarely charged, convicted or drag into court because they know people in high places.

As Haris Ibrahim (a known Malaysian human rights lawyer) puts in "Every single cancerous cell that now eats away at the integrity of our judicial system must be removed". And the present administration does not have what it takes to set things right. As such, the task is for us to move through. This is where the Malaysian Bar needs your help.

First, on 26/9/2007, at 11.00 a.m., lawyers will march from the Palace of Justice to the PM’s office in Putrajaya to submit a memorandum to the cabinet calling for the setting up of a Royal Commission to investigate the rot that has set into the judiciary since 1988. This march is initiated by the Bar Council but all are welcome. All members of civil society, NGOs and NGIs are welcome to join the lawyers on the steps leading up to the Palace of Justice and to then proceed to the PM’s office. There are five buses chartered to ferry lawyers and those interested to join in the march from KL to Putrajaya. The buses will leave the Bar secretariat at 9.00 a.m. if you are driving to Putrajaya, by all means do so.

Aliran Press Statement on the Judiciary

Aliran calls upon the Bar Council to save the judiciary. It is only the Bar Council that can do this. The Council and its members are well placed to play this role effectively and successfully. No one else can purge and cleanse the judiciary. We call upon the Bar Council to undertake this great task in the national interest and as a matter of patriotic duty. The Bar Council should call for an Extraordinary General Meeting and adopt a resolution calling for the boycott of the courts until such time when an Independent Commission of Inquiry is set up comprising individuals of impeccable integrity. The resolution should further direct the members of the Bar Council to shun all those judges who are deemed to have leap-frogged over more senior and deserving serving judges.

It is abundantly clear and established beyond any shadow of doubt – as can be seen through the Lingam tapes - that the promotion and appointment of judges are based on political manipulation and sinister manoeuvring by unscrupulous parties to secure their power base. They have sacrificed justice and have made a mockery of a hallowed institution that was meant to uphold justice and fairness.

This is one occasion which makes it possible to reform and rejuvenate the judiciary and deliver it from the doldrums it has been forced into by unscrupulous and unethical persons garbed in judicial robes. Uncouth lawyers with their political connections and close associations with discredited judges have tainted the fair name of justice and have brought shame and disrepute to the judiciary.

It is with pride that Aliran remembers members of the Bar in the mould of Raja Aziz Addruse who refused to appear before the Supreme Court presided by Tun Hamid Omar on a matter of principle following the executive assault on the judiciary in 1988. Hamid played an active role in the dismissal of Tun Salleh Abas and the sacking of Tan Sri Wan Suleiman and Datuk George Seah - the three innocent victims of a political plot. He was shunned like a leper and that’s the way to treat all the co-plotters who have ruined the judiciary.

Aliran has no doubt that the Bar will rise up to this occasion and set an example for the rest of the country to follow so that sanity, democracy and decency will be restored to our national life.

P Ramakrishnan
President
21 September 2007

My dear Nurin......

It must be stopped at all cause. Those that behave like animals MUST be treated like one. Yes, I'm posting about dear Nurin. Her death shocks all Malaysians. My condolences to the parents of adik Nurin. May peace be with the family of Nurin.

PM disappointed....what for

Excerpts from the Sun newspaper....

"Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Badawi says he is disappointed by the release of a video clip depicting a conversation, allegedly between a lawyer and a judge, on the fixing of judicial appointments.....

"This issue is important as it has caused a lot of damage to the country's judiciary system. If the evidence show what transpired in the video was not the truth, action should be taken against those who released the video, as well as all those who lodged ACA reports.

"I am disappointed. The video was released with the aim of getting the people angry with the country's judiciary system....

Asked whether a special commission would be set up to investigate the case, he said: "There is no need for one."

JOKE of the year. Scrutinize the interview I can conclude :

(i) PM is disappointed

(ii) PM is disappointed because of the release of the video

(iii) PM is disappointed because of the release of the video depicting the rot of the judiciary

WORST still....

(iv) PM disappointed because of the release of the video depicting the rot of the judiciary as the video is aimed to get people angry with the judiciary.

WHAT THE TOOOOOOOOOT..... this is unbelievable when statements like that comes out from the Premier. He should look at it more positively and do the necessary act to correct the rot. Unfortunately he is seen not wanting to do anything except to say "I am disappointed". What a response?

Double error of judgement .... NO ROYAL COMMISSION OF INQUIRY. Mana boleh? Tetapi Malaysia Boleh

WHY..................................

I hate it, I hate it.... and I'm going to say again I HATE IT. I hate to see my country rot. I hate to see the judiciary rot. The Executive is rotten so as to the Legislature. It is a great shame to see Malaysia in such a bad spot light. Malaysians all over MUST tell those in power ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. I am so SAD that we have another blardie scandal looming. Another blardie controversy sticking its ugly head again....AND this time is the judiciary.

What makes me more damn mad when the Prime Minister in his so called "Walk the Talk" dismiss so early the need for a Royal Commission of Inquiry. I don't understand what is the Prime Minister is hiding. Why is he so chicken? With vast and great power he has, just order a royal commission so that justice is not only be done but is seen to be done. The Royal Commission of Inquiry would dispel all negative elements hovering around the judiciary or even the executives. Names are implicated in the video, as I believe those names mentioned in the video do not want to have links with the person who spoke in the said video.

As a rakyat, I now urge DYMM Seri Paduka Baginda Yang DiPertuan Agong to direct the government to establish a Royal Commission to safeguard the confidence and the good name of the Judiciary.

Daulat Tuanku

Another Issue in Malaysia..... again?

Another blardie thing in Malaysia .... again? I am already so tired and stress with corruption issues and pig farming in Malacca, and now some scandal looming. Malaysia cannot afford to have another scandal. Now do Malaysians have faith on the JUDICIARY.... I wonder?

I cut and paste from Desmond's blog:-

The shocking revelation of an alleged conversation taking place in 2002 between a lawyer V.K Lingam and our current CJ, Tun Ahmad Feiruz has caused the Bar Council to convene an emergency meeting. Yes..it is a matter of utmost importance...a national issue. It is a huge scandal that allegations are being made that judges are being "planted" to be "pro government" even from Tun Eusoff Chin's time!

See the videoclip here. The transcript of the conversation found in Keadilan's website reveals :-

“The CJ said he is relative to now Agong, so he wants to stay on to 68, so, Tengku Adnan, I told Tengku Adnan, yesterday I had a meeting with him.

He said PM is already very angry with him, he said no problem he is going to make you acting err.. confirm your position as PCA, working very hard then working very hard to get Tan Sri Mokhtar as CJM.

Correct x3. correct x2. You know that the same problem that Tun Eusoff Chin has. He tried to do all this and yet he has run out of soldiers. He couldn’t do it because many are from the other camp. Last time was unfortunate because Tun Daim was doing everything sabotaging, otherwise how are things with you - everything is ok?. No, don’t worry.

Ha ha ha. Ah yes.Correct x5, right x3 correct. Ah right susah. You see he has now up for six court of appeal judges, so that he can put his men before he retires.

Ah… I will also get Tan Sri to remind PM to put a Tan Sri-ship this year lah. This will elevate you, you know."

Now...who is VK Lingam and how is Tan Sri Vincent Tan related to him?

An extract from a complaint to the Discplinary Board, Bar Council against VK Lingam as extracted from ipsofacto :-

On or about February 1998, the Bar Council received information that a photograph showing the Respondent on holiday with the Chief Justice, Tun Dato' Seri Haji Mohd Eusoff Chin, had been seen on the Internet. The Bar Council was able to verify this information by accessing the Internet and downloading a copy of the said photograph. A copy of the said photograph is annexed hereto and marked "BC-1".

In an article published by the Star newspaper dated 31.8.99, it was reported that Asian Wall Street Journal correspondent, Mr. Raphael Pura had alleged in his amended statement of defence that judgment by High Court Justice Mokhtar Sidin (as he then was) in the case of Tan Sri Vincent vs MGG Pillai and others was "written in part by the plaintiffs counsel Datuk V.K. Lingam" and initially typed by "Lingam's secretaries one Jayanthi and Sumanthi." It was further reported that Pura claimed that the final draft was "despatched to the said learned judge on floppy disk". A copy of the said article is annexed hereto and marked "BC-5".

(photos sourced from Jeff Ooi's blog - Guess who is who?)

Now why does Tengku Adnan's name crop up? Lets look at Tan Sri Vincent Tan and Tengku Adnan in business. Now who is Tengku Adnan?

1984                      Set up a company with his brother, Tadmansori
                       Holdings

                       Managing Director, Poon & Tengku Holdings Sdn
                       Bhd

                       Managing Director, DeTas Holdings Sdn Bhd

                       Executive Chairman, Gagasan Baiduri Sdn Bhd

                       Chairman, Hyumal Motor Sdn Bhd

                       Chairman, Berjaya Air Charter Sdn Bhd

                       Chairman, Tast Trading Sdn Bhd

                       Chairman, EMC Logistic Berhad

                       Chairman, Tadmansori Hotel Resorts Sdn Bhd

                       Deputy Chairman, Topgroup Holdings Bhd

                       Director, Tas Industries Sdn Bhd

                       Director, UNZA Holdings Bhd

                       Director, Topgroup Holdings Berhad

                       Chairman, Dancom Telecommunications (M)
                       Sdn Bhd

11/08/1992             Director/Chairman, Far East Asset (FEA)

30/11/1992             Member, Board of Minho

15/12/1992 -           Director, Berjaya Industrial Bhd (BIndustrial)
27/12/1996

10/07/1995             Director/Executive Deputy Chairman, Berjaya
                       Singer Bhd

17/01/1996             Additional Director and Group Executive
                       Director, Berjaya Group Bhd

27/03/1996             Resigned as Director and Group Executive
                       Director,  Berjaya Group Bhd

Apr 1996               Chairman, EMC Logistics Bhd

27/12/1996             Resigned from the Board of Directors of
                       Berjaya Industrial Bhd (BIndustrial)

                       Executive Chairman, Quasar Carriage Sdn Bhd

21/05/1999             Chairman, UNZA Holdings Bhd
                       (replaced Ahmad Husni Mohamad Hanadzlah who
                       had resigned)

12/10/1999             Chairman, Tanco Holdings Bhd

                       Executive Chairman, Quasar Carriage Sdn Bhd
                       (Renault Car Agent)

                       Director, Industri Otomobil Komersil (M)
                       Sdn Bhd (Inokom)

                       Director, Bridgecon Holdings Bhd

                       Director, Digi Com Bhd

                       Director, Dijaya Corporation Bhd

                       Director, Magni-Tech Industries Bhd

30/01/2001             Resigned as Director and Chairman of
                       Magni-Tech Industries Bhd

                       Mol.Com Bhd

                       Transwater Corporation Bhd

                       TT Resources Bhd

                       Board of Dunham-Bush (Malaysia) Bhd

                       Isuta Holdings Bhd

                       Rekapacific Bhd

See the names of the companies? Do a google search on the above companies and add Vincent Tan to it and see the nexus. So what now?

Facts Fear

I stepped into Paya Mengkuang for a sumptuous. It was porky pork from the first till the fourth dish. It was a save-the-pig campaign hosted by the Penduduk Paya Mengkuang. Yes the pig farm saga. Pig Farmer vs Majilis Bandaraya Melaka Bersejarah or more exact the State government. Speeches after speeches from distinguished people in the industry. The dinner was attended by Chinese Associations, Chinese Businessman, Political parties (including MCA) and the kampong people supporting the cause, whether it's Chinese, Malay or Indian. It was not a chinese thingy but a Malaysian thing.

I was glad to see the support given by the Malays in the area even though, pig was HARAM to them. But as I said it was not just a Chinese affair but the government handling of the matter coupled with political pressure by certain individual. And as I said also it has nothing to do with politics. No political speeches were made but plain HARD FACTS, HARD to kunyah for some. Uncle Kit was there as the last speaker and what he spoke was plain facts. Facts that are hard to swallow by some. Of course when Uncle Kit spoke, some that can't take HARD FACTS literally walk out from the hall. MCA I mean.

I shall post some pics soon.... wait ya

DOG catching competition SCRAPPED

It's a relief to hear that the crazy idea of the Selayang Municipal Council (MPS) to offer a top prize of RM15,000 to the person who catches the most number of stray dogs SCRAPPED. Among others the competition also offered RM13,000 and RM11,000 as 2nd and 3rd prizes respectively. This is one really stupid and crazy idea by stupid people sitting in the stupid Municipal Council.

Dog catching especially stray are deemed dangerous. It is definitely not easy to catch it what more non professionals. People will get injured nevertheless. Secondly as the reward is high, there may be even dog theft in the area. I seriously don't know what otak these people ada...

Anyway thank God that it is now out of the agenda...

ACA must not be a toothless tiger

Is disheartening to know that public funds was spend unnecessary and now the ACA is probing I hope to see some breakthrough in the prosecuting of those that have abuse their powers. Mismanagement and maladministration is rampant in government department as such those in authorities cannot at any point of time sweep it under the carpet. IF the ACA comes back and say "NO PROSECUTION" than I will be more frustrated with what is happening around us.

There should be more authority vested on the ACA to charge and prosecute. ACA has to be independent from the executive and must be only answerable to Parliament only. As such I hope this time, the ACA can now flex their muscle and to see that corruption is wiped out from creeping into the every departments in this land.

ACA already begun probes into A-G's findings

KUALA LUMPUR: The Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) has already begun several investigations on mismanagement of funds which were implicated in the Auditor-General’s report, said ACA director-general Datuk Ahmad Said Hamdan.

He however refused to reveal which ministries or agencies that they have scrutinised, assuring pressmen when met at the ACA Academy here on Friday instead that all would be made known in due time.

“Insyaallah (God willing), we will conclude our findings soon and let justice run its course,” he told newsmen after closing a five-day anti-corruption programme which attended by more than 25 participants from 14 countries.

CBT, why not?

Saw this today and I totally agree with Tan Sri Ramon Navaratnam. People will lose confidence with government expenditure and thus refuse to pay taxes. For me I have paid my taxes, always on time and seeing this happening, I'm sad and disgusted with the people up there spending our hard earned money like water. I'm posting this again and ask those in authorities to charge them for CBT.

Monday, 10 September 2007, 10:01am

The Star (Used by permission) PETALING JAYA: Government officers must spend money wisely or risk having Malaysians think of creative ways to avoid paying taxes because they are fed up with the mismanagement of public funds – such as a ministry paying RM224 for a RM32 set of screwdrivers. “If the money is honestly spent to make the country better, tax payers will pay because they know it is being put to good use. “Taxes come from the sweat and blood of Malaysians. If there is dishonesty and wastage of public funds, it riles the public,” said Transparency International Malaysia president Tan Sri Ramon Navaratnam. He added if the wastage continued, there would even come a time when taxpayers would think of ways to avoid paying taxes because they were no longer convinced the money would be put to good use as pledged by the administration. Navaratnam was commenting on the 2006 Auditor-General’s Report outlining a slew of cases involving public fund mismanagement. From paying RM1,146 for a set of pens costing RM160 to forking out RM5,700 for a car jack worth RM50, the list is long and sometimes shocking. He commended Auditor-General Tan Sri Ambrin Buang and his team for diligently uncovering the mismanagement, saying it showed the department acted without fear and favour. “Going by what was reported, it cannot be blamed if the public finds it hard to swallow the integrity policy advocated by the Government,” said Navaratnam. He said investigations must be conducted and government officers found to have wasted public funds must be duly punished. Consumer watchdog Fomca advisor Prof Hamdan Adnan said public fund mismanagement was a hot topic among Malaysians. “The Anti-Corruption Agency must step in. It is very fishy when officers are allowed to purchase a car jack for RM5,700 when it is only worth RM50,” said Hamdan. He also wanted to know if the Government would investigate why the Youth and Sports Ministry’s secretary-general had signed off 11 contracts beyond his authority. “The Government is very wrong if it assumes the public will just accept the wastage and not be angry. The leaders keep saying the rakyat must spend wisely, but where is the leadership by example?” asked Hamdan.

I bet you it's UMNOputra

Can't be so sure that this chap above supports the Opposition. My guts says that it is from the wannabe of UMNOputra planted in gatherings in the recent clashes in Batu Burok, Kuala Terengganu, just like the cybertroopers employed by UMNO attacking blogs all over. Why do I say that? Simply because KayJu loves the rempits. And the rempit will go all out to show allegiance to UMNO. Secondly they are always around to disrupt Opposition ceramah and gatherings.

So these are possibilities that points to UMNOputra. If UMNO intend to clean their very dirty image as a gangster party then, there should be a Royal Commission of Inquiry to investigate this ruthless act of treason.

What a ripped off....

A set of 4 screwdrivers cost RM224.94 instead of RM40.00 and a two tonne car jack cost RM5,741.00 instead of RM50.00. These are just the many unnecessary hiking up of prices only for the same old people supplying for ministries and government department. The richer gets richer and the poorer gets poorer. The Auditor General reports confirms and endorses the unhealthy practices of corruption in Malaysia.

I could not imagine that the government will pay so much for tools for students at the eight National Youth Skills Institutes (IKBN) around the country. Nothing short of not following the proper method of general accounting and economic, a sheer wastage and abuse of public funds. The people responsible will have to be charged in court for criminal breach of trust. Enough is enough.

No Big Deal Budget

I did not expect much in the budget because there is actually nothing to expect. No new news except (i) that for the first time nothing mentioned on the rise of taxes in alcoholic drinks and cigarettes, (ii) no civil servant bonuses and (iii) something good for education.

However I have this to say. So what if you have schools and examination fees abolished when good and high achievers do not have places in the University of their choice. They may have free text books in schools so that people in the lower income group and yet when these high achievers scores in the examination they are sidelined by those in authorities for a degree which they seek. Reason given, short of place. And when a complaint is made to the authorities, leaders from government parties would just say "Be patient" or "Be happy when you have a place in the University". This is when you are given to do some stupid course which you do not actually asked for. And this is what the government says that they are thinking of the rakyat. I hope that the government will open the doors for more non malays to get a place in these public universities.

On health, I welcome the government effort to improve quality of hospital services, purchasing medical supply and health equipment, however health and medical care is relatively still expensive especially for those who can't effort. That being of course those in the majority group. The cost of medical services and health gets expensive day by day. In fact the government should spend more on research and development to enable Malaysia to be importers of medical products and services around the world. There must be improvement in general hospitals across the country. We cannot afford to hear medical negligence against our rakyat.

I hope much is done for our youth today. Even though much money are put into youth development, however I wish to state, that there are more Rempits in our highway than our Rakan Muda projects. They are the future generation of this country and them behaving like what they behave right now, Malaysia will be doomed to failure. I saw more young ones in drugs, rempiting, illicit sex, indulging into alcoholism and other unnecessary activities.

So in short...nothing so new in our budget.

MCA kowtowing to UMNO...as usual

I cut and paste a press statement by Guan Eng on MCA usual political stunt on the issue on Islamic State.

PRESS STATEMENT BY LIM GUAN ENG

Ong Ka Ting should prove that MCA is fighting for the rights of all Malaysians and not for UMNO’s interests by demanding that the Prime Minister state clearly that Malaysia is a secular state where non-muslims are not subject to the jurisdiction of syariah courts

______________

Press Statement

by Lim Guan Eng

__________________

(Petaling Jaya, Monday): Despite his puzzling and confusing explanation that Malaysia is neither a secular state nor a theocratic state but a parliamentary democracy, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi’s latest statements show that he has clearly defined Malaysia as an Islamic state. By stating in an interview with The Edge September issue that the syariah courts can be fair to non-Muslims and that non-Muslims can get justice from syariah courts is a dangerous indication that the jursidiction of syariah courts extends to non-Muslim.

Abdullah even said that the adminstration of the syariah courts shall be improved to prove that it is not against non-Muslims. For the Prime Minister to declare that syariah courts can be fair to non-Muslim and is not against non-Muslims is a statement of intent to compel non-Muslims to seek justice in syariah courts.

This goes against the fundamental constitutional principle that non-Muslims are not subject to syariah courts but only to civil courts. For Abdullah to extend the syariah courts’ jurisdiction to cover non-Muslims is both wrong and a dangerous extension that is illegal and contrary to our 1957 social contract that gave rise to Merdeka and our Federal Constitution.

MCA has issued a statement expressing disagreement with Abdullah. However such statement again only appears in the Chinese press but not in the non-Chinese press. This proves that both Gerakan and MCA are playing “double-faced” politics in saying a different thing to the Chinese community but showing their true version in the Malay community of quiet submission and complete obedience to UMNO.

MCA President Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting should prove that MCA is fighting for the rights of all Malaysians and not for UMNO’s interests by demanding that the Prime Minister state clearly that Malaysia is a secular state where non-Muslims are not subject to the jurisdiction of syariah courts in accordance with the Federal Constitution. Failure to do so would show that Ong does not comply with his own statements that the Federal Constitution is the guiding principle in the resolution of all disputes.

Goblok making Goblok Statement

He is the one who started the goblok statement and indeed he is more goblok than any others. Yes I am talking about Zam Zam. I find it weird of his accusation against the Sun newspaper. For me, at least the Sun is being fair to all not just the Opposition and NGO but the government compare to RTM and all the government media that are always lopsided and all praise for the government using it to promulgate the agendas of the government only. Just because the Sun is reporting fairly that does not mean that they are against the government. The news media must be objective and independent. Having said that it has to be complemented with freedom of religion.

Stupid and real stupid or rather more goblok. No wonder words spoken from people like him shows nothing but stupidity.

------

© The Sun (Used by permission)

PETALING JAYA (Sept 3, 2007): Information Minister Datuk Zainuddin Maidin attacked theSun for a second time today after launching Bernama's all-news radio station Radio24.

Last week, Zainuddin, who was once editor-in-chief of Utusan Malaysia, had accused theSun of promoting the concept of Malaysian Malaysia, of being anti-Malay and sympathetic to the Democratic Action Party (DAP).

He made the accusation and took exception to Gerakan adviser and Energy, Water and Communications Minister Datuk Seri Dr Lim Keng Yaik describing theSun as the only newspaper that is truly non-racial in its news reporting.

Today, besides repeating his allegations that theSun was pro-DAP, he also said the newspaper supports Parti Keadilan and gave too much space to the views of young people.

"He who is a supporter of Keadilan, those whose positions are against the government, youngsters, they will get a place in theSun," Zainuddin said.

"Are they [theSun] the voice of DAP or Keadilan? I don't know."

He also attacked internet bloggers and newspapers which treat bloggers as a source of information.

"I don't understand why some newspapers want to project some of these websites as being crucial [and claim that they are] read by six million people.

"Who are these six million? Foreigners? Are they read by people who determine the political power in this country?" he asked.

The Role of the Monarchy per HRH Raja Dr Nazrin Shah

I can't help but to post this below, taken from Raja Nazrin Shah, the Raja Muda of Perak on the role of the monarchy today. He suggested that the role of the Monarchy is different from that of yesteryears. And what he Highness say is so true. That they are above politics. Contributing to public life by redefining their role as that "of helping to uphold justice, maintain peace and resolve conflicts between contending parties, in much the same way as judges serve society".

His Highness also states that the monarchy strengthens the institutions of governance and enhances, rather than detracts from, the democratic process. They symbolises the virtue of he identity, continuity, unity and strength. It is a symbol of unity because it is a focal point for citizens of all races, religions and political persuasions to rally around. And it is a symbol of strength because it exemplifies the virtues of justice, mercy and honour. Contrary to some opinion, the Malaysian monarchy is not all form and no function. As a result of that they have a larger role to play in developing a society of understanding.

His Highness also bring the monarch in memory lane whereby, many monarchies around the world have disappeared because Rulers took their status as a divine right to some even liken a demigod right rather than a responsibility. They did not bother to re-evaluate and reinvent their roles as guardians of the welfare of their subjects and, not surprisingly, did not retain the public's acceptance and trust. Monarchies came to be closely associated with autocracy, megalomania, tyranny, cruelty and feudalism.

For the monarchy in Malaysia to continue to function effectively as one of the main national axes around which society pivots, it must remain fresh and vital by fulfilling the role expected of it. It is an often overlooked or under-appreciated fact that the monarchy in Malaysia is supposed to play a productive role by being a healthy check and balance in the system of governance. The Federal Constitution mandates the monarchy to be the guardian of the just rule of law, an impartial arbiter in the democratic process and an overseer over the pillars of state. Some believe that the Rulers are supposed to do so only in a purely ceremonial sense, but Raja Nazrin argued that this contradicts the true spirit of the Federal Constitution.

Merdeka? or BN's anniversary

I have to agree what Uncle Kit says that the 50th Merdeka Celebration is nothing more than a political gimmick of the Barisan Nasional or rather UMNO ONLY celebration. Here is what was posted by Uncle Kit below

MERDEKA GOLDEN JUBILEE - National anniversary or BN anniversary

A fortnight ago, the Sultan of Selangor called on politicians regardless of parties to put politics aside and to celebrate the once-in-a-lifetime event, the 50th Merdeka anniversary, as one people.

He said: “The politicians, regardless of their parties, can have all the time they want to talk about politics after National Day but for now, I do not want to hear any issues that can hurt the feelings of any community.”

It is very sad that the Sultan of Selangor’s advice was completely ignored, as the two weeks before the 50th Merdeka anniversary had produced an unusually big crop of divisive and contentious issues which further divide rather than unify Malaysians as well as undermining public confidence in the independence and integrity of national institutions – not to mention the farce of patriots staged by some Barisan Nasional MPs on August 29, which disgraced Parliament and demeaned the Merdeka Golden Jubilee celebrations.

After the Ambang Merdeka at the Dataran Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur culminating in the 50th Merdeka Anniversary countdown to midnight of August 30, many Malaysians asked whether it was a national anniversary or a Barisan Nasional anniversary.

Instead of uniting all Malaysians, regardless of generations, race, religion, territory or political party affiliations, the Ambang Merdeka programme polarized Malaysians between those in the Barisan Nasional/Alliance and the rest of Malaysians!

Although the Merdeka Parade at Dataran Merdeka yesterday morning and the Merdeka Mammoth Celebrations at Stadium Merdeka last night were not as blatantly “Barisan Nasional” as the Ambang Merdeka programme, the tone and motif of the official celebrations had been set and it is no exaggeration to say that many Malaysians were turned off by the anniversary programme for failing to be a powerful agent of Malaysian national unity for the country to face up to the many grave challenges of the next half-century.

Where have we gone wrong? Even more pertinent, are those in authority prepared to acknowledge that mistakes have been made in missing a golden opportunity, once-in-a-lifetime, to unite rather than polarize Malaysians or will such criticisms be dismissed as lacking in patriotism and love for Malaysia?

I'm so SAD and ANGRY

I have been observing from afar the case relating to Baby Yok Shan for more than two weeks. She was first reported in the press regarding a medical condition where her arm had turned gangrene due to infection in the incubator. I have been praying for her that she will recover and had heard news that she recovered and her medical condition was improved. I was happy.

Until this morning when I read in the Star today that her arms had been amputated just below her elbow on Saturday morning, This makes me cry. Sorry for being emotional but the fact that she has lost her arm due to the negligence of the medical staff in the hospital makes me sick of our current medical attention. For me, if I am the father I might just sue everybody, the hospital, health ministry (Government of Malaysia), the doctor everybody and anybody because I don't give a damn. Sorry for being really emotional....

However, I have my hats on her father Kian Kee who had called the hospital to conduct the operation as he and I believe his daughter could no longer bear the pain. He even go on record to say that his child is not a guinea pig or some medical experiment as the news reported that it needed about eight weeks to assess the condition of her hand. For me I can't wait that long to bear and see my child suffer as a result of the fault of the doctors and hospitals concerned. He even rejected the ex-gratia payment offered as compensation to the family by the government.

The fact is nothing can replace the lost of his daughter's hand. Now no money in this world can replace the arm that is lost not the fault of hers.

Having said the above, no wonder the Transport Minister is on medical leave abroad for medical consultation. Looks like he too heard about the news of our government hospitals and as such do not have the confidence in them and that is why he went abroad for a medical check up and consultation. No wonder. OR cabut'ing' as the scandal on the Port Klang Free Zone still looming above his head that he has to really take a medical break for I don't know what reason. Still hopefully when he is back he can at least answer some very important questions the rakyat wants to know.

Darn......

Something Must Be Done

This is something I don't understand. Why must these things happen? And I understand UMNO Youth love them so much because they are them. Something must be done to curb these Mat Rempit from being 'above the police and the law'. They are a nuisance. Mat Rempit turn on cops, smash patrol cars

Saturday, 01 September 2007, 09:29am

©New Straits Times (Used by permission) LUMUT: Merdeka celebrations here took a nasty turn at Dataran Hadhari, Teluk Batik, early yesterday when some Mat Rempit reacted violently against the police by wrecking one patrol car and breaking the rear window of another. This happened at 1.30am when a police inspector tried to detain a man, sparking angry protests from more than 100 Mat Rempit, who surrounded the police car, kicking its doors and ripping off the radio antenna, said Manjung deputy district police chief DSP Ahmad Rabawi Abdul Jamil. The police officer returned to the car and got away unharmed. About 2.15am, Anti-Narcotics division chief DSP Azman Shahrin went to the scene in a police car and saw about 3,000 people there but there was no confrontation with any Mat Rempit. "However, as we were passing by the area, a rock was thrown at the car, smashing the rear window," he said. Ahmad Rabawi said two men were arrested in connection with the damage to the police cars. He said police and the Manjung Municipal Council had been conducting a joint operation from 8pm on Thursday to 2.30pm yesterday. Police arrested four youths, aged 18 to 26, for reckless driving, issued 290 summonses and seized 52 motorcycles for various offences, he said. Five youths who tested positive for drugs were detained, including four aged between 13 and 16. "On searching them, we found utensils that were used to smoke ganja in their bags," he added. Comments (0) >>

Secular or Islamic?

Secular or Islamic? This is in the mind of every Malaysians since the controversial proclamations by our UMNO leaders. People are confused, some would just couldn’t be bothered but for me, I’m a defender of secularism not because I’m anti Islam but it is an agreed format of governing Malaysia as agreed by our founding fathers when Sabah and Sarawak was incorporated into what we call now Malaysia.

As such I must give definition what is a secular state, and why Secular was chosen as a form of understanding in this country. A secular state is where a state or country that is neutral in matters of religion, neither supporting nor opposing any particular religious beliefs or practices. It is not anti God or anti religion as claimed by some quarters notably UMNO, in which the state officially opposes all religious beliefs and practices. In some secular states in the world, there can be a huge majority religion in the population e.g. Turkey who are predominantly Muslim and yet upholding their constitution to be religiously neutral. This shows maturity in her citizen.

A secular state also treats all its citizens equally regardless of religion, and does not give preferential treatment for a citizen from a particular religion over other religions. In Malaysia however our constitution in Article 3 states the religion of the federation is Islam should have only a symbolic meaning, not affecting the ordinary life of its citizens.

A secular state is defined as protecting freedom of religion as pursued in state secularism. It is also described to be a state that prevents religion from interfering with state affairs, and prevents religion from controlling government or exercising political power. Laws protect each individual including religious minorities from discrimination on the basis of religion.

Not all legally secular states are completely secular in practice. In France for example, lots of Christian holidays are official vacations for public administration, and teachers in Catholic schools are salaried by the state. So this is the same in our country whereby the building of the mosque or the salaries of the religious teachers are paid by the federation and yet there is a hoo haa over Islamic or Secular.

In Malaysia, it is a clear fact that our founding fathers refuse to accept Malaysia to be an Islamic state as this will cause discontent among its people. Even the Supreme Court, notably in the case of Che Omar Che Soh in 1988 where it was held that Malaysia is not an Islamic State but Secular. This decision has not been reversed or departed from. In fact, during the recent Lina Joy Federal Court appeal, the court asked whether it was being asked to depart from the principle in Che Omar Che Soh. Counsel opposing the appeal indicating an acceptance that declared law in this country is as it stands in Che Omar Che Soh. The Court states:

‘... we have to set aside our personal feelings because the law in this country is still what it is today, secular law, where morality not accepted by the law is not enjoying the status of the law … Until the law and the system is changed, we have no choice but to proceed as we are doing today.’

Malik Imitiaz in one of his article “Artcle 11 Setting The Record Straight” states that “We must not confuse the crucial distinction between a country in which the majority are Muslims, and is thus an Islamic country, and a country in which the supreme law is the Syariah, an Islamic state. In Che Omar Che Soh, the Supreme Court stated:

‘If it had been otherwise (an Islamic State), there would have been another provision in the Constitution which would have the effect that any law contrary to the injunction of Islam will be void. Far from making such provision, (the Constitution), on the other hand, purposely preserves the continuity of secular law prior to the Constitution …’

Unless of course the Constitution in itself declared that Malaysia is an Islamic State like what was written in the Pakistan Constitution which had the provision that which declared Syariah law as the supreme law of this land. In Malaysia, Article 4 states that the supreme law of the country is the Federal Constitution that in itself intended Malaysia to be Secular and not Islamic. Why not our founding fathers at that point of time insists that Malaysia is an Islamic state, of course that did not happen as it was not intended to be Islamic. Anything that is inconsistent with that of Article 4 will be null and void.