Freed But Not Free...

Teresa Kok’s release yesterday afternoon is welcomed yet overdue news. She should never have been taken in let alone had to endure 7 days of senseless incarceration.

Without disparaging the fears and emotional turmoil that her parents and loved ones felt the last week, I think they were consoled that she would not be physically abused given the high profile nature of her predicament.

However, one can only imagine the mental anguish Teresa would have endured because of the indignity and uncertainty she faced. Stuck in the claustrophobic confines of a 6 x 8 cell and staring at the uncertainty of how long and how far her jailers would go with the detention, uncertainty about how wide the “ISA net” had been cast this time and uncertainty about the course the nation was taking, how could she have felt? No matter how barbaric the ISA, not many would expect her to be physically harmed yet, how does one measure her pain?

Unfortunately, Teresa was not released into freedom; there can be no freedom so long as innocent Malaysians can be detained at the stroke of a pen, without due process of the law. None of us are free! The ISA has to go!

There has been so much written and debate about the action taken by the government. So much has come to pass these seven days amidst hew and cry following the arrests of Raja Petra, Teresa and Tan Hoon Cheng. While the authorities so unconvincingly hid behind national security, there was hardly a voice in favor of her detention apart from those of her antagonists. The candle-light vigils, the surge of blog posts, the Kelana Jaya Stadium anti-ISA rally, all a plea against injustice and intimidation. The simple appeal from the masses was that the universal moral principle; the Quranic “amar maaruf, nahi munkar” (to uphold truth and oppose evil) be upheld.

The arrest of Raja Petra under the ISA though totally unjustifiable is perhaps more acceptable than that of Teresa and Tan. There is no need to elaborate on the exploits of RPK - goading and baiting the government through his writings and exposés. There are not many who have been described with so many antithetical adjectives; traitor/patriot, liar/veracious, irreverent/ devout …the list goes on!

What the government may deem subversive, RPK considers, “amar maaruf, nahi mungkar”. This “irresistible force meeting the immovable force” scenario was bound to come to a point; alleged threat to national security!

Teresa and Tan’s arrest stank of political motivation and this has been borne out by facts and revelations widely reported in the alternative media and indeed even mainstream media. The public can judge.

To Teresa and Tan, I would like to say congratulations! You are now paid up members of the ISA alumni. The dubious honor is shared with hundreds before them and if Anwar goes all the way, later even a Prime Minister! Membership will become exclusive the day the Internal Security Act 1960 is finally repealed.

I am pleased to read Teresa Kok hit the ground running immediately after her release. With this 7-day ordeal now behind her, why do I somehow have this nagging suspicion that she may even feel glad it happened. There have been more positives that came out of this for the nation.

Apart from “amar maaruf, nahi mungkar”, my Muslim friends have taught me the concept of “hikmah” (wisdom) that is important in Islamic Philosophy. Hikmah has been described as:

“…knowing things for what they really are, as much as is possible. In other words, it is such that one is not confused by various doubtful possibilities mixed together, and is not mistaken as to why certain things have occurred.”

Or

“…to realize the essence of things, and to understand the connection between cause and effect – in regards to the Creation, occurrence of events, fate, and legislation.”

Before last week I had of course heard of Ms Teresa Kok and the impression I had was that she was a “person of the people”. That kind of generalization tends to take away a lot from Teresa Kok, “the person”. Who exactly is Teresa Kok? The ISA spotlight has changed all that. The convergence of diversified brackets of Malaysian society to protest and plea for her was amazing. It was “Bangsa Malaysia” in motion. I have heard first hand, people of different races heap accolades on her in vigils and seen outpouring of emotions at the mere thought of her in prison.

RPK’s detention stirred anger, Tan Hoon Cheng’s evoked sympathy but by cutting across the partisan, racial and religious divide, Teresa’s united the masses. As some of my friends would say, “Mungkin ada hikmahnya Teresa Kok ditahan ISA”.



P/S 

I have also read that Teresa Kok is suing the government for wrongful arrest and detention. She is ill advised to do that because she may soon be sitting on a different side in Parliament. Wouldn’t it look ridiculous? Spare us the tax payers.

She should just go after Tempe and Utusan.

FREE RAJA PETRA NOW!!!

Oh Brother!

The decision to bring in Najib as Finance Minister is a good decision if only for the mere fact that it IS a decision.

Nevertheless, it is a sign that finally something (at least SOMETHING) will be done since Najib will have to do something. I am glad to see he is finally now "shoved" to the forefront but this may yet be his opportunity to show his mettle.

But mettle does have to come with some know-how right? I have been asking around about his academic qualifications for the job...I am still asking. In any case, the previous 2 guys did not have any, anyway. But for all our sakes Najib better be equipped to manage a crisis!

I personally think it may be too much too late and no one can blame him in the short term. Even Anwar has admitted, "... for the Pakatan (to rule), it is going to be tough under the current economic situation."

Since Najib has now finally put up his own website probably in effort to get closer to the people, we hope he will keep us posted about his ideas, opinions and indeed his own thoughts and decisions about things critical to the country; especially now the economy.

But there are some who are already cynical about Najib's new website and his new role. One such person is a guy seems to be in the know and he claims Najib was his former boss.

What ever said and done, since he has accepted the job he is already expected to bring in new blood into the Ministry based on this Malaysiakini report and among them is probably his younger brother, Nazir from CIMB.

However, Nazir Razak himself has this to say:

Najib's appointment as Finance Minister comes at a most challenging time, says Nazir

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 18 - The appointment of Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak as Finance Minister comes during one of the most trying times for Malaysia, his younger brother and CIMB Group Chief Executive Datuk Seri Nazir Razak said today.

"With the possible exception of 1998 (the Asian financial crisis), this is by far the most challenging time to become the Finance Minister," he said when asked whether Najib could provide renewed strength to the economy as the world enters a tumultuous period brought about by the global credit crisis.

"This is what I told him. We wish him all the best," he said after launching CIMB InvestSave, a saving and investment product.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi announced yesterday that he and his deputy were swapping portfolios, with Abdullah taking over defence and Najib the finance portfolio with immediate effect.

Nazir was also asked on the selling pressure on Bursa Malaysia, with the benchmark Composite Index falling almost 39.70 points or 3.96 per cent this morning, a 39-month low of 963.29 points, rendering the local bourse among the biggest losers in the region.

"The sharp decline reflects the global turmoil. We are not immune to the crisis," he said.

On the prospect of a KLCI recovery, Nazir said: "It is very difficult. We are in uncharted territory." - Bernama


Che Det also had this to say in Malaysiakini:

Pak Lah can't manage finance: Dr M

The former prime minister marked another milestone in his astonishing career by publishing a book based on his blog CheDet.com.

Aptly named "Blogging to Unblock" as Dr Mahathir Mohamad only started blogging after he claimed to be blacked out by mainstream media – the book (in English and Bahasa Malaysia) is entirely made up of his postings.

At 83, the former premier continued to display his wit and sharpness in the ensuing press conference in Putrajaya after the book launch.

Commenting on the portfolio swap between Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and Najib Abdul Razak yesterday, Mahathir said that it was about time.

"I think it is an admission that he (Abdullah) cannot manage the Ministry of Finance. But actually there is nothing there because all the time it was being managed by Nor Mohamed Yakcop anyway (Second Finance Minister).

"Only problem is there is a lot of interference with Nor Mohamed (that's what I learnt). He, himself (Abdullah) played no role at all in the management of the finances of the country," said Mahathir.

"He has put Najib there but we are going to face a very critical stage in our economy because of what is happening in the United States, especially the bankruptcy of Lehman Brothers and the US$85 billion bailout of AIG."

He warned that if Najib does not manage the economy well, the deputy premier will be blamed for it.

On whether the swap will relieve some pressure off Abdullah within Umno, Mahathir replied with his trademark sarcasm.

"I don't think he feels any pressure at all," said the former prime minister.

"Even when he lost the election or Permatang Pauh, he said it was nothing. I think his blood pressure must be very low. The whole country may feel the tension but he doesn't," added the doctor by training.

Recent arrests unjustified

Being a popular blogger now, Mahathir was also asked to comment on the recent arrests of bloggers.

"I think it is not justified. When people were arrested under ISA in 1987, there was tension in the country.

"There was this incident where a soldier shot somebody and Chinese were leaving the country. In order to restore law and order, the police had to take action.

"But this time, if you say that there is tension or security risk in this country because of the writing of a blogger … I don't think it's true at all," said Mahathir.

"Even if Teresa Kok was involved in a move to stop the azan that can be remedied by explaining that this is not a subject she should be discussing about."

Mahathir said that there is no risk at the moment (even in the case of Kok) and when the need arises, arrests can be made then.

"As far as bloggers are concerned, if they attack the government that is not subversion. If it (subversion) is defined as attacking the government, then Harakah (PAS paper) should be placed under detention, including some of the PAS leaders.

Despite his many clashes with Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim, the former premier was also against any ISA arrest for his former deputy.

"I think there is a case against him. Wait until the case is heard instead of detaining him under ISA."

On him rejoining Umno, the elder statesman said that he wants to wait and choose his own time to return to the party he re-founded in 1988.

He added that there were many who are trying to persuade him to rejoin, saying that he can still contribute to the party.

"But I haven't made any application yet and I will choose the right time to rejoin," said Mahathir with his trademark grin.

Che Det Feels Vindicated

Che Det's latest blog posting may sound self-vindicating but who can blame him for feeling so. This is more cause for alarm. Please read:

FINANCIAL TURMOIL

Posted by Dr. Mahathir Mohamad at September 18, 2008.

1. The world is going through financial turmoil but most Malaysian politicians especially those in the Government seem blissfully unaware or unconcerned. Already 10 major banks in America have collapsed. The almighty US Dollar has depreciated. Now the huge insurance corporation, the American International Group is on the verge of bankruptcy.

2. In the last three quarters AIG lost US$18.5 billion dollars (68 billion Ringgit). AIG is struggling to raise funds to overcome its difficulties. If it fails it may have to opt for bankruptcy. But AIG is going to lose even more.

3. The failures are all due to playing with money, selling mortgages, selling papers and all kinds of financial dealings which have been invented by the finance houses in order to make huge sums of money out of nothing. Currency trading is one of them.

4. I am not a financial expert but I see trouble coming our way. Our currency should be appreciating against the cheaper US Dollar. But instead it is depreciating. This must be caused by weaknesses in our economy.

5. Despite Government propaganda through the controlled media that we are doing well, the reality is otherwise. The foreign investors, including Arabs came, and the reports claim that hundreds of millions of Ringgit in investment would be coming in, but there is no sign that the investors are actually investing. In fact I hear in the IT sector a proposed 600 million Ringgit investment has been withdrawn.

6. Apart from Arabs buying up new skyscrapers there is no sign that investments are really coming in.

7. I talked to potential investors and they told me they would not be investing and they are pulling out from the Malaysian stock market. The KLSE figures show how much market capital has disappeared. I am told that it is more than 100 billion Ringgit.

8. In the meantime the prices of oil and foodstuff are high and may go higher. But incomes are not increasing. In other words we are experiencing inflation. When the American financial crisis really hits us we may not be able to handle it.

9. Dato Seri Najib Tun Razak's appointment as Minister of Finance has come at a crucial time. I pray and hope he will be able to handle the impending crisis. If he fails then he will have to take the blame. Dato Seri Abdullah is now only involved in social issues, reform (of what?) and Islam Hadari. Appropriately he has taken over the Ministry of Defence.

10. We are in for a very interesting time. The PM should read carefully SAPP President Yong Teck Lee's press statement. But I don't think he would. He is reputed to have told Malaysian diplomats undergoing training that if they are asked critical questions they should "buat bodoh" i.e. pretend to be stupid. I believe that is precisely what Abdullah would do to Yong's statement.

PS

1. I read this morning that the Federal Reserve Bank will loan to AIG US$85 billion to prevent it from going into bankruptcy.

2. I remember well how we were told never to bail out failing companies. But in the last one year the Fed has bailed out dozens of failing banks, mortgage corporations and other businesses. Altogether the bail out has cost the Fed almost US$500 billion dollars.

3. I just wonder where the money comes from. Does the Fed hold hundreds of billions of dollars in readiness to rescue failed banks? I don't think so.

4. The money used is "created" through entries in account books. No cash or dollar notes are issued or even printed. Like a magician, the Fed make money from invisible sources.

5. Whatever, the USD will continue to fall.

6. Malaysia would be wise to get rid of dollar holdings. This goes for Bank Negara too. It must have lost quite a bit because of the depreciation of the USD.

Our Increasingly Shallow Pockets

This article was in the Wall Street Journal Asia and I found it on the Malaysian Insider news portal. Politics be damned, with Wall Street's plunge yesterday and today's KLSE fall, we cannot be blamed for being worried about our increasingly shallow pockets and for Malaysia.


Pak Lah’s economic reckoning

SEPT 18 —Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced this week that he has enough parliamentary support to unseat the current government, led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. If he does, Abdullah's lacklustre economic management will be largely to blame.

The prime minister has not introduced any substantive reforms during his nearly five years in office, preferring to rely instead on opening up the government purse. Under the Ninth Malaysia Plan announced in 2005, he expanded public-sector spending to RM200 billion annually from RM160 billion. In his Midterm Plan Review this year, he increased this outlay to RM240 billion. The national debt now stands at RM285 billion, up from RM192 billion in 2004. The official fiscal deficit has risen to 4.8% of GDP this year, from 3.2% last year. Revenue is being spent faster than it is coming in.

It's hard to argue that these outlays have served the broad public interest. Much of the funding has been channelled to elites in the majority Malay community, under the country's pro-Malay affirmation action programme. That has created discontent with many Malay who don't see the full benefits of the programme, and among the minority Chinese and Indians, who are excluded from it altogether.

Abdullah's stewardship has had a real impact on the economy. Capital flight has risen sharply; Malaysian investment abroad now exceeds inward foreign investment. The Kuala Lumpur stock exchange has lost almost one-fifth of its value this year to date. Malaysia's currency, the ringgit, saw its biggest one-month loss last month since the end of the dollar peg in 2005. Although GDP growth has averaged a robust 5% annual growth under Abdullah, that record is now under threat. Inflation reached a record 8.5% this summer. Job creation has reached record lows, as unemployment, particularly among young majority Malays, remains high. Ironically, only the opposition-led state governments are attracting new foreign investment — and without the federal government's help, no less.

Abdullah's 2004 attempts to promote growth and investment — such as through the promotion of the biotechnology and agricultural industries — have failed. He also fumbled discussions with the United States on a free trade agreement, which have now stalled. What Malaysia really needs is education reform and the liberalisation of its labour markets to improve its economic competitiveness.

The political opposition, in the form of Anwar and his Pakatan Rakyat coalition, have seized on these issues. They have promised to root out corruption and to implement a new economic policy to address the concerns of all ethnic communities in Malaysia. Their platform aims to move beyond populist spending to introduce structural reforms in government procurement programmes and in the management of government-linked companies.

When Abdullah assumed office in 2004, he inherited an economy in need of structural reform. Malaysians have had to pay for his poor stewardship through higher prices, stagnating wages and growing private sector debt. Soon, Abdullah may have to pay the political price for that record. — Wall Street Journal Asia

Najib In Cyberspace

UPDATE: 19th September, 1246 Hrs

A couple of reviewers of the website not too impressed huh?

Sakmongkol AK47 and NIAMAH!!!

Well, as the lawyers like to say...res ipsa loquitur

*****************************************************

Deputy Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak has finally decided to have his own presence in cyberspace. I think it is the best decision he has made recently.

Frankly, he may be the Deputy Prime Minister and has been around in the political scene for as long as I can remember, but he remains an enigma...to me at least.

Politics aside, I really do not know very much about him. I find this intriguing since he has been a public figure since his father Tun Razak died in 1976.

To me, compared to most leading politicians, he does not seem to be as charismatic.Well, maybe he is now trying to reach out.

Do check him out at http://www.1malaysia.com.my/v1/index.php . Lets see Najib up close...

NUMBERS

I was one amongst my fellow Malaysians at the Kelana Stadium last night. It was a Pakatan Rakyat rally in protest of the ISA and to show solidarity with all ISA detainees particularly Raja Petra, Teresa Kok, Manoharan (as part of the HINDRAF 5).

The Pakatan Rakyat speakers were Anwar Ibrahim, Khalid Ibrahim (MB Selangor), Kamaruddin Jaafar (SecGen of PAS) and the father and son team of Lim Kit Siang & Lim Guan Eng. However, another Syed (no not Hamid); Syed Ibrahim Syed Nor the Chairman of the Abolish ISA Movement (GMI) kicked off the speeches. The theme of the night was after all the dreaded Internal Security Act.

It is obvious the spectre of the ISA is merely a "symptom". It is symptomatic of a cancer that has been eating away at the very foundations of nationhood; the "carcinogens" being widespread corruption, exploitation and plunder. It is the "sword of Democles" that hangs over the heads of dissenters who dare.

Yet to the thousands of ordinary Malaysians there, the threat of ISA detention would merely be a remote possibility, although I am sure their hearts went out to the victims and their families.

I am certain if many care to admit, rather than the ISA, they were there looking for a glimpse of hope. Hope for a future that seems becoming gradually more futile even after the great "tsunami" of GE12. Hope for a drastic change that seemed impossible before 8th March 2008. Hope for a tenable formula that will foster racial harmony for years to come rather the "divide and rule" that we are continually reminded is sacrosanct to avoid spilling the blood of our children.

No. I was not there because of the ISA per se. I risk sounding insensitive, uncaring or even self-serving saying I was there not mainly to protest the detention of my friend M. Manoharan, nor for RPK, the man I regard as the true Malaysian hero, and neither Teresa, nor the other HINDRAF four, or other nameless and faceless detainees.

I was there because of a series of NUMBERS. A collection or combination of numbers that will eventually lead to CHANGE for the better; CHANGE that will make collateral damage of the ISA and other injustices. That will ensure hope for future generations of Malaysians!

831 was when we gained independence and all agreed to work together for better or for worse under the terms and rights enshrined in the original Constitution. We have entrusted too much to too few and we have had the Constitution hijacked from under our noses.

513 was why we allowed our minds to be held at ransom. All races rightfully subscribed to the ideals of the NEP in true "prosper thy neighbor" spirit. We could accept implementation contentions but we certainly did not expect the gravy train of Orient Express proportions only for the privileged few and bread and circuses for the masses.

22 years of Mahathirism ended with two additional zeros for Vision 2020 that now seems 5 years behind schedule. We also inherited an insatiable ruling elite and a culture of patronage that ingrained corruption.

5 years of his hand-picked successor is 5 spinning years too many. We hear of 4th Floor boys, the 4K Kitchen Cabinet and who has not heard of the ambition to be PM by 40.

General Elections number 12 threw up a 140:82 proportion and the Preacher Man now wants 2 more years to risk doing more damage than the drastic RM2.70 petrol price. Yet handing over to a deputy who seems to have problems with C4 is somehow not comforting.

916 is today. Now Saudara Anwar Ibrahim wants us to rally around 916, Malaysia Day and he assures us CHANGE; he assures us HOPE.

30 more seats is all he needs! He says he has it already but the numbers can be tricky.

But today, 15,000 (some say 20,000) Malaysians heard him promise a better Malaysia; a New Dawn for ALL and today, I will accept his promise and believe he will deliver. I can believe him because I believe he can. He believes it is his destiny to become PM and when he does, a legacy that falls short cannot be an option for the history books.

I believe him because for all the numbers that were swirling in my head at Kelana Stadium last night, I heard him say (eventhough it was merely in thr context of language) one thing: that it is NOT a ZERO SUM GAME.

HAPPY MALAYSIA DAY MALAYSIA!!!

Negara Ku

Lim Guan Eng

"Sky Change"...Lim Kit Siang (here)

The Sound Of Silence

Hush! Listen! Do you hear it? I can sense it in my bones; I can smell it in the air; I can feel it on the ground; I can hear it in the silence.

The ISA Fiasco has been on since Friday and nothing much can be said that has not already been said. Government point-man Syed Hamid has said more than most of us want to hear. Borrowing a line from Forrest Gump, "Stupid is as stupid does..." and for the life of me I do not think Syed Hamid is a stupid man. He may not be as smart as he should be but certainly he is not stupid. But why is he appearing so by saying what he is saying about the ISA arrests?

I think the loud silence from both the PM and the DPM since Friday, speaks the loudest and says the most! Well, maybe the DPM has said enough last week but certainly the Preacher Man has something to say, however scripted it may be. I am beginning to wonder whether he actually knew about the impending ISA arrests. Could it be possible he did not know? After all we are seeing the tail being pinned on the police donkey.

Could it be that the "management without managing" style of his that has left many asking whether the country is indeed on auto-pilot, is finally catching up with reality? Could it be that the right hand only knows too late what the left hand is doing? Who is advising the Preacher Man now? Are we about to witness history in the making when he finally breaks his silence? It takes a strong (or clueless) man to withstand the heat he must be feeling now. Will he pack it in?

The vibrations in UMNO appear reaching the inflexion point where the reverberation will finally cause change within. Too little too late perhaps...but will we finally have it merely being an entirely a UMNO family matter that does not affect the whole nation? I see hope for them; they are learning...sometimes passive is good.

I can sense it in my bones; I can smell it in the air; I can feel it on the ground; I can hear it in the silence...

Candlelight vigil at Bloghouse last night

Sometimes passive is good...

A good (and passive) crowd braved the drizzle and showed up at Bloghouse last night for a candlelight vigil in appeal for the release of not only RPK, Teresa, the Hindraf 5 but all others under ISA detention.

Shooting your own foot and then stuffing it in your own mouth

Very confusing la! Who ordered Friday's ISA arrests? Was it Pak Lah or Syed Hamid or was it actually the Police acting on their own? The ongoing comedy or study in illogics, whichever your fancy continues to amaze the whole nation. Who is running the country!?!

I do not think a government servant in the Police would dare make a unilateral decision without consulting his political bosses on something that could embarass the latter. Embarassing it has turned out to be at a time when solid decision making is crucial from the government. For the government, is this turning out to be a case of "shooting one's own foot" and then "stuffing the foot into one's own mouth"?

Whoever ordered it, our de facto law minister, Zaid Ibrahim points his finger directly at his own boss. This was from Malaysiakini today:


Law minister threatens to quit over ISA
Beh Lih Yi Sep 14, 08 2:42pm

De facto Law Minister Zaid Ibrahim today threatened to resign if the government continued to use the Internal Security Act, which he described as 'unjust'.

The outspoken Barisan Nasional politician also called for the immediate release of DAP MP Teresa Kok and controversial blogger Raja Petra Kamaruddin who were held under the security law which provides for detention without trial.

"We have a government that commits to laws and reforms, we can't be using old-style politics or resort to creating fear. We have laws and they (the detainees) can be charged in court.

"I am trying to meet with Prime Minister (Abdullah Ahmad Badawi) this week to convey to him my position. If (he considers) my position untenable, I will leave," he told Malaysiakini in a telephone interview from Kota Baru, Kelantan.The minister, who is a lawyer by training, held a press conference in Kota Baru earlier, where he also spoke on the same matter.

Use ISA to fight terror

Zaid, who is the minister in the Prime Minister's Department overseeing legal matters, said his position on the ISA is that the law should only be used to curb terrorism, the reason why it was enacted.

"The problem with the ISA now is that it is used against certain people, it is a very unjust law," he added.

The ISA is a relic from the British which used the law to battle the communist insurgency. The Act earned notoriety after it was invoked by the government to stifle dissent, leading many to call for its abolition.

However, the government has continued to defend the relevance of the law on the grounds of national security.

Commenting further, Zaid said: "I am very sad that people like Teresa (right), who I know personally, can be seen as a threat. I can't see how a journalist doing her duty or even Raja Petra can be seen as a national threat.

"If their statements upset certain people, let the police investigate," the minister said, adding that he did not see the need for the government to use such a "strong-arm tactic."

Zaid, who is the former Kota Baru MP, was made a senator and named as minister in charge of legal affairs during the cabinet reshuffle by premier Abdullah in March. His appointment was lauded by many quarters, especially within the legal fraternity, as it was seen as a gesture by the prime minister to honour his pledge for judiciary reforms.

'A setback to judiciary reforms'

However, Zaid lamented that the latest ISA arrests dealt a blow to his six-month-long task of trying to regenerate the judiciary.

In relation to the concept of collective responsibility, the minister acknowledged that his views on certain matters do not go down well with his cabinet colleagues.

"I don't want to make it difficult for him (Abdullah). If my views are inconsistent or unsuitable (to that of the cabinet's), I can leave the government."

"It is a setback (on my work). The government wanted to change certain things otherwise they don't need me (to be in the cabinet)," he said.

Friday's ISA crackdown began with Raja Petra, who has targeted government figures on his website Malaysia Today. He was detained at 1.10pm.

Tan Hoon Cheng, a journalist for the Chinese language Sin Chew Daily, was later arrested at about 8.30pm.

She was detained in connection with her report regarding the derogatory remarks made by an Umno leader against the Chinese community which led to a national uproar.

Close to midnight, DAP MP and Selangor senior state exco Teresa Kok was detained outside her condominium.

The arrests elicited a round of strong protests from all quarters, including those within the BN component parties.

Journalist Tan was released yesterday after being held for less than 24 hours and Home Minister Syed Hamid Albar explained that her detention was "to ensure her safety."


And This was in the Malaysian Insider:


Law Minister Zaid says ISA wrongly used
By Leslie Lau
Consulting News Editor

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 14 - De facto Law Minister Datuk Zaid Ibrahim broke ranks with the government today, and criticised the use of the Internal Security Act (ISA).

At least one other Cabinet member from the MCA has also called for the ISA to be replaced.
Zaid said the ISA should only be used against terrorists or against those who are trying to topple the government by force.

The minister said the legislation, which provides for detention without trial, should not be used against "civilians."

His comments, made at a press conference at his home in Kota Baru, today comes amid widespread criticism of the three recent arrests made under the ISA.

On Friday, the police detained Sin Chew Daily reporter Tan Hoon Cheng, Seputeh MP and Selangor state executive councillor Teresa Kok and blogger Raja Petra Kamaruddin.

Tan has since been released following string protests and representations made on her behalf by Barisan Nasional (BN) leaders, including some from Umno.

Leaders from the opposition Pakatan Rakyat (PR) alliance have also criticised the use of the ISA by the police, and have accused the BN government of using the arrests to head off possibility of the opposition seizing power next week.

But the criticisms of the ISA appear to have found a voice within BN.

Zaid was not the only minister who spoke out against the ISA today, amid mounting public pressure for some sort of review of the ISA.

Health Minister Datuk Liow Tiong Lai today proposed replacing the ISA with a Race Relations Act.

MCA vice-president Datuk Dr Fong Chan Onn has also called for the ISA to be either reviewed or abolished.

The police made the arrests last Friday, sparking fears of widespread detentions, to quell what the authorities believe was mounting racial tensions.

This followed weeks of open disputes between the non-Malay and Malay parties within the ruling BN coalition over the controversial remarks of Penang Umno warlord Datuk Ahmad Ismail.

Zaid said today that he would seek a meeting with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Badawi for a "frank discussion" about the issue.

"I know I am breaking rank here," he told reporters.

"I am prepared for the consequences. If I am to resign I will do so."

Zaid pointed out that he was not trying to be a troublemaker, but he would always be a vocal critic of the ISA.

Writing in his weekly column today, The Star's Wong Chun Wai described the ISA as a draconian and archaic law.

"It shouldn't be used even against Ahmad," Wong wrote. "As this deprives him of the right to defend himself in open courts."

Eh? What's This Ar?

This was in The Star Online today.

Home Minister Syed Hamid Albar gave his latest statements on the ISA arrests:

Sin Chew reporter may be released Saturday (updated)

By FARIK ZOLKEPLI

JOHOR BARU: Sin Chew Daily News reporter Tan Hoon Cheng, who was arrested under the Internal Security Act 1960, maybe released as soon as Saturday, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar.

He said Tan was detained under Section 73(1) of the Act in order to ensure her safety as police intelligence indicated that there were threats to her life after she reported on Bukit Bendera division Umno chairman Datuk Ahmad Ismail’s allegedly racist remarks.

“We have no intention of holding a reporter as after all she was just taking notes of the comments made by a certain party that led to a public debate.

“She maybe released as soon as today after police have obtained all information needed,” he said, adding that the reporter’s detention was part of the police preventive action.

Asked on the detention of Selangor senior executive councillor Teresa Kok, Syed Hamid said she was arrested due to her comments on mosques and the Azan recently.

”Her comments have created public disorder and problems,” he said.

Asked whether Kok would be released soon, he said it was up to the police, as they have to access the situation before taking any further action.

He added no more arrests under ISA are expected but it would depend on the situation of public order.

”We are not making arrests just for the sake of arrests. ”We will not make any more arrests under ISA as long as there is no more disturbance to peace and public order,” he said.

He also appealed to all newspapers to cooperate with the Government and not incite negative feelings or sentiment.

What? "...released as soon as Saturday (today)"?

And, "...after all she was just taking notes of the comments made by a certain party that led to a public debate."?

And also, "...not making arrests just for the sake of arrests."

If he knows very well "she was just taking notes", then why the hell take her in under the ISA just to release her the next day?? Couldn't they just summon her to the police station to take her statement?

No more arrests under ISA expected and not making arrests for the sake of arrests? Since they expected to arrest her yesterday and "she was merely taking notes", why arrest her if it is not merely for the sake of arresting her? I am utterly confused!!!

Why do I get the feeling that someone is jerking our chain?

UPDATE: 9.00 pm 13th September 2008

Journalist Tan Hoon Cheng has indeed been freed this afternoon. Just when things could not get more ludicrous, the Home Minister said in press conference at Bukit Aman that it was purely a decision by the police to arrest her under the ISA because her life was in danger.

Since she is now free, she is safe? Purely a police decision...hmmm. So now are we suppose to laugh or cry?

Read this Malaysian Insider report yourself la!

Journalist freed, was held because her life threatened, cops tell Syed Hamid

2nd UPDATE

By Shannon Teoh

Journalist freed, was held because her life threatened, cops tell Syed Hamid

2nd UPDATE

By Shannon Teoh

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 13 - Sin Chew journalist Tan Hoon Cheng was released at 2.30pm today.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar said this at a press conference at the Bukit Aman police headquarters.

"She made the first report so we had to get to the bottom of it and we received information that her life was under threat," he said.

He added that blogger Raja Petra Kamaruddin and Seputeh MP Teresa Kok would continue to be held for investigations and if there was no reason to hold them, that they would be released within the 60 days allowed for by the Internal Security Act.

He explained that RPK had been held after being given sufficient warning but continued to "create tension" while DAP's Kok had touched on sensitive issues, that is the azan call to prayer.

Kok has since denied this allegation that was originally put forward by Umno's former Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Mohamed Khir Toyo.

Syed Hamid insisted also that the move was not political and it was purely the decision of the police.

"I can tell you that the police need not refer to me. Under Section 73(1) it is under their discretion but they will let me know.

"I think there has not been any malice on their part. We have acted within the law," he said, adding also that if he interfered in police action, people would say there is a political motive.

"Each one of us have our own logical explanation but none of us, whether we are reporters or editors, we are not above the law," he said when asked why Tan but not Datuk Ahmad Ismail, whose statement she had reported on, was picked up.

"Ahmad has been punished as a party member and suspended for three years. At the same time there is a report against him for sedition, so we are not treating politicians differently."

He, however, said that there was no logical link between the ISA action and opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's Sept 16 plan to take over the federal government as claimed by some quarters.

When asked if there would be more arrests as it was reminiscent of 1987's Operasi Lalang, he quipped, "Is it? Let me know if there is," and insisted that "so far, there are no other arrests".

He also scoffed at suggestions that the country would be put under a state of emergency.

"The arrests are about public order. We do get information from members of the public who feel unsafe, so we have to take preventive measures."

When asked if similar action would be taken if members of the public came forward to say they felt they were under threat due to the statements by Ahmad or Khir or any other politician, he called the question one that was racial in nature.

"At present everything we are doing, we are looking at it from an ethnic angle. Khir Toyo is a Malay, Ahmad Ismail is a Malay, we arrest Chinese...We should start to think as Malaysians. Even me, if I'm considered a threat, the police are free to take action against me."

Bernama adds that in BUKIT MERTAJAM, Sin Chew Daily reporter Tan defended her report on alleged racist remarks made by former Bukit Bendera Umno chief, Datuk Ahmad Ismail.

Tan, 33, said the report was done in a professional manner and was based on what she heard on the night the remarks were made.

"I just write what I heard," she told reporters at her house here after being' released today.

Yesterday, Tan was detained under the ISA at her home in Taman Alma about 8.40pm over the controversial report.

Tan said she was treated well by the police during the 17 hours in custody.

"My thanks to everybody including the police who treated me in a very good and professional way," she said.

"I could not sleep but the police treated me well, no problem," she said, adding that the incident will not deter her from carrying out her duties.

Hush!

This afternoon I read on the Net that Raja Petra Kamaruddin was taken in under the ISA. Surfing through various sites, it was obvious the news had spread through cyberspace fast and furious, and reactions were mainly protests, disbelief, apprehension, anxiety and some even outright defiance.

Sketchy initial details coming through appear pointing to the content of certain postings and comments on Islam in Malaysia Today. The arrest was in many ways to be expected since RPK's Malaysia Today had been in the thick of numerous major political issues in the country. Even RPK was expecting it.

What was totally unexpected when I got home late tonight was the news that Sin Chew Daily reporter, Tan Hoon Cheng who is embroiled in the Ahmad Ismail "squatters" controversy was also arrested under the ISA! And even more baffling is the breaking news of DAP MP Teresa Kok's arrest awhile ago. I hope we are not witnessing a repeat of the 1987 Ops Lallang.

There was talk of Ops Lallang II in the internet the whole day and personally I was not too convinced that we were witnessing the beginning of the recurrence of that nightmare. The thing of concern which came to mind as a blogger myself was to wonder whether I had posted stuff that would provoke the ire of the authorities and put me at risk of incurring their wrath. I honestly do not think so. Certainly my so-po postings especially on Bangsa Malaysia are mild and measured compared to thousands of postings on both sides of the political divide!

Now with the arrests of Tan Hoon Cheng and Teresa Kok I am totally shocked that it has come to this. At the moment, I really do not know what to think anymore.

In relation to the "messenger" i.e. the Sin Chew reporter; after reading the "perpetrator" Ahmad Ismail's 14-paged press statement explaining himself, I scoured the www for video/audio of that infamous speech to see if he had been taken out of context. I have not been able to find and indeed there are also other bloggers searching too. Does any record exist that shows verbatim what was actually said? Certainly that would prove beyond doubt who has been wronged. Admittedly, I do not read Chinese so I do not know exactly what was reported in Sin Chew but I have read their statement in English, standing by their story.

As for Teresa Kok, I only noticed the Toyo/Utusan/Masjid Kota Damansara/Azan episode the last few days. I had not really paid attention because I felt it was a "storm in a teacup" since it was obvious the matter could be easily clarified and cleared up. Theresa Kok did come across as shocked and incredulous that she had found herself embroiled and "broiled". She is either a great actress or she was totally clueless about her alleged involvement.

I cannot help thinking: if these two women have been taken in for what they appear to have been taken in for, then certainly many, many more have said and done worse in recent months. Is no one safe from these draconic measures? I hope I am wrong.

I hope sensibility will prevail...I hope whatever happens in the immediate future, peaceful protests will not escalate into civil disorder...I hope members of the public remain calm. Our nation needs hope and I know we have reached a watershed; for many there is no turning back.

Hush........

Of Lame Ducks And Limp Dicks

RPK is behind bars and Malaysia Today is still up and running. This has been RPK's contention to the Keystone Cops; the portal is "not his" and he cannot be held liable for third party comments posted therein. Another thing for the authorities to figure out is, how the hell is he still publishing while still a guest of His Majesty's government? This, Heads They Win, Tails I Lose appeared in Malaysia Today on the 19th of September. RPK never ceases to amaze.

The commentaries like this, The Limp Replacing The Lame also dated 19th September by M. Bakri Musa (posted in the Malaysia Today, The Corridors of Power section) continue to make the site worth visiting. The portal is alive without RPK!

The Limp Replacing The Lame

With Najib Razak scheduled to replace Abdullah Badawi as Prime Minister by June 2010, we have the specter of the limp replacing the lame.

THE CORRIDORS OF POWER
M. Bakri Musa

Abdullah's recent announcement that he may give up even sooner thrilled Najib. Presumably to "prove" his sincerity, Abdullah traded ministerial responsibilities with Najib. Now we have the limp taking over what was once the responsibility of the lame, and vice versa.

In classical Malay literature, for example Hikayat Malim Deman, everyone in society has his or her own responsibilities, doled out according to one's capabilities. Thus the deaf would man the cannons, an appropriate enough duty as the blasts could not possibly damage his hearing any further! This reflects the traditional values of our culture in respecting the inherent dignity and worth of every individual, and that each of us can contribute in our own unique ways.

Those great narratives of our ancient literature also reveal something else. While the lame and the limp can still contribute to society, there is one place where they should not be. The limp and the lame have no place in the leadership. I have yet to read of the limp or the lame becoming Bendahara or Panglima in our literature, ancient or current.

Abdullah The Lame

As shown by his performance during these past five years, Abdullah is a lame leader. His propensity to doze off aside, the responsibilities of leading our nation is way over his head. The poor man is simply overwhelmed. He does not realize that he is drowning as the crowd around him keeps cheering him on.

Abdullah clearly has been promoted beyond his capability. Judging by his talent, Abdullah is more suited to run the Kepala Batas municipal council, at best.

Malaysian voters were not the only ones fooled by Abdullah; so too that shrewdest of politicians, Tun Mahathir, who appointed Abdullah. Voters realized their collective misjudgment in giving Abdullah his undeserved massive mandate in 2004 by repudiating him in this last election. Mahathir too has openly admitted his error and is now desperately trying to remedy it.

There are two groups of individuals still mesmerized by Abdullah's pseudo talent. One is his cabinet colleagues and two, his fellow leaders in Barisan, specifically those in UMNO Supreme Council. Lately however, we are seeing signs of them getting wise, only a few of them though. It is not so much that they are finally seeing that their emperor is stark naked, rather that he is no emperor at all, in demeanor or performance.

Abdullah received much praise when he appointed Zaid Ibrahim as the de facto Law Minister. Those praises came less out of conviction, more of hope.

It did not take long for Zaid to realize that what he thought from afar as a sultan wrapped in shining samping sutra was, up close, nothing more than a jungle man wrapped in tattered bark loincloth. He was not amused. Zaid recognized early his error and despite pleas from Abdullah, quit the cabinet. Zaid did not build his hugely successful law practice without being a good judge of character and talent. In Abdullah, Zaid saw neither.

Zaid's reputation soared on quitting the cabinet. It was not at all tarnished by his brief association with Abdullah.

To be sure there are some rumblings in the cabinet suggesting that a few may share Zaid's assessment of Abdullah. There is for example Trade Minister Muhyyiddin Yassin. Like many, his is only cakap kosong (empty talk). Unlike Zaid, Muhyiddin does not have the courage to act on his conviction. He is reduced to mumbling his dissatisfaction in the hope that his uttering would be incoherent enough so that whoever would win, he could say that he was on their side!

As for Abdullah's fellow leaders in his Barisan coalition, they too are assuming Mohyyiddin's mumbling and indecisive posture. So far only the leaders of the small SAPP with two Members of Parliament have taken decisive action by leaving the coalition. Even they are hedging their bets by choosing to remain independent

Leaders of the other Barisan coalition in MCA and Gerakan are clearly unhappy. However, either due to lack of courage or out of loyalty, they too are reduced to Muhyyiddin-style mutterings.

There is one brave soul in UMNO Supreme Council, Tengku Razaleigh. He alone was the first to see through Abdullah. He is also the only one who has come out to challenge Abdullah openly. Even more remarkable, he did so very early on. This prince can sniff out the qualities of real sultans from the pretenders very quickly.

The meek may inherit the earth, but they, like the lame and the limp, have no right to the leadership of our nation.

Najib The Limp

The mainstream media and the hierarchy of UMNO are as usual delirious with joy with Najib taking over the finance portfolio from Abdullah. I am uncertain whether that sentiment is genuine or merely the meek paying homage to the powerful.

Najib has not demonstrated much competence in running the Defense Ministry. It was during his tenure that a ragtag bunch of village bums, members of the Al Muanah group, successfully overran the Army Base near Grik, Perak a few years ago. We were promised by Najib a White Paper over this massive security breach, but so far that is only a promise.

It was also during Najib's tenure that the newly-built Pularek base in Johore collapsed just as it was being completed. Mercifully it was before its opening ceremony!

In the current trial of the Altantunya murder case, there is the grisly reminder of the massive corruption and bungling of the multibillion dollar submarine deal with France. The list is long as well as expensive.

We are told that Najib is particularly qualified to take over Finance from Abdullah. We are also told that Najib is a "British-trained economist! Take a few courses in economics in your undergraduate years and presto, you are an economist! This effusive praise and embellished accolade reflects the generosity of our culture. We are generous even in our praises, whether they are deserved or not.

Frankly, it is not too difficult to be "better" than the inept Abdullah. That is no praise!

Anwar Ibrahim and his Pakatan Rakyat have every right to demand the reconvening of Parliament and to introduce his "no confidence" motion against Abdullah. In denying Anwar his demand, Abdullah merely reaffirms his weakness. Only the lame and the weak shy away from challenges.

Malaysians are not lame or limp. We successfully stood up against the British colonialists. We still remain unique in that we are the only nation that had successfully beaten back the communist insurgency. We are proud of our traditions and achievements. This is not the time to let the lame or the limp lead us. In fact, there is no such time.