What is Merdeka without free and fair elections?

As we draw near to Merdeka Day, I begin to reflect on the real meaning of Merdeka. We may have gained independence from the British in 1957 but have we gained true freedom from our colonial masters?

Have we grown as a nation united with one common goal or vision? Or have we become more disunited since 1957, having lost our direction as to where we are heading to as an independent nation.

Despite 54 years of independence, are we really free when we have oppressive laws in place, such as the Internal Security Act (ISA), the Emergency Ordinance and The University and University Colleges Act (UUCA)?

For me, the real meaning of Merdeka is achieved when we have freedom to determine our destiny through a free and fair electoral system. As a young Malaysian, I realise the importance of being an agent of change, not because we want change for the sake of change, but because we want real change that will transform this nation to be an Asian tiger once again.

Many took part in the Bersih 2.0 rally because they know how unjust the Malaysian electoral system is. On July 9, Malaysians braved tear gas and water cannons because of their strong desire to see real change for a better Malaysia.

These are the true present generation of Merdeka warriors in the 21st century. It is simply incomprehensible that as a nation, we still have to rely on archaic laws, such as the recently used Emergency Ordinance on Malaysians who had no intent to declare war on His Majesty but merely to demand free and fair elections as a tax payer and as an ordinary citizen.

It is simply unacceptable for a modern nation like Malaysia to depend on such laws which are increasingly being used as a political tool for oppression to scare Malaysians into submission when they have done no wrong but merely to wish for a more transparent and corrupt free electoral system.

It is with this backdrop, that the BN government has clearly lost its moral authority to rule with their brutal crackdown on Bersih participants during both pre and post-July 9peaceful rally.

What moral authority does BN have when freedom of assembly and freedom of speech under the Federal Constitution is rendered meaningless? Instead, oppressive laws such as the Police Act are being used as a political tool to deny us of our basic human rights by giving flimsy and lame excuses such as protecting public safety and security.

We should not be cheated of our basic freedoms, but rather we must draw inspiration from the Bersih 2.0 rally when the true spirit of Merdeka was on display, when Malaysians from all races walked together hand in hand demanding free and fair elections.

These are the true Malaysians who have overshadowed the celebration of Merdeka Day this year.

Merdeka to me means freedom from fear, as well as freedom from oppression. It is a precious personal characteristic that we must have as ordinary Malaysians fighting for our basic freedom in determining our destiny as Malaysians.

If we truly love our country, we must take up the fight for freedom and justice in our land. The most basic fight for freedom now is for free and fair elections. It is only when this is achieved, that we can at last experience the real meaning and true spirit of Merdeka.

Saving Islam or same old race-religion games?

I read with dismay when Jais officials raided the Dream Centre on August 3 during a thanksgiving dinner held by an NGO named Harapan Komuniti to appreciate their efforts in helping Malaysians from all walks of life. This was simply a community event where the Dream Centre was used as a venue to host this event.

What was supposed to be a dream celebration turned out to be a nightmare for the participants, when they were rudely interrupted and premises trespassed by the police and JAIS without a warrant.

The Dream Centre is merely a venue that is rented by DUMC and Community Excel Services. There is no justification to believe that this dinner would be used for proselytisation, other than to host events from any organisation that would like to rent its premises with the number of halls that are available.

The recent raid by Jais on a church has brought to the fore the element of instilling fear in our society. It has brought about a situation where human rights and the freedom to assemble under article 10 of the federal constitution are rendered illusory, based on a mere complaint that certain individuals are found in its premises.

Does this warrant Jais to infringe on basic human rights and freedom to assemble, without an iota of concrete evidence of proselytisation has been found? Jais is simply abusing its powers under the so-called state enactment that was passed by the BN state govt in 1995.

It would seem that Jais has acted on its own with the blessings of a renegade state exco Hasan Ali. Such departure from the basic norm of fact-finding and investigation prior to any action is simply shocking to human rationale and decency.

It creates a dangerous precedent whereby a mere complaint or a hunch could give a blanket licence to the religious authority to launch a raid on private property anytime it wishes. It is learnt that Hasan Ali has evidence to show that DUMC has attempted to proselytise Muslims who were present at the dinner function.

However, the fact that he has failed to produce the evidence thus far and even offered to resign proves that he is not being truthful all this while, but is merely fabricating a story.

Efforts by certain quarters to lay blame on the Christian community is most unfair and high handed. Hasan Ali and his like-minded people are in effect driving a wedge between peoples of different faiths. The driving of this wedge has made it seem that only fear and intimidation rules, whilst freedom under the federal constitution is dead.

As Malaysians, we must not let fear overrule our right to freedom of assembly and association as guaranteed under the federal constitution. We must not let state religious authorities hijack our basic fundamental human rights of freedom of assembly with the flimsiest excuse of acting on a complaint without proof.

The mere fact that the new Association for the Promotion of Human Rights (Proham) had a talk on electoral reform in Dream Centre on July 29, where top Bersih leaders like Ambiga were there just a week prior to the raid on the thanksgiving dinner will only raise questions as to the timing of the raid.

I believe the notion of a conspiracy will become more credible each day, as being hatched from powers that be to create fear in the Christian community for their support of Bersih, whereby Muslims are being instigated at the mere mention of the word 'proselytisation', thereby straining the good relationship between people of different faiths for the sake of clawing back lost Malay Muslim support, but sacrificing and rendering the concept of 1Malaysia as nothing more than a myth.

It is hoped that all Malaysians, regardless of race and religion will weed out religious extremism amongst us and work towards moderation and national reconciliation in the spirit of love, truth and justice. Jais and the police must endeavour to exercise wisdom and not subject Malaysians to fear and intimidation.

Freedom should reign and let fear be buried for a better Malaysia. We certainly do not need Hasan Ali's independent stance and extremism to instill fear in Malaysians.

Let's join the march!

Bersih 2.0 has identified three rally points for their protest march on July 9 to call for electoral reforms.

Participants have been asked to gather at Sogo shopping complex, the PAS headquarters and the Kampung Baru mosque at 2pm.

Previously, Bersih 2.0 had said it was rallying the public to march with the movement's leaders to hand over a petition to the King at Istana Negara.

The petition will carry seven demands:

•Automatic voter registration at the age of 21
•Reforms to the postal voting system for out-of-town voters
•Use of indelible ink to avoid repeat voting
•Access to mainstream media for opposition parties
•Minimum campaign period of 21 days
•Independence of enforcement bodies on election offences
•Stamping out electoral graft
Bersih, the predecessor to the current movement, had organised a mass rally for similar demands in November 2011, but none has been met thus far.

The movement's leader, Ambiga Sreenevasan, said the protest was a “last resort” after attempts at engaging the relevant authorities have failed.

Ambiga said that Bersih 2.0 is also inviting all political parties, NGOs and the public to join the rally to voice their demand for free and fair elections.

Malaysiakini

Utusan & Ibrahim Ali: Why are they above the law?

I refer to the recent statement by the Prime Minister in an Oxford lecture that moderation is the best course of action.

My question is, if the prime minister can make such a statement, why is there no firm action taken against Utusan like suspending the editors?

Especially when they carried the ridiculous report of a Christian state conspiracy between the church and a DAP leader?

It only proves that Utusan is untouchable due to its ownership by Umno. By the same token, the prime minister would be reluctant to even punish Ibrahim Ali because of his links to Umno.

It is clear that the prime minister is playing a dangerous game of inciting religious hatred and causing a 'fear psychology' to the Malays that Islam is under threat from other faiths.

It all boils down to one thing, that the 1Malaysia concept is an utter failure and that Umno can never change but need to be removed in the next general election.

This is quite similar to the Christian headgear issue worn by Tengku Razaleigh which caused fear among the Malays in the 1990 general elections and ensured the retention of the two-thirds majority of BN in Parliament.

It also proves that Umno is being two-faced and that people like Ibrahim Ali and Utusan will continue to use the race and religion cards to incite hatred and fear in the people until the next general election, as long as there is no firm action by the government.

This lack of action may risk further damage, as the previous incident of firebombing of a church in Desa Malawati proved last year over the "Allah" issue.

It is such people like Ibrahim Ali who feel insecure just by relying on unsubstantiated reports by Utusan with no basis whatsoever.

It would be inconceivable to even think that anyone in their right frame of mind would conspire to set up a Christian State when they are only a minority.

As such, Umno's refusal to brand Ibrahim Ali an 'extremist' proves two things to be true of BN - that 1Malaysia is a sham and Najib's premiership is two-faced.

Sarawak for Change

What it means to be part of the cell

In Psalm 92:12-15: “The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the LORD, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age; they will stay fresh and green…” I begin to reflect on my cell leadership for the past 6 years and realised that in order to stay fresh, I would need to be rooted in my understanding of the purposes for which God has called me to serve Him.

This is because the Psalmist says that we have to be planted in the house of the LORD in order to flourish, bear fruit and stay fresh. For example, the cedar of Lebanon is an evergreen tree that can live for a thousand years and is a symbol of eternity, strength and endurance, because it is deeply rooted in fertile soil.

If we settle in fertile soil, like being planted in a cell, where the Word is deeply rooted in our lives, we can flourish, stay fresh and bear fruit. In order to do that, we need to pray that God will use us through the cells which make up His Body (the Church) to bless others in our community.

As a devoted Christian, we should never ask the question, "what’s in it for me, if I join the cell?" Rather, we should ask, "what can I do to serve others in need in the cell?" "For even Jesus did not come to be served, but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many,” (Mark 10:45). Only then, we can look forward to cell meetings joyfully with a Christ-like character of serving others.

It is all about serving God, whenever we come to the cell. How do we serve God more effectively, if we are not planted in a cell? As Christians, we need to own the purposes of the cell and not just the cell programs. We need to own the presence of God and not just the presence of a leader. We need to own the people around us who are in need and not just the pastors or leaders. In other words, we need to have a sense of ownership as a royal priesthood of believers, to “serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men.” (Ephesians 6:7).

In Acts 2:42-47, “They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles…” The early Church had a great sense of ownership in everything they did, because they had the same passion for a shared vision. They simply devoted themselves for a greater cause and the Lord added daily to their number. There can be no unity in the cell without devotees. When we devote ourselves for a greater cause which is the extension of God's kingdom; unity and transformation of society will be there.

Let us have a sense of ownership of the cell by sharing the same passion for a transformed society, through strong and united cells that are planted in the house of the LORD that will flourish, stay fresh and bear much fruit for His kingdom.

We will certainly make a difference in transforming society by being a devotee for the Lord in impacting cells and owning the vision of building God's community and making known His glory!

Sham sodomy trial won't fool anybody

Sham sodomy trial won't fool anybody
Ashvin Raj | May 12, 10 3:20pm

I refer to the report on PM accused of plotting Anwar sodomy trial where PM Najib has been implicated in this shameful conspiracy to frame Anwar.

The rot in the Malaysian judiciary started in 1988 by the then PM, Dr Mahathir which was perpetuated by his successors like Pak Lah and Najib to secure their political hegemony. Our system of justice which was once held in high esteem internationally prior to 1988 has been destroyed by Dr Mahathir.

Justice has sunk so low that it has reached rock bottom and lost the respect of well-meaning Malaysians who must be disgusted with the latest sodomy trial against Anwar.

Even an ordinary layman, who has not studied law, would make better ‘judges’ that the ones sitting on the bench. They would know that this charge is nothing but a conspiracy to remove Anwar Ibrahim and hope that Pakatan Rakyat will lose its direction and collapse without his leadership.

It is obvious from this sham sodomy trial that the judiciary no longer commands the confidence of the citizens and will not as long as the sodomy trial on Anwar persists with the aim of diverting attention away from other pressing issues such as corruption and the long list of deaths at the hands of the police.

Judges seem to deliver judgments to please the executive rather than satisfy the requirements of impartiality in the interest of justice. The sodomy trial on Anwar is nothing but a waste of time and judicial resources with the sole intention of serving a political purpose.

By right, there should not be any form of interference by the executive in the Anwar sodomy trial if justice is to be done.

But it seems like justice will never be manifestly seen to de done, as long as the prime minister has ways to manipulate our system of justice where past history has proven that.

Sibu for Change!

I am a Malaysian First

I refer to the recent dare by Nazri to Kit Siang to delete the word "Malay" in the Federal Constitution. It seems to me there is a hint of superiority complex in his challenge and blatant disregard of the implication of Muhyiddin's statement that he is a Malay first.

Nazri simply misses the point by daring PR to table a motion to delete the word "Malay" in the Constitution, which is not an issue here. The point here is that when UMNO ministers say there is nothing wrong in being a Malay first, they are in effect rendering the 1Malaysia concept totally meaningless.

After celebrating 52 years as an independent nation, I would have thought that we had matured over the years and consider ourselves as Malaysians first. But it seems to me that certain UMNO politicians have chosen to use the Constitution as a 'carte blanche' for the furtherance of their political hegemony, simply because the 'special position' of the Malays are guaranteed under the Constitution.

Such a stance taken by these politicians smacks of arrogance and only sets the clock backwards for Najib's 1Malaysia with no real change or transformation in sight, despite the introduction of the New Economic Model and Government Transformation Programme which are mere propaganda tools for the ruling coalition.

UMNO's rallying cry has always been Ketuanan Melayu, kissing of the keris, a Malay dominated cabinet and civil service. With that in mind, the 1Malaysia slogan is becoming a big joke coming from the mouths of UMNO leaders. Being a Malaysian citizen and coming from a mixed Chinese and Indian parentage, I would certainly find it difficult to mention my race first, as I have always considered myself to be a Malaysian first.

Muhyiddin has certainly set a dangerous precedent by his statement that he is a Malay first, as this would only perpetuate BN's racial politics which will undermine national unity and ignoring the fact that there are mixed-race Malaysians who cannot be stereotyped.

Why would UMNO want to politicise their race first and not find their true identity as Malaysians first? Are they not proud to consider themselves as Malaysians first? Do they not realize that we all belong to the human race irrespective of our skin colour and different cultures.

Are we not tired of certain politicians who try to fit us into boxes that leave a multi-racial person like me feeling disgusted and left out? Are we not able to find wholeness and security of being a Malaysian first and our ethnicity second?

The fact that UMNO leaders would want to be defensive of Muhyiddin's statement only goes to prove their psychological insecurity to even regard themselves as Malaysians first but as Malays first.

Seek dialogue to resolve "Allah" controversy peacefully

I refer to the Malaysiakini report 'Allah' issue: Home Ministry gets stay order
and to the recent issue about the High Court reversing the home ministry's ban on the use of the word 'Allah' for the Catholic weekly newsletter, 'The Herald'.

Calmer heads are needed to resolve the issue about the term 'Allah' and we should not let our emotions run high as this will only cause unnecessary tensions on the religious harmony which we have long enjoyed for many centuries.

This is evident by the fact that East Malaysian Christians have been using the word 'Allah' for the past 400 years as revealed by the Herald's editor, Father Lawrence Andrew.

When we are calm, we are able to reason together in peace. The suggestion by opposition stalwart Lim Kit Siang to convene an inter-religious conference to reach an out-of-court settlement for this controvery is an excellent proposal for the government to seriously consider to maintain religious harmony in the country.

This is to avoid any protracted legal tussle in the courts which will not benefit either party in the long run.

The important issue here is not about who is right or wrong but about strengthening national unity through the concept of a '1Malaysia'. All parties need to have an avenue for inter-religious dialogue to resolve any contentious issues between Malaysians of different faiths.

If different religious groups sue each other in the courts of law, does it not mean that we are '2Malaysia' and not '1Malaysia' when it comes to religious freedom? If religious sentiments continue to be fanned by extremist groups, they will only derail any effort by the government to foster national unity through its '1Malaysia' concept.

The government should not have bowed to pressure by certain quarters in filing an appeal against the High Court's decision but should have respected the rights of all Malaysians of different religions to practice their faith without any hindrance or restrictions.

The way for the government to respect religious freedom is to form an inter-religious conference to settle this issue over the term 'Allah' out of court and reach an understanding between all parties involved without any recourse to the legal system.

Jamuan Makan Malam Krismas 2009

Kenyataan Media Oleh DAPSY Selangor di Petaling Jaya pada hari Rabu, 16hb Disember 2009

DAPSY Selangor akan mengadakan suatu Jamuan Jejaring Makan Malam bersama-sama ahli wakil rakyat pemuda, sempena sambutan Krismas 2009. Aktiviti ini adalah sebahagian daripada usaha kami untuk jejaring dan berkenalan dengan pemuda-pemudi serta menarik perhatian generasi muda sekarang terhadap bidang politik yang masih disegani oleh ramai pemuda-pemudi.

Oleh yang demikian, kami dengan sukacita menjemput saudara-saudari sekalian untuk jamuan makan malam bersama kami, dan mengambil peluang untuk berkenalan dan berinteraksi dengan Ketua Pengerusi DAPSY Kebangsaan, YB Anthony Loke Siew Fook, Naib Pengerusi Wanita Kebangsaan, YB Jenice Lee Ying Ha dan ahli-ahli wakil rakyat profesional yang lain. Jamuan ini dibuka kepada semua ahli professional, khasnya generasi muda di bawah umur 40 dan butir lanjut adalah seperti berikut:

Tarikh: 19hb Disember 2009 (Sabtu)
Masa: 7 pm
Tempat: Restoran Chef & Brew (Halal), Plaza Damansara, Medan Setia 2, Bukit Damansara, Kuala Lumpur .
Kod Pakaian: Kasual

Kami menempah duduk untuk 40 para jemputan sahaja dan tempahan adalah secara "Datang Dahulu, Layan Dahulu”. Harga jamuan dianggarkan RM35++ perseorangan (anggaran harga untuk 3 set makan, tidak termasuk minuman).

Silalah RSVP sebelum 3.00 petang pada 19hb Disember 2009 dengan emel kepada radiantash@yahoo.com atau telefon 019-316 7027, dan berikan penerangan ringkas tentang (pekerjaan, pendidikan, umur dan cita-cita politik anda) untuk memberikan peluang kepada kami memperkenalkan anda kepada para hadirin semasa sesi kenalan tersebut.


Terima kasih.


B/p DAPSY Selangor
Ashvin Raj
Ahli Jawatankuasa
019-316 7027
Emel: radiantash@yahoo.com

Christmas Networking Dinner 2009 (DAPSY Selangor)

民主行动党雪州社青团于2009年12月10日（星期四）在八打灵再也所发表的文告：

民主行动党雪州社青团将举办一场圣诞佳节联谊聚餐会，与年轻民选议员共同欢庆圣诞节，同时藉此机会接触更多年轻人，并吸引年轻一代对政治的兴趣。

我们欢迎有兴趣者共赴这场聚餐会，并近距离接触我们的嘉宾——社青团总团长陆兆福国州议员、署理总团长李映霞州议员以及其他年轻专业的民选议员。这场活动开放予所有年龄40岁或以下的青年参与。

日期：2009年12月19日（星期六）
时间：晚上7时
地点：Venue: Restaurant Chef & Brew, Plaza Damansara, Medan Setia 2, Bukit Damansara, Kuala Lumpur.
衣着：休闲时尚

由于场地限制，我们仅开放40个名额，报名预订以先到先得为准。聚餐会收费为35令吉（不包括饮品）。欢迎在12月17日之前向阿斯文报名，电邮radiantash@yahoo.com或短讯至019-316 7027。报名的同时请附上简单的自我介绍（职业、年龄、教育背景及政治），以方便我们在聚餐会上介绍你。

谢谢。


行动党雪州社青团
Ashvin Raj
019-316 7027


Media statement by DAPSY Selangor in Petaling Jaya on Thursday, 10th December 2009:

DAPSY Selangor is holding a Christmas networking dinner with some of our young elected representatives to celebrate the Christmas season in 2009 as part of our efforts to engage the youth as well as to attract the interest of the younger generation.

We’re delighted to invite you to join this dinner, where you will get the opportunity to interact personally with our guests of honour - DAPSY National Chairman YB Loke Siew Fook, Deputy Chairlady YB Jenice Lee and other young and professional elected representatives. It's open to all professionals especially to the younger generation below the age of 40.

Date: 19th December 2009 (Saturday)
Time: 7pm
Venue: Restaurant Chef & Brew, Plaza Damansara, Medan Setia 2, Bukit Damansara, Kuala Lumpur.
Dress code: Smart casual

We have limited seats of 40 guests only and reservations will be taken on a first come first served basis. Dinner tickets are priced at RM35/++pp (approximation for 3 course meal, excluding drinks). Please RSVP by 17th December 2009 to Ashvin Raj at radiantash@yahoo.com or 019-316 7027, and include a simple description of yourself (work, age, education, politics) so that we could better introduce you during the networking session.

Thank you.


DAPSY Selangor
Ashvin Raj
019-316 7027

Reflections on Merdeka - 1Malaysia or 1Police State?

As I reflected on the 52nd Merdeka Day celebration and its 1Malaysia slogan that has been championed by Najib, I can’t help but ponder the many inconsistencies and contradictions inherent in our public institutions.

Firstly, the institution of the Royal Malaysian Police has changed its character from a guardian of the people, to one that has become a secret police, whose behaviour is no different from the Gestapo. We are mindful that we are living in a police state, rather than a 1Malaysia State. A grim reminder of this is when Pakatan Rakyat Perak launched a three-day hunger strike from 26 to 28 May 2009 to protest the refusal by BN Perak to dissolve the State Assembly and let Perakians decide the government of their choice through state elections. The scenes surrounding the Perak State Secretariat were reminiscent of a war zone, where instead of battling crime, the police overreacted by channelling all their energy to arrest lawmakers and other democracy loving citizens for wearing black and holding candlelight vigils!

The term police state describes a state in which the government exercises rigid and repressive control over the social, economic and political life of the people. This seems to fit our nation’s state of affairs. The inhabitants of a police state would also experience restrictions on their mobility and on their freedom to express views contrary to the government of the day.

The police had overstepped its authority by the harassment of duly elected representatives, and of peaceful protesters exercising their rights of assembly guaranteed under the Constitution. The police must remain above politics to have any integrity and the confidence of the people. Unfortunately, it has not, with the selective arrests of citizens wearing black and taking part in candlelight vigils. Detaining peaceful protesters who pose no threat to law and order would make Malaysia a 1Police State, rather than a 1Malaysia State.

The people of Malaysia must wake up and see their ideals of a free, democratic and multiracial society that is governed by the rule of law does not generate into a police state. If the Prime Minister is serious about 1Malaysia, then the government must be colour blind and end ethnic profiling for PSD scholarships. Najib’s 1Malaysia dream has been thrown into confusion when thousands of Malaysia’s best and brightest young students had been victims of injustice of the government’s scholarship system.

Secondly, the institution of the judiciary is more of a kangaroo court than a people’s court, when cases concerning the rightful Perak MB, has been suppressed without recourse for the people to decide through the ballot box. The 1Malaysia concept will not amount to anything if the Perak crisis remains stuck in limbo, as it will only mean that we are living in a 1Police State.

Najib’s much trumpeted “1Malaysia” slogan and even a song that goes with it, was openly trampled upon by none other than his Deputy, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, who had announced some time ago that UMNO would not impose any conditions for UMNO-PAS Unity government talks and was even prepared to accept whatever terms set by PAS and will discuss it “anytime, no problem”.

After 52 years of Merdeka, should we not be talking about Malaysian unity, instead of Malay unity? Surely the people must be wondering if 1Malaysia is just an empty slogan, as Malaysians are still divided along racial lines. As long as our country is still dominated by the racial politics of UMNO, MCA and MIC, it makes little sense to celebrate Merdeka, with all its inconsistencies and contradictions, when we still have racism and injustice that goes with 1Malaysia.

In memory of Michael Jackson

MJ: The talent, the tragedy and the triumph
Martin Jalleh

You brought back magic into music, leaving an indelible imprint. You gave dance an indescribable grace and showed impeccable mastery of movement.

You merged music and video and brought about a MTV generation. You magnificently and incredibly blended and bridged arena rock, soul and pop.

You moved the world's conscience with your humanitarian spirit and inspired us with your clarion call to care for the hungry, homeless, HIV/AIDS victims and those without hope.

You mesmerized peoples of all races, languages and cultures, in every country, instilling in them the message that what mattered most was love and mutual respect.

You were matchless - you were an original, creative, unique and magnetizing musician and artist.

You were a true troubadour who ruled and "thrilled" the world" and you were also a tortured soul and a troubled life with a tumultuous childhood.

You were the very "Man in the Mirror" who chased after a "Childhood" you never had. You craved to be Peter Pan, and clamoured to be a child forever on Neverland.

You were extraordinary. You were enchanting, exciting, entertaining and enamouring and you were also notoriously eccentric and erratic.

You were the world's greatest pop icon, and an inspiration to countless - and sadly you were also accused of ignoble deeds such as being a child predator and "dangerous" to the young.

You dared us to look at the "Man in the Mirror" - and you would also literally deface and deform what you saw in the mirror, with three decades of plastic surgeries.

You sang "We are the World". You moonwalked all over the earth. But often you waked alone - like a lonely lost comet spinning out of control, a sullen solitary sorry sight.

You wanted to "heal the world" - you, a "wounded orphan", a masked man with a "washed-out dream" and a weary worn-out soul of make-believe marriages, a King of pop finding peace in painkillers.

You were so free and yet so "addicted" to the adulation and adoration of your fans which in the end annihilated you. You were alienated from a normal life, a man of undisputed fame made to look like a freak.

You were a "beautiful boy" who tried so hard to bounce back and to "beat it" when you realized you were near-barren of creativity and bankruptcy. You were a blessed soul who died of a broken heart.

You were a superstar scarred. You were a very human hero - frail and flawed - and yet, the finest and "simply the greatest entertainer that ever lived".

You were tainted talent with transcendent creativity - musical magnificence of immeasurable magnitude. Goodbye Michael Joseph Jackson. May God grant you peace.

We will remember you - a man who made HIStory.

By Martin Jalleh

Two party system is better than unity govt

Nik Aziz denounces unity government advocates as ‘Umno puppets’ (Malaysian Insider)

KOTA BARU, June 11 – PAS spiritual leader Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat today rapped party members who defended the proposal for a unity government mooted by PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang and described them as “Umno puppets”.

He also disagreed with the party’s central election director, Datuk Mustafa Ali, who had called on all PAS leaders and those in the Pakatan Rakyat to cease issuing statements on the proposed unity government to avoid confusing party members.

“I cannot run away from the decision made at the PAS assembly in Ipoh last year ... the decision was to support the Pakatan Rakyat. Those who support this unity (government) are Umno puppets, clear and obvious.”

“The unwarranted call from PAS to form a unity government is (by) Umno puppets,” he told reporters at his official residence, JKR 10, here today.

When put to him that the idea of the unity government came from Abdul Hadi himself, Nik Abdul Aziz said the statement did not reflect PAS’ desire.

“The president is a leader of an organisation, and (since) the decision is not made by the organisation, then it is his personal statement,” he added.

On Mustafa’s call for all leaders in the Pakatan Rakyat to stop issuing statements on the issue, Nik Aziz said there was no reason why they should do so.

“The differences in opinion do no come from PAS, but certain people in PAS who are now feeling the heat and want the matter to be closed. How to close people’s mouth?” he added. – Bernama

Yes, how to close my mouth? I'm upset with this Unity Govt talk, after all the hardwork done by Pakatan Rakyat. How to pakat now? Now certain quarters in PAS want to pakat with UMNO. It's sad that they don't seem to learn their lessons from past history..

In the midst of darkness, the light of justice will shine on...

I've seen judges and lawyers wear black to Court. Does that mean others who wear black are law breakers? The police paranoid fear of black shirt protesters mourning the death of democracy in Malaysia near YB Teresa Kok's office yesterday seems to indicate that they are more fearful of black shirted protesters than criminals who continue to roam the streets threatening the lives of ordinary people.

It also shows that the police are incompetent and answerable only to their BN masters and not the people nor do they respect the sanctity of the Federal Consitution which provides the right to freedom of assembly and freedom of speech.

They are swift in punishing Pakatan leaders but painfully slow when it comes to other ordinary citizens. Take for example the following crimes which has been dreadfully slow in their investigations: Kugan, Altantuya, cases of missing kids, snatch thefts, robberies, rapes, etc.

So what is going on??? Why the senseless and needless arrests over elected reps and others who don't even pose a threat to national security but only because they were wearing black to get their messages across. I thought mourners wear black in funerals. Are the police prepared to arrest them too???

I wear black too and black is the colour of justice. That's why lawyers wear them. Come arrest me too and make my day!!!

Where are the grounds of judgment?

It has been reported by Malaysian Insider today that lawyers for several cases involving the Perak political crisis are still in the dark over the grounds of judgment and are urging the judges to write them down for the sake of public interest.

The lawyers for Datuk Seri Nizar had written to the Federal Court requesting the grounds of judgment for the March 23 decision of the Federal Court to send their lawsuit against Datuk Seri Zambry back to the Kuala Lumpur High Court.

Their request for grounds of judgment was rejected with the reason being that the Federal Court had allowed the preliminary objection.

It was understood that lawyers for Perak Speaker V. Sivakumar had also written to the Federal Court requesting the grounds of judgment pertaining to the declaration that it has the jurisdiction under the Perak constitution to hear the case concerning the three frogs who had defected to Barisan Nasional as well as the case where the speaker had suspended Zambry and his six state executive councillors.

As the cases are of public interest, it is important that the public are able to examine for themselves the grounds of judgment in order to understand how the judgment came about in the current political crisis in Perak.

Are the Courts willing to be transparent on this issue?

Shocking arrest of peaceful activist

The shocking arrest of Bersih activist Wong Chin Huat may be an indication of how Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak's administration deals with criticism with an iron fist.

Let us mourn the "death of democracy" when BN took over Perak from the Pakatan Rakyat government through illegal means with a bunch of frogs. Wong's call to wear black is simply a democratic right as a citizen of this country to voice his dissatisfaction over the status of the Perak State Govt.

Will this be a start of a major crackdown on dissenting voices through the use of the ISA, even when it was announced that it will be reviewed, instead of being abolished. The Sedition Act is a convenient tool to instil fear in the rakyat's minds. But we must not be cowed by the intimidation of the authorities through the use of the police to crackdown on dissent. We will be no better than Myanmar in terms of human rights abuses in this country.

As the dark clouds loom over the horizon as I write this, can't help but feel that this is an omen on what is to come under the 1Malaysia slogan championed by Najib. Will this inevitably lead to a One Umno Malaysia? Only time will tell as to who the dictator is.

For now, I will be wearing black on May 7 and will stand in solidarity with the oppressed like Wong Chin Huat..

Anwar Ibrahim crediting my article in his blog

The above title will link to Anwar's blog. Below is the transcript of it.


Ashvin Raj menulis pandangannya di laman Malaysiakini:

I would like to highlight a main difference between Anwar’s attempt of Sept 16 to form a new government and what’s going on in Perak. Anwar said that he had the numbers. He did not say that he ‘bought them’ for a price.

Anwar only gave a call but no money was offered. In this Perak case, a statutory declaration made by a PKR member strongly alleges that money ranging in the millions was offered to Pakatan YBs in order to entice them to crossover.

In this sense, money is the main difference here. I doubt PKR offered any sum of money to BN reps to join Pakatan, as they don’t have access to huge federal funds, unlike BN which has millions of ringgit as the federal government of the day.

What has happened in Perak is cowardice to say the least. The people’s mandate had not been given to BN to rule Perak, but to Pakatan.

I don’t blame the Sultan of Perak, but Najib and his cronies for enticing politicians from Pakatan to join them. This is most shameful and cowardly in that they used a bait of millions of ringgit to lure them.

Were there any monies offered by Pakatan to any BN rep before Sept 16 to join Pakatan and form a new federal government?

Of course, it is ethically wrong to hop from one party to another. But my point here is this, who has the stronger bargaining power when it comes to enticing YBs to crossover?

Certainly it is the one with the most funds and assets accumulated over the past 50 years and that is none other than the corrupt BN regime led by Najib.

—-

Terima kasih saudara Ashvin kerana prihatin sekali. Malah saya sedia meneliti hujah pengunjung meskipun kritikal terhadap pendirian kami. Sayugia diulangi peringatan mengenai singgungan lucah, fitnah dan rendah akalbudi. Saudara-saudari dipohon mengenepikan saja luahan sengsara dan bebal seperti ini dengan mempertahankan akhlak dan budi pekerti.

Percubaan meleset para soldadu tua dan muda yang mendakwa mirip persamaan adegan “lompat” UMNO-BN dengan saranan saya sebelum ini! Dan sepertimana yang dihebah oeh TV3 umpamanya ternyata hambar kerana mempertahankan adegan ala penculikan, rasuah dan ugutan dengan arahan Dato’ Seri Najib.

Pelawaan saya adalah secara terbuka dan sambutan juga harus telus. Tidak ada yang dilari atau disembunyikan dari keluarga sendiri, diugut atau disogok. Kalangan yang memilih untuk menyertai Pakatan Rakyat harus akur dengan agenda perubahan serta menolak kerakusan kuasa dan rasuah.

ANWAR IBRAHIM

A Mockery of Our Democracy

I refer to arguments that Anwar has reaped what he sowed and Dr. M's statement that it was a rib tickling lesson for Anwar, now that 3 Pakatan Rakyat YBs have quit and become independent assemblyman and are friendly to BN to form the new Perak State Govt.

With all due respect, I would beg to differ from all these so called legal justification to excuse a moral wrong. Clearly, this is morally wrong and unethical. A wrong is still a wrong, and there are no two ways about it. This is because the tax-paying citizens of Perak have been cheated and betrayed by YB's who quit their parties and become independent paving the way for a backdoor entry for BN to form the new state govt. In this case, we hear of strong allegations of Pakatan reps being 'bought over' by BN, that have tainted this govt.

I would also like to highlight a main difference between Anwar's attempt of Sept 16 to form a new govt and the takeover in Perak. Anwar said that he had the numbers to form the federal govt. There were no allegations that he attempted to "buy" any BN reps for a price. Anwar only gave a call but no allegation of money was involved. None however responded, and that has already passed.

However, in this Perak crisis, there was evidence of a statutory declaration made by a PKR member that strongly alleged that money ranging in millions were offered to Pakatan YBs to entice them to crossover. In this sense, the lure of money was the main difference between the two.

I doubt Pakatan would offer any sum of money to BN reps to join Pakatan, as they don't have access to huge federal funds, unlike BN which have millions of ringgit accumulated for the past 50 years from their access to Federal funds, and as the federal govt of the day.

To excuse and justify what has happened in Perak is cowardly to say the least. The people's mandate had not been given to BN to rule Perak, but to Pakatan Rakyat, notwitstanding the slim majority.

I do not blame the Sultan of Perak, but Najib and his cronies for enticing politicians from Pakatan Rakyat to join them is most shameful and cowardly, as they used the tempting bait of miilions of ringgit to lure them. Were there any evidence of monies offered by Pakatan to any BN reps before Sept 16 to join Pakatan and form a new Federal Govt?

Of course, party hopping is ethically and morally wrong, regardless of party affiliation. But my point here is this, who has the stronger bargaining power when it comes to enticing YBs to crossover? Certainly, it is the one with the most funds and assets accumulated for the past 50 years, and that is none other than the corrupt BN regime led by Najib, who has removed a legitimate state govt elected by the voters on March 8, 2008 and has made a mockery of our democracy.