Apr 21, 08 6:33pm
Having announced intended reform of the judiciary and the Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA), Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi should now look at overhauling media laws, said several Pakatan Rakyat (PR) members of Parliament.
At a press conference held at DAP’s Damansara Service Centre, they said the government’s move to loosen its publications licensing regime by allowing opposition PKR to publish its Suara Keadilan party organ and the apparent openness to bloggers are laudable.
However, the decision to revoke Tamil newspaper Makkal Osai’s publishing permit for reasons still not specified, illustrates the need for a complete overhaul of media-related laws, they said.
“Information is cardinal to the practice of democracy... and it is this information that is seen as being stifled and denied,” said PAS MP for Kuala Selangor Dr Dzulkifly Ahmad.
“We are pressing for such draconian laws (as) the PPPA (Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984) to be at least reviewed and subsequently withdrawn or amended to allow the rakyat to have access to information,” he said.
Dzulkifly said a motion will be submitted for a Freedom of Information (FOI) Bill to be debated in Parliament.
DAP MP for Petaling Jaya Utara Tony Pua described as “shocking” Home Minister Syed Hamid Albar’s announcement that Makkal Osai’s licence would not be renewed.
“He has been around the world and has seen how democracy works and we had hoped that he could bring about concrete changes,” said Pua..
“But we were absolutely shocked when he announced that the permit would not be renewed and had been withdrawn due to violation of the ministry’s guidelines. Which guidelines, we’re not sure. Until today, he has not said what those guidelines are.”
Parliamentary caucus
PKR MP for Klang Charles Santiago said the group is seeking to meet Syed Hamid within two weeks on the issue and “to communicate our concerns on the state of freedom of information and expression”.
“We feel that Makkal Osai’s application should be approved and if the ministry has any concerns, it should make its concerns open for further discussion,” he said
He said the most common question people have asked him in recent days is why the daily has been banned.
“(It is) perceived as a punishment of the Indian Malaysian community who, this time around, voted for the opposition. People are upset. This politics of vengeance has to stop, and the politics of reconciliation has to begin.”
Santiago also announced a PR initiative to start a parliamentary caucus that would press for freedom of information and freedom of expression.
With eight parliamentarians on board already, Santiago said the caucus intends to rope in more PR legislators as well as Barisan Nasional backbenchers.
DAP MP for Serdang Teo Nie Ching said a draft FOI bill has been drawn up in consultation with non-governmental organisations.
On the issue of possible publication of a newspaper in the PR-administered states of Kedah, Kelantan, Penang, Perak and Selangor, there was a slight disagreement among between DAP’s Segambut MP Lim Lip Eng and the others present.
Lim said the Selangor government should consider taking Makkal Osai under its wing so as to exempt it from the shackles of the current licensing provision in the PPPA.
Section 25 (1) of the PPPA states that provisions of the enactment do not extend to any publication by or for the federal or state government.
The other MPs, however, said such a move would not contribute towards development of a vibrant and independent media as the publication would then come under the dictates of the PR-political parties.
“It’s independence of the media - that is what we are all calling for,” said Dzulkifly.
Monday, April 21, 2008
PM: ACA to be fully independent
Apr 21, 08 10:32am
Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi today continued with his bold reform agenda by announcing that the Anti-Corruption Agency will be made a fully independent body.
He also announced other reforms today to boost the fight against corruption, including passing new laws to protect whistleblowers and witnesses.
In addition, the number of ACA officers would be tripled in the next five years to enhance the agency capacity to fight corruption.
The premier, at the launch of the first Asean Integrity Dialogue 2008, said that the agency would be made a full-fledged commission by yearend, adding that it would be answerable to Parliament.
He added that the commission would have to table an annual report and be answerable to a parliamentary committee on the prevention of corruption.
"My government will restructure the anti-corruption agency... to become a full-fledged Malaysian Commission on Anti-Corruption," Abdullah said.
"To enhance its effectiveness, transparency and public accountability the new commission structure will be set up to include a system of effective checks and balances," he added.
"It is my fervent hope that by restructuring the (agency), its effectiveness, transparency and accountability will be considerably raised while public trust in its integrity and independence will be quickly renewed."
The government will also take immediate steps to improve the public procurement process through measures targeted at addressing specific problems in the system, he added.
The moves came days after Abdullah announced setting up an independent panel to help appoint judges in senior positions. At present, they are appointed solely by the prime minister.
The judicial institution and the ACA have come under severe pressure in recent years over the government’s interference in both bodies.
The civil society has time and again pressed for an truly independent ACA.
Not populist moves
Abdullah also said that his recently announced reforms were not his ploy of winning back the support of the people after BN’s poor showing in the recent general election.
He said that his detractors would continue to say "something" no matter when he introduced the reforms.
He added that if he had announced the reforms before the elections, he would have been accused of doing these to win votes, and if he did not do it after, they would say that he had forgotten his promises.
"But I do not forget my promises. I attend to them when the time comes," he told reporters after delivering his keynote address at the function.
Abdullah also stressed that these reforms were all part of his 2004 election manifesto, but he was unable to fulfill them in the past four years as there were other urgent matters to handle then.
"The manifesto for 2004 is not just for four to five years in the first term.
"It is intended to take us on the long haul and the Vision 2020 objective is really what we want to achieve. It doesn't matter who will be the prime minister at that time," he said.
"We just can't make reforms for the sake of reforms. There must be a certain objective for reforms. If it is not effective, then the reform doesn't mean anything," he added.
Abdullah won a landslide victory in 2004 on an anti-corruption ticket, but opposition leaders and observers say progress has been slow, with few meaningful reforms.
Unprecedented losses in March polls saw Abdullah come under pressure to quit but the embattled premier says he has a mandate and has pledged to implement all his past promises in his second term in office.
The government has been hit by numerous scandals in recent years with a minister, judges and several politicians facing corruption charges.
Former deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim unleashed a furore last year by releasing a video clip apparently showing a lawyer telling a judge over the phone that he would put him forward for a top job.
A royal commission set up to investigate the tape has yet to submit its findings.
ACA sends reform proposal
A happy ACA director-general Ahmad Said Hamdan today welcomed Abdullah’s decision to restructure the agency.
"It's very good. It is what you want and what people want," he told reporters.
He said that though the commission would remain a part of the civil service and had to report to the government, it would have more freedom and power.
"You have to report to the government. Just to report. What you want is for us to be free during investigation, no interference; that's what we are going to do," he said.
Last week, Ahmad and his deputy Abu Kassim Mohamad had submitted a proposal for the agency to be completely independent and not just an arm of the government.
The body, which is currently under the Prime Minister's Department, will now report directly to a new parliamentary committee - called the Anti-Corruption Committee - which will comprise representatives from both the government and opposition.
Abdullah said the committee would further enhance transparency and public accountability as it could seek clarification on the new body's annual reports.
The prime minister added that a new whistleblower's act would also be introduced to give better protection to those who come forward to testify against corrupt practices.
According to Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Nazri Abdul Aziz, the agency had proposed for ACA to operate in ways similar to the Hong Kong Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC).
The ICAC is one of the most esteemed anti-corruption watchdog in the region and is often touted by civil society groups and opposition parties as a suitable model for ACA, which currently reports to Abdullah's office.
Today's announcement came two days after Abdullah appeared non-committal on ACA reforms when asked by reporters to respond to the agency's proposal.
“I have received the proposal and I would decide on it as soon as possible,” the prime minister told a press conference after officiating the Barisan Nasional MPs retreat.
Make sure it can bite
In an immediate reaction, DAP leader Lim Kit Siang welcomed Abdullah’s belated reform measures but added that more details were needed before an informed judgment can be made of these measures.
He also said that he hoped the new anti-corruption commission does not become as toothless as Suhakam - being independent but completely unable to do anything without the necessary powers and wherewithal to carry out its mandate.
Lim added that Abdullah should keep up with his reform agenda by establishing the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC) by tabling such a bill in the first meeting of Parliament next week.
He also wants the premier to free the Malaysian mass media from the shackles of the Printing Presses and Publications Act.
Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi today continued with his bold reform agenda by announcing that the Anti-Corruption Agency will be made a fully independent body.
He also announced other reforms today to boost the fight against corruption, including passing new laws to protect whistleblowers and witnesses.
In addition, the number of ACA officers would be tripled in the next five years to enhance the agency capacity to fight corruption.
The premier, at the launch of the first Asean Integrity Dialogue 2008, said that the agency would be made a full-fledged commission by yearend, adding that it would be answerable to Parliament.
He added that the commission would have to table an annual report and be answerable to a parliamentary committee on the prevention of corruption.
"My government will restructure the anti-corruption agency... to become a full-fledged Malaysian Commission on Anti-Corruption," Abdullah said.
"To enhance its effectiveness, transparency and public accountability the new commission structure will be set up to include a system of effective checks and balances," he added.
"It is my fervent hope that by restructuring the (agency), its effectiveness, transparency and accountability will be considerably raised while public trust in its integrity and independence will be quickly renewed."
The government will also take immediate steps to improve the public procurement process through measures targeted at addressing specific problems in the system, he added.
The moves came days after Abdullah announced setting up an independent panel to help appoint judges in senior positions. At present, they are appointed solely by the prime minister.
The judicial institution and the ACA have come under severe pressure in recent years over the government’s interference in both bodies.
The civil society has time and again pressed for an truly independent ACA.
Not populist moves
Abdullah also said that his recently announced reforms were not his ploy of winning back the support of the people after BN’s poor showing in the recent general election.
He said that his detractors would continue to say "something" no matter when he introduced the reforms.
He added that if he had announced the reforms before the elections, he would have been accused of doing these to win votes, and if he did not do it after, they would say that he had forgotten his promises.
"But I do not forget my promises. I attend to them when the time comes," he told reporters after delivering his keynote address at the function.
Abdullah also stressed that these reforms were all part of his 2004 election manifesto, but he was unable to fulfill them in the past four years as there were other urgent matters to handle then.
"The manifesto for 2004 is not just for four to five years in the first term.
"It is intended to take us on the long haul and the Vision 2020 objective is really what we want to achieve. It doesn't matter who will be the prime minister at that time," he said.
"We just can't make reforms for the sake of reforms. There must be a certain objective for reforms. If it is not effective, then the reform doesn't mean anything," he added.
Abdullah won a landslide victory in 2004 on an anti-corruption ticket, but opposition leaders and observers say progress has been slow, with few meaningful reforms.
Unprecedented losses in March polls saw Abdullah come under pressure to quit but the embattled premier says he has a mandate and has pledged to implement all his past promises in his second term in office.
The government has been hit by numerous scandals in recent years with a minister, judges and several politicians facing corruption charges.
Former deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim unleashed a furore last year by releasing a video clip apparently showing a lawyer telling a judge over the phone that he would put him forward for a top job.
A royal commission set up to investigate the tape has yet to submit its findings.
ACA sends reform proposal
A happy ACA director-general Ahmad Said Hamdan today welcomed Abdullah’s decision to restructure the agency.
"It's very good. It is what you want and what people want," he told reporters.
He said that though the commission would remain a part of the civil service and had to report to the government, it would have more freedom and power.
"You have to report to the government. Just to report. What you want is for us to be free during investigation, no interference; that's what we are going to do," he said.
Last week, Ahmad and his deputy Abu Kassim Mohamad had submitted a proposal for the agency to be completely independent and not just an arm of the government.
The body, which is currently under the Prime Minister's Department, will now report directly to a new parliamentary committee - called the Anti-Corruption Committee - which will comprise representatives from both the government and opposition.
Abdullah said the committee would further enhance transparency and public accountability as it could seek clarification on the new body's annual reports.
The prime minister added that a new whistleblower's act would also be introduced to give better protection to those who come forward to testify against corrupt practices.
According to Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Nazri Abdul Aziz, the agency had proposed for ACA to operate in ways similar to the Hong Kong Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC).
The ICAC is one of the most esteemed anti-corruption watchdog in the region and is often touted by civil society groups and opposition parties as a suitable model for ACA, which currently reports to Abdullah's office.
Today's announcement came two days after Abdullah appeared non-committal on ACA reforms when asked by reporters to respond to the agency's proposal.
“I have received the proposal and I would decide on it as soon as possible,” the prime minister told a press conference after officiating the Barisan Nasional MPs retreat.
Make sure it can bite
In an immediate reaction, DAP leader Lim Kit Siang welcomed Abdullah’s belated reform measures but added that more details were needed before an informed judgment can be made of these measures.
He also said that he hoped the new anti-corruption commission does not become as toothless as Suhakam - being independent but completely unable to do anything without the necessary powers and wherewithal to carry out its mandate.
Lim added that Abdullah should keep up with his reform agenda by establishing the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC) by tabling such a bill in the first meeting of Parliament next week.
He also wants the premier to free the Malaysian mass media from the shackles of the Printing Presses and Publications Act.
Don't get excited yet, say anti-corruption watchdogs
Apr 21, 08 3:14pm
Belated though it may be, the decision to accord full independence to the Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) received a cautious welcome from constant critics of the current system.
DAP stalwart Lim Kit Siang wrote in a blog-post that it appears to reflect the government’s move to initiate reform to restore public confidence in the ACA.
“Reform measures to restore public confidence in the efficacy, efficiency, independence, impartiality and credibility of national institutions, whether (the) judiciary or the ACA, are welcome as they have been long-awaited by the people,” he said.
However, Lim warned that the ‘new ACA’ should not only be independent nominally but must be spearheaded with utmost commitment in eradicating corruption.
“(Do not become) a second Suhakam (Human Rights Commission of Malaysia) which is tasked to be an independent body to protect and promote human rights but is completely unable to do so without the necessary powers and wherewithal to carry out such a [...] mandate.”
Lim, who is Ipoh Timor member of Parliament, said the government should have originated the move, rather than wait to act on a proposal submitted by the ACA last week.
“This was clearly putting the cart before the horse as it is the prime minister and cabinet who should take the policy decision that they have heard the voices of the people in the March 8 ‘political tsunami’,” he noted.
Abdullah today surprised many with his announcement that his government would implement measures to loosen the government’s grip over the ACA and make it answerable only to Parliament by year’s end.
This is one of four key reform initiatives to address public concerns on corruption.
Activists react
Human rights group Suara Rakyat Malaysia said the people should not get too excited over the decision.
“We must take into consideration the kind of ‘independence’ the ACA will have. Are we talking about full independence or nominal independence?” asked coordinator Moon Hui.
He said the appointment of ACA staff must be done through public consultation via civil society groups, so that the body can be held accountable directly to the people.
The independent anti-corruption group Gerak, headed by Ezam Mohd Nor, said this is “the most significant move taken by the government since the days of reformasi” in initiating change.
A new political will
Meanwhile MCA president Ong Ka Ting also welcomed the announcement today to make the ACA fully independent and answerable to the Parliament.
"We wish to see the performance of the ACA strengthened and a new political will being forged to ensure the independence of the ACA is truly upheld,” he said in a statement today.
“We want the rakyat to understand that the BN government is serious about tackling corruption in the country, both in the public and private sectors.
“Accountability must also be all encompassing to include the integrity of the entire system and respect for the moral values of our society," he added.
He said that it was through the collective responsibility of the Parliament that decisions can be made, without fear or favour over the cases.
Belated though it may be, the decision to accord full independence to the Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) received a cautious welcome from constant critics of the current system.
DAP stalwart Lim Kit Siang wrote in a blog-post that it appears to reflect the government’s move to initiate reform to restore public confidence in the ACA.
“Reform measures to restore public confidence in the efficacy, efficiency, independence, impartiality and credibility of national institutions, whether (the) judiciary or the ACA, are welcome as they have been long-awaited by the people,” he said.
However, Lim warned that the ‘new ACA’ should not only be independent nominally but must be spearheaded with utmost commitment in eradicating corruption.
“(Do not become) a second Suhakam (Human Rights Commission of Malaysia) which is tasked to be an independent body to protect and promote human rights but is completely unable to do so without the necessary powers and wherewithal to carry out such a [...] mandate.”
Lim, who is Ipoh Timor member of Parliament, said the government should have originated the move, rather than wait to act on a proposal submitted by the ACA last week.
“This was clearly putting the cart before the horse as it is the prime minister and cabinet who should take the policy decision that they have heard the voices of the people in the March 8 ‘political tsunami’,” he noted.
Abdullah today surprised many with his announcement that his government would implement measures to loosen the government’s grip over the ACA and make it answerable only to Parliament by year’s end.
This is one of four key reform initiatives to address public concerns on corruption.
Activists react
Human rights group Suara Rakyat Malaysia said the people should not get too excited over the decision.
“We must take into consideration the kind of ‘independence’ the ACA will have. Are we talking about full independence or nominal independence?” asked coordinator Moon Hui.
He said the appointment of ACA staff must be done through public consultation via civil society groups, so that the body can be held accountable directly to the people.
The independent anti-corruption group Gerak, headed by Ezam Mohd Nor, said this is “the most significant move taken by the government since the days of reformasi” in initiating change.
A new political will
Meanwhile MCA president Ong Ka Ting also welcomed the announcement today to make the ACA fully independent and answerable to the Parliament.
"We wish to see the performance of the ACA strengthened and a new political will being forged to ensure the independence of the ACA is truly upheld,” he said in a statement today.
“We want the rakyat to understand that the BN government is serious about tackling corruption in the country, both in the public and private sectors.
“Accountability must also be all encompassing to include the integrity of the entire system and respect for the moral values of our society," he added.
He said that it was through the collective responsibility of the Parliament that decisions can be made, without fear or favour over the cases.
Najib: I'm not a coward
Apr 21, 08 8:25pm
Deputy Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak today dismissed a claim by former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad that he was a coward for failing to speak up about the real reasons behind the Barisan Nasional's dismal performance in the recent general election.
"I'm not a coward," the Umno deputy president said when asked to comment on Mahathir's claim made in Manchester, England, on Saturday.
Mahathir had said that he had second thoughts about Najib becoming the prime minister because the former prime minister claimed that Najib was not "brave enough" to directly say anything that was not liked by Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
According to Bernama today, Najib said: "It is not a question of being 'Mr Yes Man' or being not brave enough or afraid because I hold to the principle that the best way is to have an organised transfer of power, in a respectable way.”
“That would be meaningful and would determine that the party's interests are not undermined," he told reporters.
The deputy prime minister said Umno's history would show that the transfer of power from the first prime minister, the late Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, to Abdul Razak Hussein proceeded smoothly.
"The late Hussein Onn handed over the office of prime minister to Mahathir also in a proper way, with tradition dictating the best way practised in the party.
"In my opinion, that's the best way and method for us to execute a change in the country's leadership, as was stated by the prime minister and party president," he said.
Give a chance
He said the transfer of power should be given the chance to take place in a respectable way as all decisions in the short term would have an impact on Umno.
"If we do anything at this time, when Umno and BN are not as strong as they were prior to the general election, we will need time to rehabilitate Umno," he said.
He said disputes and friction would definitely take place and result in two or three factions in the party, which would weaken Umno and the BN.
"We cannot afford to allow such a situation to take place in the party, which can cause a major problem for the government and country," he said.
In the aftermath of the general election Mahathir has been very critical of Abdullah’s governance, many a times asking the premier to step down in favour of Najib.
However lately Mahathir has said that he was not sure if Najib would be a suitable prime minister, suggesting that there were others in the party who could eventually become the top leader.
For the past two years Mahathi
In recent
Deputy Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak today dismissed a claim by former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad that he was a coward for failing to speak up about the real reasons behind the Barisan Nasional's dismal performance in the recent general election.
"I'm not a coward," the Umno deputy president said when asked to comment on Mahathir's claim made in Manchester, England, on Saturday.
Mahathir had said that he had second thoughts about Najib becoming the prime minister because the former prime minister claimed that Najib was not "brave enough" to directly say anything that was not liked by Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
According to Bernama today, Najib said: "It is not a question of being 'Mr Yes Man' or being not brave enough or afraid because I hold to the principle that the best way is to have an organised transfer of power, in a respectable way.”
“That would be meaningful and would determine that the party's interests are not undermined," he told reporters.
The deputy prime minister said Umno's history would show that the transfer of power from the first prime minister, the late Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, to Abdul Razak Hussein proceeded smoothly.
"The late Hussein Onn handed over the office of prime minister to Mahathir also in a proper way, with tradition dictating the best way practised in the party.
"In my opinion, that's the best way and method for us to execute a change in the country's leadership, as was stated by the prime minister and party president," he said.
Give a chance
He said the transfer of power should be given the chance to take place in a respectable way as all decisions in the short term would have an impact on Umno.
"If we do anything at this time, when Umno and BN are not as strong as they were prior to the general election, we will need time to rehabilitate Umno," he said.
He said disputes and friction would definitely take place and result in two or three factions in the party, which would weaken Umno and the BN.
"We cannot afford to allow such a situation to take place in the party, which can cause a major problem for the government and country," he said.
In the aftermath of the general election Mahathir has been very critical of Abdullah’s governance, many a times asking the premier to step down in favour of Najib.
However lately Mahathir has said that he was not sure if Najib would be a suitable prime minister, suggesting that there were others in the party who could eventually become the top leader.
For the past two years Mahathi
In recent
Pak Lah should press 'nuclear button'
Ong Kian Ming and Oon Yeoh Apr 21, 08 11:48am
analysis In the last year of a two-term US president, he is usually considered a lame duck president, referring to his inability to pass any significant legislation because of the lack of political capital.
We argue that if even if Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi manages to somehow survive beyond the December Umno general assembly, he would most likely be a lame duck prime minister for the rest of his term.
There is already mounting pressure on Abdullah to set a timetable for a succession plan with specific timelines and dates spelt out. Many of Umno’s top leaders have thrown their support behind Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak.
Abdullah himself has come out to say that he would eventually pass on the reins to Najib. The question here is if Abdullah wants to serve out another full term (three to four years let’s say) before handing over that position to Najib or whether he will be pressured to set a much shorter deadline of between one to two years.
It is extremely unlikely that Abdullah can maintain the support of a majority of Umno leaders if he insists on staying the full term. Their support of Abdullah at the general assembly will be contingent on Abdullah setting a relatively short handover timetable. Abdullah, not noted for being confrontational, unlike his belligerent predecessor, will probably accede to such a request. Although he would prefer to have a full term as the PM, he will probably have to settle for much less.
Hence, we will be faced with the reality of a short-term PM who will have all the appendages of a lame duck. He has already lost political capital as a result of the disastrous 2008 election results. He faces an Umno grassroots that is rabidly against him and a leadership that is increasingly fractured and itching for a fight for the top post.
Most importantly, once he announces the succession timetable, many of the Umno leaders as well as Barisan Nasional component party leaders will be looking to Najib for leadership and direction rather than Abdullah. They would be looking to Najib to spell out how he will fight off Pakatan Rakyat, rebuild Umno and lead BN to a convincing victory in the next general elections.
Ministers, civil servants and business leaders will continue to pay lip service to Abdullah and give him due respect as a PM, but his ability to push through significant legislative measures or make certain appointments will be severely circumscribed. If Abdullah, with a 91% control of parliament could not follow through with his 2004 electoral promises, what can he realistically do with only 63% of parliamentary seats and five states under opposition control?
Many people will no doubt point out that his predecessor Dr Mahathir Mohamad also had a long goodbye yet he was by no means a lame duck. The similarities are only superficial. Mahathir differed from Abdullah in two important respects.
Firstly, he managed to deflect Anwar’s challenge by safely winning more than two-thirds of parliamentary seats in 1999. Secondly, up until the last minute, there was uncertainty as to whether he would actually step down as PM and let Abdullah take over. Both these reasons ensured that Mahathir was not a lame duck although he had a succession timetable in place.
It would seem like Abdullah is caught between the devil and the deep blue sea. If he doesn’t set a timetable, there will continue to be unrest within Umno. If he sets a timetable, he becomes a lame duck. In many ways, he’s damned if he does and he’s damned if he doesn’t.
Use the ‘nuclear’ option
Given this reality, it might be in Abdullah’s interest to leave a strong political legacy by exercising a ‘nuclear’ option. Imagine if he were to institute a series of far-ranging legislative reforms by co-opting the opposition MPs and using the strength of public opinion.
Why not abolish the ISA (Internal Security Act), reform the UUCA (Universities and Universiti Colleges Act), give the Election Commission actual independence, get rid of the PPPA (Printing Presses and Publications Act), and so on?
Surely there will be strong resistance from within his cabinet and Umno and probably within BN as well. But it would be hard for them to block such moves if Abdullah really goes all out for it and positions these actions as a response to the GE 2008 results.
No doubt this is political suicide for him but if his days as PM are already numbered, why not go out in a blaze of glory? In one fell swoop, he would be seen as a greater PM than even Mahathir and he would have the satisfaction of denying his nemesis Anwar Ibrahim the chance to be the man turn Malaysia into a true democracy.
Unfortunately, nothing about Abdullah tells us he will do anything remotely close to this. His much-hailed proposals for judicial reforms do not look impressive in the cold light of day. The setting up of a judicial commission still puts the ultimately authority to nominate judges in the hands of the PM.
In any event, this commission might take a long time to set up. An esteemed lawyer reminded us in a recent blog posting that it took seven years for Suhakam to be set up. Even then, it did not have any real teeth in influencing policy.
The radical legislative measures we suggested above could be carried out in a much shorter time frame. And for each of them, he can count on 82 opposition MPs backing it fully.
These are exactly the kind of reforms that everyone had hoped he would do the first time around. It’s now pretty late in the game now, and the window of opportunity is fast closing, but he can still do it if he wants to. Don’t hold your breath, though.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ONG KIAN MING is a PhD candidate in political science at Duke University and OON YEOH is a writer and new media analyst. You can listen to both of them discuss this topic in their Realpolitik podcast.
analysis In the last year of a two-term US president, he is usually considered a lame duck president, referring to his inability to pass any significant legislation because of the lack of political capital.
We argue that if even if Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi manages to somehow survive beyond the December Umno general assembly, he would most likely be a lame duck prime minister for the rest of his term.
There is already mounting pressure on Abdullah to set a timetable for a succession plan with specific timelines and dates spelt out. Many of Umno’s top leaders have thrown their support behind Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak.
Abdullah himself has come out to say that he would eventually pass on the reins to Najib. The question here is if Abdullah wants to serve out another full term (three to four years let’s say) before handing over that position to Najib or whether he will be pressured to set a much shorter deadline of between one to two years.
It is extremely unlikely that Abdullah can maintain the support of a majority of Umno leaders if he insists on staying the full term. Their support of Abdullah at the general assembly will be contingent on Abdullah setting a relatively short handover timetable. Abdullah, not noted for being confrontational, unlike his belligerent predecessor, will probably accede to such a request. Although he would prefer to have a full term as the PM, he will probably have to settle for much less.
Hence, we will be faced with the reality of a short-term PM who will have all the appendages of a lame duck. He has already lost political capital as a result of the disastrous 2008 election results. He faces an Umno grassroots that is rabidly against him and a leadership that is increasingly fractured and itching for a fight for the top post.
Most importantly, once he announces the succession timetable, many of the Umno leaders as well as Barisan Nasional component party leaders will be looking to Najib for leadership and direction rather than Abdullah. They would be looking to Najib to spell out how he will fight off Pakatan Rakyat, rebuild Umno and lead BN to a convincing victory in the next general elections.
Ministers, civil servants and business leaders will continue to pay lip service to Abdullah and give him due respect as a PM, but his ability to push through significant legislative measures or make certain appointments will be severely circumscribed. If Abdullah, with a 91% control of parliament could not follow through with his 2004 electoral promises, what can he realistically do with only 63% of parliamentary seats and five states under opposition control?
Many people will no doubt point out that his predecessor Dr Mahathir Mohamad also had a long goodbye yet he was by no means a lame duck. The similarities are only superficial. Mahathir differed from Abdullah in two important respects.
Firstly, he managed to deflect Anwar’s challenge by safely winning more than two-thirds of parliamentary seats in 1999. Secondly, up until the last minute, there was uncertainty as to whether he would actually step down as PM and let Abdullah take over. Both these reasons ensured that Mahathir was not a lame duck although he had a succession timetable in place.
It would seem like Abdullah is caught between the devil and the deep blue sea. If he doesn’t set a timetable, there will continue to be unrest within Umno. If he sets a timetable, he becomes a lame duck. In many ways, he’s damned if he does and he’s damned if he doesn’t.
Use the ‘nuclear’ option
Given this reality, it might be in Abdullah’s interest to leave a strong political legacy by exercising a ‘nuclear’ option. Imagine if he were to institute a series of far-ranging legislative reforms by co-opting the opposition MPs and using the strength of public opinion.
Why not abolish the ISA (Internal Security Act), reform the UUCA (Universities and Universiti Colleges Act), give the Election Commission actual independence, get rid of the PPPA (Printing Presses and Publications Act), and so on?
Surely there will be strong resistance from within his cabinet and Umno and probably within BN as well. But it would be hard for them to block such moves if Abdullah really goes all out for it and positions these actions as a response to the GE 2008 results.
No doubt this is political suicide for him but if his days as PM are already numbered, why not go out in a blaze of glory? In one fell swoop, he would be seen as a greater PM than even Mahathir and he would have the satisfaction of denying his nemesis Anwar Ibrahim the chance to be the man turn Malaysia into a true democracy.
Unfortunately, nothing about Abdullah tells us he will do anything remotely close to this. His much-hailed proposals for judicial reforms do not look impressive in the cold light of day. The setting up of a judicial commission still puts the ultimately authority to nominate judges in the hands of the PM.
In any event, this commission might take a long time to set up. An esteemed lawyer reminded us in a recent blog posting that it took seven years for Suhakam to be set up. Even then, it did not have any real teeth in influencing policy.
The radical legislative measures we suggested above could be carried out in a much shorter time frame. And for each of them, he can count on 82 opposition MPs backing it fully.
These are exactly the kind of reforms that everyone had hoped he would do the first time around. It’s now pretty late in the game now, and the window of opportunity is fast closing, but he can still do it if he wants to. Don’t hold your breath, though.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ONG KIAN MING is a PhD candidate in political science at Duke University and OON YEOH is a writer and new media analyst. You can listen to both of them discuss this topic in their Realpolitik podcast.
Letter to PM: Release Hindraf 5
Apr 21, 08 4:00pm
The International Bar Association Human Rights Institute has expressed concern over the continued detention of five leaders of the Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf), under the Internal Security Act (ISA).
In a letter to premier Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, the institute called for the release of P Uthayakumar, M Manoharan, V Ganabatirau, R Kenghadharan, and T Vasanthakumar.
They were detained on Dec 13 last year after organising a street protest in Kuala Lumpur on Nov 25 against the “marginalisation and discrimination” of Indian Malaysians, who were brought to Malaya as indentured labour during British colonial rule.
The institute expressed concern that the detention of the Hindraf 5 – on grounds that they had undermined national security and public order - “may be arbitrary and unlawful” and not based on fact.
It also believes that the detainees have been linked without evidence to a terrorist organisation and that the use of the ISA in this way could indicate abuse of process.
The International Bar Association, established in 1947, is the world’s leading organisation of international legal practitioners, bar associations and law societies.
The institute further pointed out the need for the government to comply with Article 22 of the UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners.
This stipulates that sick prisoners who require treatment should be transferred to specialised institutions or hospitals with suitable trained officers.
“We request that urgent medical attention should be made immediately available to all detainees if required,” it said.
Hindraf legal advisor P Uthayakumar was admitted to hospital earlier this month after allegedly being denied medication for diabetes over the past month. He was said to have been forced to consume food high in sugar and starch since the start of his detention.
Last Friday, Vasanthakumar (photo) was allowed to visit his sick four-year-old daughter at the Cheras Pantai Medical Centre where she had been warded for viral fever.
On April 2, the Federal Court began hearing an appeal against the Kuala Lumpur High Court's decision to quash an application by the five detainees, seeking their freedom.
The International Bar Association Human Rights Institute has expressed concern over the continued detention of five leaders of the Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf), under the Internal Security Act (ISA).
In a letter to premier Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, the institute called for the release of P Uthayakumar, M Manoharan, V Ganabatirau, R Kenghadharan, and T Vasanthakumar.
They were detained on Dec 13 last year after organising a street protest in Kuala Lumpur on Nov 25 against the “marginalisation and discrimination” of Indian Malaysians, who were brought to Malaya as indentured labour during British colonial rule.
The institute expressed concern that the detention of the Hindraf 5 – on grounds that they had undermined national security and public order - “may be arbitrary and unlawful” and not based on fact.
It also believes that the detainees have been linked without evidence to a terrorist organisation and that the use of the ISA in this way could indicate abuse of process.
The International Bar Association, established in 1947, is the world’s leading organisation of international legal practitioners, bar associations and law societies.
The institute further pointed out the need for the government to comply with Article 22 of the UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners.
This stipulates that sick prisoners who require treatment should be transferred to specialised institutions or hospitals with suitable trained officers.
“We request that urgent medical attention should be made immediately available to all detainees if required,” it said.
Hindraf legal advisor P Uthayakumar was admitted to hospital earlier this month after allegedly being denied medication for diabetes over the past month. He was said to have been forced to consume food high in sugar and starch since the start of his detention.
Last Friday, Vasanthakumar (photo) was allowed to visit his sick four-year-old daughter at the Cheras Pantai Medical Centre where she had been warded for viral fever.
On April 2, the Federal Court began hearing an appeal against the Kuala Lumpur High Court's decision to quash an application by the five detainees, seeking their freedom.
Security beefed up for Olympic run
Apr 21, 08 1:37pm
The police today questioned a Chinese monk and two Japanese nationals for causing disturbance at Dataran Merdeka before the Olympic torch relay was due to begin.
No other untoward incidents were reported as the torch left Dataran Merdeka on schedule at 2pm. A large crowd of people gathered at the site to witness the event.
The first torchbearer was OCM president Tunku Imran Tuanku Ja'afar. He was the first of 80 runners who carried the torch through the capital.
There nationality of the monk was unknown but city police chief Muhammad Sabtu Osman said he was detained on the route as a "preventive" measure.
As for the Japanese nationals, believed to be from the same family, Muhammad said they were held after they waved a Tibetan flag.
He said they were detained "only for documentation," and said he had no information that they were beaten by other crowd members, as some witnesses reported.
Eye-witnesses said that the Japanese duo, coupled with a boy, had unfurled a pro-Tibet banner about an hour before the torch relay started and that they were heckled by bystanders for that.
Authorities earlier beefed up security in key tourist areas of Kuala Lumpur for the Olympic torch relay today amid fears of possible disruption.
More than 1,000 police and other security forces have been deployed on the 16.5-kilometre route the torchbearers will use to carry the flame to its main destination, the iconic Petronas Twin Towers.
The torch, symbol of the Beijing Games, is on the Asian stretch of a world tour that was severely disrupted in Europe and the United States by protesters complaining over China's rule in Tibet and its human rights record.
Organisers in Kuala Lumpur were taking no chances.
The torch was flown in by chartered plane from Bangkok, touched down in the early hours of Sunday and was whisked away to a secret location by organisers who fear for its safety.
"We have looked into every area and done everything in our capacity to ensure a smooth run, and the police are also doing their part," M Jegathesan, deputy chairperson of the Olympic Council of Malaysia, told AFP.
"After the experiences in other countries and the forewarnings, we have to worry there will be demonstrations or attempts to disrupt the torch run.
"But the situation here is not the same as in other countries, and even in Bangkok they had a peaceful run," he added.
High-profile target
China's communist rulers were banking on the Olympic Games to showcase the nation's much-touted "peaceful rise" to power, but the torch relay that began in Greece last month has become a high-profile target for activists.
It follows a crackdown on violent protests in March against Chinese rule in Tibet, with exiled leaders saying 150 people were killed.
China says Tibetan "rioters" killed 20 people.
Protests in London, Paris and San Francisco led Jacques Rogge, head of the International Olympic Committee, to say the Games were in "crisis," but since then Beijing has bluntly told him to stay out of "irrelevant" politics.
Still, hundreds of protesters were arrested in India and Nepal last week as the torch was carried through New Delhi amid tight security, while a landmark Buddhist temple has pulled out of plans to host the launch ceremony of Japan's leg.
Even in Bangkok, where Saturday's relay passed off relatively peacefully, protesters kept more than 2,000 police busy.
Malaysian police expect little trouble in Kuala Lumpur but are prepared for all eventualities.
"I trust everything will be orderly... We are well prepared," said deputy police chief Ismail Omar, while Foreign Minister Rais Yatim said the Games in August should not be politicised.
"We will show our concern by prayers only," pledged Chokhor, a Tibetan monk who goes by one name, at a multi-ethnic prayer session Sunday. "There will be no street protests."
Carrefour, CNN targeted
Some 80 torchbearers will carry the flame from Dataran Merdeka after a brief ceremony at 2pm and are due to arrive four hours later at the Petronas Twin Towers.
After Kuala Lumpur, the torch relay travels to Indonesia, Australia, South Korea, Japan and Vietnam before heading to China.
Authorities in Nepal have deployed security forces on their side of Mount Everest to prevent pro-Tibet protests when the torch is carried to the summit early next month.
Meanwhile, the protests have triggered a backlash in China. At the weekend, thousands of people demonstrated outside branches of the French retail giant Carrefour in several cities, angry at allegations - which the supermarket has denied - that it supports the Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama.
Protesters also lashed out at the global rolling news network CNN, after a commentator last week called China a "bunch of goons and thugs."
The police today questioned a Chinese monk and two Japanese nationals for causing disturbance at Dataran Merdeka before the Olympic torch relay was due to begin.
No other untoward incidents were reported as the torch left Dataran Merdeka on schedule at 2pm. A large crowd of people gathered at the site to witness the event.
The first torchbearer was OCM president Tunku Imran Tuanku Ja'afar. He was the first of 80 runners who carried the torch through the capital.
There nationality of the monk was unknown but city police chief Muhammad Sabtu Osman said he was detained on the route as a "preventive" measure.
As for the Japanese nationals, believed to be from the same family, Muhammad said they were held after they waved a Tibetan flag.
He said they were detained "only for documentation," and said he had no information that they were beaten by other crowd members, as some witnesses reported.
Eye-witnesses said that the Japanese duo, coupled with a boy, had unfurled a pro-Tibet banner about an hour before the torch relay started and that they were heckled by bystanders for that.
Authorities earlier beefed up security in key tourist areas of Kuala Lumpur for the Olympic torch relay today amid fears of possible disruption.
More than 1,000 police and other security forces have been deployed on the 16.5-kilometre route the torchbearers will use to carry the flame to its main destination, the iconic Petronas Twin Towers.
The torch, symbol of the Beijing Games, is on the Asian stretch of a world tour that was severely disrupted in Europe and the United States by protesters complaining over China's rule in Tibet and its human rights record.
Organisers in Kuala Lumpur were taking no chances.
The torch was flown in by chartered plane from Bangkok, touched down in the early hours of Sunday and was whisked away to a secret location by organisers who fear for its safety.
"We have looked into every area and done everything in our capacity to ensure a smooth run, and the police are also doing their part," M Jegathesan, deputy chairperson of the Olympic Council of Malaysia, told AFP.
"After the experiences in other countries and the forewarnings, we have to worry there will be demonstrations or attempts to disrupt the torch run.
"But the situation here is not the same as in other countries, and even in Bangkok they had a peaceful run," he added.
High-profile target
China's communist rulers were banking on the Olympic Games to showcase the nation's much-touted "peaceful rise" to power, but the torch relay that began in Greece last month has become a high-profile target for activists.
It follows a crackdown on violent protests in March against Chinese rule in Tibet, with exiled leaders saying 150 people were killed.
China says Tibetan "rioters" killed 20 people.
Protests in London, Paris and San Francisco led Jacques Rogge, head of the International Olympic Committee, to say the Games were in "crisis," but since then Beijing has bluntly told him to stay out of "irrelevant" politics.
Still, hundreds of protesters were arrested in India and Nepal last week as the torch was carried through New Delhi amid tight security, while a landmark Buddhist temple has pulled out of plans to host the launch ceremony of Japan's leg.
Even in Bangkok, where Saturday's relay passed off relatively peacefully, protesters kept more than 2,000 police busy.
Malaysian police expect little trouble in Kuala Lumpur but are prepared for all eventualities.
"I trust everything will be orderly... We are well prepared," said deputy police chief Ismail Omar, while Foreign Minister Rais Yatim said the Games in August should not be politicised.
"We will show our concern by prayers only," pledged Chokhor, a Tibetan monk who goes by one name, at a multi-ethnic prayer session Sunday. "There will be no street protests."
Carrefour, CNN targeted
Some 80 torchbearers will carry the flame from Dataran Merdeka after a brief ceremony at 2pm and are due to arrive four hours later at the Petronas Twin Towers.
After Kuala Lumpur, the torch relay travels to Indonesia, Australia, South Korea, Japan and Vietnam before heading to China.
Authorities in Nepal have deployed security forces on their side of Mount Everest to prevent pro-Tibet protests when the torch is carried to the summit early next month.
Meanwhile, the protests have triggered a backlash in China. At the weekend, thousands of people demonstrated outside branches of the French retail giant Carrefour in several cities, angry at allegations - which the supermarket has denied - that it supports the Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama.
Protesters also lashed out at the global rolling news network CNN, after a commentator last week called China a "bunch of goons and thugs."
Security beefed up for Olympic run
Apr 21, 08 1:37pm
The police today questioned a Chinese monk and two Japanese nationals for causing disturbance at Dataran Merdeka before the Olympic torch relay was due to begin.
No other untoward incidents were reported as the torch left Dataran Merdeka on schedule at 2pm. A large crowd of people gathered at the site to witness the event.
The first torchbearer was OCM president Tunku Imran Tuanku Ja'afar. He was the first of 80 runners who carried the torch through the capital.
There nationality of the monk was unknown but city police chief Muhammad Sabtu Osman said he was detained on the route as a "preventive" measure.
As for the Japanese nationals, believed to be from the same family, Muhammad said they were held after they waved a Tibetan flag.
He said they were detained "only for documentation," and said he had no information that they were beaten by other crowd members, as some witnesses reported.
Eye-witnesses said that the Japanese duo, coupled with a boy, had unfurled a pro-Tibet banner about an hour before the torch relay started and that they were heckled by bystanders for that.
Authorities earlier beefed up security in key tourist areas of Kuala Lumpur for the Olympic torch relay today amid fears of possible disruption.
More than 1,000 police and other security forces have been deployed on the 16.5-kilometre route the torchbearers will use to carry the flame to its main destination, the iconic Petronas Twin Towers.
The torch, symbol of the Beijing Games, is on the Asian stretch of a world tour that was severely disrupted in Europe and the United States by protesters complaining over China's rule in Tibet and its human rights record.
Organisers in Kuala Lumpur were taking no chances.
The torch was flown in by chartered plane from Bangkok, touched down in the early hours of Sunday and was whisked away to a secret location by organisers who fear for its safety.
"We have looked into every area and done everything in our capacity to ensure a smooth run, and the police are also doing their part," M Jegathesan, deputy chairperson of the Olympic Council of Malaysia, told AFP.
"After the experiences in other countries and the forewarnings, we have to worry there will be demonstrations or attempts to disrupt the torch run.
"But the situation here is not the same as in other countries, and even in Bangkok they had a peaceful run," he added.
High-profile target
China's communist rulers were banking on the Olympic Games to showcase the nation's much-touted "peaceful rise" to power, but the torch relay that began in Greece last month has become a high-profile target for activists.
It follows a crackdown on violent protests in March against Chinese rule in Tibet, with exiled leaders saying 150 people were killed.
China says Tibetan "rioters" killed 20 people.
Protests in London, Paris and San Francisco led Jacques Rogge, head of the International Olympic Committee, to say the Games were in "crisis," but since then Beijing has bluntly told him to stay out of "irrelevant" politics.
Still, hundreds of protesters were arrested in India and Nepal last week as the torch was carried through New Delhi amid tight security, while a landmark Buddhist temple has pulled out of plans to host the launch ceremony of Japan's leg.
Even in Bangkok, where Saturday's relay passed off relatively peacefully, protesters kept more than 2,000 police busy.
Malaysian police expect little trouble in Kuala Lumpur but are prepared for all eventualities.
"I trust everything will be orderly... We are well prepared," said deputy police chief Ismail Omar, while Foreign Minister Rais Yatim said the Games in August should not be politicised.
"We will show our concern by prayers only," pledged Chokhor, a Tibetan monk who goes by one name, at a multi-ethnic prayer session Sunday. "There will be no street protests."
Carrefour, CNN targeted
Some 80 torchbearers will carry the flame from Dataran Merdeka after a brief ceremony at 2pm and are due to arrive four hours later at the Petronas Twin Towers.
After Kuala Lumpur, the torch relay travels to Indonesia, Australia, South Korea, Japan and Vietnam before heading to China.
Authorities in Nepal have deployed security forces on their side of Mount Everest to prevent pro-Tibet protests when the torch is carried to the summit early next month.
Meanwhile, the protests have triggered a backlash in China. At the weekend, thousands of people demonstrated outside branches of the French retail giant Carrefour in several cities, angry at allegations - which the supermarket has denied - that it supports the Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama.
Protesters also lashed out at the global rolling news network CNN, after a commentator last week called China a "bunch of goons and thugs."
The police today questioned a Chinese monk and two Japanese nationals for causing disturbance at Dataran Merdeka before the Olympic torch relay was due to begin.
No other untoward incidents were reported as the torch left Dataran Merdeka on schedule at 2pm. A large crowd of people gathered at the site to witness the event.
The first torchbearer was OCM president Tunku Imran Tuanku Ja'afar. He was the first of 80 runners who carried the torch through the capital.
There nationality of the monk was unknown but city police chief Muhammad Sabtu Osman said he was detained on the route as a "preventive" measure.
As for the Japanese nationals, believed to be from the same family, Muhammad said they were held after they waved a Tibetan flag.
He said they were detained "only for documentation," and said he had no information that they were beaten by other crowd members, as some witnesses reported.
Eye-witnesses said that the Japanese duo, coupled with a boy, had unfurled a pro-Tibet banner about an hour before the torch relay started and that they were heckled by bystanders for that.
Authorities earlier beefed up security in key tourist areas of Kuala Lumpur for the Olympic torch relay today amid fears of possible disruption.
More than 1,000 police and other security forces have been deployed on the 16.5-kilometre route the torchbearers will use to carry the flame to its main destination, the iconic Petronas Twin Towers.
The torch, symbol of the Beijing Games, is on the Asian stretch of a world tour that was severely disrupted in Europe and the United States by protesters complaining over China's rule in Tibet and its human rights record.
Organisers in Kuala Lumpur were taking no chances.
The torch was flown in by chartered plane from Bangkok, touched down in the early hours of Sunday and was whisked away to a secret location by organisers who fear for its safety.
"We have looked into every area and done everything in our capacity to ensure a smooth run, and the police are also doing their part," M Jegathesan, deputy chairperson of the Olympic Council of Malaysia, told AFP.
"After the experiences in other countries and the forewarnings, we have to worry there will be demonstrations or attempts to disrupt the torch run.
"But the situation here is not the same as in other countries, and even in Bangkok they had a peaceful run," he added.
High-profile target
China's communist rulers were banking on the Olympic Games to showcase the nation's much-touted "peaceful rise" to power, but the torch relay that began in Greece last month has become a high-profile target for activists.
It follows a crackdown on violent protests in March against Chinese rule in Tibet, with exiled leaders saying 150 people were killed.
China says Tibetan "rioters" killed 20 people.
Protests in London, Paris and San Francisco led Jacques Rogge, head of the International Olympic Committee, to say the Games were in "crisis," but since then Beijing has bluntly told him to stay out of "irrelevant" politics.
Still, hundreds of protesters were arrested in India and Nepal last week as the torch was carried through New Delhi amid tight security, while a landmark Buddhist temple has pulled out of plans to host the launch ceremony of Japan's leg.
Even in Bangkok, where Saturday's relay passed off relatively peacefully, protesters kept more than 2,000 police busy.
Malaysian police expect little trouble in Kuala Lumpur but are prepared for all eventualities.
"I trust everything will be orderly... We are well prepared," said deputy police chief Ismail Omar, while Foreign Minister Rais Yatim said the Games in August should not be politicised.
"We will show our concern by prayers only," pledged Chokhor, a Tibetan monk who goes by one name, at a multi-ethnic prayer session Sunday. "There will be no street protests."
Carrefour, CNN targeted
Some 80 torchbearers will carry the flame from Dataran Merdeka after a brief ceremony at 2pm and are due to arrive four hours later at the Petronas Twin Towers.
After Kuala Lumpur, the torch relay travels to Indonesia, Australia, South Korea, Japan and Vietnam before heading to China.
Authorities in Nepal have deployed security forces on their side of Mount Everest to prevent pro-Tibet protests when the torch is carried to the summit early next month.
Meanwhile, the protests have triggered a backlash in China. At the weekend, thousands of people demonstrated outside branches of the French retail giant Carrefour in several cities, angry at allegations - which the supermarket has denied - that it supports the Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama.
Protesters also lashed out at the global rolling news network CNN, after a commentator last week called China a "bunch of goons and thugs."
'Buy food, not arms' protest at defence exhibition
Apr 21, 08 5:55pm
About 10 protesters made their presence felt at a defence and security exhibition in Kuala Lumpur, handing out brochures and sandwiches to reinforce their core message - spend the nation’s money on food, not arms.
An hour into their peaceful protest, however, several police personnel and a representative of the organisers told the group to leave the lobby of the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) where the four-day event began today.
“It’s shameful for Malaysians to do this kind of thing at a big event. Why don’t you protest to the minister of defence?” the representative told the protesters from the ‘Food Not Bombs’ Kuala Lumpur chapter of the global movement.
The group has served vegetarian food to the homeless every Sunday in Bukit Nenas over the past seven years, as a way of protesting military spending by the government and to help the poor.
Its volunteers began the protest at 10am in front of The Mall shopping complex before moving to the PWTC, the venue for the 11th Defence Service Asia Exhibition (DSA), the world’s second biggest exhibition of its kind. It is organised by DSA Exhibition and Conference Sdn Bhd.
Protester Mirdza Kamal told Malaysiakini that the group’s intention was to exercise freedom of speech and raise public awareness of the current global food crisis.
“Some of the countries participating in this exhibition are poor and conflict-afflicted countries. Because of the global arms trade, the food crisis situation in these countries will get worsen,” he said.
“Malaysia is also in the middle of food crisis. I believe the large amount of money spent on militarism should be channelled towards the increase of food production to ease the price hikes for food items.”
He added that Malaysians should stand up against the arms industry and trade, as it is the root cause of such global issues such as poverty.
Another volunteer, Yew Hun Ng, said organisers of military exhibitions claim that such events are aimed at boosting security.
“Capitalists have been profiteering from the arms trade and war for a very long time. This is often the backdrop to global issues (such as poverty). People are against war, but they don’t realise who are suppliers of weapons,” he said.
“Some companies can supply weapons to both sides in a conflict. They don’t care, they just want to profit from this.”
He urged Malaysia to end its involvement with events that allow the buying and selling of weapons here.
“At the moment, this country needs more attention to social issues. We pay too much attention to defence and security which only benefit people in the industry. I also pity the soldiers who have to go through war.”
9MP defence spending
DSA Exhibition and Conference chairperson Asmat Kamaluddin said in a press statement that the Asia Pacific region is the second-largest market for the defence industry.
“Global military expenditure (last year) exceeded US$1.3 trillion and the figure according to industry estimates is expected to continue growing in the coming years,” he said.
The DSA website states that, under the 9th Malaysia Plan (2006-2010), Malaysia plans to spend RM16.8 billion on defence (7.6% of the total spending), of which the defence ministry allocation amounts to RM14.5 billion.
This is slightly less than what was allocated under the 8th Malaysia Plan (2001-2005), at RM17.3 billion.
The 10th DSA in 2006, saw RM1.1 billion worth of contracts signed by the government with local and international companies.
The biennial exhibition showcases the most comprehensive range of cutting-edge technology for the army, navy and air force, as well as the security and homeland enforcement agencies.
Among the 712 companies participating from 49 countries are major defence technology producers from the US, United Kingdom, Germany and France.
The King spent two hours at the exhibition today, accompanied by deputy premier and defence minister Najib Abdul Razak.
About 10 protesters made their presence felt at a defence and security exhibition in Kuala Lumpur, handing out brochures and sandwiches to reinforce their core message - spend the nation’s money on food, not arms.
An hour into their peaceful protest, however, several police personnel and a representative of the organisers told the group to leave the lobby of the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) where the four-day event began today.
“It’s shameful for Malaysians to do this kind of thing at a big event. Why don’t you protest to the minister of defence?” the representative told the protesters from the ‘Food Not Bombs’ Kuala Lumpur chapter of the global movement.
The group has served vegetarian food to the homeless every Sunday in Bukit Nenas over the past seven years, as a way of protesting military spending by the government and to help the poor.
Its volunteers began the protest at 10am in front of The Mall shopping complex before moving to the PWTC, the venue for the 11th Defence Service Asia Exhibition (DSA), the world’s second biggest exhibition of its kind. It is organised by DSA Exhibition and Conference Sdn Bhd.
Protester Mirdza Kamal told Malaysiakini that the group’s intention was to exercise freedom of speech and raise public awareness of the current global food crisis.
“Some of the countries participating in this exhibition are poor and conflict-afflicted countries. Because of the global arms trade, the food crisis situation in these countries will get worsen,” he said.
“Malaysia is also in the middle of food crisis. I believe the large amount of money spent on militarism should be channelled towards the increase of food production to ease the price hikes for food items.”
He added that Malaysians should stand up against the arms industry and trade, as it is the root cause of such global issues such as poverty.
Another volunteer, Yew Hun Ng, said organisers of military exhibitions claim that such events are aimed at boosting security.
“Capitalists have been profiteering from the arms trade and war for a very long time. This is often the backdrop to global issues (such as poverty). People are against war, but they don’t realise who are suppliers of weapons,” he said.
“Some companies can supply weapons to both sides in a conflict. They don’t care, they just want to profit from this.”
He urged Malaysia to end its involvement with events that allow the buying and selling of weapons here.
“At the moment, this country needs more attention to social issues. We pay too much attention to defence and security which only benefit people in the industry. I also pity the soldiers who have to go through war.”
9MP defence spending
DSA Exhibition and Conference chairperson Asmat Kamaluddin said in a press statement that the Asia Pacific region is the second-largest market for the defence industry.
“Global military expenditure (last year) exceeded US$1.3 trillion and the figure according to industry estimates is expected to continue growing in the coming years,” he said.
The DSA website states that, under the 9th Malaysia Plan (2006-2010), Malaysia plans to spend RM16.8 billion on defence (7.6% of the total spending), of which the defence ministry allocation amounts to RM14.5 billion.
This is slightly less than what was allocated under the 8th Malaysia Plan (2001-2005), at RM17.3 billion.
The 10th DSA in 2006, saw RM1.1 billion worth of contracts signed by the government with local and international companies.
The biennial exhibition showcases the most comprehensive range of cutting-edge technology for the army, navy and air force, as well as the security and homeland enforcement agencies.
Among the 712 companies participating from 49 countries are major defence technology producers from the US, United Kingdom, Germany and France.
The King spent two hours at the exhibition today, accompanied by deputy premier and defence minister Najib Abdul Razak.
PDC: Keng Yaik wishes Kah Choon 'best of luck'
Apr 21, 08 3:58pm
Gerakan advisor and former president Lim Keng Yaik is, though not showing it, is shocked by former Gerakan deputy secretary-general Lee Kah Choon’s move to accept directorship of the Penang Development Corporation (PDC) and InvestPenang.
Describing it as a ‘lump in my throat’, Lim, when asked to elaborate further on what he thought of Lee’s move to spearhead PDC which is now under the control of a Pakatan Rakyat government, said that he has ‘only pity’ for the latter.
He, however, also said that he wished Lee the ‘best of luck’.
"Just five days after the general election, Lee requested that I have dinner with him and when I met him, he was telling me of his grand plans to revive the party’s image as well as plans to make the party a watchdog on the new DAP-led state government.
"Now (after his recent move) Lee will face great suspicion from DAP members as he still is a Gerakan member and BN as well as Gerakan will also doubt his loyalty," Keng Yaik (left) told reporters at a hastily-convened press conference held at the party’s headquarters in Cheras, Kuala Lumpur.
Lee surprised both DAP and Gerakan members when he accepted Penang Pakatan Rakyat chief minister Lim Guan Eng’s offer yesterday to helm the PDC. The PDC and InvestPenang are investment development agencies of the state government.
Media reports have quoted Guan Eng as saying that he may be in for heavy criticisms for accepting ‘an enemy into the fortress’ though he added he was ready to explain his move to his party members.
Keng Yaik, however, said the hiring of a Gerakan strongman was part of DAP’s political game and it would only be to Guan Eng’s loss as the act would be seen as a ‘politically selfish move’ instead of a sincere effort to help the people of Penang.
‘Still politics involved’
"Lee’s appointment also shows that DAP lacks the necessary skilled people to run Penang and that DAP had to get an experienced, clean and transparent local leader like Lee to do the job," he said.
"I am proud of Gerakan. Lee’s appointment reflects the calibre of our party to produce good local leaders, something DAP cannot afford to do," said Lim who added that most of the Penang executive councillors (exco) were not locals.
Asked if he thought Lee’s resignation as Gerakan deputy secretary-general last month was a hint that party president Koh Tsu Koon (right) should follow suit, Lim said it was possible.
"Of course. But if you think Koh Tsu Koon is going to resign, no way!" stressed Lim.
Asked if disciplinary action would be taken against Lee for accepting a Pakatan Rakyat government offer, Lim said that he was not in the position to determine this as he was no longer part of the party’s central committee line-up.
"I am not the president anymore. The party’s central working committee and the central committee will decide on Lee’s future," said Lim who then disclosed that the party’s central committee would convene this Sunday and could ‘possibly’ discuss Lee’s future in the party.
Asked repeatedly what he felt personally about Lee’s action, the former Gerakan president remained reserved and refused to divulge his personal opinion on the matter.
"There is still politics involved. If Lee can perform his job without pushing Pakatan Rakyat’s agenda further and still remain loyal to Gerakan, he is a superman," added Lim.
Closing the half-an-hour press conference, Lim said that all he could say to Lee was ‘best of luck’ stressing that he was not being sarcastic about it.
Gerakan advisor and former president Lim Keng Yaik is, though not showing it, is shocked by former Gerakan deputy secretary-general Lee Kah Choon’s move to accept directorship of the Penang Development Corporation (PDC) and InvestPenang.
Describing it as a ‘lump in my throat’, Lim, when asked to elaborate further on what he thought of Lee’s move to spearhead PDC which is now under the control of a Pakatan Rakyat government, said that he has ‘only pity’ for the latter.
He, however, also said that he wished Lee the ‘best of luck’.
"Just five days after the general election, Lee requested that I have dinner with him and when I met him, he was telling me of his grand plans to revive the party’s image as well as plans to make the party a watchdog on the new DAP-led state government.
"Now (after his recent move) Lee will face great suspicion from DAP members as he still is a Gerakan member and BN as well as Gerakan will also doubt his loyalty," Keng Yaik (left) told reporters at a hastily-convened press conference held at the party’s headquarters in Cheras, Kuala Lumpur.
Lee surprised both DAP and Gerakan members when he accepted Penang Pakatan Rakyat chief minister Lim Guan Eng’s offer yesterday to helm the PDC. The PDC and InvestPenang are investment development agencies of the state government.
Media reports have quoted Guan Eng as saying that he may be in for heavy criticisms for accepting ‘an enemy into the fortress’ though he added he was ready to explain his move to his party members.
Keng Yaik, however, said the hiring of a Gerakan strongman was part of DAP’s political game and it would only be to Guan Eng’s loss as the act would be seen as a ‘politically selfish move’ instead of a sincere effort to help the people of Penang.
‘Still politics involved’
"Lee’s appointment also shows that DAP lacks the necessary skilled people to run Penang and that DAP had to get an experienced, clean and transparent local leader like Lee to do the job," he said.
"I am proud of Gerakan. Lee’s appointment reflects the calibre of our party to produce good local leaders, something DAP cannot afford to do," said Lim who added that most of the Penang executive councillors (exco) were not locals.
Asked if he thought Lee’s resignation as Gerakan deputy secretary-general last month was a hint that party president Koh Tsu Koon (right) should follow suit, Lim said it was possible.
"Of course. But if you think Koh Tsu Koon is going to resign, no way!" stressed Lim.
Asked if disciplinary action would be taken against Lee for accepting a Pakatan Rakyat government offer, Lim said that he was not in the position to determine this as he was no longer part of the party’s central committee line-up.
"I am not the president anymore. The party’s central working committee and the central committee will decide on Lee’s future," said Lim who then disclosed that the party’s central committee would convene this Sunday and could ‘possibly’ discuss Lee’s future in the party.
Asked repeatedly what he felt personally about Lee’s action, the former Gerakan president remained reserved and refused to divulge his personal opinion on the matter.
"There is still politics involved. If Lee can perform his job without pushing Pakatan Rakyat’s agenda further and still remain loyal to Gerakan, he is a superman," added Lim.
Closing the half-an-hour press conference, Lim said that all he could say to Lee was ‘best of luck’ stressing that he was not being sarcastic about it.
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