Parti Keadilan Rakyat (KEADILAN) does not agree with the resolution of its coalition partner, Parti Islam SeMalaysia (PAS), at its recent party conference calling for the National Fatwa Council to declare the non-governmental organisation, Sisters in Islam (SIS), as haram (forbidden) if its activities is found to be contrary to Islamic teachings and principles.

KEADILAN reiterates its respect for the rights to freedom of expression and association, both of which are fundamental liberties enshrined in the Federal Constitution of Malaysia, as well as internationally recognised in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. As such, they ought to protected, if not promoted, despite diverging views on Islamic teachings and Syariah in Malaysia.

The rights to freedom of association and expression are fundamental human rights that are not only essential for human dignity but also a progressive and democratic society. Any differences in views ought to be tolerated and/or debated, rather than calling for a ban on the organisation that espouses different opinions.

Moreover, religion or religious views are very personal matters, and they ought not be strictly regulated by the authorities. Instead, every individual ought to study and analyse their own beliefs, which leads to a better understanding of their own religions, if not a stronger faith in their own beliefs.

Last but not least, Malaysia is a pluralistic society – we need to accept that it is natural to have differing views and opinions between religions and cultures and also within the same religions and cultures. KEADILAN believes that the goal for all Malaysians should be a progressive and democratic society, where diverse views are tolerated and debated; not a regressive and undemocratic society where diversity is condemned and rejected.

* Written in the capacity of Communications Director of Parti Keadilan Rakyat.

If you missed Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s opening speech at the DAP Forum entitled “From May 13 to 1Malaysia” yesterday, click on Youtube videos below to watch:

Anwar Ibrahim – From May 13 to 1Malaysia (Part 1)

Anwar Ibrahim – From May 13 to 1Malaysia (Part 2)

By the way, these videos are courtesy of MediaRakyat, who have done a fantastic job documenting significant speeches and important events throughout the country. Do check out the website.

It is refreshing to hear some leaders from Barisan Nasional making sense in their statements for a change. Indeed, what they have said actually reflects general opinion that there should be fresh State elections in Perak.

Then again, perhaps these BN leaders are simply weary of the never-ending political imbroglio that seems to be quickly degenerating into a farce. Perhaps they are beginning to realise that something needs to be done desperately before the farce turns Malaysia into a joke in the international community.

I note that the sentiments reported in that article are only the personal views of the Deputy President of MCA and the Secretary-General of Gerakan. What are the parties’ official positions on the Perak issue?

One really wonders whether the leaders of BN component parties have the moral fibre to make their official views public even if they contradict those of the Prime Minister or Umno.

Indeed, I recall that the MCA President was once notoriously outspoken before he became President and a full minister in the cabinet. Perhaps he has too much at stake to publicly voice an opinion contrary to his political ‘big brother’. Similarly, what about the President of Gerakan? Is he prepared to make a public stand on the matter?

The question begging to be asked here is whether the component parties of Barisan Nasional are actually equal partners in government or are they simply junior partners that have to kowtow to the senior partner, Umno.

For the sake of Perak and Malaysia as a whole, I certainly hope that the leaders of all BN component parties will make a stand for the rakyat, speak up and do the right thing; i.e. table and support a motion at the next BN meeting for fresh State elections in Perak to resolve the constitutional stalemate once and for all.

Barely a day after Najib’s naked show of contempt for democracy and the people of Perak in the State Legislative Assembly on Thursday, he has yesterday further insulted the intelligence of Malaysians by releasing ISA detainees and those arrested in recent days, thinking that he will be seen as the good guy.

Who doesn’t remember that the new Prime Minister himself was the one who orchestrated the cross-over of a few recalcitrant elected representatives and sparked off this political and constitutional mess in Perak?

And up to yesterday, his silence in respect of the actions of the Perak State Secretary and the police was deafening. As we all know, silence is acquiescence; that is, Najib actually condones the meddling by the State Secretary and the crackdown by the police, if not ordered it.

Alas, his decision to release the detainees, both ISA and otherwise, was too little and far too late.

Why stop at 13 detainees? Don’t the other detainees have feelings or families? Don’t they deserve dignity like the rest of us? Don’t they have the right to fair trials and be presumed innocent until proven guilty?

Najib’s far too late because a moral crime has already been perpetrated against these people. They have already been deprived of their freedom for no good or justifiable cause. Precious moments of their lives have been robbed forever.

This may be the Prime Minister’s way of making amends but are the people supposed to be grateful for such small mercies when he has obviously shown his contempt for them and their human rights?

The specific release of the Hindraf trio also begs the question whether Najib thought now would be a convenient time to subtly avoid a by-election in Selangor.

Whatever it is, the people of Perak, no, the people of Malaysia will hold Najib Abdul Razak solely responsible for dragging our nation through the mud in the international arena; and, for grossly violating the sacred doctrine of separation of powers, thereby reducing our beloved country to a pariah state.

What happened this morning in the Perak State Legislative Assembly is almost unbelievable. If not for the Malaysia Boleh! culture that we’re so used to, I think most people would have thought such things only happen in the Taiwan or Japan legislature.

Anyway, here are the comments of Dato’ Seri Dr. Wan Azizah, the President of KEADILAN, on the ongoing fiasco in the Perak Assembly:

“What Zambry and Hee have done this morning is nothing less than an insidious conspiracy orchestrated by Najib to undermine democracy in Perak. Indeed, the use of the courts and the police to meddle in the affairs of the legislature is a blatant breach of the doctrine of separation of powers recognised by every democratic government.

Today’s proceedings in the Perak assembly is shameful and a new low in Malaysian politics.

The people of Perak have chosen their representatives in March 2008, but the Umno-BN government have used unconstitutional means to overthrow a legitimate Pakatan Rakyat government. The people of Perak will, no doubt, hold Najib responsible for this dark episode in the history of the State.

Less than two months since the new Prime Minister took office, he has invalidated his own slogan of “1Malaysia: People First, Performance Now”. It is very obvious now that the slogan is nothing more than a gimmick, and Najib treats the people with contempt.”

By the way, to see what the situation was like outside the assembly this morning, click here.

It will be dark days ahead for Malaysia if citizens cannot speak up against undemocratic actions of the government. Sdr Wong Chin Huat, one of the spokespersons for Bersih was arrested earlier tonight at his house in Taman Sri Sentosa, Kuala Lumpur.

He has been taken to the Commercial Crimes Department HQ, where I believe lawyers Edmund Bon and Latheefa Koya are in attendance. For the rest of the news, check out the Malaysiakini article.

Personally, I received a couple of SMSes last week to wear black this Thursday, 7 May 2009, to protest the undemocratic takeover of the Perak government and call for fresh state elections. Frankly, I didn’t give much thought to it. But now, by hook or by crook, I’m gonna look for a black shirt that’s suitable for work on Thursday.

I know it was wishful thinking on my part when I asked whether Najib can perform miracles. Alas, it’s now blindingly obvious that Najib is not only incapable of changing a corrupt and autocratic government but he is so childish and sensitive that he can’t take the very clever play on his “1Malaysia: People First, Performance Now” slogan by Bersih.

All together now, “1BlackMalaysia: Democracy First! Elections Now!”

The Deputy Prime Minister’s comments on democracy, by-elections and the Internal Security Act (ISA), as reported in the Star and the New Straits Times, begs the question whether he actually understands the meaning of the word “democracy”. Somehow, BN politicians will only use the concept when it fits them.

Anyway, here’s the press statement on the matter by Sivarasa Rasiah, one of KEADILAN’s Vice Presidents:

Democracy, By-Elections & the ISA

This statement is a direct response to the comments made by the Deputy Prime Minister, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, in relation to the democratic process, by-elections and the Kota Alam Shah assemblyman, Mr. M. Manoharan.

It is absurd for the Deputy Prime Minister to say that having by-elections is an abuse of the democratic process. Although it is true that voters expect their representatives to carry out their duties once they are elected, it is implied that the elected representatives must be able to do so effectively. Moreover, when a by-election is held, the political party concerned is going back to the same voters to elect who is the best person to replace the outgoing elected representative. Indeed, unlike certain elected representatives in Perak who left the parties they ran for elections under, it is much more democratic to return to the people for them to choose their new representative.

In addition, the exceptions mentioned by Tan Sri Muhyiddin to justify resignations by elected representatives, i.e. bankruptcy, conviction and death, are far too limited and simplistic. Would it be tenable for an elected representative to hold on to her position if an unavoidable conflict of interest arises or if she is simply unable to perform her duties?

In the case of the Kota Alam Shah assemblyman, although Tan Sri Muhyiddin says that “he is lawfully eligible to serve his constituents”, it ought to be obvious that being an effective representative of the people depends on a lot more than just legal eligibility. The people of Kota Alam Shah deserves their elected representative’s time and attention, which he is more than ready and willing to give but simply cannot because he is detained without trial under the Internal Security Act (ISA). Moreover, not only is Mr. Manoharan a lawyer by profession, he is also a loving husband and father. Is it fair to expect him to put his family through hardship so that he can hold on to a position with responsibilities that he is unable to perform. To avoid a by-election in Selangor, the Barisan Nasional government can and ought to release Mr. Manoharan, whom more than 7,000 voters believe is not a threat to national security.

The BN government should release not only Mr. Manoharan but also all ISA detainees. No civilised society can condone the practice of detention without trial which has resulted in some ISA detainees languishing in jail for up to 8 years. KEADILAN and Pakatan Rakyat stand steadfast in our position that these laws have no more relevance in Malaysia and call for their immediate abolition. Our criminal justice system is more that adequate to deal with any threats to security. The current proposal of a review of the ISA is therefore for us a proposal that is no more relevant. The only thing to do with the ISA is to abolish it and all other laws that provide for continuous detention without trial.

It sounds like the propaganda boys of the brand new prime minister have prepared a slew of bright ideas for him. A catchy slogan. Release of ISA detainees. Lifting of newspaper suspensions. They sound pretty good but I’ve got a few questions for Mr. Najib.

1. Does the concept of “One Malaysia” mean that Ketuanan Melayu and mono-ethnic parties that divide the nation will be a thing of the past?

2. Does “People First” mean that the economic policies of Barisan Nasional will benefit all Malaysians and not just the politically connected?

3. Does “Performance Now” mean that we will immediately have good teachers in schools, professional police officers that actually solve crimes and public officials that deliver results?

4. Does the release of the ISA detainees and the lifting of the suspension of opposition newspapers mean that both the Internal Security Act and the Printing Presses and Publications Act will be repealed in the next seating of Parliament?

I must confess that I do believe in miracles; and I certainly would like to believe that Mr. Najib can transcend the 30 years of Umnofication that he has been through, and spare Malaysia any more suffering.

However, for now, pardon me if I remain cynical until I see some real changes in his administration of our nation.

I used to tell people how well organised Singapore is. After spending just a few hours in Bangkok, I realised that our neighbour up north is also ahead of us.

No doubt, Bangkok, and probably other major cities in Thailand still have terrible traffic jams, but I can sense that Thailand is moving in the right direction, both economically and socially.

Simply from the level of service that I received so far, I believe it’s fair to say that Thailand has made significant progress vis-a-vis Malaysia.

Notwithstanding the political challenges faced by Thailand, we need to recognise that the Thais have moved ahead of us. More importantly, we must note that these advances were made possible by the democratic participation of the Thai people.

Despite great personal risk and national instability, the Thais are bold enough to exercise their democratic rights to effect change whenever any government undermines the wellbeing of the entire nation.
Read the rest of this entry »

Yesterday, I received an SMS from a friend whom I have not met for a while but he knows I’m active in Keadilan. He asked, “U believe in Anwar?”

I replied, “I am in Keadilan to advance the people’s interests & position, not because it is headed by Anwar. And as you know, I was a member of PRM & became a member of Keadilan when the parties merged. Anyway, I feel that it is irrelevant whether I believe in Anwar or not. More importantly, do we believe he can help us bring our nation forward & are there other better alternatives?”

Well, that’s my honest opinion.