Here's a timely ANALYSIS by a Reuters correspondent which Malaysians must sit up and take note.
Next, I reprise a Joint Press Statement issued by a group of Malaysians which we not must only take note but act on by standing up for our rights as Citizens of NegaraKu we call Malaysia.
We hope Malaysian leaders show true leadership after a General Elections some two months later and get on with the job of preparing the country to face up to Global Challenges instead of being diverted by unproductive -- many rhetorical -- issues that benefit no one in the long run. Letno party fight to win the battles, and finally the country as a whole loses the war.
The rival forces are from outside the Malaysian physical borders, and we mustwake up to the fact it's been a Borderless World for a few decades now since the dawn of the Internet. ~~ YL Chong, the newshound in Desi, maybe an escapee from Jurassic Park?
Reuters
http://uk.reuters.com/
Sun May 11, 2008 6:15am BST
Malaysia poll promise turns into ugly money fight
ANALYSIS By Jalil Hamid
KUALA LUMPUR, May 11 (Reuters) - Malaysia's recent elections promised
a new era of democracy and reform, but instead have ushered in an ugly
fight for power and money that has turned off investors.
Malaysia's ruling coalition suffered a humiliating setback in the
March 8 polls, losing a two-thirds parliamentary majority for the
first time in 40 years and yielding control of an unprecedented five
of the nation's 13 states.
But in an apparent tit-for-tat, Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's
government is refusing to disburse development and tourism funds
directly through the five opposition-controlled state governments.
Some state welfare funds have also been stripped off and discreetly
transferred to a national association comprising wives of federal
ministers, opposition leaders said. Abdullah's government is reviewing
key infrastructure projects approved earlier in those states, adding
further risks to investors. The opposition, accusing the government of
being a sore-loser, has meanwhile complained that some official files,
money and even furniture, have gone missing.
"Perhaps the biggest risk is that the government starts to undermine
state governments controlled by the opposition," global banking giant
HSBC said in a research report on Malaysia. "There are some signs that
this is already happening."
SLOWING ECONOMY
Some would-be foreign investors are already skipping the industrial
states of Penang and Selangor, two of the five states ruled by the
opposition, due to political concerns, one Asian diplomat said.
This is a worrying sign for the slowing economy, reeling from a
possible global slowdown and soaring energy and food prices.
The stock market .KLSE, which has gradually recouped all its losses
since the elections, isn't going anywhere now due to what one top
brokerage house called overhanging political uncertainty.
"We remain neutral on Malaysian equities," the brokerage said in a
report released last week.
Analysts said holding back big construction projects could scuttle the
economy, where growth is seen slowing to 5-6 percent this year from
6.3 percent in 2007.
A leading banker drew parallels with Thailand where prolonged
political uncertainty has hurt consumer sentiment in the country.
"We hope the political landscape clears up quickly," said Nazir Razak,
head of the country's second-largest banking group, CIMB (BUCM.KL:
Quote, Profile, Research). "I think a lot of business people are
saying now they are anxious to put the political environment to bed so
that we can get on with business."
POLITICAL SEA-CHANGE?
Although the elections brought about a political sea-change, some
things just don't change in a nation where a system of patronage is
well-entrenched and many compete for a share of political spoils.
"The crux of the problem is Malaysia's nation-building is so much
about politics and politicking and not about building strong
institutions and dealing with the economy," said Ooi Kee Beng, an
analyst at Singapore's Institute of South East Asian Studies.
Stemming from the need to distribute political spoils to the three
ideologically disparate parties in the opposition "Pakatan Rakyat"
front, their respective state governments have began handing out
positions to their supporter
They range from directorships in state firms to city hall councillors
and village heads.
Rubbing salt in the wound, federal housing minister Ong Ka Chuan said
last week his government would set up special federal offices in the
five states to handle funds.
"Since these states come under opposition rule, we need to set up
Federal development offices to handle the allocations," he said.
Veteran politician Koh Tsu Koon, who ruled Penang for 18 years until
he was ousted in the polls, blamed the new government for sitting on
projects that were approved during his time.
"But if the state government wants to play its own game, how is the
federal government going to work with the state?" he said.
The bedrock of Malaysia's ruling coalition is Abdullah's United Malays
National Organisation (UMNO), which marks its 62nd birthday on Sunday
deeply divided after the election. Even Abdullah's own political
future is in doubt.
"Getting the act together has to start with UMNO and UMNO is very
split at the moment and Abdullah doesn't exude confidence in
governance," said Ooi, the political analyst.
************************************************
A group of Concerned Malaysians have issued the following Press statement, and it's
worth your while to read and digest it, perhaps then circulate it as widely as possible ~~ YL, Desi
Respect for Loyal Opposition Essential for Democracy
The Civil Society Initiative for Parliamentary Reform (CSI-Parliament) stresses that a loyal opposition is a legitimate and necessary part of any system of democracy, including our constitutional monarchy.
We strongly criticise the threatened use of the Sedition Act 1948 and the leveling of accusations of treason against anyone who has a critical view of our political system, regardless of whether the person is a parliamentarian, a member of the royalty or an ordinary citizen, especially by those who would take offence for purely populist or politically-partisan purposes.
CSI-Parliament stresses that the democratic space for debate and deliberation on issues of national interest is now more important to protect as the country makes its ways through uncharted waters of deeper democratization and more extensive political plurality at the state government level.
The initial sacking of Perak Religious Department Director Datuk Jamry Sury by the Pakatan Rakyat state government, the subsequent order by HRH the Sultan of Perak to reinstate him, and the consequent criticism by Karpal Singh MP of HRH the Sultan of Perak’s order have resulted in different perspectives of the law and constitutional convention brought to public attention.
Let us not forget a similar situation faced by the Barisan Nasional in attempting to nominate its candidates for the post of Menteri Besar in Perlis and Terengganu. Political convention and processes in the latter cases - hitherto taken for granted - were then called into question by many, including Government and Barisan leaders. While at the end of the day there can only be one lawful position on the matter, there must be sufficient room for legitimate public discussion and deliberation of what exactly that position is.
In connection with the new controversy over various statements of Parliamentarian Karpal Singh, CSI-Parliament condemns political manoeuvres which are bent on manipulating a complex though legitimate difference of opinion on constitutional law and the position of the Malay Rulers into a so-called stand-off between the palace and the opposition.
Just as dangerous is the attempt by some quarters to portray this incident as a potentially seditious and treasonous questioning of royal prerogatives, and consequently a perceived slighting of the position of one particular community.
CSI-Parliament is confident that wise counsel shall prevail and that the unacceptable attempt by certain parties to take advantage of this situation to promote ill-will and hostility between the races will fail miserably. It is these irresponsible parties who are the real threat to peace and stability in this country.
To ensure an inclusive process of democratization and the liberty to engage in healthy and open debate free from threats of sedition and accusations of treason, CSI-Parliament takes this opportunity to echo the longstanding call by the Bar Council and other civil society organizations to abolish the Sedition Act 1948. More pertinent legislation to bring genuine threats against the public order before the courts of our land is already available in our statute books.
Press Statement issued jointly by:
Dr Lim Teck Ghee
Wong Chin Huat
Edward Lee
Andrew Khoo
Haris Ibrahim
Kuala Lumpur
12 May 2008
Monday, May 12, 2008
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Empty vessels, Half-baked cakes
Empty vessels make the most noise,
Desi did not invent this saw.
Someone wiser and earlier sang,
And followers echo with such a bang,
It became an o'er-quoted saying, dang!
Good girls make tasy cakes,
To win over the young lads' hearts.
Yeah, another oft quoted line,
The way to aman's heart is via his tummy.
So damsels afraid of spinsterhood maketh cookies yummy!
But some adults make half-baked cakes too,
Singing quite out of tune.
A leopard does not its spots change,
A lion's mane does not its coat disdain,
So he maketh noise of rising decibels!
You can tell, I can tell,
Half empty vessels maketh the most dangerous noise.
Yeah, I know the law, you're just nosey boys,
If you don't agree with me,just list'n,
Otherwise, you can go to hell!
All's well if only the ending is swell,
The endis not yet in sight.
You poor fool, winning battles, but losing the war,
'Cos your cakes are half-baked, you got diarrhoea,
And your chorus boys join in wild hysteria!
Can ye lawyers all,
Don't just show your ball.
Everyone has got one,
It's not that damsels don't have one,
When they sing the right note, the war is also won!
Desi did not invent this saw.
Someone wiser and earlier sang,
And followers echo with such a bang,
It became an o'er-quoted saying, dang!
Good girls make tasy cakes,
To win over the young lads' hearts.
Yeah, another oft quoted line,
The way to aman's heart is via his tummy.
So damsels afraid of spinsterhood maketh cookies yummy!
But some adults make half-baked cakes too,
Singing quite out of tune.
A leopard does not its spots change,
A lion's mane does not its coat disdain,
So he maketh noise of rising decibels!
You can tell, I can tell,
Half empty vessels maketh the most dangerous noise.
Yeah, I know the law, you're just nosey boys,
If you don't agree with me,just list'n,
Otherwise, you can go to hell!
All's well if only the ending is swell,
The endis not yet in sight.
You poor fool, winning battles, but losing the war,
'Cos your cakes are half-baked, you got diarrhoea,
And your chorus boys join in wild hysteria!
Can ye lawyers all,
Don't just show your ball.
Everyone has got one,
It's not that damsels don't have one,
When they sing the right note, the war is also won!
Saturday, May 10, 2008
First steal from the malaysianinisider.com!
Desi has been reading a new online newspaper for some weeks now, and I believe it makes our media scene more liberal and challenging, giving the prionee online news portal, malaysiakini.com, a run for its money.
There will be more newspapers coming online, and when they are helmed by journalists who have previously served in the mainstream media (especialy daily newspapers like the nST and The Star), they bring along higher standrads of journalism writing. The ethics of it remains to be seen, but the ever optiistic newshound in YL Chong believes VVe ae headed for better times in the Fourth Estate.
Today I reprise an interrsting item from The Malaysian Insider, hope they don't send me a demand notice:) Look on the bright side, mateys dare, I'm knot sending thee any PR bill either!:):)
Anwar hits out at moves to stir Malay sentiment
KUALA LUMPUR, May 10 — Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today came out fighting against what he called an orchestrated move by Umno to whip up fear over the future of the Malays and their political power in the country.
His rebuttal comes in the wake of a campaign by 200 non-governmental organisations, including some influential groups such as Angkatan Belia Islam Malaysia (Abim), to force Malay political parties to bury their differences and work together to preserve the supremacy of the race, language, religion and constitutional monarchy in a more challenged political environment.
The groups, lumped together under the Council of Malay Solidarity, feel that a weakened Umno will not be able to fend off demands from the Chinese and Indian communities, which have become increasingly vocal since Election 2008.
This Malay consciousness campaign is being given wide coverage in the Malay-language media, and Umno, Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) and Parti Islam SeMalaysia (PAS) are coming under some pressure to come to the negotiating table — a situation which Anwar fears could lead to the dissolution of the Opposition alliance of PAS-PKR-DAP.
Also, the de facto leader of Pakatan Rakyat knows that he is personally vulnerable in this climate as he has championed for more space to be given to non-Malays and also pushed for the dismantling of the New Economic Policy, the affirmative action programme aimed at lifting the economic standards of Malays.
Anwar today lashed out at the Malay survival campaign, saying that it was run by Umno, intelligentsia on its payroll and the Biro Tata Negara, the government agency tasked with the job of imbuing civil servants and Malay politicians with the love of race and country.
He noted that on April 14, he spelt out clearly Pakatan Rakyat’s commitment to defend the Constitution and Malaysia’s position as a constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy.
“In line with those principles, the position of the Malay language, Islam as the official religion, the special rights of the Malays and Bumiputeras are protected along with the guarantees for the rights of other races and religions.
“All this noise about the position of Malays being under threat is nothing more than a diversion by some corrupt people from being attacked by the Malay community for allowing the NEP to be used to enrich their families and cronies,” he said on his blog.
Anwar added that under the proposed Malaysian Economic Agenda, the rights of the Malays and Bumiputeras will receive even more protection.
Anwar’s response suggests that he believes that the sentiment being whipped up by the Council of Malay Solidarity is having some traction among members in the community, who fear that the non-Malays are now a growing force in the political sphere.
They point to the representation of races in Selangor, Perak and Penang — states which are now in the hands of Pakatan Rakyat. In 2008, there are 4 Malay representatives in the Penang state government, down from 14 in 2004. In Selangor, the number dropped from 36 in 2004 to 18 in 2008 while in Perak, the number dropped from 36 in 2004 to 9 in 2008.
Datuk Shamsul Amri Baharuddin, a political commentator, said: “Any political party which is seeking support from the Malay community cannot ignore the issues being raised by the Malay NGOs, especially on protecting the role of the Malay Rulers. The single most important factor after the election is the role of the Malay Rulers. The community sees them as the protectors of Malay rights and Islam now that the Malay political power seems dispersed.’’
Anyone who tries to challenge the position of the Malay Rulers today is stepping on a political minefield as the DAP’s Karpal Singh is finding out. A raft of police reports has been lodged against the veteran lawyer for saying that the Sultan of Perak overreached when he ordered that Datuk Jamry Saury be reinstated as the Perak Religious Department director. The latter had been given his marching orders by the Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Nizar Jamaludin.
Karpal said that he had not done anything seditious but even colleagues in PAS and PKR are not pleased with his confrontational approach towards the respected monarch. They know that the Malay community is watching this episode carefully, wanting to see if they will rush to his defence or chastise him.
PAS spiritual head Datuk Nik Aziz Nik Mat said that Karpal had to appreciate that the Malay Ruler was the head of the state, akin to parents being the head of the household. Speaking up publicly against the Sultan could be viewed as an act of treason, he reasoned.
But the Opposition is not the only ones facing pressure to demonstrate their Malay credentials. Umno is also in a similar tight spot. When Transport Minister Datuk Ong Tee Keat said that the phrase “Ketuanan Melayu” (Malay supremacy) should be dropped, he opened a Pandora’s Box.
The MCA politician argued that the phrase creates the impression that one race is the master while the others are slaves. Ong said the phrase had nothing to do with the Federal Constitution and was not something that needed to be said any more considering the special position the Malays already have.
Reacting, Umno Youth chief Datuk Hishammuddin Hussein told his colleague in the Cabinet that he was using the incorrect interpretation of the phrase “Ketuanan Melayu” and urged him not to get trapped by the games which the Opposition politicians were playing.
Within Umno, there is a growing concern over the manner MCA politicians are trying to outdo the DAP and win back support from the Chinese community.
With the eyes of the Malay NGOs and the community on them, they could be forced to match MCA’s tough talk.
There will be more newspapers coming online, and when they are helmed by journalists who have previously served in the mainstream media (especialy daily newspapers like the nST and The Star), they bring along higher standrads of journalism writing. The ethics of it remains to be seen, but the ever optiistic newshound in YL Chong believes VVe ae headed for better times in the Fourth Estate.
Today I reprise an interrsting item from The Malaysian Insider, hope they don't send me a demand notice:) Look on the bright side, mateys dare, I'm knot sending thee any PR bill either!:):)
Anwar hits out at moves to stir Malay sentiment
KUALA LUMPUR, May 10 — Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today came out fighting against what he called an orchestrated move by Umno to whip up fear over the future of the Malays and their political power in the country.
His rebuttal comes in the wake of a campaign by 200 non-governmental organisations, including some influential groups such as Angkatan Belia Islam Malaysia (Abim), to force Malay political parties to bury their differences and work together to preserve the supremacy of the race, language, religion and constitutional monarchy in a more challenged political environment.
The groups, lumped together under the Council of Malay Solidarity, feel that a weakened Umno will not be able to fend off demands from the Chinese and Indian communities, which have become increasingly vocal since Election 2008.
This Malay consciousness campaign is being given wide coverage in the Malay-language media, and Umno, Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) and Parti Islam SeMalaysia (PAS) are coming under some pressure to come to the negotiating table — a situation which Anwar fears could lead to the dissolution of the Opposition alliance of PAS-PKR-DAP.
Also, the de facto leader of Pakatan Rakyat knows that he is personally vulnerable in this climate as he has championed for more space to be given to non-Malays and also pushed for the dismantling of the New Economic Policy, the affirmative action programme aimed at lifting the economic standards of Malays.
Anwar today lashed out at the Malay survival campaign, saying that it was run by Umno, intelligentsia on its payroll and the Biro Tata Negara, the government agency tasked with the job of imbuing civil servants and Malay politicians with the love of race and country.
He noted that on April 14, he spelt out clearly Pakatan Rakyat’s commitment to defend the Constitution and Malaysia’s position as a constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy.
“In line with those principles, the position of the Malay language, Islam as the official religion, the special rights of the Malays and Bumiputeras are protected along with the guarantees for the rights of other races and religions.
“All this noise about the position of Malays being under threat is nothing more than a diversion by some corrupt people from being attacked by the Malay community for allowing the NEP to be used to enrich their families and cronies,” he said on his blog.
Anwar added that under the proposed Malaysian Economic Agenda, the rights of the Malays and Bumiputeras will receive even more protection.
Anwar’s response suggests that he believes that the sentiment being whipped up by the Council of Malay Solidarity is having some traction among members in the community, who fear that the non-Malays are now a growing force in the political sphere.
They point to the representation of races in Selangor, Perak and Penang — states which are now in the hands of Pakatan Rakyat. In 2008, there are 4 Malay representatives in the Penang state government, down from 14 in 2004. In Selangor, the number dropped from 36 in 2004 to 18 in 2008 while in Perak, the number dropped from 36 in 2004 to 9 in 2008.
Datuk Shamsul Amri Baharuddin, a political commentator, said: “Any political party which is seeking support from the Malay community cannot ignore the issues being raised by the Malay NGOs, especially on protecting the role of the Malay Rulers. The single most important factor after the election is the role of the Malay Rulers. The community sees them as the protectors of Malay rights and Islam now that the Malay political power seems dispersed.’’
Anyone who tries to challenge the position of the Malay Rulers today is stepping on a political minefield as the DAP’s Karpal Singh is finding out. A raft of police reports has been lodged against the veteran lawyer for saying that the Sultan of Perak overreached when he ordered that Datuk Jamry Saury be reinstated as the Perak Religious Department director. The latter had been given his marching orders by the Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Nizar Jamaludin.
Karpal said that he had not done anything seditious but even colleagues in PAS and PKR are not pleased with his confrontational approach towards the respected monarch. They know that the Malay community is watching this episode carefully, wanting to see if they will rush to his defence or chastise him.
PAS spiritual head Datuk Nik Aziz Nik Mat said that Karpal had to appreciate that the Malay Ruler was the head of the state, akin to parents being the head of the household. Speaking up publicly against the Sultan could be viewed as an act of treason, he reasoned.
But the Opposition is not the only ones facing pressure to demonstrate their Malay credentials. Umno is also in a similar tight spot. When Transport Minister Datuk Ong Tee Keat said that the phrase “Ketuanan Melayu” (Malay supremacy) should be dropped, he opened a Pandora’s Box.
The MCA politician argued that the phrase creates the impression that one race is the master while the others are slaves. Ong said the phrase had nothing to do with the Federal Constitution and was not something that needed to be said any more considering the special position the Malays already have.
Reacting, Umno Youth chief Datuk Hishammuddin Hussein told his colleague in the Cabinet that he was using the incorrect interpretation of the phrase “Ketuanan Melayu” and urged him not to get trapped by the games which the Opposition politicians were playing.
Within Umno, there is a growing concern over the manner MCA politicians are trying to outdo the DAP and win back support from the Chinese community.
With the eyes of the Malay NGOs and the community on them, they could be forced to match MCA’s tough talk.
friends
this is another midnight voice
with unspoken feelings
for cyber friends
who i feel i had neglected much
for past 30days plus some
as BUM2008 duties beckoned
i know they understand
that's why they are
friends
with unspoken words
but warming feelings
even across the se7en seas
sweetspirits
one wit' twisted heels
another experimenting with dogs
pavlova-ing their eccentricities
like a human being
on four legs, amore trusting
than homo sapiens
young johnleemk wanted to meet Desi
at BUM2008
but that happened a few days too early
but friends know
even in absence we speak
with unspoken words
and feelings strung across cyber space
linking mind wit' mind
yours and mine
then tonight
i send out some vibrations
that you also feel
my outstretched hands
connecting letters in order
yet random sometimes
making meaning of
friendship that once a while
takes an hiatus
as many Bloggers do
vve are tired
vve have other distractions
some vve call commitment
i understand
i hope you do too
ditto hear
friendship dear
far
yet near
with unspoken feelings
for cyber friends
who i feel i had neglected much
for past 30days plus some
as BUM2008 duties beckoned
i know they understand
that's why they are
friends
with unspoken words
but warming feelings
even across the se7en seas
sweetspirits
one wit' twisted heels
another experimenting with dogs
pavlova-ing their eccentricities
like a human being
on four legs, amore trusting
than homo sapiens
young johnleemk wanted to meet Desi
at BUM2008
but that happened a few days too early
but friends know
even in absence we speak
with unspoken words
and feelings strung across cyber space
linking mind wit' mind
yours and mine
then tonight
i send out some vibrations
that you also feel
my outstretched hands
connecting letters in order
yet random sometimes
making meaning of
friendship that once a while
takes an hiatus
as many Bloggers do
vve are tired
vve have other distractions
some vve call commitment
i understand
i hope you do too
ditto hear
friendship dear
far
yet near
Friday, May 09, 2008
captive within one's own prison of the mind
tying a good man down
within the four grey walls
of sungei buloh prison
is easy meat
just use Executive power
give an order to underlings
who dared not refuse
or who obeyed for the almighty dollar
Carrot, carrot on the wall
whose is the juiciest of damned all?
a nation goes down the drain
almost toppling into the Abyss
but the Citizens have eyes which could see
have ears which could hear
have mouths which could still speak
One spoke without fear or favour
They came for him
To hold him prisoner withing four grey walls
But a good man resides within the freedom
Within the warmth and glow of his mind
On principles, freedom and soaring spirits
Grounded
It's that blardy Executive
Who tried to wield absolute power
To tie a good man down
He loses his own mind control
Becoming another cowering
prisoner within his own cowardly mindscape
from where
there is no escape
Fearing even his own shadows
on the borderless walls
mocking him
within the four grey walls
of sungei buloh prison
is easy meat
just use Executive power
give an order to underlings
who dared not refuse
or who obeyed for the almighty dollar
Carrot, carrot on the wall
whose is the juiciest of damned all?
a nation goes down the drain
almost toppling into the Abyss
but the Citizens have eyes which could see
have ears which could hear
have mouths which could still speak
One spoke without fear or favour
They came for him
To hold him prisoner withing four grey walls
But a good man resides within the freedom
Within the warmth and glow of his mind
On principles, freedom and soaring spirits
Grounded
It's that blardy Executive
Who tried to wield absolute power
To tie a good man down
He loses his own mind control
Becoming another cowering
prisoner within his own cowardly mindscape
from where
there is no escape
Fearing even his own shadows
on the borderless walls
mocking him
Thursday, May 08, 2008
CSM: OPEN LETTER TO RAJA PETRA KAMARUDIN
"Dear Pete,
Yesterday morning (May 7), civil society groups and your fellow bloggers met the press and issued a statement which noted that “the sedition charge is malicious and without merit. It is also politically motivated and aimed at silencing a principled and uncompromising voice speaking against the abuse of power, including that stemming from the highest level of government and authority.”
Further, we urged "the Government to re-consider its action in pursuing what is being perceived in the country and internationally as blatantly selective and repressive persecution. The action not only runs counter to the Government’s expressed promotion of a democratic, informed and participatory society. It also smacks of a renewal of the tactics of fear and intimidation which were recently resoundingly rejected by the Malaysian electorate. We are disappointed that, despite the Government’s rhetoric of learning from its past mistakes, it continues to rely on heavy handed authoritarian means to instill fear and to discourage its citizens from freely engaging in public discourse."
Yesterday night, a group of some 300 concerned Malaysians from all walks of life, mainly young people, gathered at the main entrance area of Sungei Buloh Prison in a vigil in support of your release.
Tonight, another vigil will be held at the Dataran Merdeka.
We feel an important point has been made by you that Malaysians need to stand up for their legitimate rights and freedoms - whatever the personal cost - if society is to change for the better.
We feel though that the time has come for you to come out and to continue your struggle outside the prison walls. We hope you can consider our appeal – and that of fellow bloggers, friends and supporters – for you to emerge from your incarceration without further delay. ”
Press Statement issued jointly by:
Dr Lim Teck Ghee
Director,
Centre for Policy Initiatives (CPI)
Ahirudin Attan
President, Interim Council
National Alliance of Bloggers
Wong Chin Huat
Chairperson,
Writer Alliance for Media Independence (WAMI)
Gayathry V.
Executive Director
Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ)
Ser Choon Ing
Chairman of Civil Rights Committee
KL and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall
Ho Yock Lin
Director
Empower (Pusat Janadaya)
Irene Xavier
President
Persatuan Sahabat Wanita Selangor
Dzul Bahrin
Citizen Think Tank
May 8, 2008
The Countdown Officially Starts...
What countdown, you ask?
Here's the lead -- page 10, the NST (Print), and following is extract from the NST Online reprised in full:
2008/05/08
DEWAN RAKYAT
Anifah: No harm in crossing over
By : V. Vasudevan, B. Suresh Ram, Eileen Ng, R.S. Kamini and Ili Liyana Mokhtar
THERE is no harm in Barisan Nasional MPs in Sabah defecting to the opposition, a backbencher from the state told the Dewan Rakyat yesterday.
"If there is no more space in the existing bungalow, what is the harm in them moving to a smaller house?" asked Datuk Anifah Aman, the member for Kimanis, to cheers from the opposition and nods from backbenchers from Sabah.
Anifah, who was speaking during the debate on the Royal Address, drew on this analogy after Minister in the Prime Minister's Department, Datuk Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (BN-Bagan Datok) asked him if Sabah backbenchers were tempted to cross over to the opposition."Is this not an act of a desperado? Why would 140 members occupying bungalows want to move to smaller terrace houses?" Ahmad Zahid asked.
However, Anifah's reply stumped him, and a whole lot of backbenchers from the peninsula as well.
"I am not saying I am crossing over. There may be a handful who may want to move," he said.
"This matter of crossing over is not a serious matter. What is serious is the millions in five states in Malaysia who crossed over to the opposition," he said to laughter from opposition members.
This led Datuk Puad Zarkashi (BN-Batu Pahat) to ask Anifah if he would support an anti-hopping law.Anifah replied that he was against any law that would stop members from crossing over or changing parties.
"That would be like a police state. What is the point of persisting with leaders who have deviated from the right path? Do we stick with them? What good is a leader if the people are no longer with him?"
Anifah then pondered about the price of blind loyalty to leaders and the price people would have to pay for this."What is the use of being loyal to leaders and, in the process, sacrificing our people's future?" he asked.
To a question from Datuk Ghapur Salleh (BN-Kalabakan), who lamented about the poor infrastructural facilities in Sabah, Anifah said independence would be meaningless if the people could not enjoy clean running water or if children had to walk miles to get an education.
Anifah said the most important thing that the government should work on now was to prevent Sabah from going the way of the five states ruled by the Pakatan Rakyat. "Even if we speak harshly it does not mean we are defecting. The important thing now is for Sabah people not to jump like the Peninsular Malaysians did in the five states," he said.
DESIDERATA: Hear, hear! The deaf can hear again. Even the blind can see. And the dumb can speak. Except for many in the Barisan Nasional, especially from UMNO, oh no!
*******************************************
And one aMore from the sidewalk of Furong as RPK weighs heavy steal on Desi's mind,
I ponder what'son most Malaysians' minds today. MalaysaiaToday...
From The Star, page 3 (print); below is extracting from one mind who may have four eyes (C4, anyone?) still does not see, The Star Online:)
Thursday May 8, 2008
Bloggers not immune to the law, says Najib
MERSING: The Government has always been liberal towards bloggers and has no plans to clamp down on them, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
However, he reminded bloggers and Internet users that there were laws pertaining to sedition, defamation and libel.
“Just because you operate in cyberspace does not mean that you are absolved from having to comply with the nation’s laws,” he said when asked to comment on the recent case involving Raja Petra Raja Kamarudin.
Asked about the timing of the arrest and charging, which made the Government look unpopular, he said: “I do not think so. We have to draw the line of what is right or wrong”.
“This is not politically motivated,” he said to reporters after accompanying Sultan of Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah during a one-day working visit to the Special Forces base yesterday.
:
:
:
DESIDERATA:
Ya-lah, Bloggers Know-lah, No Need to Remind-lah!
Just Mind Your Official Duties-lah! Maybe also Mind Pak-lah!
Here's the lead -- page 10, the NST (Print), and following is extract from the NST Online reprised in full:
2008/05/08
DEWAN RAKYAT
Anifah: No harm in crossing over
By : V. Vasudevan, B. Suresh Ram, Eileen Ng, R.S. Kamini and Ili Liyana Mokhtar
THERE is no harm in Barisan Nasional MPs in Sabah defecting to the opposition, a backbencher from the state told the Dewan Rakyat yesterday.
"If there is no more space in the existing bungalow, what is the harm in them moving to a smaller house?" asked Datuk Anifah Aman, the member for Kimanis, to cheers from the opposition and nods from backbenchers from Sabah.
Anifah, who was speaking during the debate on the Royal Address, drew on this analogy after Minister in the Prime Minister's Department, Datuk Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (BN-Bagan Datok) asked him if Sabah backbenchers were tempted to cross over to the opposition."Is this not an act of a desperado? Why would 140 members occupying bungalows want to move to smaller terrace houses?" Ahmad Zahid asked.
However, Anifah's reply stumped him, and a whole lot of backbenchers from the peninsula as well.
"I am not saying I am crossing over. There may be a handful who may want to move," he said.
"This matter of crossing over is not a serious matter. What is serious is the millions in five states in Malaysia who crossed over to the opposition," he said to laughter from opposition members.
This led Datuk Puad Zarkashi (BN-Batu Pahat) to ask Anifah if he would support an anti-hopping law.Anifah replied that he was against any law that would stop members from crossing over or changing parties.
"That would be like a police state. What is the point of persisting with leaders who have deviated from the right path? Do we stick with them? What good is a leader if the people are no longer with him?"
Anifah then pondered about the price of blind loyalty to leaders and the price people would have to pay for this."What is the use of being loyal to leaders and, in the process, sacrificing our people's future?" he asked.
To a question from Datuk Ghapur Salleh (BN-Kalabakan), who lamented about the poor infrastructural facilities in Sabah, Anifah said independence would be meaningless if the people could not enjoy clean running water or if children had to walk miles to get an education.
Anifah said the most important thing that the government should work on now was to prevent Sabah from going the way of the five states ruled by the Pakatan Rakyat. "Even if we speak harshly it does not mean we are defecting. The important thing now is for Sabah people not to jump like the Peninsular Malaysians did in the five states," he said.
DESIDERATA: Hear, hear! The deaf can hear again. Even the blind can see. And the dumb can speak. Except for many in the Barisan Nasional, especially from UMNO, oh no!
*******************************************
And one aMore from the sidewalk of Furong as RPK weighs heavy steal on Desi's mind,
I ponder what'son most Malaysians' minds today. MalaysaiaToday...
From The Star, page 3 (print); below is extracting from one mind who may have four eyes (C4, anyone?) still does not see, The Star Online:)
Thursday May 8, 2008
Bloggers not immune to the law, says Najib
MERSING: The Government has always been liberal towards bloggers and has no plans to clamp down on them, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
However, he reminded bloggers and Internet users that there were laws pertaining to sedition, defamation and libel.
“Just because you operate in cyberspace does not mean that you are absolved from having to comply with the nation’s laws,” he said when asked to comment on the recent case involving Raja Petra Raja Kamarudin.
Asked about the timing of the arrest and charging, which made the Government look unpopular, he said: “I do not think so. We have to draw the line of what is right or wrong”.
“This is not politically motivated,” he said to reporters after accompanying Sultan of Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah during a one-day working visit to the Special Forces base yesterday.
:
:
:
DESIDERATA:
Ya-lah, Bloggers Know-lah, No Need to Remind-lah!
Just Mind Your Official Duties-lah! Maybe also Mind Pak-lah!
Does "V" for Vendetta Ring a Bell?
Even as Desi lay down to sleep just now, he could not close hie eyes. So at the midnight hour, he penned a humble piece in salute to a true-blue Malaysian who loves his country, and for this reason, he gives his all.
Fellow Blogger Raja Petra Kamarudin weighs heavy on Desi's mind, yes, a blogger-matey's mind. Earlier yesterday, I had spoken a little at a joint press conference at the SCAH I had coordinated on behalf of several Civil Society Groups to Express Solidarity with RPK. I think Ahirudin Attan aka rockybru as President of Interim Council of the National Alliance of Bloggers put the case weighing heavy on the inds of many Blogger-mateys pretty well. I extract from www.rockybru.blogspot.com:
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
Why didn't the Home Minister and the IGP exercise their right of reply?
In solidarity with RPK (and Syed Akbar Ali, and the 3 journalists "interviewed" yesterday).After this morning's press conference, I told the AFP journalist that one does not have to agree with what Raja Petra Kamarudin wrote in "Send the Altantuya murderers to hell" to support him.It's about his right to express his opionion. We are standing in solidarity with RPK in support of his - and our - freedom of expression.And for the Government's right of reply, too.Right of ReplyIn the interview with AFP, I explained that:1. The DPM, who was implicated in RPK's posting, had exercised his right of reply by writing in to RPK/Malaysia Today through his press secretary (see here); and2. The DPM's wife, who was also mentioned in the posting, had exercised her right of reply by denying the allegations made in the Internet (see here).And I asked these questions:1. Why couldn't the IGP do the same, i.e. respond to RPK's posting instead of charging him with Sedition?2. Why couldn't the Home Minister do the same and exercise his right of reply, i.e respond to whatever points raised by RPK in the posting?The decision to charge RPK with Sedition, I told the AFP journalist, also undermines the Prime Minister's promise for reforms, greater freedom and transparency.At the press conference earlier, which I chaired as President of the Interim Council of the National Alliance of Bloggers, I read out a prepared statement jointly (issued by several civil society groups, see my preceding Post ~~ Desi).
At the press conference, Rockybru at one stage recalled that RPK had reiterated the point that "...People should not be afraid of the Government; the Government should be afraid of the people." I remarked that it was echoed resoundingly in the movie: ***"V" for Vendetta.
A few points I made included that RPK has earned as a Malaysian patriot who loves his nation well enough to find time to promote Civil Society by writing "Without Fear or Favour". I said many fellow Bloggers would walk proudly with RPK any time, anywhere, a spirit so well illustrated by "BUM2008 House Artist Chris Chew aka mob1900" whose two posters contain simple mesages I echoed at the PC:
"RPK, We Are with You" and "Walking Tall, with RPK!".
Another point I paraphrased from a saying I believe relevant was that "The dark forces will prevail in society if the men of honour sit idly by and do nothing when injustice befalls a fellow citizen."
I believe since March 8, 2008 Malaysians have voted boldly for "Change" and also they demonstrated that there are among us Malaysians many good men who dared to stand up to be counted to fight injustice, and prove that we will triumph over the evil forces if Malaysians walk in solidarity with the likes of RPK!
May God keep RPK and his dear wife in the bosom of wellbeing
and protection from all harm in this hour of challenge
God-fearing and loving people will walk tall
And peace and serenity will guide us
To claim victory -- over Evil
forces that bedevil
NegaraKu
But Good will always prevail
Because after March 8, 2008
Many good people have spoken
Let's keep our solidarity
with RPK.
GodBless Aweways,
I:
S:
A: men.
*** Just reprising some quotes from an earlier Post:
Sunday, October 07, 2007
V: for .......
1. "People shouldn't be afraid of their governments, governments should be afraid of their people"
2. "Artists Use Lies to Tell the Truth; Politicians Use Lies to Cover It".
3. Ideas are bullet-proof.
4. Truth through unity, Unity through faith.
Fellow Blogger Raja Petra Kamarudin weighs heavy on Desi's mind, yes, a blogger-matey's mind. Earlier yesterday, I had spoken a little at a joint press conference at the SCAH I had coordinated on behalf of several Civil Society Groups to Express Solidarity with RPK. I think Ahirudin Attan aka rockybru as President of Interim Council of the National Alliance of Bloggers put the case weighing heavy on the inds of many Blogger-mateys pretty well. I extract from www.rockybru.blogspot.com:
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
Why didn't the Home Minister and the IGP exercise their right of reply?
In solidarity with RPK (and Syed Akbar Ali, and the 3 journalists "interviewed" yesterday).After this morning's press conference, I told the AFP journalist that one does not have to agree with what Raja Petra Kamarudin wrote in "Send the Altantuya murderers to hell" to support him.It's about his right to express his opionion. We are standing in solidarity with RPK in support of his - and our - freedom of expression.And for the Government's right of reply, too.Right of ReplyIn the interview with AFP, I explained that:1. The DPM, who was implicated in RPK's posting, had exercised his right of reply by writing in to RPK/Malaysia Today through his press secretary (see here); and2. The DPM's wife, who was also mentioned in the posting, had exercised her right of reply by denying the allegations made in the Internet (see here).And I asked these questions:1. Why couldn't the IGP do the same, i.e. respond to RPK's posting instead of charging him with Sedition?2. Why couldn't the Home Minister do the same and exercise his right of reply, i.e respond to whatever points raised by RPK in the posting?The decision to charge RPK with Sedition, I told the AFP journalist, also undermines the Prime Minister's promise for reforms, greater freedom and transparency.At the press conference earlier, which I chaired as President of the Interim Council of the National Alliance of Bloggers, I read out a prepared statement jointly (issued by several civil society groups, see my preceding Post ~~ Desi).
At the press conference, Rockybru at one stage recalled that RPK had reiterated the point that "...People should not be afraid of the Government; the Government should be afraid of the people." I remarked that it was echoed resoundingly in the movie: ***"V" for Vendetta.
A few points I made included that RPK has earned as a Malaysian patriot who loves his nation well enough to find time to promote Civil Society by writing "Without Fear or Favour". I said many fellow Bloggers would walk proudly with RPK any time, anywhere, a spirit so well illustrated by "BUM2008 House Artist Chris Chew aka mob1900" whose two posters contain simple mesages I echoed at the PC:
"RPK, We Are with You" and "Walking Tall, with RPK!".
Another point I paraphrased from a saying I believe relevant was that "The dark forces will prevail in society if the men of honour sit idly by and do nothing when injustice befalls a fellow citizen."
I believe since March 8, 2008 Malaysians have voted boldly for "Change" and also they demonstrated that there are among us Malaysians many good men who dared to stand up to be counted to fight injustice, and prove that we will triumph over the evil forces if Malaysians walk in solidarity with the likes of RPK!
May God keep RPK and his dear wife in the bosom of wellbeing
and protection from all harm in this hour of challenge
God-fearing and loving people will walk tall
And peace and serenity will guide us
To claim victory -- over Evil
forces that bedevil
NegaraKu
But Good will always prevail
Because after March 8, 2008
Many good people have spoken
Let's keep our solidarity
with RPK.
GodBless Aweways,
I:
S:
A: men.
*** Just reprising some quotes from an earlier Post:
Sunday, October 07, 2007
V: for .......
1. "People shouldn't be afraid of their governments, governments should be afraid of their people"
2. "Artists Use Lies to Tell the Truth; Politicians Use Lies to Cover It".
3. Ideas are bullet-proof.
4. Truth through unity, Unity through faith.
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
Standing Up for Raja Petra Kamarudin!
SELAMAT DATANG!
A good cross-section of the local press attended a Press Conference at the KLSCAH, Kuala Lumpur, this morning organised by several Civil Society Groups led by the National Alliance of Bloggers and the Centre for Policy Initiatives to express
SOLIDARITY WITH BLOGGER RAJA PETRA KAMARUDIN.
RPK STILL WEIGHS HEAVY ON OUR MINDS, BLOGGER-MATEY MINDS, and I conveyed to RPK the simple message best expressed by Chris Chew's Posters, view them at http://www.mob1900.blogspot.com/, viz:
"RPK, WE ARE WITH YOU"
and
"WALKING TALL, WITH RPK!"
**********************************
CIVIL SOCIETY GROUPS EXPRESS SOLIDARITY WITH RAJA PETRA KAMARUDIN
It is with great concern that we, representing several Civil Society Action Groups, note that Raja Petra Kamarudin, Editor of news portal and blog, "Malaysia Today", has been charged in the Petaling Jaya Sessions court with sedition in connection with an article he wrote and posted up at http://www.malaysia-today.net/ on April 25, 2008.
We call on all Malaysians concerned with the freedom of information and speech to stand up in support of a fellow Malaysian who has been writing "without fear or favour" on issues of public and national concern.
The charge against Raja Petra is in connection with a Post entitled "Let's send the Altantuya murderers to hell" in which he raised pertinent questions on various facts of the case that are already within the domain of public knowledge. In our view the sedition charge is malicious and without merit. It is also politically motivated and aimed at silencing a principled and uncompromising voice speaking against the abuse of power, including those stemming from the highest level of government and authority.
We urge the Government to re-consider its action in pursuing what is being perceived in the country and internationally as blatantly selective and repressive persecution. The action not only runs counter to the Government's expressed promotion of a democratic, informed and participatory society. It also smacks of a renewal of the tactics of fear and intimidation which were recently resoundingly rejected by the Malaysian electorate.
We are disappointed that, despite the Government's rhetoric of learning from its past mistakes, it continues to rely on heavy handed authoritarian means to instill fear and to discourage its citizens from freely engaging in public discourse.
This action of the Government coming just a few days after World Press Freedom Day (which fell on May 3) especially makes a mockery of the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's expression of commitment to democratic and social reforms to promote a more open and transparent government.
We agree with other human rights advocates that the present Sedition Act – initially enacted by the British colonial authorities - should have no place in our democratic society. Unlike the law on defamation, one cannot defend himself/herself from a charge of sedition on the ground of truthfulness. In other words, messengers may be shot for simply uttering the truth. That the State is using its legal apparatus to charge Raja Petra for sedition instead of the aggrieved party resorting to civil defamation points to the need for thorough reform of our media laws. This is not a new demand but one which has been consistently raised by civil society and progressive political parties.
As civil society action groups, we call upon all political parties, non-government organizations and individuals to express their concern and to show solidarity with Raja Petra. All freedom loving Malaysians must impress on the Government the need to withdraw this obnoxious action against a conscientious writer and true Malaysian.
Finally, we urge fellow Malaysians to respond positively to any future appeals for donations to a Legal Fund properly constituted in defence of Raja Petra and to show our solidarity for a national cause aimed at protecting our freedom of speech.
May 7, 2008
Press Statement issued jointly by:
Dr Lim Teck Ghee
Director,
Centre for Policy Initiatives (CPI)
Ahirudin Attan
President,
Interim Council
National Alliance of Bloggers
Wong Chin Huat
Chairperson,
Writer Alliance for Media Independence (WAMI)
Gayathry V.
Executive Director
Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ)
Ser Choon Ing
Chairman
Civil Rights Committee
KL and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall
Ho Yock Lin
Director
Empower (Pusat Janadaya)
Irene Xavier
President
Persatuan Sahabat Wanita Selangor
****************************************************
UPDATEd by DESIDERATA on May 8, 2008
Extract from www.malaysia-today.net:
Posted by Vineeth Menon
Wednesday, 07 May 2008
Dear Supporters ,Readers and Members of Malaysia Today,
On behalf of Malaysia Today, I would like to thank each one of you who donated and who could not donate due to various reasons . Each one of yours support in various forms was the demonstration of the peoples will and the trust on RPK. Your commitment to helping raise the money which exceeded the purpose requirement is sincerely appreciated.
I don't know how to describe your support so far, but I could only quote what Robert F Kennedy said
“ Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or act to improve lot of others,or strike out against injustice,he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope. Those ripples built a current that can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance "
Each one of you stood up in one form or other and are still standing....
Thanks again for your generous support for RPK and the success of Malaysia Today.
:
:
:
A good cross-section of the local press attended a Press Conference at the KLSCAH, Kuala Lumpur, this morning organised by several Civil Society Groups led by the National Alliance of Bloggers and the Centre for Policy Initiatives to express
SOLIDARITY WITH BLOGGER RAJA PETRA KAMARUDIN.
RPK STILL WEIGHS HEAVY ON OUR MINDS, BLOGGER-MATEY MINDS, and I conveyed to RPK the simple message best expressed by Chris Chew's Posters, view them at http://www.mob1900.blogspot.com/, viz:
"RPK, WE ARE WITH YOU"
and
"WALKING TALL, WITH RPK!"
**********************************
CIVIL SOCIETY GROUPS EXPRESS SOLIDARITY WITH RAJA PETRA KAMARUDIN
It is with great concern that we, representing several Civil Society Action Groups, note that Raja Petra Kamarudin, Editor of news portal and blog, "Malaysia Today", has been charged in the Petaling Jaya Sessions court with sedition in connection with an article he wrote and posted up at http://www.malaysia-today.net/ on April 25, 2008.
We call on all Malaysians concerned with the freedom of information and speech to stand up in support of a fellow Malaysian who has been writing "without fear or favour" on issues of public and national concern.
The charge against Raja Petra is in connection with a Post entitled "Let's send the Altantuya murderers to hell" in which he raised pertinent questions on various facts of the case that are already within the domain of public knowledge. In our view the sedition charge is malicious and without merit. It is also politically motivated and aimed at silencing a principled and uncompromising voice speaking against the abuse of power, including those stemming from the highest level of government and authority.
We urge the Government to re-consider its action in pursuing what is being perceived in the country and internationally as blatantly selective and repressive persecution. The action not only runs counter to the Government's expressed promotion of a democratic, informed and participatory society. It also smacks of a renewal of the tactics of fear and intimidation which were recently resoundingly rejected by the Malaysian electorate.
We are disappointed that, despite the Government's rhetoric of learning from its past mistakes, it continues to rely on heavy handed authoritarian means to instill fear and to discourage its citizens from freely engaging in public discourse.
This action of the Government coming just a few days after World Press Freedom Day (which fell on May 3) especially makes a mockery of the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's expression of commitment to democratic and social reforms to promote a more open and transparent government.
We agree with other human rights advocates that the present Sedition Act – initially enacted by the British colonial authorities - should have no place in our democratic society. Unlike the law on defamation, one cannot defend himself/herself from a charge of sedition on the ground of truthfulness. In other words, messengers may be shot for simply uttering the truth. That the State is using its legal apparatus to charge Raja Petra for sedition instead of the aggrieved party resorting to civil defamation points to the need for thorough reform of our media laws. This is not a new demand but one which has been consistently raised by civil society and progressive political parties.
As civil society action groups, we call upon all political parties, non-government organizations and individuals to express their concern and to show solidarity with Raja Petra. All freedom loving Malaysians must impress on the Government the need to withdraw this obnoxious action against a conscientious writer and true Malaysian.
Finally, we urge fellow Malaysians to respond positively to any future appeals for donations to a Legal Fund properly constituted in defence of Raja Petra and to show our solidarity for a national cause aimed at protecting our freedom of speech.
May 7, 2008
Press Statement issued jointly by:
Dr Lim Teck Ghee
Director,
Centre for Policy Initiatives (CPI)
Ahirudin Attan
President,
Interim Council
National Alliance of Bloggers
Wong Chin Huat
Chairperson,
Writer Alliance for Media Independence (WAMI)
Gayathry V.
Executive Director
Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ)
Ser Choon Ing
Chairman
Civil Rights Committee
KL and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall
Ho Yock Lin
Director
Empower (Pusat Janadaya)
Irene Xavier
President
Persatuan Sahabat Wanita Selangor
****************************************************
UPDATEd by DESIDERATA on May 8, 2008
Extract from www.malaysia-today.net:
Posted by Vineeth Menon
Wednesday, 07 May 2008
Dear Supporters ,Readers and Members of Malaysia Today,
On behalf of Malaysia Today, I would like to thank each one of you who donated and who could not donate due to various reasons . Each one of yours support in various forms was the demonstration of the peoples will and the trust on RPK. Your commitment to helping raise the money which exceeded the purpose requirement is sincerely appreciated.
I don't know how to describe your support so far, but I could only quote what Robert F Kennedy said
“ Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or act to improve lot of others,or strike out against injustice,he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope. Those ripples built a current that can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance "
Each one of you stood up in one form or other and are still standing....
Thanks again for your generous support for RPK and the success of Malaysia Today.
:
:
:
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
CSM: Civil society groups to hold PC tomorrow
to express Solidarity with Blogger Raja Petra Kamarudin who has been charged under the Sedition Act in connnection with a Post he wrote on his webblog malaysia-today.net.
Al civil society groups are invited to send their representatives to attend to Press Coneference at the Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall, Kuala Lumpur. The details below:
Date: Wednesday, 7th May 2008
Time: 11 a.m.
Venue: Conference Hall, 1st Floor, KL and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall, 1 Jalan Maharajalela, 50150 KL
Contact person: Press liaison Miss Liew Hui Mei (016-976 4653)
Press conference jointly organized by:
Dr Lim Teck Ghee,
Director,
Centre for Policy Initiatives (CPI)
Ahirudin Attan
President, Interim Council
National Alliance of Bloggers
Wong Chin Huat
Chairperson,
Writer Alliance for Media Independence (WAMI)
Gayathry V.
Executive Director
Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ)
Ser Choon Ing
Chairman of Civil Rights Committee
KL and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall
DESIDERATA: Posted by YLChong who also does freelance editorial work for the Centre for Policy Initiatives,
and who of course PR-es about any Bloggers' Dos and Happenings for Free because he believes in the cause of promoting a robust, healthy Fifth Estate:)
Al civil society groups are invited to send their representatives to attend to Press Coneference at the Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall, Kuala Lumpur. The details below:
Date: Wednesday, 7th May 2008
Time: 11 a.m.
Venue: Conference Hall, 1st Floor, KL and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall, 1 Jalan Maharajalela, 50150 KL
Contact person: Press liaison Miss Liew Hui Mei (016-976 4653)
Press conference jointly organized by:
Dr Lim Teck Ghee,
Director,
Centre for Policy Initiatives (CPI)
Ahirudin Attan
President, Interim Council
National Alliance of Bloggers
Wong Chin Huat
Chairperson,
Writer Alliance for Media Independence (WAMI)
Gayathry V.
Executive Director
Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ)
Ser Choon Ing
Chairman of Civil Rights Committee
KL and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall
DESIDERATA: Posted by YLChong who also does freelance editorial work for the Centre for Policy Initiatives,
and who of course PR-es about any Bloggers' Dos and Happenings for Free because he believes in the cause of promoting a robust, healthy Fifth Estate:)
CSM: Save Raja Petra K Campaign
from mGf Sdr Din Merican, since his re-branding as a DJ Blogger bringing us music to the ears besides some important socio-political messages to ALL MALYSIANS. I am on the move for the next few days, so it's C&P from fellow Blogger-mates' orchards. Come on bard the Blogswagon -- the fruits taste, whatelse, tasty!
Din Merican: the Malaysian DJ Blogger
“To choose one’s government is not necessarily to secure freedom”-Friedrich August von Hayek—The Constitution of Liberty
Save Raja Petra Campaign
Dear Friends, Associates and Fellow Bloggers,
At this time (9.30 am) as I write this, Raja Petra Kamarudin is being charged with sedition in the Magistrate Court in Jalan Duta, Kuala Lumpur. It is in connection with his article on www.malaysia-today.net entitled “Let’s send the Altantuya murderers to Hell”.
RPK and I spoke last evening (May 5). He told me that his friends (including me) were planning a “Save RPK Campaign” which will include the raising of funds to enable him to meet bail and legal expenses in defending himself. I hope you all and readers of Malaysia-Today will be able to contribute rm1.00 per person (not more please) to a designated bank account. More details about the fundraising will be released later and you will be able to read it on this and other blogs.
Raja Petra and Din Merican
Funds in this account will be managed in an open and transparent manner.
You will no doubt know that defending oneself against a Government which is bent on repressing all forms of dissent is an expensive proposition, especially for RPK who is a retiree. Our present government is using all resources at its disposal —our tax dollars in fact—to prosecute one of its own citizens. RPK is social activist who stands up for the rule of law and our fundamental rights under the constitution.
We must stand for transparency, civic duty and justice for RPK.—Din Merican
Din Merican: the Malaysian DJ Blogger
“To choose one’s government is not necessarily to secure freedom”-Friedrich August von Hayek—The Constitution of Liberty
Save Raja Petra Campaign
Dear Friends, Associates and Fellow Bloggers,
At this time (9.30 am) as I write this, Raja Petra Kamarudin is being charged with sedition in the Magistrate Court in Jalan Duta, Kuala Lumpur. It is in connection with his article on www.malaysia-today.net entitled “Let’s send the Altantuya murderers to Hell”.
RPK and I spoke last evening (May 5). He told me that his friends (including me) were planning a “Save RPK Campaign” which will include the raising of funds to enable him to meet bail and legal expenses in defending himself. I hope you all and readers of Malaysia-Today will be able to contribute rm1.00 per person (not more please) to a designated bank account. More details about the fundraising will be released later and you will be able to read it on this and other blogs.
Raja Petra and Din Merican
Funds in this account will be managed in an open and transparent manner.
You will no doubt know that defending oneself against a Government which is bent on repressing all forms of dissent is an expensive proposition, especially for RPK who is a retiree. Our present government is using all resources at its disposal —our tax dollars in fact—to prosecute one of its own citizens. RPK is social activist who stands up for the rule of law and our fundamental rights under the constitution.
We must stand for transparency, civic duty and justice for RPK.—Din Merican
Monday, May 05, 2008
I stole this Bud at 11.33PM
from a Buddy hydeing out in my hometown,
still shy to greAt me in the sunlight.
But one day, surely, we will both walk out iof the shadow,
Into De Light.
Being fatiqued and having no new thoughts to share, I strolled the cyber-homes of mGf in the plural, and just 27 minutes to a new day, I believe aFurongite residing at anakmerdeka.blogspot.com wouldn't mind my spreading a borrowed poem:)
Friday, April 25, 2008
Dear Anwar ...
LIFE
All in the dark we grope along,
And if we go amiss
We learn at least which path is wrong,
And there is gain in this.
We do not always win the race
By only runing right,
We have to tread the mountain's base
Before we reach its height.
But he who loves himself the last
And knows the use of pain,
Though strewn with errors all his past,
He surely shall attain.
Some souls there are that needs must taste
Of wrong, ere choosing right;
We should not call those years a waste
Which led us to the light.
- Ella Wheeler Wilcox
Labels: Poetry
still shy to greAt me in the sunlight.
But one day, surely, we will both walk out iof the shadow,
Into De Light.
Being fatiqued and having no new thoughts to share, I strolled the cyber-homes of mGf in the plural, and just 27 minutes to a new day, I believe aFurongite residing at anakmerdeka.blogspot.com wouldn't mind my spreading a borrowed poem:)
Friday, April 25, 2008
Dear Anwar ...
LIFE
All in the dark we grope along,
And if we go amiss
We learn at least which path is wrong,
And there is gain in this.
We do not always win the race
By only runing right,
We have to tread the mountain's base
Before we reach its height.
But he who loves himself the last
And knows the use of pain,
Though strewn with errors all his past,
He surely shall attain.
Some souls there are that needs must taste
Of wrong, ere choosing right;
We should not call those years a waste
Which led us to the light.
- Ella Wheeler Wilcox
Labels: Poetry
Sunday, May 04, 2008
Freedom Before Publishing, Faultlines After
Raja Petra Kamarudin was a clear favourite speaker at the BUM2008 Gathering last Thursday.
I took a short break after introducing him briefly (I had a reason but I am not telling, hear!:)
For what it is worth, I had wanted to share a secret wit' the roaring audience that evening, by then hungry as wolves at 7.30pm, having stayed on fromabout 2.30pm wit' one short Hi-Tea break because as Chair, I allowed it. If I had left it to the dictatorial Co-Chair, Bernard Khoo @ Zorro, there would have been no T, and pandemonium would have broken out, as hungry Bloggers are damned angry ones too. In te first place, they started off being angry about many things.If you have to ask WHY, then you had been away for far too long from the company of the likes of RPK!
Okay -- that rahsia. In email exchanges seeking Pete's (RPK, I can call you Pete, yes? This enderament I believe is resorted to by people who have graduated to being buddies, for YLChong @ Desi is definitely being presumptous here!)
*******************************************************************
I am now taking a short break; hey,I am not at thy bark and gall,OK! I miss'd my lamb and am coping wit'CON BF as fallback! Meanwhile, behave thyself and go read the full story of the following extracted from a new Online newssite which I have been secretly reading, and Today, I'm giving the Malaysian Insider its first plug -- but I don't know where I should send the Bill; gates' addie anyone?)
A case of the underdog taking on the bad guy
KUALA LUMPUR, May 3 ─ He refuses to be cowed by authority. He has a low estimation of the police and other institutions. He believes that the moneyed class and powerful in the country often get a free pass. He is prepared to believe the worst about the government, its agencies and its politicians.
When Commercial Crime Investigation Department police officers questioned prominent blogger Raja Petra Kamaruddin for alleged sedition yesterday, they came face to face with someone who embodies many of the qualities of the doubting middle-class Malaysian.
If Raja Petra’s postings on Malaysia Today have a following in the country, it is not only because he writes without worrying about legal concepts of defamation or sedition, or that he combines expert story-telling with a dash of facts. It is also because many people in middle Malaysia identify with him ─ they share his concerns and suspicions.
:
:
:
****************************************************
Now, "digression" being my second name, in one email reply from Sdr RPK (in response gifting me a 'carte blanche' to pick up his writes; Ah ha, thanks for the AP! ~~ Desi), he shyly, or is it slyly, noted that I spelt his name wit' an extra 'd' as in "Kamaruddin". (I do that sometimes -- also to my/your/our All-Blogs Prez Ahirudin Atan or Ahiruddin Attan, even to one guy called Chong Yen Loong:(
As I was saying, so I learned my lesson well. I had wanted to share this rahsia at the BUM2008 night in closing - so it's now placed on record I am saying now this narrative that was ringiing in my head but was not of sufficient desibelles to hit the floor.
"Dear RPK, turning to my right, your Dad was far-sighted in gifting you this name that is easily shorted as RPK, and now the connection that leading member of the PR coalition is clearer to YL, the newshound.n Zorro claims he's the most senior of senors blogging, I always remind him I'm from Jurassic Park. It's nice, it rimes wit' a four-letter "F"*** word which is exclusively used civilly only in RPK's terrortry.
Anyway, as I was rambling, RPK's Dad is to be congratulated for having a single 'd' as in Kamarudin.
Can you imagine if it was a double 'd' as in"...... ddin"?
The whole blardy roof at Lake View Club would have come tumbling down!
And those poor guys at Bukit Aman, their days to join the late SA of Ijok are premature -- many have not tasted the curry-wit-cilipadi that RPK serves.
Maybe for once the Peace Hll could do wit' a double the desibelles -- then the 'hole blary building would come tumbling down the hill. What great fun-D --- then Rockybru could re-build for Lake View a brand new building rivalling that Palace of Justice! -- wit' a function room that can take at least 5,000 for BUM2009!:) -- Yes, I am ever the Optimistic writHer on Sundae, steal knottyaSsusual:)"
I took a short break after introducing him briefly (I had a reason but I am not telling, hear!:)
For what it is worth, I had wanted to share a secret wit' the roaring audience that evening, by then hungry as wolves at 7.30pm, having stayed on fromabout 2.30pm wit' one short Hi-Tea break because as Chair, I allowed it. If I had left it to the dictatorial Co-Chair, Bernard Khoo @ Zorro, there would have been no T, and pandemonium would have broken out, as hungry Bloggers are damned angry ones too. In te first place, they started off being angry about many things.If you have to ask WHY, then you had been away for far too long from the company of the likes of RPK!
Okay -- that rahsia. In email exchanges seeking Pete's (RPK, I can call you Pete, yes? This enderament I believe is resorted to by people who have graduated to being buddies, for YLChong @ Desi is definitely being presumptous here!)
*******************************************************************
I am now taking a short break; hey,I am not at thy bark and gall,OK! I miss'd my lamb and am coping wit'CON BF as fallback! Meanwhile, behave thyself and go read the full story of the following extracted from a new Online newssite which I have been secretly reading, and Today, I'm giving the Malaysian Insider its first plug -- but I don't know where I should send the Bill; gates' addie anyone?)
A case of the underdog taking on the bad guy
KUALA LUMPUR, May 3 ─ He refuses to be cowed by authority. He has a low estimation of the police and other institutions. He believes that the moneyed class and powerful in the country often get a free pass. He is prepared to believe the worst about the government, its agencies and its politicians.
When Commercial Crime Investigation Department police officers questioned prominent blogger Raja Petra Kamaruddin for alleged sedition yesterday, they came face to face with someone who embodies many of the qualities of the doubting middle-class Malaysian.
If Raja Petra’s postings on Malaysia Today have a following in the country, it is not only because he writes without worrying about legal concepts of defamation or sedition, or that he combines expert story-telling with a dash of facts. It is also because many people in middle Malaysia identify with him ─ they share his concerns and suspicions.
:
:
:
****************************************************
Now, "digression" being my second name, in one email reply from Sdr RPK (in response gifting me a 'carte blanche' to pick up his writes; Ah ha, thanks for the AP! ~~ Desi), he shyly, or is it slyly, noted that I spelt his name wit' an extra 'd' as in "Kamaruddin". (I do that sometimes -- also to my/your/our All-Blogs Prez Ahirudin Atan or Ahiruddin Attan, even to one guy called Chong Yen Loong:(
As I was saying, so I learned my lesson well. I had wanted to share this rahsia at the BUM2008 night in closing - so it's now placed on record I am saying now this narrative that was ringiing in my head but was not of sufficient desibelles to hit the floor.
"Dear RPK, turning to my right, your Dad was far-sighted in gifting you this name that is easily shorted as RPK, and now the connection that leading member of the PR coalition is clearer to YL, the newshound.n Zorro claims he's the most senior of senors blogging, I always remind him I'm from Jurassic Park. It's nice, it rimes wit' a four-letter "F"*** word which is exclusively used civilly only in RPK's terrortry.
Anyway, as I was rambling, RPK's Dad is to be congratulated for having a single 'd' as in Kamarudin.
Can you imagine if it was a double 'd' as in"...... ddin"?
The whole blardy roof at Lake View Club would have come tumbling down!
And those poor guys at Bukit Aman, their days to join the late SA of Ijok are premature -- many have not tasted the curry-wit-cilipadi that RPK serves.
Maybe for once the Peace Hll could do wit' a double the desibelles -- then the 'hole blary building would come tumbling down the hill. What great fun-D --- then Rockybru could re-build for Lake View a brand new building rivalling that Palace of Justice! -- wit' a function room that can take at least 5,000 for BUM2009!:) -- Yes, I am ever the Optimistic writHer on Sundae, steal knottyaSsusual:)"
Saturday, May 03, 2008
Rendering Meaning to World Press Freedom Day
This report is extracted from The Star Online.
As a resident of the Fourth Estate for some two decades, and a three-year-old in Blogosphere (The emergent Fifth Estate), I totally support the call by the NUJ for repealing whatever Acts, including the Official Secrets Act, that are repressive to the freedom of expression. To liberalise the MSM, especially the print media like newspapers, the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984 also should be abolished. ~~ Desi
Friday May 2, 2008 MYT 7:04:34 PM
NUJ: Drop OSA, enact Information Act
PETALING JAYA: The National Union of Journalists Malaysia (NUJ) has urged the Government to drop the Official Secret Acts (OSA) and replace it with an Information Act.
In a statement released in conjunction with World Press Freedom Day on Saturday, the union said that such an Act would be in keeping with Government initiatives to create a more transparent and accountable administration.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has proposed setting up a commission to appoint judges and upgrading the Anti-Corruption Agency into a commission.
"These objectives of achieving good governance, transparency and integrity are not going to happen if access to information is still not possible for investigative journalism to be carried out," said NUJ president Norila Mohd Daud.
"The OSA has been the main obstacle in allowing media access to Government information.
"The credibility and sincerity of the Government can only be proven if there is easy access to information for the media and public," she said in the statement released on Friday.
Norila also urged media owners to play their part in allowing journalists to carry out their professional duties without fear or favour.
Many mainstream media organisations have not been allowed to publish or highlight certain issues of interest to the people under the instructions of "higher ups," she said.
Related story:Waive annual renewal of printing permit: MCA
*********************** UPDATED @12.53pm May 3, in which I am adding my own opinions but citing some panellists and floor speakers' views -- Minta maaf and seeking forebearance for resorting to this liberty of blogging! -- Desi ***********************
Okay,belatedly back to the BUM2008 story, after some diversion into BUKIT Aman, the hill knot so peaceful when they had to deal with the King of Bloggers, Raja Petra Kamarudin -- you read awe about him in today's (Yes, it's now Saturday!:) -- mostly in frontpage, and yes, I see him wearing Yellow, and I have been described as 1/2-a-banana chinoserie before, so it's again claiming greAtness by a(R)s(E)sociation, milking the limelight as much as I can again before I join the late SA of Ijok -- a sales pitch I used to con a few "blocked"mates in parting with RM12 for my Anthology, of which a few autographed copies are still available, and if you buy me tehtarik and the bestA kambing at LINGAM's wit'mateys Ancient and Mindfool mariners, you get the kopi flee. (Read my post of SE7ENth day of the SE7ENth Month of the Year 2-zelo-zelo-SE7EN-lah for d'tale.
As I did say if you folks were listening, get on board the Blogswagon to abuse one chief privilege -- YOU can digress as mush as "AS YOU LIKE (IT)" (I often quote the Bard at my CONvenience2!:)as long as you don't drive those buggers I humbly call my ER! up, up and away!:(
The panellist who was seated on my left, human rights advocate Haris Ibrahim, had been flaming the Fourth Estate members like Hell ( a four-letter word which passed muser as a civilly accepted term by RPK, so I follow!) for having "sold out" the cause of the 4th Estate as promoted as Journalism Ethics 101. Citing as a well-known example, the BERSIH rally last November 14 (pls check date later) attracted only 400 people, according to all MSM reports, based mainly on the national news agency report (IMHO-lah).
More independent sources cited figures from 20,000 (several foreign news wires') to 50,000 (many bloggers') while I estimated at 30,000. On the other estream, some politicians claimed 100, 000 to 150, 000; so the Intelligent Reader must be able to know that it would be beneficial to read widely and come to your own conclusion. As well quoted in the press line, A PICTURE IS WORTH 1,000 WORDS, so the MSM was indeed shown to be like the Emperor Wearing New (Desi spells it nu'e) Clothes! But other parties are equally seen to be guilty of embleishment/exaggerating a byte, no?
What excited many was Haris' remark that reporters and editors "involved" in such disfigurement of "facts" had soul'd out, and if they had any conscience to their profession, they should resign pronto on principle! (My paraphrase okay, as I was too busy keeping time, and multi-tasking at my youthfool age is proving quite a challenge!:(
In fact, and here I did mention in my "interjection" (which normally a forum Chairman does not do, but Bloggers are a different cup of tea -- yes, we don't believe much in protocol as long as we remain civil to each other. Even my Co-chair Zorro did snatch the mike away from me, the F***! Spell it out for Thee, not the usual vocab of RPK's hear -- it's Fake!) that the MSM reporters worked very hard, doing 10-12 hours, and mostly were attracted to the profession driven by a love for writing and endowed with idealism.
I think an audience member, Sdr Jeyapelan Mahesan, said that it was mainly the Editors, and the newspapers' owners, who should be held accountable, as based on his own experience -- havng relatives and friends working in the MSM, -- the journalists were generally trying their best to report as best as they could. He proposed that the repeal of the Printing Presses and Publications Act could help the Fourth Estate function better and more freely.
Citizen-Nades in a follow-up too shared that a reporter's copy could be "changed" by the higher-ranked news editor or EIC, and it was a situation beyond the reach of power/influence of ordinary reporters to ovecome if certain facts were distorted, like a figure at the Bersih rally being much higher in the reporter's original copy than 400!
Haris, in his usual activist idealism, also called for a boycott of the MSM as the way to go. He led a group of Bloggers in a complete boycott, but some rational discusssion followed with dissenting Bloggers -- including Desi and matey Ancient Mariner -- that we need to face up to reality, and compromise with a limited boycott on proinciple, and the happy result was, still is, PAPERLESS TUESDAYS! I said I don't mind, 'cos I still have Morrie!
To be continued ... Stay turned, or turned on, or over, whatever!:)
But don't wait forever, it'snot being kind to thyself -- GO READ THE PREVIOUS
POST!:(~~ Desi, knottyaSsusual
***************************************************
UPDATEd
Sunday May 4, 2008
Undecided over freer press
By ROYCE CHEAH
PETALING JAYA: Government politicians are not united in their views on whether greater media freedom is necessary in Malaysia.
While two were amenable to less government control, one was for keeping the status quo, when asked for their views in conjunction with World Press Freedom Day yesterday.
Gerakan acting president Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon said he supported the recent suggestion by Home Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar that the annual licensing requirement for newspapers under the Printing Presses and Publications Act (PPPA) be waived.
“I hope this will be the first step that will lead to more reform for openness in the PPPA and other related legislations,” he said.
“I believe that through education and experience in the democratic process, our people will become increasingly mature and moderate, understanding that democracy also means responsibility,” he said.
Rembau MP and Deputy Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin believes that a free and responsible media was an important pillar of a democratic society.
He said it was time for the unprecedented openness for the press to be strengthened by institutional reforms.
“The first step that the Government could consider would be to abolish the annual licence renewal as suggested by the Home Minister,” he said.
Khairy said one way of overseeing the media in a reformed environment would be through self-regulation, where the media took the lead in setting up a Press Complaints Commission that would ensure fair and ethical reporting, and prevent racial and religious incitement from being published or aired.
“Once that is in place with adequate safeguards against abuse of the freedom of speech, I think we can and should repeal the PPPA. Freedom must come with responsibility; both are equally important,” he said.
However, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Mohd Nazri Aziz felt that the PPPA was necessary because Malaysia had a multiracial population.
“I will not allow this country to be destroyed by extremist views. We have to be careful with what is written in the newspapers,” he said.
Nazri said he held this view not because he did not believe in freedom of the press but because he loved Malaysia more.
“For as long as I am a member of the Cabinet, I will argue for not abolishing the Act. I love Malaysians and the good relations we have. This must be maintained,” he said.
Nazri said the problem with having more freedom was that it would become difficult to determine limits.
He said it was better to have a law that could be used to ensure that nobody crosses the line.
“What is this line? The Government decides what it is,” he said.
“Prevention is better. For me, I think you have to defeat me in the elections and then let the new government do it.”
DESIDERATA:
This "guy" called Mohd Nazri Aziz is amazingly contrarian for contariness' sake; obviously he hasn't learnt why the political tsunami on March 8, 2008 occurred. I wished I could have a wand to wave in Koh Tsu Koon into the PM's Cabinet instead of this "guy". Perhaps it's good to have a few such guys around -- helps speed up the process whereby Pakatan Rakyat would also take over the federal reins of power from UMNO-dominated Barisan Nasional sooner than later. Some UMNO politicians are indeed serving the interests of the Oppositio coalition led by "PKR" Are there some "Trojan" horses -- by ignorance -- around?
I know that PKR took more than two years to obtain a KDN to publish its fortnightly party newspaper Suara Keadilan.
Now let's see how long the Pakatan Rakyat would have to wait to get a KDN to publish a national daily newspaper.
Miss Patience is also Ms Virtuous, I'm told. So brave and bold and nationalistic of that "guy", requote: that '... it was better to have a law that could be used to ensure that nobody crosses the line. “What is this line? The Government decides what it is."'
As a resident of the Fourth Estate for some two decades, and a three-year-old in Blogosphere (The emergent Fifth Estate), I totally support the call by the NUJ for repealing whatever Acts, including the Official Secrets Act, that are repressive to the freedom of expression. To liberalise the MSM, especially the print media like newspapers, the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984 also should be abolished. ~~ Desi
Friday May 2, 2008 MYT 7:04:34 PM
NUJ: Drop OSA, enact Information Act
PETALING JAYA: The National Union of Journalists Malaysia (NUJ) has urged the Government to drop the Official Secret Acts (OSA) and replace it with an Information Act.
In a statement released in conjunction with World Press Freedom Day on Saturday, the union said that such an Act would be in keeping with Government initiatives to create a more transparent and accountable administration.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has proposed setting up a commission to appoint judges and upgrading the Anti-Corruption Agency into a commission.
"These objectives of achieving good governance, transparency and integrity are not going to happen if access to information is still not possible for investigative journalism to be carried out," said NUJ president Norila Mohd Daud.
"The OSA has been the main obstacle in allowing media access to Government information.
"The credibility and sincerity of the Government can only be proven if there is easy access to information for the media and public," she said in the statement released on Friday.
Norila also urged media owners to play their part in allowing journalists to carry out their professional duties without fear or favour.
Many mainstream media organisations have not been allowed to publish or highlight certain issues of interest to the people under the instructions of "higher ups," she said.
Related story:Waive annual renewal of printing permit: MCA
*********************** UPDATED @12.53pm May 3, in which I am adding my own opinions but citing some panellists and floor speakers' views -- Minta maaf and seeking forebearance for resorting to this liberty of blogging! -- Desi ***********************
Okay,belatedly back to the BUM2008 story, after some diversion into BUKIT Aman, the hill knot so peaceful when they had to deal with the King of Bloggers, Raja Petra Kamarudin -- you read awe about him in today's (Yes, it's now Saturday!:) -- mostly in frontpage, and yes, I see him wearing Yellow, and I have been described as 1/2-a-banana chinoserie before, so it's again claiming greAtness by a(R)s(E)sociation, milking the limelight as much as I can again before I join the late SA of Ijok -- a sales pitch I used to con a few "blocked"mates in parting with RM12 for my Anthology, of which a few autographed copies are still available, and if you buy me tehtarik and the bestA kambing at LINGAM's wit'mateys Ancient and Mindfool mariners, you get the kopi flee. (Read my post of SE7ENth day of the SE7ENth Month of the Year 2-zelo-zelo-SE7EN-lah for d'tale.
As I did say if you folks were listening, get on board the Blogswagon to abuse one chief privilege -- YOU can digress as mush as "AS YOU LIKE (IT)" (I often quote the Bard at my CONvenience2!:)as long as you don't drive those buggers I humbly call my ER! up, up and away!:(
The panellist who was seated on my left, human rights advocate Haris Ibrahim, had been flaming the Fourth Estate members like Hell ( a four-letter word which passed muser as a civilly accepted term by RPK, so I follow!) for having "sold out" the cause of the 4th Estate as promoted as Journalism Ethics 101. Citing as a well-known example, the BERSIH rally last November 14 (pls check date later) attracted only 400 people, according to all MSM reports, based mainly on the national news agency report (IMHO-lah).
More independent sources cited figures from 20,000 (several foreign news wires') to 50,000 (many bloggers') while I estimated at 30,000. On the other estream, some politicians claimed 100, 000 to 150, 000; so the Intelligent Reader must be able to know that it would be beneficial to read widely and come to your own conclusion. As well quoted in the press line, A PICTURE IS WORTH 1,000 WORDS, so the MSM was indeed shown to be like the Emperor Wearing New (Desi spells it nu'e) Clothes! But other parties are equally seen to be guilty of embleishment/exaggerating a byte, no?
What excited many was Haris' remark that reporters and editors "involved" in such disfigurement of "facts" had soul'd out, and if they had any conscience to their profession, they should resign pronto on principle! (My paraphrase okay, as I was too busy keeping time, and multi-tasking at my youthfool age is proving quite a challenge!:(
In fact, and here I did mention in my "interjection" (which normally a forum Chairman does not do, but Bloggers are a different cup of tea -- yes, we don't believe much in protocol as long as we remain civil to each other. Even my Co-chair Zorro did snatch the mike away from me, the F***! Spell it out for Thee, not the usual vocab of RPK's hear -- it's Fake!) that the MSM reporters worked very hard, doing 10-12 hours, and mostly were attracted to the profession driven by a love for writing and endowed with idealism.
I think an audience member, Sdr Jeyapelan Mahesan, said that it was mainly the Editors, and the newspapers' owners, who should be held accountable, as based on his own experience -- havng relatives and friends working in the MSM, -- the journalists were generally trying their best to report as best as they could. He proposed that the repeal of the Printing Presses and Publications Act could help the Fourth Estate function better and more freely.
Citizen-Nades in a follow-up too shared that a reporter's copy could be "changed" by the higher-ranked news editor or EIC, and it was a situation beyond the reach of power/influence of ordinary reporters to ovecome if certain facts were distorted, like a figure at the Bersih rally being much higher in the reporter's original copy than 400!
Haris, in his usual activist idealism, also called for a boycott of the MSM as the way to go. He led a group of Bloggers in a complete boycott, but some rational discusssion followed with dissenting Bloggers -- including Desi and matey Ancient Mariner -- that we need to face up to reality, and compromise with a limited boycott on proinciple, and the happy result was, still is, PAPERLESS TUESDAYS! I said I don't mind, 'cos I still have Morrie!
To be continued ... Stay turned, or turned on, or over, whatever!:)
But don't wait forever, it'snot being kind to thyself -- GO READ THE PREVIOUS
POST!:(~~ Desi, knottyaSsusual
***************************************************
UPDATEd
Sunday May 4, 2008
Undecided over freer press
By ROYCE CHEAH
PETALING JAYA: Government politicians are not united in their views on whether greater media freedom is necessary in Malaysia.
While two were amenable to less government control, one was for keeping the status quo, when asked for their views in conjunction with World Press Freedom Day yesterday.
Gerakan acting president Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon said he supported the recent suggestion by Home Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar that the annual licensing requirement for newspapers under the Printing Presses and Publications Act (PPPA) be waived.
“I hope this will be the first step that will lead to more reform for openness in the PPPA and other related legislations,” he said.
“I believe that through education and experience in the democratic process, our people will become increasingly mature and moderate, understanding that democracy also means responsibility,” he said.
Rembau MP and Deputy Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin believes that a free and responsible media was an important pillar of a democratic society.
He said it was time for the unprecedented openness for the press to be strengthened by institutional reforms.
“The first step that the Government could consider would be to abolish the annual licence renewal as suggested by the Home Minister,” he said.
Khairy said one way of overseeing the media in a reformed environment would be through self-regulation, where the media took the lead in setting up a Press Complaints Commission that would ensure fair and ethical reporting, and prevent racial and religious incitement from being published or aired.
“Once that is in place with adequate safeguards against abuse of the freedom of speech, I think we can and should repeal the PPPA. Freedom must come with responsibility; both are equally important,” he said.
However, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Mohd Nazri Aziz felt that the PPPA was necessary because Malaysia had a multiracial population.
“I will not allow this country to be destroyed by extremist views. We have to be careful with what is written in the newspapers,” he said.
Nazri said he held this view not because he did not believe in freedom of the press but because he loved Malaysia more.
“For as long as I am a member of the Cabinet, I will argue for not abolishing the Act. I love Malaysians and the good relations we have. This must be maintained,” he said.
Nazri said the problem with having more freedom was that it would become difficult to determine limits.
He said it was better to have a law that could be used to ensure that nobody crosses the line.
“What is this line? The Government decides what it is,” he said.
“Prevention is better. For me, I think you have to defeat me in the elections and then let the new government do it.”
DESIDERATA:
This "guy" called Mohd Nazri Aziz is amazingly contrarian for contariness' sake; obviously he hasn't learnt why the political tsunami on March 8, 2008 occurred. I wished I could have a wand to wave in Koh Tsu Koon into the PM's Cabinet instead of this "guy". Perhaps it's good to have a few such guys around -- helps speed up the process whereby Pakatan Rakyat would also take over the federal reins of power from UMNO-dominated Barisan Nasional sooner than later. Some UMNO politicians are indeed serving the interests of the Oppositio coalition led by "PKR" Are there some "Trojan" horses -- by ignorance -- around?
I know that PKR took more than two years to obtain a KDN to publish its fortnightly party newspaper Suara Keadilan.
Now let's see how long the Pakatan Rakyat would have to wait to get a KDN to publish a national daily newspaper.
Miss Patience is also Ms Virtuous, I'm told. So brave and bold and nationalistic of that "guy", requote: that '... it was better to have a law that could be used to ensure that nobody crosses the line. “What is this line? The Government decides what it is."'
One day soon this "guy" would be walking that lank into irrelevance -- the second wave of the tsunami is predicted when the 13th GE cometh around -- a lucky number for some, death knell for some nationalistic "guys"!
Friday, May 02, 2008
Fifth and Fourth Estate Members -- On Collision Course?
As Chair of BUM2008 yesterday's Evening Session titled "The Fifth Estate/Bloggers -- As Agency of Change", I took the opportunity to add my one sen's worth -- call it weighing in as I hold passion for both estates! -- in between the dialogue beween the Speakers and Audience.
The discourse was of special interest as I had served some 15 years in the mainstream media also sometimes referred to with some disdain as "the MSM", to earn bread&butter, and later graduated to Blogging to earn some pocket money plus at the same time, eran some dime writing occasinally for some MSM, and hence I have strong interest plus vested interests in the two Estates.
Starting point of an interesting exchange, extracting from Sdr Ahirudin Attan aka Rockybru's Post earlier to day:
"Bum2008
The 4th estate has failed us? Politically-appointed editors to blame?
The role of the mainstream media (MSM) came under heavy scrutiny at the Bloggers' Universe Malaysia 2008 held for the second year in a row at the Lake View Club, Subang.
Haris Ibrahim of People's Parliament says the 4th Estate has failed the people and called on Malaysians to reclaim the integrity of the profession.
Citizen Nades defended journalists and blamed politically-appointed Editors and draconian Press laws for the failure of a big chunk of the MSM in serving the people.
Zorro, Kee Tuan Chye, Jeyapelan Mahesan, and Desiderata, among others, spoke on the the issue. "
To be continued as the dead-tiredness which followed after Desi was sied running around like a cockerel wit'blue-arsed eyes?-- as described by mindful mariner residing at promptus.blogspot.com when he bumped into the confused Chair as we headed into the Washroom -- still lingers. (*BTW2OU which is my definition of "between the two of us", K!) ) Sdr Stu, did we go into different ones, matey? **LOL! This * and **LOL! is for the benefit of one chedet should he peep into Desi's after I left a knotty comment at his virginal Post, coincident with BUMmers celebrating Labour Day. An ex-PM has now joined the Blogswagon to perhaps earn sedikit duit poket, ia?:) ~~ Desi, knottyaSsusual
*******************************************
Okay, belatedly back to the BUM2008 story, after some diversion into BUKIT Aman, the hill knot so peaceful when they had to deal with the King of Bloggers, Raja Petra Kamarudin -- you read awe about him in today's (Yes, it's now Saturday!:) -- mostly in frontpage, and yes, I see him wearing Yellow, and I have been described as 1/2-a-banana chinoserie before, so it's again claiming greAtness by a(R)s(E)sociation, milking the limelight as much as I can again before I join the late SA of Ijok -- a sales pitch I used to con a few "blocked"mates in parting with RM12 for my Anthology called Midnight Voices or somethin', of which a few autographed copies are still available, and if you buy me tehtarik and the bestA kambing at LINGAM's wit' mateys Ancient and Mindfool mariners, you get the kopi flee. (Read my post of SE7ENth day of the SE7ENth Month of the Year 2-zelo-zelo-SE7EN-lah for d'tale. :)
As I did say if you folks were listening, get on board the Blogswagon to abuse one chief privilege -- YOU can digress as mush as "AS YOU LIKE (IT" (I often quote the Bard at my CONvenience2!:) as long as you don't drive those buggers I humbly call my ER! up, up and away!:(
The panellist who was seated on my left, human rights advocate Haris Ibrahim, had been flaming the Fourth Estate members like Hell ( a four-letter word which passed muster as a civilly accepted term by RPK, so I follow!) for having "sold out" the cause of the 4th Estate as promoted as Journalism Ethics 101. Citing as a well-known ground, the BERSIH rally last November 14 (Some1 pls check date later) attracted only 400 people, according to all MSM reports, based mainly on the national news agency Bernama report (IMHO-lah). More independent sources cited figures from 20,000 (several foreign news wires') to 50,000 (many bloggers') while I estimated at 30,000. On the other estream, some politicians claimed 100, 000 to 150, 000; so the Intelligent Reader must be able to know that it would be beneficial to read widely and come to your own conclusion.
As well quoted in the press line, A PICTURE IS WORTH 1,000 WORDS, so the MSM was indeed shown to be like the Emperor Wearing New (Desi spells it nu'e) Clothes! But other parties are equally seen to be guilty of embellishment -- exaggerating a byte, no? What excited many was Haris' remark that reporters and editors "involved" in such disfigurement of "facts" had soul'd out, and if they had any conscience to their profession, they should resign pronto on principle! (My paraphrase okay, as I was too busy keeping time, and multi-tasking at my youthfool age is proving quite a challenge!:(
In fact, and here I did mention in my "interjection" (which normally a forum Chairman does not do, but Bloggers are a different cup of tea -- yes, we don't believe much in protocol as long as we remain civil to each other. Even my Co-chair Zorro did snatch the mike away from me, the F***! Spell it out for Thee, not the usual vocab of RPK's hear -- it's Fake!) that the MSM reporters worked very hard, doing 10-12 hours, and mostly were attracted to the profession driven by a love for writing and endowed with idealism, at least in the early days until reality shows set in.
I think an audience member, Sdr Jeyapelan Mahesan, said that it was mainly the Editors, and the newspapers' owners, who should be held accountable, as based on his own experience -- havng relatives and friends working in the MSM -- the journalists were generally trying their best to report as best as they could. He proposed that the repeal of the Printing Presses and Publications Act could help the Fourth Estate function better and more freely.
Citizen-Nades in a follow-up too shared that a reporter's copy could be "changed" by the higher-ranked news editor or EIC at the midnight hour when the reporters have all gone home, to rest or to roost, and it was a situation beyond the reach of power/influence of ordinary reporters to ovecome if certain facts were distorted, like a figure at the Bersih rally being much higher in the reporter's original copy being cut down to 400!
Haris, in his usual activist idealism, also had called for a boycott of the MSM as the way to go. He led a group of Bloggers in a complete boycott, but some rational discusssion followed with dissenting Bloggers -- including Desi and matey Ancient Mariner -- with the contrarion view that we need to face up to reality, and compromise with a limited "boycott on principle", and the happy result was, still is, PAPERLESS TUESDAYS! I said I don't mind, 'cos I still have Morrie!
To be continued ... Stay turned, or turned on, or over, whatever!:)
Another MSM Journalist-cum-playright Sdr Kee Thuan Chye who had/has risen to Editor iat two MSM also spoke of some Editors he knew who let the Fourth Estate down. So there was ground for Haris to hold the view that the Fourth Estate sold out, but ... Journalists like Kee and Citizen-Nades proved/still prove there are still editors who try their best to write with a conscience. But as Kee found to his dismay -- a price to pay as I hinted! -- a column he plgged in the vein of some feisty Bloggers do, just lasted two weekly appearances. "Sorry matey, don't be too hard on thyself -- you did try your best!" They are a rare species in the MSM, I hold these newshounds in high esteem.
At one uncertain stage, I believe Nades was at some critical crossroads pre-March 8, 2008. I sighted All-Blogs president Rockybru's write that there was a rumour, well grounded at that time of writing I believe, that Nades could be moving back to the "new" Malay Mail! I bumped into the goode citizen and another news topdog roaming about in Ipoh during the GE2008 campaign period, and we now have some fun-D in hindsight laughing at some MICkey bigwig's expense that the over-staying his vvellakum Prez had slumbered under the delusion from 2004-2008 that he was among the "Invincibles". Now some of us wish he would just help the cause of Malaysia Going Forward by dropping the letter following the second "I"!
To be continued... adjourning for tehtari':). (I'm not sure if the duo mariners had arrived at Lingam's CH wit'out my Invite!:(
Back late Sunday evening:(
As I was saying, Haris' challenge to idealistic minded journalists' to "resign on principle" if their Editors were to "amend or disfiigure" their original copies if accepted by the majority would result in a barren Fourth Estate. Then, who will provide the "raw copies" for Bloggers as Fifth Estaters as starting point discussionsor analysis or commentary?
I always believe we must not throw the baby out with the bath water.
As I have writ recently, "Even the MSM is Capable of Change!". As I have said before,and I think one Panel speaker did too, if the MSM do not change with the changed and changing landscape, they will become irrelevant, then fade away. As the Dodo, de bird, not Cheng!
So I guess there is a sound case for the Fourth and Fifth Estaters to engage each other. I believe there are more common grounds than differences among the two classes of residents which are not exclusive of each other. Some Bloggers also file reports -- mostly on a parttime basis -- for the MSM, for at the end of the day, Blogging as an activity of passion does not earn enough bread and butter. Even Socialist writers like Desi sometimes need to partake in Capitalist sojourns occasionally; otherwise, they also fade away. Ditto the dodo.
Lastly, and lustily, I reprise here the tale I ended the BUM2008 evening forum before the stampede to Warren Buffet's table could start, sharp before 8.30pm because I had a word to honour, anticipating Big Dog would be present,but never ind, many like-minded hounds were around...
"A tycoon at his deathbed summoned his lawyer, instructed him to get him a law degree pronto!
The smiling lawyer took the RM10mil cheque with glee, pocketed it, replaced with a personal cheque for RM7mil, and hurried to a degree-churning firm, law-abiding one, and in double quick time returned to the tycoon's side.
Curio cat that he was, the lawyer --Methinks he's a Limpgum, sounds somethin' like that-lah --asked: "Master, while do you want to spend RM10mil for a law degree when in a few days, you gonna leave us?"
"Ah, mister lawyer-- give me back the RM3mil! -- the joy and ecstasy I get when I leave mother Earth is to know that there will be one less lawyer in this world!" the sick man could still grin from ear to hear.
Limpgum lingered, and the master spied a frown on the limp, perspiring forehead.
"You still have another question?"
"Yes, master, why do you teat thy son so cruel? Last minute sttriking him off thy will, and donating that RM20mil to ...er, ***NAB or something?"
"Ah, this son of a gun -- I send him to College to study law, and what does he do? Every day he goes to the National Press Club, er, along Jalan Tang Sei, and join the ilks of Lockyblew, Jeff agent zelo-zelo wan, and Zollo the Solo, downing birs.
And what did my son learn from them?
Those buggers taught him how to start a SoPo blog!"
***NK: The Master thought NAB was a charity set up to catch those morons they call Blockers or somethin', hence the donation is serving a good civil society cause.
PS: This ***notakaki I left out because I did not wish to educate the SpecialBrunch peeps around at Lake View.:( ~~Methinks they followed RPK hear! God save their souls.
I:
S:
A:men.
The discourse was of special interest as I had served some 15 years in the mainstream media also sometimes referred to with some disdain as "the MSM", to earn bread&butter, and later graduated to Blogging to earn some pocket money plus at the same time, eran some dime writing occasinally for some MSM, and hence I have strong interest plus vested interests in the two Estates.
Starting point of an interesting exchange, extracting from Sdr Ahirudin Attan aka Rockybru's Post earlier to day:
"Bum2008
The 4th estate has failed us? Politically-appointed editors to blame?
The role of the mainstream media (MSM) came under heavy scrutiny at the Bloggers' Universe Malaysia 2008 held for the second year in a row at the Lake View Club, Subang.
Haris Ibrahim of People's Parliament says the 4th Estate has failed the people and called on Malaysians to reclaim the integrity of the profession.
Citizen Nades defended journalists and blamed politically-appointed Editors and draconian Press laws for the failure of a big chunk of the MSM in serving the people.
Zorro, Kee Tuan Chye, Jeyapelan Mahesan, and Desiderata, among others, spoke on the the issue. "
To be continued as the dead-tiredness which followed after Desi was sied running around like a cockerel wit'blue-arsed eyes?-- as described by mindful mariner residing at promptus.blogspot.com when he bumped into the confused Chair as we headed into the Washroom -- still lingers. (*BTW2OU which is my definition of "between the two of us", K!) ) Sdr Stu, did we go into different ones, matey? **LOL! This * and **LOL! is for the benefit of one chedet should he peep into Desi's after I left a knotty comment at his virginal Post, coincident with BUMmers celebrating Labour Day. An ex-PM has now joined the Blogswagon to perhaps earn sedikit duit poket, ia?:) ~~ Desi, knottyaSsusual
*******************************************
Okay, belatedly back to the BUM2008 story, after some diversion into BUKIT Aman, the hill knot so peaceful when they had to deal with the King of Bloggers, Raja Petra Kamarudin -- you read awe about him in today's (Yes, it's now Saturday!:) -- mostly in frontpage, and yes, I see him wearing Yellow, and I have been described as 1/2-a-banana chinoserie before, so it's again claiming greAtness by a(R)s(E)sociation, milking the limelight as much as I can again before I join the late SA of Ijok -- a sales pitch I used to con a few "blocked"mates in parting with RM12 for my Anthology called Midnight Voices or somethin', of which a few autographed copies are still available, and if you buy me tehtarik and the bestA kambing at LINGAM's wit' mateys Ancient and Mindfool mariners, you get the kopi flee. (Read my post of SE7ENth day of the SE7ENth Month of the Year 2-zelo-zelo-SE7EN-lah for d'tale. :)
As I did say if you folks were listening, get on board the Blogswagon to abuse one chief privilege -- YOU can digress as mush as "AS YOU LIKE (IT" (I often quote the Bard at my CONvenience2!:) as long as you don't drive those buggers I humbly call my ER! up, up and away!:(
The panellist who was seated on my left, human rights advocate Haris Ibrahim, had been flaming the Fourth Estate members like Hell ( a four-letter word which passed muster as a civilly accepted term by RPK, so I follow!) for having "sold out" the cause of the 4th Estate as promoted as Journalism Ethics 101. Citing as a well-known ground, the BERSIH rally last November 14 (Some1 pls check date later) attracted only 400 people, according to all MSM reports, based mainly on the national news agency Bernama report (IMHO-lah). More independent sources cited figures from 20,000 (several foreign news wires') to 50,000 (many bloggers') while I estimated at 30,000. On the other estream, some politicians claimed 100, 000 to 150, 000; so the Intelligent Reader must be able to know that it would be beneficial to read widely and come to your own conclusion.
As well quoted in the press line, A PICTURE IS WORTH 1,000 WORDS, so the MSM was indeed shown to be like the Emperor Wearing New (Desi spells it nu'e) Clothes! But other parties are equally seen to be guilty of embellishment -- exaggerating a byte, no? What excited many was Haris' remark that reporters and editors "involved" in such disfigurement of "facts" had soul'd out, and if they had any conscience to their profession, they should resign pronto on principle! (My paraphrase okay, as I was too busy keeping time, and multi-tasking at my youthfool age is proving quite a challenge!:(
In fact, and here I did mention in my "interjection" (which normally a forum Chairman does not do, but Bloggers are a different cup of tea -- yes, we don't believe much in protocol as long as we remain civil to each other. Even my Co-chair Zorro did snatch the mike away from me, the F***! Spell it out for Thee, not the usual vocab of RPK's hear -- it's Fake!) that the MSM reporters worked very hard, doing 10-12 hours, and mostly were attracted to the profession driven by a love for writing and endowed with idealism, at least in the early days until reality shows set in.
I think an audience member, Sdr Jeyapelan Mahesan, said that it was mainly the Editors, and the newspapers' owners, who should be held accountable, as based on his own experience -- havng relatives and friends working in the MSM -- the journalists were generally trying their best to report as best as they could. He proposed that the repeal of the Printing Presses and Publications Act could help the Fourth Estate function better and more freely.
Citizen-Nades in a follow-up too shared that a reporter's copy could be "changed" by the higher-ranked news editor or EIC at the midnight hour when the reporters have all gone home, to rest or to roost, and it was a situation beyond the reach of power/influence of ordinary reporters to ovecome if certain facts were distorted, like a figure at the Bersih rally being much higher in the reporter's original copy being cut down to 400!
Haris, in his usual activist idealism, also had called for a boycott of the MSM as the way to go. He led a group of Bloggers in a complete boycott, but some rational discusssion followed with dissenting Bloggers -- including Desi and matey Ancient Mariner -- with the contrarion view that we need to face up to reality, and compromise with a limited "boycott on principle", and the happy result was, still is, PAPERLESS TUESDAYS! I said I don't mind, 'cos I still have Morrie!
To be continued ... Stay turned, or turned on, or over, whatever!:)
Another MSM Journalist-cum-playright Sdr Kee Thuan Chye who had/has risen to Editor iat two MSM also spoke of some Editors he knew who let the Fourth Estate down. So there was ground for Haris to hold the view that the Fourth Estate sold out, but ... Journalists like Kee and Citizen-Nades proved/still prove there are still editors who try their best to write with a conscience. But as Kee found to his dismay -- a price to pay as I hinted! -- a column he plgged in the vein of some feisty Bloggers do, just lasted two weekly appearances. "Sorry matey, don't be too hard on thyself -- you did try your best!" They are a rare species in the MSM, I hold these newshounds in high esteem.
At one uncertain stage, I believe Nades was at some critical crossroads pre-March 8, 2008. I sighted All-Blogs president Rockybru's write that there was a rumour, well grounded at that time of writing I believe, that Nades could be moving back to the "new" Malay Mail! I bumped into the goode citizen and another news topdog roaming about in Ipoh during the GE2008 campaign period, and we now have some fun-D in hindsight laughing at some MICkey bigwig's expense that the over-staying his vvellakum Prez had slumbered under the delusion from 2004-2008 that he was among the "Invincibles". Now some of us wish he would just help the cause of Malaysia Going Forward by dropping the letter following the second "I"!
To be continued... adjourning for tehtari':). (I'm not sure if the duo mariners had arrived at Lingam's CH wit'out my Invite!:(
Back late Sunday evening:(
As I was saying, Haris' challenge to idealistic minded journalists' to "resign on principle" if their Editors were to "amend or disfiigure" their original copies if accepted by the majority would result in a barren Fourth Estate. Then, who will provide the "raw copies" for Bloggers as Fifth Estaters as starting point discussionsor analysis or commentary?
I always believe we must not throw the baby out with the bath water.
As I have writ recently, "Even the MSM is Capable of Change!". As I have said before,and I think one Panel speaker did too, if the MSM do not change with the changed and changing landscape, they will become irrelevant, then fade away. As the Dodo, de bird, not Cheng!
So I guess there is a sound case for the Fourth and Fifth Estaters to engage each other. I believe there are more common grounds than differences among the two classes of residents which are not exclusive of each other. Some Bloggers also file reports -- mostly on a parttime basis -- for the MSM, for at the end of the day, Blogging as an activity of passion does not earn enough bread and butter. Even Socialist writers like Desi sometimes need to partake in Capitalist sojourns occasionally; otherwise, they also fade away. Ditto the dodo.
Lastly, and lustily, I reprise here the tale I ended the BUM2008 evening forum before the stampede to Warren Buffet's table could start, sharp before 8.30pm because I had a word to honour, anticipating Big Dog would be present,but never ind, many like-minded hounds were around...
"A tycoon at his deathbed summoned his lawyer, instructed him to get him a law degree pronto!
The smiling lawyer took the RM10mil cheque with glee, pocketed it, replaced with a personal cheque for RM7mil, and hurried to a degree-churning firm, law-abiding one, and in double quick time returned to the tycoon's side.
Curio cat that he was, the lawyer --Methinks he's a Limpgum, sounds somethin' like that-lah --asked: "Master, while do you want to spend RM10mil for a law degree when in a few days, you gonna leave us?"
"Ah, mister lawyer-- give me back the RM3mil! -- the joy and ecstasy I get when I leave mother Earth is to know that there will be one less lawyer in this world!" the sick man could still grin from ear to hear.
Limpgum lingered, and the master spied a frown on the limp, perspiring forehead.
"You still have another question?"
"Yes, master, why do you teat thy son so cruel? Last minute sttriking him off thy will, and donating that RM20mil to ...er, ***NAB or something?"
"Ah, this son of a gun -- I send him to College to study law, and what does he do? Every day he goes to the National Press Club, er, along Jalan Tang Sei, and join the ilks of Lockyblew, Jeff agent zelo-zelo wan, and Zollo the Solo, downing birs.
And what did my son learn from them?
Those buggers taught him how to start a SoPo blog!"
***NK: The Master thought NAB was a charity set up to catch those morons they call Blockers or somethin', hence the donation is serving a good civil society cause.
PS: This ***notakaki I left out because I did not wish to educate the SpecialBrunch peeps around at Lake View.:( ~~Methinks they followed RPK hear! God save their souls.
I:
S:
A:men.
mGf rocky blows the buzz at BUM2008!
Since Desi was dead-tired from running helter-skelter for past 24, here's mitigation for stealing on back from mGf ahirudin attan, also Prez of Interim Council of All-Blogs, drinking (rut ke?) bir dan tehtarik at rockybru.blogspot.com one pint! :) ~~:)
Bum2008
The 4th estate has failed us? Politically-appointed editors to blame?
The role of the mainstream media (MSM) came under heavy scrutiny at the Bloggers' Universe Malaysia 2008 held for the second year in a row at the Lake View Club, Subang.
Haris Ibrahim of People's Parliament says the 4th Estate has failed the people and called on Malaysians to reclaim the integrity of the profession.
Citizen Nades defended journalists and blamed politically-appointed Editors and draconian Press laws for the failure of a big chunk of the MSM in serving the people.
Zorro, Kee Tuan Chye, Jeyapelan Mahesan, and Desiderata, among others, spoke on the the issue.
Jeff Ooi took part in the conference via a pre-recorded video clip. Steven Gan could not make it but BUM 2008 had Nades and RPK. I spoke of what the National Alliance of Bloggers was up to the last one year and of my fear that the New Media, bloggers in particular, may one day entertain self-censorship as a compromise with advertisers and Government.
The 2pm-midnight event attracted some 200 bloggers, activists, journalists and politicians. Desi and Zorro moderated the two sessions and they have both kindly agreed to plan for BUM 2009.(Rocky, Did I? Zorro, I did? Someone or me high on rut bir! ~~ Desi) Syabas to Desi and Gang for another excellent party!
p.s. RTM, Bernama, the Star, Utusan, the (new!) Malay Mail and several other papers covered the event.
PS: mine, desi's -- knot rocky's -- so that the following ONE-LINER can be used as evidence in any court of law only against desi, not rocky! ~~
As Chair, I invited the MSM as the Malaysian landscape, including in the mainstream media (MSM), has changed lots since March 8, 2008. In accord with the spirit of BUM2007's theme, let's all "Engage and Embrace", whether you're in Fourth, or Fifth, or real or cyber Estate!
MEANWHILE, the reporters and pixmen have come in:)
* BUM2008 Report: http://www.cyusof.blogspot.com/
* Coverage at BUM2008: http://melvin-mah.blogspot.com/
* BUM2008 Fantastic Night: http://maverickysm.blogspot.com/
* Scenes from Around BUM2008 in Subang Jaya: http://howsy.blogspot.com/
Bum2008
The 4th estate has failed us? Politically-appointed editors to blame?
The role of the mainstream media (MSM) came under heavy scrutiny at the Bloggers' Universe Malaysia 2008 held for the second year in a row at the Lake View Club, Subang.
Haris Ibrahim of People's Parliament says the 4th Estate has failed the people and called on Malaysians to reclaim the integrity of the profession.
Citizen Nades defended journalists and blamed politically-appointed Editors and draconian Press laws for the failure of a big chunk of the MSM in serving the people.
Zorro, Kee Tuan Chye, Jeyapelan Mahesan, and Desiderata, among others, spoke on the the issue.
Jeff Ooi took part in the conference via a pre-recorded video clip. Steven Gan could not make it but BUM 2008 had Nades and RPK. I spoke of what the National Alliance of Bloggers was up to the last one year and of my fear that the New Media, bloggers in particular, may one day entertain self-censorship as a compromise with advertisers and Government.
The 2pm-midnight event attracted some 200 bloggers, activists, journalists and politicians. Desi and Zorro moderated the two sessions and they have both kindly agreed to plan for BUM 2009.(Rocky, Did I? Zorro, I did? Someone or me high on rut bir! ~~ Desi) Syabas to Desi and Gang for another excellent party!
p.s. RTM, Bernama, the Star, Utusan, the (new!) Malay Mail and several other papers covered the event.
PS: mine, desi's -- knot rocky's -- so that the following ONE-LINER can be used as evidence in any court of law only against desi, not rocky! ~~
As Chair, I invited the MSM as the Malaysian landscape, including in the mainstream media (MSM), has changed lots since March 8, 2008. In accord with the spirit of BUM2007's theme, let's all "Engage and Embrace", whether you're in Fourth, or Fifth, or real or cyber Estate!
MEANWHILE, the reporters and pixmen have come in:)
* BUM2008 Report: http://www.cyusof.blogspot.com/
* Coverage at BUM2008: http://melvin-mah.blogspot.com/
* BUM2008 Fantastic Night: http://maverickysm.blogspot.com/
* Scenes from Around BUM2008 in Subang Jaya: http://howsy.blogspot.com/
Thursday, May 01, 2008
BUM2008 Achieves Full Attendance!
Theoretically speaking, according to our Treasurer, Sdr Tony Yew, with a s-mile so wide I could see it from Furong, some 70km from Petaling Jaya.
To convert theory to Reality Show, those 30-odd sign-ups who have pledged to pay, please turn up punctually at 2.15PM May 1 at the Lake View, to prevent palpitations rising in Tony's and Desi's hearts. Soft, not hard.
Theoretically, the magic number of 110 of Registrants was more than attained by about 10.00pm the day before D-Day which is May the First -- Labour Day, marking Bloggers' Universe Malaysia (BUM) 2008 Gathering at Lake View, Subang Jaya.
As Chair, Desiderata, knottyaSsusual, told a happy Tony Yew, whom I dubbed our MoneyMan to one caller who was numbered about 120, that he has led an A-teAm in accomplishing the Marketing Mission for BUM2008. "On behalf of all in awe, Syabas!"
Theoretically, the 10 or so late-signups, 24 hours after COB the day before Yesterady --hey, why are Malaysians such diehard addicts of being late, ah? -- might have to stand from 3.00pm to 8.30pm except for the Hi-Tea break and of course, when two lost lambs return to Warren Buffets' tabel to declare that dinner starts punctually at 8.30PM.
I just bought a nu'e watch from Chee Cheong Kai, just testing the saiko market. Oops, Seiko!
I don wanna the Japanese tycoons to sue the BUM2008 Organising Committee!
So to all comers -- Bloggers and non-, and Bloggers-to-be or not to be, that's the question, plagiarising The Bard -- ENJOY YOURSELF OKAY! Don't let any leg of the two lambs run away!
I did promise you won't regret signing on for BUM2008; after tomorrow, you would come back, like Oliver, or Olivia, asking for more. Or amore!:)
Thanks for the support, see ya very soon. I'm having FUN-d already, at thy expense;) -- Desi 12.42am, May the First, your day, my day, OUR day!
"DEAR ALL: Please send us the LINKS to any Posts you will write, I am sure, about this HAP Bloggers' Event of the Year. If any problem, email our Webmaster hohhelen@gmail.com"
*************************Small nu'es break!:) ************************
UPDATEd at Hi-Noon The Day After!: TWO UPPERS and wan Downer!
UPPER1:) The Reality Attendance was a lusty 170, with 130 paying Guests which means VVVVVVVe exceeded our tArget by 20! Next year Rocky's A-teAm from ALL-BLOGS will have to look for a LARGER VENURE -- to cater for 300?
UPPER2:) As I read theSun today, page 10, I was happily greAted by this news break. (At BUM2008 partee, I had shared with some MSM and non-MSM mates that I always enjoyed covering former PM Dr Mahathir Mohamad. Love/like or hate him, he's colourful, fool of wit and byteing sarcasm, enough to rival RPK's (and of course, claiming greAtnurse by a(R)s(E)ociation, Desi's!)
Meet blogger chedet aka Dr M
PS: If you have to ask who this chedet is, please come toBUM2009, pay RM50+, ++ for tuition f(R)ee!
*********** Ah, the nu'es break! subhead:
Ocuppational hazard of being a Blogger:( **************
DOWNER wan!:( Received this sms from fellow BUM2008 OC ANCIENT MARINER aka Capt Yusof Ahmad, member at 10.38AM, and I waited to post this ringing around for more information, but could not get much more, so be patient okay! Will update when we get substantive details! "Latest development: 6 Policemen are in Raja Petra's house. Pls pass the word!! (from ............(name of Blogger wit'held until I get clearanz ~~ Desi:).
Stay tuned ...
12.42PM The Day After
CUT&PASTE from malaysia-today.net @1.14PM:
"Raja Petra Kamarudin being investigated under the Sedition Act
Posted by Super Admin
Friday, 02 May 2008
Raja Petra ordered to report to Bukit Aman at 11.00am tomorrow
At 9.00am today, seven police officers from the Cyber Crime Division, Bukit Aman, went to Raja Petra’s house to confiscate his PC and notebook computer. They left at 11.00am after issuing Raja Petra a notice to report to Bukit Aman at 11.00am tomorrow, Saturday, 3 May 2008.
According to the police, Raja Petra is being investigated under the Sedition Act with regards to an article he wrote, Let’s send the Altantuya murderers to hell. It seems a police report has been made against Raja Petra by another police officer.
The Bukit Aman Cyber Crime Division is at Kompleks Perdana, the old office of the Prime Minister behind Bank Negara.
We have no further news but Raja Petra will try to update the latest developments once he can get his hand on a new computer."
*************************************************
UPDATEd from The Star Online @8.32PM:
Friday May 2, 2008 MYT 4:03:44 PM
Cops investigating Raja Petra under Multimedia Act (updated)
By LOURDES CHARLES
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia Today editor Raja Petra Kamaruddin is being investigated under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 for an article he wrote recently titled Let's send the Altantuya murderers to hell.
It is learnt that eight police officers from the Federal Commercial Crimes Investigations Department (CCID) visited Raja Petra’s house in Sungai Buloh here at about 9am on Friday.
They seized a laptop and a CPU (central processing unit) before leaving at about 11am.
According to Raja Petra’s wife Marina Lee Abdullah, her husband had also been served with a notice requesting him to present himself at the CCID office in Bukit Perdana on Friday evening.
It is learnt police officers from the cyber crimes investigations unit are expected to record his statement over the article he wrote and posted on the Malaysia Today online news portal on April 25.
CCID director Commissioner Datuk Koh Hong Sun confirmed his officers had visited Raja Petra to assist police in their investigations.
He declined to elaborate further.
It is learnt that the CCID officers would be investigating certain allegations made in the article that were deemed false and defamatory.
Under Section 233 of the Act:
1) A person who
a) by means of any network facilities or network service or applications service knowingly —
(i) makes, creates or solicits; and
(ii) initiates the transmission of,
any comment, request, suggestion or other communication which is obscene, indecent, false, menacing or offensive in character with intent to annoy, abuse, threaten or harass another person; or
b) initiates a communication using any applications service, whether continuously, repeatedly or otherwise, during which communication may or may not ensue, with or without disclosing his identity and with intent to annoy, abuse, threaten or harass any person at any number or electronic address, commits an offence.
2) A person who knowingly
(a) by means of a network service or applications service provides any obscene communication for commercial purposes to any person; or
(b) permits a network service or applications service under the person 's control to be used for an activity described in paragraph (a),
commits an offence.
(3) A person who commits an offence under this section shall, on conviction,be liable to a fine not exceeding fifty thousand ringgit or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year or to both and shall also be liable to a further fine of one thousand ringgit for every day during which the offence is continued after conviction.
************************************************
UPDATEd @9.39PM, from rockybru.blogspot.com:
To convert theory to Reality Show, those 30-odd sign-ups who have pledged to pay, please turn up punctually at 2.15PM May 1 at the Lake View, to prevent palpitations rising in Tony's and Desi's hearts. Soft, not hard.
Theoretically, the magic number of 110 of Registrants was more than attained by about 10.00pm the day before D-Day which is May the First -- Labour Day, marking Bloggers' Universe Malaysia (BUM) 2008 Gathering at Lake View, Subang Jaya.
As Chair, Desiderata, knottyaSsusual, told a happy Tony Yew, whom I dubbed our MoneyMan to one caller who was numbered about 120, that he has led an A-teAm in accomplishing the Marketing Mission for BUM2008. "On behalf of all in awe, Syabas!"
Theoretically, the 10 or so late-signups, 24 hours after COB the day before Yesterady --hey, why are Malaysians such diehard addicts of being late, ah? -- might have to stand from 3.00pm to 8.30pm except for the Hi-Tea break and of course, when two lost lambs return to Warren Buffets' tabel to declare that dinner starts punctually at 8.30PM.
I just bought a nu'e watch from Chee Cheong Kai, just testing the saiko market. Oops, Seiko!
I don wanna the Japanese tycoons to sue the BUM2008 Organising Committee!
So to all comers -- Bloggers and non-, and Bloggers-to-be or not to be, that's the question, plagiarising The Bard -- ENJOY YOURSELF OKAY! Don't let any leg of the two lambs run away!
I did promise you won't regret signing on for BUM2008; after tomorrow, you would come back, like Oliver, or Olivia, asking for more. Or amore!:)
Thanks for the support, see ya very soon. I'm having FUN-d already, at thy expense;) -- Desi 12.42am, May the First, your day, my day, OUR day!
"DEAR ALL: Please send us the LINKS to any Posts you will write, I am sure, about this HAP Bloggers' Event of the Year. If any problem, email our Webmaster hohhelen@gmail.com"
*************************Small nu'es break!:) ************************
UPDATEd at Hi-Noon The Day After!: TWO UPPERS and wan Downer!
UPPER1:) The Reality Attendance was a lusty 170, with 130 paying Guests which means VVVVVVVe exceeded our tArget by 20! Next year Rocky's A-teAm from ALL-BLOGS will have to look for a LARGER VENURE -- to cater for 300?
UPPER2:) As I read theSun today, page 10, I was happily greAted by this news break. (At BUM2008 partee, I had shared with some MSM and non-MSM mates that I always enjoyed covering former PM Dr Mahathir Mohamad. Love/like or hate him, he's colourful, fool of wit and byteing sarcasm, enough to rival RPK's (and of course, claiming greAtnurse by a(R)s(E)ociation, Desi's!)
Meet blogger chedet aka Dr M
PS: If you have to ask who this chedet is, please come toBUM2009, pay RM50+, ++ for tuition f(R)ee!
*********** Ah, the nu'es break! subhead:
Ocuppational hazard of being a Blogger:( **************
DOWNER wan!:( Received this sms from fellow BUM2008 OC ANCIENT MARINER aka Capt Yusof Ahmad, member at 10.38AM, and I waited to post this ringing around for more information, but could not get much more, so be patient okay! Will update when we get substantive details! "Latest development: 6 Policemen are in Raja Petra's house. Pls pass the word!! (from ............(name of Blogger wit'held until I get clearanz ~~ Desi:).
Stay tuned ...
12.42PM The Day After
CUT&PASTE from malaysia-today.net @1.14PM:
"Raja Petra Kamarudin being investigated under the Sedition Act
Posted by Super Admin
Friday, 02 May 2008
Raja Petra ordered to report to Bukit Aman at 11.00am tomorrow
At 9.00am today, seven police officers from the Cyber Crime Division, Bukit Aman, went to Raja Petra’s house to confiscate his PC and notebook computer. They left at 11.00am after issuing Raja Petra a notice to report to Bukit Aman at 11.00am tomorrow, Saturday, 3 May 2008.
According to the police, Raja Petra is being investigated under the Sedition Act with regards to an article he wrote, Let’s send the Altantuya murderers to hell. It seems a police report has been made against Raja Petra by another police officer.
The Bukit Aman Cyber Crime Division is at Kompleks Perdana, the old office of the Prime Minister behind Bank Negara.
We have no further news but Raja Petra will try to update the latest developments once he can get his hand on a new computer."
*************************************************
UPDATEd from The Star Online @8.32PM:
Friday May 2, 2008 MYT 4:03:44 PM
Cops investigating Raja Petra under Multimedia Act (updated)
By LOURDES CHARLES
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia Today editor Raja Petra Kamaruddin is being investigated under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 for an article he wrote recently titled Let's send the Altantuya murderers to hell.
It is learnt that eight police officers from the Federal Commercial Crimes Investigations Department (CCID) visited Raja Petra’s house in Sungai Buloh here at about 9am on Friday.
They seized a laptop and a CPU (central processing unit) before leaving at about 11am.
According to Raja Petra’s wife Marina Lee Abdullah, her husband had also been served with a notice requesting him to present himself at the CCID office in Bukit Perdana on Friday evening.
It is learnt police officers from the cyber crimes investigations unit are expected to record his statement over the article he wrote and posted on the Malaysia Today online news portal on April 25.
CCID director Commissioner Datuk Koh Hong Sun confirmed his officers had visited Raja Petra to assist police in their investigations.
He declined to elaborate further.
It is learnt that the CCID officers would be investigating certain allegations made in the article that were deemed false and defamatory.
Under Section 233 of the Act:
1) A person who
a) by means of any network facilities or network service or applications service knowingly —
(i) makes, creates or solicits; and
(ii) initiates the transmission of,
any comment, request, suggestion or other communication which is obscene, indecent, false, menacing or offensive in character with intent to annoy, abuse, threaten or harass another person; or
b) initiates a communication using any applications service, whether continuously, repeatedly or otherwise, during which communication may or may not ensue, with or without disclosing his identity and with intent to annoy, abuse, threaten or harass any person at any number or electronic address, commits an offence.
2) A person who knowingly
(a) by means of a network service or applications service provides any obscene communication for commercial purposes to any person; or
(b) permits a network service or applications service under the person 's control to be used for an activity described in paragraph (a),
commits an offence.
(3) A person who commits an offence under this section shall, on conviction,be liable to a fine not exceeding fifty thousand ringgit or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year or to both and shall also be liable to a further fine of one thousand ringgit for every day during which the offence is continued after conviction.
************************************************
UPDATEd @9.39PM, from rockybru.blogspot.com:
Friday, May 02, 2008
RPK's breakfast (uninvited) guests
Raja Petra released after 2-hour "interview". update 7.30pm
RPK, who runs the Malaysia Today on-line, said the Commercial Crime Division of Bukit Aman had asked him to make a statement with regards to his posting headlined "Let's send Altantuya murderers to Hell". He refused to make that statement, of course. The cops gave up (for now, at least) after two hours.RPK was accompanied by his lawyer, YB William Leong, the MP of Selayang.
Scores of journalists, bloggers and Malaysia Today supporters waited at the entrance of the Bukit Aman.The MP of Wangsa Maju, YB Wee Choo Keong, arrived just after 5pm. After a brief discussion with Marina, RPK's wife, Wee told her he would try and meet the cops. He asked me to accompany him.
Wee took offence when the sentry on duty stepped in front of him and blocked his progress with an elbow."Wah, is this a police state now? I don't think we are a police state. Are we a police state?" Wee challenged the sentry's superiors. He said the sentry treated him like a criminal."If you can do this to an wakil rakyat," he continued, "what chance does the average citizen," he said, pointing at me, "your guard there will kick him out, hah?"
That's YB Wee for you!
Raja Petra said the cops still had his lap top and computer. He confirmed that he was being investigated under Sedition Act."For two hours they tried to make me make a statement. I refused. They threatened to charge me for refusing to make a statement. I told them, go ahead and arrest me or release me right now. And i told them that if they let me walk, I don't want to see their faces again."
Go to www.myblog-tv.com for our own Yew-Tube.
Go to http://mob1900.blogspot.com/ too for understanding why
A PICTURE IS WORTH 1,000 WORDS to say: RPK, We Are Wit' You!
LATEST&LAST UPDATE -- Monday May 5, 2008:
Go read the thing in FULL from the horse's mouth @www.malaysia-today.net; hear just the opening paras:) ~~~~~~~
Towering Malays and the ‘hush’ on Peace Hill
Posted by Raja Petra
Saturday, 03 May 2008
The bottom line is, either they get off my back or they throw me in jail and throw away the key.
I could not be bothered one bit what it is going to be. I am prepared for the worst. My objective is plain and simple. Altantuya’s murderers are going to be sent to hell. And I don’t mind going to hell myself to see this happen.
NO HOLDS BARRED
Raja Petra Kamarudin
Sorry for not writing earlier. I know many of you must be anxiously waiting to hear what I have to say about yesterday’s episode at Bukit Aman. You know, of course, I no longer possess any computers and I don’t dare buy a new one lest they again come to my house and confiscate that one as well.
So expect some delay between articles until I get back my computers. They have already confiscated my computers three times since 2001 and although they are eventually returned many, many months later, the computers are all screwed up and can’t be used any longer.
What the hell do they do with these computers anyway? Anyhow, we will talk about this later.
Before that I would like to talk about Malaysia’s car czar, the recently deceased Tan Sri Nasimuddin Amin.Tan Sri Nasimuddin is being investigated by the UK Police (read: UK probe into dead tycoon's business practices ). It seems his company, the Naza Group, has been forging documents so that brand new cars from the UK can be imported into Malaysia as used cars, or, as they are fond of saying, ‘recon’ cars.
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Cheers,
God bless awe the change-promoters&concerned Malaysians
and especially Civic-Minded Fighters like RPK:)
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A: men
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