Time to write...

I've been keeping quiet in this section of the blogosphere. Partly because I got disgusted at the state of matters in Malaysia. The same old problems keep swirling around with no solution in sight. Every year brings about the same issues and yet no real solution in sight. Corruption is still a problem, but then as a friend pointed out; corruption in our sights may not be corruption at all. Given the asian habit of giving gifts to their leaders. So corruption in the view of many may not be corruption but rather abuse of power.

So as of this new year, I hope to have the heart again to write and comment about the stuff in Malaysia.

So keep me in sight. I'll be writing again.

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A win is still a win by any other name

Penanti is a win for PKR and honestly, BN should just keep quiet and be the gentleman. But BN being BN, had to say something and it is not surprise that the two top BN leaders in Malaysia had to say something.

A win is still a win. All because BN did not contest doesn't mean the win is empty or hollow. Instead, BN chose not to take part in the election citing a million and one reasons but the obvious - if BN took part, it was a sure lost. So BN did not take part and when PKR won, BN turn sore losers. True, the voter turn out was low but it doesn't mean people did not want to vote PKR, it just means people did not turn out to vote. If BN was so sure that the people who did not come out to vote were BN-supporters, why then did you not field your candidate? At least, it would have cut the majority by half or PKR may not have won at all.

Whatever statement that comes out of the BN camp, after the Penanti election, to me are statements from sore-losers. They should keep quiet and concentrate on managing this fair country.

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What is Justice in Malaysia?

It's great to receive comments on your blog. You feel like you have contributed to the bigger body of knowledge by allowing people to post their views and (hopefully) generate meaningful discussions. There have been times in my blogging life (since 2003) where some people have not been happy with my postings and even at one time a reader threatened to sue me for a comment posted by another reader.

But I must say something to arjun who graciously commented on my post "ISA for Crimes of Opinion". He made a reference to my post "Khairy Jamaluddin in ISA?" where I mentioned that KJ would never be caught under ISA. KJ will not be caught under ISA, not because he did not have an opinion or stuff to say but rather because he is the SIL to the current PM. arjun should read the article again and see the angle I am writing from.

KJ will never be caught because he is UMNO. KJ will never be caught because he is not Opposition. So KJ will go on saying whatever he wants to say and nothing will be done to him. Make as many police reports as you want against KJ, yet no action will be taken. Remember, KJ is KJ and the rising star of UMNO young turks. His veil ambition to be the next prime minister at the age of 40 is an open secret so do you honestly think this bastion of UMNO young blood would be caught under ISA?

So arjun, read my article again and hopefully you will see my point. The hope now is for KJ to not be elected as the UMNO Youth head. Stop his rise and let's see justice take its place. It is only just that the one person who has had influence in the dealings of this country be made to pay for his misdeeds.

What is Justice in Malaysia?

Justice is when we have a government that returns back to what it was destined for - to care for Malaysians. But over the years, this BN government has set out to enrich a select few and elevate their own into positions of power. They ship-wrecked the economy by hiking up the fuel prices and then asking that we all change out lifestyles while they live off our tax-money.

Now, will I be caught for a Crime of Opinion? I don't know, ISA is a funny tool that seems to be selective in its implementation.

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ISA for Crimes of Opinion

It seems the ISA is being used to detain and question any person who holds an opinion which goes against the current (insecure) government. Reporters, Bloggers, Opposition MPs and even Innocent Citizens are placed under this draconic act. What was their crime?

The Crime of Opinion.

Opinions deemed able to incite the populace to rebel or to induce fear among the populace. The latest case is another weird incidence where the ISA was used to question a SUARAM activist, Cheng Lee Whee, for making a report on the Johor Police website concerning the arrest of 27 people at Kampung Baru Plentong Tengah. Her report on the police portal was deemed able to caused worry among the populace and thus, the writer questioned. The odd thing was, why use the ISA? Isn't there a Sedition Act that can be used or is this simply a case of no case?

I believe Lee Whee did not commit any crime and thus she is uneligible to be questioned nor arrested under any law. So the police (wise folks these people) decided to use the ISA which can be used as long as the Home Minister sees it fit. The only crime Lee Whee committed was a Crime of Opinion. Whatever she wrote did not go down well with the Johor police and they decided to take action.

This is a worrying state of affairs for Malaysia. If the citizens are not allowed to voice out their opinions then why have a nation in the first place? The basic component of any nation is the citizen. It is the citizen who works and earn a wage which in turn is used to pay taxes that support the government. Those same taxes are used to provide wages for the police force and Ministers in office. Yet, the establishment seems to have forgotten that they are suppose to safe-guard the interest of the populace rather than their own interest.

What is wrong with a citizen reporting on the perceived abuse of power by the police force via official channels? It is not as if Lee Whee is going to organize a rally to drum up local support to criticize the arrest of these 27 individuals. Instead she posted her opinion on the Johor Police portal for all to see and evaluate. For that she was brought in for questioning under the ISA. This in itself is abuse of power by the Johor Police and Home Minister.

If there was a crime committed than please use the available laws and not the ISA. Allow Lee Whee her day in court to defend her report and seriously look at why people are not happy with the arrest of the 27 individuals. Why shoot the messenger? Read the message and allow the court of law to decide.

In this regards, the government (via the Home Minister) has seriously lost its case in the Court of Public Opinion.

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Irresponsible (incoming) Prime Minister

Will this get me into trouble? I think it will because going by track record, most people who written critically about him have been put into prison. ISA and all have been used and well I may even be strapped to C4 and made into fireworks.

The person I'm talking about is our Incoming Prime Minister (IPM). When asked about the accusations concerning the Altantuya case especially in light of the SMS messages that appeared on Malaysia Today, he merely replied by pointing out that Abdullah Badawi has commented on it.

"Was there any abuse of power?" The reporter asked.

"Oi, my boss already say, he thinks I am not the kind of guy to abuse my power," was the reply.

Having Abdullah Badawi answering for you is kind of cute in a way because then you are cleared of every charge without having to acknowledge or deny anything. How convenient, we all should do that or at least work for bosses like Abdullah Badawi. In truth this reply by IPM is really irresponsible. It clearly shows a leader who would wash his hands clean of any fault and point it at another guy. Childish behavior like this have no place in the highest office of Malaysia.

Abdullah Badawi believes he is incapable of abusing his power. This is what Abdullah Badawi believes in but it may not be the truth of the matter. If what we read in the SMS are true and if they show a non-abuse-of-power, then surely the state of our governance in Malaysia is so, so poor. Minister's can and will be involve in court cases or police investigations if it is detrimental towards them. Abdullah Badawi's statement and IPM affirmation of that same statement suggests that the actions of IPM in the SMSes should be expected of all our high-ranking ministers.

Why can't IPM answer for himself? Deny the allegations and tell the truth. Stop trying to hide behind other people or abuse the laws (ISA) and make your problems disappear (literally).

I see trouble times ahead with IPM in power. There will be increased persecution of people who bring out the truth in governance. Bloggers may end up cell mates with RPK and anyone speaking up against the establishment may find themselves turned into impromptu Roman Candles of the exploding kind.

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Race Based Business Politics

Something our incoming Prime Minister said just makes you roll your eyes:

"Kerajaan tidak mahu perniagaan diuruskan berdasarkan soal perkauman," kata Timbalan Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

Oleh yang demikian, katanya, kerajaan sentiasa menggalakkan semua syarikat di sektor swasta supaya memainkan peranan membangunkan vendor tempatan, termasuk vendor bumiputera.

Source: Malaysiakini

On one hand you say do not manage business along racial lines yet you also ask corporations to give more incentives to bumiputra companies. So what are you really saying here?

In fact, business in Malaysia is so skewed it's almost impossible to run away from race based management. The way tenders are supposed to be awarded speak volumes to this fact. Bumiputra companies are given priority and this is the way things are done in Bolehland. And if one was to follow the rule book then these are the rules, one need to follow.

So if Najib does not want businesses to be managed on a race base platform then he has to remove all form of preference to a particular race. This way, the business scene will be open and the best business-man wins. In turn, only the shrewd and best in their area of expertise will survive and wouldn't this be good for the nation? But is Malaysia prepared for this?

In the same statement, Najib also asked corporations to help build up local vendors meaning Bumiputra vendors. So no management along race-based lines yet please help the Bumiputra vendors. See the contradiction?

It'll be interesting what would happen when Najib Razak is PM. We can only hope that this "British trained economist" would be able to bring a revival in the way business is done in Malaysia. As such we see, abuses and enrichment of a select few in the Malaysian business world. Projects are tendered and awarded in dubious ways (helicopters anyone?). Yet, the man at the centre of dubious military business scandals is now telling us how to do business.

Hey, if we pay attention we may learn how to gain millions in kickbacks without lifting a finger. So folks, listen to your incoming PM.

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Utusan Malaysia is not equal to Islam.

Teresa Kok is suing Utusan Malaysia to the tune of RM30 million. It is a legal process when one feels that one's reputation has been tarnished by what has been written in a newspaper which commands a large readership. The newspaper can chose to defend itself or admit its mistake. In this case. Utusan Malaysia is putting up a fight and it's got backing from UMNO. Nothing wrong in that because UMNO is the owner of Utusan Malaysia (not directly) and has huge influence on the news reported in the said newspaper.

Today, it was reported in Utusan Malaysia that they (Utusan Malaysia and UMNO - Cheras Division) have set up a Tabung Azan to collect funds to help local mosques to acquire audio systems to facilitate the call to prayers. Nothing wrong in that because it is an initiative for the betterment of society. What doesn't make sense is the statement that it is also to help Utusan Malaysia counter Teresa Kok lawsuit because "the act of suing Utusan Malaysia is similar to an act of suing Islam."

Don't believe me? Read the front page of today's Utusan Malaysia.

Selain itu, tabung tersebut turut mendapat sumbangan sebanyak RM12,000 daripada individu-individu yang menjadikan keseluruhannya berjumlah RM32,000.

Jelasnya, setiap bahagian UMNO diminta memberi bantuan kepada tabung itu.

‘‘Ini pendekatan yang dibuat untuk membantu akhbar orang Melayu. Semua pihak seharusnya tidak mempertikaikan, malah menghormati perbezaan agama masing-masing.

‘‘Kita terpanggil apabila timbul isu ini. Tindakan Teresa yang mengambil tindakan kepada Utusan Malaysia sama seperti dia menyaman agama Islam,” ujarnya.

Source: Utusan Malaysia Online.

The Star reported on the same matter but they seemed to have watered down the said statement:

Kicking off the fund with a RM20,000 contribution, division head Datuk Syed Ali Al Habshee said the Tabung Azan would also be used to assist mosques and suraus that needed money to buy loudspeakers for the purpose of the azan (call to prayer).

“Teresa has challenged the honour of Malays by suing Utusan Malaysia as it is a newspaper owned by the Malays.

“Challenging the Malays is similar to challenging Umno,” he said in urging other divisions to contribute to the fund.

Source: The Star

So is Utusan Malaysia equal with Islam? If so, then does this mean any newspaper which is Malay owned is above the laws of the land? So a citizen who has been victimized by the writers of Utusan Malaysia has no means whatsoever to counter Utusan Malaysia.

It must be noted that Teresa Kok has denied her involvement in the allegations by Utusan Malaysia and the surau in question has also issued a statement which backs her up. So why does Utusan Malaysia and UMNO continue to pursue this matter? Why has this matter been turned into a Teresa against the whole Malay community when initially it was the (false) reporting by Utusan Malaysia that stated it?

It is clearly an attempt at inciting anger among the populace and one which is glaring. So where are the police in this? Why hasn't the writer of the article Azan, Jawi, Jais, UiTM dan ba-alif-ba-ya, Mohd. Zaini Hassan, not been called in for questioning or better still put under ISA for reporting on a sensitive issue? Remember, the ISA was used against a reporter from Sin Chew last month. What difference does it make here?

Utusan Malaysia is not equal to Islam. Statements such as above, spoken at the UMNO Cheras division meeting and reported in Utusan Malaysia, does not help heal racial hurts. Instead, it continues to propagate the "Us and Them" mentality which stands to further fragment Malaysian society. Utusan Malaysia should be sensitive (themselves) to the feelings of Malaysians, plus division head himself should show more respect when making remarks during his speech.

The right to take to a fair trial in a court of law is for every citizen and should not be turned into a political banner by UMNO to garner the Malay vote. If the report is true, then let the court of law decide, if not then grant Teresa Kok what she demands and let it serve a lesson to Utusan Malaysia.

A lot has been said about bloggers spreading lies and half-truths but here we see a clear case of Utusan Malaysia not practicing Reponsible Reporting.

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A fallacy of composition - the immaturity of Malaysian politics

fallacy of composition

noun - the error of assuming that what is true of a member of a group is true for the group as a whole.

Humans are creatures of habit and though change is constant, not everyone would welcome constant. Worst still if change would disturb the established norm and destroy any form of benefits or rewards one would have enjoyed when change was not present.

This is the situation facing the Barisan Nasional government. After 51 years of governance, this group of politicians do not know any other form of life. For those holding the highest position in government, the feel of power is indeed so good, they refuse to let it go even when prompted to do so. Desperate to hold on to power, they use every known apparatus at their disposal to protect their hold on power. The police, courts of law and media are all instruments used to create an image that all is well with the government. While the government goes along the notion, everything is going along well in this country, the discerning public knows better.

In their desperation to stay in power the BN government has lost touch with the very people who voted them in. I am sure, we vote the government of the day because we want to be taken care of. We want a government who looks into the welfare of its people, a government that is interested to see the betterment of its people.

Instead, what we get is totally the opposite. We have a government running scared, detaining people who voice out discontent against them, bent on pulling strings to keep friends and foes at bay, we have politics in our face but no solution for the woes striking the general populace.

Switch on the tele or read the UMNO owned newspapers and what we get is a fallacy of composition.

It may have been a strategy which worked ten years ago but this is 2008 and Malaysians have woken up to the realities of the ruling government. In the 12th General Election, people voted for CHANGE. The people has had enough of talk from politicians only interested to remain in power for financial gain.

We have woken up to the realization that Pak Lah is not all he is cut out to be. All because he has the image of Mr. Clean, does not mean that the whole government is such but the picture is painted in the mass media that everything is dandy and good. The statements coming out of Main Stream Media seems to show that Pak Lah has great support among the UMNO base yet that is not what is evident on the ground.

Only yesterday, we had a collection NGO leaders coming out with resolution warning people not to question the transition plan between Pak Lah and Najib Razak. Looking at the news clip, it is evident that all who were present were UMNO members who were pro-Abdullah Badawi. Where were the Chinese or Indian NGO leaders? Why weren't their views taken into consideration? Even if this group, who say that they represent all NGOs in Malaysia, pass such a resolution, I believe it is not reflective of all NGOs.

Main Stream Media is also painting a picture that if Anwar Ibrahim is flawed then the whole Pakatan Rakyat bunch is flawed. They pump up the image of Anwar Ibrahim as a sodomite yet down play any wrong down by an UMNO member say for instance Ahmad Ismail.

Ahmad Ismail, mind you, has done more damage against race relations in Malaysia than any article Raja Petra Kamaruddin has ever written.

This is the state of Malaysian politics. We are so bent on painting fallacies of composition, all over the place in order to win a vote. There is no consideration of policies that would move the country forward. We elect leaders base on image rather that capacity to deliver. We base voting on a logo rather on the ability of the person to serve his/her constituency. At the end of the day, we have a parliament of career politicians and the sad thing is that we are paying them for sitting in parliament.

It's a fallacy of composition when the idea that only BN can assure us of fair treatment as citizens of Malaysia. Look at the spate of arrest under ISA, where RPK gets sent to detention when Ahmad Ismail is scot free, why? Because UMNO has already slapped a three(3) year ban on him.

It's a fallacy of composition to think that everyone is united behind the idea of detention without trial (ISA) when our everyone knows it is a cruel tool of the government.

It's a fallacy of composition to say this democratic government is mature and on par with other democracies of the world. By saying we practice "Guided Democracy" is akin to saying that Pol Pot's regime was the best government to rule Cambodia.

This government is immature and unable to meet the aspirations of those that voted them in and thus, it is high time for change.

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Malaysia's bravest blogger, RPK, sent to Kemunting

The powers that be cannot keep a good man down and so they hit him with the most unjustified form of detention imaginable - detention without trial, the ISA. I hope the Home Minister and every BN member of parliament sleep easy for they have sent an innocent man to jail for the act of speaking out. Sending him to two (2) years of confinement for exercise his right as a free citizen of Malaysia. For speaking out against what is unjust and wrong.

They justified the act by saying RPK had insulted Islam and the government of the day. What else is new? Why can't they charge him in a court of law where the infamous Sedition Act can be used? Or maybe it was because there was nothing to pin RPK with, all charges against could not pin him. Why? Because RPK was telling the truth and had too much up his sleeve for them to counter in a right and just way. The government reverted to throwing a jab under the belt. The more the need to for a change in government. The more the need to restore the rule of Law and not the rule of Lone Nepoleons who sign detention orders and order the use of C4 on people.

What then can the rakyat do? We do what we do best, vote for change. Come the next election or if a miraculous snap-election gets force, vote in a new government. Vote for change. Vote for a system that rids Malaysia of racism and xenophobic politicians. Vote for people who are for the people and not out to fatten their own pockets.

RPK was sure of his fate long before today yet he had faith in the people who believe that change is coming to Malaysia. He trust that this change would be the one that would release him from detention under ISA. It would be this change that would rid Malaysia of ISA altogether.

Something is really wrong when people are detained for speaking out against injustice. Something is really wrong with Malaysia and we can make a change. Remove this government, the people should not be afraid of their government instead it is the government which should be afraid of its people.

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A weird week in Malaysian governance.

I had network problems from where I normally connect to blog and this has been a point of frustration to me. But that should not keep a good blogger down, so I have found another location where access to my blog is permitted. It seems, the organization I work for has been running some filtering software across the network with some rather queer results. My workplace seems to be practicing selective blocking where Blogger.Com seems to be unaccessible yet just down the hall at another location, access is super-fast. So its a mystery to me, much like the events of the pass week in Malaysia.

16th September came and went and all we have is a bunch of politicians calling each other liars and the sorts. At the rate we are going, all the members of parliament are liars. Since the 12th General Election, the country has been caught in a stalemate and I think the tortoise overtook the rabbit in the race to normalcy. Our economy is headed for hard times as mentioned by Tun Mahathir in his latest posting on Chedet.Com and I agree with him. I have stop watching local news and instead prefer that abomination of networks - CNN. Yet, at least I can get an almost non-bias look at what's happening in the work unlike the spin on our local main stream media.

The American's having a bad financial crisis with several bail-outs initiated by the government. Much like what happened in Malaysia in 1997 but at a larger scale. A scale enough to send the world into the dumps with Malaysia included. We are heading for a time of high inflation rates as already reported sometime in August which lead to the lowering of the fuel prices in time for the Permatang Pauh by-election. Still, I hope there will be another reduction before the Raya celebrations as the price of crude has dropped below USD100 per barrel.

Abdullah Badawi has swapped portfolios with Najib Razak. Now, Najib has to contend with the headache of reviving a sagging economy. I agree with Tun Mahathir's opinion that if anything goes wrong with the economy at this time, Najib would be blamed. Smart move by Abdullah Badawi and as expected his friends in UMNO all lauded the move as wise or a step up for the transition plan to have Najib Razak as Prime Minister by July 2010. Typical UMNO stuff. Divert attention from the root cause of all our problems. In short Abdullah Badawi needs to take responsibility (Japan style) and resign. Call for fresh elections and get the people to choose who they want in charge. Mind you, not many people are keen on Najib Razak.

Anwar Ibrahim needs to get his act together. If he wants to seriously make a charge to Putra Jaya then do it or wait till the 13th General Election. Honestly, just play the waiting game. Anwar has nothing to lose, since by then the people's trust in Barisan Nasional would have gone south and anything either than BN would be good enough for Malaysia. In the pass few years, BN has really been wrong-footed by their own people. They have no-one else to blame except themselves for all the problems hitting Malaysia now. Anwar should just sit back and watch the show. Maybe whisper a little here and there, point out some funny dealings here and there and just allow BN to implode. Come the 13th General Election and Pakatan Rakyat can safely claim that the rakyat has voted them in.

Yet, if Anwar really wants to claim the government now then push for fresh elections. I'm no politician but I think that is a better move. Get the people's backing and BN would have nothing to say about the matter. The people would have decided and made their voices heard.

RPK and Theresa Kok are still under ISA. In Theresa Kok's case, I find it funny that the police reports were lodge after she was caught under ISA for the very things the police reports were made against. It's as if the whole thing is an after thought. Catch the person first and then settle the procedure later. Catch Theresa Kok and then make police reports base on why she was arrested under ISA. What use is the police investigation now, if she is under ISA which means detention without trial.

It's ironic that the ISA has been compared to the Patriot Act of America by our leaders in Malaysia. Clearly a move to justify the ISA but their comparison is flawed to the max. The Patriot Act's main function is to capture terrorists and to date cannot be used against an American citizen. The ISA is used to capture bloggers, reporters and opposition MPs for stuff that can be charged under the Sedition Act.

So what gives?

Our leaders must get their facts straight and don't simply try to justify when they have no idea what they are talking about.

Yes, it has been a weird week for Malaysia and it will get even weirder in the coming weeks. Things to watch for, reduction of fuel prices, Anwar pushing for a parliament session, UMNO or BN's slandering of Anwar as he deals with his court case, the American financial crisis hitting the Malaysian stock market and more calls for the amendment to the ISA. Something for everyone and the day is still young.

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Malaysian bloggers vs the BN government.

Malaysia-Today has taken the bullet from the BN government, yet you can't keep a good man down so Raja Petra has moved it to another location that by-passes the government-controlled-kow-towing ISPs. Is Malaysiakini going to be next? Or will bloggers fall like dominoes in the wake of a cyber "Operation Lalang"?

Looking at the parliament, we now have more active bloggers joining it. Anwar Ibrahim has a blog, Lim Kit Siang has been blogging for ages, Jeff Ooi, Tony Pua and a host of other MPs have a presence on the internet. Forget the BN lame attempt at joining the blogosphere since they are hesitant at being labeled as monkeys. A term the BN government used against bloggers before the 12th General Election.

But the BN government lost because of the monkeys in a lawless jungle.

So now the BN government is bent on sending these monkeys the way of the Dodo. Malaysian jails will not be housing the robbers, rapist or murderers but bloggers. Yes, the robbers, rapists and murderers will be plying their trade on the Malaysian streets while the police round up the bloggers and dump them into crowed prisons. This is the state of the Malaysian BN government now, paranoid at the prospect of loosing their grip on power and resolving to putting their critics into prison.

Stupid and ridiculous because there is no way for the BN government to stop bloggers. It is akin to cutting telephone lines and telling people to resort to using carrier pigeons for their messaging needs. Remember, it was the government under Tun Mahathir that opened up Malaysia to the Internet and now the government after Tun Mahathir is resorting to clamp it down. There is really something wrong in the minds of our ministers who agree that this is the best course of action to take in the wake of their defeat at Permatang Pauh.

Sore losers!

I say, go ahead. Clamp down on bloggers and independent news providers or the alternative media. Go ahead, round them up, put them into prison or slap court charges against them. Go ahead and see what would happen. The people will take to the streets to demand justice, the people would un-subscribe from using the services of ISPs who kow-tow to BN government pressure, the people would stop listening to government propaganda channels such as RTM and TV3. The people would take matters into the own hands and come 13th General Election, the BN government would be relegated to a sentence in our history books. Heck, it could happen as early as 16th September if Anwar Ibrahim follows through with his plan.

I say, BN government go ahead with the clamp down and you will see a fight between Malaysian Bloggers and you. The winner has been decided, the results were seen during the 12th General Elections. Bloggers won and pushed your 2/3 majority out of the window, bloggers exposed your wrong doings, bloggers shifted the mind-set of the people. Bloggers can do it under the pressure of everything the BN government threw at them and who says bloggers cannot survive a clampdown now?

And may I suggest that they also investigate the comments and postings on BN blogs or blogs by BN MPs because they also have seditious and "hot" issues. Look at the WHOLE Malaysian blogging community, not just the opposition blogs. Some of the most racist comments are found on pro-UMNO blogs. Why aren't they investigated and brought to court? You tell me.

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RPK challenged by Saiful's uncle/auntie?! Drama...

The leaked medical reports prove (beyond a doubt) that there is a conspiracy against Anwar Ibrahim.

10 years back people would have been at odds with the idea that Anwar Ibrahim is innocent but in 2008, things are different. The general public believe that Anwar Ibrahim is innocent and this is all a political ploy to stop him from being the next Prime Minister of Malaysia. It is a desperate ploy involving the very people we entrust to up-hold law and order. Striking a death blow to the Abdullah Badawi's administration. An administration which secretly have been tugging at the ropes of the Police force and the Judiciary all this while. Using these bodies form their own devices.

But times have caught up with them and they will have to pay the price in the courts of public opinion. The Police would have to own up and admit there is no case against Anwar Ibrahim. Those behind the plot must be brought to justice but as of now I believe none of them will be caught. They will deny and hide behind the administration of the day. Politicians in the ruling government seem to be immune to the law but I believe their days are numbered. When (not if) Anwar Ibrahim comes into power, all this will change and this is why in the months leading up to September 16, we will see drama unfold like never before.

Another drama, unfolding before our eyes is the challenge by Saiful's uncle/auntie to RPK. It's comical but then strange things have happened before. As reported by Malaysiakini, Uncle Pet (what's his real name?) has "asked" to meet up with RPK:

A close relative of Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan echoed police sentiments today, rubbishing claims that his nephew had not been sodomised.

Source: Malaysiakini

I have to admit, Uncle Pet is very tech savvy; he's got the whole challenge on video which is available online. So while we all try to ascertain whether Uncle Pet is an uncle or should we called him/her Aunty Pet instead, I can imagine RPK laughing his head off at home. It's all drama, a true blue Malaysian drama to the max.

Yesterday, we had the Home Minister telling the police to speed up investigations. The Home Minister should keep his mouth shut because any statements from the establishment to the police would merely be seen as interference. Commenting on an ongoing investigation, especially by the government, should be seen as "abuse of power" and worthy of investigation by the ACA.

So clearly, the revelation brought about by the medical reports have started a new chapter in this on-going saga to bring down Anwar Ibrahim. Lets bring out the pop corn and see what else is in store.

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Abdullah Badawi should start blogging.

There is a reason Malaysiakini is the top news portal in Malaysia. People have just had enough of bias government-centric reporting by the main stream media. Too much sugar coated news reports that at times border on pure fiction (too good to be true). It's almost like what happens in North Korea where the Great Leader is treated as a demigod.

Another point is that Malaysiakini appreciates the contribution of bloggers to nation building and in creating an atmosphere of un-bias reporting. Malaysiakini encourages bloggers to voice out their opinions and view points.


Abdullah Badawi should start blogging and telling us what he thinks rather than spend time lambasting bloggers, YouTube and new media. The bias reporting of Main Stream Media (MSM) is also to blame for the BN's poor showing in the last General Election so it is the MSM that need to be struck on the head not bloggers, YouTube or New Media.

As the world move towards an open society where information exchange is critical and essential, the BN government is still with the mindset that such information should be control and regulated. How do you control and regulate public opinion?

Pak Lah, stop talking and just start blogging and engage the millions of Malaysians who go online everyday. Engage them and understand what they have to say. Not all bloggers are out to get you, furthermore not all bloggers give a hoot to BN's political drama.

The main reason, millions of Malaysians turn to New Media and to blogging is primarily because they want to be heard yet there is not channel in the real world worth putting your story to. Would the MSM report on the top executive misconducts? Would the MSM encourage investigative reporting where NO-ONE (BN & PR included) is spared?

Start a blog, Pak Lah and engage the rakyat. If Saiful can walk right into Najib's house because Najib is concern for the young lad, what about Pak Lah? Even if we can't walk into Pak Lah's house, maybe we can drop a comment on his blog which is the next best thing.

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The Politics of Silence - kill the messengers

Raja Petra Kamaruddin has chosen to remain silent in a literal sense. He refuses to see anyone and has not been in contact with his wife, family or friends. As reported by Malaysiakini:

Malaysia Today webmaster Raja Petra Kamaruddin - presently in jail for refusing to pay bail - has refused to have any contact with anyone including his own wife, Marina Lee Abdullah.

Source: Malaysiakini

RPK's choice has to be respected. If it really his choice that he wants to remain in prison until the trial date in October, then we should respect that choice. History records that passive resistance brought independence to the nation of India and it was through the sheer effort of one man - Mahatma Gandhi.

Both Mahatma Gandhi and RPK are messengers and in both cases the empire tried or is trying to break their resolve.

In fact, I believe it is safer for RPK to remain where he is. Don't get me wrong, I would love to see him release but then in the free world of Malaysia, anything can happen. So by being in prison, if anything happens; the blame is totally on the authorities. RPK is smart and I believe he would have thought of this, besides it carries his message across loud and clear. He will allow the courts to take it course and not try to side-step or twist it to meet his needs.

Let the courts decide and no matter what the outcome; Najib looks bad.

Even if Najib takes over from Pak Lah, he does so with the image of RPK hanging over him. What a way to start your term as PM, when the people are just waiting to push you out.

It seems Najib has step on another blogger's toes namely Tun Mahathir. In a press conference, Tun mentioned that right after the 12th GE, he asked to see Najib to discuss matter concerning the election. Najib promptly replied that he had to ask permission from Pak Lah. Obviously, permission was not given as Najib never met up with Tun Mahathir.

Here is what Tun Mahathir had to say about UMNO:

"Parti apakah ini? Anda tidak dibenar mendengar dari satu sumber. Saya fikir ia kerana kekalahan dalam pilihanraya lalu. Rakyat tidak dibenar bercakap dan pucuk pimpinan tidak tahu apa yang difikirkan oleh rakyat," katanya.

Source: Malaysiakini

So now Najib is helmed in from both fronts, the people of Malaysia and from Tun Mahathir. If Tun Mahathir decides to extend his criticism of the establishment to include Najib, fireworks are in store. Would Tun Mahathir be told or made to shut-up?

The old tactic of Silencing the messenger clearly did not work here. The more this government tries to suppress the voice of the people, the more they move towards imploding. As they strive to shut-up their critics, the closer the noose of their demise tightens until they have no-one else to shoot but themselves.

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Raja Petra Kamaruddin - the People's Hero

Malaysiakini reports that Raja Petra Kamaruddin (RPK) has been ordered to be in court at 9.30am today, most likely to answer charges for sedition.

Malaysiakini reports:

Raja Petra Kamaruddin, the webmaster of news portal Malaysia Today, will be charged tomorrow for sedition at the Magistrates' Court in the Kuala Lumpur Court Complex in Jalan Duta.

Source: Malaysiakini

And in Bahasa Malaysia:

Raja Petra Kamaruddin, pengendali blog Malaysia Today, akan dihadapkan di Mahkamah Majistret Kuala Lumpur di Jalan Duta esok atas tuduhan menghasut.

"Saya telah diarahkan supaya menyerah diri di Mahkamah Majistret Jalan Duta pada jam 9.30 pagi esok...untuk diakwa atas tuduhan menghasut," katanya malam ini.

Source: Malaysiakini

RPK was not surprise by this, in fact he expected this all along as indicated by his postings on his blog - Malaysia-Today in his posting "What is Islam?".


For those who have not been following the series of events, RPK agitated some higher-uppers when he posted the article, "LET’S SEND THE ALTANTUYA MURDERERS TO HELL" in which he implicated the DPM - Najib Tun Razak and his wife Rosmah with in the murder of Altantuya, which we all know is still on-going. Najib and wife quickly presented their rebuttals that RPK reproduced on his website along with his reply to Najib's press statement.

Then RPK was called up for questioning where he refused to give his statement and thus leading to him being called up to appear in court this morning. So RPK, the most influential Malaysian blogger, will most likely be charged with sedition.

The world is watching for this could be the turning of the tide for Malaysia. Najib the heir apparent will have to face off with RPK and finally be force to break silence on the Altantuya issue which has been a torn in his side since the day his name was mentioned in court.

Un-knowingly or knowingly, RPK has brought this case back into the public radar and finally justice will be served; not behind a closed curtain but in public view. The atmosphere is primed for this event to happen, with the public's eye on the everything the Pak Lah administration is doing, this could be the final nail in the coffin for BN.

RPK will serve time because the powers-that-be have been trying so hard in vain to shut him up but very much like Anwar Ibrahim, RPK sacrifice will install him as a folk-hero. The People's Hero and mind you, RPK has a silent following among Malaysian's netizens (myself included).

So fellow Malaysians, if you love this country; let's throw our support behind RPK. Let's show this current establishment that the People of Malaysia not only speak during the elections but at all times when the need arises. The People would not let their voice be left unheard, The People will make their thoughts be heard and seen.

I will be following this closely for RPK is more than just a blogger, he's the People's Hero.

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Yea! Tun Mahathir, blogger elite!

Malaysiakini carried the report that Tun Mahathir has launch his own blog "Dr. Mahathir Mohamad" (www.chedet.com) and what does his first posting talk about? The Appointment of Judges.

"Adakah suruhanjaya ini akan melantik sendiri hakim-hakim atau adakah ia hanya mencadangkan nama-nama untuk persetujuan PM, atau adakah suruhanjaya itu mencadangkan (nama-nama) terus kepada (Yang di-Pertuan) Agong supaya baginda dapat menggunakan kuasa istimewanya (melantik hakim)?" katanya.

"Atau perlukah Agong menunggu perkenan Majlis Raja-raja Melayu? Atau Majlis Raja-raja hanya memberi nasihat seperti amalan sekarang?

"Atau Raja-raja berhak menolak calon (hakim), dan meminta calon-calon baru atau menamakan calon baru yang menjadi pilihan mereka?"

Source: Malaysiakini

So will we see Pak Lah starting his own blog?

It's truly amazing that a year ago, bloggers were rebels with a cause. We were misfits, demonized in main-stream-media, called liars, goblok by one senior politician and threaten with all sorts of funny rules like registration of blogs and even censorship. What a world of difference one general election can bring about.

Now, having a blog is the in-thing among politicians. It cool to have a blog. It looks great to have it imprinted on your name-card and probably a great thing to brag about. Folks, lets see how long this will last because starting a blog and keeping it fresh are two different things.

Honestly, I think Tun M will have the perseverance to keep his blog fresh and updated because he has a willing audience and enough stories to tell us. Furthermore, he doesn't have to comply to anyone's whims. He is free to speak whatever he wants and he will get away with it. 

Take the other big-wigs, MM Taib, Ali Rustam or Khir Toyo. Yes, they can blog but can they keep it up since whatever they post would receive equal amount of flames from party members and party critics. Do they command enough credibility to survive the backlash from their own postings? I don't think they will survive as long as Tun M would. There's just so much love that can be passed around and I think a lot of it would go Tun M's way. Besides that, Tun M has enough spunk to argue in your face about what he posts. That alone will make interesting reading.

I had my fair share of flames, I've been called a m*****f*****, my father's been called a dog and some angry racist dude keeps hogging my comments and all that within this month alone. I have been cautioned on allowing these comments to appear as they are on this blog but I believe that to each their own. We are all responsible for our words and eventually we all have to answer to a higher power.

So I welcome Tun M into the circle of Malaysian bloggers, I've been blogging since 2003 and it is great to see such an influential figure in the Malaysian blogging scene. Besides RPK, Tun M is now that blogger to watch. 

It'll be great to see the two of them talk about freedom of speech or the relevance of new media in nation building. For once, I think the two would have a lot to agree on.

Cheers!

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