The Road Not Taken

2007-07-26T02:37:00.001+08:00

Please check out my new blog at www.lihkang.com

2007-02-27T11:50:00.000+08:00

First of all, wish you Happy Lunar New Year and Gong Xi Fa Cai!

I am actually busy uploading old data to my new "home" - www.lihkang.com. If you have time, do come over.

Mmm......Lots to be done. Hope I will be more consistent after shifting ;p

www.lihkang.com (The Road Not Taken) www.lihkang.com/cn （十万里路）

Quote of the day...

2007-01-31T22:45:00.000+08:00

I heard this from my amusing friend about a week ago:

Opportunity is not a saxophone,

DON'T BLOW IT!

S.O.S!

2007-01-11T18:50:00.000+08:00

Hi, Happy New Year!

I am in bad mood la... Not so much because of the opposition boycott in Batu Talam, but I still haven't figured out what has happened to the broadband in my house. It is perfectly fine when I surf internet but it has problem when I wish to send email or update my blog. Guess what? That's the main reason why I did not update my blog in the past one month ( Haha...... apparently, it's a good justification)

I have tried everything I could do to find out what's the problem. I have replaced my modem with my friend's one, I have called the infamous streamyx help line, switch it on and off for million times...... All my efforts are in vain!

Any techno-savvy philanthropist can help? plsssss.....

Some lame excuses for not updating blog...

2006-12-03T02:48:00.000+08:00

The reason why I keep posting the proceedings summary of the SUHAKAM's inquiry here is to share with you what happened in the rare occasion. I think this is a very good opportunity to hold the police accountable. Unfortunately, not many people think like me. Throughout the proceedings, very few people from the public or even the civil society turn up. Anyway, it managed to dig some "good stories"

Secondly, I wish to apologise to friends whom I met in Cambodia 2 weeks ago. I interviewed few of them and promised to post their stories here. Unfortunately, I was arrested by the bloody stooges of the developer in Kampung Berembang on the next day after I came back from Cambodia. Oh ya, they are squatters. Or politically correct term should be urban pioneers (peneroka bandar in Malay) For those who have not heard about the kampong, you can go to jerit website. Here are some photos: http://www.jerit.org/pictures/peneroka/berembang/berembang.htm

Hope to update this blog more often after 8th of December. SUARAM is organising a fund-raising dinner on that day leh..... "Tribute to Human Rights Defenders night" All of you are cordially invited! But have to pay la....Only RM 100 per ticket.

What? Expensive?!!? Okla..... to be honest to you, we did prepare some RM50 tickets, but selling fast ooooo. So, call me at 012-5173067 immediately when you read this, I will try my very best to get you a RM50 ticket ;p

See here: http://www.suaram.net/dinner-2006.htm

SUHAKAM Public Inquiry on "Bloody Sunday" - Day 8 (last day)

2006-11-27T22:26:00.000+08:00

SUMMARY OF PROCEEDINGS

Today is the last day of the inquiry. The findings of the inquiry will be produced at end of the year.

Today’s witnesses:

1. Constable Raja Ahmad Raja Manshor (W39)
2. Constable Shahrul Yaafar(W40)
3. Constable Muhamad Firdaus Rosli (W41)
4. Constable Wan Mohd. Shukri bin Omar (W42)
5. Corporal Jasman Aris (W43)
6. Constable Zamri Hussin (W44)
7. Constable Kamarul Ismail (W45)
8. Constable Abdul Nasser Peping (W46)
9. Lance Corporal Mustika Lamonding (W47)
10.Constable Mohd. Faizal Ahmad (W48)
11.Constable Andyracky Anak Nyalong (W49)
12.Constable Awang Azizul Azreen (W50)
13.Constable Mohd. Fadhli Kassim (W51)
14.Constable Marzuki Mat Din (W52)
15.Constable Yusri Yusof (W53)
16.Constable Wan Masrose Wan Salleh (W54)

Most FRU personnel could not recognize their colleagues

The public inquiry started at 9am today. Sixteen witnesses were called to testify in front of the inquiry panel. Most of them were only asked to identify their colleagues in either still photos or video clips.

39^th witness: Baton can only be used when rioters try to hurt the police

Constable Raja Ahmad Raja Manshor (hereinafter referred to as Raja Ahmad) has positively identified 2 FRU personnel who pushed Zahir Hassan (W17) and Lee Huat Seng (W8). They are Andyracky (pushed W8) and Zamri (pushed W17). Raja Ahmad has also identified Mustika Lamonding who was seen swinging his baton to hit W8.

Raja Ahmad told the panel that baton can only be used when rioters try to hurt the police. Besides, Raja Ahmad also thinks that giving a hefty shove to people who are trying to move away is no good.

40^th witness: I did not use my baton and shield at all

Constable Shahrul Yaafar (hereinafter referred to as Shahrul) told the panel that the FRU personnel in his section (section 2) moved forward to chase the crowd away from the Suria KLCC entrance. He also said that he did not use his shield and baton at all when dealing with crowd control.

Shahrul has positively identified Zamri and Marzuki from the exhibits.

41^st witness: Whoever did not run away”kena”-lah

Constable Muhamad Firdaus Rosli (hereinafter referred to as Firdaus) could not identify anyone of his colleagues from the exhibits.

Firdaus denied that the FRU were shoving the crowd. According to him, the FRU were merely moving forward with the shield in front of them. Whoever did not run away will “kena”-lah.

42^nd witness: I was merely asking them to leave

Constable Wan Mohd. Shukri bin Omar (hereinafter referred to as Wan) told the panel that he did not use any of his equipments. He was merely asking the crowd to go back. He left those who refused to leave to the arresting squad.

Wan could recognize himself, Kamarul Ismail and Jasman Aris from the exhibits.

43^rd witness: We only stopped the “rioters” verbally

Corporal Jasman Aris (hereinafter referred to as Jasman) told the panel that his section (Section 3) did not receive any instruction to move forward. They were only assisting the other sections when the crowd moved towards the entrance of Suria KLCC.

Jasman further testified that they (FRU from Section 3) only stopped the “rioters” verbally. But when some of the crowd tried to move forward, the FRU prevented them by using hands and weapons (rifle and gas gun).

Jasman could identify Zamri, Wan Masrose, Marzuki and himself from the exhibits. He told the panel that he did not see anyone bleeding.

44^th witness: We could use batons only if the instruction was to attack

Constable Zamri bin Hussin (hereinafter referred to as Zamri) told the panel that he used shield and asked the crowd to disperse verbally. He did not use baton on that day. Zamri told the panel that they could use batons if the instruction was to attack.

Zamri could only identify himself and Corporal Jasman from the exhibits.

45^th witness: There is no need to use the butt of gas gun

Constable Kamarul Ismail (hereinafter referred to as Kamarul) told the panel that he used shield to prevent and push to disperse the crowd. However, he later modified his testimony by saying that his usage of shield was to protect himself because the crowd was pushing.

Kamarul also told the panel that he did not use baton on that day. Answering a question from the panel members, Kamarul conceded that there is no need to use the butt of gas gun to prevent the crowd from moving towards the entrance of Suria KLCC.

46^th witness: There was no physical contact with the crowd

Constable Abdul Nasser Peping (hereinafter referred to as Nasser) confirmed that Section 3 did not receive any instruction to move forward on 28 May. Despite there was no instruction, Nasser told the panel that he did move back to block the entrance of Suria KLCC. He said there was no physical contact with the crowd when he moved.

47^th witness: I used baton to threaten the crowd, but it did not hit anyone

Lance Corporal Mustika Lamonding (hereinafter referred to as Mustika) told the panel that he did receive instruction to move forward into the crowd. He pushed the people with shield towards Jalan Ampang.

Mustika admitted that he did use baton to threaten the crowd who refused to disperse. However, he said he was merely swing the baton to intimidate but it did not hit anyone.

48^th witness: “The guy” might be avoiding the weapon from the people

Constable Mohd. Faizal Ahmad (hereinafter referred to as Faizal) was positively identified by his superior in one of the exhibits. He was seen holding the gas gun as if he was hitting someone on the ground. When the aforesaid photo was shown to him, Faizal could not identify himself. He said he is not sure.

However, he told the panel that “the guy” might be avoiding the weapon from the people.

49^th witness: I could not identify anyone

Constable Andyracky Anak Nyalong could not identify anyone from all the exhibits.

50^th witness: I could not identify anyone

Constable Awang Azizul Azreen told the panel that he did receive instruction to disperse the crowd. He too, could not identify anyone from the exhibits.

51^st witness: I am not sure who carried gas gun that day

Constable Mohd. Fadhli Kassim only told that he carried gas gun on the 28^th of May, but he is not sure who else carried a gas gun in his section.

52^nd witness: I was merely holding it (gas gun)

Constable Marzuki Mat Din told the panel that he carried a gas gun, but he was merely holding it and trying to push, in order to prevent the people from entering KLCC. He identified himself in exhibit 16N.

53^rd witness: I know all the personnel who carried gas gun

Constable Yusri Yusof carried a gas gun on 28 May. He identified some of his colleagues from the exhibits.

54^th witness: I do not know what was happening

Constable Wan Masrose Wan Salleh identified himself in exhibit 16N. He was standing beside the personnel who look like hitting someone with gas gun butt. However, he told the panel that he does not know what was happening then.

After calling 54 witnesses, SUHAKAM wraps up the public inquiry. Dato’ KC Vohrah, chairperson of the panel thanks all parties that have given full cooperation to SUHAKAM. SUHAKAM will produce the findings of the report at the end of the year.

SUHAKAM Public Inquiry on "Bloody Sunday" - Day 7

2006-11-27T22:15:00.000+08:00

SUMMARY OF PROCEEDINGS

Today is the 7^th day of the inquiry. The inquiry will continue on the following days:

October 18

Today’s witnesses:

1. Sergeant Mohd Yacob Mohd Saman (W35)
2. Dr. Abdul Fahmi bin Abdul Karim (W36)
3. Sergeant Abdul Aziz bin Buniran (W37)
4. ASP Anuar bin Jusoh (W38)

Doctor: Hit on Amran’s head could be fatal!

The public inquiry started at 1pm today. Four witnesses were called to testify in front of the inquiry panel.

35^th witness: He is Lance Corporal Mustika Lamonding

Sergeant Mohd Yacob Mohd Saman (hereinafter referred to as Yacob) is the first witness of the day. He is the commander for Section 2 of the FRU unit which was present in KLCC on the day of the incident.

Yacob told the panel that his troop members were equipped with batons and shields on 28^th of May.

When still photos and video clip were shown to him, Yacob has positively identified a few FRU personnel who were seen using violence against the protestors. He identified Mustika Lamonding who was seen hitting Lee Huat Seng (W8) in the video clip. According to Yacob, Mustika Lamonding is from his troop (section 2).

36^th witness: Potentially, it could be a fatal blow!

Dr. Abdul Fahmi bin Abdul Karim (hereinafter referred to as Dr. Fahmi) is a medical consultant in the private Pusrawi Hospital. He examined Amran Zulkifli (W25) on 29 May, one day after he was admitted to the hospital.

Dr. Fahmi observed some bruises (soft tissue injury) to Amran’s right shoulder and right arm. Amran also suffered from an injury on his right scalp temper parietal area, where a 5cm jagged laceration requiring wound toilet and suturing.

Dr. Fahmi told the panel that the wound on Amran’s scalp was caused by a blunt object, but it is not consistent to the butt of gas gun. He also testified that the force used on Amran could potentially be a fatal blow. According to Dr. Fahmi, the injury could result in greater harm if similar force were used on a lesser-built person.

37^th witness: The gas gun is only meant for shooting tear gas

Sergeant Abdul Aziz Buniran (hereinafter referred to as Aziz) is the 37^th witness of the public inquiry. He is the FRU commander of Section 3.

Aziz told the panel that members of his section were armed with rifle M-16 single shot and gas gun. They were also equipped with baton on their waist. Aziz informed the panel that the gas gun is only meant for shooting tear gas. He further emphasized that the instruction was only to shoot (tear gas).

The inquiry panel showed Aziz a still photo (Exhibit 16N), but he could not identify the FRU personnel who is seen holding a gas gun high, as if he was hitting or trying to hit someone on the ground. However, he provided a list of FRU personnel who were holding gas gun on 28 May.

Besides, Aziz has positively identified Constable Zamri Hussin as one of the FRU personnel who surrounded Zahir Hassan (W17) when he was on the ground.

38^th witness: It is not encouraged to fly a helicopter too low above the crowd

ASP Anuar bin Jusoh (hereinafter referred to as Anuar) is the last witness of the day. He was the commander of helicopter pilot on 28 May. He has 12 years experience of piloting. The model of helicopter that he piloted on that day is “Accuireull” (French).

Anuar said he received instructions from Dang Wangi 1, whom he assumed was the Dang Wangi OCPD. Dang Wangi 1 instructed him to fly the helicopter low, to disrupt the speeches. According to Anuar, the lowest point he flew was lower than 500 metres. When he was asked on whether it was dangerous to fly low, Anuar conceded that it was tactically dangerous. However, he was confident to deal with it.

Commenting on the crowd’s complaints, Anuar opined that the crowd might be fearful because of the swaying trees and they are not used to helicopter. Anuar told the panel that he has no recommendation on how low the helicopter should fly. Nonetheless, he is of the opinion that flying the helicopter too low above the crowd is not encouraged.

The public inquiry will continue at 9am tomorrow (18 October).

SUHAKAM Public Inquiry on "Bloody Sunday" - Day 6

2006-11-27T21:51:00.000+08:00

SUMMARY OF PROCEEDINGS

Today is the 6^th day of the inquiry. The inquiry will continue on the following days:

October 17 & 18

Today’s witnesses:

1. SAC (II) Dato’ Mohd Noor bin Masdar (W29)
2. Mohd Nasaruddin Abdul Aziz (W30)
3. ACP Kamal Pasha bin Jamal (W31)
4. Chief Inspector Shafie bin Mohd (W32)
5. Sergeant Zabani bin Sulaiman (W33)
6. Corporal Abu Hassan Rasad (W34)

OCPD: The crowd was unruly because they used unpleasant words!

Six witnesses were called to testify in front of the inquiry panel today.

29^th witness: IGSO states that FRU should not be engaged against passive resisters

Senior Assistant Commissioner of police, SAC (II) Dato’ Mohd Noor Masdar (hereinafter referred to as Mohd Noor) is the first witness of the day. He is the Commander of the Malaysia Federal Reserve Unit (FRU).

Mohd Noor provided the inquiry panel with the Inspector General Standing Order (IGSO), which is meant to be followed by all police personnel. The 13^th paragraph of the IGSO states clearly that the FRU must at all times be guided by the following cardinal principles:

Minimum use of force;
Strict impartiality; and
Adherence to the law.

In accordance to the 14^th paragraph of the IGSO, no FRU should be engaged against an illegal assembly unless trouble breaks out or it is quite clear that the use of force will be necessary to disperse such assembly, e.g. it should not ordinarily be engaged, in the first instance, against “passive resisters”

At one point of time, Mohd Noor could not answer questions asked by the panel properly. Below are some of the conversations between Dato’ Vohrah and Dato’ Mohd Noor:

Vohrah: “The crowd was listening to speeches. Is it threatening?”

Md Noor: “By getting people to listen to speech, there are plans. To me, it’s a planned thing. ”

Vohrah: “Does that constitute a threat to security?”

Md Noor: “Whatever they are trying to do, it came out in internet and SMS.”

Vohrah: “What’s wrong?”

Md Noor: “Under the other law, Police Act and CPC, where an assembly of 3 or 5 or more people, you are required to apply permit.”

When he was told by the inquiry panel that in some jurisdictions, people only need to inform the police to hold an assembly, Mohd Noor unhesitatingly answered: “If the law has changed, we will follow.”

Mohd Noor told the inquiry panel that there is no criterion to disperse crowd in the IGSO. The decision to disperse based solely on the OCPD (officer in charge of police district). Answering a question from the inquiry panel, Mohd Noor told the panel that he thinks Chief Inspector Pusparajan (W28) could identify his troop members.

30^th witness: The situation was under control at all point of time

The diary man of the FRU, Mohd Nasaruddin Abdul Aziz (hereinafter referred to as Nasaruddin) appears as the 30^th witness of the public inquiry.

Time	Events
09:55am	The FRU troop arrived safely at KLCC and standby. Situation is good. (“Keadaan baik”)
10:24am	NGO and representatives of political parties started to give speech on the issue of fuel price hike.
10:40am	Acting on the directive of Dang Wangi OCPD, Chief Inspector Pusparajan gave the crowd first warning to disperse (3 times). The situation is good and under control (“Keadaan baik dan terkawal”)
10:42am	Acting on the directive of Dang Wangi OCPD, Chief Inspector Pusparajan gave the crowd second warning to disperse. The situation is calm and under control (“Keadaan tenang terkawal”)
10:43am	Dang Wangi OCPD directed Chief Inspector Pusparajan to give the crowd third warning to disperse. Chief Inspector Pusparajan announced 3 times. The situation is well under control (“Keadaan baik terkawal”)
10:46am	Under the instruction of Dang Wangi OCPD, Chief Inspector Pusparajan directed to unleash water cannon.
10:48am	Chief Inspector Pusparajan instructed the troop to move forward, in order to disperse the crowd. The situation is under control (“Keadaan terkawal")

Nasaruddin told the inquiry panel that he was only ordered to jot down all commands given by Chief Inspector Pusparajan (W28). Below are the notes excerpted from the diary:

31st witness: The crowd was unruly because they used unpleasant words

Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Kamal Pasha Jamal (hereinafter referred to as Kamal)
is the third witness of the day. He is the key witness because he was the ground commander of the police force on 28 May 2006.

Kamal told the inquiry panel that his task on 28 May was to supervise and make sure there is no illegal assembly. It was the objective of the operation named “Ops Padam”. He told the panel that he had been monitoring the activity through internet. Kamal also told that he expected the assembly to be unruly. Below are some interesting conversations between the inquiry panel and Kamal Pasha:

Michael Yeoh: In your experience on the first and second gathering, were those peaceful?

Kamal: No. The crowd used unpleasant words. I believe when such words were uttered against the government, some parties might react.

Vohrah: What sort of reaction?

Kamal: They might fight among themselves.

Zaitoon: Has it happened before?

Kamal: I am just anticipating, because certain groups objected the illegal assembly, the people who are from the government side.

Besides, Kamal Pasha told the panel members that about 196 police including 65 FRU personnel were deployed on 28 May. Kamal also told the panel that the police will follow if there is a change in the law that allows public assembly without a police permit. However, he personally feels that our society is not mature enough to apply those jurisdictions.

In his testimony, Kamal told the panel frankly that the helicopter was meant to disrupt the demonstration and to intimidate the crowd. He also admitted that he was the one who instructed the use of water cannon, issued an instruction to arrest and instructed the FRU to move forward.

When he was asked about the crowd, Kamal insists that the crowd was unruly. The conversations are as following:

Kamal: The crowd was unruly. They ignored my order to disperse.

Vohrah: Are you sure? Unruly means violent behaviour.

Kamal: They were shouting.

Vohrah: But not at you. This is called unruly?

Kamal: Yes. There were slogans about police brutality “Turunkan harga minyak”, “Polis ganas”, “Bebaskan tahanan”. They were yelling. They might lose their temper. Their gestures were too emotional and aggressive.

Zaitoon: Did they attack anybody?

Kamal: No. They did not lose their temper yet, but they might.

When he was asked whether he knows about the 9 people who suffered from injuries, Kamal admitted his knowledge. However, he told the panel that the injuries were not serious and those incidents were triggered by the resistance of the protestors.

Kamal told the panel that 12 police reports were made on the aforesaid incident.

32^nd witness: OCPD told the crowd that he will use force if they do not disperse

Chief Inspector Shafie bin Mohd (hereinafter referred to as Shafie) is the 4^th witness of the day. He is attached to the Dang Wangi police district.

On 28 May, Shafie was tasked to arrange the duty of other police officers. He told the panel that he was in the police bus parked in front of Suria KLCC most of the time during the assembly. His duty in the bus (Temporary Control Centre) was to keep Kuala Lumpur headquarter informed about the situation.

Shafie informed the panel that he was not involved in the arrest. He heard OCPD giving instruction to the crowd, asking them to disperse. The exact instruction is:

“Bersurai serta-merta, ataupun kami akan suraikan dengan kekerasan” (Immediately disperse, or we will disperse by using force)

33^rd witness: Water cannon were used for about a minute

Sergeant Zabani bin Sulaiman (hereinafter referred to as Zabani) was the water cannon personnel. He told the public inquiry that he was instructed to unleash water cannon from Chief Inspector Pusparajan. He used the water cannon for about a minute.

When asked whether the water can hurt, Zabani told the panel that it could hurt if the distance is too close. The water was not laced with chemical that day.

34^th witness: I could not identify the FRU personnel because of their visors

Corporal Abu Hassan bin Rasad (hereinafter referred to as Abu Hassan) is the 34^th witness of the public inquiry. He is the Section Commander of Section 1 in the FRU troop. Section 1, 2 and 3 were despatched to control the crowd on 28 May.

As the section commander of Section 1, Abu Hassan told the panel that his duty was to supervise his “boys” (anak buah). 14 members in his section were armed with shields, batons and rubber vests.

Initially, Abu Hassan tended to claim that the crowd was unruly because they shouted and refused to disperse after warnings were given. However, he later conceded that it is not possible that the action of the crowd will bring detrimental effect, though they were ‘emotional’.

Abu Hassan also told the panel that he did involve in crowd control, but he did not push the crowd. Amazingly, when exhibits were shown to him, Abu Hassan claimed that he could not recognize any of his colleagues because of the visor on their helmets. Dato’ Vohrah warned him that he is on oath.

Eventually, Abu Hassan managed to identify two FRU personnel positively. They are Corporal Jasman and Constable Amri. He also told the panel that it was a peaceful dispersal on 28 May.

Before ending the session, the chief of the inquiry panel, Dato’ K.C. Vohrah told the witness solemnly that he should give believable statement in a public inquiry.

The public inquiry will continue at 1pm tomorrow (17 October).

SUHAKAM Public Inquiry on "Bloody Sunday" - Day 5

2006-11-23T00:43:00.000+08:00

SUMMARY OF PROCEEDINGS

Today is the 5th day of the inquiry. The inquiry will continue on the following days:

October 16, 17 & 18

Today’s witnesses:

1. Teh Chun Hong (W24)
2. Amran Zulkifli (W25)
3. Wong Keen Yee (W26)
4. Omar Tan Abdullah @ Tan Soi Kow (W27)
5. Chief Inspector Pusparajan Kaliapan (W28)

FRU Chief Inspector: ‘The FRU Training Manual on dispersing assemblies do not provide for kicking, dragging or shoving people using the FRU shield, hitting people on the head with the baton or the butt of the gas gun’.

On day 5 of the public inquiry the sworn oral testimonies of witness no. 24 to 28 were recorded with details as follows.

24^th witness: I was hit once and kicked twice by two FRU Personnel

Teh Chun Hong (hereinafter referred to as Teh) was the 24^th witness called to testify in the inquiry. Teh confirmed that he participated in the PROTES demonstration that was staged in front of KLCC on 28 May 2006.

According to Teh, while he was listening to Ronnie Liew, a PROTES Coalition speaker deliver his speech, water canons were suddenly unleashed on the crowd. Teh proceeded to inform the Panel that at that moment he and some other demonstrators standing in the same vicinity instinctively hovered together in an attempt to shield themselves from the water. The effort proved futile for Teh as he was ultimately drenched wet.

Teh also mentioned that the loud reverberations of a helicopter that appeared intermittently at the premises was operated at an unusually low height and drowned out the instructions issued by the authorities.

Soon after the water cannon were unleashed, Teh noticed a group of FRU personnel each clad in a navy blue uniform and a red helmet approaching the group of demonstrators with whom he was standing. The said FRU Personnel had in their hands an instrument described by Teh as a ‘flexible red baton’. On seeing these personnel, Teh and the other demonstrators began efforts to disperse but they were still attacked by the said personnel. Teh explained that he was hit once with the baton and kicked twice by 2 personnel. Teh sustained bruises to his shoulders and leg as a result of the said attack. According to Teh, 2 other demonstrators with him at the time, identified as Wong Keen Yi and Lee Huat Seng, were similarly attacked and injured by the said personnel.

Teh sought traditional treatment for his injuries. He did not lodge a police report on the incident.

25^th witness: ‘FRU Personnel hit me repeatedly on my shoulders and on my head’.

Amran Zulkifli (hereinafter referred to as Amran) was the 25^th witness called to testify in the inquiry. Amran is 38 years of age and an entrepreneur residing in Sungai Petani, Kedah. Amran testified that on the day in question he and his 10 year old child were in the vicinity of the PROTES Demonstration as they had planned to visit Petrosains KLCC.

According to Amran, they arrived at the premises at approximately 9:00 a.m. when he noticed the assembly. Curious to determine the reason for the assembly, he decided to observe the events that were transpiring. On discovering the purpose Amran decided to suspend his plans and proceeded to join the demonstration with his child whilst holding a placard. According to Amran at this stage a speech was being delivered by a female student however this was not entirely audible due to loud reverberations from a helicopter that appeared intermittently. It was operated at an alarmingly low height.

Amran also stated that he was aware that the authorities at the premises were issuing instructions to the crowd however these were similarly inaudible in view of the noise from the crowd and helicopter. Soon after the second set of instruction was given by the authorities, Amran and his child were drenched with water unleashed from a water canon. Amran then noticed the police making random arrests and it was at this stage that he decided to abandon the demonstration.

However, as he and his child proceeded towards the entrance of KLCC with a view to resume plans to visit Petrosains KLCC, Amran was suddenly attacked by FRU Personnel who repeatedly hit him on his shoulders whilst shouting ‘Balik! Balik!’ Fearing for the safety of his child, Amran quickly reached out to take hold of his child only to be struck again by the said personnel. On this occasion Amran was hit on the head that caused profuse bleeding and led to him losing grip and sight of his child. Amran stated that at this point he observed the situation at the KLCC vicinity to being in a state of utter chaos as people were attempting to secure their safety whilst hurriedly rushing in various directions. Consumed with fear Amran proceeded to run from the vicinity of KLCC. Amran told the Panel that he could not identify the officers who hit him as they stood behind him whilst they attacked him. He also stated that he did not retaliate against the FRU aggression, that he was perhaps a target in view of his large build (115 kg) and that he was not aware that he was not allowed to enter the KLCC.

With the assistance of Nasaruddin, Amran sought medical attention at Pusat Rawatan Islam (PUSRAWI), Jalan Tun Razak for the injuries he had sustained. He received 5 stitches. Amran was subsequently reunited with his child at the said hospital and later lodged a report on the incident at the Tun Razak Police Station.

26^th witness: ‘As I set out to leave the premises, I was unexpectedly attacked by FRU personnel’.

Wong Keen Yi (hereinafter referred to as Wong) was the 26^th witness called to testify in the inquiry. Wong is 23 years of age. He is a member of Malaysia Youth and Students Democratic Movement (DEMA). Wong confirmed that he participated in the PROTES Demonstration that was staged in front of KLCC on 28 May 2006.

Wong testified that on the day in question, his attention was focused on the speeches that were being delivered by the PROTES Coalition speakers. He told the Panel that he never heard any warnings or instructions from FRU or any other authorities deployed to the premises. He also mentioned that the helicopters deployed to the location were operated ‘just above the trees’.

According to Wong, while listening to Ronnie Liew delivers his speech, he suddenly noticed water cannon being unleashed. Although the Wong successfully evaded contact with the water unleashed, he had resolved to abandon the demonstration at that stage. As he set out to leave the premises, he was unexpectedly attacked by an FRU Personnel with an instrument described as a ‘red baton’. Wong sustained bruises to the right side of his neck as a result of the said attack. According to Wong, at the said time in question, he also noticed 2 other demonstrators, Lee Huat Seng and Teh Chun Hong being kicked by FRU Personnel.

Wong sought medical attention at Hospital Kuala Lumpur for the injuries he sustained. He did not lodge a police report on the incident.

27^th witness: ‘After the authorities issued instructions to attack! (Serang!), I saw Zahir Hassan being hit by FRU Personnel’.

Omar Tan Abdullah @ Tan Soi Kow (hereinafter referred to as Omar) was the 27^th Witness called to testify in the inquiry. Omar is 52 years of age. He is a committee member of the PROTES coalition and an employee of Parti Keadilan Rakyat. Omar confirmed that on the day in question, he was at the PROTES demonstration as he was assigned to the task of observing the demonstration, ensuring the welfare of the demonstrators and monitoring any urgent arrests.

Thus upon arriving at the premises, Omar proceeded to inspect the vicinity. Based on Omar’s testimony the 1^st instruction issued by the authorities was clear. The crowd was asked to disperse using the precise words, ‘Bersurai! Bersurai!’. The said instruction was issued twice although in the second instance it was not entirely clear. Soon after, the authorities instructed FRU Personnel to attack. The exact words used were ‘Serang!’. Thereafter water cannon were unleashed. During this time and at intermittent stages, a helicopter was seen hovering over the assembly.

Once the attack on the assembly commenced, Omar saw Zahir Hassan (W17) being hit by FRU Personnel. As Zahir’s 2 children were with him at the time, Omar immediately took steps to secure them to safety by escorting them across the road in the direction of Duta Vista.

In respect to the attacks on Amran (25^th witness), Omar mentioned that he did not see the attack although he heard about it subsequently. He then proceeded to state that Amran has been to demonstrations in the past including those staged in March 2006 on the sharp hikes in fuel prices. He told the panel that Amran is a protest mobilizer for the northern region. He is experienced in demonstrations and that his presence on the day in question was not surprising to him.

Omar, at the conclusion of his testimony stated that based on his experience in monitoring demonstrations, urgent arrests would not have been necessary as the PROTES Demonstration on the day in question was staged in a peaceful manner. This fact notwithstanding several members and supporters of the PROTES Coalition were nonetheless attacked and arrested on the day in question. Omar was unable to comprehend the basis of the aggression that was asserted by the authorities in this instance.

28^th witness: ‘I heard the OCPD instructs Air Unit 1 “Udara 1, turun bawah lagi”

Pusparajan a/l Kaliapan (hereinafter referred to as Rajan) was the 28^th Witness called to testify in the inquiry. Rajan is 40 years of age and holds the post of Chief Inspector, FRU, Kuala Lumpur. Rajan confirmed that on the day in question he was at the PROTES Demonstration in the official capacity of Commanding Officer for the purposes of dispersing the assembly.

Rajan testified that on 27 May 2006 he received instructions to report to the OCPD of Dang Wangi to stop the PROTES Demonstration that was deemed an illegal assembly. Rajan explained that by virtue of S. 27 of the Police Act 1967 an illegal assembly is defined as an assembly that takes place without a licence being issued for the said purpose.

FRU Troop 4B Unit 4 was assigned to assist Rajan with the task in hand. The said troop consisted of 64 male FRU Personnel including Rajan. They were equipped with a revolver, a gas gun, a rifle, a red baton of rattan make and a plastic shield. The FRU also deployed a fleet of vehicles to the premises and these included a command vehicle, water canons, logistics lorries for equipment and a land rover.

Thus at approximately 9.55 a.m., Rajan and his troop arrived at the premises. Rajan noted that in addition to the 63 FRU Personnel organised to disperse the assembly, approximately 100 uniformed & civilian clothes police officers were also at the premises. In respect to the assembly approximately 300 – 400 demonstrators were noted at the premises.

Rajan then proceeded to report to the OCPD and IPD Ketua Bahagian Ketenteraman Awam of Dang Wangi to receive further instructions. His instructions were to have his personnel on ‘standby’ to disperse the assembly. Rajan then briefed his troop informing them that they were to disperse the assembly using minimal force. The troop was then split into 3 sections with each section consisting of 18 men and told to take their positions.

Minimal force would involve instructions to the demonstrators to leave the premises without any body contact. In the event that the instructions are not heeded, unleashing the water canons would be the next step taken under the definition of minimal force.

Conversely, in instances where force is authorised, unleashing water & gas from the canons on the assembly which in effect causes skin irritation would have been sanctioned.

Rajan also explained that the baton and shield were available to FRU personnel for protection against violent crowds. For example in the event demonstrators made threats or threw stones, the FRU personnel were to use the baton and shield to protect themselves.

Rajan confirmed that the crowd on the day in question was not violent and not deemed a threat as such the troop was instructed to use minimal force only.

Rajan proceeded to inform the Panel that the troop deployed on the day in question had been adequately trained on using the equipment provided to them and on dispersing assemblies. The training manual in handling such matters do not provide for kicking or dragging people, shoving people using the FRU shield, hitting people on the head with the baton and hitting people with the butt of the gas gun. Rajan confirmed that these measures are positively not among the FRU procedures in dispersing an assembly and agreed to submit a copy of the FRU Training Manual for the Panel’s reference.

Rajan went on to state that during the demonstration he and the OCPD positioned themselves on top of the Command Vehicle so as to be facilitated with a clear view of the events that were ensuing and to provide further instructions to the troop. Rajan proceeded to emphasise that on the day in question his role as Commanding Officer was for all intents and purposes a conduit for taking instructions from the OCPD and communicating these to the FRU troop. Thus each time a new instruction came forth, Rajan would ring a bell to get the attention of the troop and instruct them accordingly.

In respect to the instructions that were issued to have the assembly disperse, Rajan said that instructions to the crowd to disperse were issued on 4 separate occasions and on each occasion the instruction was repeated 3 times. The chronological orders of the said instructions were as follows:-

1^st instruction: 10:40 a.m. Repeated 3 times

2^nd instruction: 10:42 a.m. Repeated 3 times

3^rd instruction: 10:43 a.m. Repeated 3 times

4^th instruction: 10:45 a.m. Repeated 3 times

Rajan also stated that during the time he was issuing the instructions to the crowd he noticed Tian Chua and another person within the assembly seeking additional time from the OCPD. Although the OCPD appeared to have gestured his consent to the people making the requests, based on the video footage recorded, Rajan was not informed of any additional time that was to be granted. Rajan also acknowledged that during the time he was instructing the crowd the helicopter, which was also under the control of the OCPD was in close range to the assembly and that the reverberations were indeed loud. Rajan also told the Panel that he heard the OCPD say ‘Udara 1 turun bawah lagi’.

According to Rajan, as the crowd failed to comply with the instructions to disperse even after the 4^th set of instructions were issued, the OCPD instructed him to have the water canon officers commence action. At 10:46 a.m. the water canons were unleashed on the assembly. This was done on 2 separate occasions before the police commenced urgent arrests. Soon after the assembly dispersed.

Rajan stated that the events that transpired on the day in questions were diarised in detail and chronological order and it was agreed that a copy of the same was to be submitted to the Panel for their reference.

Rajan stated that he never witnessed any abuses of power by FRU Personnel or any other authorities stationed at the premises on the day in question. However, when the panel asked Rajan to comment on the brute force used by FRU personnel on the day in question as depicted in the photographs and video footage retained in evidence, Rajan responded as follows:-

That he did not recognize most of the FRU personnel depicted as abusing their power;
That some force by FRU personnel is justified in certain instances as each situation and type of crowd must be assessed independently;
From the time FRU personnel began instructing the crowd until the water canons were unleashed, approximately 40 minutes had elapsed. The crowd clearly disregarded the instructions and as such further action was needed; and
Those photographs may not depict with accuracy the actual event that transpired.

In essence, it was observed that after the said photographs and video footage were revealed to Rajan he began contradicting the testimony he provided at the beginning of the session to a significant degree. He was also unable to provide the panel with a comment on the photograph shown to him depicting the head injuries sustained by Amran and could only submit that he only heard about Amran’s injuries the next day.

In conclusion, Rajan said that on the day in question the OCPD gave him instructions to have FRU depart from the premises at 11:25 a.m. and this was duly executed at 11:30 a.m.

Session adjourned.

Prepared by,

Gowri Balasubramaniam

SUHAKAM Public Inquiry on "Bloody Sunday" - Day 4

2006-11-22T23:55:00.000+08:00

SUMMARY OF PROCEEDINGS

Today is the 4^th day of the inquiry. The inquiry will continue on the following days:

October 13, 16, 17 & 18

Today’s witnesses:

1. Zahir bin Hassan (W17)

2. Dr. Hasnita binti Hassan (W18)

3. Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh (W19)

4. Lim Ban Teng (W20)

5. Dr. Nur binti Abdul Karim (W21)

6. Nashita bin Md Noor (W22)

7. Ooi Tze Min (W23)

Doctors confirmed that force used on the victims was excessive

Seven witnesses were called to testify in front of the inquiry panel today.

17^th witness: I also want to know why the FRU personnel kicked me

Zahir bin Hassan is the first witness of the day. He is the deputy secretary general of Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR).

According to Zahir Hassan (hereinafter referred to as Zahir), the police did make announcement before water cannon were unleashed. But he could not hear clearly what the announcement was. Zahir told the inquiry panel that the FRU charged into the crowd at a very fast pace when the crowd was slowly dispersing. He said that 4 to 5 FRU personnel beaten him up.

Zahir testified: “I was only trying to give some senses to the police that the crowd was moving away and there is no need to push them. They (FRU personnel) pushed me; I lost balance and fell down on the road (Jalan Ampang) I was stumbled by the pushing of the shield. A bus had to stop because I fell on the middle of the road. I felt several kicks on myself. I was only half or quarterly conscious at that moment.”

Answering Dato’ Vohrah’s question on what triggered the FRU personnel to kick him, Zahir said smilingly “I also want to know.”

One of the panel members, Datin Zaitoon asked Zahir a hypothetical question on whether the kicking might have caused by him preventing the police from doing their job? Zahir answered solemnly: “If that is the reason, there is a serious problem on the training and professionalism of the police.”

18^th witness: The force used on Zahir Hassan was excessive

Dr. Hasnita binti Hassan (hereinafter referred to as Dr. Hasnita) is a medical officer attach to the accident and emergency department of Hospital KL. She is the 18^th witness of the public inquiry.

Dr. Hasnita is the doctor who examined Zahir Hassan on 28 May when he was sent to HKL. In her testimony, Dr. Hasnita observed red marks on Zahir’s left forehead, abrasion wound on his right cheek; lower incisor and canine of him were angulated and loose.

Dr. Hasnita told the panel members that the injuries could be caused by a blunt object. It could also be caused by a fall. However, the injuries were consistent with what was told by the patient (Zahir Hassan).

Dr. Hasnita also confirmed that the injuries on Zahir must have been caused by a trauma. The force used on him was excessive because it has caused him bled.

19^th witness: Zahir did not resist at all

The 19^th witness of the inquiry, Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh (hereinafter referred to as Syed) was called to testify. Syed was only about 10 feet away from Zahir when he was kicked by the FRU personnel.

According to Syed, FRU personnel shoved Zahir with shield and he fell on the road. He saw 2 FRU personnel kicked Zahir; one kicked on the front (face), and the other kicked on the back. He noticed that Zahir did not move after being kicked. He moved towards Zahir and tried to protect him. When he checked on Zahir, he saw blood stain on his left forehead. He also noticed bruises on Zahir’s left leg and it was swollen. When he asked Zahir whether he was ok at that moment, Zahir did not answer. Only when he was trying to stop the police from carrying Zahir away, he heard Zahir said “Tak apa, biarkan” (it’s ok, let them)

Answering Dato’ Vohrah’s question on whether Zahir was talking to the police in a raised voice, Syed told the panel chief that Zahir was talking in a gentle manner. Zahir did not resist at all though he was being kicked by the FRU personnel.

20^th witness: My finger was fractured!

Like most of the participants, Lim Ban Teng (hereinafter referred to as Ban Teng) did not hear clearly the warning to disperse from the police, though he was standing at the outermost of the crowd.

Being one of the unfortunate victims, Ban Teng told the inquiry panel that the police used baton on the crowd who were dispersing. He and his friend were dispersing towards the Public Bank building after the water cannon were unleashed. Suddenly, he saw his friend, Lee Huat Seng (W8) was being beaten on the back by the FRU personnel. He then moved towards Lee and tried to help. While he was trying to reach Lee Huat Seng and pull him away, he was hit on his finger too.

Ban Teng consulted doctor in Hospital KL on that afternoon. He was told by the doctor that his finger was fractured, and the pain lasted until today.

21^st witness: The injury suffered by Lim Ban Teng was serious

Dr. Nur Abdul Karim (hereinafter referred to as Dr. Nur) is the medical officer who examined Lim Ban Teng (W20) on 28 May. Dr. Nur is attached to the emergency department of Hospital KL.

On physical examination, Dr. Nur told the inquiry panel that Lim Ban Teng’s right thumb was swollen with reduced range of movement. After doing an X-ray check, she found that Ban Teng has suffered from a fracture on the 1^st metacarpal bone of his right hand. It was a closed fracture and it might be caused by blunt object with high velocity.

Dr. Nur classifies the injury suffered by Ban Teng as a serious but non-critical injury. She is of the opinion that the force used on the victim was excessive.

22^nd witness: I was angry because we were being treated like animals

Nashita Md Noor (hereinafter referred to as Nashita) is the 6^th witness of the day. She witnessed the melee where Zahir Hassan was being kicked by the FRU personnel.

Nashita recalled, people started running away after the water cannon were unleashed. She saw the police in green vest started to chase, arrest and handcuff protestors. She was with her 12-year-old son and 5-year-old daughter when a group of FRU personnel came and yelled to them. They shouted “Baliklah!” (go back) several times and pushed them (the protestors who were dispersing) with their shields. Nashita told the panel members that she was very angry, because as a human being and a mother, she felt bad for being treated like animals.

At one point, Nashita saw Zahir Hassan (W17, who is also her neighbor) was rushing towards his daughters who were being pushed by the FRU. The next second, Zahir was pushed to the ground and the FRU personnel started to kick and hit him. Zahir was seen bleeding. Later on, Zahir was manhandled and being brought away by a group of policemen.

Nashita was also being pushed from behind and fell on the flower bed of the pavement.

23^rd witness: I was being kicked on my back while dispersing

Ooi Tze Min (hereinafter referred to as Tze Min) is the 23^rd witness of the inquiry. He was kicked and hit by the police while dispersing.

Consistent with most of the participants, Tze Min did not hear any warning from the police during the assembly. When the water cannon were unleashed, Tze Min was drenched and started to retreat.

While he was moving towards the direction of Public Bank with his friends, FRU came and pushed them from behind. Tze Min told the inquiry panel that he was being kicked on his back. Besides, he also saw two of his friends, Lee Huat Seng (W8) and Wong Keen Yee were being hit by policemen. According to Tze Min, they told the police several times that they will leave and do not push them. Unfortunately, their efforts were in vain.

The public inquiry will continue tomorrow (13 October).

SUHAKAM Public Inquiry on "Bloody Sunday" - Day 3

2006-10-15T15:41:00.000+08:00

SUMMARY OF PROCEEDINGS

Today (11 October 2006) is the 3^rd day of the inquiry. The inquiry will continue on the following days:

October 12, 13, 16, 17 & 18

Watching Brief with Observer Status:

1. Chan Weng Keng - Bar Council Legal Aid Centre (KL)

2. Edward Saw Keat Leong - Bar Council

3. Superintendent Rusli bin Ahmad - Secretariat of IGP (Inspector General of Police)

4. Mohd Radzi Harun - Attorney General’s Chamber

Watching brief:

1. Sheena - Bar Council Legal Aid Centre (KL)

2. Ramesh Sivakumar - Bar Council Legal Aid Centre (KL)

3. Chang Lih Kang - SUARAM

Today’s witnesses:

1. Lee Huat Seng

2. Lua Khang Wei

3. Dr. Dzulhelmy bin Sulaiman

4. Mohd Hafizh Mohd Mokhtar

5. Andrew Ong Kok Heng

6. Lai Chee Sen

7. Lee Khai Loon

8. Lim Hong Siang

9. Soh Sook Hwa

Video clip showed FRU hit protestors brutally

Nine witnesses were called to testify in front of the inquiry panel today.

8^th witness: I was hit by police on my forehead. FRU hit me from behind using baton

As one of the victims of police brutality, Lee Huat Seng, a fresh graduate from Universiti Sains Malaysia told the panel how he was hit during the peaceful assembly on 28 May.

Lee Huat Seng (hereinafter referred to as Huat Seng) was retreating peaceably with his friends after the water cannon were unleashed. While they were walking slowly towards the Public Bank building, several FRU came from behind and pushed them by their shields. Huat Seng said he kept telling the FRU personnel that they will leave, but they did not bother. The FRU personnel hit him several times on his back by baton because he was standing at the outermost of the group.

Huat Seng denied that he has obstructed the police because people had to walk gingerly as the floor was wet and slippery due to the water cannon. According to Huat Seng, after he was hit by FRU personnel from behind, a policeman without uniform came up to him and hit him on his forehead with empty hand. He fell on the ground due to the hitting.

Huat Seng later sought medical assistance in Hospital KL. When asked by the panel why he did not lodge a police report after the incident, Huat Seng told them that he has no faith in police anymore.

Earlier, consistent with other protestors, Huat Seng told the inquiry panel that he could not hear any warning from the police before the water cannon were unleashed.

9^th witness: I tried to help my friend, but I was hit too

Lua Khang Wei, administrative secretary of the Selnagor Hokkien Association is the 9^th witness of the public inquiry. In the pictures shown to the panel members earlier, Lua Khang Wei (hereinafter referred to as Lua) was seen bleeding profusely on his right cheek.

Similar to all other protestors who have testified in front of the inquiry panel, Lua could not hear what the police was trying to say before the water cannon were unleashed. After he was drenched by the water cannon, Lua left the scene and moved towards the bus stop along Jalan Ampang.

However, Lua went back to assist his friends, who were being intimidated and hit by the police while retreating. Lua saw a number of FRU personnel pushed his friends from behind and Lee Huat Seng (witness 8) was hit by baton. He also saw Lee Huat Seng was being hit on forehead by a policeman without uniform. While Lua was trying to lift Lee Huat Seng who was beaten to the ground, he was hit by the FRU personnel too. He could not recall how many times he was hit, but he told the inquiry panel that his right arm was in extreme pain.

In the melee, Lua’s spectacles fell and cut his right cheek. He bled profusely because of the cut. He was later sent to Hospital KL for medical treatment.

10^th witness: Injury suffered by Lee Huat Seng could be life threatening if greater force were used

Dr. Dzulhelmy bin Sulaiman is the doctor who treated Lee Huat Seng and Lua Khang Wei in Hospital KL on 28 May 2006. Dr. Dzulhelmy bin Sulaiman (hereinafter referred to as Dr. Dzulhelmy) is currently a medical doctor in Emergency Unit of Hospital KL.

Dr. Dzulhelmy admitted that he only examined Lee Huat Seng’s forehead, because Lee only complained about the pain on his forehead. He found reddish mark on Lee Huat Seng’s forehead and the patient was in pain. The injury was caused by a heavy hit. According to Dr. Dzulhelmy, the injury suffered by Lee Huat Seng was considered light, but it could be life threatening if greater force were used on the same spot.

Besides, Dr. Dzulhelmy also examined Lua Khang Wei. He found that Lua Khang Wei was in pain on his right shoulder. Dr. Dzulhelmy also found reddish mark on Lua’s shoulder and a scratch on his right cheek. However, the movement of Lua’s right hand was normal.

As told by Lua, his right cheek was cut by his rimless lens and his right shoulder was hit by baton. Dr. Dzulhelmy testified that the injuries were consistent with those inflicted by baton and rimless lens.

11^th witness: An unfortunate man was held and beaten up by a team of FRU personnel

Mohd Hafizh bin Mohd Mokhtar is the 11^th witness of the public inquiry. He is a journalist with Suara Keadilan. Mohd Hafizh (hereinafter referred to as Hafizh) has taken some pictures, which includes those showing Zahir Hassan was being kicked by FRU personnel.

Besides, Hafizh’s pictures also showed an unknown protestor was being surrounded by a number of FRU personnel and was being hit brutally by the butt of a tear gas launcher (pic).

12^th witness: I saw Zahir Hassan being kicked by several FRU personnel

The next witness, Andrew Ong Kok Heng is also a journalist. Andrew Ong Kok Heng (hereinafter referred to as Andrew) is currently working with an online news website, Malaysiakini.

Andrew has taken more than 100 photographs, but part of it was corrupted. Nevertheless, his photographs shown to the panel were ample to tell the chronology of Zahir Hassan being kicked by FRU personnel.

Andrew told the inquiry panel that he saw Zahir was trying to shield his daughters before the FRU personnel hit him. He was being kicked by several FRU personnel for at least 3 times, according to the witness. One of the pictures has clearly shown that a FRU personnel’s leg appeared near Zahir’s crotch.

13^th witness: I was shocked when I saw Amran

Lai Chee Sen, a temporary teacher in a secondary school was called as the 13^th witness of the inquiry. Lai Chee Sen (hereinafter referred to as Lai) has taken some photographs and few short video clips on the 28 May 2006.

Lai told the panel members that he saw Lee Huat Seng was being hit by FRU personnel. He showed a few video clips to the inquiry panel. One of the clips has clearly shown a FRU personnel swung his baton and hit Lee Huat Seng’s waist. This was followed by another attack by a different police officer (without uniform) who struck Lee Huat Seng on the left side of his forehead.

Lai also told the inquiry panel that he was shocked when he saw the “bloody” Amran after he crossed Jalan Ampang.

14^th witness: I was hit by police and my glasses was broken

Lee Khai Loon, a full time staff of a youth organization is the 14^th witness of the inquiry. Lee Khai Loon (hereinafter referred to as Khai Loon) was a victim of police brutality.

Khai Loon told the inquiry panel that he did not hear any warning from the police before the water cannon were unleashed. When he was dispersing with his friends, Khai Loon saw Lee Huat Seng was being hit by FRU personnel. He was just behind Lee Huat Seng when the incident happened.

Seconds later, Khai Loon was also being hit by a hard object. He told the panel that the hitting came from behind when he was moving. His glasses were broken and he could not see things clearly. Khai Loon told the panel that his friends guided him to cross the main road (Jalan Ampang).

15^th witness: FRU said “Kalau kamu ambil gambar lagi, saya akan hancur kamera kamu!”

Journalist of an online news website, Merdekareiew, Lim Hong Siang was called to testify as the 15^th witness of the public inquiry.

Lim Hong Siang (hereinafter referred to as Lim) showed some photographs which were taken by him during the peaceful assembly on 28 May. He told the panel that the crowd was dispersing in a very peaceful manner after the water cannon were unleashed. They moved gingerly because the floor was wet and slippery. The entrance of Suria KLCC was blocked by the police, and the only way to disperse seemed to be crossing the main road – Jalan Ampang.

However, the FRU personnel acted rudely towards the crowd. When Lim was trying to take picture of the FRU’s brutality, he saw two FRU personnel came to him in an intimidating manner. He then decided to run away from them. While running, Lim was kicked by the FRU personnel on his buttock. He then shouted to the FRU “Media pun kamu pukul ke?” (You hit even journalist?)

The FRU warned him:“Kalau kamu ambil gambar lagi, saya akan hancur kamera kamu!” (If you continue to take picture, I will destroy your camera!)

16^th witness: I saw few of my friends being beaten up by the FRU

Soh Sook Hwa, the former secretary of Malaysia Youth and Democratic Movement (DEMA), was called to testify in the inquiry as the 16^th witness. DEMA is a student and youth organization which is part of the PROTES coalition.

Soh Sook Hwa (hereinafter referred to as Soh) told the inquiry panel that she did not hear any warning from the police throughout the demonstration. After the water cannon were unleashed, Soh and her friends started to disperse, moving towards the direction of Public Bank building. The FRU shoved them from behind by their shields. She also saw few of her friends were being beaten up by the FRU personnel.

Soh told the inquiry panel that she saw Lee Huat Seng was being hit on his head and fell on the ground. She also saw Lim Ban Teng was being beaten by the FRU’s baton. Another of her friends, Teh Choon Hong was kicked by the FRU on his back.

After returning home, Soh took the picture of the victims as evidences. Pictures showed the injuries of Lee Huat Seng, Lim Ban Teng, Lua Khang Wei, Teh Choon Hong ad Wong Keen Yee.

The public inquiry will continue tomorrow (12 October).

Prepared by,

Chang Lih Kang

SUHAKAM Public Inquiry on "Bloody Sunday" - Day 2

2006-10-13T18:36:00.000+08:00

SUMMARY OF PROCEEDINGS

Today (6 October 2006) is the 2^nd day of the inquiry. The inquiry will continue on the following days:

October 11, 12, 13, 16, 17 & 18

Watching Brief with Observer Status:

1. Sivarasa Rasiah - Bar Council Legal Aid Centre (KL)
2. M. Moganambal - Bar Council Legal Aid Centre (KL)
3. Chan Weng Keng - Bar Council Legal Aid Centre (KL)
4. Chen Hong Lynn - Bar Council
5. ASP Alaudeen bin Abd Majid - Secretariat of IGP (Inspector General of Police)

Watching brief:

1. Sheena - Bar Council Legal Aid Centre (KL)
2. Chang Lih Kang - SUARAM

Today’s witnesses:

1. Lance Corporal Mohd Nasarudin Hashim (continue)

2. Yap Weng Keong

3. Dr. Hatta Ramli

4. Lim Sok Swan

5. Liu Tian Khiew (Ronnie)

FRU personnel: the crowd was always calm

The 3^rd witness, Lance Corporal Mohd Nasarudin Hashim (Nasarudin) continued to testify in the second day of the public inquiry. He was scrutinized in detail by the inquiry panel on the 17-minute video. Nasarudin was the FRU personnel who recorded the video on 28 May.

3^rd witness: I never expected the water cannon to be unleashed so suddenly

Nasarudin told the panel that there were around 40 FRU personnel present on 28 May 2006. They were armed with M16 rifles, .38 pistols and riot guns (tear gas launcher). Answering questions from the panel members and lawyer, Nasarudin repeated at least 4 times that the crowd was calm and never turned unruly at any point of time during the video footage.

One of the panel members, Dato’ Choo Siew Kioh noticed that there is a 4-minute gap in the video footage. Responding to this, Nasarudin denied that there was a cut or any editing was done on the video. He told the panel that he merely switched off the camera to save battery.

Besides, Nasarudin also told the inquiry panel that he heard the warning given by the police officer on the command vehicle. The warning sounded like this “Bersurai serta-merta, atau kami akan gunakan kekerasan” According to the FRU personnel, the crowd was calm after the warning was given.

Nasarudin also told the panel that he never expected the water cannon to be unleashed so suddenly. From the video footage shown in the inquiry, the police unleashed water cannon in less than 3 minutes after the OCPD was seen giving another 5 minutes to the crowd.

The following is the chronology of the video footage:

11:01:27 The OCPD was seen giving 5 more minutes to the crowd.

11:03:09 Amaran terakhir (last warning) was announced.

11:04:07 Water cannon were unleashed.

4^th witness: I saw Zahir Hassan being kicked on his waist by the FRU

Yap Weng Keong is the 5^th witness of the inquiry. He is a member of Parti Keadilan Rakyat. Yap Weng Keong (hereinafter referred to as Yap) is working in a legal firm. He is among the 20 protestors who were arrested during the protest held on 28 May.

Yap told the inquiry panel that he could see police making some announcements when Ronnie Liu was addressing the crowd. However, he could not hear clearly what the police was trying to convey because a helicopter was hovering above the crowd.

When the crowd was dispersing, Yap saw Zahir Hassan was hit by the FRU. It happened just beside him. According to Yap, Zahir was surrounded and kicked by FRU personnel, whom he could not recognize. Zahir was kicked on his waist and fell on the ground.

Yap was subsequently arrested. To date, he is not prosecuted.

5^th witness: Police practised double standards

Dr. Hatta Ramli is the 5^th witness of the public inquiry. He was the main organizer of the anti fuel price hike gathering on 28 May. Dr. Hatta Ramli (hereinafter referred to as Hatta) is also the treasurer of PAS (Parti Islam Se-Malaysia). He told the inquiry panel that he could not hear any warning from the police because the helicopter was hovering dangerously low and caused lots of noise. Hatta said the helicopter could crash when Dato’ Vohrah asked why is he so worried about it.

When the water cannon were unleashed, Hatta went down the stairs of the LRT station to seek shelter with his 7-year old son. After a moment, he went up again and saw FRU personnel started shoving people by their shields.

Hatta told the panel that he saw two melees when the crowd was dispersing. He saw Zahir Hassan was down on the ground, surrounded by several FRU personnel. Besides, he also saw another commotion at different scene, but he could not see the face of the victim. After crossing the main road (Jalan Ampang), he saw a “bloody” guy, who is known as Amran. He advised Amran to consult doctor at a nearby clinic.

Hatta condemned the police for practising double standards in permitting demonstrations. He also thinks that the police had an “agenda” on 28 May, because they packed-off immediately after their “attack”, even there were still some people scattered around. It was not a common practice. He termed it as “They come, they hit, and they run!”

6^th witness: I was pushed from behind. FRU hit my friend’s head

The 6^th witness of the public inquiry is Lim Sok Swan. Lim Sok Swan (hereinafter referred to as Swan) is a student activist who spoke in the May 28 gathering. According to her, she has only spoken for less than 5 minutes, before handing over the microphone to the next speaker - Ronnie Liu.

When Ronnie Liu was speaking, Swan saw the FRU started moving. She also saw a police officer on the command vehicle announcing something. However, similar to all the other witnesses, Swan could not hear clearly what was said by the police officer. Swan told the inquiry panel that she saw someone from the crowd gesturing with the police on the truck. Hardly 2 minutes after that, water cannon were unleashed.

In her testimony, Swan told the panel that she was pushed by the FRU from behind. Her friend, Lee Huat Seng, who was telling the FRU that they will disperse, was hit by the FRU on his head. She saw the FRU hit Lee Huat Seng by baton.

7^th witness: The police were hiding their name tags

The last witness of the day, Liu Tian Khiew (better known as Ronnie Liu) was called to testify in front of the inquiry panel. Liu Tian Khiew (hereinafter referred to as Ronnie) is the NGO bureau chief of Democratic Action Party (DAP). He was also the last speaker of the demonstration on 28 May, before the police launched attack on the crowd.

Echoing Dr. Hatta Ramli, Ronnie was also very concern about the helicopter that hovered at a dangerous height. The chair of the panel, Dato’ K.C. Vohrah was shocked when Ronnie told the panel that the helicopter was way below the tip of the twin tower. It was, according to Ronnie, only approximately 80 feet above the road. The helicopter was just above the trees and caused leaves and branches of those trees swaying.

In Ronnie’s testimony, when the water cannon were unleashed, he was still standing on the ladder, delivering speech. He remembered that he did ask the crowd to remain calm. He was drenched. Two policemen came to him and arrested him. He was handcuffed by a plastic cuff. He saw Badrul Hisham was dragged by the police, and some women were harassed. They were shoved by the FRU personnel’s shields.

Towards the end of his testimony, Ronnie made a few complaints. Among others, he feels that the police should exhibit their name tags whenever they are on duty. He was very unhappy with the police who appeared in the 28 May demonstration because most of them were hiding their name tags.

To date, Ronnie has not been charged.

Prepared by,

Chang Lih Kang

SUHAKAM Public Inquiry on "Bloody Sunday" - Day 1

2006-10-12T19:36:00.000+08:00

SUMMARY OF PROCEEDINGS

Today (5 October 2006) is the 1^st day of the inquiry. The inquiry will continue on the following days:

October 6, 11, 12, 13, 16, 17 & 18

Members of the Panel:

v Dato’ K.C. Vohrah (Chairperson)

v Dato’ Choo Siew Kioh

v Dato’ Dr. Michael Yeoh

v Datin Paduka Zaitoon Dato’ Othman

Venue:
SUHAKAM Inquiry Room, Level 29, Menara Tun Razak, Jalan Raja Laut, KL.

Background of the incident:
In protest to the sharp fuel price hike, three peaceful protests had been organized by a number of NGOs, political parties and the MTUC (Malaysia Trade Union Congress) on 3rd, 10th and 26th of March 2006 in front of the KLCC. On the 26th of March, the police dispersed the peaceful crowd violently and arrested 22 protestors. Many protestors were injured due to police brutality. A complaint was submitted to SUHAKAM on 31 March 2006.

On 28 May 2006, the Coalition to Protest Fuel Price Hike (PROTES) once again organized a demonstration in front of KLCC to voice the plights of all Malaysians who are heavily burdened by the fuel price and electricity tariff hike. Unfortunately, the peaceful assembly was dispersed by the police with brute force and excessive violence. 20 people were arrested, including one minor. Many protestors were beaten and kicked by the Federal Reserve Unit (FRU) personnel. Several protestors were badly injured. The tragic day was dubbed “Bloody Sunday”.

After filing complaint to SUHAKAM, civil society groups made numerous efforts to urge SUHAKAM to hold public inquiry on police brutality in the aforesaid demonstration. After a long wait, SUHAKAM has finally agreed to hold a public inquiry into the incident.

Watching Brief with Observer Status:

1. Sivarasa Rasiah - Bar Council Legal Aid Centre (KL)
2. Amer Hamzah - Bar Council Legal Aid Centre (KL)
3. Edmund Bon - Bar Council

Watching brief:

1. M. Moganambal - Bar Council Legal Aid Centre (KL)
2. R. Ragunanthanan - Bar Council Legal Aid Centre (KL)
3. Ramesh - Bar Council Legal Aid Centre (KL)
4. Latheefa Koya - Bar Council Legal Aid Centre (KL)
5. Stephanie Bastian - Bar Council Legal Aid Centre (KL)
6. Sheena - Bar Council Legal Aid Centre (KL)
7. Chang Lih Kang - SUARAM

Today’s witnesses:

1. Chua Tian Chang

2. Badrul Hisham bin Shaharin

3. Lance Corporal Mohd Nasarudin Hashim

Police’s Video Confirmed that the Assembly was Peaceful

After allowing lawyers to assist in the inquiry, Dato’ K.C. Vohrah, the chairperson of the inquiry panel kicked off the inquiry by calling the first witness, Chua Tian Chang (hereinafter referred to as Tian). Tian was one of the main organizers and he is now the Information Chief of Parti Keadilan Rakyat.

1^st witness: I saw a pool of blood on the ground. Police should have learnt from other ASEAN countries

Tian was asked about the overall situation on the day of the demonstration. The inquiry panel inquired in detail on the incident. The inquiry panel also asked some questions about the Anti Fuel Price Hike Coalition – PROTES. Tian has given the SUHAKAM panel a full picture of the incident.

According to Tian, there was a heavy police presence on the day of the protest. The organizer has made it crystal clear that the demonstration on 28 May will be the last of the series of anti fuel price hike protests. Tian also told the inquiry panel that Dr. Hatta, the coordinator of the anti fuel price hike coalition (PROTES) had also reiterated this message in his speech on the day of assembly.

Besides, Tian told the inquiry panel that he could not hear the OCPD when the officer warned the crowd by using loud hailer. It was due to the noises caused by the helicopter and the warning was given when speaker, Ronnie Liu was delivering his speech. Tian told the inquiry panel that he saw a pool of blood on the ground after the police had left the scene. Towards the end of his testimony, Tian criticised the police for being selective in allowing public assemblies. He told the inquiry panel that the Malaysian police should have learnt from other ASEAN countries on how to handle big crowd, especially when the ASEAN Police Conference has just concluded.

2^nd witness: Water cannon hit me on my stomach, and I was dragged rudely by the police

Second witness was Badrul Hisham Shaharin, the coordinator of an anti-corruption organization, GERAK. Badrul Hisham Shaharin (hereinafter referred to as Badrul) was the emcee of the assembly on 28 May. He was eventually arrested by the police.

Badrul told the inquiry panel that he was the one who started off the assembly. After a short introduction, he then passed the microphone to the coordinator of the assembly, Dr. Hatta to deliver his speech. Badrul recalled, Dr. Hatta only spoke for a very short while and the second speaker took over. When the third speaker, Ronnie Liu was speaking, Badrul heard some noise from the police but he could not hear clearly what the OCPD was trying to address. He thought the OCPD might be requesting the crowd to disperse, so he tried to communicate with the OCPD through sign language. After some exchanges, he was made to understand that the police was giving them another 5 minutes. Unfortunately, water cannon were unleashed from the truck after hardly two minutes.

The water cannon hit Badrul on his stomach and he fell to the ground because of the force. He was immediately surrounded by 5 to 6 police personnel and was rudely dragged for some 30 yards. According to Badrul, his pants were torn due to the crass dragging. He was then handcuffed and placed into the paddy wagon. He saw Zahir Hassan, the deputy secretary general of Parti Keadilan Rakyat in the wagon. Zahir was badly injured and his mouth was seen bleeding.

Badrul told the inquiry panel that he was not prosecuted to date.

3rd witness: The video was not doctored

The third witness of the inquiry is Lance Corporal Mohd Nasarudin Hashim. Mohd Nasarudin Hashim (hereinafter referred to as Nasarudin) is a FRU personnel, who was instructed to record video during the 28 May assembly. Nasarudin told the inquiry panel that the FRU commander who instructed him was Chief Inspector Pusparajen.

Nasarudin also told the inquiry that Chief Inspector Pusparajen did not direct him to film any specific scene. He testified that the video was not doctored.

The 17-min video was played at the inquiry. The video has clearly shown that the gathering was peaceful until the police acted.

The inquiry adjourned at around 4:30pm and further questions will be asked of Nasarudin on the next inquiry date.

Representatives of the FRU, police and Attorney-General’s Chamber were invited by SUHAKAM as observer but were not present today.

Prepared by,

Chang Lih Kang

Lecturer also kena? Biasalah...

2006-10-04T23:54:00.000+08:00

I think many people in the English-speaking circle know Azmi Sharom very well. Dr. Azmi is the former deputy dean of the UM Law faculty. He is very vocal in issues of academic freedom and campus democracy. He writes prolifically in English dailies.

I was told that Azmi received a show cause letter from the university, after the below piece was published in The Star. What do you think about UM's ranking in Times next year?

High jinks in student politics?

COMMENT

by AZMI SHAROM

STUDENT politics bores me. Nothing can be more soul-numbing than a bunch of young people whining about the poor food in their colleges or the lack of parking spaces for the cars that daddy bought them.

My interest in student elections is therefore not based on the issues but on the process itself. This interest arises out of my dual role as a lawyer and as an educator.

Let’s take the first role: the lawyer. Lawyers are often the brunt of unflattering jokes and usually we tell the best ones. But amidst the snide comments about our shark-like tendencies, it is forgotten that at the core of our values should be justice and fairness. If we don’t have these ideals, then really, what’s the point of being a lawyer?

In the interest of fairness and justice then, it is important to make sure that things are run in a manner that reflects these two ideals. In this sense, I do not think that the way student elections are conducted on our public university campuses pass muster. Let’s begin by looking at the less contentious points first.

The rules in place with regard to campaigning are really laughable. There are banners and posters put up here and there but they say absolutely nothing except the name of the candidate. There is no mention of their policy grounds and their campaign promises. This is made worse by the fact that the candidates are given about a day to campaign! Add to this the ban on the creation of formal coalitions, and what you get are voters who have little opportunity to know who they are voting for. It makes a mockery of the idea of a true democracy.

Why the crazy rules? There has been since the 70s a fear on the part of the Government that students are a political force to be reckoned with. This was why the draconian University and University Colleges Act (UUCA) was passed; to neuter this force. In the late 1990s, in the fervour of reformasi, again student bodies were at the forefront calling for political change.

In the light of all this, efforts have been made to make sure that university elections cannot reflect in any way real politics. That is why the system is set up to be so utterly sterile and insipid. As though it is not bad enough that the UUCA prevents students from having any sort of political party allegiances, their campus politics are emasculated to such an extent that it becomes near impossible to reflect any sort of political views.

Now we get to the contentious issues. Not content with stifling the entire election process, university authorities then decide to get actively involved by clearly supporting one group of student candidates over another. The group of choice is known as the Aspirasi group. All sorts of lavish treatment are given to this group, and its candidates are seen very much as the university’s candidates of choice.

Certain activities which can be seen to be in contravention of the UUCA like the Selangor state government’s treating Aspirasi candidates to a stay in a luxury hotel in Petaling Jaya prior to the elections this year, go unquestioned.

It’s rather funny that students would align themselves with the university authorities when really they should be aligning themselves with the student body, but never mind, different strokes for different folks. The problem here is that this sort of cosiness breeds a mentality that somehow the Aspirasi members are a sort of semi-university authority.

I argue that that is why the student representatives of a public university who abused fellow students for merely setting up a help desk behaved in that way. They obviously thought that their thuggish behaviour was being done on behalf of their university. The fact that they did not get even the mildest slap on the wrist seems to show that the university too believes this.

What is worse are the accusations, so far not properly investigated, that university authorities and Aspirasi candidates actually threaten students with expulsion from residential colleges if they do not vote for Aspirasi.

Things also take a fishy turn when votes are marked in such a way as to be traceable back to the voter, and electronic voting, as conducted in some universities, cannot be scrutinised.

Speaking of scrutiny, I wonder why a recent delegation of Aspirasi members begged the Government not to allow Suhakam to monitor student elections. I have always thought that if you have nothing to hide, it matters not if you are being scrutinised. Obviously, I’m mistaken.

This practice of favouring one camp over the other is not limited to election time either. Worrying reports from students suggest that for ordinary student projects, Student Affairs will be more helpful if the project members were Aspirasi supporters. If this is true, and please note I am not saying it is, then what we have here is full-scale corruption.

It is imperative that all universities are thoroughly investigated by a neutral third party to come to the truth. Are student elections being conducted in a manner that is as constitutional and as democratic as possible? Are allegations of Student Affairs’ unethical involvement in student politics and everyday student activities true?

If these allegations are true, they must be put to a stop. If they are not true, let it be shown by a neutral third party that they are not true.

Although not completely definitive, an occurrence during the last student elections is worrying and is further reason why a proper investigation should be conducted. What happened was that the voting for two faculty representatives had to be done again because the number of votes was more than the number of voters. The original vote was done at the various colleges. The re-election was done at the Faculty concerned.

In the first vote, an Aspirasi candidate came first, narrowly followed by an independent candidate. In the re-election, the two independent candidates won by a margin far larger that the original vote.

What this shows are two possibilities. Either the original votes were tampered with or that students voted differently when the venue for the election was a neutral one. (Colleges have a reputation of being very pro-Aspirasi.)

As an educator, I pray that these allegations can be proven to be categorically untrue. Because if they are true, then what are we teaching our young people? That it is OK to have an electoral system that favours one group over all else? That it is OK to use one’s power to behave in an unethical manner so that one can win?

If these are the lessons being imparted – and remember they are being imparted to the future leaders of a nation that is supposedly a democracy –then God help us all. Because a nation led on cynical Machiavellian pragmatism and not the ideals of democracy and fair play would be a poor nation indeed.

A civil rights activist remembered

2006-09-27T00:07:00.000+08:00

I do not wish to turn my blog into an obituary site. However, September 2006 is a sad month for our country. We lost two great men and I think I am obliged to express my appreciations towards them. They are Pak Rashid Maidin, who departed on 1st of September; and Mr. Chong King Liong, who passed away on 8 September.

Chong King Liong, a name which is not so familiar to the English and Bahasa Malaysia-speaking community though, is a great man to be remembered. He is remembered for fighting for what was right, and for upholding justice without fear or favour.

Mr. Chong was the 7th president of the progressive KL Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall. He was elected in the eventful late 80's. As an engineer, Mr. Chong was a rare bird to hold the president post, which were normally being held by wealthy tycoons. Nevertheless, Chong was one of the best presidents in the history of the KL Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall.

In the eyes of many people, Chong may not be a charismatic leader due to his low profile leading style. However, his predecessor, Mr. Chew Xiang Zhi (translation) who was also a dedicated civil rights activist, has vividly described him as "a man of action". Throughout his wonderful life, Chong had done uncountable good deeds and had set a commendable example to the young generation.

In 1987, Education Ministry appointments of some 100 senior assistants and principals to vernacular Chinese schools. This provoked a storm of protest when it was learnt that those appointed were not Chinese (Mandarin)-educated. Dong Jiao Zong, political parties and many organisations held a 2,000-strong gathering at the Hainanese Association Building on 11 October 1987, to protest against the government's decision. People deemed that the government's move was a calculated plot to erode the mother-tongue language system. Chong, who was only elected as the president of the KL Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall months ago, was the Chairperson of the gathering. Sixteen days later, the then Prime Minister Dr. Mahathir Mohamad arrested 106 political and social activists under the Internal Security Act (ISA), and revoked publishing license of two dailies and two weeklies. Yes, that was the infamous Operation Lalang!

Although Chong was not arrested, but his close comrades such as Lim Fong Seng (chairperson of Dong Zong) and Dr. Kua Kia Soong (Civil Rights Committee) were among the victims. Chong did not shy away during the period where "white terror" prevailed. In contrary, he led the campaign to release all the ISA detainees who were denied their right to fair trial. He was one of the very few activists who had the courage to stay on and fought side by side with the detainees' families.

Although Mr. Chong was a Chinese-educated professional, one can smell no stink of racial chauvinism from him. Besides his couragous leadership during the stormy period, Chong was one of the founders of the KL Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall Civil Rights Committee. The Civil Rights Committee played a vital role in the vibrant civil rights movement in the 80's. It was the bridge between Chinese-educated intellectuals and english-educated NGO activists. The Civil Rights Committee remains vocal in many Human Rights issues today.

There are many more good things to say about this great man. However, it is more important for the young generation to inheritate his great spirit in fighting injustice.

"In the struggle of Human Rights and democracy, we can't remain silent." - a meaningful quote from the heroic Chong King Liong

Who is being sponsored by Jewish elements?

2006-09-16T13:10:00.000+08:00

At the compulsory one-day seminar themed ‘Seminar Bina Negara Mahasiswa’, first-year students of USM were told Malaysian student groups are being sponsored by Jewish elements hoping to undermine the nation’s security. The Hong Kong based Asian Students Association (ASA), Malaysia Youth and Students Democratic Movement (DEMA), USM Student Progressive Front (USMSPF) and Persatuan Bahasa Tionghua USM (PBTUSM) were among groups which were named in the seminar.

However, looking at the following facts, I am doubtful. Who is actually being sponsored by the so-called Jewish elements?

FACT 1: Our elegant Prime Minister, Dollah Badawi is a lovely man to Bush, I suppose. In the official White House's statement, Malaysia is called a "stalwart ally" in the US-led War on Terrorism. According to an officer of the US State Department: "Malaysia has established a nascent regional Counter Terrorism (CT) center and regional training and cooperation is at an all time high."

Besides, Malaysia and the United States have also launched negotiations for a Free-Trade Agreement (FTA), in spite of immense protest from the civil society.

FACT 2: Meanwhile, DEMA and the USMSPF which were named as being sponsored by Jewish elements are "stalwart" partner of the Stop the War Coalition. Since the US-led war on Afghanistan, DEMA and USMSPF have been actively participating in all anti-war activities. Their presence can be seen in the anti Afghanistan war rally, anti Iraq war rally and also the recent anti Lebanon war protest.

Don't tell me the Jewish (the bad ones of course) are so stupid by paying somebody to protest against their policies.

So, BTN should now change its courses' content. Otherwise, it's high time to scrap this propaganda wing of the ruling regime.

Al-Fatihah

2006-09-04T21:59:00.000+08:00

I hear with sorrow the news of the death of Rashid Maidin, a true independence fighter of our country. I was in Penang when I heard about the news on 1 September 2006, and was unable to post a message of condolence on this blog timely.

I do not know the former leader of the Communist Party of Malaya (CPM) personally. I first learned his name through the mainstream history book, along with Chin Peng and Chen Tien, who were the CPM representatives in Baling Peace Talk. The mainstream history is, of course, unkind to Pak Rashid at all. Nevertheless, I am fortunate enough to understand the genuine history of Malaysia and recognise the greatness of numerous anti-colonial warriors, including Pak Rashid Maidin.

For those who are still believing that the independence of Malaya in 1957 was the result of the peaceful negotiation in London, I strongly recommend this book to you - Memoir Rashid Maidin, Dari Perjuangan Bersenjata Kepada Perdamaian. Besides, you should also read the statement of the PAS's Research Institute (Pusat Penyelidikan PAS Pusat).

After learning the genuine history, disseminate the information to your friends, so that they will not continue indulging in the "Fairy-Tale" of UMNO version's MERDEKA!

Rest in peace, Pak Rashid. Grateful Malaysians salute you!

I dare you to do the same...

2006-08-28T10:41:00.000+08:00

Below is the statutory declaration of Chew Siew Fong, which was sworn before the Commissioner of Oath, Vijeya Murugasu.

AKUAN BERKANUN

Saya, CHEW SIEW FONG (No. Kad Pengenalan: 831125-08-5616) beralamat di 523, Jln 18/6, Taman Sri Serdang, 43300 Seri Kembangan, Selangor, dengan ini sesungguhnya dan sebenarnya mengatakan bahawa:-

1. Pada 17 Julai 2006 (Isnin), bos saya, Encik Chang Teck Peng (Ketua pengarang Merdekareview.com) menyuruh saya pergi ke Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) untuk membuat liputan berita tentang persatuan pelajar di dalam UPM. Saya tiba di cafe k12 pada pukul 6 petang. Pada masa itu , Gerakan Mahasiswa Maju (GMM) UPM sedang mengadakan kaunter perkhidmatan.

2. Pada pukul 6.30 petang, saya nampak Pengerusi Majlis Perwakilan Pelajar (MPP) Abdul Manaf bin Ariffin mengetuai kira-kira 50 orang pelajar mara ke depan kaunter perkhidmatan GMM. Timbalan pengerusi Majlis Tertinggi Mahasiswa (MTM) kolej 12,Eddy Azuan menunjukkan kenyataan mengenai AUKU dan menyatakan kaunter perkhidmatan Mahasiswa tidak didaftarkan dan tidak boleh mengadakan aktiviti di dalam kampus.

3. GMM tidak meninggalkan kafeteria kolej 12 kerana mereka tidak membuat apa-apa. Kumpulan pelajar itu pun berundur ke tepi. Selepas 10 minit, mereka balik ke kaunter GMM.

4. Mereka dengan kasarnya menolak meja, menarik kerusi saudari Wong Chai Yi serta menolak kerusi saudara Ooi Tze Min dan saudara Ng Yong Jin sehingga jatuh. Mereka juga bersorak-sorak, menjerit, bernyanyi dan menghentak meja dengan kuat. Mereka mengepong 6 orang pelajar GMM.

5. Saya sebagai seorang pelatih wartawan, mula menangkap gambar, tetapi pelajar-pelajar yang mengepong pelajar GMM cuba menghalang saya daripada terus mengambil gambar. Mereka menggunakan kasut, bola rugby untuk menghalang saya. Saya bercakap banyak kali ”Jangan Sentuh Saya”. Mereka tidak mendengar dan terus menghampiri saya. Ada seorang pelajar Melayu yang memakai cermin mata banyak kali menganggu saya dan mendampingi saya. Saya berasa terancam.

6. Sekumpulan orang mengepong pelajar GMM. Saya seorang perempuan pula dikepong oleh beberapa orang lelaki. Saya berasa sangat takut. Mereka melakukan perbuatan yang tidak senonoh di depan saya. Tiba-tiba, ada orang menarik saya ke arah pelajar GMM. Nama dia Lee Huat Seng. Dia telah menyelamatkan saya daripada keadaan yang teruk itu. Kami tidak membuat apa-apa. Saya bersama-sama dengan pelajar GMM, berdiam diri, berdiri sahaja dan menunggu ketibaan polis.

7. Mereka terus mengepong kami. Mereka menjerit-jerit di tepi kami. Saya cuba mencatatkan perbualan mereka. Mereka merampas pen saya. Tiba-tiba, ada orang cuba merampas kamera saya dari belakang. Kamera saya terikat pada tangan kanan saya. Saya ditarik dan terjatuh bersama dengan saudari Wong Chai Yi.

8. Apabila polis tiba , saya berasa selamat dan menangis dengan kuat. Orang-orang yang mengepong kami terus mengusik saya dengan meniru cara saya menangis. Dalam seluruh kejadian, pegawai keselamatan yang bernama Yusof bin Mohaideen pun berada di tempat kejadian (kafeteria K12), tetapi beliau tidak menghalang kira-kira 50 orang pelajar daripada terus membuat kacau-bilau.

9. Selepas itu, kami pun membuat laporan polis di balai polis Sri Serdang. Saya diberitahu bahawa polis telah mengklasifikasikan kes ini sebagai kes jenayah.

10. Pada hari 28 Julai, saya telah dipanggil untuk berjumpa dengan Jawatankuasa Siasatan di Kolej Muhamed Rashid (KMR), UPM pada pukul 10 pagi. Pelajar lain yang turut dipanggil adalah saudara Ooi Tze Min, saudari Lim Sok Swan dan saudara Kam Poay Hua.

11. Penyiasatan bermula dengan meminta kami menulis semula kronologi kejadian tersebut. Selepas itu, kami dipanggil untuk memberi keterangan seorang demi seorang, di dalam sebuah bilik yang berlainan.

12. Berikut adalah percakapan apabila tiba giliran saya untuk memberi keterangan:-

a) Pengerusi Jawatankuasa Siasatan, Dr. Abdul Rahman menanya saya, ”Anda consider sendiri pelajar atau pelatih wartawan dalam kejadian kafe k12?” Saya menjawab ”Saya ialah seorang pelatih wartawan. ”

b) ”Adakah anda pelajar UPM ?” Saya menjawab ”Ya.”

c) Beliau juga tanya saya, sama ada saya telah mendapat degree saya? Saya menjawab belum.

d) ”Berapa ramai orang dikepong?” Saya menjawab ”6, 7 orang.”

e) Beliau bertanya:”Pasti?” Saya berfikir untuk seketika dan menjawab ”7 orang.”

f) ”Mengapa anda terjatuh?” Saya menjawab:” Ada orang cuba merampas kamera saya dari belakang dan saya pun terjatuh bersama dengan saudari Wong Chai Yi.”

g) ”Anda mahu laporkan ?” Saya menjawab:” Ya, kerana kamera saya cuba dirampas dan rosak.”

h) Pengerusi Jawatankuasa Siasatan Dr. Abdul Rahman memberitahu saya bahawa saya perlu menyatakan nama dan fakulti orang yang merampas kamera saya. Saya memberitahu beliau bahawa saya tidak kenal orang itu. Dr. Abdul Rahman pun bercakap pihak UPM tidak dapat tolong. Saya kena cari investigator.

i) Beliau juga bertanya adakah saya mendapat kebenaran untuk masuk ke UPM. Saya jawab tidak, kerana saya juga pelajar upm yang tinggal di luar kampus.

j) Beliau memberitahu saya bahawa saya tidak mendapat kebenaran daripada pihak universiti dan tidak dapat menyatakan nama orang yang merampas kamera saya, pihak universiti tidak akan bayar ganti rugi kepada saya.

k) Beliau seterusnya bertanya mengapa saya berada di kafeteria pada masa itu. Saya menjawab saya datang untuk membuat liputan tentang persatuan pelajar.

l) Beliau minta saya memberi definasi kepada ”keganasan” kerana saya menulis perkataan ”keganasan”dalam laporan saya. Saya menjawab orang-orang itu menolak orang, menjerit dan merampas kamera saya. Dr. Abdul Rahman pun berkata, ini bukan ”keganasan”, tetapi ”kasar”.

m) Dr. Abdul Rahman menanya saya mengapa tangkap gambar? Saya menjawab saya sebagai seorang pelatih wartawan, saya perlu menjalan tanggungjawab saya. Beliau bercakap: ”Kalau anda ditangkap gambar oleh orang lain, apa perasaan anda?”

n) Beliau juga menanya saya dari mana saya dapat gambar? Saya bercakap dari pelajar GMM.

o) Beliau bertanya: ”Kamera kamu telah rosak, mengapa kamu masih mendapat gambar? Ada apa niat?” Saya pun bertanya balik: ”Ada apa niat?” Beliau menjawab tidak tahu.

p) Beliau menanya saya adakah saya tahu tanggungjawab dan tugas saya? Saya menjawab saya hanya mengikut arahan bos saya. Saya hanya melaporkan kebenaran.

13. Seluruh proses penyiasatan ada direkodkan dengan kamera video.

14. Saya tidak pernah mengaku di depan Jawatankuasa Siasatan bahawa saya terjatuh atas kecuaian sendiri.

15. Saya mengatakan apa yang diakui di sini adalah dibuat secara rela tanpa dipaksa oleh mana-mana pihak.

Dan saya membuat akuan berkanun ini dengan kepercayaan bahawa apa-apa yang tersebut di dalamnya adalah benar serta menurut Akta Akuan Berkanun 1960.

Diperbuat dan dengan sebenarnya )
Diakui oleh penama yang tersebut di atas )
Iaitu CHEW SIEW FONG )
Di Serdang, Selangor pada 23hb Ogos 2006 )

Dihadapan saya,

...............................................
PESURUHJAYA SUMPAH

I swear...You lied!

2006-08-28T02:23:00.000+08:00

The UPM VC has told the world that the fracas that had happened in the campus is settled, hoping people will forget the disgrareful incident by and by. Unfortunately, his plan is not going to work this time. The students who were being victimised by mobs did not give up. Instead, they rebutted all lies which were told by the UPM VC, in several Statutory Declarations, sworn before a Commissioner of Oath.

In her statutory declaration, Chew Siew Fong, a trainee reporter of an online news portal (merdekareview.com) who was alleged by the UPM VC to have slipped and fallen on her own, rebutted the lie forcefully. She has also disclosed the conversations between the so-called "independent" inquiry panel and herself. (* I will post her full Statutory Declaration tomorrow, judge it by yourself)

The SPF (Student Progressive Front) students have shown their determination to reveal the truth of the incident, does the UPM authority has guts to uncover the verity?

UPM students want new inquiry
http://www.sun2surf.com/article.cfm?id=15255

Scuffle: UPM urged not to hide report
http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/55852

The cheerleader?!

2006-08-19T13:21:00.000+08:00

What was he doing?

According to the UPM Vice Chancellor, this guy was merely "singing and cheering"! When the VC was asked to explain the video recording which clearly showed pro-campus authority students shouting and bullying SPF students, he said:"The video-clip is subject to interpretation."

What a classic argument! If that's the case, can we "interpret" his act as yawning or performing an opera bouffe?

UPM ruckus: Students let off with an "advice"
http://www.sun2surf.com/article.cfm?id=15178

UPM scuffle: No action against mob
http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/55593

Our future Guru Kaunseling

2006-08-14T18:51:00.000+08:00

I have nearly forgotten that some of you might have not seen Abdul Manaf "in action". Picture on the right shows that he was "acting" professionally in the UPM's "animal farm" fracas, which he accused it was "planned" by the Students Progressive Front (GMM).

Picture on the left shows that Abdul Manaf Ariffin, again was "acting" professionally, in the UPM's "damage control" farce, planned by the university itself.

Damn sophisticated! He should be nominated as Oscar Best Actor. Don't you think so?

Tale of two liars

2006-08-12T14:35:00.000+08:00

After an idiotic damage control event, which has clearly failed to whitewash the wrong doings of the UPM pro-universiti mob, the mob-related camp has desperately come out with brand-new vengeance plan.

In an (in?)famous website run by pro-universiti faction, the mob leader of UPM, Abdul Manaf Arrifin becomes a hero! He was interviewed by the website and all lies he told was published in a way as if he was telling the truth.

The only argument he has used to distort the entire incident is that the incident was planned by the Student Progressive Front (or better known in their Malay acronym as GMM). He questioned the presence of the merdekareview reporter and the video camera. He even mentioned my name and my presence in UPM after the incident as one of his "arguments".

Hey boy, can you please think or at least ask someone to think for you before you want to tell lies next time? Something can only be planned if both parties are under one's control. For instance, I can only plan a robbery if the robbers are under my directive. Are Abdul Manaf and gangs under the directive of GMM?

Don't tell me by being robbed and recorded the process of the robbery, I become the mastermind of the robbery. If that is the case, all banks which were robbed were the planner of those robberies, because they have hired security guards and planted CCTVs?

I am really worried about the students who are going to encounter this counselling teacher! (For your information, Abdul Manaf Arrifin is a student of Bachelor Pendidikan Bimbingan dan Kaunseling. No joke, it's counselling!)

Here's another "hero" telling the same pathetic lie......His name is Chong Haw Eong, exco of the UPM Student Representative Council (colleague of Abdul Manaf Arrifin). In his interview to Akhbar Mahasiswa, he even compared GMM to Taiwan's President Chen. Although some facts are wrong in Chong's statement, but what he was trying to say is, GMM used same tactics as President Chen, who had allegedly hired someone to shoot at his stomach during an election campaign, to gain popularity.

Apparantly, Chong did not utilise his brain when he was giving the Taiwan's example. Even if the allegation against President Chen is true, the sniper who shot at him will be under his directive; is your gang of mob under GMM's directive? Otherwise, how do people know when are you going to be stupid? When are you going to act macho? When are you going to shout like a moron?

Without knowing all these, how to rancang?

Simple questions for you, Mr. Minister

2006-07-17T17:10:00.000+08:00

Very simple questions for Mustapa Mohamed, Minister of Higher Education.

1) How sincere is the ministry / government to amend UUCA, in order to "free" the students from their fetters?
If the government is sincere, how come there are so many cases of university authority suppressing the students' activities during the orientation month? How come the perpetrators are not punished?

2) How true is the statement of the President of UM Students Representative Council, Mohd Effendy, who has indicated that the slanderous booklet (left) was printed by the Ministry of Higher Education and Biro Tata Negara? Why there is no details of the publisher?
The content of the booklet is simply malicious. It is tantamount to defamation. If it is not published by the ministry, Mohd Effendy should be punished for slandering the ministry; otherwise, put the name of the ministry openly, rather than hiding behind like a coward!

3) Can you show us some study facts or researches that lead us to the conclusion that Suqiu is extreme, Kampung Medan incident was caused by Indians or DAP was the cause of the May 13 riot in 1969?
The "Ethnic Relation" is a compulsory subject in all major universities. If the textbook of a subject in the university can be based solely on the authors' interpretation, without any academic substantiation, what kind of graduates you are expecting?

Ini isu umat sejagat!

2006-07-08T02:24:00.000+08:00

At around 2pm today (Friday), my friends and I attended a huge demonstration in front of the US embassy. It was a protest on Israeli aggression against the Palestinian. About a week ago, Israeli abducted dozens of Palestinian Cabinet Ministers and members of parliament (including the Deputy Prime Minister), merely to pressure for the release of a captured Israeli soldier.

All the while, Israel and the US have been accusing HAMAS as terrorist group, and when HAMAS gained overwhelming victory in the Palestine general election this January, they refused to engage with HAMAS. Ironically, after the "terrorist" came into power in less than one year, dozens of them were rounded up by the "JUST Force".

For your information, Malaysia has no diplomatic tie with Israel, therefore, there is no Israeli embassy. Nevertheless, as Israeli's closest ally and arm supplier, the United States deserves a protest in front of their embassy.

The crowd was huge, and around 99% of them are Muslims. We marched from Tabung Haji to the British High Commission, (British has to bear full responsibility on what is happening in Palestine and Israel too) then only we marched to the US embassy. There was no untoward incident throughout the march.

As non muslim, my friends and I have no hesitance at all to be part of the procession. Although we heard slogans like "Allahuakhbar!", "Palestine belongs to Muslims!", "Hidup Islam!" etc, we firmly recognise that the issue of Palestine is not an issue of Muslims or Islam, it is an issue of humanity and human rights. Many Muslim friends shook my hand and thanked me for attending the demonstration and supporting "their issue", I told them, "Ini isu umat sejagat!"

Israel arrests Hamas leadership
http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/087CE7F6-233F-4AB7-A48F-E42A2C3C7676.htm

Another protest is coming to town...

2006-05-22T21:35:00.000+08:00

The Anti Fuel Price Hike Alliance (PROTES) is organising another protest rally on 28th of May. The date is significant because it is 3-month anniversary of the latest fuel price hike (which was announced on 28th of February) After organising for more than one month, the organisers are confident to gather bigger crowd than all the previous protests.

The details of the rally are as below:

Date : 28 May 2006 (Sunday)

Time : 10 am

Venue : KLCC

In the recently concluded Sarawak election, urban class voters have sent a strong message to the government - If the government is not able to protect the interest of the people, we are not hesitate to make a change!

"Protes Sampai Turun!" is the slogan of the organisers. They have proved their determination, how about you?

Protes Harga Minyak
http://proteshargaminyak.blogspot.com/

Stand firm on freedom of assembly

2006-05-18T16:35:00.000+08:00

On 14 may 2006, a group of protestors had disrupted a public forum in Penang, which was to discuss the supremacy of the Federal Constitution. According to the organisers of the forum (Article 11), they were "ordered" to abort the forum by the policemen.

The incident has outraged many people, especially the non-muslims. Many so-called "liberals" have even condemned the police force for not dispersing the "mob". However, we must be extra careful when commenting the incident.

I am totally with you if you are supporting the Article 11 coalition and criticize the protestors for being conservative and intolerant. However, if we criticize the police for not clamping down the demonstrating crowd, we are putting ourselves in a bad light.

When peaceful assemblies such as anti-war protest, anti fuel price hike protest, Mayday rallies, anti-ISA procession etc were forcefully dispersed by the police, we stood firmly in defending our right to assemble peaceably; but why are we now asking the police to disperse the crowd outside the hotel where the public forum was held? Did they throw stones? Did they resort to violence? Did they bring arms?

If we ask the authority to suppress demonstrations which are not in our favor, we are asking for troubles. The double standard that we apply on others today will eventually make ourselves the sacrificial lamb!

Between the JUMBOs

2006-05-07T01:24:00.000+08:00

I am invited to speak about weblog (blog) in a seminar co-organised by Civil Rights Committee and WAMI (Writers Alliance for Media Independence). The seminar is in Mandarin and will be held on 10 May 2006 (Wednesday), 8pm at the Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall. The title of the seminar is "The Populace's Media - The Application and Function of Blogs" (translation)

I thought it was ok when Chong Soon (my housemate cum exco of WAMI) asked me to speak. Although I am not very good in blogging, but I think no harm telling others about my experience as a fresh blogger. However, I was shocked when the organiser told me that my co-speakers are Jeff Ooi and Jeremiah Foo, both are famous bloggers in Malaysia.

I am very nervous now. I do not even know what to prepare...... It is mind-boggling that small-timer like me can speak about blogs together with Jeremiah and Jeff. This is tantamount to giving political speech in front of Anwar Ibrahim and Mat Sabu! Amazing!

Anyway, I will try my best to prepare my presentation. All of you are cordially invited to the talk.

By the way, I think I need a name starts with J too - Jeremy. Is it ok? ;p

Screenshots
http://jeffooi.com/

Jerry's Alter Ego
http://jeremiahfoo.com/

Don't just shop!

2006-05-01T23:05:00.000+08:00

1st of May is a public holiday, which is the only thing most Malaysians know. Many people will take this opportunity to consume in luxurious hypermarket; whereas some will take a good rest at home. This is exactly what the government want to promote on this significant day - consumerism and being apolitical. However, there are people out there who will always remind us that May Day is traditionally a day of struggle against exploitation and capitalism!

Lest we forget the origin of this particular day, here's the history:

May 1st, the International Workers' Day (or May Day) is the commemoration of the historic struggle of working people throughout the world, and is recognized in most countries. The United States of America and Canada are among the exceptions. This despite the fact that the holiday began in the 1880s in the USA, linked to the battle for the eight-hour day.

In 1884, the Federation of Organized Trades and Labor Unions of the United States and Canada, organized in 1881 (and changing its name in 1886 to American Federation of Labor) passed a resolution which asserted that "eight hours shall constitute a legal day's work from and after May 1, 1886, and that we recommend to labor organizations throughout this district that they so direct their laws as to conform to this resolution". The following year the Federation repeated the declaration that an eight-hour system was to go into effect on May 1, 1886. With workers being forced to work ten, twelve, and fourteen hours a day, support for the eight-hour movement grew rapidly.

On May 1st, 1886, more than 350,000 workers of the United States went on a general strike after most employers refused to accept the 8-hour working time resolution. Chicago was the main center of the agitation for a shorter day - 90,ooo workers went on strike. After the strike, 35,000 meat packers in Chicago were finally given 8 hours working time.

However, the victory did not last long. Unscrupulous capitalists bought over the policemen and judges. Between year 1886 to 1890, many union leaders were persecuted, some of them were even killed. On 1 May 1890, workers in United States gained solid support from the workers around the world. Besides US itself, workers in many Europe countries (especially England, Netherland, Italy, France, Spain and Russia) and several countries in Latin America held huge rallies. In the same year, the capitalists were forced to succumb to the workers, by allowing workers to have 8-hour working time per day and 1 rest day in a week.

In 1919, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) had accepted 8-hour working time per day as universal standard, and announced 1st of May as the International Workers' Day.

Asia0900: 2006 May Day Special
http://www.asia247.tv/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=47&Itemid=52

Scrap DDA, stop detention without trial!

2006-04-25T19:38:00.000+08:00

SUARAM had launched a booklet on the Dangerous Drugs (Special Preventive Measures) Act 1985 last weekend. Three speakers were invited to speak on the topic. They were Dato' Siva Subramaniam (SUHAKAM commissioner), saudara S. Arutchelvan (secretariat members of SUARAM) and saudara Gobin Singh (lawyer).

In spite of the cold response from public and press, the panelists gave very good analysis on the Dangerous Drugs Act, which permits detention without trial. Similar to the Internal Security Act (ISA) and Emergency Ordinance (EO), Dangerous Drugs Act (DDA) can detain anyone without bringing him/her to the court. The number of detainees under the DDA is way more than the other two draconian laws. Unfortunately, due to the nature of the law (which has mostly been used on drugs traffickers and drugs addicts), the public has turned a blind eye on the sinister act.

In fact, according to the reply given by the Ministry of Internal Security during a sitting of the parliament in July 2005, a total of 5967 people had been detained under the DDA at Simpang Renggam Detention Centre between 2000 and June 2005. In comparison, ISA is nothing! (To date, there are approximately 103 ISA detainees in Kamunting Detention Camp)

The SUHAKAM commissioner has precisely pointed out that despite so many arrests under the DDA, crimes related to drugs remain rampant. So, it is high time for all members of the society to urge the government to:

SCRAP DDA and Stop Detention Without Trial!

p/s: Anyone who is interested to own this booklet, please contact me at 012-5173067 or 03-77843525. You can also drop by to pick it up at 433A, Jalan 5/46, Gasing Indah, 46000 PJ.

Ceramah Perdana: Protes Sampai Turun!

2006-04-17T12:19:00.000+08:00

Though there was no protest in the past two weeks, it doesn't mean people have given up on the fuel price hike issue. I would like to borrow an Indonesian adage here, "Air tenang jangan disangka tiada buaya" (Never think that still water doesn't have crocodiles)

People are preparing for a huge demonstration in the near future. As warming up, the organiser is organising a Ceramah Perdana tonight, at:

Date : 17 April 2006 (Monday)

Time : 8pm

Venue : Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall

Speakers :
Nasharudin Mat Isa (PAS)
S. Arutchelvan (PSM)
R. Sivarasiah (PKR)
Zaid Kamarudin (JIM)
Elizabeth Wong (SUARAM)
Syed Shahir (MTUC)
DAP representative
SMM representative

A fool's mouth is his destruction

2006-04-08T23:27:00.000+08:00

Few days ago, Samy Vellu’s press secretary E.Sivabalan used abusive language on malaysiakini journalist Beh Lih Yi when she attempted to approach the minister at the Parliament lobby.

He pointed finger at Lih Yi and said:"She is very rude. F**k that woman!"

This Sivabalan fella has gone too far, who is he to threaten the journalists? I am quite sure he does not know much about defamation or libel (law, I mean). But I can understand why he was so angry. People like him is so used to be flattered (and flattering, of course. One of the great jobs he has done is a book authored by him - Mahathir: Nadi Penggerak Bangsa, published in 1998). Sometimes, these people forgot their identity and started to act like big shot. This Sivabalan is one of those typical minister's famulus who has this kind of mindset.

When he is challenged by someone (Lih Yi in this case), he doesn't know how to handle. Doing nothing makes him feel shame (especially when he couldn't "control" a journalist in front of so many people) . Therefore, he can only resort to violence (spitting vulgar words). Of course, Lih Yi's young age and her gender are part of the reasons why that bugger was so daring.

Anyway, this incident has clearly shown us that one's accomplishment cannot be judged by their shining business suit and glittering leather shoes.

Salute to my brave and pretty comrade, Miss Beh!

Meaningful song: Man in black

2006-04-04T03:51:00.000+08:00

Opps, this is not the one by Mr. Jones and Mr. Smith, but it is by Mr. Johnny Cash, the famous country music singer! Below are the lyrics:

Well, you wonder why I always dress in black,
Why you never see bright colors on my back,
And why does my appearance seem to have a somber tone.
Well, there's a reason for the things that I have on.

I wear the black for the poor and the beaten down,
Livin' in the hopeless, hungry side of town,
I wear it for the prisoner who has long paid for his crime,
But is there because he's a victim of the times.

I wear the black for those who never read,
Or listened to the words that Jesus said,
About the road to happiness through love and charity,
Why, you'd think He's talking straight to you and me.

Well, we're doin' mighty fine, I do suppose,
In our streak of lightnin' cars and fancy clothes,
But just so we're reminded of the ones who are held back,
Up front there ought 'a be a Man In Black.

I wear it for the sick and lonely old,
For the reckless ones whose bad trip left them cold,
I wear the black in mournin' for the lives that could have been,
Each week we lose a hundred fine young men.

And, I wear it for the thousands who have died,
Believen' that the Lord was on their side,
I wear it for another hundred thousand who have died,
Believen' that we all were on their side.

Well, there's things that never will be right I know,
And things need changin' everywhere you go,
But 'til we start to make a move to make a few things right,
You'll never see me wear a suit of white.

Ah, I'd love to wear a rainbow every day,
And tell the world that everything's OK,
But I'll try to carry off a little darkness on my back,
'Till things are brighter, I'm the Man In Black

Johnny Cash

The giant and the dwarf

2006-03-29T02:10:00.000+08:00

NAZRI AZIZ told a press conference that future street protest on the fuel price hike issue will not be tolerated.

He said:"We don’t care what others say, we must enforce our laws [...] we might as well don’t have laws if we are not going to enforce them,"

MAHATMA GANDHI said:"An unjust law is itself a species of violence. Arrest for its breach is more so."

Petrol price stays, time for crackdown: Minister
http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/48933

My boss on podcast

2006-03-28T01:13:00.000+08:00

My boss, Yap Swee Seng is the Executive Director of SUARAM. Yap is very meticulous in his works. He is a USM graduate, holds a degree of Mass Communication. Yap is also a master degree holder of Essex university, UK. He studied master in Human Rights.

Besides his excellent academic achievement, Yap is a seasoned activist. He was the president of the USM Chinese Language Society. After his graduation, he participated actively in the progressive Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall Youth. He was elected as the secretary.

Even before Yap joins SUARAM, he played an active role in NGO movement. He was arrested in the 1996 APCET 2 conference. He is one of the 33 plaintiffs who filed a 83 million civil suit against the government. (I anticipate he will get about 5 million at the end of the day, that's why I am promoting him in my blog ;p)

Reputable human rights activist cum potential millionaire, hence, how could you miss his views on fuel price hike?

http://emuse.cc/bemused/?p=28

Related news:
Sparks fly at APCET II trial
http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/48046

US Imperialist - No. 1 Terrorist!

2006-03-21T17:21:00.000+08:00

Last year, there were only around 500 participants in the annual anti-war protest. The crowd was treated by chemical-laced water cannon though it was a peaceful assembly. 19 police reports were lodged against the then Cheras OCPD, ACP Mohd Noor. He was eventually transfered to other department.

One year after the incident, the people do not succumb to the pressure given by the authority. Instead, more protestors attended the anti-war protest held on last Sunday.

This year, the police was comparatively professional. They were willing to negotiate. No untoward incident happened in the protest. Once again, this has proven that public assemblies can be held in very peaceful manner if there is no provocation from the authority.

Below is the Anti-War Declaration read in the assembly:

Kuala Lumpur Anti-War Declaration - 19 March 2006

LIES, LIES and more LIES from the US and its Allies in their so-called "war against terror" causing untold deaths, destruction and misery. It has been THREE YEARS since the US and its Allies committed war of aggression against Iraq starting 20 March 2003. The invasion and continuing occupation of Iraq is an act that reaffirms the imperialist ambitions of the US, an act that defies international law, the United Nations, the worldwide anti-war protests and the will of the Iraqi people. The "war against terror" far from making the world a safer place, is making the world more and more unsafe. It fuels more wars, terrorism, deaths, destruction, Islamophobia, intolerance, hatred and the lowering of human rights standards.

It is already well-established that the Iraq war in reality has nothing to do with bringing "freedom and democracy" to Iraq. In 2004, medical journal the Lancet stated that more than 100,000 civilian Iraqis have been killed. Many more are killed on a daily basis. Thousands more are detained without trial in Iraq and many hundreds more in Guantanamo Bay. Torture and humiliation go hand in hand in these detentions.

As was the case in the invasion of Afghanistan, the invasion of Iraq is for the US to gain access to Iraq's oil and to strengthen its hegemony in the Middle East region by establishing a pro-US regime in Iraq, just as it did in Afghanistan. The US practices double standards; one set of standards for the US, its Allies and Israel, and another set of standards for Iraq, Palestine, Iran and any country that stands up to the US or its interests. The US Government is immoral, unrepentant and unrelenting. The US now plots for war against Iran.

The liberation of Iraq from US occupation and the accountability of the perpetrators are crucial to building global justice, the rule of law and a more equitable world. Their struggle is our struggle.

We condemn the continuing occupation, the use of torture, the lawlessness, the deaths and destruction and the absence of human rights standards in Iraq. We condemn all attacks anywhere on innocent civilians. We support the legitimate right of the people of Iraq to resist the occupation by all means necessary. We oppose the attempt by the US to legitimise its occupation through the setting up of a pro-US regime in Iraq.

We demand that the US and its Allies be held accountable for crimes against humanity, war crimes and the crime of aggression and be prosecuted under international law.

Immediately and unconditionally withdraw from Iraq now!

OUT OF IRAQ! HANDS OFF IRAN!

More photo:

http://www.imagestation.com/album/?id=2108200062

http://www.malaysiakini.com/pages/iraq/colin/

Related news:

Colourful anti-war protest draws 1,000
http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/48557

OUT OF IRAQ ! HANDS OFF IRAN !

2006-03-17T02:21:00.000+08:00

March is such a happenin month. There were already two demonstrations against fuel price hike in last two weeks. Here's another one coming...

A worldwide anti-war protest is to be held on the 19th of March (Sunday). It has been 3 years since the US and its Allies committed war of aggression against Iraq starting 20 March 2003. The war far from making the world a safer place, is making the world more and more unsafe.

We do not see peace, democracy and justice in Iraq; we are seeing death, destructions and misery. From the US and its allies, we can only hear LIES, LIES and more LIES!

Enough is enough! We are demanding US and its allies to immediately and unconditionally withdraw from Iraq.

In solidarity with peace-lovers from all over the world, Malaysia Anti War Coalition (Gabungan Anti Perang Malaysia) which consists of many NGOs and political parties is organising an annual anti-war protest at:

Date : 19 March 2006 (Sunday)

Time : 10:00 am

Venue : US Embassy, Jalan Tun Razak

Bring banners, bring placards, bring efigy, bring yourself and your friends.

For inquiries, call S. Arutchelvan (019-2537791) or Latheefa Koya (012-3842972)

For both of you, Bush and Blair!

Stop the War Coalition (Global)
http://www.stopwar.org.uk/

A comment of an old friend

2006-03-09T16:33:00.000+08:00

An old friend of mine has posted a comment in my chinese blog. It is regarding the reactions of Muslim world on the infamous caricature, published in a Denmark daily. The comment sounded as following:

Not my intention to say who is right and who is wrong. But, it is definitely a shame when you see thousands of so called Islam devoters smashing the windows, throwing stones, burning Danish flag, asking for the head of the writer...etc. These uncivilised acts shouldn't be from religious people who are exposed to good teachings. Use the mouth and brain to communicate, don't resort to violence! Btw, a thought provocating question: Would you, as a Buddhist who see the picture of Buddha on the cover of a disco CD from Hong Kong in pasar malam go and burn the Hong Kong flag? Would you also go to dismantle their embassy? would you ask for the head of the publisher?

Any comment?

We will be back!

2006-03-07T12:08:00.000+08:00

The demonstration against fuel price hike on last Friday was attended by more than 2000 people. The crowd was angry but well disciplined. Although the authority attempted to provoke the crowd by sending a helicopter to hover just 50 metres on top of the crowd, but the sober crowd caused no untoward incident.

In his speech, one of the organisers, Dr. Hatta Ramli has given the government an ultimatum - if the government failed to lower the fuel price in one week time, we will stage another demonstration at the same venue (KLCC) this Friday (10 March). He has also told the crowd to bring along cooking pot and frying pan, to symbolise the government's ignorance on the people's rice bowl.

Fellas, are you joining us this Friday?
More photos:
http://www.shagadelica.net/?p=212#more-212

http://www.flickr.com/photos/activehack/tags/protest/

Related news:
Malaysiakini: 2,000 vent anger over fuel price hike
http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/47774

Malaysiakini:Najib's explanation on fuel hike "pathetic"
http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/47696

FREEDOM in SOLIDARITY: Real economics is by its very nature political
http://jameswongwingon-online.blogspot.com/

See you on Friday!

2006-03-02T01:22:00.000+08:00

As predicted, the government increased the petrol price drastically on 28 February 2006. The new price of RON 97 petrol is now RM 1.92 per litre. Hours ago, it was only RM 1.62 per litre.

However, grouses in internet world do not help to stop the price hike. Let's do something to at least voice our dissatisfaction. Here comes an opportunity:

HARGA MINYAK NAIK LAGI !

Kenyataan Perdana Menteri:
HARGA PETROL DAN DIESEL NAIK 30 SEN!
Maka sekarang harga petrol ialah RM 1.92 dan diesel RM 1.58

- Kenaikan ini adalah yang tertinggi dalam 2 tahun dan kenaikan ke 4 dibawah pentadbiran kerajaan PAK LAH!

- Sebab Kenaikan: Kerajaan tak mampu subsidi dan duit subsidi akan digunakan untuk pembangunan and memperbaiki system pengangkutan awam.

- Kenapa kerajaan tak mampu: Duit kerajaan digunakan untuk membina Putrajaya, membantu MAS menampung kerugian, membaiki lebuhraya MRR2 dan bangunan Parlimen yang tidak dibuat dengan betul dari awal lagi

APA AKAN BERLAKU JIKA HARGA MINYAK NAIK???

· HARGA BARANG DI PASAR NAIK

· TARIFF ELEKTRIK NAIK

· HARGA PENGANGKUTAN AWAM NAIK

· HARGA MAKANAN NAIK

· YURAN BAS SEKOLAH NAIK

GAJI NAIK TAK?? TIDAK!!!! JADI, RAKYAT BIASA NAK HIDUP MACAM MANA?

ANDA TIDAK PUAS HATI??? NYATAKAN BANTAHAN ANDA DENGAN SERTAILAH PERHIMPUNAN BANTAHAN KENAIKAN HARGA MINYAK

TARIKH : 3/3/2006 (Jumaat)

MASA : 2 PETANG

TEMPAT : KLCC

For those who are interested, please do not hesitate to contact me at 012-5173067. Let's tell Abdullah - "You are WRONG!"

Am I really that old?

2006-02-27T18:52:00.000+08:00

My friend sent me this article few days ago. It has made me understand this proverb better - Time and tide wait for no man!

For your reading pleasure... some might be true. Hope you will all enjoy reading it. This might bring you back the old memory especially during those school days.....

Signs that you are a 80s' baby:

You grew up watching G-Force, He-man, Transformers, Thundercats, Silver Hawk, Woody Woodpecker, Chipmunks and Mickey Mouse. Not to forget Ninja Turtles, Mask, Smurfs and Voltron too.

Girls watched Japanese cartoon like My Little Pony,"Xiao TianTian","Hua Xian Zi" etc.

You grew up brushing your teeth with a mug in primary school after recess time.
You squatted by a drain with all your classmates beside you, and brushed your teeth with a colourful mug.

Remember the days when the school nurse, comes with a list for the dentist appointment, the sound of the drilling when your friend has a fill in his tooth.

You remember the packets of milk we get in primary school to encourage us to drink more milk. (It is o! nly cost 30 cent per pack)

In secondary school, girls go to the library to borrow their favourite romance storybook.

In secondary school, girls altered their school skirt to shorten it
and guys will go to the school appointed school uniform tailor shop to tailor make their school trousers to the then fashionable "baggy pants"!

During primary school days, the teacher will punish you using a ruler to hit your palm.

A bowl of noodles soup cost only 30cent in primary school days.

When you were in primary school, girls like to go to the bookshop to buy cute stuff such as animal erasers, various shape sharpeners, colourful notebook etc.

Hankyu Jaya, Yaohan departmental stores used to be a favourite hangout for families during weekends.

In secondary school days, you buy the Bata BM Turbo or Pallas Jazz school shoes.

Some guys like to wear those china made ankle high shoes. Some even like to wear those very thic! k socks with their school shoes.

Internet? E-mail? What the hell is that?

So you thought a decade or more ago, your friends don't have pagers or handphones in school.

CDs? What's that? Cassette tapes were the norm.
Movie tickets used to cost less than $5 last time.

The goodies from Mama shop used to be Chickerdis, Mamee , Kum Kum, UFO, O-Ya, Ding Dang chocolate balls with toys in the box, colourful hard "egg", "cigerette" bubble gum, KIKI Bubble Gum, pink bottle of bubbles c/w a small tubes with yellow sticks to blow "more lasting" bubbles that you can pop more air in or slam it on.

You never forget 'Ti Kam'. When exams are over, the board games (e.g Monopoly, Donkey, Transportation Comparison Card) & held ! video games will be all over the class room.

Your favourite sound is the bell!
For it's the homemade ice cream man. The cream that tops Haagan Dazs!

And the other peddler you love is the old lady who sells juicy Muah Chee and thick olden syrup rolled in a balloon the tip of a chopstick stick.

Another bell is the recess bell, a time to get away from school work and to eat.

Another time when there is no bell but all guys will anxiously wait for it...The PJ (Pendidikan Jasmani), PE time (time for football)

Your favourite childhood games were playing "guli"(marbles), five stones, five bottle cover, zero-point, catching,"Pepsi-Cola one two three" and/or "Police & Sentry"!

The best thirst quencher of all times is the yummy colourful ice tubes you can buy from provision shops for only 10 cent. To eat them, break the tab and suck while holding the freezing tube!

All gals have a girl doll/strawberry shortcake/my little pony/pound puppy, while all boys have a soldiers figurine (combat) or a rubber band catapult that shoots folded paper!

Once was the era whereby ice-cream sticks were valueable items, then call me the paper aircrafts, chalk fights.

Some boys made their own guns from wood, and used 'Bacali' as the bullets.

Some even used matches to shoot and burn kids'lanterns during MoonCake Festival.

And your favourite holiday was Lunar New Year! New clothes, Ang Pows, shopping, junk food and family outings!

Let's see, the majority of students in universities today were born in
1987 / 88.... They are called "youth".

For them, they have never heard of the song "We are the World, we are the Children..." And the "Uptown Girl" they know is by 'Westlife' but not 'Billy Joel'.

For them, there have always been only one Germany and only one Vietnam. AIDS exists since they were born.

CD exists since they were born.

Michael Jackson is already whitened.

John Travolta is always round in shape and they can't imagine how this fat guy could be a god of dance.

They believe that Spiderman and Incredible Hulk are just new films.

They can never imagine a black and white screen for a computer.

They never know what is Atari or 'Game & Watch'.

They can't believe a black and white television ever existed and they don't even know how to switch on a TV without a remote control.

And they never understand how we can go out without a mobile phone when we were in university...

Let's check if we're getting old...

1. You understand what was written above and you smile.

2. Most of your secondary school friends are getting married.

3. You are always surprised to see small children playing comfortably with computer.

4. When you see teenagers with mobile phones, you shake your head.

5. You spend less and less time talking on phone with your friends daily.

6. When you meet your old friends from time to time,talking about the good old days, repeating again and again all funny stories you experienced together.

7. Lastly, having read this mail, you are thinking of forwarding it to some other old friends. You think they will like it too.....

Hahaha!.... Yes! We are getting old too...........

Brings back old memories huh?

Cheers to the 80s babies!!!

Not Avian Flu, confirmed!

2006-02-27T18:37:00.000+08:00

Hmm...... getting better now. Fortunately, I have found a better medicine - BREACOL! And of course I won't forget my Fisherman's friend, which soothe my agony throughout the entire week.

But I am still worrying, because one of my colleagues stays in SETAPAK! :P

Once in a blue moon...

2006-02-22T11:39:00.000+08:00

Please forgive me for not updating my blog, I am sick... I am having severe sore throat and coughing :(

I have consulted doctor, but the medicine (picture) seems not working well. Any recommendation?

Viva student power!

2006-02-17T21:41:00.000+08:00

Although many are unhappy with the reshuffled cabinet, yet there are some joy within the student activists circle. In the past two years, students had been striving hard to oust Shafie Salleh, the Minister of Higher Education for his incompetencies. In the newly announced cabinet line-up, Shafie was dropped out from the cabinet, and his deputy Fu Ah Kiow was transferred to the Ministry of Internal Security.

We should always be mindful that BN ministers are often reactionary. Never put any hope on the so-called "new" minister, who is actually from the same mould. There are still long way to go in order to achieve genuine campus democracy.

Nevertheless, students have sent a crystal clear message to the new minister, "Don't try to be funny, or Shafie will be your example!"

Viva student power!

Cabinet Reshuffling fiasco 3

2006-02-17T21:20:00.000+08:00

Finally, he knows...

"I don't know, I don't know, I don't know"
http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/40545

"Despite rumours, I was hopeful"
http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/nst/Friday/National/20060217084910/Article/index_html

Cabinet Reshuffling fiasco 2

2006-02-17T21:11:00.000+08:00

"Even if they talk until they foam at the mouth, if God says you stay, you stay," She started a joke...

Rafidah: If God says you stay, you stay
http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/nst/Friday/National/20060217084744/Article/index_html

Cabinet Reshuffling fiasco 1

2006-02-17T20:27:00.000+08:00

Dude, make sure you pronounce the names properly...

New cabinet line-up
http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/46916

The suspension is ridiculous!

2006-02-13T02:10:00.000+08:00

Sarawak English daily The Sarawak Tribune is suspended indefinitely by the government for reprinting the caricatures that satirised Prophet Muhammad. The controversial caricatures were first carried in Danish daily Jyllands-Posten.

I think many of us recognise that the Danish daily had done something terribly wrong (ridiculing Prophet of a religion). Even United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan said that freedom of the press should not be an excuse for insulting religions, and expressed concern over the controversy.
Nevertheless, criticising the Danish daily does not mean I endorse Malaysia government's action in suspending The Sarawak Tribune. Although the commissioner of the statutory National Human Rights Commission (SUHAKAM), Hamdan Adnan supported the suspension of the Sarawak daily, but I would suggest otherwise.

If anyone is not happy with the daily, and does not want to accept their apology, sue them. Let the court decide whether the caricatures are seditious, we have ample law to deal with that. But if we allow the government to act discretionarily on the media, without trial, we are giving up our democratic system.

Therefore, we should put a stop on such arbitrary punitive action from the state, for it is not only jeopardising the press freedom, but also the judiciary system of the country.

Watch out, Dollah!

2006-02-09T23:12:00.000+08:00

GMI organised a legal consultation meeting on 5 February 2006. The meeting took place in Shah Village Hotel. The objective of the meeting was to strategise legal strategy for 2006 Abolish ISA campaign. Besides dedicated GMI's lawyers (Amer Hamzah, Edmund Bon and Latheefa Koya), reputable human rights lawyers like Haji Sulaiman Abdullah (former president of Malaysian Bar Council) and Sivarasa Rasiah were present too. There were also other young lawyers who are committed in the ISA issue such as Ang Hean Leng, Zamri and others.

Lawyers and GMI activists had very good discussions throughout the meeting. If everything runs smooth, 2006 might be a fruitful year for the Abolish ISA campaign. Let's wait and see!

Bon Voyage!

2006-02-05T00:10:00.000+08:00

Few days before the Chinese New Year break, I was assigned by my organisation to take care of two Cambodian refugees. They were Men Nath (on my right) and Ir Channa (on my left). Men Nath is the president of CICA (Cambodia's Independent Civil Servants Association), while Channa is the deputy secretary general of the SMD (Student's Movement for Democracy).

Men Nath and Channa are among many other human rights activists in Cambodia who are feared to be at risk of arrest. Many have gone into hiding or fled the country. The crackdown was sparked by criticism of a controversial border deal reached with Vietnam by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen in October 2005. In a statement (left), the Cambodia Watchdog Council (a coalition of 4 leading NGO in Cambodia, including CICA and SMD) criticised Hun Sen for "selling territory" to Vietnam.

Hun Sen said at the time that he would sue anyone who accused him of "selling territory", and since then a government lawyer has filed charges of "defamation", "incitement to commit a crime" and "disinformation" against civil society groups, people close to the former king, and human rights defenders.

Unlike thousands Burmese and Achehnese refugees, Men Nath and Channa were lucky. On the day they arrived KL, they obtained UNHCR's refugee status. After 5 days, they were resettled in a third country.

Amnesty International Report
Cambodia: Prisoners of conscience/human rights defenders at risk
http://web.amnesty.org/library/Index/ENGASA230022006?open&of=ENG-KHM

Reunion dinner in UPM Main Hall? :)

2006-01-27T22:04:00.000+08:00

The UPM Student Progressive Front (GMMUPM) organised a reunion dinner on 22 January. It was the third reunion dinner of the organisation since its inception in year 2001. Both seasoned super seniors and fresh first year juniors attended the reunion dinner. It was a good opportunity for juniors to listen to the "grandmother's stories" of the organisation.

The organisation is kind of expanding. There was only one table when we had our first reunion dinner, then two during last year reunion. This year, we have 3! I am looking forward to conquer the entire restaurant in 2010; and when we grow stronger in 2020, we might have our reunion dinner in the UPM Main Hall!

Comrades, keep the fire burning!

4 kali roboh, 100 kali kami bangun!

2006-01-27T12:17:00.000+08:00

Last Sunday, I went to a victory celebration in Bukit Jelutong Rasak estate with my friend, Siad Huey. Besides the 23 victorious families, there were also 2 buses of workers from Kajang and Sungai Siput plantation community.

Workers from Bukit Jelutong Rasak are from two estates – Bukit Jelutong and Rasak estate. In 1979, they were told to move to the new estate which would be called Bukit Jelutong Rasak with a promise that when that estate goes for development, they would be offered houses at Bukit Jelutong area. In 1997, after 18 years, they were now told to move to another estate – Subang estate because now the land in Bukit Jelutong Rasak is needed. The people refused and demanded homes at the current place as promised before.

PSM activists have been organising the people in Bukit Jelutong since 2002. Throughout the period, people's houses were demolished 4 times by the gigantic plantation company, Guthrie group. After every demolition, the people rebuilt their houses; after every arrest, the people rejoined the struggle. Houses were demolished, people were arrested, but the struggle went on. Eventually, Guthrie recognises that these are people who believe in their rights and serious in defending their rights. Thus, Guthrie has given up and the people won the battle!

In the victory celebration, one of the banners wrote "4 kali roboh, 100 kali kami bangun!" Congratulations to the people of Bukit Jelutong, Long Live The People!

From Ruins to Victory!
The Heroic Struggle of the Bukit Jelutong Workers
http://parti-sosialis.org/e_index.htm

4 Kali Roboh, 100 Kali Kami Bangun
Sejarah Perjuangan Ladang Bukit Jelutong
http://parti-sosialis.org/m_index.htm

Another "ministerial" joke

2006-01-20T02:43:00.000+08:00

Malaysian Ministers crack joke again! Ten non-Muslim ministers have sent a joint memorandum to the Prime Minister, Abdullah Badawi, urging the government to review all laws pertaining to religious conversion.

Ministers urge government to review laws? Hahaha...

Apparently, there is another government within the government. These jokers have exposed that the overweighed cabinet consists many powerless ball-carriers who are actually not in the saddle.

10 menteri bukan Islam hantar memorandum pada PM
http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/45930

Press Freedom in danger

2006-01-17T23:51:00.000+08:00

This fella has put Orientaldaily (a Chinese daily) into hot water! His name is Ng Chong Soon, a column writer with Orientaldaily. He is also the assistant secretary of Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall Youth (SCAHY). Lest you forget, he is my comrade cum housemate!

According to the news report in Merdekareview (an online Chinese media), Orientaldaily has received a warning letter from the Ministry of Internal Security (KDN) because of Chong Soon's article on 10 January 2006, titled "How China Press apologised?" . The article compared China Press with The Beijing News (a daily in China), which faced similar punitive action by the Chinese government last year.

3 top editors (including the editor-in-chief) of The Beijing News were axed on 29 December 2005, for their courageous and independent news reporting. Nevertheless, unlike journalists in Malaysia, approximately 100 editors and journalists of The Beijing News initiated a strike to express their dissatisfaction on the sacking of 3 top editors. Eventually, the authority has changed their mind by only sacking the editor-in-chief. Though it was not a total success, but at least they have gained something from their one-day strike.

As told by a veteran journalist, dailies in Malaysia could only afford 3 warning letters from KDN per annum. Otherwise, it will face problems in getting the KDN printing license to be renewed. After only 17 days in 2006, Orientaldaily has already received its first warning letter, how are they going to survive for the rest of the year? Furthermore, the daily is yet to get their 2006 license.

First China Press, now Orientaldaily, are these the symptoms of "Media Doomsday"?

News Report in Malaysiakini (English)
http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/45893

News Report in Merdekareview
http://www.merdekareview.com/headline_view.asp?id=235

News Report in Malaysiakini (Mandarin)
http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/45795

The "China-Press Gate"

2006-01-14T19:47:00.000+08:00

Approximately 100 multi-racial protestors protested in front of the National Human Rights Commission (SUHAKAM) office yesterday morning. A delegation of 5 representatives handed a memorandum to SUHAKAM regarding the resignation of two China press top editors.

Last week, two China Press editors were forced to relinquish their posts over a report in the daily, which wrongly identified the woman in the nude-squat video as a Chinese national.

A total of 53 organisations endorsed the joint-statement titled "Noh Omar should resign instead of the editors-in-chief of China Press" (link), calling for the deputy Minister of internal Security, Noh Omar to resign.

Last year, Noh was very busy signing new detention orders for those ISA detainees, whose detention orders were expiring. He told the public that sometimes, he will cry when he is extending the detention period of ISA detainees. This year, Noh is very free. He is so free to the extent that he has so much time to interfere the employment policy of the China Press.

When he is busy, he creates problems to the judiciary system; when he is free, he creates problems to the media. Apparently, he will only stop creating problems to the rakyat if he is sacked from the office.

Mr. Prime Minister, does it give any inspiration to your cabinet reshuffling plan?

Squatgate: 'Axe Noh Omar, not editors'
http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/45666

Perhimpunan desak Noh Omar dipecat
http://www.harakahdaily.net/article.php?sid=17445&mode=thread&order=0

Why they are not given a chance to defend themselves?

2006-01-14T02:12:00.000+08:00

In the campaign against the infamous ISA, involvement of detainees' wives and families are very important. GMI (Gerakan Mansuhkan ISA) has been working hard to enhance the wives' awareness and commitment on the campaign against the draconian legislation. GMI's chairperson, Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh was briefing a group of detainees's wives and families in a meeting. Their husband were alleged "JI" (Jemaah Islamiyah) members who have been detained without trial for almost four years. Detention orders of these detainees are expiring in February and March 2006.

Can you imagine the agony that the detainees' families had gone through?

Dost thou love life?

2006-01-12T02:07:00.000+08:00

"Dost thou love life? Then do not squander time, for that is the stuff life is made of." A famous quote from the well-known Benjamin Franklin.

I absolutely agree with Ben, so do Nik Adli and 8 others alleged "KMM" detainees, who were detained without trial for more than 4 years. Unfortunately, the government of Malaysia does not love the life of those ISA detainees. The government is squandering time and life of the detainees and their families.

Nik Adli is the son of Kelantan's Menteri Besar, Tok Guru Nik Aziz Nik Mat, who is also the spiritual leader of PAS. Together with his friends, Nik Adli is being detained under the Internal Security Act (ISA) for their alleged involvement in terroristic activities. However, Malaysia government has failed to produce any credible evidence to charge those so-called "terrorists" in the court. (KMM was once called Kumpulan Mujahiddin Malaysia, but it is called Kumpulan Militant Malaysia now)

GMI (Gerakan Mansuhkan ISA) organised a procession in Kamunting on 24 September 2005, to call for the release of all ISA detainees, specifically those who have been kept for four years. Around 150 people participated the event. We started our journey from Kamunting Mosque to the Kamunting Detention Camp (which is 2 to 3 km away). Chairperson of GMI, Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh (the one in white shirt) was leading the procession. Friends from Alaigal, DEMA, JIM, PSM, PAS and DAP were also present in the event. No untoward incident happened throughout the procession.

We had gained a small victory in the campaign. Out of 9 "KMM" detainees, 3 were released after the event. Nevertheless, detention orders of the others were extended by the Minister of Internal Security for another 2 years. All of them were detained under the same allegation, but some were released, some are not; what else can it be if ISA is not a political tool?

The land of Ginghis Khan

2006-01-11T01:18:00.000+08:00

I was in Mongolia for 10 days (19 August - 28 August 2005) to participate a regional training on International Human Rights Law and Advocacy. It was held in Ulaanbaatar (the capital city of Mongolia) from 21 to 23 August. International Service for Human Rights (ISHR), a Geneva-based NGO was the organiser. It was a small scale training workshop, which consisted around 15 participants. The training emphasized on international human rights system and the role of national human rights institutions can play in acting as a national protection mechanism for human rights defenders.

From 24 to 26 August, I attended another formal regional meeting, Asia Pacific Forum for National Human Rights Institutions (APF). It is a regional body that supports, through regional cooperation, the establishment and development of national institutions in order to protect and promote the human rights of the peoples of the region. I attended the meeting as an observer. SUHAKAM commissioners, Tan Sri Simon Sipaun and Dato' KC Vohrah were the official representatives from Malaysia. Picture shows the APF participants were having dinner in a Mongolian ger.

After all the meetings had over. I finally had an opportunity to enjoy the summer breeze and the beautiful countryside of Mongolia. The vast steppe is unimaginable for people from Malaysia like me. Generally, Mongolia is a beautiful country. However, poverty is one of the biggest problems that Mongolia people are facing.

Till today, Gingis Khan is living vividly in the heart of many Mongolians. As a sign of respect to the great Mongol conqueror, I had bought a botol of Mongolian vodka that was named after him ;p

Condolence

2006-01-10T14:56:00.000+08:00

Miss Kristina Hedlund Thulin from Sweden was one of our resource persons in The 8th Asian Training and Study Session on Human Rights.

Miss Kristina was having holiday with her family in Phuket Island when the Indian Ocean Tsunami struck Thailand on December 26, 2004. She is missing since then.

I send my condolence to Kristina's family and friends, and also to many others who have similar losses in the fatal disaster.

The 8th Asian Training and Study Session on Human Rights

2006-01-08T18:09:00.000+08:00

After joining SUARAM as coordinator in 2004, I was sent to participate The 8th Asian Training and Study Session on Human Rights, which was held in the Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok. The training session was an annual programme co-organised by Forum Asia (a regional human rights organisation) and the Political Science Faculty of Chulalongkorn University. The 3-week training session covered many areas in Human Rights.

There were around 30 participants who came from many Asia countries, I was there with another 2 Malaysian participants from SUHAKAM (National Human Rights Commission), Azlina and Wan Mazlan.

I have learnt a lot from the study session, but the best lessons were the experiences of other participants, especially those from Burma, Acheh and East Timor. Their country's situation is extremely tough, yet they are still struggling for the betterment of their next generation.

At the end of the study session, we were asked to present a paper on a human rights issue in our own country. I had chosen Internal Security Act (ISA) as my presentation topic. When I was preparing the paper, I surprisingly found that when Dr. Mahather came into power in 1981, his administration had released many ISA detainees. But it did not last long. When the UMNO crisis happened in the late 80's, Mahathir revealed his true colours and detained hundreds of people without trial under the ISA. It has clearly shown that good man is not needed in a government, we need good system!

Beautiful landscape in the campus of Chulalongkorn University.

The academic freedom in Chulalongkorn University explains why UM is lower than them in the ranking of World Top 200 Universities. This was found outside the office of a lecturer from the Faculty of Political Science.

Moment of joy

2006-01-08T04:47:00.000+08:00

After "struggling" for four years, I had finally graduated! It has become a tradition for our kaki to do two things in the convocation:

1) To gather in front of the administration building with banners. A gesture of victory for students who do not give a damn to the infamous UUCA (Universities and University Colleges Act)!

2) To throw the graduates as high as we could. Just to make sure everyone will be good when they are in the campus, otherwise we will "punish" them during their graduation ;p

Making a Change!

2006-01-08T04:10:00.000+08:00

When I was in second year of university (2002), I was given a chance to participate an international workshop on behalf of DEMA. The theme of the workshop was "Making a Change". The organiser of the workshop was a German foundation, Friedrich Ebert Stuftung (FES). It was held in Bangkok, Thailand.

The workshop was an eye opener for a fresh chap like me. I met with many foreign friends in the workshop.

Besides participating the workshop, I had also met Mabel Au, a Hong Kong activist who was working in CAW (Committee of Asian Women, a women rights organisation) then. Mabel is also the fiancee of Tian Chua, a former ISA detainee.

Tian was still detained without trial under the ISA in Kamunting detention camp when I met Mabel in Bangkok. Mabel is also barred from entering Malaysia, because of her proactive involvement in the Abolish ISA Movement.

We have many more besides demo

2006-01-05T02:04:00.000+08:00

Many of my friends thought all DEMA fellas are "kaki demo". Every now and then, they will ask me :"Where are you going to demonstrate today?" In fact, demonstrating is only part of our life. We have various type of activities, including movie screening, exposure trips, workshops, training camps, discussion sessions etc. Besides, we also love clubbing and "lepaking".

We often organise exposure visits to the squatters settlers(or a politically correct phrase, urban pioneers) The residents are facing many problems. The government (sometimes developers) has treated them unjustly, by evicting them from the land that they have worked and developed for many years. Rather than learning the issue from unfair media reports, we prefer to learn from the people themselves. We talk to them personally; they shape our perspective properly.

We had organised a two day trip to Kuala Selangor. We were able to enjoy the gorgeous scene of fireflies hanging around the trees. Some of them looked exactly like Christmas trees. We had also discussed on some environmental issues, particularly on how dam affect the environment. (p/s: the government approved a project to build a dam in Sungai Selangor. The project could affect the salinity of the downstream river and might have an adverse impact on the Berembang trees.) For further information, please go to www.sos-selangor.org

DEMA organises workshops and training camps every year. Those activities are specially organised for students from various universities and colleges. Among others, Human Rights Camp is one of our heavyweigh event. The participants were actively taking part in one of our workshops (picture).

Other than having programs in the central part of Malaysia, we had also "explored" to the North. In 3 cars, we had gone to Penang, Kedah and Perlis. We had visited some local community groups such as SOS Penang and the Kangar Community Centre. The Indera Kayangan by-election was just over then. We were managed to discuss on the by-election with the person in charged of the community centre cum Indera Kayangan candidate, Cikgu Koh. The sincere man had enlightened us a lot. We had also visited the beautiful campus of the Malaysia Northern University (UUM) in Kedah and the famous Gua Kelam in Perlis.

What is "illegal assembly"?

2006-01-04T01:42:00.000+08:00

After my first arrest, I met with a group of dedicated and courageous comrades from Malaysia Youth and Students Democratic Movement (DEMA). DEMA is a student and youth organisation that believes in genuine democracy and embraces human rights. DEMA had broaden my mind and had enlightened me to be more critical in my thinking. Most of all, the training of the organisation had awaken me from the ideal ivory tower and started to put my feet on the ground.

The picture shows my debut appearance in an anti-war protest. It was an assembly against America's attack on Afghanistan. We were assembling in front of Suria KLCC, with flowers, guitars, songs and speeches. The crowd was small and the gathering ended without any untoward incident. Though we had failed to stop the war, but at least we voiced our dissidence. No one can make use of us by categorising us as the "silent majority" who supported the war.

After bombarding Afghanistan, the hawkish Bush's administration launched an attack on Iraq. Bush had made used of the September 11 tragedy to justify the invasion. Unexpectedly, the war had stimulated a worldwide huge anti-war protest. Malaysia was part of the anti-war movement, and the crowd was much more bigger than the previous assembly in Suria KLCC. Thousands of anti-war crowd protested in front of the US embassy. The loudest slogan that the crowd chanted was "Drop Bush, Not Bomb!"

The Oppressed People Network (Jaringan Rakyat Tertindas - JERIT) organises Mayday celebration annually. The event aimed to remind the people about workers' contribution to the country. I was giving a short speech on behalf of DEMA in 2003 Mayday gathering, extending our gratitude to the workers. PSM (Malaysia Socialist Party) treasurer, Saudara Sivarajan was on my right, while my comrade cum housemate, Chong Soon was on my left.

On 8 June 2001, 500 students protested in front of the National Mosque on the use of the infamous ISA (Internal Security Act) by the government. They called for the abolishment of the act that permits detention without trial. Unfortunately, police dispersed the crowd forcefully and arrested 7 students. The 7, dubbed ISA-7 were suspended from their respective universities and were charged in court for participating "illegal assembly". In 2004, 300 students took part in a procession from the National Mosque to the KL Magistrate court, in support of the ISA-7. The police was equally brutal as previous, one student was pepper-sprayed while another one was arrested. I was one of the 3 negotiators and witnessed the rudeness of the police. The picture shows that my shirt was crassly pulled by a policeman.

Nevertheless, the 7 students were eventually acquitted by the court and some have resumed their studies. The one who was arrested in the procession was also released without charge by the police, after a few hours. This can be seen as one of the victories we obtained in the struggle. Viva Student Power!

The manacles are cracking...

2005-12-28T00:55:00.000+08:00

The incident that happened in the beginning of year 2001 has changed my life. I was then a first year student in UPM. One day, I read a news article from the paper, reporting that the government had closed down a Chinese primary school in Damansara. I was pissed off by the closure of the Damansara primary school, because it is a "Chinese" school (I was indeed thinking in that way by then. Later only I found out that there were some fallacies. It is not a racial issue, but it's actually a violation of Human Rights - right to mother-tongue education and community rights.)

In the mean time, DAP organised a walkaton in support to the "Save Our School" (SOS) movement. Immediately, I had registered myself as a participant, not knowing what is DAP and the distance between Pudu Jail and Damansara School (which is damn far!!). Happily, we started our walk, and got arrested by the police an hour later.

Around 40 of us were arrested for "illegal procession" and were sent to two different police station. I was sent to Bricksfield police station. It was my first experience with the police. I was ordered to take SB's (Special Branch) statement, which I later found out that it was illegal. (According to Criminal Procedure Code, SB has no right to record statement from a suspect)

No action had been taken on us. But the incident had inspired me a lot. I had started to question the mainstream values, which I believed in all the while.

The manacles of my mind are cracking!

Mr. Minister, I am not your fan!

2005-12-26T23:37:00.000+08:00

As lion dance performers, we often have opportunities to meet with those so-called "big guns", such as cabinet minister. In 1997, we were invited to perform in an occasion where the then Minister of Housing and Local Government, Dr. Ting Chew Pei was also present. We were happily snapping photo with the then powerful man after our performance.

In year 2004, I campaigned for Dr. Lee Boon Chye (top) from Parti Keadilan Rakyat during the General Election. Coincidentally, Dr. Lee's rival in the contest of Gopeng parliamentary seat was the man whom I met 7 years ago. Ting eventually won the battle, but he is no more a powerful man, neither in the cabinet nor his own party - MCA.

p/s: I am third from the right (standing, of course)

I was once a state representative...... :P

2005-12-26T22:44:00.000+08:00

We won the first ever lion dance champion for the organisation/school in Perak lion dance competition, 1996. We were very excited because we had qualified ourself to the National Dragon and Lion Dance Tournament, for the first time. The competition was to be held in Seremban.

After a short moment of joy, we underwent a month of "horrendous" training to prepare ourself for the national tournament. Once, I fell from a 6-feet high pole for mistaking intructor's directive. Before landing, my chest hit on an extremely hard metal disc. I was unable to breathe for some seconds, and only then I realised the importance of oxygen to human being.

On the day of tournament, it was windy and the competition was held outdoor. Many troupes could not complete their performances. We had successfully completed our performance and won the forth place among 13 competitors. It was an encouraging result because we were competiting with professionals like the Malaysia Kun Seng Keng Dragon and Lion Dance Association, Muar (The five times world champion and the champion of the tournament).

The toughest part in a lion dance competition is the final stage. The performers are exhausted but yet they need to squeeze every ounce of their strength to complete the performance by using the same route they have come. According to the competition rules, performers are not allowed to start the performance from one end and end at the other end. At this stage, perseverance become an important element to decide whether the performers could complete the performance.

I was thinking, isn't the social movement working in the same way? At the final stage of changing a dictatorial regime (when we are about to win), we will face rampageous, fierce and final attack from them. Perseverance and determination are important to keep us moving in that gloomy but short period of time. If we manage to overcome, we are the victors!

Top: Warming up before the performance starts.

Middle: Performing......slow and steady (I was behind the lion head)

Bottom: Saluting the panel judges after the performance.

Dong dong dong..............

2005-12-23T17:12:00.000+08:00

I was an asthmatic child for years, like Che Guevara (left). I had joined the Art of Self Defence Society in my secondary school. The initial intention was to do more exercises in order to enhance my weakling body. This had given me an opportunity to have in-depth comprehension of the Tionghua culture. The organisation had also taught me the importance of discipline, perseverance and team work. Best of all, I was lucky enough to meet with a group of sincere and lovely friends who shared same interests with me. Thank you guys, all the best!

Pictures:
(Top) Annual Chinese New Year mission - lion dance performance to raise fund for the society.
(Bottom) Picture with a group of kompang (Malay traditional drum) performers after performing in a supermarket.

My first ever birthday, 1981

2005-12-23T16:52:00.000+08:00

Mmm.....I wish there would be a lasting world peace, stepping down of all sinister dictators, prevail of democracy, freedom and human rights......
Hey, don't overact, you are only one year old!
Hehe.....too excited. I think I better do something in line with my age - MAKAN!