Lawyers protest to IGP Bukit Aman Wednesday afternoon

Lawyers and concerned citizens will be congregating at Bukit Aman entrance to protest police highhandedness and arrogance tomorrow at the entrance to Bukit Aman at 12 noon. Below are the details:

Date: 31^st March 2010, Wednesday
Time: 12pm
Place: In front of Bukit Aman entrance
Ibu Pejabat Polis Diraja Malaysia
Bukit Aman
Jalan Bukit Aman
50560 Kuala Lumpur.

Location map, Bukit Aman, Jalan Bukit Aman, off Jalan Tanglin, Lake Gardens, Kuala Lumpur

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Below are details of what happened to a lawyer while trying to help his client when he was arrested:

Protest on Weds: Lawyer assaulted & arrested by cops while attempting to defend client against detention w/o trial
Two events coming up. One is Norizan’s Salleh’s latest attempt to get justice, by delivering a memo to the Home Minister on Thursday (April 1st) at Parliament, 11.30am.

The other big one involves once again the maltreatment of lawyers who are just trying to do their job. This particular case involves comrade Amer Hamzah, who helped quite a bit in the aftermath of my own arrest.

He was assaulted and briefly arrested while attempting to defend his client, actor Benjy (that case in the news), who was rearrested under the Dangerous Drugs Act (which like the ISA and EO allows for indefinite detention without trial) immediately after being released by the court – once again displaying a travesty of justice.

I’m going to try my best to attend. When the rest of us find ourselves arrested and intimidated by cops, these lawyers are our first – often only – line of defense. They’ve stood up for us countless times, and we ought to do the same.

LAWYERS TO DELIVER MEMO OF PROTEST TO IGP
( BUKIT AMAN, WED 31ST MARCH 12.00pm)

Lawyer Amer Hamzah Arshad manhandled and briefly arrested by police outside court

1. On 25th March 2010 Amer Hamzah had obtained his client Khaeryll Benjamin Ibrahim@ Benjy’s release on bail on a charge of drug possesssion at the Jln Duta courts.

2. Near the bail processing counter, about 10 policemen suddenly converged on Amer and his client and ordered the client to go with them. Present were the client’s mother Azean Irdawaty, pupil Sharon Khoo and some family members.

3. The policemen were in plainclothes, and Amer demanded their identity and police card. A police inspector claimed that it was an arrest under the Dangerous Drugs ( Special Preventive Measures) Act i.e: detention without trial.

4. At this point, Amer was assaulted and briefly arrested. Two policemen grabbed Amer and held him back with force. Amer protested his treatment, and repeatedly asked the police not to touch him. Eventually Amer was released as his client was bundled away.

Our Protest

The unlawful, oppressive and arbitrary actions of the police on 25th March are a gross interference with a lawyer carrying out his duty to his client. Amer was discharging his duties in the best traditions of the Malaysian Bar, when he sought explanation from the police as to why his client was being arrested. Despite being surrounded by police, he continued to speak out for his client,as he was bound to do.The aggressive and unlawful response of the police is a reflection of the general arrogance and lack of respect for the rule of law widely displayed by the police force. The matter is aggravated by the fact that Amer’s client was being arrested under an oppressive and unconstitutional preventive detention law. The Malaysian Bar has forcefully and repeatedly called for the repeal of all preventive detention laws. The re-arrest of Benjy immediately after his release by the court is also a flagrant contempt of judicial authority. The Inspector General of Police must:

a) take stern action against the policemen who assaulted Amer Hamzah Arshad and the officer who was in charge of the operation;

b) undertake not to further interfere with lawyers carrying out their duties;

c) immediately stop the unjust practice of re-arresting under preventive detention laws persons released by court;

d) issue a public apology to all concerned;

e) undertake to respect the right of the Malaysian public for unimpeded and free access to lawyers at all times.

A MEMORANDUM OF PROTEST MAKING THESE DEMANDS WILL BE DELIVERED AS FOLLOWS:

ALL LAWYERS AND CONCERNED CITIZENS ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND!

(CONPAC) Coalition of NGO & Professional Councillors launching

INVITATION TO ALL CGG MEMBERS

BY: “COALITION OF NGO & PROFESSIONAL COUNCILLORS” (CONPAC) LAUNCHING & PRESS CONFERENCE

NGO & Professional councilors are often seen as an informal grouping of civil society representatives & ordinary professionals. We are not bound together with any common platform or manifesto except for general assumptions that we stand for certain principles based on Democracy, Justice and Human Rights.

We do not have a cohesive system with a clear representative to act as the “coordinator” of our “NGO & Professional councilors grouping” unlike political party based councilors who have a system of “party whips” to act as a coordination, support and communications system amongst their councilors.

Today we the NGO and professional councilors from different local councils in Selangor State are establishing and launching a “Coalition of NGO & Professional Councilors” (CONPAC). This important and new initiative is to provide a support network and coordination mechanism for NGO and Professional councilors in Selangor state and hopefully and eventually in other “Pakatan Rakyat” led State governments.

We therefore invite members of the media and civil society organizations to witness the launching of the CONPAC. This is a very significant event and the first time in the political history of local governments in Malaysia.

DETAILS:
DATE: March 25th 2010 (Thursday)
TIME: 10.30-11.30 am
VENUE: SHAH VILLAGE HOTEL,
No. 3 & 5 Lorong Sultan,
46200 Petaling Jaya,
Selangor


For further inquiries:
MS CYNTHIA GABRIEL, (COUNCILOR MBPJ)
SECRETARY CONPAC
HP: 012-3792189

Location map of Shah Village Hotel, Lorong Sultan, Petaling Jaya

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Penang Local Government Consultative Forum

This is to let you know about the Penang Local Government Consultative Forum (Pembentangan NGO untuk Forum Perundingan Kerajaan Tempatan Pulau Pinang), an initiative under the Penang State government.

Basically this is an opportunity for the public/community groups to voice their concerns/issues. The procedure is that you send your concerns/issues via
fax 04-2616402,
email: oonlk@penang.gov.my,
or by letter to
Oon Lai Kuan,
Ketua Penolong Setiausaha,
Pejabat Setiausaha Kerajaan Negeri Pulau Pinang,
Bahagian Kerajaan Tempatan,
Tingkat 20 KOMTAR,
10503 Pulau Pinang.

There is at present no closing date for concerns/issues to be sent in.

The Secretariat (under YB Chow Kon Yeow) will consider the issues sent in and select ones to be discussed. Contributors (those who sent in their issues) will be contacted to make their presentations in the forum. Half an hour will be set aside for each of the presentations, including time for discussion with participants.

So this is a chance for people to voice their specific concerns to the local government. Please do make an effort to participate in this Penang Local Government Consultative Forum.

Forum Perundingan Kerajaan Tempatan P.Pianng
Date: 1 April (Thurs) 2010, Time: 2-5 pm
Venue: Dewan Bosch, Kompleks Penyayang.
Chair: YB Chow Kon Yeow

Location map of Kompleks Masyarakat Penyayang, Jalan Utama, Penang

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Ibrahim Ali Perkasa gambling company shares

Ibrahim Ali, the king frog who started PERKASA was reported to own shares of a gambling company Ascot Sports company together with Vincent Tan. If true, it brings into question his stature as a Malay rights and Islam activist for Muslims gambling is haram (forbidden) to Muslims.

According to Malaysiakini: PKR MP: 'Malay warrior' Ibrahim Ali owns shares in gambling company, Ibrahim Ali simply shrug his shoulders when this matter was brought up at the Parliament during the debate on the Royal Address

Goods Services Tax Alor Setar

The DAP will hold its next roadshow on the proposed GST (General Goods and Services Tax) at Alor Setar, Perlis. Details as follows:

Date: Saturday, 27 March 2010
Time: 8pm
Venue: Dewan Sin Quah Chuah

吉玻辛柯蔡宗祠
Sin Quah Chuah Chong Soo, Kedah/Perlis
737, Lebuh Raya Darulaman
05100, Alor Setar,
Kedah,
Malaysia.
电话：+604-730 8732/733 8609
传真：+604-733 7325

Location map, Dewan Sin Quah Chuah, Lebuh Raya Darulaman, Alor Setar

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Saya Anak Bangsa Malaysia Malacca Roadshow

The Saya Anak Bangsa Malaysia roadshow now moves to Malacca.

DETAILS
Date: March 27, 2010 (Saturday)
Time: 2pm sharp-6.30pm (Registration begins at 1pm)
Venue: Pay Fong High School
No. 40, Jalan Tan Chay Yan,
75300 Melaka
(Sekolah Menengah Pay Fong)

Location map, Pay Fong High School, Jalan Tan Chay Yan, Malacca

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Registration is required to attend this event.

To register:
Email: events@sayaanakbangsamalaysia.net
Tel: +603-2095 0435;
Wed-Sun, 12 noon-7pm

TOPICS AND SPEAKERS
Founding of the Nation. The Truth, by Fahmi Reza
Human Beings; Born Free and Equal, by Jahaberdeen Mohd Yoonus & Azmi Sharom
Nation in Distress? - Did We Let It Happen?, by Haris Ibrahim
This is My Home, I Care; I want to Make It Better, by Rakyat Voices

The poster - a multi-coloured quilt of words - explains the gist of the Melaka theme, Kita Semua Pendatang.



It's to be read like a song, Lyrics below:

Lyrics for the Saya Anak Bangsa Malaysia Malacca Roadshow Song

:

My name cukup terrer,
My hikayat - u know lah - bestseller
Pelbagai nama, but panggil I Parameswara,
Kira once the Fresh Prince of Sri Vijaya
In Sanskrit, it means Supreme Lord
But worry not, I takkan won't goreng till you're bored

My story started very sad;
Fled from Tumasik cos some people mad
Went to Muar, Biawak Busuk plak kacau,
But then at another tebing, Wah! This place syiok kaw-kaw
Cos a kancil kicked a dog's a** and got me all inspired,
Hence born Melaka, my pendatang story, and all that transpired

Chorus:
Melaka Melaka
Learn lah lessons from Melaka
Come on kawan, why u all fight?
Semua pun pendatang; and that's our might!

I offered rice, sago, banana and spice;
Everything also make nice-nice
People came when told something's happening
Tengok sekali, they all said 'Fuiyo, gua pening'
From Myanmar, Pasai, Acheh, Parsi they sailed
When Ayudhya and Majapahit heard, they went quite pale

Harumnya Melaka once upon a time
Smelled of kunyit, pandan and some lime
The streets had jade, jaspers, cloves, and silk,
And plump cows from Ceylon filling pitchers of milk
Ah my big family from Flores, Champa 'n Marakkar
And my bro Cheng Ho from China who loved ikan bakar

Chorus:
Melaka Melaka
Learn lah lessons from Melaka
Come on kawan, what for fight
Semua pun pendatang; and that's our might!

It's no secret really how we grew;
Macam kat Athens, Turki and Venice too
Dasar buka pintu, we declared with our hearts
'Selamat datang, Pendatang', jom play a part
Brown skin, sepet eyes, Maggi hair - wild as it seems
We were many, many colours, but breathed one dream

1511 Portuguese datang mari,
My descendents, again, had to cabut lari.
But they came back - Baba, Nyonya, Chitty, Marican,
Variety in muka, culture and also benda makan.
From mere house, they made it home,
So with diverse ideas, body and spirit, they said Jom!

Chorus:
Melaka Melaka
Learn lah lessons from Melaka
Come on kawan, what for fight
Semua pun pendatang; and that's our might!

600 years sudah berlalu,
Masing-masing, hati dah macam batu.
Sikit-sikit cannot sit still,
Warna kulit pun want to make such a big deal.
Oi! Cukup! Grow up lah,
Don't lah tell people 'Pergi Blah!'

Timah, sawit, rubber and tea,
Macha, community is not built merely on commodity.
Perhati laksa, cendol, pasembor masa kini
Semua campur-rojak kaw-kaw, baru lah best macamni
You guys have something that stood time's test,
Now let's give racism a rest

TANAH MELAYU FORMERLY NAMED BARR CHIN

From an email forward and a challenge for Prof. Khoo Khay Khim:

TANAH MELAYU FORMERLY NAMED BARR CHIN
By Michael Chick

Michael Chick goes back to old Arabic maps to find that Tanah Melayu was actually called Barr Chin or Tanah China . So who is the Pendatang?

Even our famous Professor of History does not know this as he only refers to English texts. A shame, isn't it?

The Great Tanah Melayu Debate

We hear UMNO's cries for “Brain Gain”, caused by excruciating “Brain Drain”, in the wake of hundreds of thousands of Malaysians who are fleeing their country. We've heard the many alleged reasons provided from both sides of the fence. One of the strongest seems to be the fact that UMNO is asking all “pendatangs” to leave the country if they are not happy.

By Michael Chick

Well, Robert Kwok certainly did just that. And along with him, his entire businesses worth billions in “Tax Drain”. BTN has also been copiously assisting, by enthusiastically brainwashing simple minds into thinking that “Tanah Melayu” is reserved for Orang Melayu. Of course, they quickly tell you that anyone can become an Orang Melayu by speaking, dressing, and behaving like one (what! ever that means, who knows?).

Well, UMNO managed to achieve one thing. The BTN-type morons, and their predecessors, have been overwhelmingly successful in brainwashing todays' 27 million citizens. Who says that the Peninsular was ALWAYS called “Tanah Melayu”? This is a recent British Term!! Let me dedicate this Article to the foremost “so-called reknown Historian” of the country. Prof Dr Emeritus Khoo Khay Khim (and anyone else who claims to be as competent in History as well).

Prior to “Tanah Melayu” being a British Tag in the 19th century, the peninsular was formerly known as Malacca in the 15th century. The newly-renamed book “Sejarah Melayu” (previously known as “Asal-Usul Raja-Raja”) mentions every other place from India to China , including the tiny-speck-of-dirt called Temasik EXCEPT “Tanah Melayu”. Why was Tanah Melayu NEVER MENTIONED in Sejarah Melayu? Simple!! Because that was not it's name!! !

Tanah Melayu was NEVER the name until the British came and colonized the Peninsular.

(please see map below)

Since UMNO has a habit of believing that “whatever is older is better”, let's take a short walk down this slippery slope of history. (Also, BTN-Baru syllabus planners should start taking notes.)

For starters, “Malaya ” in Tagalog means “Peaceful” (go ask your Pinoy maid).

“Malai” means “Hill” in Tamil; as in “mini-Himalaya” to describe the Titiwangsa Range on the said Peninsular since the 2nd century by the Gujerati Traders who helped the local Malays set up their formidable Hindu Empire at Lembah Bujang.
ref: Prof Nik Hassan, Tom Harrison, and H.G Quatrich Wales

Also read he re: http://www.astigan.com/2009/03/06/ppag-unearths-evidence-of-iron-industry-in-lembah-bujang/

Only in the 19th Century was The Peninsular known as “Tanah Melayu”.

In the 15th Century, the Peninsular was known by no other name than “The Malacca Peninsular”.

Before “that Rebel-Indonesian Guy” came over here (look, he wanted to kill his own father; what else do you want me to call Parameswara?), the Peninsular was known as “Barr Kra” in the 10th Century. Before that, the Peninsular was known as the “Golden Chersonese” since the 2nd Century.

“Golden Chersonese is the ancient name to refer to the Malay Peninsula by Claudius Ptolemy or Claudius Ptolemaeus (Greek: ; c. 90 – c.. 168). Known in ! English as Ptolemy, he was a Greek-speaking geographer, astronomer, and astrologer. During Roman times, the Malay Peninsula developed an international reputation as a source of gold; hence the name was given.”

By the way, “Barr” simply means “Land” in the Persian Language. And Barr Kra above, means “ Land of Kra ” (as in reference to the Isthmus of Kra ).

But I've saved the best for last, as usual. And I hope all you soon-to-be “Brain Gain” people are sitting down reading this ....

The earliest known Arabic Maps refer to the Peninsular as “Barr CHIN”.

Where Chin refers to CHINA ! Why did the Arabs call this Peninsular “Tanah China” instead of “Tanah Melayu”? When Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. spoke about “Exotic Tanah China ”, was he actually refering to Malaya ? After all, according to records, Malayan Gold Mines was already famous 500 years BEFORE the Prophet was born!! As his wife, Khadijah was a Great Trader. He must have known!

Footnote: Chin is spelt “Xin” by the Portuguese, but always pronounced as Chin.

Alright, it's now public!! The oldest known Arab Maps called the Peninsular “Barr Chin”; which translates to “Tanah China ”, or “ Land of Chinese ”. BTN can now implement this new found knowledge into their syllabus. You cannot deny that you don't know it now! Perhaps if you spoke Hokkien, dressed like a Hokkien, and practised Hokkien Customs, the Hokkiens might be gracious enough to accept you. Sounds absurd? Absolutely; and so does the other “Great Race-Changing Trick” practised by UMNO. And I quote Prof Dr Anthony Milner (ANU), “If it's so easy to join a race, it must be equally easy to 'un-join' that race ...”

Alright, Prof Khoo, your turn now ...

This will be the first exercise in “Brain Gain” which UMNO is allegedly proposing, for the greater good of 1Malaysia; plus, I'll even give you a hint: (because I'm nice and assume that you actually really, really, really, don't know ....)

It's a Dark Green Hardcover Book about an inch thick; usually reserved for Academicians like yourself. So you won't find it in Popular, MPH, Wiki, Amazon or any Pasar Malam. I'm sure that Great Historians like yourself, have your own Jstor Account number.

Unfortunately, it's written ! in English, so UMNO people cannot possibly understand it; because, as they say it so eloquently, “...that English sounds like strange babbling ....”
So be nice, Prof, and please translate it for them. And in my best Manglish, “Can translate or not? Please?”

Me? I'll take a nice stroll over to the Royal Netherlands Institute of Southeast Asian and Caribbean Studies here in Leiden, to read more on this .... I'd better put on a Jacket too, it's a li! ttle nippy today.

“Doei!!” Pronounced, 'do-we' in Dutch.


Very True... One Malaysia... Bullshit...

GOOD IF YOU GUYS CAN FORWARD THIS TO AS MANY FRIENDS AS POSSIBLE
Discrimination of Non-Malays in Malaysia Plain racists as PAS said . . .
The Malaysian government should publish statistics showing how much Malays had benefited from the 'special rights' of Malays and at the same time release the statistics which show how minority races are being discriminated against.

Hence, the responsibility lies in the Malaysia government itself to publish unadulterated statistics of racial discrimination.

If the Malaysia government hides the statistics above, then there must be some evil doings, immoral doings, shameful doings and sinful doings, like the Nazis, going on with the non-Malays of Malaysia .

Civilized nations, unlike the evil Nazis, must publish statistics to show its treatment of its minority races. This is what Malaysia must pub! lish.

We are asking for the publication of the statistics showing how 'implementation of special rights of Malays' had inflicted colossal racial discrimination onto non-Malays.

Inspector-General of Police Musa Hassan will resign on March 25, 2010

The Inspector-General of Police, Musa Hassan was reported by China Press as having submitted his resignation to Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein Onn, five months before the end of his contract. Apparently he planned to formally step down on March 25 at a function commemorating the 203rd Police Day. If true, this is good news to be celebrated as Musa Hassan should not have his term extended in the first place as his performance as Inspector-General of Police had been attrocious.

Update 11.35am: Musa Hassan has denied that he have resigned as Inspector-General and hinting that perhaps China Press source for its report as being from the underworld. Let us hope that eventually Musa Hassan will be forced to resign.

NAJIB’S ORWELLIAN 1MALAYSIA - John Lee

Apparently Najib Abdul Razak didn't like what John Lee wrote about him over at The Malaysian Insider because that article can no longer be found.

In the name of press freedom, here is the article reproduced in full:

NAJIB’S ORWELLIAN 1MALAYSIA

by John Lee

Datuk Seri Najib Razak was supposed to be a better Prime Minister than Tun Abdullah Badawi. But his charm offensive belies his failure to protect our democracy and our institutions. Najib replaced Pak Lah because of the Umno warlords protecting their own interests, rather than those of the country’s; he is a Prime Minister beholden to Umno politicos, not the Malaysian voters.

The biggest problem people had with Pak Lah was that he was weak. He said nice things, but he didn’t have the willpower to see them through. He was a career civil servant, not a politician. So we got Najib—a consummate politician.

But Pak Lah’s weakness was a double-edged sword. He let a lot of people get away with saying nasty things—our nation’s dirty laundry of corruption and racism was aired like never before during his time. But the Sarawak Tribune aside, the Abdullah administration also let people get away with a lot of productive debate. It was a breath of fresh air compared to the Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad regime.

The Najib regime is a return to the era of Mahathir. One of the most pervasive and repulsive examples of this is the insidious 1Malaysia campaign. It’s simply a tiruan ciplak of Bangsa Malaysia or Wawasan 2020—a pretence of vision for the country. Nowadays when I go to official events, the emcees greet us: “Assalamualaikum dan salam 1Malaysia.” This is nothing more than Orwellian propaganda.

Now, I could tolerate propaganda if this amorphous 1Malaysia idea were actually productive. It seems that Datuk Idris Jala has been working his butt off to make it so. But as The Malaysian Insider has reported, Idris’s attempts to redress racial injustices have been rejected by the Cabinet and replaced with vague, token promises of sweet nothings.

Other reform efforts, such as the amendment or abolition of the ISA and our other anti-democratic laws seem to have fallen by the wayside. Despite the fanciful KPIs flying around, the government still cannot convince the public that our law enforcement agencies truly work to uphold justice. In the public’s eyes, the MACC is as tainted and politically biased as ever. The constant foot-dragging in the prosecutions for the death of A. Kugan and the multi-billion ringgit Port Klang Free Zone disaster only suggest that Najib has no intention of meaningfully upholding the rule of law.

Under the Constitution, the same laws apply to all Malaysians: if one Malaysian has the right to peacefully protest, then all Malaysians must have that same right. Only a few days ago, the police stopped a major Pakatan rally in Kuala Lumpur because it was supposedly disturbing the peace.

When a bunch of rabble-rousers held rallies outside mosques across the country in January then—rallies where some people had the gall to call for further torching of churches—that wasn’t disturbing the peace? Apparently not: Najib’s regime protects your democratic rights only when it is convenient.

Now, Najib’s government is going further: it is confiscating books simply because it doesn’t like them. Cartoonist Zunar’s 1FunnyMalaysia is gone—I suppose because the title makes fun of 1Malaysia. Amir Muhammad’s Politicians Say the Darndest Things, which was perfectly acceptable for public consumption a year ago, is now gone from the shelves. Nat Tan and I edited a book on police brutality and custodial deaths, such as Teoh Beng Hock’s; this book, Where is Justice, is now gone too.

Again, forget the rule of law; these books are not officially banned. (Indeed, in some stores, the sales clerk will sell them to you from behind the counter.) What Najib has simply done is intimidate booksellers into taking these books off the shelves, so you do not even realise they exist. Again, the Orwellian parallels are frightening.

What I liked about Pak Lah is that as bumbling as he was, he was an accidental democrat. Under his still-authoritarian regime, we at least saw the beginnings of some productive and open debate. Heck, he even tried to reform the Anti-Corruption Agency and overhaul some of our draconian laws like the ISA before he stepped down. If Mahathir was Bapa Pemodenan, then I daresay Pak Lah could be Bapa Demokrasi.

Najib is set only on protecting himself and the cronies of his regime, democracy and the rule of law be damned. 1Malaysia does not do away with any of the serious injustices in our country; this is not a government for all Malaysians. This is a government for Umno. There is a chance, of course, for Najib to change course, and make 1Malaysia for all; he could, if he wanted to, be remembered as Bapa Reformasi. But unless he takes action, I fear we may well remember him as Bapa Kezaliman.

George Orwell at Amazon

Two faced king frog Ibrahim Ali

Not only is the unprincipled Ibrahim Ali a king frog for hopping from political party to political party, he is also a two faced double crosser. While he is pretending to champaign for Malay rights and privileges and "preventing" the Chinese from taking over the country (where on earth did this ape brain got his figures that the minority Chinese can take over the country) he is going to bed with Vincent Tan, the one whom RPK said paid RM25 million to donkey Hee Yit Foong to betray her constituency and Perak and caused the takeover of the Perak state government. Read for yourself at Fakes and Shamans.

Below is the annual report of Dunham-Bush Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. which showed Ibrahim Ali as an Independent non-executive director:

Tragedy: Najib Abdul Razak

From an email forward:

Subject: Tragedy is No Great Loss......

Tragedy is No Great Loss......
A terrible triple tragedy if this wonderful message is NOT circulated.......

Najib Tun Razk was visiting a school. In one class, he asks the students if anyone can give him an example of a "tragedy." One little boy stands up and offers that, "If my best friend who lives next door is playing in the street when a car came by and killed him, that would be a tragedy."

"No," Najib says, "That would be an ACCIDENT."

A girl raises her hand. "If a school bus carrying fifty children drove off a cliff, killing everyone inside...that would be a tragedy."

"I'm afraid not," explains Najib. "That is what we would call a GREAT LOSS."

The room is silent; none of the other children dare volunteer.

"What?" asks Najib, "Isn't there anyone here who can give me an example of a tragedy ?"

Finally a boy in the back raises his hand. In a timid voice, he says: "If an airplane carrying you and Datin Seri Rosmah was blown up by a bomb, that would be a tragedy."

"Wonderful !" Najib beams. "Marvelous ! And can you tell me WHY that would be a tragedy ?"

"Well," says the boy, "because it wouldn't be an accident, and it certainly would be no great loss !"

Freedom Film Fest 2010: HELP University College

Announcing the official launch of the Freedom Film Fest 2010. After the launch, the premiere screening of KOMAS’s latest documentary, ”SELEPAS TSUNAMI” (After The Tsunami) will be filmed:

Date: 11 MARCH 2010
Time: 8 PM – 10 PM
Venue: Theatrette, Main Building, HELP University College

Location map of HELP University College, Kuala Lumpur

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Forum: No to more taxes

Announcement: There will be a forum entitled "No to more taxes" at Jaya One Crystal Crown Hotel, Petaling Jaya.

Date: Wednesday, 17 March, 2010
Location: Crystal Crown Hotel,
12 Lorong Utara A,
Seksyen 52,
Petaling Jaya,
Selangor 46200‎
Tel: 03-7958 4422‎

Speakers:
Tan Sri Khalid
Lim Guan Eng
Tony Pua
Dr. Dzul
Rafizi Ramli

Call 016-2208 867 for further details

Location map, Crystal Crown Hotel, Lorong Utara, Petaling Jaya

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Date: 17 March, 2010
Time: 8pm
Location: PJ Live Arts Centre, Jaya 1, Seksyen 13, Petaling Jaya.
Speakers: Tony Pua, Dr. Dzul, Charles Santiago

Location Map, Jaya One, Section 13, Petaling Jaya

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Pakatan Rakyat Selangor Annual Convention 2010

The PR (Pakatan Rakyat) Selangor Annual Convention 2010 on the 7th March 2010 will be held from 8.00 am - 5.00 pm at the Dewan Jubli Perak, Shah Alam:

Location map of Dewan Jubli Perak, Shah Alam, Selangor

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Saya Anak Bangsa Malaysia Roadshow, Sabah and Sarawak

The People's Parliament is taking the Saya Anak Bangsa Malaysia Roadshow to Sabah and Sarawak.

KOTA KINABALU PROGRAM

Date: March 13, 2010, Saturday

Venue: Beverly Hotel, Lorong Kemajaun

6.00pm-6.50pm: Registration

7.00pm-7.30pm: Federation of Malaysia 20 point Agreement by Datuk Dr. Jeffrey Gapari Kitingan

7.30pm-7.40pm: Q & A

7.45pm-8.15pm: How the Federation has failed Sabahans by Datuk Dr. Jeffrey Gapari Kitingan

8.20pm-8.40pm: Screening of the “Perak Crisis”

8.45pm-9.00pm: Refreshment break

9.00pm-9.30pm: Are we a nation in distress? Where did we go wrong? by Haris Ibrahim

9.30pm-10.15pm: This is our home. We care. We want to make it better by Dr Chong Eng Leong, Hasbeemasputera and Jayanath Appudurai

10.15-11pm: Q & A

Location map, Beverly Hotel, Lorong Kemajaun, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

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KUCHING PROGRAM

Date: March 14, 2010, Sunday

Venue: Harbourview Hotel, Lorong Temple

1.00pm-2.00pm: Registration

2.00pm-2.30pm: Federation of Malaysia 18 point Agreement by Datuk Dr. Jeffrey Gapari Kitingan

2.30pm-2.40pm: Q & A

2.45pm-3.15pm: How the Federation has failed Sarawakians by Encik Baru Bian

3.15pm-3.25pm: Q & A

3.30pm-3.50pm: Screening of the “Perak Crisis”

3.50pm-4.10pm: Refreshment break

4.10pm-4.40pm: Are we a nation in distress? Where did we go wrong? by Haris Ibrahim and Cobbold John

4.40pm-5.25pm: This is our home. We care. We want to make it better by YB Voon Lee Shan, Flora Peter and Jayanath Appudurai

5.30pm-6.15pm: Q & A

Location map, Harbourview Hotel, Lorong Temple, Kuching, Sarawak

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This is real funny and really effective, please read

Wish I can talk and write like that, but quite satisfied that someone else have that ability, so the tiniest thing I can do (power of 1, 1 tiny action that don't cost me a penny but can bring lots of good, - link love not sexual kind) and hoping to drive at least 1 surfer over Three blind mice’ to Washington went. (I guarantee you will enjoy it if you understand what the writer wrote, and I think that is not difficult. However, you may need some background knowledge. Currently I am way past my bedtime and so I do the easiest and fastest way, Google "Anwar Ibrahim" or Sodomy or Sodomy 2. Otherwise, just read RPK's (Raja Petra Kamaruddin, Raja is Prince) Malaysian Circus goes to Washington

If not enough, here is one more that I hope can help: Speak our for Anwar Ibrahim's sake. It seems lots of Foreign embassies people at his trial and I wondered why.

Muhyiddin Yassin illegal Deputy Prime Minister

This MoooHeDin fellow,



if we go according to the judgement of that 5 judges who do not know the law and the Malaysian and Perak Constitutions and who do not know English (they do not know the the plural of counsel is also counsel and not counsels), is an illegal Deputy Prime Minister:



This is because they ruled that the Perak Constitution did not expressedly (or expressly) provide for a vote of no confidence to remove the rightful Menteri Besar (Chief Minister) of Perak, Nizar Jamalludin.

Thus it follows that this cow Minister should resign from his illegal Deputy Prime Minister post as this post has not been provided by the Malaysian Constitution and his position is thus illegal and untenable.

Here are the names and photos of the five judges:

"Abdul Hamid Embong, Alauddin Mohd Sheriff, Arifin Zakaria, Mohd Ghazali Mohd Yusoff, Zulkefli Ahmad Makinudin"






Remember them well. They are the one who mutilated the Constitution and make way for an Absolute Monarchy where the Sultan can dismiss their Menteri Besar at will and the Agong can sack the Prime Minister as he wish.

Muhyiddin: Do you want a cow for a Prime Minister?

This i Muhyiddin Yassin, the current Deputy Prime Minister and the antithesis of Najib's 1Malaysia. His name is better spelled as MoooHeDin, Mooo as the cry of a cow or a buffalo and din as in noise pollution.

While his boss is busy doing public relations and his 1Malaysia, MoooheDin is spouting the opposite, probably playing to the extremist Malay-Muslim crowd and hoping to displace his boss and become the next Prime Minister of Malaysia.

Let us hope he does not succeed.

Pakatan Rakyat Malaysia crystallizing - hallmark of a PRM politician

First there was this Pakatan Rakyat's Common Policies Framework & People's Consensus. Then the Registra of Society added Malaysia to PR (Pakatan Rakyat), thus becoming PRM (Pakatan Rakyat Malaysia)

Now Anwar listed the hallmark of a PRM politician which is a thousand and one mile better than the bankrupt and corrupted UMBO/BN politicians:

"leaders in Pakatan must be clean and upright in financial dealings"

"They are not to ask for contracts for their family or friends, nor take land that does not belong to them"

"Integrity is their paramount quality"

"disdain for stances on issues that would pit one race against another, or one religion against another"

"No Pakatan leader is exclusively a leader of his own race. He is that and more"

Pakatan Rakyat's Common Policies Framework and People's Consensus

Here are the PR (Pakatan Rakyat) now called PRM (Pakatan Rakyat Malaysia)'s list of its Common Policies Framework headings and sub-headings, and People's Consensus. It is a long read. Suggest you read the headings, then jump to People's Consensus:

Common Policies Framework

1. Transparent and Genuine Democracy
1. Constitutionalism and the Rule of Law
2. Separation of Powers
3. A Clean, Free and Fair Electoral System
2. Driving a High Performance, Sustainable and Equitable Economy
1. High-Performance Economy
2. Democratic and Transparent Economy
3. Decentralisation and the Empowerment of the State Economic Management
4. Affirmative Action Policies based on Need
5. Labour
6. Social Safety Net
7. Housing
8. Infrastructure and Public Facilities
9. Environment
10. Sustainable Growth and Green Development
3. Social Justice and Human Development
1. Unity and Social Justice
2. Religion
3. Education
4. Women and the Family
5. Youth
6. Security
7. Healthcare
8. Culture
4. Federal-State Relationship and Foreign Policy
1. The Federal System
2. Sabah and Sarawak
3. Foreign Policy

1. Transparent and Genuine Democracy
1. Constitutionalism and the Rule of Law
The Federal Constitution is the manifestation of the aspirations and hopes of the independent Malaysian people. Within it, the fundamental rights of every citizen including rights to religion, language, citizenship and culture are fully guaranteed. Therefore, Pakatan Rakyat commits to uphold the spirit and provisions of the Federal Constitution. Pakatan Rakyat will: 1.Defend the Federal Constitution, Islam as the religion of the Federation while other religions can be practiced peacefully anywhere in the country and protecting the special position of the Malays and the indigenous peoples anywhere including Sabah and Sarawak, and the legitimate interests of other races in accordance to Article 153. 2.Defend the role and responsibility of the institution of Constitutional Monarchy. 3.Uphold the use of Bahasa Melayu in accordance to Article 152 of the Constitution and promote Bahasa Melayu as the regional lingua franca, while protecting and strengthening the use of mother tongue languages for all races. 4.Abolish the Internal Security Act and other laws that allow for detention without trial while simultaneously propose that all existing emergency declarations are rescinded. 5.Abolish or amend all other oppressive laws and regulations that are repressive and contravene fundamental rights. 6.Guarantee the spirit of Federalism and a just relationship between the Federation and states especially Sabah and Sarawak.
2. Separation of Powers
The effectiveness of the democratic system is dependent on the proper implementation of separation of powers. The integrity of a government is dependent on the independence, credibility and legitimacy of its institutions that have been entrusted to ensure checks and balances between the branches of the executive, judicial and legislative. Pakatan Rakyat will: 1.Restore the integrity of the judicial system and guarantee transparency and full independence of the Judicial Appointment Commission. 2.Restructure the workings in Parliament to make it more transparent, democratic and able to perform its role to check and balance. 3.Guarantee the direct accountability to Parliament of bodies such as the Election Commission, Anti-Corruption Commission, Human Rights Commission, Petronas, Khazanah and others. 4.Ensure that the appointment of positions such as the Inspector General of Police, the Attorney General, the Anti-Corruption Commissioner and the Auditor General requires the approval of Parliament. 5.Create a National Ombudsman Department. 6.Strengthen local government democracy and democratically enhance the competency and effectiveness of the delivery system and guarantee transparency at all levels. 7.Free all media, amend the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984, enact a Freedom of Information Act and ensure Internet freedom. 8.Enhance the performance of public service sector and ensure the welfare of its members. Ensure that the institution remains independent and able to perform its responsibilities competently. 9.Empower and enhance civil society. Increase the participation of people through dialogues and consultations
3. A Clean, Free and Fair Electoral System
The tarnished electoral system must be restored of its integrity. The sovereign power of the people to choose the country’s leadership must be defended from any defects that allows for manipulation. Therefore it is important for us to review all the relevant electoral laws. Pakatan Rakyat will: 1.Enable all citizens age 18 and above to vote via automatic registration. 2.Eliminate all weaknesses in the electoral system by cleaning the electoral roll; abolish postal votes for voters within the country, ensure all citizens outside the country can vote; and introduce the use of indelible ink. 3.Ensure the media provides political parties fair and just space, reasonable campaign period and a clean and free election process. 4.Re-delineate constituencies to mirror the principle of One Citizen, One Vote in order to guarantee a more fair and just representation. 5.Grant political parties campaign expenditures based on the percentages of votes in general elections. 6.Enact more effective laws to punish candidates or political parties that are involved in corruption or vote-buying practices.
2. Driving a High Performance, Sustainable and Equitable Economy
Pakatan Rakyat is determined to create a national economy with high performance and sustainable growth. To ensure national competitiveness, it is critical that effective distribution of national resources and wealth in key and strategic fields or sectors of the economy. Stimulating local investment and generating strong domestic demand as well as attracting continuous foreign direct investments will foster an economy that is progressive and resilient. Pakatan Rakyat is committed to create a ‘People’s Economy’ to ensure prosperity and wealth generated will be reaped by people of all classes. Whilst reducing the gap between rich and poor, as well as overcoming the disparity of development between regions, as a consequence of mismanagement that failed to prioritise the interests of the majority.
1. High-Performance Economy
The basis of a high-performance economy is a workforce that is knowledge-based, competent and highly-skilled. Pakatan Rakyat will provide all necessary investment to produce a high-productivity workforce in order to boost high-added value in national economic activities. Pakatan Rakyat will: 1.Guarantee opportunities of higher education and training based on competency are provided in all service, manufacturing and agricultural sectors. 2.Ensure every worker who wants to improve his or her skills is given an opportunity to obtain continuous training to enhance productivity. 3. Encourage citizens who are professionals and skilled living overseas to return home by creating a professional and attractive work environment.
2. Democratic and Transparent Economy
Pakatan Rakyat is committed to implement policies to ensure management of the economy is free from corruption, abuse of power and cronyism in order to enhance accountability, transparency and good governance. Corrupt practices and abuse of power has dissipated national wealth and prevented sustainable economic growth and weakened national competitiveness. Pakatan Rakyat will: 1.Reform the tender system so that it becomes open, fair, transparent, and gives the best value for the people’s money. 2.Reject privatisation which burdens the people. Re-negotiate unfair concessions and contracts that profitted cronies, including IPPs, highway tolls and water infrastructure. 3.Implement a progressive taxation system and reject any taxes that burden the people. This includes putting a stop to the proposed Goods and Services Tax (GST) until the people and the country are ready for it.
3. Decentralisation and the Empowerment of the State Economic Management
In keeping with the spirit of federalism to improve the government’s delivery system, effectiveness and efficient expenditure, the implementation of extensive development and economic policies will be needed to be devolved to the state governments according to respective priorities. Decentralisation can motivate structural change in the economic framework to boost efficiency and productivity due to greater effectiveness in expenditure, besides higher multiplier effects for government expenditure in the national economy. Pakatan Rakyat will: 1.Implement grants for development and equalisation based on a formula of total population, poverty rate, development area, cost, human development and gross revenue per capita indices that will ensure that the poorer states are not left behind. 2.Redistribute economic and administrative power and the implementation of infrastructure works to the state governments, for example an equitable negotiation rights in ascertaining public transportation design and network. 3.Generate a more balanced geographical development, thereby creating productive secondary cities nationwide in order to reduce development centralisation in the Klang Valley. 4. Prioritising policies that generate high and long term growth, based on an economic understanding where the state governments are in a better position to determine and implement socio-economic strategies.
4. Affirmative Action Policies based on Need
Pakatan Rakyat recognises that all Malaysians are entitled to assistance based on need regardless of background. Pakatan Rakyat is determined to make the national economy people-centred, so that the national wealth can be enjoyed equitably by all. Pakatan Rakyat will: 1.Ensure equitable economic assistance and distribution to all based on need. 2.Assist marginalised groups from all races. 3.Provide cash assistance directly to target groups to end hardcore poverty. 4.Provide education scholarships based on need and merit. 5.Ensure social mobility by guaranteeing more equitable and equal economic opportunity for all. 6.Use the savings from leakages and wastage and the fight against corruption as additional resources for programmes to eradicate poverty.
5. Labour
Labour is the foundation to the continuous prosperity of the nation. Pakatan Rakyat will guarantee that all Malaysian workers will be treated justly and further ensure their welfare and prosperity be preserved. Pakatan Rakyat will: 1.Introduce minimum wage for all Malaysian workers. 2.Defend workers’ rights to form trade unions according to their needs and choice; and ensure that they are given the same rights and protection in accordance with international standards. 3.Introduce an Equal Opportunity Act to ensure that work opportunities are open to all. 4.Support entrepreneurs and businessmen of Small and Medium Enterprises by providing access to loans, adequate infrastructure and further reduce bureaucracy. 5.Facilitate assistance to fishermen and farmers to drive increased productivity. 6.Re-structure an integrated foreign workers policy and reduce national dependence on foreign labour. 7.Provide support system to groups involved in the informal economic sector such as small businesses, hawkers, farmers and those who are self employed.
6. Social Safety Net
All Malaysians are entitled to enjoy life with dignity at all times. Those who have lost their income, the elderly, the disabled and low-income groups must be protected and also given the opportunity to enjoy the economic benefits of development. Pakatan Rakyat will: 1.Strengthen the Employees’ Provident Fund system and introduce a pension scheme for private sector employees. 2.Set up a National Retrenchment Fund to provide temporary financial support to those who have lost their jobs, subsidy for on-the-job training and retraining of workers 3.Extend the retirement age to 60 years in order to provide opportunities to those who wish to continue contributing to society.
7. Housing
Housing is a basic human need. In reality, a large number of Malaysians could not, without assistance, afford their own housing especially those from the lower and middle income. Therefore Pakatan Rakyat will: 1. Set up a Perbadanan Perumahan with the mandate to increase the number of affordable housing and achieving the goal of One Family, One House. 2. Overcome the problems concerning ‘squatters / urban settlers’ as far as possible through in situ housing development and/or land sharing and through low interest loans to assist the squatters/urban settlers to purchase their own houses. 3.Coordinate a negotiation system between ‘squatters / urban settlers’, developers and the authorities to achieve a win-win solution for matters concerning housing and land; 4.Providing assistance to upgrade low-cost houses and Projek Perumahan Rakyat in order to meet the increased number of household occupants; 5.Invest in public amenities in the apartment surroundings to ensure a balanced and healthy environment. 6.Encourage transparency and competition in the financial sector in order to make housing loans more accessible and affordable. 7.Cooperate with state governments to safeguard housing policy and ensure that affordable housing is provided for those in need.
8. Infrastructure and Public Facilities
Providing and maintaining good public infrastructure is the government’s responsibility. The implementation should not burden the people or merely profit certain cronies. Good public infrastructure and facilities can increase the people’s disposable income and their productivity. Pakatan Rakyat will: 1.Guarantee clean water and electricity at reasonable rates to every family in Malaysia. 2.Review and re-negotiate all highway toll agreements and study the possibility of purchasing back the PLUS highway with the objective to eliminate tolls in 7 years. 3.Improve the efficiency of the public transport system through the establishment of the Commission of Public Transport which comprises of government and community representatives. 4.Introduce a half fare scheme for elderly citizens, the disabled, students and retirees for all types of public transport. 5.Re-assess the granting of taxi permit to large companies and prioritise individual entrepreneurs and their associations. 6.Provide efficient broadband internet service for free in order to reduce the digital divide.
9. Environment
Our environment is a national treasure that must be preserved for the sustainability of the future generations. Facing crisis of climate change, Pakatan Rakyat resolves to: 1. Entrench the practice of recycling as part of our culture by providing the necessary infrastructure and a comprehensive system. 2.Ensure all logging activities and deforestation are carried out in a controlled and sustainable manner. 3.Build the foundation and technological expertise to enable a smooth transition to the use of alternative energy resources. 4.Restrict the development at hill slopes and hazardous areas. 5.Reduce carbon emission rate to conform with international standards and increase the ability of the ecological system to absorb carbon.
10. Sustainable Growth and Green Development
Pakatan Rakyat is determined to make the green economy as the core of a new era of equitable and sustainable prosperity for Malaysia. The provision of infrastructure and development of new industries in line with the transition to a green economy will become an engine for dynamic economic growth. Pakatan Rakyat will: 1.Introduce modern, comprehensive and appropriate infrastructure for a low carbon economy, including a world-class, integrated public transport system and a comprehensive recycling programme. 2.Develop industries based on green technology such as manufacturing solar panels and hydrogen cell fuels. 3.Lead the development of alternative energy systems and renewable energy in the Asian region. 4.Strengthen the agriculture sector with the latest methods and technology to ensure that the national food supply is secured.
3. Social Justice and Human Development
1. Unity and Social Justice
Pakatan Rakyat resolves to foster understanding and unity among the people based on the principle of preserving our common interests. National unity must reflect a genuine solidarity, understanding and togetherness between the races, cultures and religions. Pakatan Rakyat promises to rebuild a united multiracial society, where different races can live in peace and harmony. Pakatan Rakyat will: 1.Focus on efforts to mend the deteriorated relationships between the races and religions. 2.Consolidate the efforts of all stakeholders in order to restore the good will, mutual respect and trust which have long been practiced by the multi-racial and multi-religious people of Malaysia. 3.Enact a Race Relations Act to safeguard unity and harmony of the people and to eliminate discrimination between the races. 4.Generate support from every level of the society so that it can hold fast to all the principles and norms that should be upheld by an open society. 5.Strive to eliminate the practice of racial politics through various means including education, mass media, dialogues and consultations. 6.Cultivate a Malaysian culture based on moral values and excellence that is accepted by all races. This will require an open attitude towards cultural diversity that is practiced by the various races and ethnic groups in Malaysia. Pakatan Rakyat will do this whilst taking consideration the country’s history and evolution. 7.Improve the welfare of Orang Asli, Orang Asal and other minority groups in Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak besides defending their fundamental, economic and social rights.
2. Religion
Religion and other beliefs practiced by Malaysians should form the basis of unity that is founded on good universal values. Malaysians have almost fallen into the boiling pot of discord and tension that was caused by manipulation of religious differences. This should not happen in a genuinely democratic Malaysia, with Islam occupying a special position whilst the rights of other religions are guaranteed. Pakatan Rakyat vows to: 1.Defend the position of Islam as the religion of the Federation and guarantee freedom of religion for every Malaysian. 2.Organise dialogues and consultations between cultures and religion in order to strengthen the understanding between them. 3.Set up a comprehensive mechanism to provide just resolution to cases which involve the overlap of civil and Syariah laws, including a Royal Commission to deeply study all the relevant issues. 4.Strengthen the management of Islamic institutions such as Baitul Mal and Tabung Haji to ensure that they are administered effectively and efficiently to achieve their objectives. 5.Ensure suitable areas for places of worship and burial grounds for all religions.
3. Education
Education should be aimed at creating a person who is balanced spiritually, physically and intellectually. Through the national education system, Pakatan Rakyat resolves to provide a system of education that is competent, high quality and guarantees equal opportunity to the people. Pakatan Rakyat will: 1.Make the national school system as the foundation of the nation’s education system. Ensure the equitable support and funding to religious schools, Chinese and Tamil national schools, mission schools and vocational schools in a concerted effort to increase the standard of national education. 2.Balance the emphasis from an examination-oriented system to a learning system based on critical and analytical thinking in search for the truth. 3.Ensure that every eligible student will have an opportunity to be placed in public institutions of higher learning regardless of their backgrounds. 4.Amend the University and University Colleges Act 1974 in order to create a conducive climate that guarantees academic freedom and university autonomy which increases the quality of education comparable with developed countries. 5.Ensure the appointment of vice chancellors, rectors, and other high ranking academic officials are based on qualification and approval of the Senate Council. 6.Improve the quality and facilities of disadvantaged schools in the interior parts of Sabah and Sarawak; 7.Increase the quality of teachers’ education at every school level and increase the number of trained teachers based on demand. 8.Provide a high level of training opportunities for teachers and lecturers so that their knowledge and professional expertise are up to date. 9.Re-examine the teachers’ service scheme and increase incentives for those who teach in the rural areas. 10.Provide scholarships based on merit and other financial aid based on need with priority given to poor students from the rural and interior areas. 11.Emphasise the importance of students mastering various languages including English, Arabic and Mandarin as leading languages in the world and also other mother tongues. 12.Provide places and training for those who drop out of school. 13.Widen the scope of the National Accreditation Board to monitor and propose the recognition of certificates, diplomas and degrees both local and international which fulfill the acceptable academic standards including the UEC certificate and Diploma Muadalah (twinning).
4. Women and the Family
Pakatan Rakyat believes that policies which reflect respect, recognition and understanding of the status of women and their potential can ensure the future wellbeing of the nation. This comes from the fact that women constitute half of the national population; hence their participation in the national development process must not be neglected. Pakatan Rakyat will: 1.Enact an Act to ensure women obtain just treatment in all fields. 2.Emphasise to increase the Women Workforce to 60% within 10 years compared to 46% in the past 20 years. 3.Provide 30% women representation in all political and government leadership levels. 4.Combat domestic violence by institutionalising heavier punishment for offenders and ensure the effectiveness of crisis centres in every hospital and police station. 5.Ensure the creation of support systems and assistance such as childcare centres and others for mothers working in the government and private sectors. 6.Provide aid to ease the family burden of poor and needy single mothers. 7.Take into account gender perspective when drafting the national budget and policies. 8.Introduce gender sensitisation programmes into the school curriculum. 9.Recognise the role of homemakers in strengthening the family institution and their contribution to national and community development.
5. Youth
The future and prosperity of a nation rests on their youths as the succeeding generation. Hence, it is important that youths are given adequate space and support so that they can fulfill their roles in the future. Pakatan Rakyat will: 1.Ensure opportunity, equality and fairness for youths from all communities to realise their self potential. 2.Ensure that no youth will end his education without the opportunity to obtain adequate vocational qualification or training to contribute towards a high-skilled national economy. 3.Recognise the important role and contribution of youths through the frank dialogues with youth movements, especially on important issues concerning their lives and the national future.
6. Security
There is an increase of crime and sense of insecurity in the country when Malaysians should be entitled to feel safe and free from constant criminal threats. Pakatan Rakyat is determined that the police is better managed, trained and supervised in order to make them more focused on their primary responsibility to ensure that every area and all Malaysians are secure and safe. Pakatan Rakyat will: 1.Make the police independent and professional and revert to their original mission of crime prevention and ensuring public safety. 2.Review the deployment of the police personnel so that there is adequate workforce assigned to combat crime. 3.Provide the police with the latest equipment and training in the effort to combat crime. 4.Implement all recommendations of the Royal Commission to Enhance the Operation and Management of the Police, including IPCMC and the improvement of the welfare of police personnel who have contributed to the country. 5.Improve the working conditions of the police force especially at the lower levels in order to improve performance and morale. 6.Strengthen the role of communities in combating and preventing crime through community programmes. 7. Handle strategically and effectively the social problems that are the root cause of crime.
7. Healthcare
Every Malaysian is entitled to enjoy the best public healthcare at an affordable cost. Therefore, public healthcare services should be strengthened, thereby ensuring good healthcare for the people. Pakatan Rakyat will: 1.Establish a National Healthcare Commission with the aim of improving the quality of public sector healthcare to a standard comparable with private sector healthcare. 2.Ensure a public healthcare service that is efficient, extensive and of high quality to all Malaysians, at an affordable rate. 3.Increase incentive schemes for medical staff at public hospitals. 4. Monitor stringently all healthcare fascilities that have been privatised to protect the public interest.
8. Culture
Diversity is a fact of the national socio-culture, an expression of the plurality of our society comprised of major ethnic groups, clans and territories. As such Pakatan Rakyat takes the responsibility of cultivating and enhancing the potential of this diversity whilst rejecting any form of hegemony of one culture in preference to other cultures. This approach is in line with the original spirit of Merdeka and needs to be expanded into a New Cultural Consensus (Muafakat Kebudayaan Baru), moving on from the National Cultural Policy of 1971. The three main challenges are: 1.Ensure the freedom of expression and artistic creation through all media. 2.The right to conduct performance or art-cultural shows without restrictions – with the realisation that each artist has responsibility to himself/herself and society. 3.The ties with our traditional cultural roots should be strengthened whilst remaining open to accept elements of other cultures from any race, continent and belief that display universal traits.
4. Federal-State Relationship and Foreign Policy
1. The Federal System
The rights of states to make decisions according to their own requirement on development strategy must be respected. The foundation of this right is an adequate financial allocation to states that is based on their contribution to the Federation and the people’s needs. Pakatan Rakyat will: 1.Guarantee to the state governments, a royalty of 20% from petroleum income with an aim to eradicate poverty. 2.Return part of the tax collection from each state based on an equitable distribution. 3. Increase the capitation grants for states.
2. Sabah and Sarawak
The spirit of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 will form the foundation for a just relationship between the Federation and Sabah & Sarawak. By restoring the balance of power that has been concentrated with the central government, Pakatan Rakyat promises to make a fair and open assessment of the principal issues that are preventing political and socio-economic progress in both states in East Malaysia. Pakatan Rakyat will: 1Guarantee Sabah and Sarawak’s wealth are enjoyed fully by their people by the provision of 20% royalty from their petroleum income. 2. Set up a Royal Commission to find the best resolution of the immigrant issue. 3.Guarantee the Native Customary Land Rights are not violated by any party. 4. Stop immediately the oppression against those living in the interior areas caused by unethical economic activities.
3. Foreign Policy
Malaysia’s leadership among nation-states of the world must be enhanced. It is our aim frame a foreign policy based on the universal principles of justice, resolution through negotiations and inter-civilisational dialogues for security, peace and prosperity. Pakatan Rakyat will: 1.Protect national interests by becoming a responsible member of the world by respecting fundamental rights, democratic principles and upholding understandings, agreements, declarations and international law, in line with principles of justice. 2.Active in leading inter-civilisational dialogues. 3.Strengthen diplomatic and international trade cooperation with regional partners especially ASEAN members. 4. Further strengthen Malaysia’s role in international organisations.

END

People's Consensus

Pakatan Rakyat hereby put forward a policy agenda to lead the people and this nation out of the current worsening crisis.

The people’s development agenda has been derailed due to a narrow understanding of race, divisive hate politics and authoritarianism. The recessive economy caused by the loss of moral conscience, the greed of corruption and archaic policies are causing Malaysia to be left behind compared to other vibrant economies in the region.

The unjust economy is all the more apparent in the widening gap between the rich and the poor, between the urban and the rural population, and between the Peninsular and Sabah and Sarawak.

The rising crime rate threatens lives and property because the police force has been used for narrow political ends. The integrity and independence of the judiciary continues to be damaged by political interference and business interests.

After half a century of sovereign independence, Malaysia should have matured. This should have been realised when the people from various races, breaking down narrow and obsolete mindset, and manifest a new spirit to reject the perversion of power, the spread of corruption, the plunder of the nation’s wealth and the repression of the people’s rights.

In appreciating the people’s aspirations, Pakatan Rakyat therefore declares our commitment to fully internalise and carry out an agenda of new politics by mobilizing the people’s power from the various races, religions and cultures as one force.

Further, we have confidence; we can change our policy framework from narrow racial approach to principles based on religious faiths, humanism, ethical and human rights, and equality before the law regardless of status, race or group. The policies that are derived from adherence to the Constitution and universal principles of justice will safeguard the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary, which in turn will guarantee that the human rights and dignity of the people will continuously be defended and upheld.

Pakatan Rakyat is confident that the Malaysian economy can be driven at a faster pace through a market based economy that is humane, leading towards a more holistic human development. Economic policies should make Malaysia competitive, maintain a healthy investment climate, implement progressive taxation, but firm in its desire to realise justice through the equitable economic distribution especially for the poor and marginalised.

Pakatan Rakyat rejects policies that allow for corruption and other financial crimes and abuse of power. In order to ensure sustainable growth, oppressive policies that had only enriched the few should be replaced with a policy that ensures that the poor are assisted regardless of race.

As such, we invite the Malaysian people to create a new consensus that is founded on principles of justice for all and Constitutionalism. This is the agenda that must be done if we are to regain the nation’s respect, freedom and dignity. Only by providing justice for all can the people live prosperously and in unity.