Mar 24, 08 5:11pm
Several NGOs in Penang want the Attorney General to charge the four suspects, who were allegedly arrested with illegal possession of smuggled indelible ink during the recent general election campaign, in court immediately.
Malaysian Voters Union coordinator BK Ong said that the police should not conveniently forget about the case and sweep it under the carpet just because the election was over and the people were not talking about it.
He said that since the police chief, Attorney General and Election Commission chairperson had claimed openly that four men were arrested for attempting to commit election fraud with the smuggled indelible ink, it was only appropriate that the suspects were charged in court with correct charges.
He added it was imperative for the police to produce them in court, charge them and show evidence in an open trial for the people.
"It would uphold our democratic value and enhance police reputation. Police and other relevant authorities would silence the critics, who claimed that the case was non-existent in the first place," he said.
The EC had initially planned to introduce the marking of voters' index finger with indelible ink prior to balloting in this year's national polls to curb electoral frauds such as the alleged existence of phantom and multiple voters.
The marking with indelible ink however was not legalised as compulsory but rather was to be introduced on optional basis as a trial run.
The government spent about RM2.4 million to buy the ink from an accredited Mysore-based company in India.
A few days before polling on March 8, Election Commission chief Abdul Rashid Abdul Rahman, Attorney General Abdul Gani Patail and Inspector General of Police Musa Hassan told the country that the introduction of indelible ink had been halted.
The trio claimed that the decision was made when it was found that the principle of a free and fair election had been compromised with the arrest of four people - two in Perlis and one each in Kedah and Kelantan, for allegedly attempting to commit election fraud with smuggled indelible ink.
Justify the excuse
Following the decision, angry voters sprayed and smeared Abdul Rashid home with red paint. EC was criticised for wasting public funds to buy the ink.
Analysis said the "no to indelible ink" decision was another reason for the massive swing of votes away from Barisan Nasional.
According to Musa, initial investigation revealed that the four have allegedly planned to mark the ink on index fingers of unsuspecting voters in rural areas to stop them from casting their ballots.
Although voters were perturbed by possible election fraud, Ong said many felt that the EC's immediate ban on the ink was sub-judicial and hasty since police were yet to prove their case in the court of law.
Until today the police have yet to produce the suspects publicly in court to obtain a remand order on them.
Many voters were also amazed that the police did not publicise their `catch' to the media world when it was a contentious subject of utmost importance to the country's democratic system.
Even a fortnight after the polls, the AG Chambers are yet to charge them in court with election fraud.
Social reform movement Aliran’s treasurer Anil Netto said Malaysians have the right to know about the details of the police probe into the case.
"It's imperative for the police to reveal the contents of their investigations. Otherwise Malaysians would think that the police and other related agencies have failed to justify their excuse to prohibit the indelible ink in the election.
"An open statement on the matter would rest doubts in people's minds," he said.
Monday, March 24, 2008
Selangor exco sworn in
Mar 24, 08 12:16pm
The 10 Selangor executive council members were sworn in at Istana Alam Shah in Klang this morning.
They are Teresa Kok, Dr Hassan Ali, Yaakob Sapari, Rodziah Ismail, Dr Xavier Jayakumar, Dr Halimah Ali, Iskandar Abdul Samad, Ronnie Liu, Elizabeth Wong and Ean Yong Hian Wah.
As reported by Malaysiakini on Friday, the line-up had an equal number of Malay to non-Malay members. It also includes four women members.
Selangor Menteri Besar Khalid Ibrahim revealed that no deputy menteri besar would be appointed for the time being.
“Just like the previous exco led by Dr Mohd Khir Toyo, we have not selected any candidate for the post yet. As the government moves forward, we will look into the matter,” he told a press conference after lunch with the state ruler.
“In the meantime, for effectiveness and cohesion, the post will be vacant. We will inform the media as soon as we arrive at a decision.”
Kok, one of the candidates who had been tipped for the post, has been made senior exco member - a position created in lieu of a deputy menteri besar post. She also holds the investment, industry and trade portfolio.
On the line-up, Khalid said he believes the members have experience and academic expertise to carry out their tasks.
Investors and the business community should not be worried with the PKR-DAP-PAS state government, which has no intention of shunning businesses, he said.
“We are not trying to stop business. We just want to ensure that commerce is done accordingly, (so that it benefits everyone)” stressed Khalid.
He said a main objectives of the new state government are to “modernise agriculture” and to intensify entrepreneurial skills in rural areas.
“Sixty percent of Selangor’s economy (is based on) urban (commerce), so we must look into other sectors, namely agriculture, for consolidation,” he said.
Khalid also promised to institute measures that would allow the public to gain access to state documents
“We will try to find ways around the Official Secrets Act so that appropriate government documents can be made public at the appropriate time,” he said, adding that it would be done soon after the first exco meeting on Wednesday.
The first state assembly session will be convened in April or May, although the exact date is not yet available.
Teng’s absence
An obvious absentee among the state assemblypersons today was DAP's veteran Teng Chang Khim, who has been left out of the exco list.
Teng, who is Sungai Pinang representative, was former state opposition leader.
According to Kok, Teng had informed Chinese newspapers yesterday that he did "receive any invitation" to attend the oath-taking ceremony.
However, Teng’s absence appears to be a snub over the fact that three relatively junior DAP assemblypersons had been selected over him.
As a compromise, Teng is likely to be picked as Speaker of the state assembly.
When asked by journalists whether Teng's supporters would be unhappy with his faction being sidelined, Kok (photo) said that it was all "up to Teng".
She also commented on Umno Selangor’s recent protest against the exco line-up. Youth chief Abdul Shukor Idrus had blasted the composition as not reflecting the racial composition of the state.
Shukor had argued that the exco must consist of six Malay members to reflect Selangor’s racial composition.
However, Kok described the argument as “politically immature”.
“They should respect the will of the people. We were chosen by them and we are all Malaysians. We cannot look (at such matters) from the racial angle any more,” she said.
Among those present today at the palace were former mentri besar Mohd Khir Toyo and new state Barisan Nasional chief Muhammad Muhammad Taib, but they were not available for comment.
Questions for MCA and its president
Mar 24, 08 3:11pm
analysis It is said that a politician will do anything to keep his job - even become a patriot.
But MCA president Ong Ka Ting has refashioned this cynical statement. It is not patriotism but political survival that keeps him in the post.
A top editor-cum-commentator of a MCA-owned newspaper describes the scenario in adoring terms, as though it is a unique accomplishment in that the president and his deputy Chan Kong Choy both do not hold a portfolio in the current cabinet.
Will Ka Ting’s hasty decision not to accept a ministerial post cause a backlash within the ranks during the upcoming party elections?
To many observers, Ka Ting’s absence in cabinet means more than the breaking of a traditional link.
Was it a wise decision to opt out of the cabinet when he remains party president? Was it a correct and ethical approach to keep his presidency, even while justifying collective responsibility and accountability for the party’s losses in the 12th general election?
Wouldn’t it be more appropriate for him to step down as MCA president, thereby walking his own talk on a “healthy political culture”?
If not, is he capable in introducing effective reform in MCA in view of the changing political landscape when the electorate has revealed a revolutionary mindset? The party is in danger of being ‘marginalised’ amidst a definite push for societal change toward true multi-racialism.
A MCA life-member, who joined in 1979, said the party needs a dynamic leadership comprising charismatic leaders from a younger echelon.
But in politics, one can never be sure that a good candidate will make a good president.
“He (a political leader) serves his party best who serves his country best,” former US president Rutherford B Hayes once said.
When a political party and its candidates have been overwhelming rejected by voters, the president’s role, capability and leadership can be legitimately questioned.
Tony Khoo, managing director of a retail company, observes: “The MCA has a membership of some 1.3 million. When the popular vote hovers around 600,000 for example, it means that less than half (after deducting non-Chinese voters) of the party’s own members voted for its candidates.
“The majority voted against the party. Resignation is the only honourable way as shown by Gerakan acting head Dr Koh Tsu Koon, who took accountability for his party’s electoral losses.”
Irritated voters
Critics feel that Ka Ting has been manipulative in fighting back. A silent central committee has not discussed the possibility of his resignation.
After a recent briefing for rank-and-file members, they were directed not to ask questions about the party’s poor performance in the polls.
A party insider who attended the briefing quoted Russian revolutionary leader Leon Trotsky who said: ‘In inner-party politics, these methods lead to this: The party organisation substitutes itself for the party, the central committee substitutes itself for the organisation, and finally, a dictator substitutes himself for the central committee’.
The insider said this scenario “sounds like MCA, look like MCA but is definitely not the MCA”, parodying lawyer VK Lingam’s testimony before the royal commission of inquiry.
As the party leadership awaits electoral feedback from the respective states, pours over polls figures and mulls over its massive losses, political observers are generous with analysis and perceptions.
“During the campaign, some MCA candidates used the ‘wedge’ politics of fear and hate against opposition candidates. Now the party is riddled with such toxins,” said a researcher.
A blogger wrote: “Ka Ting was quoted as saying that the political, economic and social status of the Chinese has improved since independence. This has caused much irritation among many voters. They want a prospectus of the future, a political vision, and not reminders of the past.
“More importantly, the MCA is perpetually in self-denial mode, it has been treating voters as though they had amnesia after the 2004 polls - nothing improved in the country.”
Scots physician John Arbuthnot once warned: “All political parties die at last swallowing their own lies.”
The general election has brought home some key lessons to Malaysians:
• Firstly, the ballot is more powerful than the bullet.
• Secondly, politicians keep their balance by doing the opposite of what they say.
• Thirdly, voters have learnt that ‘a society of sheep must in time begets a government of wolves’.
analysis It is said that a politician will do anything to keep his job - even become a patriot.
But MCA president Ong Ka Ting has refashioned this cynical statement. It is not patriotism but political survival that keeps him in the post.
A top editor-cum-commentator of a MCA-owned newspaper describes the scenario in adoring terms, as though it is a unique accomplishment in that the president and his deputy Chan Kong Choy both do not hold a portfolio in the current cabinet.
Will Ka Ting’s hasty decision not to accept a ministerial post cause a backlash within the ranks during the upcoming party elections?
To many observers, Ka Ting’s absence in cabinet means more than the breaking of a traditional link.
Was it a wise decision to opt out of the cabinet when he remains party president? Was it a correct and ethical approach to keep his presidency, even while justifying collective responsibility and accountability for the party’s losses in the 12th general election?
Wouldn’t it be more appropriate for him to step down as MCA president, thereby walking his own talk on a “healthy political culture”?
If not, is he capable in introducing effective reform in MCA in view of the changing political landscape when the electorate has revealed a revolutionary mindset? The party is in danger of being ‘marginalised’ amidst a definite push for societal change toward true multi-racialism.
A MCA life-member, who joined in 1979, said the party needs a dynamic leadership comprising charismatic leaders from a younger echelon.
But in politics, one can never be sure that a good candidate will make a good president.
“He (a political leader) serves his party best who serves his country best,” former US president Rutherford B Hayes once said.
When a political party and its candidates have been overwhelming rejected by voters, the president’s role, capability and leadership can be legitimately questioned.
Tony Khoo, managing director of a retail company, observes: “The MCA has a membership of some 1.3 million. When the popular vote hovers around 600,000 for example, it means that less than half (after deducting non-Chinese voters) of the party’s own members voted for its candidates.
“The majority voted against the party. Resignation is the only honourable way as shown by Gerakan acting head Dr Koh Tsu Koon, who took accountability for his party’s electoral losses.”
Irritated voters
Critics feel that Ka Ting has been manipulative in fighting back. A silent central committee has not discussed the possibility of his resignation.
After a recent briefing for rank-and-file members, they were directed not to ask questions about the party’s poor performance in the polls.
A party insider who attended the briefing quoted Russian revolutionary leader Leon Trotsky who said: ‘In inner-party politics, these methods lead to this: The party organisation substitutes itself for the party, the central committee substitutes itself for the organisation, and finally, a dictator substitutes himself for the central committee’.
The insider said this scenario “sounds like MCA, look like MCA but is definitely not the MCA”, parodying lawyer VK Lingam’s testimony before the royal commission of inquiry.
As the party leadership awaits electoral feedback from the respective states, pours over polls figures and mulls over its massive losses, political observers are generous with analysis and perceptions.
“During the campaign, some MCA candidates used the ‘wedge’ politics of fear and hate against opposition candidates. Now the party is riddled with such toxins,” said a researcher.
A blogger wrote: “Ka Ting was quoted as saying that the political, economic and social status of the Chinese has improved since independence. This has caused much irritation among many voters. They want a prospectus of the future, a political vision, and not reminders of the past.
“More importantly, the MCA is perpetually in self-denial mode, it has been treating voters as though they had amnesia after the 2004 polls - nothing improved in the country.”
Scots physician John Arbuthnot once warned: “All political parties die at last swallowing their own lies.”
The general election has brought home some key lessons to Malaysians:
• Firstly, the ballot is more powerful than the bullet.
• Secondly, politicians keep their balance by doing the opposite of what they say.
• Thirdly, voters have learnt that ‘a society of sheep must in time begets a government of wolves’.
We serve all, says Perak MB
Mar 24, 08 4:46pm
The DAP-PKR-PAS coalition government in Perak will be fair to all races, said Perak Menteri Besar Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin today.
He said this in response to concerns that the rights of the Malays will be undermined and the protest against the state’s executive council line-up
"The new state government will serve the interest of all the rakyat, it will be fair and govern based on (the standard of) good governance," Perak Menteri Besar Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin told Malaysiakini when contacted.
Yesterday, some 20 Malay-based NGOs said the racial composition of the new 10-member exco line-up was not reflective of the state’s population.
Commenting on this, he said the NGOs have the right to voice their unhappiness and the menteri besar described this as "normal."
The NGOs, led by the Young Malay Professionals (Prowaris), said they will send a petition Sultan Azlan Shah of Perak to protest against the state exco’s racial composition.
"The petition is to ensure the palace looks into the fair racial composition of the state exco members based on the large Malay population in the state," said Prowaris spokesperson Nonee Ashirin Mohd Radzi.
Nonee was also quoted as saying that the NGOs are against the creation of a deputy menteri besar post as "it would only serve the interests of DAP to monopolise the administration of the state government."
‘Look beyond race’
Nizar, from PAS, was sworn in as menteri besar last week but the names of his state exco line-up have yet to be announced.
Nevertheless, under an agreement, DAP, PKR and PAS which jointly won 31 seats against Barisan Nasional’s 28 will be allocated six seats (DAP), three (PKR) and one seat (PAS) respectively in the state excos.
Whereas for the posts of deputy menteris besar, Sitiawan state assemblyperson Ngeh Koo Ham (DAP) and a PKR state assemblyperson are expected to be fill the slots.
DAP, PKR and PAS won 18, seven and six state seats in the March 8 election respectively. Although PAS has the smallest number of seats, the state constitution however stipulates that the menteri besar post must be held by a Malay.
Meanwhile, Nizar said despite the protest, the state government will follow the 6-3-1 distribution formula.
He was however uncertain when the exco line-up - which was expected to be unveiled today - will be announced as he was still awaiting for consent from the palace.
Meanwhile, DAP Pantai Remis state assemblyperson and Taiping MP Nga Kor Ming, when contacted, urged people to look at the issue beyond race and religion.
"We are a coalition government for all anak Malaysia, it transcends race and religion," he said.
However, DAP’s Ngeh declined to comment when contacted.
The DAP-PKR-PAS coalition government in Perak will be fair to all races, said Perak Menteri Besar Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin today.
He said this in response to concerns that the rights of the Malays will be undermined and the protest against the state’s executive council line-up
"The new state government will serve the interest of all the rakyat, it will be fair and govern based on (the standard of) good governance," Perak Menteri Besar Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin told Malaysiakini when contacted.
Yesterday, some 20 Malay-based NGOs said the racial composition of the new 10-member exco line-up was not reflective of the state’s population.
Commenting on this, he said the NGOs have the right to voice their unhappiness and the menteri besar described this as "normal."
The NGOs, led by the Young Malay Professionals (Prowaris), said they will send a petition Sultan Azlan Shah of Perak to protest against the state exco’s racial composition.
"The petition is to ensure the palace looks into the fair racial composition of the state exco members based on the large Malay population in the state," said Prowaris spokesperson Nonee Ashirin Mohd Radzi.
Nonee was also quoted as saying that the NGOs are against the creation of a deputy menteri besar post as "it would only serve the interests of DAP to monopolise the administration of the state government."
‘Look beyond race’
Nizar, from PAS, was sworn in as menteri besar last week but the names of his state exco line-up have yet to be announced.
Nevertheless, under an agreement, DAP, PKR and PAS which jointly won 31 seats against Barisan Nasional’s 28 will be allocated six seats (DAP), three (PKR) and one seat (PAS) respectively in the state excos.
Whereas for the posts of deputy menteris besar, Sitiawan state assemblyperson Ngeh Koo Ham (DAP) and a PKR state assemblyperson are expected to be fill the slots.
DAP, PKR and PAS won 18, seven and six state seats in the March 8 election respectively. Although PAS has the smallest number of seats, the state constitution however stipulates that the menteri besar post must be held by a Malay.
Meanwhile, Nizar said despite the protest, the state government will follow the 6-3-1 distribution formula.
He was however uncertain when the exco line-up - which was expected to be unveiled today - will be announced as he was still awaiting for consent from the palace.
Meanwhile, DAP Pantai Remis state assemblyperson and Taiping MP Nga Kor Ming, when contacted, urged people to look at the issue beyond race and religion.
"We are a coalition government for all anak Malaysia, it transcends race and religion," he said.
However, DAP’s Ngeh declined to comment when contacted.
Senior lawyer wants Hindraf 5 released
Mar 24, 08 4:09pm
Senior lawyer and international jurist Param Cumaraswamy today urged the government to release the five Hindu Rights Action Force leader presently being detained under the Internal Security Act.
He said that the recent results of the general election indicated that there was no longer any justification whatsoever for the continuation of their detentions.
“The results of the general elections two weeks ago must be seen as vindicating whatever suspicions the government had against them at the time of their detention.
“The cause of Hindraf has now become part of the cause of MIC within the government and also the opposition,” he said in an open letter to the newly appointed Home Affairs Minister Syed Hamid Albar.
The five - P Uthayakumar, M Manoharan, R Kenghadharan, V Ganabatirau and T Vasanthakumar - were detained on Dec 13 for participating in Hindraf activities that called on the government not to marginalise the Indian community.
They were immediately sent to Kamunting detention centre for two-years, to prevent them from acting in any manner prejudicial to the security of the state.
Param, a former UN special rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers, also said that the fact that one detainee Manoharan was elected in Kota Alam Shah should be taken as a clear message that “the electorate there do not see him as a threat to the security of the state”.
“There clearly is no longer any justification whatsoever for the continuation of their detentions,” he added.
100 days in detention
Param also reminded Syed Hamid, a former foreign minister, of his long term association with the United Nations programmes for the promotion of human rights and the rule of law and urged him to appreciate that detention without trial offends the first principle of the rule of law.
“In the interest of justice and furtherence of racial integration and harmony in the country, please review the orders and release the five and unite them with their families,” said Param.
He also said Manoharan must be allowed to serve his electorate of Kota Alam Shah effectively.
Meanwhile, Hindraf chairperson P Waythamoorthy said that it has been 100 days since the detention of the five and urged the government to release them as well as to repeal the ISA.
He said that Hindraf supporters remembered the 100th day of detention of the five by holding prayer sessions and forums throughout the country on March 22 and 23.
He added that a protest was also organised at the San Francisco United Nations Plaza in the US on March 22.
In recent weeks various other quarters have also urged the government to release the five Hindraf leaders, including BN coalition partner Gerakan, DAP veteran Lim Kit Siang and an influential Indian business group.
Senior lawyer and international jurist Param Cumaraswamy today urged the government to release the five Hindu Rights Action Force leader presently being detained under the Internal Security Act.
He said that the recent results of the general election indicated that there was no longer any justification whatsoever for the continuation of their detentions.
“The results of the general elections two weeks ago must be seen as vindicating whatever suspicions the government had against them at the time of their detention.
“The cause of Hindraf has now become part of the cause of MIC within the government and also the opposition,” he said in an open letter to the newly appointed Home Affairs Minister Syed Hamid Albar.
The five - P Uthayakumar, M Manoharan, R Kenghadharan, V Ganabatirau and T Vasanthakumar - were detained on Dec 13 for participating in Hindraf activities that called on the government not to marginalise the Indian community.
They were immediately sent to Kamunting detention centre for two-years, to prevent them from acting in any manner prejudicial to the security of the state.
Param, a former UN special rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers, also said that the fact that one detainee Manoharan was elected in Kota Alam Shah should be taken as a clear message that “the electorate there do not see him as a threat to the security of the state”.
“There clearly is no longer any justification whatsoever for the continuation of their detentions,” he added.
100 days in detention
Param also reminded Syed Hamid, a former foreign minister, of his long term association with the United Nations programmes for the promotion of human rights and the rule of law and urged him to appreciate that detention without trial offends the first principle of the rule of law.
“In the interest of justice and furtherence of racial integration and harmony in the country, please review the orders and release the five and unite them with their families,” said Param.
He also said Manoharan must be allowed to serve his electorate of Kota Alam Shah effectively.
Meanwhile, Hindraf chairperson P Waythamoorthy said that it has been 100 days since the detention of the five and urged the government to release them as well as to repeal the ISA.
He said that Hindraf supporters remembered the 100th day of detention of the five by holding prayer sessions and forums throughout the country on March 22 and 23.
He added that a protest was also organised at the San Francisco United Nations Plaza in the US on March 22.
In recent weeks various other quarters have also urged the government to release the five Hindraf leaders, including BN coalition partner Gerakan, DAP veteran Lim Kit Siang and an influential Indian business group.
MB crisis deepens in Terengganu
Mar 23, 08 10:45am
Kijal assemblyperson Ahmad Said this morning officially received his appointment letter as the Terengganu menteri besar but a constitutional crisis looms as he was sacked from ruling party Umno.
The head of the Regency Advisory Council Raja Tengku Baderulzaman gave Ahmad his appointment letter in a ceremony at Istana Terengganu at 8.30am today. None of the other 22 BN state representatives were present at the ceremony.
However, Ahmad (left) has not been sworn in yet with the palace expected to fix Wednesday for that ceremony.
Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, who is also Umno president, said should Ahmad be sworn in as mentri besar, it would be "unconstitutional".
According to observers the swearing-in ceremony now looks remote after Umno sacked Ahmad from the party for disobeying party leadership.
The state’s party leadership decided at a meeting last night to strip Ahmad of his membership after he defied the party by agreeing to take up the post.
Abdullah had backed Idris Jusoh, who had served as mentri besar in the last state administration, to remain in the post. Idris also had the support of all the 22 BN assemblypersons, excluding Ahmad.
A fallout with the sultan
However Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin of Terengganu - who is also the present king - preferred Ahmad to take over as the state’s menteri besar. Idris is believed to have had a fallout with the sultan over several issues.
It is learnt that Ahmad also had the support of the grassroots Umno leaders and members. Sources say that he had the support of seven out of eight Umno divisions in Terengganu.
Yesterday the sultan’s office announced that Ahmad, also the Kemaman Umno division chief, would be the new menteri besar, finally putting to an end to a 14-day wait for a person to be named for the post. Terengganu was the only state not to have a menteri besar after the March 8 polls.
In the general election, Idris-led BN retained the retained the state comfortably by winning 24 out of 32 state seats. PAS won the rest.
Immediately after the palace’s announcement, the state Umno went into a frenzy as it has been rooting for the re-appointment of Idris, who is also the state Umno chief.
Twenty-two BN state representatives immediately announced that they were boycotting the swearing-in ceremony today to object to the appointment of Ahmad.
Federal Umno leadership also issued a warning to Ahmad not to accept the post, threatening to sack him from the party. That threat materialised last night when the state Umno leadership decided to act against the maverick assemblyperson.
Also this morning, state Umno secretary Rosol Wahid handed over to a palace official a letter signed by the 22 Umno assemblypersons protesting Ahmad’s appointment. The letter also insisted that Idris should be sworn in as the rightful menteri besar.
Rosol also clarified that Ahmad’s sacking - to be officially done by the party’s disciplinary committee - will only became effective as soon as he participates in the swearing-in ceremony.
A snap poll soon?
Constitution expert Prof Abdul Aziz Bari pointed out the appointment of Ahmad, depending on the contents of the letter issued by the palace, was effective.
“The swearing in ceremony and all other rituals, in my opinion, are just there to clothe the decision of the palace,” he told Malaysiakini.
“Meanwhile, all the other actions including the protests and intention to boycott the ceremony on Wednesday as well as the sacking of Ahmad from Umno would have no effect on the palace decision.
“Legally the palace decision still stands. But of course, the palace may revoke the appointment,” he added.
He also said that the unhappy BN assemblypersons would have to wait for the first sitting of the assembly in order to pass a motion of no confidence against the party-less Ahmad.
“In such circumstance, the sultan or the regency council would then have to name another person who enjoys the support of the majority of the elected representatives or call for a snap state election,” he said.
He said that although there would be no state government to request for a dissolution, the palace can still call for a state poll based on the sultan's reserve powers.
“This power is available in exceptional circumstances and may be resorted to in order to prevent chaos in the state.
“I believe the difficult situation in Terengganu now is one of the exceptional situations whereby the regency council would be justified in dissolving the house.
“Apparently this is one way to allow the people of Terengganu to have their say as to which party they prefer to be in government,” he added.
He also said that there was also another precedent to this in Malaysia, going back to the situation in Kelantan in 1977.
“In Kelantan, the PAS assemblypersons - the majority in the house - passed a motion of no confidence against their own menteri besar Mohamed Nasir.
“As it happened however he refused to resign and this gave the federal government an opportunity to declare emergency on the state and eventually called a snap election - and won the state - in 1978,” he added.
Idris to meet PM
Meanwhile, Idris was quoted in the RTM1 afternoon news as saying that he accepted the decision of the sultan.
“What can I do? If the palace wants Ahmad, then so be it,” he said.
“I have the backing of the prime minister, the deputy prime minister, the state BN representatives and the people of Terengganu but the palace wants him,” he said.
He added that he received telephone calls from both Abdullah and Najib Abdul Razak yesterday, assuring him that they fully supported his appointment.
He also said that he would be meeting prime minister at Putrajaya later today to discuss on what to do next.
Kijal assemblyperson Ahmad Said this morning officially received his appointment letter as the Terengganu menteri besar but a constitutional crisis looms as he was sacked from ruling party Umno.
The head of the Regency Advisory Council Raja Tengku Baderulzaman gave Ahmad his appointment letter in a ceremony at Istana Terengganu at 8.30am today. None of the other 22 BN state representatives were present at the ceremony.
However, Ahmad (left) has not been sworn in yet with the palace expected to fix Wednesday for that ceremony.
Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, who is also Umno president, said should Ahmad be sworn in as mentri besar, it would be "unconstitutional".
According to observers the swearing-in ceremony now looks remote after Umno sacked Ahmad from the party for disobeying party leadership.
The state’s party leadership decided at a meeting last night to strip Ahmad of his membership after he defied the party by agreeing to take up the post.
Abdullah had backed Idris Jusoh, who had served as mentri besar in the last state administration, to remain in the post. Idris also had the support of all the 22 BN assemblypersons, excluding Ahmad.
A fallout with the sultan
However Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin of Terengganu - who is also the present king - preferred Ahmad to take over as the state’s menteri besar. Idris is believed to have had a fallout with the sultan over several issues.
It is learnt that Ahmad also had the support of the grassroots Umno leaders and members. Sources say that he had the support of seven out of eight Umno divisions in Terengganu.
Yesterday the sultan’s office announced that Ahmad, also the Kemaman Umno division chief, would be the new menteri besar, finally putting to an end to a 14-day wait for a person to be named for the post. Terengganu was the only state not to have a menteri besar after the March 8 polls.
In the general election, Idris-led BN retained the retained the state comfortably by winning 24 out of 32 state seats. PAS won the rest.
Immediately after the palace’s announcement, the state Umno went into a frenzy as it has been rooting for the re-appointment of Idris, who is also the state Umno chief.
Twenty-two BN state representatives immediately announced that they were boycotting the swearing-in ceremony today to object to the appointment of Ahmad.
Federal Umno leadership also issued a warning to Ahmad not to accept the post, threatening to sack him from the party. That threat materialised last night when the state Umno leadership decided to act against the maverick assemblyperson.
Also this morning, state Umno secretary Rosol Wahid handed over to a palace official a letter signed by the 22 Umno assemblypersons protesting Ahmad’s appointment. The letter also insisted that Idris should be sworn in as the rightful menteri besar.
Rosol also clarified that Ahmad’s sacking - to be officially done by the party’s disciplinary committee - will only became effective as soon as he participates in the swearing-in ceremony.
A snap poll soon?
Constitution expert Prof Abdul Aziz Bari pointed out the appointment of Ahmad, depending on the contents of the letter issued by the palace, was effective.
“The swearing in ceremony and all other rituals, in my opinion, are just there to clothe the decision of the palace,” he told Malaysiakini.
“Meanwhile, all the other actions including the protests and intention to boycott the ceremony on Wednesday as well as the sacking of Ahmad from Umno would have no effect on the palace decision.
“Legally the palace decision still stands. But of course, the palace may revoke the appointment,” he added.
He also said that the unhappy BN assemblypersons would have to wait for the first sitting of the assembly in order to pass a motion of no confidence against the party-less Ahmad.
“In such circumstance, the sultan or the regency council would then have to name another person who enjoys the support of the majority of the elected representatives or call for a snap state election,” he said.
He said that although there would be no state government to request for a dissolution, the palace can still call for a state poll based on the sultan's reserve powers.
“This power is available in exceptional circumstances and may be resorted to in order to prevent chaos in the state.
“I believe the difficult situation in Terengganu now is one of the exceptional situations whereby the regency council would be justified in dissolving the house.
“Apparently this is one way to allow the people of Terengganu to have their say as to which party they prefer to be in government,” he added.
He also said that there was also another precedent to this in Malaysia, going back to the situation in Kelantan in 1977.
“In Kelantan, the PAS assemblypersons - the majority in the house - passed a motion of no confidence against their own menteri besar Mohamed Nasir.
“As it happened however he refused to resign and this gave the federal government an opportunity to declare emergency on the state and eventually called a snap election - and won the state - in 1978,” he added.
Idris to meet PM
Meanwhile, Idris was quoted in the RTM1 afternoon news as saying that he accepted the decision of the sultan.
“What can I do? If the palace wants Ahmad, then so be it,” he said.
“I have the backing of the prime minister, the deputy prime minister, the state BN representatives and the people of Terengganu but the palace wants him,” he said.
He added that he received telephone calls from both Abdullah and Najib Abdul Razak yesterday, assuring him that they fully supported his appointment.
He also said that he would be meeting prime minister at Putrajaya later today to discuss on what to do next.
T'ganu MB: Palace appoints Ahmad Said, boycott looms
Mar 22, 08 7:42pm
After days of uncertainty, the Terengganu palace has defied the prime minister and announced that Kijal state assemblyperson Ahmad Said, 51, has been appointed the new menteri besar of the state.
He would be replacing the prime minister-backed Idris Jusoh.
The office of the Sultan of Terengganu said that the swearing-in ceremony will take place tomorrow morning at Istana Tamu in Kuala Terengganu. Terengganu is the only state left without a menteri besar after the March 8 polls.
In an immediate reaction, all 22 BN state assemblypersons who backed Jertih state representative and incumbent menteri besar Idris (photo) are believed to be toying with the idea of boycotting the ceremony.
At the same time, Ajil state representative and senior Umno leader Rasol Wahid said that the BN state assemblypersons will also be sending a protest note to the palace on Ahmad’s appointment.
In addition, Ahmad has warned by the party to decline the appointment as mentri besar.
Umno secretary-general Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor said that disciplinary action would be taken against Ahmad should he decide to go ahead with the swearing-in.
Tengku Adnan urged Ahmad to put the party before himself.
Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has issued the appointment letter to Idris but this is being ignore by the sultan.
The protracted delay in the appointment of the menteri besar was seen by many observers as a silent conflict between the Terengganu palace and the prime minister.
Immediately after the general election, Abdullah had supported Idris to continue being the menteri besar. Idris also had the support of 22 of his fellow state assemblypersons, excluding Ahmad.
However, Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin of Terengganu - who is serving as the Agong - was keen on replacing Idris with Ahmad, who is also the Kemaman Umno division chief.
In the elections, BN retained the state comfortably by winning 24 out of 32 state seats. PAS won the rest.
The fallout with the sultan
The sultan was apparently not happy with Idris over the Batu Buruk riot on Sept 8 last year as well as the incident on polling day when the police used strong measures to disperse PAS supporters in Rusila, Marang.
It is also believed that the sultan was also unhappy with the “apparent cockiness” shown by Idris during his tenure as menteri besar. On the ground, Idris also faced pressure from Umno members and leaders over his choice of election candidates.
Sources told Malaysiakini today that the pressure on Idris from state Umno leaders and fellow state representatives were still apparent but they continue to support him for the menteri besar post to toe the party line.
“It is simply because they don’t want to be seen as going against prime minister Abdullah’s choice,” said a source close to the state party leadership.
“Furthermore, Idris is also the state Umno leader. It would not be sending a right signal if the state representatives leave him isolated, especially when the present political climate is so favourable to the opposition,” he added.
The source said that the conflict could have been avoided if Abdullah had “given his consent to Ahmad to lead the state”.
As it stands, the source fears that the boycott plan by the 22 BN state representatives will draw a wider wedge between the palace and Umno.
“And it is unfortunate that Ahmad is caught in the middle of all this. His role will surely be affected as a result of this,” added the source.
The source said that the first task for Ahmad would be to gain the support of the 22 state assemblypersons, who had submitted a memorandum to Abdullah on Friday, seeking for Idris to be retained.
Idris was originally slated to be sworn in on March 10 at Istana Maziah but that ceremony was postponed at the eleventh hour to a date that was to be determined later.
It’s the sultan’s prerogative
Constitutional law expert Prof Abdul Aziz Bari said that it was important for the state to have the menteri besar sworn in as soon as possible.
“As far as I know, 14 days (to appoint a menteri besar after the general election) is certainly unreasonable. By now the state has set a new record, certainly in Malaysia,” he told Malaysiakini.
“Apart from the fact that the government of the day must have a valid popular mandate, the head of state must have a government to advise him.
“Which is why it has been said that the government must be appointed as soon as possible after the results are out,” he added.
Abdul Aziz also said that it was the sultan’s prerogative to appoint Ahmad to the post.
“Given the law, namely that it is the ruler's judgment and satisfaction, there is nothing Idris or the prime minister can do about it. Legally the prime minister has got no business here as it is a matter for the sultan to decide,” he added.
However, Abdul Aziz said that the sultan must make his position clear by stating why he took the present position.
“It has been claimed that the sultan was unhappy about the Batu Buruk tragedy and the commotion in Marang during the polling day.
“This is indeed a valid reason for the sultan has a duty to protect the constitution and to ensure that process has been conducted in a fair manner.
“He may ask Idris to tell the truth; perhaps for him to declare that he has got nothing to do with those two incidents,” he said.
Abdul Aziz also ruled out any possible claims that the sultan had acted beyond his powers in appointing Ahmad.
“I believe he has got all the information pertaining to what has taken place in the state. And, like what has been done by the rulers of Perak, Perlis and Selangor, he has a duty to appoint a government that is stable and has the necessary support,” he said.
After days of uncertainty, the Terengganu palace has defied the prime minister and announced that Kijal state assemblyperson Ahmad Said, 51, has been appointed the new menteri besar of the state.
He would be replacing the prime minister-backed Idris Jusoh.
The office of the Sultan of Terengganu said that the swearing-in ceremony will take place tomorrow morning at Istana Tamu in Kuala Terengganu. Terengganu is the only state left without a menteri besar after the March 8 polls.
In an immediate reaction, all 22 BN state assemblypersons who backed Jertih state representative and incumbent menteri besar Idris (photo) are believed to be toying with the idea of boycotting the ceremony.
At the same time, Ajil state representative and senior Umno leader Rasol Wahid said that the BN state assemblypersons will also be sending a protest note to the palace on Ahmad’s appointment.
In addition, Ahmad has warned by the party to decline the appointment as mentri besar.
Umno secretary-general Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor said that disciplinary action would be taken against Ahmad should he decide to go ahead with the swearing-in.
Tengku Adnan urged Ahmad to put the party before himself.
Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has issued the appointment letter to Idris but this is being ignore by the sultan.
The protracted delay in the appointment of the menteri besar was seen by many observers as a silent conflict between the Terengganu palace and the prime minister.
Immediately after the general election, Abdullah had supported Idris to continue being the menteri besar. Idris also had the support of 22 of his fellow state assemblypersons, excluding Ahmad.
However, Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin of Terengganu - who is serving as the Agong - was keen on replacing Idris with Ahmad, who is also the Kemaman Umno division chief.
In the elections, BN retained the state comfortably by winning 24 out of 32 state seats. PAS won the rest.
The fallout with the sultan
The sultan was apparently not happy with Idris over the Batu Buruk riot on Sept 8 last year as well as the incident on polling day when the police used strong measures to disperse PAS supporters in Rusila, Marang.
It is also believed that the sultan was also unhappy with the “apparent cockiness” shown by Idris during his tenure as menteri besar. On the ground, Idris also faced pressure from Umno members and leaders over his choice of election candidates.
Sources told Malaysiakini today that the pressure on Idris from state Umno leaders and fellow state representatives were still apparent but they continue to support him for the menteri besar post to toe the party line.
“It is simply because they don’t want to be seen as going against prime minister Abdullah’s choice,” said a source close to the state party leadership.
“Furthermore, Idris is also the state Umno leader. It would not be sending a right signal if the state representatives leave him isolated, especially when the present political climate is so favourable to the opposition,” he added.
The source said that the conflict could have been avoided if Abdullah had “given his consent to Ahmad to lead the state”.
As it stands, the source fears that the boycott plan by the 22 BN state representatives will draw a wider wedge between the palace and Umno.
“And it is unfortunate that Ahmad is caught in the middle of all this. His role will surely be affected as a result of this,” added the source.
The source said that the first task for Ahmad would be to gain the support of the 22 state assemblypersons, who had submitted a memorandum to Abdullah on Friday, seeking for Idris to be retained.
Idris was originally slated to be sworn in on March 10 at Istana Maziah but that ceremony was postponed at the eleventh hour to a date that was to be determined later.
It’s the sultan’s prerogative
Constitutional law expert Prof Abdul Aziz Bari said that it was important for the state to have the menteri besar sworn in as soon as possible.
“As far as I know, 14 days (to appoint a menteri besar after the general election) is certainly unreasonable. By now the state has set a new record, certainly in Malaysia,” he told Malaysiakini.
“Apart from the fact that the government of the day must have a valid popular mandate, the head of state must have a government to advise him.
“Which is why it has been said that the government must be appointed as soon as possible after the results are out,” he added.
Abdul Aziz also said that it was the sultan’s prerogative to appoint Ahmad to the post.
“Given the law, namely that it is the ruler's judgment and satisfaction, there is nothing Idris or the prime minister can do about it. Legally the prime minister has got no business here as it is a matter for the sultan to decide,” he added.
However, Abdul Aziz said that the sultan must make his position clear by stating why he took the present position.
“It has been claimed that the sultan was unhappy about the Batu Buruk tragedy and the commotion in Marang during the polling day.
“This is indeed a valid reason for the sultan has a duty to protect the constitution and to ensure that process has been conducted in a fair manner.
“He may ask Idris to tell the truth; perhaps for him to declare that he has got nothing to do with those two incidents,” he said.
Abdul Aziz also ruled out any possible claims that the sultan had acted beyond his powers in appointing Ahmad.
“I believe he has got all the information pertaining to what has taken place in the state. And, like what has been done by the rulers of Perak, Perlis and Selangor, he has a duty to appoint a government that is stable and has the necessary support,” he said.
Samy: Indians want immediate action
Mar 22, 08 2:17pm
The MIC wants the government to speed up the implementation of the various programmes and plans that was promised for the Indian community before the last general election, said party president S Samy Vellu.
In a statement today, he said any more delays would only cause anxiety and unhappiness among the Indians.
"We want the Indian community to move forward with the other communities," he added.
Samy Vellu said MIC and the Indian community will not tolerate any more excuses or delays on the part of the authorities in implementing the programmes and plans already agreed upon.
"We want immediate and concrete actions," he said, adding that MIC has already submitted several reports on how the government could help the Indians in several fields.
Samy Vellu said the Indians have slogged for the country for the past 145 years working in estates and construction sectors and now found themselves displaced after many estates were closed.
He also cited an example where many Indian families were forced to live in slumps after they were evicted from their land that has been earmarked for the double-tracking railway project.
Samy Vellu said there should be more action and less planning "because all the planning and proposals have been submitted to the government".
Help the people
He also chided the opposition for harping on what the opposition claimed as the government’s failure in addressing the problems of the Indians rather then focusing their attention on the people.
"You (the opposition) have been elected to form governments in several states. Do not just point fingers at anyone. Tell the people of your plans to uplift them socially and economically," he said.
He said now was not the time to engage in finger pointing or blaming others.
"The election is over. Let us all galvanise our energies and resources to help the people. They want results," he added.
The 72-year old MIC president was also defeated in the March 8 polls. In total, MIC lost 18 of its 28 seats.
Meanwhile, MIC information chief M Saravanan reiterated that programmes such as helping the Tamil language schools, raising the number of Indians in the civil service, training youths and improving economic and educational opportunities for them were promised before the elections.
"The government really needs to speed up these plans, which were already agreed upon earlier," Saravanan told Malaysiakini.
"If we wait until Parliament resumes, opposition parties will take advantage of the situation and claim the efforts as theirs," said the newly appointed Federal Territory deputy minister.
Though the MIC has not specified any quotas for Indians joining the civil service, it nevertheless wants a better flow of information when vacancies arise.
Saravanan, while confident that the government will meet its promises, said speed is imperative under the new political climate.
The MIC wants the government to speed up the implementation of the various programmes and plans that was promised for the Indian community before the last general election, said party president S Samy Vellu.
In a statement today, he said any more delays would only cause anxiety and unhappiness among the Indians.
"We want the Indian community to move forward with the other communities," he added.
Samy Vellu said MIC and the Indian community will not tolerate any more excuses or delays on the part of the authorities in implementing the programmes and plans already agreed upon.
"We want immediate and concrete actions," he said, adding that MIC has already submitted several reports on how the government could help the Indians in several fields.
Samy Vellu said the Indians have slogged for the country for the past 145 years working in estates and construction sectors and now found themselves displaced after many estates were closed.
He also cited an example where many Indian families were forced to live in slumps after they were evicted from their land that has been earmarked for the double-tracking railway project.
Samy Vellu said there should be more action and less planning "because all the planning and proposals have been submitted to the government".
Help the people
He also chided the opposition for harping on what the opposition claimed as the government’s failure in addressing the problems of the Indians rather then focusing their attention on the people.
"You (the opposition) have been elected to form governments in several states. Do not just point fingers at anyone. Tell the people of your plans to uplift them socially and economically," he said.
He said now was not the time to engage in finger pointing or blaming others.
"The election is over. Let us all galvanise our energies and resources to help the people. They want results," he added.
The 72-year old MIC president was also defeated in the March 8 polls. In total, MIC lost 18 of its 28 seats.
Meanwhile, MIC information chief M Saravanan reiterated that programmes such as helping the Tamil language schools, raising the number of Indians in the civil service, training youths and improving economic and educational opportunities for them were promised before the elections.
"The government really needs to speed up these plans, which were already agreed upon earlier," Saravanan told Malaysiakini.
"If we wait until Parliament resumes, opposition parties will take advantage of the situation and claim the efforts as theirs," said the newly appointed Federal Territory deputy minister.
Though the MIC has not specified any quotas for Indians joining the civil service, it nevertheless wants a better flow of information when vacancies arise.
Saravanan, while confident that the government will meet its promises, said speed is imperative under the new political climate.
Pak Lah told to free Hindraf 5
Mar 22, 08 12:14pm
Malaysia's opposition on Friday pressed for five ethnic Indian activists, including a man who won in recent elections, to be freed from indefinite detention under a tough security law.
Lawyer Manoharan Malayalam, standing for the Democratic Action Party (DAP), was elected from his jail - soundly beating the government incumbent in the state seat on March 8.
DAP leader Lim Kit Siang said Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi should free the five, leaders of rights group Hindraf, who were detained last December under the Internal Security Act (ISA).
They had organised an unprecedented mass rally claiming discrimination against ethnic Indians in November. Police used tear gas, water cannon and baton charges to break up the protest, which drew at least 8,000 people.
Lim called for the "immediate and unconditional release (of) the five Hindraf leaders from ISA detention as proof that Abdullah has 'heard the voice' of Malaysians to start the process of 'national healing' after... the general election."
Abdullah's Barisan Nasional coalition won the election on March 8 but with a reduced majority and lost an unprecedented five states to the three-party opposition alliance of the DAP, the Islamic PAS and PKR.
It was the ruling party's worst election result since 1969.
Swearing-in in detention centre
Lim said the election result showed that ethnic Indian support for the government had plunged.
Manoharan's lawyer Karpal Singh told AFP he had filed an appeal to the Federal Court, the highest in the land, after the High Court last month rejected a freedom bid by the five.
Manoharan will be sworn in as a state assemblyman in the detention centre if he was not freed, he added.
His wife, lawyer S Pushpaneela, also urged Abdullah to step in and release the men.
"Only the prime minister has the power to release him. He should let him (Manoharan) and the others go now to gain more confidence from the people. It looks like people have completely lost their trust in him," she said.
Pushpaneela said with Manoharan in detention, she has to undertake most of his duties as state assemblyman in the Kota Alam Shah constituency in central Selangor state.
Malaysia's opposition on Friday pressed for five ethnic Indian activists, including a man who won in recent elections, to be freed from indefinite detention under a tough security law.
Lawyer Manoharan Malayalam, standing for the Democratic Action Party (DAP), was elected from his jail - soundly beating the government incumbent in the state seat on March 8.
DAP leader Lim Kit Siang said Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi should free the five, leaders of rights group Hindraf, who were detained last December under the Internal Security Act (ISA).
They had organised an unprecedented mass rally claiming discrimination against ethnic Indians in November. Police used tear gas, water cannon and baton charges to break up the protest, which drew at least 8,000 people.
Lim called for the "immediate and unconditional release (of) the five Hindraf leaders from ISA detention as proof that Abdullah has 'heard the voice' of Malaysians to start the process of 'national healing' after... the general election."
Abdullah's Barisan Nasional coalition won the election on March 8 but with a reduced majority and lost an unprecedented five states to the three-party opposition alliance of the DAP, the Islamic PAS and PKR.
It was the ruling party's worst election result since 1969.
Swearing-in in detention centre
Lim said the election result showed that ethnic Indian support for the government had plunged.
Manoharan's lawyer Karpal Singh told AFP he had filed an appeal to the Federal Court, the highest in the land, after the High Court last month rejected a freedom bid by the five.
Manoharan will be sworn in as a state assemblyman in the detention centre if he was not freed, he added.
His wife, lawyer S Pushpaneela, also urged Abdullah to step in and release the men.
"Only the prime minister has the power to release him. He should let him (Manoharan) and the others go now to gain more confidence from the people. It looks like people have completely lost their trust in him," she said.
Pushpaneela said with Manoharan in detention, she has to undertake most of his duties as state assemblyman in the Kota Alam Shah constituency in central Selangor state.
A DAP reminder on the IPCMC
Mar 22, 08 6:10pm
DAP deputy chairperson Dr Tan Seng Giaw today reminded the government that 18 percent of recommendations formulated by the Royal Police Commission in 2005 had yet to be implemented.
Among the recommendations yet to be realised, said Tan, was the Independent Police Complaints and Miscoduct Commission (IPCMC), which many regarded as the centrepiece of the commission’s report.
In a statement today, the DAP legislator said experiences overseas such as in the United Kingdom and Australia have shown that a mechanism similar to the IPCMC is vital.
"One reason the police opposes the IPCMC is because it is only meant for the police, but not for other enforcement bodies such as the Road Transport and Customs departments.
"But in Australia and the UK, there used to be an ombudsman for all departments. But this has been found to be ineffective. They have since formed an independent commission dealing solely with complaints against the police," said the five-term Kepong MP.
Motto change
Tan also urged the government to change the present police motto - Mesra, Cepat dan Betul (Friendly, Fast and Correct) - to the one recommended by the Royal Commission which reads Mesra, Cekap dan Beramanah (Friendly, Efficient and Trustworthy).
"Clearly, the police have no intention of accepting this motto (hence the delay in implementing the recommendation)," added Tan.
The Royal Commission Report in 2005 was hailed by activists and legal experts as one of the most important document ever produce on policing.
However, some of the most vital recommendations made by the commission have yet to be implemented, particularly the IPCMC.
There have been attempts to produce a ‘watered down’ version of the IPCMC which has been dubbed the Special Complaints Commission (SCC).
The SCC draft bill was supposed to be tabled in December last year only to be postponed following public protest.
DAP deputy chairperson Dr Tan Seng Giaw today reminded the government that 18 percent of recommendations formulated by the Royal Police Commission in 2005 had yet to be implemented.
Among the recommendations yet to be realised, said Tan, was the Independent Police Complaints and Miscoduct Commission (IPCMC), which many regarded as the centrepiece of the commission’s report.
In a statement today, the DAP legislator said experiences overseas such as in the United Kingdom and Australia have shown that a mechanism similar to the IPCMC is vital.
"One reason the police opposes the IPCMC is because it is only meant for the police, but not for other enforcement bodies such as the Road Transport and Customs departments.
"But in Australia and the UK, there used to be an ombudsman for all departments. But this has been found to be ineffective. They have since formed an independent commission dealing solely with complaints against the police," said the five-term Kepong MP.
Motto change
Tan also urged the government to change the present police motto - Mesra, Cepat dan Betul (Friendly, Fast and Correct) - to the one recommended by the Royal Commission which reads Mesra, Cekap dan Beramanah (Friendly, Efficient and Trustworthy).
"Clearly, the police have no intention of accepting this motto (hence the delay in implementing the recommendation)," added Tan.
The Royal Commission Report in 2005 was hailed by activists and legal experts as one of the most important document ever produce on policing.
However, some of the most vital recommendations made by the commission have yet to be implemented, particularly the IPCMC.
There have been attempts to produce a ‘watered down’ version of the IPCMC which has been dubbed the Special Complaints Commission (SCC).
The SCC draft bill was supposed to be tabled in December last year only to be postponed following public protest.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
