Gov't spent over RM2mil to quash Bersih 2.0 rally

Oct 4, 11 11:23am

Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein said the government has spent over RM2 million to deploy over 11,000 police personnel to quash the Bersih 2.0 rally last July.

The minister in his written reply in Parliament said, the amount spent to handle the rally, that took place in Kuala Lumpur on July 9, included deploying personnel from contingents nationwide to aid the KL contingent.

Hishammuddin justified the spending of RM2,018,850 saying the police force was forced to “make comprehensive arrangements to acquire additional provisions such as food and drink, accommodation and other logistic needs”.

“The number of officers and policemen who were deployed to keep the peace in the Klang Valley district amounted to 11,046 including 2,600 other persons who were deployed," he added.

He was replying DAP-Seputeh MP Teresa Kok's question on the amount that had been spent in security forces from July 6 to 9.

On July 9 the coalition for free and fair elections Bersih 2.0 led an estimated 50,000 people from across the nation to march the streets of the capital demanding for electoral reform.

The authorities have been fiercely criticised for its mishandling of the rally, with heavy police crackdown resulting in 1,667 people, including 16 children, being arrested for "disturbing the peace" and taking part in an "illegal gathering".

[More to follow]

from Malaysiakini http://shared.malaysiakini.com/l/faz/177653

Bersih 2.0 Rally Photo #3

Date: 9/7/2011

Time: 2.05pm

Venue: Hentian Puduraya

Photographer: Oh Chin Eng

*All the photos will be uploaded to my Facebook. =p

Bersih 2.0 Rally Photo #2

Date: 9/7/2011

Time: 2.28pm

Venue: Hentian Puduraya

Photographer: Oh Chin Eng

*One more last photo to go.

Bersih 2.0 Rally Photo #1

FRU is reloading canister bullet which contains tear gas in the Besih 2.0 rally that caused 1600 people got arrested.

Date: 9/7/2011 (Saturday)

Time: 12.43pm

Venue: In front of Central Market

Photographer: Oh Chin Eng

*More photos to come.

Democratising the rakyat

Filepic from Himpunan Mansuhkan ISA on 1/8/2009

You stand firm on the principal of democracy. You go against bad government. You speak up and articulate your thoughts. You create social awareness. You create fear to the people holding power. You got arrested. You are not given fair trial. Your voice is being suppressed.

Your image is ruined. Your family and friends are worried. You lost your job. You lost your dignity. You lost your rights.

You become the victim of democratization process for the betterment of the society and generations to come. The cost to pay is high.

But you fight for what you believe in, democracy.

For you people who are going to Bersih 2.0, PERKASA or UMNO Youth demonstration…

Is it worth it?

What kind of country are you living in?

No matter what you do, think of your loved ones.

Be responsible for your action.

For others..

While some people are out there using different ways to make lives better for everyone, what are you doing at home?

Telling the world that Malaysia is a bad country? Planning your future in overseas?

No point you people just sit there and watch. No point you people just criticize. No point you people just complain. No point you people just talk but no action.

The process of democratization won’t happen in a fortnight. It definitely won’t happen if no one ever takes the first step. Now the ball has rolled.

Are you going to take the baton and continue the long run?

If Malaysia is a democratic country, then show it. Behave like one!

You, must be part of it.

Uphold the integrity and sovereignty of Federal Constitution. Uphold the 5 principles of Rukun Negara.

People should stand united for any good cause either it’s against the Government or the Opposition.

Without voters, there’ll be no legitimate government. If now the Government is afraid of its people, are you gona be afraid of your government?

I am neither asking you to join demonstration nor asking you not to join demonstration.

Life is not about you and your future itself, it’s also about the generations to come.

Enough said.

ps: I do not hope to get arrested for this thought sharing. This is what Article 10 of the Federal Constitution offers. I love my country, Malaysia.

Photos of Bersih 2.0 Launching

Hi guys, i went to the launching of Bersih 2.0 at Kuala Lumpur Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall last night. You can view the photos here.

Don’t steal my photos. But if you need to use it for official reasons, please acknowledge me. thank you.

http://www.facebook.com/TeresaKokSuhSim?ref=ts&sk=wall#!/media/set/?set=a.10150211732127877.319634.599962876

No (only) in Malaysia

In Malaysia, any rally, protest, demonstration, assembly, gathering and picket that held to demand something from the Government, it’s illegal. Other than Government, it’s legal.

don't question us

Sorry, suddenly I have the urge to say this.

Don’t question why the youngsters leave the country. Don’t question why the non-Malays support the Opposition. Don’t question the patriotism of the non-Malays. Don’t question why there are still so much crimes, accidents and poverty.

Question yourselves!

The answer lies in the government itself. Look at how you treat us. Look at how your policies and decisions which only benefit certain group. Look at how corrupted and incompetent you are. Look at how you labeled us the non-Malays. Look at how racist your people are when you unashamedly talk about 1 Malaysia.  

Let me tell you, before the change of a government, many young people will leave the country. Because I too, has lost hope.

freedom of speech in Malaysia

Freedom of speech is entitled to everyone. It’s the basic liberty of humankind. It simply means you can say whatever you want but you must also know what can and cannot be said. You will have freedom of speech if you are the government or you side them. Just look at Raja Petra and Ahmad Ismail. If your speech is not in favor of government, then ISA will be your home. But if you are pro-Government and your speech is against other people, race n even religion which are not the majority of the country, then you are free to walk on the street. This is Malaysia mah!

so are you free in this country?

Amnesty International Malaysia is Seeking 50 Youth Ambassadors!!!!

Amnesty International Malaysia is on a quest to find 50 Youth Ambassadors. We are looking for young, committed and passionate youth to represent the movement through a six months long road trip campaign to celebrate our 50th Anniversary. The Ambassadors will be introduced during a festival on 28th May 2011, the 50th birthday of Amnesty International and this programme will culminate on Human Rights Day, 10th December 2011.

For more information please contact 03 – 79552680 or email youthnetwork@aimalaysia.org or visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/aimalaysia

RELEASE Cartoonist Zunar NOW!

I was so shocked when i read the news just a while ago.

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/9/24/nation/20100924195251&sec=nation


Cartoonist Zunar is arrested under Sedition Act and his latest book Cartoon-o-phobia got seized by the police at 4pm just now.


The blue shirt men got nothing better to do??

this is what i have to say, in a SERIOUS TONE!

yeh! this is my country, i love my Malaysia. people speak, you arrest. people gather peacefully, u arrest. people wana draw also you arrest ah?? 

fuyooo! tax payers money being used so productively and effectively. 

BN! THIS IS NOT FUNNY! RELEASE CARTOONIST ZUNAR NOW! NOW!! 

1Malaysia? hahahah.. yea yea.. whatever la.. you can silent a man, but you can't silent its people. you can banned a book, but you can never stop the growing and dissemination of ideas and voices from the grassroots. 

i guess you will never listen right? up to u la, suka hati hang ye.. as if you'll listen. masuk telinga kanan, keluar telinga kiri.  

kalau tak buat salah, apasai nk takut orang mengata? jgnla kita gajah depan mata tak nmpak, nyamuk seberang laut pula nmpak..  

i had enough.

Gerakan Matters

By Lingswaran Singh

Lings My Name is Singh puts on his Penangite hat and gives us the low-down on Penangites’ love-hate relationship with their homegrown party, Gerakan.


I was at Line Clear Nasi Kandar, having my nasi with juicy ayam goreng masala, blanched bendi, papadoms on the side with the best curry ever and a cup of teh tarik kurang manis while this uncle at the next table was singing Ji Ba Pan. No, that is not a curse word, although we use plenty of those daily.

You see people, I’m a Penangite, and we Penangites find so much bliss in eating delicious foods. We love Penang – the smell of the beach, the warm weather, the history, the big beautiful green trees, the unique people, the culture, and just about every single thing about Penang!

We are very nostalgic people. We like memories. We like to eat and talk, mostly al-fresco. We are simple people and we take great pride in being Penangites. Ever noticed how people from Penang always say “I’m from Penang” with a certain sense of confidence and pride? Yes, most of us do think being Penangite is so cool and so special. In Penang, as long as you can curse in Hokkien, we are brothers. I know, how crude right? But that’s the case for many of us, cursing has become a habit and soon to be culture.

We are straight forward people. We tak pandai pusing-pusing – if we think you stupid we say you are stupid, or mangkuk, and if your worse than that its mangkuk hayun. I’m used to hearing “Ask him go die la” so many times that it is simply a phrase to express disappointment. People here can be very harsh with their language, but that doesn’t mean they are rude or anything, it’s usually only between close friends. Ironic, isn’t it? We use curse words to a certain degree to portray closeness.

On my table was a copy of GERAKAN Matters – Apa Anak Malaysia Mahu?, the official newsletter of Parti Gerakan Rakyat Malaysia. Why on earth is Parti Gerakan Rakyat Malaysia not in Pakatan Rakyat? This is probably because they are not listening to the rakyat.

I think I share the sentiments of the younger generation of Penangites with regards to Gerakan. I flipped through the pages of that zine, I saw the spirit of Penang encompassed in it. It contained articles written in or translated into Malay, Chinese and Tamil; okay, maybe just a little bit of Tamil.

So why did they loose big? Simple, because they refused to listen.

We love Gerakan, oh yes, the whole idea of it. The founding father, the principles, the ideology, the opposition voice in the Barisan Nasional, our homegrown Party – our pride! But they have failed us. Failed us by compromising too much, failed us for not opposing when they should, failed us by remaining silent. However, as I have said, we are sentimental a people and our love is true.

So if anybody from Gerakan is reading this, then hear this; we love Gerakan, oh yes we do! We are Penangites, we could even sweep DAP out the next election if we want to, so listen and listen well.

Just leave the coalition! Repent already! We are ever willing to forgive you and only you, so please join us, the Rakyat. Listen to us, we are asking you to leave Barisan Nasional, just leave. We are not asking you to join Pakatan but we are asking you to join the Rakyat! Well, you can join Pakatan if you want to, but leave Barisan Nasional; this is the will of Penangites! Listen to us, not UMNO, not the Prime Minister, not Khoo Tsu Koon, but us the younger generation.

Yeah, we do like our current Chief Minister, and I am sure he is going to be around for a while, as long as he doesn’t play us off. Nice guy la, but not so authentic, I mean we are proud of a person who holds true to good values, but we wished we had a Penangite like him. Not so important but we wished lah… it’s a state nationalism kinda thing. As things are now, Gerakan would most probably disappear soon if they don’t listen to Penangites. They should, because we love them, we want them out of Barisan Nasional. We don’t promise them the state, but we would like to see them as strong and wise oppositions.

Gerakan needs no rejuvenation plans; it just needs to leave Barisan Nasional, now. That is all, we are ever willing to forgive you, we want you back, do not disappoint us. I believe this is your last call, if you do not leave now I guess you have betrayed us for the last time. By the way, Line Clear Nasi Kandar, damn nice la wei!

Source: http://www.loyarburok.com/human-rights/express-yourself/gerakan-matters/

Protest Against Israel

Kuala Lumpur, 3June - After afternoon prayers tomorrow, there will be a couple of demonstrations against Israel's actions against ships carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza.

PAS will be leaving from Kg Baru mosque to the Istana while Umno begins from the National Mosque but no clear indication yet where they are headed. Perkasa will be joining both although we don't know whether PAS will be comfortable marching alongside Perkasa.

Bernama reported that these two groups of protestors are expected to march to the United States' embassy.

The police have warned the public not to join any protests as they are not given permit.

More news at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/6/3/nation/20100603194936&sec=nation

Stolen Idea

I know different people have different ideas. Sometimes different people can come up with almost the same idea. But do you still think it is a coincidence when you told someone something then he said it again?

When i spoke at the Speakers Corner, I talked to a man and i told him my opinions. Today, I saw him in The Star newspaper. He was speaking at the Speakers Square in Penang. But what he said there is exactly what i told him.

I feel my idea got stolen. I don't have proof. But only he knows himself whether he got the idea from me or by himself. Anyhow im glad he has indirectly helped me in letting the public know what is in my mind.

Speakers Square promote freedom of speech but it is definiely not a platform for anyone to copies anyone's speech. Freedom of speech is not a freedom of copying other people's speech.

Memorandum menuntut kebebasan media

Memorandum menuntut kebebasan media:  Hentikan campur tangan politik dan Self-Censorship (3 Mei 2010)

Kebebasan Akhbar: 30% terendah di dunia

Malaysia bukan sahaja terjerat dalam ekonomi pendapatan sederhana, kini juga berada di bawah paras 30% negara yang terendah di dunia dari segi kebebasan akhbarnya.

Menurut laporan Freedom House yang diumumkan setiap tahun menjelang Hari Kebebasan Akhbar Sedunia, kedudukan Malaysia dalam ranking kebebasan akhbar amat mengejutkan;-

Tahun 2003: Kedudukan ke-71 daripada 100 negara
Tahun 2004: Kedudukan ke-154 daripada 193 negara
Tahun 2005: Kedudukan ke-152 daripada 194 negara
Tahun 2006: Kedudukan ke-141 daripada 194 negara
Tahun 2008: Kedudukan ke-150 daripada 195 negara
Tahun 2009: Kedudukan ke-143 daripada 195 negara
Tahun 2010: Kedudukan ke-141 daripada 196 negara

Antara negara ASEAN, kita jauh di belakang Timor Timur, Filipina, Indonesia, Thailand, malah Kemboja.  Kesemua negara ini lebih miskin daripada Malaysia.

8 pencabulan kebebasan akhbar dalam 12 bulan lalu

Kami, individu dan pertubuhan sivil yang berikut, menggesa agar pimpinan Perdana Menteri Najib Razak terutamanya, dan pengamal media menjawab lapan insiden pencabulan kebebasan media yang penting sejak Hari Kebebasan Akhbar tahun lalu.  Pencabulan ini berlaku kerana campur tangan negara, atau institusi bukan negara, dan self-censorship (tapis-diri) oleh institusi media.

Pertama: Pembatalan rancangan dokumentari Empangan Bakun oleh TV2

Pada 28 April 2010, Ketua Pengarah Penyiaran RTM, Ibrahim Yahya memberi arahan terus kepada rancangan Galeri Mandarin Nasional, TV2 untuk menarik dan membatalkan penyiaran siri dokumentari Empangan Bakun, selepas dua episod disiarkan.  Dokumentari ini mendedahkan keadaan hidup lebih 10 ribu orang asli yang berpindah dari Belaga ke Sungai Asap dan Sungai Koyan, untuk memberi laluan kepada pembinaan Empangan Bakun pada tahun 1998. 【Satu lagi campur tangan BN dalam kebebasan media TV, penerbit TV2】

Penerbit rancangan, Chou Z Lam mendakwa pihak atasannya memberi alasan bahawa "unsur sensitif" dalam dokumentari bakal mendatangkan kesan yang tidak baik untuk PRK Sibu yang akan berlangsung pada 16 Mei, dan pilihan raya negeri Sarawak.

Kedua: Campur tangan dan penapisan (Censorship) di ntv7

Pada 20 April 2010, Joshua Wong Ngee Chong yang pernah memenangi anugerah,  juga penerbit Editor's Time meletak jawatan sebagai protes kerana pihak atasan syarikatnya tunduk kepada aduan daripada isteri Perdana Menteri, Rosmah Mansor.  Kononnya Rosmah Mansor telah memanjangkan (forward) satu sms berbau rasis kepada pihak atasan ntv7, melontarkan tuduhan terhadap rancangan forum yang menyaksikan perdebatan antara ahli politik Barisan Nasional, Pakatan Rakyat dan penganalisa politik bebas.

Berikutan aduan tersebut, ntv7 mengambil keputusan untuk tidak membincangkan isu PRK Hulu Selangor yang berlangsung pada 25 April dalam rancangannya, dan mengelakkan isu politik secara umumnya pada ketika itu.  Pemimpin pembangkang juga dilarang untuk hadir ke rancangan sebagai ahli panel.  Bagaimanapun, pihak atasan ntv7 tidak menafikan tuduhan Joshua Wong.

Tuduhan campur tangan daripada Rosmah Mansor juga dilenyapkan dari kesemua media arus perdana.  Pada hakikatnya, daripada media arus perdana, hanya Nanyang Siang Pau dan Oriental Daily yang melaporkan perletakan jawatan Joshua Wong.

Ketiga: "Laporan kurang tepat" China Press

Pada 13 Mac 2010, Kementerian Dalam Negeri telah mengeluarkan surat tunjuk sebab kepada China Press, satu akhbar bahasa Cina, kerana "kesilapan" dalam laporannya berhubung perletakkan jawatan Ketua Polis Negara, Musa Hassan pada 25 Mac.

Di bawah Seksyen 8A, Akta Mesin Cetak dan Penerbitan tahun 1984, perbuatan menyiarkan berita yang tidak benar dengan niat jahat akan mengakibatkan mereka yang bersabit dijatuhkan hukuman penjara tidak melebihi 3 tahun atau denda tidak melebihi RM 20,000 atau kedua-duanya sekali.

Menteri Dalam Negeri, Hishammuddin Hussein yang mana bidang kuasanya mencakupi polis dan akhbar, mengesahkan penamatan perkhidmatan Musa Hassan pada akhir September tahun ini.  Pada 19 Mac 2010, China Press meminta maaf lantaran kesilapannya dalam laporan, dan menggantung Teoh Yong Khoon dari jawatan Ketua Pengarangnya selama dua minggu.

Keeempat: Melenyapkan kritikan hukum sebat terhadap wanita

Pada 24 Februari 2010, lantaran daripada laporan polis oleh beberapa badan bukan kerajaan, The Star, akhbar bahasa Inggeris meminta maaf secara terbuka kerana menyiarkan artikel "Persuasion, not compulsion" (Pujuk, bukan paksa) yang ditulis oleh Pengarangnya, P.Gunasegaran pada 19 Februari.  Artikel ini mengkritik hukuman sebat terhadap tiga wanita yang melakukan kesalahan persetubuhan luar nikah.

Majlis Agama Islam Selangor (MAIS) mendakwa bahawa "mohon maaf" tidak memadai dengan apa yang dilakukan, maka MAIS membuat laporan polis pada 25 Februari terhadap P.Gunasegaran dan Sister in Islam (SIS), kerana "memperlekehkan" Islam dan Hukum Syariah.

Perkembangan yang menyusul menyaksikan bagaimana KDN mengeluarkan surat tunjuk sebab kepada The Star, yang kemudian menarik satu artikel kolum oleh Mariana Mahathir, anak perempuam bekas PM yang menyentuh isu sebat.

Kelima: Panduan baru untuk akhbar

Pada 17 Disember 2009, menurut laporan Malaysiakini, KDN telah memanggil satu mesyuarat bersama editor akhbar, membincangkan panduan baru untuk penerbitan.  Istilah dengan definisi kabur yang digunakan dalam panduan tersebut dirangka untuk "self-regulation" (pengawalan diri).

Menurut laporan, akhbar diarah untuk tidak melaporkan isu seperti bersekedudukan, hubungan seks luar nikah, homoseksual, counter-culture, dan dilarang menyiarkan gambar alat kelamin manusia dan pemakaian G-strings.

Keenam: Gangguan MCMC terhadap Malaysiakini

Pada 3 September 2009, Suruhanjaya Komunikasi dan Multimedia Malaysia (MCMC) menuntut agar Malaysiakini, satu media internet untuk menarik keluar dua klip video berkenaan protes terhadap perpindahan kuil Hindu di Shah Alam.  Salah satu klip  video merakamkan sidang media pada 2 September 2009 yang diadakan Hishammuddin Hussein, Menteri Dalam Negeri yang membela peserta demonstrasi.

Pemangku Pengarah Kanan Bahagian Pemantauan dan Penguatkuasaan MCMC, Abdul Halim Ahmad mendakwa video tersebut mengandungi unsur yang menyinggung dan mencetuskan kemarahan komuniti India.  Pada 8 September, MCMC menyoal siasat 10 orang staf Malaysiakini untuk lebih daripada 8 jam.

Ketujuh: Rampasan buku

Pada 25 Ogos 2009, Pegawai KDN dari Bahagian Kawalan Penerbitan telah merampas 408 naskah majalah kartun, Gedung Kartun ketika menyerbu pejabat penerbitnya di Kuala Lumpur.  Majalah kartun yang dikelolakan oleh kartunis terkenal, Zunar ini berjenaka dengan perhubungan antara kes pembunuhan Altantuya Shaariibuu dengan PM Najib.

Ketua Penolong Setiausaha Bahagian Kawalan Penerbitan dan Teks Al-Quran, Abdul Razak Abdul Latif mendakwa majalah tersebut dirampas kerana tidak mempunyai permit, dan rampasan tersebut bertujuan untuk "siasatan". 【Gedung Kartun】

Pada 24 Disember 2009, buku berjudul "Malaysian Maverick: Mahathir Mohamad in Turbulent Times" telah ditahan di kastam Pelabuhan Klang, menjurus kepada "pengharaman" sehingga April 2010.  Bagaimanapun, tiada penjelasan diberikan lantaran "penahanan" yang lama ini.  Buku yang ditulis oleh Barry Wain, bekas editor Asian Wall Street Journal ini menuduh bekas PM Mahathir Mohamad harus bertanggungjawab kepada kerugian sejumlah RM100 billion semasa beliau menerajui pemerintahan negara.【Malaysian Maverick: "Buku dalam tahanan" laris di Singapura】

Pada 29 Januari 2010, sebanyak 64 naskah buku terbitan Malaysiakini, "Where is Justice" dan "1Funny Malaysia" dirampas di Pulau Pinang dan Melaka.  Buku berjudul "Where is Justice" mempertikaikan pihak polis dan SPRM dalam isu kematian dalam lokap, sementara "1 Funny Malaysia" adalah koleksi kartun Zunar.

Kelapan: Pengacara ntv7 ditukar

Pada 15 Julai 2009, MerdekaReview, media online melaporkan penerimaan surat amaran oleh pengacara rancangan isu semasa ntv7, Point of View, Florence Looi (gambar kanan), selepas beliau meminta ahli panel untuk menilai prestasi pentadbiran Najib 100 hari pertama, dalam rancangannya.【"Tak Wajar Menilai Najib" Pengacara ntv7 diberi amaran】

Rancangan ini menyiarkan episod terakhirnya pada 5 Julai, sementara Florence Looi pula diberikan tugasan baru.

Sungguhpun pencabulan kebebasan media sering dijalankan atas nama untuk memelihara keharmonian di antara kaum dan agama, namun tindakan ini selalunya bersifat selektif.  Akhbar harian Utusan Malaysia dan majalah Al-Islam milikan UMNO telah menyiarkan laporan bersifat hasutan, menyinggung dan tidak profesional, tetapi tidak diambil tindakan oleh kerajaan.

Bahayanya kawalan media

Kebebasan media dijamin di bawah artikel 10(1)(a) Perlembagaan Persekutuan.  Pencabulan kebebasan media akan mengundang kesan:

Pertama, melupuskan media sebagai kuasa keempat, mengakibatkan kegagalan orang awam untuk menyemak negara dan mempromosikan pentadbiran yang baik;

Kedua, menekan perbincangan umum, yang selalunya secara selektif atas nama isu sensitif, bakal menghalang keharmonian yang sebenarnya, iaitu keharmonian yang wujud hasil daripada saling mengenali antara warga Malaysia dari etnik, agama, budaya, bahasa dan sosial ekonomi yang berbeza.

Ketiga, dengan menutup ketidakadilan dan ketidakharmonian, mangsa yang terpinggir akan terus dipinggirkan - wanita, orang asli, golongan miskin dalam dan luar bandar, minoriti seksual, dan kumpulan monoriti yang lain.  Suara dan masalah mereka tidak dapat didengar.  Pembatalan rancangan dokumentari Empangan Bakun oleh Galeri Mandarin Nasional telah melenyapkan masalah kaum asli daripada dipaparkan di depan audien.

Campur tangan dari kerajaan dan bukan kerajaan, penapisan diri telah menjurus kepada situasi yang merbahaya ini.  Sememangnya, ia disempurnakan dengan akta media yang zalim dan anti-persaingan seperti Akta Mesin Cetak dan Penerbitan 1984, Akta Komunikasi dan Multimedia 1998, Akta Rahsia Rasmi 1972 dan Akta Keselamatan Dalam Negeri 1960.

Tuntutan Kami

Kami, individu dan pertubuhan yang menurunkan tandatangan di bawah, menuntut agar tindakan berikut diambil sebelum Hari Kebebasan Akhbar yang akan datang:

Pertama, Menubuhkan Suruhanjaya Di-Raja atau Jawatankuasa Pemilihan (Select Committee) untuk mengkaji reformasi akta media, supaya:-

a. Memastikan agar wujudnya minimum entry barrier untuk media cetak, penyiaran dan internet untuk menjamin kemajmukan pengamal media.

b. Kesemua mekanisme pemeriksaan politik harus dihapuskan, dan diganti dengan institusi yang ditubuhkan oleh pengamal media dan pertubuhan masyarakat sivill yang bebas.

Kedua, Kerajaan Persekutuan, negeri dan tempatan harus mempertahankan kebebasan dan hak wartawan serta warga negara untuk menyalurkan informasi, dan hak untuk tidak diugut oleh institusi bukan kerajaan.  Sementara mengkaji akta yang sedia ada, kerajaan harus mengelak daripada menggunakan akta yang sedia ada untuk menekan media.

Ketiga, daripada mengamalkan penapisan diri, pengamal media seharusnya mempertahankan profesional dan kebebasan akhbar.

Untuk matlamat jangka pendek, kami menuntut agar perkara di berikut diselesaikan sebelum hujung bulan ini:

Pertama, ntv7 dan TV2 perlu menyiasat dan memberi penjelasan berikutan tuduhan self-censorship baru-baru ini;

Kedua, PM harus menjamin barisan kerajaan atau keluarganya tidak akan mengancam profesional pengamal media dalam pemilihan topik, perspektif dan sumber berita.

Organisasi yang mengambil inisiatif untuk merangka memorandum ini:

1. Writers Alliance for Media Independence (WAMI)
2. Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ)
3. Civil Rights Committee of KL & Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall (CRC-KLSCAH)
4. Coalition for Clean and Fair Election (BERSIH)
5. Suara Rakyat Malaysia (SUARAM)
6. Zunar & ‘Gedung Kartun’ Group
7. Saya Anak Bangsa Malaysia (SABM)
8. Centre for Policy Initiatives (CPI)
9. Research for Social Advancement (REFSA)
10. New Era College Progressive Front

Memorandum ini akan terbuka untuk endorsement pertubuhan dan individu sehingga 28 Mei 2010.  Individu digalakkan untuk menandatangani petisyen online di  http://www.petitiononline.com/20100430/petition.html

*Memorandum ini diterjemah daripada edisi bahasa Cina dan Inggeris-nya, ditambah dengan link untuk kemudahan pembaca yang ingin mengetahui lebih lanjut tentang isu berkenaan.

*Sumber http://merdekareview.com/bm/news.php?n=10763

First Speakers' Square launched in Penang

4th May 2010, Penang: Penang marks its own history today with the launch of Speakers' Square at Esplanade here this morning at 8.30am. It was launched by the Penang Chief Minister, YB Lim Guan Eng and attended by some 150 people including Penang State Excos, NGOs members, community leaders as well as the public. This Speakers' Square is the first of its kind in Malaysia. In his speech, YB Lim Guan Eng said everyone should be happy because they now have the platform to voice up and practice their rights under the Article 10 of the Federal Constitution of Malaysia. He reminded that although people are free to talk, they must be responsible for what they say. Those who wish to participate can do so every Wednesday and Sunday from 6pm-10pm.  

Yellow Ribbon Campaign for Press Freedom

Sempena Hari Kebebasan Media Sedunia yang akan berlangsung pada 3 Mei 2010, Pertubuhan Wartawan dan Jurugambar Akhbar Cina Pulau Pinang (Pewaju) akan mengadakan "Kempen Ribon Kuning demi Kebebasan Media" untuk meningkatkan kesedaran para wartawan dan orang ramai mengenai kebebasan media.

"Ribon Kuning" merupakan simbol kebebasan media yang sentiasa menjadi topik hangat di Malaysia, terutamanya wujudnya Akta Penerbitan dan Mesin Cetak 1984 (PPPA) yang mencengkam organisasi media dan Akta Keselamatan Dalam Negeri 1960 (ISA) yang mengugat para wartawan. Akan tetapi Akta Kebebasan Maklumat yang dinanti-nantikan oleh orang ramai tidak nampak perkembangan positif.

Oleh yang demikian, kami amat berharap saudara dan saudari dapat memberi sokongan kepada kempen kami yang dicadangkan berlangsung selama dua hari, iaitu pada 3hb dan 4hb Mei. Selain itu, saudara dan saudari juga amat digalakkan supaya memakai ribon kuning dan menyertai majlis pelancaran Dataran Pidato pada pukul 8pagi 4hb Mei di Padang Kota Lama @ Esplanade.

Berikut merupakan maklumat mengenai kempen ini:

Nama Kempen: Kempem Ribon Kuning demi Kebebasan Media (Yellow Ribbon Campaign for Press Freedom)

Tarikh: 3hb dan 4hb Mei 2010

Masa: Sepanjang Hari

Tindakan:

1. Memakai ribon kuning di lengan atau di baju, dan

2. Mengedarkan ribon kuning kepada kawan-kawan lain, dan

3. Mengadakan perbincangan mengenai topik kebebasan media dan tindakan lain

Sumber: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=117513618270116

KPT larang pelajar IPTA kempen di Hulu Selangor

KUALA KUBU BARU: Kementerian Pengajian Tinggi (KPT) hari ini mengeluarkan arahan melarang semua pelajar di Institusi Pengajian Tinggi Awam dan Swasta di negara ini terlibat dengan sebarang kempen pada pilihan raya kecil (PRK) Hulu Selangor.

Menurut kenyataan yang dikeluarkan oleh Unit Komunikasi Korporat KPT tindakan tegas akan diambil ke atas mana-mana pelajar yang terlibat dalam kegiatan berkempen mengikut Akta Universiti dan Kolej Universtiti (AUKU) 1971 dan Akta Institusi Pendidikan Tinggi Swasta.

Pilihan raya kecil Hulu Selangor diadakan ekoran kematian penyandangnya, Datuk Dr Zainal Abidin Ahmad.

Pilihan raya kecil kali ini melibatkan pertandingan satu lawan satu antara calon Barisan Nasional P. Kamalanathan dan Parti Keadilan Rakyat diwakili Datuk Zaid Ibrahim .

Suruhanjaya Pilihan Raya (SPR) telah menetapkan 25 April ini sebagai hari pengundian.

Liberty is A Constitutional Right

On March 11th, he was arrested at his apartment’s parking lot in Segambut. Police brought him to an apartment he rented in Kepong, and after entering, claimed that in that residence, he possessed 800grams of cocaine, and 140grams of methamphetamine, and accused him of processing and trafficking, putting him under the risk of being charged under Section 39B, which carries the death penalty.

On March 12th he was remanded for 7 days. When my parents inquired if we can engage a lawyer, the Investigation Officer told us “No need”.

On March 17th, after our family waited more than an hour, we were allowed to see him for the very first time, under supervision.

Again my mother asked if we should get him a lawyer, again the I.O advised against it, claiming “Lawyer tak boleh buat apa-apa sekarang. Buang duit je. (Lawyer can’t do anything now. It’s simply a waste of money).”

On March 18th, his remand was extended another 7 days. The magistrate inquired why there was no lawyer present for him, and whether he was made aware he had the right to a counsel of his choice. He replied “No.” Therefore, he requested for one, and only nine hours later, did the I.O call to inform my mother, who promptly engaged Amer Hamzah Arshad.

But the very next day, the police used their Executive authority under Section 28A that vetoed his right to a counsel. All requests made by our lawyer to visit him was denied.

Only after we complained to SUHAKAM, did the police allow Amer to visit him.

On the last day of his remand.

After the investigations were concluded.

For only 15 minutes.

On March 25th, he was brought to court, and charged under Section 12(2) for possession of 0.24grams of metaphetamin in his Segambut residence. Nothing the police claimed they found in the Kepong residence, the cocaine and shabu that was “already packaged to be distributed” or the so called “cocaine processing mini-lab” was brought to court.

Because there WAS none.

He was released on bail. A trial date was set. He was so close to being free, and seeing his 4 year old son again.
But as he was signing the papers of his release, the Plainclothes were outside waiting.

Not two steps after he came out of the bail department, without any explanation, they re-arrested him. Amer was restrained from protecting him, and only after Amer repeatedly asked them to show their I.D, did they do so. Still, no explanation was given to the family. We were merely told to go to the Headquarters and speak to Inspector Kang. The same guy who claimed my brother possessed the cocaine they NEVER found.

He never saw us, he was “in a meeting.” He wasn’t too occupied to give the press a statement, but was unavailable to see us.

We were told by the new I.O for this case, and the DSP (the guy who signed the papers denying my brother the right to a counsel) that they are detaining him for 60 days under the Special Preventive Measures Act (LPK), after which, they could further detain him for 2 years if found guilty.

Guilty according to THEM. For under this act, it is a detention without trial, like the Internal Security Act. Any information gathered from “witnesses” and “investigations” will never be disclosed to him or his lawyer, or the court. He will also not be able to defend himself against any allegations. Under this act, he will never have his day in court.

On March 25th, my brother, Ben, was denied his Constitutional rights.

For 2 weeks, our family went through hell. Sleepless nights, press waiting outside our door, Ben had asthma attacks after the police delayed themselves in acquiring the requested medication for 3 days, Mama, who is a cancer patient herself, suffered chest pains and lost her voice.

We felt it was all worth it, for we would be able to have him back.

But now, a new nightmare has begun.

Whether or not Ben is guilty, should not be for the Police to decide. If they HAD the evidence to strengthen their warrant for re-arrest, why was it not brought to court? Why is Ben not given a chance to defend himself? How can we ever know the authenticity of these so called witnesses and their statements? If there were ANY to begin with?

Under this act, I could simply be caught for any crimes of drug offences the police accuse me of, because they can claim they have enough information (even if they have absolutely nothing) and detain me. For 60 days, for 2 years, and even EXTEND it after.

Acts like this and the ISA are licenses for ARBITRARY arrest and detention. Anytime. Anywhere. Anybody.

My family and Amer will not back down. We will fight for Ben’s right. We will speak up for all of those who were silenced before us, who will be silenced hereafter.

But we seek your help. In any way at all, help us fight this. Re-post this, write on your blogs, write to your local representative, to our newspapers, and together we shall use our voice, our art, our space, to stand up not just for Ben, but for all our rights.

Liberty is a Constitutional right. It’s time to get it back.
- Elza