专业的流氓？

Ah, almost forgot, my weekly posting of my column in Oriental Daily ;). This was my last week's column, with regards to the professional hooliganism displayed by the Malaysian police force. I contrasted then the case of Nathaniel Tan being detained with that of another victim of police brutality, Tung Ket Ming, who I'll write about shortly in English/Malay.

In the meantime, here's the column for your reading pleasure.

专业的流氓？
潘俭伟

上周初同一时间，有两个人获警方批准保释释放。然而，媒体给他们所呈献的报道效果截然不同。

其中一名被扣留者陈仁义，乃26岁的年轻博客、美国哈佛大学校友及前副首相拿督斯里安华依布拉欣的幕僚。警方当时援引官方机密法令逮捕陈仁义，并宣称他拥有国内安全部副部长佐哈里涉嫌贪污的机密文件。

另外一位被扣者，即只读完小学的39岁专业烧焊工人唐国民，不知何故竟被警方怀疑他涉嫌一宗持械抢劫案。

两人被捕时，警方并没有告知他们所涉嫌的罪状。即使被扣留超过6小时后，除了警方之外，没有其他人包括他们的家人，知道两人当时的状况或扣留地点。

当他们被带到法庭申请延长扣留令时，警方故意不让律师接触两人。虽然他们一再强调本身被人冤枉，但这些话当时只好给硬生生地吞进肚子里。

无可否认，这些都是警方滥权的一面，甚至还否认国人所享有的基本人权。这就是上述两宗案件的相似点。

在唐国民被扣留当晚，警方分别把他带往万挠警局严词拷问和殴打，要他承认涉及一宗持械抢劫案。但是，他一直不肯认罪，以致惹怒查案官和负责扣留他的警员，一晚就被殴了三回。

这些警察用手、手肘、脚和飞天脚毒打其腹部、脸部和头部，导致他的胸口疼痛、脸部黑青发肿、鼻口流血。警方也使用塑胶水管围殴其头部、颈部、脚部和脚底，前后高达50余次。

随后，查案官自行打出一份口供书，要唐国民立即签名。最初，唐国民拒绝签名，可是最后难忍痛楚而乖乖签名。

至今为止，他还对有关口供书的内容不清不楚。这是因为他读不懂马来文，而警方又没有解释给他听。最后，他再也无力行走，只好倒在地上“爬”进扣留室。

当唐国民被带往推事庭时，推事批准让他求医，但警方却因为其向推事投诉警方行径而再次殴打他。

另一边厢，虽然警方由始至终对陈仁义咄咄逼人，但他并没有受到虐待。根据陈仁义指出，警方非常忧虑获释后可能构成的负面报道，因此不敢给他非人对待。

陈仁义除了获得反对党领袖强烈声援，以及主流媒体关注之外，他还获得博客社群一致谴责警方的逮捕方式。他甚至有坚定支持者和家人，每晚守在警局外办烛光声援会。

显然地，大多数被警方扣留的国人，绝不会像陈仁义般幸运。这再次应证我国有必要尽快设立首相阿都拉巴达威早前所答应的“独立警队投诉与行为不检委员会”(IPCMC)。

一旦警方置于独委会的聚光灯下，他们肯定会更克制本身的言行举止，并确保本身更遵守国家法律，同时减少“专业流氓”的滥权情况。

为了避免像唐国民所承受的苦难经历重演，政府必须立即设立独委会，作为赠送给国人的独立50周年大礼！

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Overwhelming Welcome for Jeff

Well, given the "last minute" nature of this announcement (well, it has to be kept in the bag for a while), and the fact that it was a working day, I had expected a turnout of about 30 people for the welcoming party at Food Foundry today. Even late last evening when a few additional people confirmed, I thought the max turnout will be 50 persons. My 30 pax booking for food and coffee should still be able to cope.

Well, the cafe burst at its seams by 10.30 am this morning mostly from fellow bloggers and many many well-wishers. There must have been at least 120 people squeezed into the cafe, or to put it literally, spilled over to the five-foot way and road side as well (thank goodness for the good weather ;)). Foreign and local press turned out in full force as well, with more then 3 TV cameras. Jonathan Kent from BBC was present to tape the event as well.

There was real excitement in the air. The decision to hold the welcome party at the cafe, instead of the party headquarters, which might have been too intimidating for some certainly was a wiser one albeit, a more costly one for the pocket ;)

At the event, DAP Selangor State Chairman, Sdr Ean Yong Hian Wah gave the opening welcome address followed by the party's Secretary General, Sdr Lim Guan Eng. Jeff then gave his much anticipated address, which he did with much aplomb. Finally, Parliamentary Opposition Leader and fellow blogger, Sdr Lim Kit Siang asked for more politicians to blog, and for more bloggers to join the fray.

Following that, Jeff launched his new blog, Jeff 4 Malaysia, which focuses on politics, distinct from his current Screenshots.

Oh, and a BIG thank you to Lulu who treated us to lunch. Eased the expenses for the day a little ;) Thanks also to the staff of Food Foundry who were extremely patient with us as we "turned" the place upside down for 2 hours. ;)

Well, I won't bore you with more details, but I've taken the liberty to quote Jeff's maiden political speech ;)

Beratnya mata memandang. Berat lagi bahu memikul.

TODAY, on the eve of the month we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Merdeka, I am making a political stand by joining the Democratic Action Party (DAP).

Looking back at our last 50 years as an independent country, if Malaysia had been a great nation, we should make it greater in the next fifty.

As a Malaysian, as a parent for a school-going child, and as an advocate of New Media who blogs, monitors, and analyses the trends in digital governance and global competitiveness, I have grave concerns for Malaysia.

It is my wish, in the years to come, to participate in the legislative process of Parliamentary Democracy in Malaysia, to share my ideas and to collectively contribute towards making Malaysia a greater country. I hope you, too, will join our clarion call for MALAYSIAN FIRST through DAP.

THINK “MALAYSIAN FIRST”. Counting on the audacity of hope, Malaysia will be a greater nation if only all of us can come together -- irrespective of race, religions and cultures – and share a common will to forge forward globally. We are Malaysians. In things we do, we should place MALAYSIAN FIRST as the top priority.

FOSTER REAL RACIAL INTEGRATION. However, this is not the case for us. The major portion of our first 50 years of nation building, and more so since 2004, has been discoloured with perpetual race-based politics. The term Bangsa Malaysia is but a rhetoric that is overly verbalized, but seldom practiced. We should break down the devil of race-based politics from this Merdeka.

GIVE US GOOD GOVERNANCE. The 2004 Barisan Nasional Election Manifesto had failed to address corruption and tainted governance as there are no Big Fish being caught; it had also failed to redeem the damaged reputation of the Police as there is no IPCMC. We are also faced with judicial verdicts which were questioned by the legal fraternity, at best, for being religiously divisive, and at worse, for going against the Federal Constitution.

WAKE UP TO KNOWLEDGE-BASED ECONOMY. Emphatically, in the last four years, the nation has regressed into the pre-Internet Dark Age where repressive tactics and draconian laws, such as the ISA and the OSA, had been arbitrarily used to intimidate proponents of dissenting –- but not necessarily unworthy – views expressed online and via the traditional media. It’s a state of fear, and it curtails people’s rights to foster collective intelligence which is recognized worldwide as the bedrock for a Knowledge-based Economy.

OVERHAUL EDUCATION SYSTEM. The education system, together with the ill practice of talent segregation mooted by imposed discrimination rather than meritocracy, could not help us produce competent human capital that can meet global benchmark relative to the advanced countries. We need a total overhaul of the system, reform the salary structure of the teaching and academic staff, and introduce syllabi that cater for the competitive needs of a globalised economy. We need to nurture professionally-skilled human capital that connects to the outside world, not jaguh kampung.

UPHOLDING DEMOCRACY. Malaysia as a Parliamentary Democracy, Constitutional Monarchy and constitutionally-enshrined Secular State has but eroded over the years. The separation of power that enables the Legislative, the Executive and the Judiciary -- the three pillars of government and governance -- to operate independently is being compromised. The Executive can now nominate candidates to sit on the Bench. This is the recipe for chaos that we should avoid at all costs.

EQUITABLE DISTRIBUTION OF NATIONAL WEALTH. More importantly, national wealth including those generated through Petronas has not been equitably distributed to benefit the rakyat -- comprising the bumiputras and bona fide citizens -- while cronies and parties close to Umno skimmed it for their own benefits. Before the oil wells dry up, it’s time we take steps to ensure the rakyat, the actual stake-holders of this country, become the beneficiaries of our national wealth. We have been hopelessly drowned in an infrastructural-development economic model that overly relies on unskilled foreign labour force. This should stop.

ENRICH THE JOE PUBLIC. The worst financially-hit among the citizenry are the unskilled labour, average wage-earners and low ranking public servants serving in urban centres besieged by escalating cost of living. They are the direct victims of long-term rent-seekers who chipped away their earnings through highway tolls. We owe them an improved quality of life while we allow the AP Kings to take helicopter rides from golf-course to golf-course.

That’s primarily the reasons I have decided to offer my services to DAP, to help them and fellow Opposition Parties to right the wrongs of Barisan Nasional. It’s a tough struggle for all of us as we face the might of Barisan’s 3M – Money, Machinery and mainstream Media.

That’s what jolted me whenever I recall the Malay saying, “Beratnya mata memandang, berat lagi bahu memikul”.

Don’t give up my fellow Malaysians. Let’s bring in new talents and new ideas to run this country.

You may be disappointed if you fail. But you are doomed if you don’t try.

That’s how we should observe this 50th MERDEKA. Hidup Malaysia!

If you share the same feelings for Malaysia, as always, please WALK WITH US!

Yes, please walk with us. You know how to reach me ;).

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Jeff Set to Join DAP!

Yes, Jeff Ooi, Malaysia's foremost blogger is indeed set to join the Democratic Action Party (DAP). I believe that it is great news for Malaysia that he has decided to take his battle to the next level. I believe that many critical thinking Malaysians will be more than happy to see Jeff in Parliament after the next elections, jousting with the many incompetent Ministers ;).

We have organised a welcoming tea party and press conference for friends and party members. So, if you are free or if you can curi ayam for an hour or two, feel free to drop by to celebrate the occasion.

At the event, Jeff Ooi is expected to make his statement on his decision to join the DAP to fight for a better Malaysia.

Date: July 31, 2007
Time: 10:30am
Venue: Food Foundry, BG-8 Happy Mansion Jalan 17/13, Petaling Jaya

Above is the Map to the venue. An RSVP will be much appreciated to estimate the amount of food which needs to be made available.

Come join us for a morning of history-making, food, fun and network. We hope to see you there!

Read more!

Facing & Surviving the Internet Clampdown

Facing & Surviving the Internet Clampdown:
Our Liabilities, Rights and Responsibilities

Time: 28th July, 2007 - Saturday, 3pm
Venue: KL-Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall

This forum is organised by Nathaniel Tan and guess what? Unlike typical forums, tea is served ;)

With the authorities’ upsurge of threats regarding the internet, there is a growing need for the public to know its rights, responsibilities and liabilities with regards to what they write online.

Recent cases have also shown that since even the innocent are likely to be targetted, it is also important for those working towards change in Malaysia to be prepared for all eventualities.

Being fully aware of one’s legal rights and a familiarity with proper police and legal procedure could make all the difference in the case of wrongful arrest or detention.

This discussion will explore these issues with the aim of educating the public as to how to stay on the right side of the law, and what to do if the ‘law’ comes after you anyway.

Lawyer R. Sivarasa will briefly discuss laws that apply to internet writers as well as the legal procedures surrounding arrests and detention, activist S. Arutchelvan will talk about what the police can and cannot do to people under their custody, while blogger and journalist Soon Li Tsin will share some experiences regarding activism in the face of wrongful arrest. Recent arrestee Nathaniel Tan will moderate this discussion, which will be largely informal and be more of a dialogue in nature.

We will continue to see if other experts in this field will like to come by and share. An open invitation is extend to Raja Petra Kamarudin, who has been the latest target of the authorities (he mentioned he’s thinking about popping by).

Members of the public who are concerned both about knowing as well as safeguarding their rights and fundamental freedoms are encouraged to attend. Light refreshments will be served following the discussion.

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DAP's Next Big Catch?

When I joined DAP earlier this year, Jocelin Tan of The Star labelled me as "a real catch" for DAP, although, I'm pretty much just a rookie. But now, rumours are running on overdrive that DAP is reeling in the next big catch, the godfather of blogging in Malaysia himself, Jeff Ooi.

All these, thanks to a comment piece by Oon Yeoh which was just published by Today newspaper in Singapore entitled "DAP Gets New Blood".

The first major coup happened in February when Internet millionaire and Oxford graduate Tony Pua joined the DAP as economic adviser to Mr Lim. Although a political newbie, Mr Pua will be contesting in the next general election.

"People like Tony are not the kind of people who you'd normally expect to join the DAP," Mr Lim says matter-of-factly. "This is an indicator of things to come."

In the coming weeks, the party will be introducing a fresh line-up of candidates for the next general election to complement the old guard.

It's widely expected that Mr Jeff Ooi, the country's most famous social-political blogger will soon be joining the ranks of new DAP election candidates. Mr Ooi, who declined to comment, is currently a member of Gerakan, a component party of the Barisan Nasional government. If the rumours prove to be true, a high-profile defection like this would generate a strong positive buzz for the DAP.

Ah... the last time Jeff was queried on this possibility by Jocelin in November last year, "seems neither as willing nor as ready." He insisted "it’s too premature at that point."

In fact during the Ijok by-elections, there were also strong rumours of Jeff joining KeAdilan (PKR). So strong was the rumour that apparently one of the Gerakan bosses contacted him personally to seek the "truth".

This time round however, Jeff appears a little more coy about the "rumour". He even asked, shall I say, cheekily, "You think I have a cause to join them?"

Well, until the day he makes the official announcement and submits his membership application form, anything goes, I suppose. But I would absolutely welcome with both arms (and legs), his entry into politics and in particular into DAP.


One of the recent additions was a Dr Cheah Wing Yin, who does not have the online brand name of Jeff, but is a most respected professional in the medical profession. He was formerly the President of Private Medical Practitioners Association of Selangor and Kuala Lumpur and the President of the Malaysian Mental Health Association. I have found him to be one of the most prolific party volunteers in recent months.

After having joined the party for a short 7-8 eight months, I've certainly enjoyed my time taking part in as well as organising party activities. Are there shortcomings in the Party? Sure, there are. Many are as bright as daylight. But I'm certainly not going to sit around and whine about the Malaysian opposition parties and their weakness, and not instead play my part in strengthening them so as to better serve the Rakyat.

(Starting a brand new party or standing as an independent as some have suggested, are absolute non-starters, so I wouldn't even dwell into that)

In the little time I've spent with the Party, one of the most acute weakness is the clear lack in talent and human resource. The handful of headquarter staff has to perform everything from statement translations to office organisation to newsletter publications to attending meetings to running political events (e.g., forums) to maintaining a website to yes, even being the occasional drivers. And I heard it was even worse before.

Since I've joined and started working for the Party on a pro-bono full-time basis, and I would like to think that I've contributed a little bit to all of the above to make DAP a better party. And I strongly believe that if and hopefully when Jeff joins, he'll make the party even stronger.

I used to tell all my new recruits during interviews at my ex-company. "Don't let me tell you how the company works or what the culture is, besides the goals that the company sets for itself. Play your part to mold the company into one which you'd like to work in".

Well, I share the goals and ideals of the Party which I have joined - which I've roughly categorised as democracy, equality of opportunities, integrity and social justice.

The party leadership has also played their part in promoting and giving space to the young 'uns. Now, I'll play my part to make sure that the Party can better achieve its goals. And I certainly hope more talented Malaysians will do the same, for only then, will we be able to build a better Malaysia.

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树上的烂苹果

This is my Oriental Daily column last week, focusing on the antics of Deputy Education Minister, Datuk Noh Omar. I've blogged on the same, "Bad Apples", on Education in Malaysia. ;)

潘俭伟

2005年11月，诺奥马在国际社会恶名昭著，以致马来西亚成为国际笑柄。当时，担任国内安全部副部长的诺奥马，对那些不满并抨击裸体站蹲事件者说：ǒ如果外国人认为我们很残酷，就请他们回去自己的国家吧！ō

面对首相阿都拉训斥后，诺奥马坚持媒体歪曲其言论，而作出有欠诚意的道歉：ǒ如果我的评语有任何负面的含意，我愿公开道歉。ō事实上，其早前发表的评论清楚被录了下来，甚至通过电视播放出来。

尽管犯了大错，然而诺奥马在2006年2月内阁改组没有被除名，反而被调任教育部副部长一职。很快地，在同年9月，他又再次引发争议。当时，他在国会承诺政府推行的第九大马计划，教育部这次获得最多的拨款即334亿令吉，但政府并没有计划兴建任何新的华小或淡小。

上周四，诺奥马又再一次在媒体及公众面前献丑。民主行动党雪兰莪州主席欧阳捍华为了协助一位被中学教师暴力对待的学生，代表有关学生家长提呈一份内容相当得体的备忘录给诺奥马。随即，诺奥马的情绪就开始失控。

他除了当众辱骂欧阳捍华，还把备忘录弄皱并随手丢弃。过后，其手下才把这份备忘录捡起来。诺奥马指责欧阳捍华及民主行动党干涉学校违纪事项。诺奥马甚至一度说，他绝不会处理任何通过政党向教育部所反映的个案。

试问，所有政党包括在野党在内，其责任岂不是协助面对问题者，向相关的政府官员反映有关难题吗？至于上述个案，就是要针对校方拒绝向滥用暴力对待学生的教师采取行动，向教育部反映有关的问题。诺奥马拒绝接纳备忘录，突显其注重政治利益多过人民疾苦的高傲态度。

政党及非政府组织时常针对不同课题提呈备忘录予首相。即使彼此的意见相异，但大多数政府高官都会用比较体面的方式，来接领对方所提呈的备忘录。

诺奥马的行事作风，根本不是一位政府高官应有的风度，甚至不配担任一位副部长。其性格无礼、粗鲁，跟流氓似乎没有两样。更讽刺的是，诺奥马竟然负责着手解决国内学校坏学生与私会党渗透的问题！

阿都拉现在是时候严打这一类不成体统的下三滥行为操守。除了在来届大选过后，让诺奥马没有机会再出任政府高职之外，甚至让诺奥马像一颗从树上掉了下来的烂苹果，永远没有机会在大选披甲上阵。

唯有这样，阿都拉才能证明当权政府绝不会默许这类目中无人的流氓行径，并证明其有决心要塑造与民亲近、廉正又有效率的政府。

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No Debate on Islamic State?

As reported by Bernama, the Deputy Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak proclaimed on 16th July that “We have never, never been secular... we are an Islamic state.”

Subsequently, as reported in Malaysiakini, the Internal Security Ministry has confirmed that they have given a directive to all mainstream media not to publish any news on the issue of Malaysia being an Islamic state.

Publications Control & Al-Quran Texts Unit senior officer Che Din Yusof said, “Yes, we have given the directive to all mainstream newspapers. Islam is a sensitive issue. They cannot publish any news on whether the country is secular or Islam.”

However, he said newpapers can still publish statements from Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and his deputy Najib Abdul Razak on the country being an Islamic state.

“Reaction from political parties and the public cannot be published especially the negative reactions,” he said.

In light of the seriousness of the above two major development on a 'democratic', multi-racial and multi-cultural Malaysia, and the reluctance of other BN component parties to pick up the gauntlet, the DAP is organising a public forum to discuss the above issues:

Panel of Distinguished Speakers

• Lim Kit Siang, Parliamentary Opposition Leader
• Ambiga Sreenevasan, Malaysia Bar Council President
• Malik Imtiaz, Human Rights Lawyer
• Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim, PKR Treasurer
• Rev Dr Hermen Shastri, General Secretary, Council of Churches*
• Lim Guan Eng, Secretary-General to DAP

* To be confirmed

Venue: KL & Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall
Date: 25th July 2007 (Wednesday)
Time: 7.30 pm

If you feel strongly about the above issues, please bring friends and turn up in full force! Please forward this post to all concerned parties.

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Liow Tiong Lai Defends Najib?

OK, I completely missed this earlier. On 17th July 2007, after our Deputy Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak unilaterally declared that "we are an Islamic state... we have never, never been secular", the Sun took a comment from the MCA Youth Chief, Datuk Liow Tiong Lai:

Najib's statement that Malaysia is an Islamic should not be taken literally but in a general sense that it is an Islamic country, where the majority of the population is Muslim.

Umm... so are we, or are not a secular country? And if we are indeed a secular country as defined in our Federal Constitution, what are you going to do about it? Will you heed the warning by your counterpart, UMNO Youth Chief Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein? Or will you continue to "fudge" the issue as per the above?

At least the MCA secretary-general, Datuk Ong Ka Chuan attempted to defend the secular nature of our Federal Consitution before the ban was imposed on the media by the Internal Security Ministry, and by UMNO Youth on MCA leaders.

MCA Youth has also just released a statement on their website that they are "disturbed with the outburst" by UMNO Youth Chief Dato’ Hishammuddin Tun Hussein. (So, what are you going to do about it?)

It also states that:

MP for Kota Melaka and MCA Central Committee member, YB Wong Nai Chee reiterated that MCA has made our stand abundantly clear and we have nothing more to add. Wong added that we don’t intend to engage in public outcry.

I have 2 problems with the statement:

1. No where in the statement by MCA Youth was it stated in absolute clarity that Malaysia is a secular state. If such a position is so "abundantly clear", then it must be reiterated. Otherwise there is an obvious lack of sincerity.
   
   
2. Since Mahathir pronounced Malaysia as a "Islamic country" in the 929 incident, the secular nature of the country has come under increasing threat. Wong's (and MCA's) policy of not engaging "in public outcry", as they have done since 929, has clearly failed. UMNO hegemony is now absolute.
   

I can only conclude that MCA is clearly losing its legitimacy firstly, as a governing party, and secondly, as a integral component party within Barisan Nasional.

For goodness sake, you will note that all official statements from MCA is only made by junior backbenchers and unelected representatives. What is the position of the MCA President, the Cabinet Ministers and Deputy Ministers, as well as the Parliamentary Secretaries? Are they all dumb? (yes, pun absolutely intended). Do they serve the rakyat or do they serve their UMNO masters?

And the President of MCA has the cheek to proclaim in the Star today for the rakyat to "Count on MCA". What an absolute disgrace.

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Kerishamuddin Warns MCA

I know that most of my readers probably don't read the Berita Harian. But here's the headlines on the frontpage of the paper today (yes, for once, go get your copy) - it says: "Amaran Kepada MCA". UMNO Youth Chief, Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein fired the warning.

RANAU: Pergerakan Pemuda Umno meminta pemimpin MCA berhenti daripada mengeluarkan kenyataan yang mendakwa Malaysia sebagai sebuah negara sekular kerana tindakan itu tidak membawa manfaat kepada sesiapa.

[...]

“Saya beri amaran kepada pemimpin MCA supaya berhenti membuat kenyataan sedemikian. Ingin saya tegaskan, saya bukan pemimpin naif yang akan membenarkan perkara ini berterusan. Amaran saya ialah berhenti membuat kenyataan,” katanya selepas merasmikan mesyuarat Umno Bahagian Ranau, di sini semalam.

Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein wasn't the only one showing MCA the yellow card. Even political has-been, Tan Sri Muhammad Muhd Taib has his say:

“Tindakan pihak berkenaan yang cuba mengungkit semula sejarah dan kedudukan Islam sebagai agama rasmi ini adalah tindakan tidak sopan dan melanggar persefahaman antara kaum yang dibina Perdana Menteri pertama, Almarhum Tunku Abdul Rahman.

“Pihak yang cuba mempertahankan Malaysia sebagai negara sekular dan menafikan kedudukannya sebagai negara Islam perlu melihat Perlembagaan secara menyeluruh, bukannya mengambil sesuatu fasal atau fakta secara terasing,” katanya dalam kenyataan yang dikeluarkan di sini.

MCA spent tonnes of cash in the last 3 to 4 general elections in Malaysia falsely demonising the Democratic Action Party as supporting an Islamic State, when the party has in fact been the most consistent and vociferous supporter of a secular state.

It waits to be seen if MCA will prove themselves as hypocrites and once again submit to their UMNO masters. We can only conclude that MCA is fully supportive of the UMNO Islamic State as proclaimed by Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, if they were to maintain their elegant silence henceforth. The above will only prove that the almighty President of MCA, is subservient even to the UMNO Youth Chief.

I wonder which political party is it that is without principles. What a absolute disgrace.

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Opposition Disrespects Women?

A few days ago, a senior member of Wanita MCA made headlines in the vernacular press that "反对党不尊重女权" i.e., the opposition does not respect women in Malaysia.

她今日在马华三春礼堂举办的“雪州马青州分团和雪州妇女组代表大会”联合开幕仪式致词时指出，安华是大马垂帘听政的慈禧太后，还明目张胆和大言不惭地说他才是实权主席。

她说：“这种做法是强奸民主和漠视民主，他们称人民公正党，但却公然对该党党员不公平、对民主不公正、对女性尊严进行严重打击、对女性权力不尊重、丈夫欺压太太，以及把家务与党务公私不分。”

她续说，可笑的是号称民主和标榜女权的行动党却和打击女性尊严的人民公正党抱在一起。

“这如果不是公然挑战人民支会，对民主的最大嘲弄的话，那就证明了民主行动党只是为‘赢取胜利’，而出卖最基本原则的机会主义政党。”

This well-respected member of parliament claimed that Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) is a party that does not respect women as Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim acts like an "Empress Dowager" (慈禧太后), he's the hidden hand behind the scenes, despite the fact that Datin Seri Wan Azizah is the "rightful" President of the party. She accused Anwar of failing to differentiate a spousal relationship from party politics, and hence it was an affront to democracy and to women.

Of course, no criticism, logical or otherwise, can be complete without dragging DAP into the picture. ;) She went on to accuse DAP of being motivated by political opportunism (赢取胜利) in our working relationship with PKR. As such, DAP also doesn't respect women. Errr...

If this isn't a clear case of the pot calling the electrical kettle black, then I really don't know what could count as one.

It wasn't too long ago when the nation was riled up over the "bocor" controversy perpetuated by 2 incorrigible Barisan Nasional MPs which insulted women all across the country. As blogged by Sdr Lim Kit Siang, when the censure motion was debated in Parliament, not a single BN MP, male or female stood up in support of womenfolk across the country.

In particular, even the right honourable MP who works in the Ministry of Family, Women and Community Affairs, was deafeningly silent, and very conspiciously absent from the Parliament hall despite being given plenty of notice from the Speaker on the motion. Only in the sanctity of the august house of Parliament can be the true test of her moral courage to represent and defend womenfolk - anything else is just plain politiking.

Which party instead took the issue nationwide, organised a gathering of influential non-governmental organisations (NGOs) as well more than 300 concerned members of the public to pass an unanimous resolution for the two "bocor" MPs to apologise and to be reprimanded, which they eventually did, although in the most insincere manner?

Well, certainly not the Right Honourable MP herself, and not the Party which she represents.

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@ Nathaniel's Vigil

Thanks to Malaysiakini who recorded the event, my little impromptu speech at the vigil for Nathaniel Tan on Saturday evening seeking his release was captured on video ;)

Before me, you can hear Nathaniel's sister, Cheryl sing, and Nik Nazmi addressing the crowd. You can also catch other Malaysiakini on the vigils as well as his release on Malaysiakini.tv.

And as he has been released from detention by the police, he has graciously agreed to speak to us about his detention tomorrow evening @ KL & Selangor Assembly Hall ;) So see you guys there!

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No to a Police State in Blogosphere

Nathaniel Tan, a 26 year old dedicated blogger, a Harvard University alumnus and an aide to Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has been arrested under the Section 8 of the Official Secrets Act (OSA) over allegations that he had documents linked to Deputy Internal Security Minister Datuk Johari Baharom’s alleged involvement in corruption.

To demonstrate our solidarity with Nathaniel who has been dealt with great injustice, to show our steadfast refusal to let the Government curb the democratisation impact of blogs and the Internet, and to voice our displeasure at the OSA, we are organising a forum with invited speakers from across the civil society with details as follows:

Venue: KL & Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall
Date: 19th July 2007 (Thursday)
Time: 7.30 pm
Admission is Free; Bring Friends

The panel of Distinguished Speakers include:

• Nathaniel Tan, Blogger & Aide to PKR Advisor*
• Jeff Ooi, Protem Vice-President, All Blogs Malaysia
• Harris Ibrahim, Lawyer & Founder of The People's Parliament
• Nurul Izzah Anwar, Special Assistant to PKR Advisor
• Lim Guan Eng, Secretary-General of DAP
• Tony Pua, Economic Advisor to DAP Secretary-General

Chairperson: Soon Li Tsin, Journalist & Blogger

* We will be inviting Nathaniel to speak to us and relay his experiences at the Forum should he be released from remand on Tuesday, 17th July or before. We'll also be trying to leave as much time to the floor as possible, so as to enable greater interaction at the forum.

And for those who would like to find out a little more about the young man who wants to do so much for his country, check out the write up at Jeff's blog.

A quick note on the OSA:

The OSA in its current form allows for a government to administer this country covertly and in defiance of the accountability and transparency that is crucial to democratic process. As human rights lawyer, Malik Imtiaz says, "this impacts on all our lives in more ways that we can begin to understand as the government is given a means to thwart legitimate public interest by the forced suppression of material and relevant information."

See you there!! ;)

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大学林立孰之过？

Below is my column for Oriental Daily last week. This time, I discussed on of my very favourite topics, that is the Government's focus on quantity rather than quality in education. This was also the topic of discussion when I was up on Astro last week on "Talking Issues". I've written extensively on this issue (you can read it here and here), so this article shouldn't need a separate translation ;)

大学林立孰之过？
潘俭伟

除了19所国立大学与大学学院之外，国内还有另外22所私立大学与大学学院。这个数目还不包括今年将获颁大学学院地位的大专学府。这意味着除了数十所跟外国大学合作提供学位课程的大专学府之外，国内2千640万人口却至少拥有超过41所大学与大学学院。若以比率换算，每64万4千个人口当中就有一所大学。

大约7、8年前，我国只有16所大学及大学学院。国内大学或大学学院如雨后春笋般林立，然而我们却面对另一个问题，即我们能否在短时间内聘请到足够并有素质的讲师？根据2004年统计显示，国立大学只有21.6%的讲师考获博士学位。至于私营大学的情况更难堪，即只有区区4%讲师具有博士头衔。

除了雪兰莪州务大臣基尔医生之外，我想其他人都会同意新加坡的教育素质，确实比我们还要好几倍。新加坡有400万人口，却只有3所大学。换算之，每133万新加坡人口就有一所大学。相较之下，我国的人口与大学比率却超出新加坡逾倍。

尽管只有3所大学，但新加坡其中两家大学《泰晤士高等教育增刊》与中国上海交通大学全球大学排名榜各列入50强与200强内。新加坡新设立的第3所大学――新加坡管理大学没有列入榜内，这是可以理解的。反观拥有超过40所大学的马来西亚，却没有任何大学列入《泰晤士高等教育增刊》150强与交通大学全球大学排名榜500强内。

若有人硬指这些指标不能反映我国的高等教育政策重量不重质，我更不知道要怎样去反映当中的事实了。

结果，强调重量不重质的高教政策，自然会降低我国大学毕业生的沟通能力，并导致他们缺乏批判思维及分析能力。

事实上，我们现有数以万计的大学毕业生失业，足以反映所生产的大学毕业生过剩。而且，这些毕业生当中有一大部分没有足够的能力，为我们的全球性经济付出贡献。虽然我国缺乏电脑工程师与程式设计员，但许多电脑科学系的毕业生却面对失业问题，这是不足为奇的。

除了大学供过于求影响我国的高教素质之外，在马来西亚这样的发展中国家，我们是否有能力利用有限的资源，来开发年轻一代无限的潜能，尤其是提高他们未来的生产力与创意思考，这是非常重要的。鉴于国内大学的数量太多，加上政府的资金向来都非常有限，这导致政府的资源没有办法妥善分配予这些大专学府。

诚然，政府目前强调重量不重质的政策难以逆转。然而，政府必须有强烈的意愿来扭转这个趋势。即使这只是区区一小步，却足以反映政府承认其现有注重设立学位工厂的政策，确实为国家造就了太多高不成、低不就的次产品。

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Candlelight Vigil for Nathaniel

More activities are being planned for Nathaniel as I write. Leaders of both DAP and PKR have unreservedly condemned Nathaniel's arrest.

Meanwhile, there's a candlelight vigil for Nathaniel tonight (Sunday 15th July) at 8.00pm outside the Dang Wangi Police Station (Jalan Stadium, near Merdeka Stadium). Let's show that we are not cowed by irresponsible, vindictive, unethical (I can go on...) police and government actions. See you guys there!

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Free Nathaniel

The blogosphere is abuzz with Nathaniel's arrest. I really don't think I'll add to the opinions already raised, except to say that Nat is such a nice guy that doesn't deserve this treatment. The police abuse of the laws of the land is abhorrent and deplorable.

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