Let’s strive to make the nation the pride of all

Let’s strive to make the nation the pride of all

Making 2008 a better year for all

The year 2007 may have been a great year for many – blessed with all the good things in life, good health,peace,happiness and prosperity. To them the passing year would be such a memorable one that is sad to depart with. They hope that the tidings of joy would continue into the coming year. 

To a large number of others the year 2007 could have brought all forms of miseries and even disaster – terminal illness, death of loved ones, financial losses, loss of jobs, failures in relationship, carreer and examinations. There may be some even  struck by natural calamities that have shattered their hopes and left their lives in total disarray. There are a good number of those severely hit by the escalating cost of living and are toiling day and night to make ends meet. For these unfortunate people the year 2007 was nothing but a nightmare. For them there is not much hope and cheer in welcoming the New Year. They just hope and pray that the coming year will bring some fortune into their lives. 

Our multi-racial and multi-religious nation too had its ups and downs during the year 2007.These trials and tribulations should make us more mature and tolerant in our thinking and attitudes towards one another. They should be a lesson for us on the importance of nurturing the peace and stability that we have achieved over the years. The greatest asset we have today is Prime Minister,Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. We hope with his wisdom and the moderate stand, Pak Lah will be able to steer the nation back on to a path of peace, goodwill and harmony. 

As we bid farewell to 2007 and step into 2008, let us as all resolve to do the little we can to make Malaysia a better place for all.  Let us resolve to make Malaysia the pride of all citizens irrespective of race, religion and political alignment. As we strive to improve ourselves, let us also do the little we can to make the lives of all Malaysians a bit better than it was. 

Let us forget the differences of ethnicity that divide us and unite with the many common things we have as Malaysians. Let us do our part in the fight against corruption, abuse of power, crime and racism and religious fanaticism in whatever forms that threaten the security and peace of our nation.

The year 2008 is an important one for all citizens, a year of our general elections. It is the time when we will be called to do our part in deciding our destiny as a nation. Let us be responsible and do our part in electing only those who are capable and genuinely committed to serve the rakyat at all times, leaders who will place the interest of the nation above theirs. As we wish each other a ‘Happy New Year’, let us be determined to strive to make the nation the pride of all. 

 

Happy New Year

Dr.Chris Anthony

 

It wasn’t justice: It was trampling on justice

Aliran letter to the media
Wednesday, 19 December 2007

Aliran welcomes the dropping of charges of attempted murder against
the 31 Malaysians who were implicated by the police without any
incriminating evidence. It was the only decent thing to do when their
case was so flimsy and without merit. Under the circumstance the
police were in no position to proceed with the case. When the case did
not proceed yesterday, it had nothing to do with compassion or
justice. It is as simple as that.

Any claim that that “the prosecution showed its softer side yesterday
when it dropped the attempted murder charges against 31 people for
hurting a policeman” (NST, 18 December 2007) is nothing but absolute
nonsense and has nothing to do with the truth of the matter.

The Attorney-General’ s statement that “we cannot pinpoint who exactly
did it or rather who was the one who `threw the brick’ at the person
who was badly injured” is ludicrous. The wisdom shown by the AG comes
too late in the day and begs the question, “Wasn’t that pretty obvious
from day one?” Why did you then charge them, Mr AG?

How could he have in all good conscience charged 31 Malaysians at
random without being specific about their culpability in the crime?
How could he have even thought of charging them?

He sounds hollow when stating, “When we exercise the law, we have to
look at it fairly.” What law did he look at and how did he exercise
that law in charging them? Malaysians need a clear and concise
explanation to justify his action.

Didn’t he – in spite of the defects in the `attempted murder charges’
– appear in person to oppose bail so that they could be locked up
unjustly? The `charges’ were so serious that he had to come before a
junior judge to impose his presence to obtain the judgment that he was
pushing for. He did all this apparently knowing full well that he was
walking on thin ice.

As far as ordinary Malaysians are concerned, he had wilfully discarded
the law and frivolously charged them when there was no case to answer.
In doing so he had so heartlessly robbed them of their freedom and
wantonly denied them their human rights.

It has not even been established in absolute terms whether all of them
were there to participate in the Hindraf assembly. We understand that
on 25 November, being a festive, religious occasion, there were
devotees amongst them in the precincts of the temple who had either
come to offer prayers or to spend their night in observance of the
religious festival.

Who could forget the hysterical screams of an agonising mother on the
day her son was charged and denied bail? She kept screaming that her
son was not with Hindraf and that he had only come to pray. But the
pleas of a helpless mother were completely ignored by an uncaring
state that was adamant in going ahead with the case right or wrong.

We are reminded of the famous line in Shakespeare‘ s Measure for
Measure: “O, it is excellent to have a giant’s strength; but it is
tyrannous to use it like a giant.”

That’s what you have done, Mr AG. There was no semblance of justice or
fairness in what you did and how you did it.

P. Ramakrishnan                  President                                                                                                         Aliran

19 December 2007

Chance to work together for the nation

Coalition seeks ‘crisis talks’ with PM over crackdown

Andrew Ong                                                                            Malaysiakini                                                                                              Dec 12, 07 6:04pm
A coalition of NGOs and opposition parties is seeking an immediate appointment with Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to discuss matters concerning the recent crackdown on activists and opposition politicians.

The message was conveyed through a joint statement read out by PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim during a press conference in Petaling Jaya today.

“At this meeting, we intend to pursue the agenda of national unity and reconciliation among all Malaysians regardless of race and religion, press on our demands for free and fair elections, and work towards resolving the serious national problems we face,” read the statement.

The coalition said that recent events caused cracks in national unity while civil liberties are being eroded due to the crackdown against civil society and political leaders.

“Our foremost commitment is to national unity, multiracial solidarity as well as to the safety and welfare of all Malaysians.

“We believe that the only way to safeguard these values is to reject socially divisive approaches and uphold (Federal) Constitutional guarantees,” the coalition added.

‘Listen to us’

They also said that they are committed towards pursuing electoral reforms and would like the government to look into evidence of electoral malpractice.

“Justice, harmony and freedom in Malaysia will be forever absent unless immediate steps are taken to remedy these vital issues.

“The importance of addressing them vigorously is such that we will seek to bring the matter to the highest level of government,” said the coalition.

The coalition consist of 19 NGOs and four opposition parties. Most groups are also part of the Coalition for Free and Fair Elections (Bersih), whose’s leaders were targetted in the recent crackdown.

The crackdown also encompassed leaders and supporters of the Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf). Some of them have been charged while others are languishing in jail pending trial after being denied bail.

Dozens of protesters have been arrested and slapped with charges including attempted murder and sedition after a series of banned street rallies that have infuriated the government.

Two major rallies last month, which police broke up with tear gas, water cannons and baton charges, have sent shockwaves through the nation.

Quizzed on the purpose of the meeting, Anwar said that concerned groups wanted to highlight the problems in the joint statement to Abdullah because previous efforts have failed.

“We want to adduce evidence so he can reflect on them. Currently, all the submissions, memos and reports have not been read by him,” he said.

“We have strong views, but we are prepared to listen to him (such as on) national security, which is also our concern,” he added.

‘We’re sincere’

DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng who also attended the press conference said the government had instilled fear amongst Malaysians by cracking down on detractors.

“By meeting the prime minister, we want to show the government that we are willing to talk,” he said.

“We are seeking an immediate appointment with the prime minister to discuss these pressing matters of state and urge him to honour his promise of being willing to listen to the concerns of all Malaysians,” said the joint statement.

“This brutal crackdown against leaders of civil society organisations and political parties is a clear contravention of the fundamental liberties and human rights guaranteed in our constitution.”

Asked why would the coalition want to meet the head of government when they blame the government for the country’s problems, Lim said the coalition wanted to show their “sincerity”.

“We talk about national reconciliation, not confrontation. This is not a platform for elections. This is a platform for all concerned citizens,” he added.

He however accused the government of stamping out dissent ahead of elections expected to be held next year.

“The government is using fear to intimidate the opposition. The government feels that fear is the only weapon that can be used to defeat the opposition in the next general election,” he said.

“There must be a way out to national reconciliation and if (Abdullah) denies that Malaysia faces serious national problems, then I think we are approaching a level of confrontation that I think is completely unnecessary.”

National Human Rights Society (Hakam) president Malik Imtiaz Sawar told the press conference that he hopes Abdullah would grant the meeting as a sign that he is concerned about the issues brought up by civil society.

“What we are hoping for is for the government to show that they are sincere and show that he (Abdullah) is concerned about what worries us,” he said.

Anwar added that the coalition would be officially seeking a meeting with the prime minister as soon as possible.

Hindraf rally : don’t divert from the real issue

No justification for crushing a helpless minority

Over 30,000 Indians took to the streets on November 25 to plead for their rights that have been systematically reduced over the last 50 years. It was a cry for help from a community that is being marginalized either intentionally or unintentionally. The majority of those who took part in the demonstration were ordinary peaceful citizens who are ignorant of the political power – play at the helms of the government.

Some of the protesters were arrested and charged for attempted murder and denied bail. This is probably the first time, civil protesters are being charged under such a law. There is no doubt it was intended to intimidate other potential demonstrators. The Attorney General (AG) made a rare and unprecedented appearance to personally prosecute these protesters. Many more are waiting to be similarly charged.

It is absurd that the leaders of Hindraf are being labeled as terrorists and the ground is being prepared for their arrest under the ISA which allows detention without trial. A terrorist is defined as one who threatens violent action for political purposes. I fail to see how pleading for one’s legitimate rights constitute terrorism? Any way the issue here is not whether they are terrorists but the plight of the Indians. It would be unfair for the government to divert the attention from the real issue.

Instead of trying to understand their plight, it is unfortunate that the government has chosen to confront them head on, mobilizing all the resources at its disposal, to crush the protesters and the powerless Indian community. Imagine at one end we have the mighty UMNO-led BN government and the other is a helpless and poverty-stricken tiny Indian community. A rally that was to be a peaceful one, was brutally crushed by the police. It is disturbing to see the devious methods the government resorted to crush a small minority Indian community, which comprises about just 8% of the population.

What chance does the poor Indian community have against the wrath of the UMNO-led BN government? When the Opposition in 1987, the judiciary in 1988 and even the popular Anwar Ibrahim in 1998 stood no chance against UMNO and the BN, where does the Indian community stand against this bullying tactics of the government? Why should the government treat the Indians like this when they pose no threat to them? They were asking for the rights due to them and not questioning the position or privileges of the Malays. At no time did the Indians let down the Alliance or the BN. In fact they have been working hand in hand with them all these years to bring the nation to where it is today.

The protest is a signal that all is not well with the Indian community. It should act as a wake up call for the government and particularly the MIC.Instead of engaging the Hindraf leaders in dialogue, Datuk Seri Samy Velu, the leader of MIC, had found it more appropriate to suppress and punish them for highlighting the plight of the Indians. It may be understandable that UMNO leaders are calling the Prime Minister to invoke the Internal Security Act(ISA) against the Hindraf leaders but difficult to digest how Samy Velu, who is the sole representative of the Indian community in the cabinet and the BN government, can also call for their arrest under the same draconian law. Isn’t this an act of treason and traitorous to his own people? Instead he has a moral obligation towards his community to make the government realize that there is no justification to crush a helpless minority who has been a steadfast ally all these years.

Malaysian Indians in general agree that they are being marginalized and they are in a very deplorable state. Samy Velu alone says the Indians are being well taken care and are doing extremely well and there is nothing to protest about. He should for once, for the sake of his own people, put aside politics and search his conscience and come up with sincere answers to a few questions. Haven’t the Indians lost most of out they had over the last 50 years? Are they really better off now than before? If the prevailing conditions continue, do they really have a bright future in their own country? If he is in doubt, the best way is for him to conduct a referendum among the Indian community.

The government should realize that the era of confrontational and combatant attitude is over. If we want to join the ranks of other developed nations, we must adopt a policy of tolerance and dialogue with all, friends and even with our adversaries.

Dr.Chris Anthony

 

Human rights march: 5 lawyers arrested

Syed Jaymal Zahiid Malaysiakini Dec 9, 07 8:16am

The police have arrested eight people, including five lawyers, for proceeding with a march to mark International Human Rights Day from the Sogo department store to Central Market in Kuala Lumpur early this morning.

The arrests came after a failed attempt by the organisers of the march to negotiate with the police to allow them to finish their march at their intended spot.

The 100-odd crowd was already halfway to their destination when the 300-strong police force gave the marchers a 10-minute warning to disperse.

The organisers, who believed that they could complete their march within the time limit, wanted to press on. According to an eyewitness, the police however cordoned off the area, moved in and made the arrests even before the stipulated deadline expired.

Those arrested included five lawyers – N Surendran (right), Latheefa Koya, R Sivarasa, Eric Paulsen and Amer Hamzah. Others were Anthony Andu, Norazah Othman and an unidentified bystander indentified only as Ashraf Ali Raja.

They were arrested near the Jalan Tun Perak LRT station and were immediately taken to the Kuala Lumpur police headquarters.

The eight were arrested under the Police Act for illegal assembly, said Dang Wangi’s acting superintendent Che Hamzah Che Ismail.

“Firstly, the demonstrators did not have a permit to be here,” he said. “And because the lawyers and demonstrators failed to leave after repeated warnings to disperse, we had to take action.”

The remainder of the marchers dispersed following the arrests and there was a heavy police presence in the area for a few hours.

“Authorities seem to be upset by any visible signs of protest and I think this is a problem with the country,” said Sivarasa, who is also a leader of PKR.

“They don’t seem to be able to deal with peaceful dissent,” he told AFP before he was arrested.

Organiser Latheefa said that Malaysians needed to continue to exercise their constitutional right to public assembly.

Willing to cooperate

Earlier today, at about 8am, the small group of about 100 gathered at the Sogo departmental store under the watchful eyes of the police. There were however no signs of the dreaded Federal Reserve Unit and their water cannon trucks.

The marchers had carried banners that read “Lawyers for the freedom of assembly” and “Government that abuses human rights is terrorist.”

Eyewitnesses said that one of the persons arrested was dragged into the waiting police truck and the arrests were done despite the marchers’ willingness to cooperate with the police.

This small group of marchers have undertaken this march after the Bar Council had dropped its annual march in conjunction with the International Human Rights Day celebration – which falls on Dec 10 – due to pressure to obtain a police permit.

Yesterday the police had warned the public not to participate in the march given that no permit had been issued for the gathering.

“As no permit has been issued for the gathering, those who take part in it can be charged under Section 27(5) of the Police Act 1967 for participating in an illegal assembly,” warned Che Hamzah in a Bernama report.

Upon the decision of the Bar Council to call off the march, at least 15 lawyers decided to proceed with the walk to make a statement that citizens have a right to assemble peacefully and without prior requirement of a police permit.

Venue changed

Two days ago, Surendran had said that the march was purely initiated by a group of concerned lawyers, adding that the organisers will not be applying for a police permit.

“We think that applying for a permit is a negation of our fundamental right to freedom of assembly as enshrined in Article 10 of the Federal Constitution,” he had explained.

“We feel the (Bar Council) march was called of due to undue pressure from the authorities. We want to send a message that the people of Malaysia have the right to a peaceful assembly,” Surendran said.

Bar Council chairperson Ambiga Sreenevasan meanwhile had explained that the decision to call off the march was made after “anxious consideration to the present circumstances that surround the event, particularly the interests of the public and the Malaysian Bar.”

The Bar Council also moved its “Festival of Rights” event today to its own building located near Central Market after police insisted that organisers apply for a permit to hold the event at Central Market.

In a related development, Ambiga today expressed disappointed over not being allowed to see the arrested people.

Ambiga said that the march was peaceful and slammed the arrests as “totally unnecessary and unfortunate.”

“The Bar holds the view that requirement of police permit is unconstitutional,” she told reporters.

Later when contacted, Ambiga said that it was likely that the eight marchers would be charged tomorrow at the Kuala Lumpur Magistrate’s Court.

The police have also not decided if they want to release the eight or keep them detained overnight, she said.

“I don’t understand why they are being held. After all they have all given their statement,” she said after meeting the arrested marchers at the KL police headquarters.

She said that it was also a disgrace for the police to arrest these people, especially on the eve of the World Human Rights Day.

Meanwhile the police continued to exert pressure on the Bar Council over their ‘Festival of Rights’ by arresting the council’s human rights committee chairperson Edmund Bon, allegedly for preventing the authorities from performing their duty.

Eyewitnesses said that Edmund was arrested at about 12.45pm for blocking Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) officials from removing human rights banners outside the Malaysian Bar building in Leboh Pasar Besar in Kuala Lumpur.

Immediate response

In an immediate response, PKR de facto leader and ex-deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim lambasted the authorities for using the law “to subvert freedom and to suppress the people’s fundamental democratic right to peaceful assembly”.

“In the absence of any evidence that they planned to jeopardise the public’s safety, their arrest represents nothing more than scare tactics we have seen used in the past by the Malaysian government as it prepares to unleash the draconian measures of the Internal Security Act,” said Anwar in a statement this afternoon.

“The individuals who have been detained today are among the most patriotic Malaysian citizens and many have dedicated their life’s work to upholding the rule of law.”

Meanwhile, Penang-based social movement Aliran said it deplored the “thoughtless and mindless reaction” of the government in cracking down on the march.

“We are appalled that even a small gathering of marchers to a nearby destination in an orderly manner without obstructing the traffic or causing any chaos to the public cannot be allowed or tolerated by this oppressive regime,” said Aliran president P Ramakrishnan.

“If this little act of a democratic principle cannot be exercised in a responsible manner, can we pretend to be a democratic country any longer? This state abuse of our fundamental rights shames the country and condemns the leaders as hypocrites.”

Ramakrishnan called on the government to release those arrested, whom he described as “brave Malaysians who have been unjustifiably detained”.