When the government launched the public inquiry on the Police after the "nude squat" incident 4 years ago, most Malaysians heaved a collective sigh of relief that finally the major problems would be resolved with the IPCMC.
Sadly the government backed off from implementing the important measures of the IPCMC but improved the terms and conditions of the police force.
Today's article in malaysiakini show that major probems still plague the PDRM. In the first example, Two nabbed for 'going to attend' vigil at the DAP headquarters to attend a candle-light vigil to mark the dark days of democracy in Perak.
In the second malaysiakini article Gobind: Where are Kugan's killers? the lawmaker asks what happened to the last case of a detainee being killed while in police detention.
These and other similar incidents show that some of the police officers are behaving more like the criminals they are supposed to be catching.
It looks like we NEED to change the government before we can bring changes to the PDRM.
Furthermore the IGP is now on extended contract service after his retirement. He has already had a major heart surgery and one wonders why the government does not promote the next qualified person to lead the force. Contract appointments should be limited to advisory roles and not more than one year duration.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
malaysiakini and the MYNAMAR JUNTA....
malaysiakini has this article on the problem. It is headed 'Stronger action needed to free Suu Kyi'
The Myanmar regime is somewhat similar to the situation in Malaysia. The authorities are prepared to use force and illegal means to stay in power or to upset the results of a genuine election.
For Myanmar, the generals had too much to lose when Aung San Suu Kyi's party won the national polls and they decided not to let democracy flower.
After what happened in Perak and the court proceedings, Malaysia too is in danger of ending up in a similar state as vital state institutions have been compromised like the PDRM and the Judiciary.
In Burma we see raw military brutality - in Malaysia we can see the emerging of an ugly and all-powerful Executive.
If Malaysians are not vigilant and prepared to defend their liberty, we too can end up like Myanmar.
Maybe that is why Malaysia has been unwilling to condemn their actions for many years and in fact some prominent Malaysian companies have set up lucrative business there to exploit the nation's natural resources.
The Myanmar regime is somewhat similar to the situation in Malaysia. The authorities are prepared to use force and illegal means to stay in power or to upset the results of a genuine election.
For Myanmar, the generals had too much to lose when Aung San Suu Kyi's party won the national polls and they decided not to let democracy flower.
After what happened in Perak and the court proceedings, Malaysia too is in danger of ending up in a similar state as vital state institutions have been compromised like the PDRM and the Judiciary.
In Burma we see raw military brutality - in Malaysia we can see the emerging of an ugly and all-powerful Executive.
If Malaysians are not vigilant and prepared to defend their liberty, we too can end up like Myanmar.
Maybe that is why Malaysia has been unwilling to condemn their actions for many years and in fact some prominent Malaysian companies have set up lucrative business there to exploit the nation's natural resources.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
malaysaikini and the NEW ELECTION SYSTEM?
I believe this proposal by the Elections Committee as reported in malaysiakini Thumb print biometric system for 13th GE? is not that critical for ensure a proper administration of the democratic process especially for the next General Elections.
Given the sorry state of the state's vital institutions, this is a critical period to try and change the fundamental manner to determine election results.
After the Appeal Court's decision on the 2 Perak MBs, one can surely sense the real anger of the common folks about an "instant noodle" Judiciary that does not care to write written judgements.
Instead of spending perhaps RM100m on an unproven biometric election system, the EC would do better if it implemented a few simple steps to strengthen the democratic process like the following:
1.Reduce postal voters to those who are really engaged in combat duties or in remote locations. Ensure that party workers are able to observe the postal voting arrangements.
2.Arrange for all overseas Malaysians to cast votes in the major capitals of the world where we have diplomatic missions.
3.Make use of indelible ink. After all, they decided it was good enough to purchase a few million ringgit for the last elections.
The biometric method should not be used unless it has been properly tested in at least 5 by-elections and if the contract is awarded based on open tender with international companies bidding.
Given the sorry state of the state's vital institutions, this is a critical period to try and change the fundamental manner to determine election results.
After the Appeal Court's decision on the 2 Perak MBs, one can surely sense the real anger of the common folks about an "instant noodle" Judiciary that does not care to write written judgements.
Instead of spending perhaps RM100m on an unproven biometric election system, the EC would do better if it implemented a few simple steps to strengthen the democratic process like the following:
1.Reduce postal voters to those who are really engaged in combat duties or in remote locations. Ensure that party workers are able to observe the postal voting arrangements.
2.Arrange for all overseas Malaysians to cast votes in the major capitals of the world where we have diplomatic missions.
3.Make use of indelible ink. After all, they decided it was good enough to purchase a few million ringgit for the last elections.
The biometric method should not be used unless it has been properly tested in at least 5 by-elections and if the contract is awarded based on open tender with international companies bidding.
Friday, May 22, 2009
malaysiakini and a DAY to WEAR BLACK for PERAK
No today should be declared a day of national mouring and not just for Perak that has witnessed the death of a democracy via money politics and blackmail.
According to this malaysiakini article, Court of Appeal: Zambry is MB and the unanimous decision comes within a week of the Kuala Lumpur High Court decision in declaring Pakatan Rakyat leader Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin as the rightful menteri besar of Perak.
They say the law is an ass but it looks as if the Perakians are being made fools of when the Judiciary can come up with such conflicting decisions; especially in a matter in which they should not interfere with - ie the State Administration.
The only bright lining is this dark cloud over the nation is that it shows after the Lingam tapes scandal that the Judiciary is one dirty stable that needs a thorough cleanup.
They can pass all the judgements they want but do you think they will change the minds of Malaysians as to who is the rightful MB of Perak?
Unless the BN calls for state elections, this court-sanctioned MB will be a constant reminder to all Malaysians that they need to elect people of integrity to power especially for the federal government.
According to this malaysiakini article, Court of Appeal: Zambry is MB and the unanimous decision comes within a week of the Kuala Lumpur High Court decision in declaring Pakatan Rakyat leader Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin as the rightful menteri besar of Perak.
They say the law is an ass but it looks as if the Perakians are being made fools of when the Judiciary can come up with such conflicting decisions; especially in a matter in which they should not interfere with - ie the State Administration.
The only bright lining is this dark cloud over the nation is that it shows after the Lingam tapes scandal that the Judiciary is one dirty stable that needs a thorough cleanup.
They can pass all the judgements they want but do you think they will change the minds of Malaysians as to who is the rightful MB of Perak?
Unless the BN calls for state elections, this court-sanctioned MB will be a constant reminder to all Malaysians that they need to elect people of integrity to power especially for the federal government.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
malaysiakini and ASKING the IGP to RESIGN..
I guess we can all learn from the UK in asking top officials to step down.
Over there, the Speaker has been forced from office after the scandal of MPs expenses that included moat cleaning and phantom mortgage payments.
In Malaysia, there is a call from various bodies like the Bar Council and BERSIH for the IGP to resign and this article in malaysiakini YourSay: 'IGP not doing his job' reflects the perception that somehow the police have been unable to uphold to a high standard of service, except for the national leaders who get excellent service.
Why some of them are even trained to follow orders without question, even to the extent of blowing up unwanted bodies.
I wrote in an earlier article in support of the IGP when his contract was first extended by Badawi but with the provision that the PM needed a tough cop to implement the IPCMC but since that commission has not seen the light of day even after more than 2 years, I too suggest that the IGP should be retired as he has come of age and has undergone a major heart surgery.
I am sure we do have other capable cops who can step up to the plate to seriously reform the police.
As for the Home Minister, I will give him some grace period if he makes a public pledge to implement the IPCMC within 6 months.
Over there, the Speaker has been forced from office after the scandal of MPs expenses that included moat cleaning and phantom mortgage payments.
In Malaysia, there is a call from various bodies like the Bar Council and BERSIH for the IGP to resign and this article in malaysiakini YourSay: 'IGP not doing his job' reflects the perception that somehow the police have been unable to uphold to a high standard of service, except for the national leaders who get excellent service.
Why some of them are even trained to follow orders without question, even to the extent of blowing up unwanted bodies.
I wrote in an earlier article in support of the IGP when his contract was first extended by Badawi but with the provision that the PM needed a tough cop to implement the IPCMC but since that commission has not seen the light of day even after more than 2 years, I too suggest that the IGP should be retired as he has come of age and has undergone a major heart surgery.
I am sure we do have other capable cops who can step up to the plate to seriously reform the police.
As for the Home Minister, I will give him some grace period if he makes a public pledge to implement the IPCMC within 6 months.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
malaysiakini and DEFENDING our FREEDOM....
I thought there was going to be a major review of the ISA laws but clearly this article in malaysiakini shows the powers-that-be are still chugging along with dinosaurian mental capacity.
Whatever you may think about his political bent, one cannot help but admire this man's tenacity to thumb his nose at the authorities.
Uthayakumar to skip Kamunting meet describes how this guy refuses to bend to the authorities' demand for him to present himself before the Advisory Board who want to decide if he should be detained further under the ISA.
Maybe the reason is that he did not sign the papers so the authorities cannot file them in neat folders and with our bureaucracy, that is a serious "no-no".
Under the ISA, the authorities can hold you at the whim and fancy of the Home Minister for 2 years without any charge in a court and when they release you without even an apology for unlawful detention, they expect you to sign papers with certain conditions like night curfew and others.
So Uthayakumar refused to sign the papers and the Kamunting officers decided he was too much of a hot potato and released him anyway.
In other words, he was released without any conditions in the eyes of the public. It would be foolhardy for the government to re-arrest him now under the ISA.
Maybe a misdemeanor for retaining prison garments? But why did the prison authorities allow him to walk out with government property?
Whatever you may think about his political bent, one cannot help but admire this man's tenacity to thumb his nose at the authorities.
Uthayakumar to skip Kamunting meet describes how this guy refuses to bend to the authorities' demand for him to present himself before the Advisory Board who want to decide if he should be detained further under the ISA.
Maybe the reason is that he did not sign the papers so the authorities cannot file them in neat folders and with our bureaucracy, that is a serious "no-no".
Under the ISA, the authorities can hold you at the whim and fancy of the Home Minister for 2 years without any charge in a court and when they release you without even an apology for unlawful detention, they expect you to sign papers with certain conditions like night curfew and others.
So Uthayakumar refused to sign the papers and the Kamunting officers decided he was too much of a hot potato and released him anyway.
In other words, he was released without any conditions in the eyes of the public. It would be foolhardy for the government to re-arrest him now under the ISA.
Maybe a misdemeanor for retaining prison garments? But why did the prison authorities allow him to walk out with government property?
Monday, May 18, 2009
malaysiakini and WHY We Could Be Headed for MAJOR PANDEMIC in Malaysia
We could be heading for a major outbreak of H1N1 flu in Malaysia if we simply carry on business as usual.
According to this malaysiakini article World flu figures soar with schools in Kobe Japan closing after students there developed symptoms.
We know of three reported cases of this new strain in Malaysia and even now the health and immigration authorities have not been able to trace all the passengers of the infected flight from the Newark flight that carried the first case from the USA.
We all know how easy it is for people to remain undetected in Malaysia like the case of the private eye who made contradictory SDs some months ago and also the case of Mas Selamat who stayed undetected in Johor for over a year.
So why am I sounding the panic over H1N1?
Since no nation really has a fool-proof way to prevent the spread of the infectious virus and the only method is through a strict quarantine regime and avoiding personal contacts, it looks like the authorities are planning to cripple the nation's economy through unnecessary gatherings.
According to this MSM report they want to gather 417,000 ex-NS trainees "to gauge whether they still have the patriotism spirit."
I'm not sure what you think about NS but to me the program should be suspended untill the H1N1 outbreak subsides or we could have a serious national problem.
Even if one traineee get this flu in camp, we will have a major problem coping with an outbreak more widespread than the last deadly Nipah virus outbreak.
Even if there is no H1N1 flu, questions should be asked why the NS program needs ex-trainees to gather physically as a gathering of 417,000 will cost at least RM41.7million even if one takes an average of RM100 for each traineee to cover food, transport and lodgings.
Or is this part of the "stimulus package"?
According to this malaysiakini article World flu figures soar with schools in Kobe Japan closing after students there developed symptoms.
We know of three reported cases of this new strain in Malaysia and even now the health and immigration authorities have not been able to trace all the passengers of the infected flight from the Newark flight that carried the first case from the USA.
We all know how easy it is for people to remain undetected in Malaysia like the case of the private eye who made contradictory SDs some months ago and also the case of Mas Selamat who stayed undetected in Johor for over a year.
So why am I sounding the panic over H1N1?
Since no nation really has a fool-proof way to prevent the spread of the infectious virus and the only method is through a strict quarantine regime and avoiding personal contacts, it looks like the authorities are planning to cripple the nation's economy through unnecessary gatherings.
According to this MSM report they want to gather 417,000 ex-NS trainees "to gauge whether they still have the patriotism spirit."
I'm not sure what you think about NS but to me the program should be suspended untill the H1N1 outbreak subsides or we could have a serious national problem.
Even if one traineee get this flu in camp, we will have a major problem coping with an outbreak more widespread than the last deadly Nipah virus outbreak.
Even if there is no H1N1 flu, questions should be asked why the NS program needs ex-trainees to gather physically as a gathering of 417,000 will cost at least RM41.7million even if one takes an average of RM100 for each traineee to cover food, transport and lodgings.
Or is this part of the "stimulus package"?
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