Hulu Selangor buy election: Presiding officers refused to surrender Form 14

The same thing happened as when I had acted as counting agent in the last March 2008 General election - the returning officers refused to give Form 14 (results) to the Pakatan Rakyat counting agents.

From Malaysian Insider: PKR blames poor turnout on BN intimidation and hanky-panky:

In Serendah, the returning officers in three schools had refused to sign the Form 14 of the counting agents.

“By failing to sign, it means they can do anything they want with the forms and we cannot do anything to claim it was a fraud,” PKR election director Fuziah Salleh said

I had wanted to report that biased and irresponsible presiding officer but was discouraged by the more seasoned hands. As a result of not acting, we now see a repeat. Wonder if the result of this buy election can be annulled because of this infringement.

Federal Police HQ Bukit Aman telephone number

BEGINNING Monday, the federal police headquarters in Bukit Aman can be contacted through it’s new number at 03-2266 2222, replacing 03-2262 2222.

The call centre for all police emergencies, 03-2115 9999 (Kuala Lumpur), 2031-9999 (Bukit Aman) and 03-2052 9999 (Selangor) will be retained.

Location map of Malaysia Federal Police HQ, Bukit Aman, Kuala Lumpur

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Sembang-Sembang Forum: Freedom of Information Act

Public Forum: Why a Freedom Of Information Act?

Joint organise by: Suara Rakyat Malaysia (SUARAM) Penang, Sembang-sembang Forum

Freedom of information act, why such an act is necessary? If you want to know more? Please join us at:
Date: 15th May 2010
Time: 8.30p.m.
Venue: Komplek Masyarakat Penyayang, Jalan Utama, Penang.

You can get fifferent views from the different background such as: experience of Selangor and Penangstate, Legal, Local Councillors, NGOs, media and press, Penang local communities etc.

Panelists:
- Ms. Latheefa Koya, Lawyer, Petaling Jaya Municipal Council (MBPJ) Local Councillors, Information Chief of People's Justice Party (PKR)
- Mr. Himanshu Bhatt, Chief of Northern Region Bureau, The Sun daily
- Ms. Lim Kah Cheng, Lawyer, Pulau Pinang Municipal Council (MPPP) Local Councillors (NGOs' quota)
- Mr. George Aeria, President of Tanjung Bunga Residents' Association (TBRA)

Free admission. Kindly to contact Mr. Ong Jing Cheng at 012-7583779 if you require more information.

Location map, Jalan Utama, Pulau Pinang

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---

· BASIC STATISTICS and FACTS
· Under Article 19 of the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights, “Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion
and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without
interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through
any media and regardless of frontiers.”
· Article 10 of the Federal
Constitution states that subject to certain conditions, “every citizen has
the right to freedom of speech and expression”.
· In the 2007 Press
Freedom Index, Malaysia dropped from 92nd in 2006 to 124th, out of
169 countries surveyed.
· On Freedom House’s Global
Press Freedom ranking for 2008, Malaysia placed 141st out of 195
countries.
· The Sedition Act, Internal Security Act and Official Secrets Act impose strong
restrictions on the press and dissemination of information. Under the Official
Secrets Act, a government document is classified as open, restricted,
confidential, secret, or top secret. Only “open” documents are available to the
public, and publishing or possessing all other documents is a crime.
· Classification of
documents under the Official Secrets Act is final and not subject to
judicial review.
· The Broadcasting Act
1988 allows the Information Minister to decide who can own broadcast
stations.
· The Printing Presses and
Publishing Act 1984 (PPPA) requires all print periodicals to obtain a permit
from the Home Affairs Minister. The permit must be renewed yearly and
can be revoked or suspended at any time for various reasons; the
decision of the Minister is final and not subject to judicial review.
· Maliciously publishing
false news is a criminal offense; however, it is presumed that all false
news is published maliciously, and the onus is on the defendant to prove
otherwise.
· Under section 7(1) of
the PPPA the Home Affairs Minister has the power to ban the publication of
any book. From 1971 to mid -2007 the government banned 1,446 books.

· WHY an FOI ACT is NECESSARY
· Communicating
and receiving information and opinions
is a fundamental right of citizens, as enshrined under Article 19 of the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Moreover, the Federal Constitution
acknowledges the right to freedom of speech and expression.
· Making information on
government activities and operations readily available would reduce
corruption and abuse of power. The increased transparency would hold
public servants accountable for their actions and encourage responsibility.
· Showing that the
government has nothing to hide would increase public confidence in
the government and shore up its credibility.
· Current legislation is broadly
worded and arbitrary, often presenting significant challenges to
members of the public seeking to know how their taxes are being spent.
· Under the Official
Secrets Act almost any government document can be considered a secret,
and possession of its information therefore illegal, without any checks or
balances to ensure that secrecy is in the public interest.
· There is currently no
clear or standard process to obtain public information, nor any obligation
on the part of a public agency to cooperate with such requests. A standardised
petition process would expedite the release of information while
protecting secrets when it is in the national interest to do so.
· The arbitrary power of
the government to muzzle the press and to control the media poses a direct
threat to the right of citizens to know how their elected government is
using its authority and their tax monies.


· POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS
· A Freedom of
Information Act should be pursued and legislated at both Federal and
State levels.
· A Whistleblowers'
Protection Act should be passed to protect those who disclose information
so as to expose malpractice and matters of similar concern
· The Official Secrets
Act should be restricted for use on material that are strictly in
connection with seriously endangering national security, and in connection with
defence and foreign relations. The rule of thumb should be for citizens to have maximum access to information especially information related to public
interest - with particular exceptions, which should be clearly articulated.
· Draft
legislation should not be classified under
the Official Secrets Act, so that Parliamentarians and the public should be
given the opportunity to debate and analyse Bills before they are passed. The
business community would also benefit from this.
· Do away with
the practice of book banning, in
conjunction with national efforts to stimulate creativity, innovation and
critical thinking. (In the age of globalisation, books are readily bought or
read online.)
· The Sedition Act
should be amended to allow for greater freedom of expression and
reasonable, constructive critique of national policy.
· Establish a Parliamentary
Select Committee on Media Law Reform to review all media laws to ensure all
media regulations are justified.
· The Printing Presses and
Publications Act (PPPA) should only require media outlets to register with
the Information Ministry without printing license and annual publishing permit
requirements.
· The government should
implement the recommendations of the Centre for Independent Journalism’s letter
of demand calling for freedom of expression and access to information, signed
by almost 40 other civil society organisations. Read more at their website.


· Pakatan
Rakyat
· Opposes the Internal
Security Act, Official Secrets Act, Sedition Act and PPPA.
· Supports a Freedom of
Information Act and whistle blower protection legislation.

The
article is extracted from the Centre of Public Policies Studies :Freedom of Information Factsheet

Anwar Ibrahim The Voice of Democracy in Malaysia

PLEASE PASS ON TO AT LEAST 5 OF YOUR FRIENDS AND LET THIS SNOWBALL. IF
YOUR FRIENDS DO NOT HAVE COMPUTERS YOU CAN ALWAYS MAKE PRINT- OUT
COPIES FOR DISTRIBUTION. DO THIS TO SAVE MALAYSIA.THE 13TH GE IS NOT
TOO FAR AWAY.IF THEY HAVE NOT REGISTERED TO VOTE PLEASE GET THEM TO DO
SO AS SOON AS POSSIBLE..

THANK YOU

PLEASE FOWARD TO ALL YOUR FRIENDS AND PRAY FOR THE NATION

Anwar Ibrahim The Voice of Democracy in Malaysia

Dear Supporter,

Malaysia was hit by the global recession and 2009
was a difficult year for many of us. More jobs
were lost and more people were left unemployed than
at any time in our nation's history.

There are some indications that the economic
situation is improving in 2010 but I released a
statement today urging people not to be misled by a
few statistics. To say that the “the worst is
over” is not only premature but irresponsible. READ
MY STATEMENT HERE

For 10 years the government has spent more money
than it has made. In fact increasing government
expenditure has been the defining element of
Malaysia's economic policy during this period. The
natural outcome of its approach is to register some
small amount of growth. But our continued reliance
on an outdated strategy is taking us down the road
of economic serfdom. And the government's failure
to adopt creative economic policies to make us
competitive in a global economy has left Malaysia
lagging behind our neighbors in the region.

It is also true that corruption remains rampant and
massive government projects are often unnecessary,
cost too much, and benefit only a few people. We
cannot afford to keep losing billions every year.

The private sector has not benefited from the
increase in spending. Small and medium sized
businesses were more vibrant and active 20 years
ago than they are today. This means that the
economic policies of the BN are still not creating
enough jobs and opportunities for the vast majority
of Malaysians.

Pakatan Rakyat believes that the structural
problems with the economy must be addressed
urgently so that Malaysia can regain its
competitive edge in the region. We promise to
safeguard our future and our children's future by
being a government that is accountable to the
people, transparent in its dealings and committed
to a reform agenda that restores confidence in the
judiciary, strengthens institutions of civil
society and shows zero tolerance for corruption and
cronyism.

Please support Pakatan Rakyat and our pursuit of a
brighter future for Malaysians. Send this email to
five of your friends and ask them to join our
movement.

INVITE FIVE FRIENDS

Thank you,
Anwar Ibrahim

Hulu Selangor by-election: Ceramah

Appealing to all Hulu Selangor residents and especially voters to attend the following ceramahs (PKR's Zaid Ibrahim is in real danger of losing and Malaysia badly need reforms which can only come when the power abusing UMNO/BN loses federal power):

23th April 2010 ( Friday)
a) 7pm- Ceramah di Serendah, Komuniti Orang Ramai Serendah.
Speaker:Lim Kit Siang, Tan Kok Wai, Fong Kui Lun, Teresa Kok, Charles Santiago, Gobind Singh, S. Ramakrishnan, Ean Yong Hian

b) 8pm-Ceramah" Pentas Pemuda" di Dewan orang ramai Ulu Yam Baru,
Speaker: Anthony Loke Siew Fook, Jenice Lee, Nurul Izzah, Chow Yu Hui...etc...

============================================================

24th April 2010- 7pm,
Ceramah di Mini Stadium Bandar Kuala Kubu Baru
Speaker:
Lim Kit Siang, Lim Guan Eng, Tan Kok Wai, Fong Kui Lun, Teresa Kok, Charles Santiago, Gobind Singh, S. Ramakrishnan, Ean Yong Hian Wah, Teng Chang Kim, Ronnie Liu, Lau Weng San, Teo Nie Ching, Tony Pua, Philip Tan, Lim Lip Eng,

Calling Hulu Selangor outstation voters - please return to vote

There is a distinct possibility that PKR's candidate for the Hulu Selangor by-election may lose and PKR is now asking all Hulu Selangor residents to call upon their friends and relatives who are working or staying elsewhere to return to vote this Sunday.

If you/they need transport, call 019 326 0874

In the meantime, get all Hulu Selangor voters to check their SPR voter registration to find out their polling (voting) station. Ask them to surf over to ELECTION COMMISSION MALAYSIA check voter registration or for the Bahasa Malaysia version, SURUHANJAYA PILIHAN RAYA MALAYSIA semak pendaftaran

SPR is short for SURUHANJAYA PILIHAN RAYA MALAYSIA
EC is short for ELECTION COMMISSION MALAYSIA

Malaysian Maverick: Mahathir Mohamad in Turbulent Times

The book Malaysian Maverick: Mahathir Mohamad in Turbulent Times by Barry Wain, a former editor of the Asian Wall Street Journal, has been cleared for sale in Malaysia, so now you can buy the book without any worry of problems.

I have always maintained Dr. Mahathir brought a lot of problems to Malaysia and when you read the book, you will realized the scale of waste he had caused us.

To the layman, the closest direct loss to them caused by Dr. Mahathir is his insistence on setting up and now maintaining in business the so called National Car producer Proton. Now we have to pay through our nose to purchase a car which in many other countries we can purchase an equivalent for half the price.

Other books by Barry Wain

APCO - UMNO BN corruption power abuse - using public money for party business

UMNO/BN is totally incorrigible and totally corrupt. They used public money for private party business as admitted by Kota Belud MP Rahman Dahlan. Today, he told Parliament today that BN “was forced to appoint” international consultancy firm Apco Worldwide to bridle and contain opposition coalition Pakatan Rakyat.

“I want to say that RM77 million is the risk, the amount needed to rectify the damage triggered by Pakatan,” he said.

UMNO/BN's problems has nothing to do with the wellbeing of the nation and to me, this is pure corruption and abuse of power.

Please voters, make sure UMNO/BN is voted out of power the next election so that badly needed reforms can be attempted. UMNO/BN is incapable of reforming itself and must taste the bitter fruits of defeat before they even try.

Donkey Hee Yit Foong awarded title

Photo of Donkey Hee Yit Foong courtesy of Malaysiakini

Is she looking terrified, this much hated person who was called the Prostitute of Jelapang? Scared to meet her constituency after betraying them. For for this act of betrayal the now no longer respected Perak Sultan, Sultan Azlan Shah, awarded her a title and brought even more hatred and derision upon themselves. Just read the comments at the article on her at Malaysiakini:

by JUSTICE BAO - 15 minutes ago
Prostitute also get awarded by Gamuda....what next a bungalow at Kota Kemuning?....or an increase in KESAS toll to pay for the Prostitute of Jelapang. Malaysia is Zimbabwe. You constantly get rewarded for doing the wrong stuff. What a good role model....the Gamuda Prostitute.

by Perak Boleh - 30 minutes ago
Even a prostitute can be awarded a datukship????

by daniel tan - 2 hours ago
This has been such an embarrassment to the chinese community and MCA that, the party-owned STAR paper did not even dare to report it, fearing more back lash from the public, with Ulu Selangor election too close to call.

by tmf - 2 hours ago
I am trully sorry for all the other Datuks with the same surname.

by Wisdom - 2 hours ago
I think in Protest Nizar and Ngeh should give up their titles. I am a bit perplexed that they did not do this long time ago, or is it that important to them. LGE and LKS do not have one ?

by brainless - 2 hours ago
..........THIS ONLY GOES TO PROVE THAT THE ISTANA IS IN IN THE HANDS OF UMNOPUTRAS......MY RESPECT FOR THE MONARCHY IS DOWN THE DRAIN......THIS COULD BE THE REASON WHY MANY MONARCHIES HAS DISAPPEARED FROM THE FACE OF THE WORLD.

by NandoTores - 3 hours ago
I hope BN field her in the next election!

by Chee Hoe Siew - 3 hours ago
The Perak Sultanate used to be one of the clean royalty where a Datokship from the Sultan is a prestige. It seems now that the title can easily be obtained just by renouncing the opposition and jump ship to BN friendly. My respect to Sultan Aslan Shah has definitely been shattered by now.

by BTN - 4 hours ago
Just imagine a person who betrayed the people of Jelapang and end up getting datuk. This datuk stuff has become a joke. We thought making Sharuk Khan a datuk was a mockery but nothing beat this. This country is turn upside down and need a deep cleansing.

by Manusia Jalanan - 4 hours ago
This is one of the best signals ever sent to the rakyat. Please take pity on those dignitaries who have been bestowed such similar tittles earlier. Imagine you are such a dignitary and 'someone' is sitting next to you in an official function. If I were that dignitary, I cannot help thinking, " Am I similar to this one too?" Ha..ha..dunia, dunia, dunia.. kau betul-betul sudah tungging terbalik!

by what a .... - 4 hours ago
Look at it from another angle, she probably did not ask for it. It was GIVEN to her. If Sultan Azlan Shah is to give me any title I would most likely take it. Would you !!!!!!! OR would i dare to refuse. OMG Malaysia.

by wfcoolie - 4 hours ago
I wonder if BN will ever come to regret the acceptance of Hee to their side. My feeling is, BN would have to write off the majority of the Chinese support in the state. We all have to wait for the next General Election to test the real impact!!!

by Victor Johan - 5 hours ago
The royalty had stooped so very low, that the public perception of the royalties as shrined in our constitution is now questionable. The Perak Sultan has awarded the undeserved. Period.

by Cherio - 5 hours ago
A disgrace for the sultan to award a datukship to an unprincipled wakil rakyaat. What service has she done to get this award? Probably she has given a good felatio to the sultan

by Philip Chong - 5 hours ago
If I were her, I will certainly decline the titles, after I'm not that muka tebal la

by Sherman Wong - 6 hours ago
My my, so much anger and hatred. Let it out, let the dark side consume you. Then we will see what PR is really about.

by Bapak Toyol - 6 hours ago
If you are a 'KATAK', you will not only be handsomely rewarded by UMNO/BN but also by the royalty. This the latest trend in this BOLEH LAND.

by Bapak Toyol - 6 hours ago
This is the reward Perak Sultan gave the cursed lady on the recommendation of the pirate, for causing the down fall of PR government. Congratulations Perak Sultan, pirate and UMNO/BN morons for confirming my belief that the down fall was engineered by UMNO/BN.

by chankweechye - 6 hours ago
DaTuKatak, Hehehehehee - conferred by your constituents.

by Allan - 6 hours ago
aku pening.

by Kenzo - 6 hours ago
I used to have a lot of respect for HRH Sultan Azlan & his son. Now, they are bringing a lot of shame to the institution of Malay rulers. Not only is "Datuk Katak Speaker" despised by her constituents, her parents are also treated with disgust because of what she has done. I have heard that they have all shifted elsewhere now because they are unable to take it. I guess there are SOME things that "illegal money" cannot buy you....But Datukships is not one of them.

by kgen - 6 hours ago
Why did the sultan agree to be drawn into BN's political games by agreeing to award Hee a datukship knowing that this reflects on the dignity of the royalty as well?

by SusahKes - 6 hours ago
Show Hee's photo at Hulu Sgor

by Jimmy Ng - 6 hours ago
.....tchuiiii !!!!!...i spit on this useless traitor HEE who is a disgrace to her kin and family name and who is without any drop of shame, dignity , integrity and pride !! We dare her to stand again at the next GE and see if she is going to get any support at all!.. i will cut off my kookaburoo if she wins !

Hee must have been so “hee-elated

Hee Yit Foong will remain haunted for the rest of her life for having committed the the “hee-nous” and "hee-deous" crime of betraying the trust of those who voted for the party that she once represented.

As Hee makes hay while the sun shines, it is very clear that she will be “hee-story” when the next general election comes!

For now the rakyat of Perak have to bear up with the new Datuk’s “hee-pocrisy”!

UMNO BN Tenaga burden - must lose Hulu Selangor

Tenaga the national electricity generation and distribution company has announced that the reserve margin in the country has reached a whopping 66% meaning that more that although Tenaga is currently generating enough electricity for the nation, it is forced to pay the IPPs (Independent Power Producers) for electricy they do not need and do not use. This is all because of the extremely lopsided agreement Tenaga was forced to sign by Dr. Mahathir with the IPPs.

This arrangement profits only the independent power producers, waste Tenaga's resources and impoverishes the rakyat (public) because Tenaga then is forced to charge to the public for the electricity they used at a price higher than it would otherwise if not not the IPPs.

All this is because of the rent seeking culture of the corrupt and power abousing ruling UMNO/BN (United Malay National Organization/Barisan Nasional) government. I hope everyone will go all out to ensure that they lose the coming Hulu Selangor by-election and subsequently the thirteen Malaysia General Election to pave the way for the establishment of a two coalition/party system for better check and balance.

Melayu Samudera, the New Malay emerges

Announcing the birth of Melayu Samudera, the New Malay. This counter-movement was initiated by Suflan Shamsuddin and Farouk A. Peru to counterbalance the ultra-Malay movement PERKASA started by king frog Ibrahim Ali.

Web Definition of Samudera: "Pasai, also known as Samudera and Samudera-Pasai sometimes called Samudera Darussalam was a Muslim harbour kingdom on the north coast of Sumatra ..." Wikipedia: Samudera

"The word ‘samudera’ (a Sanskrit originated Malay word which means ocean) was chosen to connote a sense of openness and freedom. The Melayu Samudera therefore is a Malay who looks at the world with an open mind and with complete freedom of thought. He is not constrained by nationalism, which constantly demands a superiority complex or Islamic fundamentalism, which constantly demands a blind acceptance of religious scholars." (Counter Malay-Movement: Melayu Samudera — Suflan Shamsuddin and Farouk A. Peru

Here is more proof those turncoats in Gerakan and MCA should be voted out

I have written before, about not voting for any Barisan Nasional candidates as long as the BN whip is applied to all issues in the Parliament, for then they would be unable to vote according to merits, to conscience, but forced to vote along party lines. Essentially, they are powerless eunuch there to dress up the Parliament only. (Reject all BN MPs as long as the BN whip is in force all the time.

Here is reinforcement for the arguments that BN component MPs are gutless eunuch. See how the Speaker ordered the coward Koh Tsu Koon not to deviate from what the DPM had said before, essentially telling him to to state that he is a Malaysian first and a Chinese second, and cowardly Koh Tsu Koon meekly complied and beat around the bush, not daring to answer the challenge directly:



Here is what Tony Pua commented: Koh Tsu Koon Unable To Answer If He's "Malaysian First":

The President of Gerakan, a party known to be the "conscience of Barisan Nasional" was put under severe test in parliament last week. He was asked by DAP Parliamentary Opposition leader if he is a "Malaysian first" or a "Chinese first", in relation to the definition set out in the 1Malaysia Government Transformation Programme Roadmap, a project headed by Tan Sri Koh Tsu Koon himself.

Unfortunately, what is seemingly a straightforward question appears to be a most difficult one for Koh Tsu Koon as he was warned by the speaker twice from answering something different from what the previous Umno minister, Datuk Seri Nazri had answered in parliament while defending the Deputy Prime Minister, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin who had declared that he was "Malay first, Malaysian second".

Watch the 5 minutes video to see it for yourself.

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.