Deputy Prime Ministers, Then and Now –" A Devil & Angel Story"

Reference is made to malaysiakini’s report on “I can prove Najib tried to bribe me”.

“I can prove Najib tried to bribe me” quoted malaysiakini referring to the open challenge of a PKR leader to Najib’s alleged corrupt attempt to lure opposition assemblymen in Perak. And before the story settles down I have another also from Malaysiakini before my eyes making me completely flabbergasted...

As an ordinary citizen of this country, I strongly feel the rule of law, in reality does not exist in Malaysia. Can anyone blame me or any others who share same perception with me? The period from 1997 until present day will always be remembered by Malaysians at large as the most trying times especially in the subject of good governance. In fact it’s the period we could say Malaysia turned its back to justice and human rights.

I can’t help but to compare and relate the different treatments accorded to Anwar and Najib. (I’m saying with full of conscience)

In my vivid memory I remember how the then DPM Anwar Ibrahim (1997-98) was accused of wrongdoings and sacked by his boss TDM. Anwar was beaten up (black eye incident) by the IGP and tried for sodomy and abuse of power. Many of these allegations were dubious, not proven in the eye of public. It was the first time in history when we witnessed mattress was brought to court as evidence. The chain of events that surfaced, slowly but surely diminished our hopes and trust in the institutions. Young children who never heard words such as “liwat” or sodomy started uttering them without knowing the meaning, thanks to Malaysian police. Despite all the “benefit of doubts” on his side, Anwar was found guilty and sentenced to jail. As Malaysians who abide by the laws, we accepted the verdict of the court although privately we thought otherwise. That was some 10 years ago.

Once again Malaysians are subject to similar situation now. The current DPM Najib is also being accused of many wrongdoings. At least 4 major accusations varying from corruption to murder have been hurled at him; Altantuya’s murder and the subsequent disappearance of Private Investigator Bala, DPM’s alleged involvement in fabricating Saiful Bukhari’s sodomy case allegation, Euro-copter purchase involving billions and the alleged 50million offer to PKR’s Fauzi Muda to lure PKR assemblymen to BN. The accusation is intensified to new level today with a massive coverage by Malaysiakini and many blogs on internet about a detailed news report on Altantuya’s murder published in “Liberation French Daily” in France.

The crucial question that flashes now in our mind, why is the double standard here? If the entire legal and judiciary fraternity in Malaysia could join hands to nail Anwar then, why the same standard is not followed in the case of Najib now, especially with so much of evidence and allegations surfaced? What the authority is going to do about all these allegations? We pose these questions here; Dear AG, will you be able to rise to the occasion to try Najib? Dear IGP will you be brave enough to investigate into Najib’s wrongdoings? Dear MACC, will you be impartial in investigating the alleged corrupt practices of DPM?

I shall emphasize unless the DPM goes through all these trials, he would not be able to garner support, respect and whatsoever assistance from ordinary Malaysians. Not only that, would he also be regarded as the first and most tainted PM Malaysia has ever seen.

Of course Najib is entitled to his rights to pleading innocent until proven guilty. But can we apply the same criteria to a man who will lead us and this country as PM? Remember Elizabeth Wong, all she did was sleeping in her own room, a little sexy; if she could be forced to resign from her position for sleeping innocently(which she resigned gracefully with honor) what say you about a man who is going to hold the most important position that affects the whole country? I remember a famous quotes by TDM, “a leader not only must be clean but must be seen clean”. Unfortunately in Najib’s case, we can say neither clean nor seen to be clean?

The issues, attitudes and prejudice which are explicitly obvious are what prompt me to conclude the DPMs then and now have different sets of rules to follow - The rules say Anwar must die but Najib must live forgetting the ultimate verdict is with people. Not Indians, not Chinese and certainly not Malays but all Malaysians, believe me it’ll be Malaysians’ Verdict. Najib has to go through the cleansing process if he truly wants to represent Malaysians!

I plead, make me wrong on this one – prove to Malaysians the rule of law is indeed alive and kicking in Malaysia.

read my article at malaysiakini

Also read more here:

here

here

Is Inconsistency the way forward for Ministers?

Just three days ago the works minister Mohd Zin Mohamed announced the toll hikes despite the financial difficulties faced by Malaysians during this uncertain economic down-turn. In responding his announcement, PM Pak Lah called on the works ministry and Malaysian cabinet to reconsider the decision to raise toll tariff, sighting the economic situation as reason.

Though Malaysians at large are relieved with the deferment of toll hikes, one wonders why the sudden change of mind in decision and the peculiarity in prime minister’s request to his own cabinet.

Another U-Turn by government is when the home minister retracted his earlier ruling to allow churches to use the word “Allah” with certain conditions. Malaysiakini termed this action as 2^nd U-Turn by government after deferring toll hikes. The bemusing factor is when the minister said it was a mistake on the part of government in enacting the gazette of an order under the ISA Act in allowing the use of the word 'Allah' in Christian texts with restrictions.

I’m confused; how a government that has been ruling a country for more than half a century, claiming to have all the expertise continues to disappoint us in every aspect of their governance. A decision to raise toll was announced without due diligence and consultation. An order under ISA act was enacted without deliberation, though I’m of the opinion such order was irrelevant as “Allah” should be allowed for use by Christians. In this matter, it’s pleasing to know the respected religious leader Tok Guru Nik Aziz too has showed his generosity and open mindedness about non-Muslims using the word “Allah”.

Simply put, it is difficult for Malaysia to progress with such incompetent ministers administrering the government with recurring blunders. Will any investor in his sound mind take his multi-million dollar risks with an inconsistent and indecisive government?

The (Non)Exemplary Leaders and The Education Minister!

If there is one word that became so famous in the last few days, it is without doubt “Celaka” which means damn according to Malay-English dictionary. I did not know the detriments of this word as my friends and I have had used it countless times in our conversation. But I’m sure none of us had ever taken that as offensive or felt offended.

Now we have people or shall I say the youth leaders of UMNO who have barged into the compound of an august house of this country. They cornered Karpal, the man who called them “Celeka Umno Youth” to demand an explanation and apology. Well, regardless of our political difference, all right thinking Malaysians will agree to this as total disrespect and violation of parliament principle. It’s undeniably a disgusting, shameful and despicable action as expressed by a commenter in Malaysiakini.

What make me perplexed are the actions and reactions of some of the leaders and ministers in this country. Do they realize every view expressed by them is not only heard by Umno but the entire population? Maybe could this be the real reason as to why UMNO is drifting apart from ordinary Malaysians.

In showing his Malay patriotism Aspiring Khir Toyo has warned Karpal and others by saying “We would do anything that is necessary to defend Umno and Malays”. – I find this as an intimidating and irresponsible reaction. Will a good leader respond in this manner?

Utusan Malaysia today (28^th Feb) has quoted Umno VP Muhammad Taib remark “the action by the group of UMNO supporters barging into the compound of Parliament to confront Karpal as rational. He further added, it is the result of provocation when Karpal said he wanted to sue his majesty. To Muhammad Taib, I wish to reproduce a comment mad by Halimah Said in The Star today,

“When we accuse others of derhaka and treason against the Sultan, are we aware that the House of Parliament is the rightful abode of our constitutional monarchy, and to invade this sacrosanct space is more serious than demonstrating outside the Sultan’s istana?”

Of all the remarks, the worst comes from the leader and minister who supposedly guide and mentor the youth, young minds and teachers. Hishamuddin Hussein is proven to be a complete let down. In his reaction to the scuffle in parliament he has said to this effect (tv3 and Utusan Malaysia),

“Those UMNO members involved in the scuffle are willing to face the actions and charges. And I as the leader will stand by their side to extend whatever support they need”. Isn’t this most despicable word, to have had uttered by a youth leader, an education minister, law abiding citizen and probably a potential Prime Minister?

What Hisham has done is tantamount to condoning the act of hooliganism; it’s akin to “since you provoked me, I attack you”. Is it because of Hisham’s transformational leadership values that we see more and more young people become violent?

If so, every parent in Malaysia has valid reason to worry with him being the Education Minister!

View in malaysiakini

View the video: Karpal being harrassed youtube

Kugan's spirit 'lives on' in the House by Malaysiakini

One month has passed since the controversial death of 23-year-old car theft suspect A Kugan in police custody, but his spirit still lingers on in Parliament today as a BN MP stood up in protest over the issue.

Abdul Ghapur Salleh (BN-Kalabakan) has expressed his disappointment over the investigation into Kugan’s death as no one from the police force has been charged so far.

He stressed that an independent inquiry should be set up to investigate the police officers who are alleged to be involved in the case. Continue reading at Malaysiakini…..

Thanks to Ghapur Salleh. He is the one of the handful Barisan Nasional MPs who has clear conscience to stand up for fairness and justice. Like he pointed out in Dewan rakyat yesterday, it has been a month since Kugan’s brutal murder and there has been no significant progress despite public outcry on his fate.

The government and its’ various enforcement divisions are super efficient in handling cases that involve opposition leaders and others who criticize them while investigation into cases of their own scandals moving at snail speed. The existence of impartiality and prejudice are very much evident and to expect Malaysians to close their eyes would be real stupidity of our government. Let us look at some of high profile cases, how these cases are handled by authorities:-

Cases involving people who are not in favour of government

Anwar Ibrahim’s sodomy trial- it’s speculated the delay is to ensure the DNA bill first to be amended in parliament.

Hindraf 5 – All the 5 leaders are being detained under ISA without trial. The government has turned their deaf ears to all calls and pleadings from Indian communities and others.

RPK’s sedition and other charges – Police is very efficient. Managed to arrest and prosecute RPK in very short period. ACA’s Corruption charges against the infamous 2 assemblymen in Perak – ACA was so efficient to charge them in court. However with them now in BN we could anticipate the case to take a back seat.

Arrest of Theresa Kok under ISA – Super efficient performance by Home Minister, all based on an irresponsible police report made by some UMNO quarters.

Kugan’s case – with clear evidence at hand, police and government have not taken any serious action against the perpetrators. For what we know, the accused have been assigned to desk jobs. AG has not made any decision on this yet.

MBCC (Menteri Besar’s Cow and Car) against MACC (Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission) - Commissioner Ahmad Said has managed to rap up the case at F1 speed and indicated “there is a strong evidence” against Khalid Ibrahim.

Cases involving people and VIPs of government.

Lingam’s tape – Enough evidence to prosecute but authorities do not move.

Dr.Mahathir’s interference in judiciary – Evidence produced but no prosecution

Altantuya Murder – Razak Baginda freed.

Bala PI missing in Action – Where, how, is he alive or dead no one knows.

Altantuya Murder – DPM has not been subject to any form of investigation though many strong possibilities surfaced to show his indirect interest/involvement

Anwar’s black eye police report against AG Ghani Patail – No action seen or words on it despite the fact it was done 8 months ago. From efficiency to inefficiency

Anwar’ black eye report against IGP Musa – No action so far

Bukit Bendera UMNO Chairman Ahmad Ismail’s seditious remark – No police action although so many police reports were made against him

DPM’s Eurocoptor deal- Billion dollar commission allegation – ACA/MACC and police did not even want to acknowledge the case.

Khir Toyo corrution - No Police case and no MACC

Now with so much discrepancies and prejudice what logics can government provide you and me or to claim that they are impartial and fair to all Malaysians? Wouldn’t we call that “Bullshit”?

‘Please accept me as MB’: Zambry to Perak people

“The Star” reports today! Read here

This is one of the funniest appeals I have ever heard, coming from a leader. Come on Zambry, what has happened to you? Will a real leader do that, appealing? You claimed, The Tuanku is on your side, the federal government is on your side; than why the need to appeal?

Well, you have proven us correct. You don’t have the support of majority Perakians. People do not regard you as legitimate Menteri Besar; the support Nizar has in Perak is enormous. You can do nothing about it for now.

People used to say, “Respect is earned, not demanded”. Likewise is leadership. You see, Leadership cannot survive without followership. It’s the willingness of people and in your case it’s the Perakians to follow that makes you a leader or Menteri Besar. People also like to follow those whom they have directly elected to lead them.

In your case Zambry, can you tell us honestly if you fit into this category? No, you don’t. Because you have been appointed by those in power without the consent of the people/ the followers.

Will you engage a nanny who is not acceptable to your children? If not how could you expect Perakians to accept you as MB?

Please do the right thing!

The TRUTH must be told no matter what so that JUSTICE shall live!

This topic says it all.

Earlier today, I read an article posted at Mahaguru58. The topic of the article was “Karpal Singh & Family Gets death threat- 2 live bullets in mail. The blogger explained at length the alleged wrong of Karpal in challenging tuanku Sultan Perak and therefore a death threat for Mr.Karpal was not surprising (though he personally disagrees). Read his blog here.

In disagreeing with him, I made my comments on the said post. Though my comments were published initially, I realized that had been removed shortly after that. These were my comments to his post:-

“You said it was factual in your reply to Lita.

But I beg to differ from you. Malays in general are not the type of characters you refer here. The present Malays largely are well informed between right and wrong. We could see that in the recent election. Those Malays who fervently go against Karpal and Nizar are actually Umno goons. They are being exploited by Umno and BN for their own survival. When situation threatens Umno’s position to rule they would do anything like what they did in Terengganu when calling the sultan “Natang”. I’m sure you have not forgotten that, have you?

As you have rightly admitted our sultans are constitutional monarchies. They have limited powers and any ordinary rakyat could take them on legally had the sultans victimized them. The historical amendments to our constitution were made possible by a man who claimed to champion Malay rights in 1993. It was him who believed people like Karpal could do so if situation warrants suing a sultan. With all due respect, the sultan had erred, (please refer to retired appeal court judge Honorable NH Chan’s article in Malaysiakini). The tuanku sacked a Menteri Besar who was legitimately elected and one must not forget he is Malay. When Karpal made his intention to sue Tuanku known, he merely emphasized his rights as lawyer and citizen. Again it’s a Malay man he had wanted to defend.

Lastly, what we argue about is law of this country. Most of us are not experts in the subject and therefore we refer to arguments of the law experts in this country. Let me provide some references here:-

When the crisis first surfaced in Perak, the former election commission chairman for some unknown reason gave his view on what should have been the case when an assemblyman resigns. Unfortunately it was not heeded.

A judge who we believe is impartial. Justice NH Chan said very clearly. If he were to sit on the case that has been brought by Nizar now, we could say Nizar is the winner.

Law professor Azmi Sharom who is regular columnist of “The Star” has backed Karpal with his reasons by saying “It’s in the Constitution”.

Another law expert Prof Shad Saleem has written a lot about this subject.

Ku Li in his blog has wisely remarked; “Today’s crisis in Perak is about the legitimacy of the process by which a new state government has been formed in Perak. It’s not about the status of the Rulers”.

So my brother, your tone on this subject somehow gives us a perception you are condoning such threat. As someone who has been promoting good values of Islam, your view in this matter however doesn’t reflect your stance and it might send a wrong message suggesting “Two wrongs make a wrong, right” though I opine Mr.Karpal did no wrong”

I’m compelled to say this because I too believe and subscribe to the blogger’s philosophy that professes "The truth must be told no matter what so that justice shall live".

Thanks

Compassion and Cruelty

Today I came across two articles, one describing about humanity and compassion while another inhumanity and cruelty. The land that boasts religion, god and humanity and other human virtues seem to be stranger for basic human values. The star today reported about the brutal killings of dogs and cats in Setapak. It’s heart-wrenching to see how cruel these people are to those helpless animals and all for mere RM 30 per animal caught and killed. DBKL health department director Dr Zainol Ariffin Pawanchee, probably forgot to read his religious book to understand cruelty.

Read the star here…

But it was completely opposite in Australia. Worst wildfire in the history of Australia is wrecking the country. Residences destroyed, lives lost and people have lost their loved ones and homes. Unlike in Malaysia, we could see a fire fighter shares his water with an injured Australian Koala. It’s so touching to see how compassionate people could become.

Read Malaysia Insider here...

Where is the compassion Malaysia?