Why I was arrested

January 29, 2008 | 8 Comments

I was arrested at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, 26 January 2008, at a foodcourt in the vicinity of Jalan Yap Kwan Seng, Kuala Lumpur. I was released unconditionally from Pudu Jail (now known as Balai Polis Jalan Hang Tuah) at approximately 10:30 p.m. on Sunday, 27 January 2008, after a magistrate rejected a remand application by the police to further detain me (and nine other people, including Tian Chua and Dr. Hatta).

Obviously, I was annoyed that I was arrested (see photo) whilst I was trying to ask the police why they wanted to arrest Tian Chua and Dr. Hatta, especially when they were merely having drinks and talking to journalists at that time. I knew that the over-zealous SB (special branch police officer) simply decided to arrest me because I questioned their actions. Indeed, when I asked an officer by the name of Woon who was standing nearby whether he was sure that the proper orders have been given to arrest me, he brushed aside my query and did not dare to say anything. Moreover, the location where we were arrested was beyond the one kilometre boundaries illustrated in the preventive court order obtained by the police.
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Dec

11

Tall tales for Human Rights Day

December 11, 2007 | 3 Comments

The Malaysian authorities must have something against human rights. Earlier this year, our very own Malaysian Human Rights Day was marred by a police shooting of people gathering in peace (see an earlier posting). Then, two days ago, on the eve of International Human Rights Day, the authorities decided to crackdown on lawyers and people who exercised their right to peaceful assembly and also others who have earlier pushed for clean and fair elections. The crackdown was followed by a shameful day in court, on Human Rights Day itself.

Just as history is written by the victors, stories are told by those in power (especially those who control the media). In court yesterday, the Attorney General, who was personally prosecuting the case against the lawyers and activists, repeatedly used the phrase “larger interest of the public”. He was attempting to persuade the court to deny bail on the basis that these people’s freedom would undermine the so-called larger interest of the public.
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Dec

7

To walk or not to walk?

December 7, 2007 | Leave a Comment

I feel that the Bar Council’s decision to call off the walk to commemorate Human Rights Day is wrong and disappointing. There does not seem to be any clear indication as to why the walk has been called off, apart from some vague reference to the need to apply for a police permit.

It is disappointing and ironic indeed that the Bar Council have to kowtow to undemocratic and unjust laws on the occasion that is supposed to celebrate and advance human rights in our country. In light of recent events, I believe that there is all the more reason that the Bar Council and Malaysian Bar should be taking the lead to fight for rights and freedoms that every Malaysian is entitled to.
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Aug

9

Say ‘No’ to Sedition Act

August 9, 2007 | 5 Comments

It’s regrettable that Tony Pua lodged a police report against Kelab Penyokong Maya Umno (KPMU), which allegedly insulted Christians and Christianity. Indeed, it’s unfortunate that he even instigated the police to “arrest the writer, editor, publisher and the owner of the website and investigate them under the Sedition Act”. (Check out the Malaysiakini report.)

Just to clarify, I don’t condone anyone insulting Christians and Christianity, or any other religion for that matter. However, I do have a problem with condoning the use of sedition legislation.
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Jul

21

Respect the law, not abuse it

July 21, 2007 | Leave a Comment

It is sad that the law in Malaysia has become what it is today.

One of the worst things about it is that the judiciary is no longer a counterbalance in the so-called doctrine of separation of powers. I say “so-called” because this doctrine does not apply in our beloved country.

As far as I’m concerned, the recent trial-by-media of Justice Gopal Sri Ram to be an insidious meddling of the judiciary by the invisible but powerful hand of certain quarters. I believe any intelligent Malaysian who knows a thing or two about the personalities involved in the case will know what I am talking about. And as far as I can tell, Justice Gopal Sri Ram is an excellent judge, although sometimes he may be a bit difficult to handle in court.
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Jan

29

Why I was arrested

Dec

11

Tall tales for Human Rights Day

Dec

7

To walk or not to walk?

Aug

9

Say ‘No’ to Sedition Act

Jul

21

Respect the law, not abuse it

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