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It stinks in Perak

February 7th, 2009
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Perak sounds similar with another word that emits stinking smell. And that may well describe the situation in the Silver State.

Elections and change of governments are quite common throughout the world. We see it often in India, Thailand, Phillippines, Japan, Taiwan, Korea, Eastern Europe, EU countries etc.  But in Perak, the issue gets complicated when Sultan “asks” current MB to resign, but the MB refuses. Is it a crime to refuse? Is it against the law? Is it an act of treason? Why not just sack the MB instead of asking him and his EXCO to vacate? Is there a provision in the constitution for that? So, without this crucial step of sacking, the new government is sworn in. And now we have two state governments – complete with two MBs.

Karpal Singh said that they will file a suit in High Court against the Sultan, but later today, Anwar clarified that there would not be a suit. Instead they will seek audience with the Sultan to plead their case. The Sultan most likely will not rescind on his decision, as it may be seen as signs of weakness. Perhaps Pakatan will offer to change the MB as well.

I think the Sultan had it in for the current MB. The Nizar fellow already offended the Sultan during the head of religous department issue. And probably there are some concern with having so many Chinese reps in the assembly. Who knows what the actual reason is?

The rakyat may have felt cheated by the Sultan’s action. Do they trust his wisdom or would they want to voice out their dissent? I heard the palace’s website was taken down after so many comments criticising the Sultan’s decision were posted. We have not seen any mammoth rally throughout the state so far. If Pakatan can produce such rallies in all major cities and town in Perak, then it may well show that the new government will be rejected. So, we MAY have a case where a government not supported by the people is ruling the state, thus revealing the mistake of the royal house. Sadly we do not see such rallies. Instead we saw PAS/PKR led protests which led to few arrests. The protestors allegedly threw stones and bottles at the FRU, and blocked the cars from entering the palace. FRU shot tear gas into mosque compound (sounds like Hindraf rally at Batu Caves!).

Pakatan’s only option is through legal option or through its proxy – the rakyat. Both may not work out.

Worse case scenario with two MB is when the state assembly reconvenes, UMNO will move for a motion of no confidence. Then, Nizar will have to resign as he will lose 31-28.

Of course, I was wondering when the clown would make an entrance. And surely he did today:

Stern action, including detention under the Internal Security Act (ISA), could be taken against anyone who incite or create trouble that could affect security in the state of Perak.

The warning was issued by Home Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar regarding action by members and supporters of the Pakatan Rakyat who were unhappy after losing the majority in the State Assembly and failing to retain the government leadership in Perak.

“Pakatan Rakyat can take the matter to court if they are dissatisfied but don’t take their dissatisfaction to the streets to the extent of jeopardising security,” he said.

… Syed Hamid, who received feedback from Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan, said nine people had been detained for sedition and involvement in demonstrating against the swearing-in of Pangkor Assemblyman Datuk Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir as the new Perak Menteri Besar at Istana Iskandariah, Bukit Chandan, in Kuala Kangsar today.

The demonstration was held at the Ubudiah Mosque, 300 metres from the palace where the demonstrators hurled pieces of wood, stones and bottles at police personnel and vehicles passing through Jalan Istana.

He said police would take whatever action, including bringing police personnel from outside Perak, to ensure security was maintained in the state

So, the threat of ISA has been issued, and in TV3 Nightline just now, the action by PR leaders is being linked to treason by our friend.

Next, the defection of two PKR and one DAP assemblymen leading to change of government affected the Indians and Chinese the most. The Indians would not be represented at all, while the Chinese has been reduced to a single MCA rep.No more speaker and deputy speaker post for the community. Sadly, there’s not even a whimper of protest or unhappiness from either of these communities. So, does it mean they (i) support BN, (ii) giving up on Pakatan/DAP/PKR, or (iii) not bothered? So, the defectors can say their voters support their move?

Funnily, there’s not much news from other BN coalition parties on the defection of three PR reps and the forming of the UMNO government in Perak.

Pakatan has a fine line to tread. They cannot be seen as insulting the Sultan, and yet at the same time cannot give up on their position meekly.

The bigger fear is that the events in Perak may cause an implosion in other Pakatan states, especially in Kedah.

Suspicion envelopes the events leading to the defection. Two of the assemblymen have corruption cases pending and were “missing” for few days prior to their defection. The DAP candidate said that she won’t quit the night before but ended up in Putrajaya the next day afternoon. With these kind of dubious characters offering support, what made the Sultan accept their words? They may simply renege on their words and be really independents. giving both PR and BN headaches. The behaviour of the defectors also raises questions and this will be hanging over the heads of the new government. The two PKR defectors can’t join UMNO until their cases are cleared. If their corruption cases are thrown out, this will only reinforce the rumours that its a set-up. More black mark.

The three independents make it quite risky for either coalition since they will be the kingmakers. BN may double its effort to pull more PR reps to improve the odds. Likewise, PR may also try to entice BN reps, but it will be much harder as its in the opposition now.

There are views that by calling for fresh elections, it will be a waste of funds. But really, is democracy less valuable or too cheap? Can’t we spend some money for democratic process when we waste much more for flippant reasons? In fact, having an election can be part of the stimulus package for Perak. Lots of SMBs will benefit. Voters will get pocket money and other benefits. Free food. Free entertainment. Publication and printing contracts will be given. Volunteers will get paid. Hotels and F&B outlets will see increase in sales. The revenue will spur local economy and the locals will have some spending power.

By the way, if BN ultimately wins, what will happen to the JKKKs? The Federal government created separate committee called JKKKP, meaning villages had two separate committees.  Most likely the state government’s JKKK will be abolished, and the federal JKKK will take over the state JKKK.

To top it all, all this happened within days after Tajol Rosli quits Perak BN chairman post and DPM Najib takes over. Raises lots of eyebrows.

We can expect more drama over the weekend, perhaps even an ISA arrest or two. I hope it doesn’t affect the Thaipusam celebrations this weekend.

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Now only want to have second cabinet committee meeting?

February 6th, 2009
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Guess what, the first meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Indian community development was held back in July last year. After that it was supposed to held in September. Strangely, there was no news about the committee meeting anywhere. And now, Star reports Samy Vellu as saying that the second meeting will be held in 23rd February. Let’s see the article:

Issues affecting the Indian community, including equity participation, are likely [LIKELY??? Then what the point of having the committee???] to be discussed at the second meeting of the Cabinet Committee for the Development of Indians on Feb 23, said MIC president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu.

He said the committee, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, would discuss the MIC’s proposals, including the setting-up of a mechanism to increase Indians’ equity participation from the current 1.2% to 3% in 2020.

… The MIC had suggested that a mechanism be established within the government-owned Permodalan Nasional Bhd to assist poor Indians to buy shares through 50% grants and 50% loans from the Government [So, will be it finalised in the 2nd meeting or pushed to next meeting?].

Samy Vellu said several decisions were taken at the first Cabinet Committee meeting last July 1 including streamlining the procedure for bringing in Hindu, Sikh and other priests from India [which took how long implemented?], agreeing to a policy of converting all partially-aided Tamil schools to fully-aided schools [note the words – “agreeing” to a “policy”] and increasing the number of Public Service Department scholarships for Indians studying in foreign universities to 163 students [its well documented that this happened before the meeting after MIC leader went to plead with the PSD].

Other decisions include enabling those who scored 9As and above in the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia examination to receive scholarships to study in local universities [this is for all students, not Indians only – says MCA!], recognising the MIC-run Asian Institute of Medicine, Science and Technology University as among the institutes where scholarship students could enrol and agreeing to set up a special task force under the Home Ministry to deal with the 30,000 Indians born in Malaysia who are still without documents [hopefully the task force will present how many cases it has solved and the problems faced].

He said the Government had also approved RM80mil over the last 18 months to redevelop 50 Tamil schools which were in a dilapidated state.

And if you noticed, Samy said the RM80 millions for schools were to “REDEVELOP” Tamil schools. Can he specify how much of the funds is for “repair” works and how much is for constructing “new” buildings? There’s a big difference between the words being used. For example, in SJKT Vallambrosa, the money given was for “repairs” and not for adding new buildings. So, how to solve the problem of overcrowding in the school?

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SA Vigneswaran’s MIYDF to submit recommendations

February 3rd, 2009
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After leaving MIC, SA Vigneswaran tries to remain in the picture. His Malaysian Indian Youth Development Foundation (MIYDF) is compiling a set of comprehensive, detailed and thorough recommendations to tackle the issue of ‘inadequate custodial procedures and practices’.

MCPX

According to MIYDF chairperson SA Vigneswaran, the recommendations are being compiled by the foundation’s human rights committee and would be submitted to the Barisan Nasional Backbenchers Club (BNBBC) before the opening of the Parliament session on Feb 16.

He said the compilation comprises background to the problem, the effects and the perception of the Malaysian society on the police force.

The recommendations is aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of the police force by ensuring that officers conduct the investigation professionally and within the provisions of the law.

“The important role played by the police in society is appreciated and acknowledged by the society at large.

“But notably such appreciation has waned over the years precisely because of incidents of police misconduct that went unchecked in the recent years,” Vigneswaran said in a statement.

“Therefore, those who abuse their power by using excessive or even deadly force must be held accountable. Although it is a cliche that police aggression is an inevitable byproduct for crackdown of crime, it is time, this perception is shifted.

“We should not choose between curtailing violence and treating people right, between enforcing the law and upholding civil rights. The police can strike a balance by acting within the ambits of the law, for example like in the United Kingdom,” he added.

Vigneswaran, who is the former MIC Youth chief, pointed out that the recommendations are not aimed at interfering or weakening the police force.

He said it is to instil responsibility, professionalism, and accountability in their day to day encounter with the suspect, detainee and the public in general.

Interestingly, why is the recommendations is being submitted to BNBBC? May Vigneswaran is aware of the fate of previous reports/memorandums/findings submitted to the “proper” channels? 🙂

Whatever it is, good luck to MIYDF.

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MIC website under reconstruction, online registration soon

February 3rd, 2009
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I guess the wheels are in motion already, because its says “website under construction” today!

mic-website-under-construction

Let’s see what are the new things MIC Portal is going to have:

MIC president S Samy Vellu said Indian Malaysians can soon become members of the party through online registration, a move he expect would bolster the party’s strength and unite Indians under one political party in the Barisan Nasional.

MCPX

The MIC is the latest among several BN component parties which have started online membership registration. Umno launched its online membership portal last week.

Samy Vellu said he was confident that the move which was in line with the party’s ‘Unity Plan for the Indian Malaysians’, could increase MIC membership to at least 50,000 people initially.

MIC currently has about 630,000 members with almost 5,000 branches.

… “Once the MIC portal is launched soon, we will embark on a massive online membership registration,” he said in a statement.

Samy Vellu said the MIC was targetting professionals and those who failed to become members through existing branches for various reasons.

“The MIC headquarters will admit them as members directly into the party without having to go through the branches which some feel is cumbersome,” he said.

He said the first phase of the MIC portal would include an eBlog, eForum, eComplaint, polls, latest news and announcements as well as information on all MIC subsidiaries, the MIED and the Social Strategic Foundation.

“The second phase will include Tele-Centre, a project that allows Indians to get jobs and work professionally from their home and also an Online Extensive Survey form accessible by every branch officer which allows them to get in-depth information about the Indians staying under their jurisdiction,” he added.

Wow! That’s quite a handful. Unfortunately, there’s no mention of any dates when all these will be available. And perhaps someone can inform those in charge to drop the “e” from “eBlog” – its kind of redundant, if you know what I mean.

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MIC Youth forms watchdog committee after Kugan saga

February 2nd, 2009
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Well, at least some good thing came out of Kugan’s death. MIC Youth is setting up a watchdog committee to “monitor and prevent such deaths from happening in the future”.

The Youth wing’s coordinator T Mohan told Malaysiakini that the committee would consist of 10 people, the majority of whom were lawyers and non-party members.

The committee itself will be headed by lawyer SP Muthuvelu, said Mohan.

The formation of the committee was discussed and agreed by the MIC Youth in a council meeting this morning.

“Muthuvelu will be the chairperson on the committee. He will be assisted by seven other lawyers, none of whom are from the party,” said Mohan.

He added that the Youth wing’s secretary C Shivarraj and another person would be the two representative of the party in the committee.

“We wanted independent people in the committee. Of the eight lawyers, four of them are from non-governmental organisations,” he added.

He further said that the main purpose of the committee was to look into custodial deaths and to give feedback to the government on how to stop such deaths from happening again.

“The committee has been given three weeks to compile a list and conduct a research of past custodial deaths. We want to get to the root of this problem…to find out why it happens, especially to youths from the Indian community.

“And as soon as the committee has compiled a list of previous cases and our findings on the reasons for these cases, a memorandum will be submitted to the government and the police,” he said.

Aim is to stop custodial deaths

Mohan also said that the committee would take a keen interest in the Kugan case.

“We want the committee to tell us how the family can be compensated and what else could be done to help them.”

However he said the main thrust of the committee was to make sure that no more persons end up dead while in police detention.

“For starters this committee will be watching the police closely in the event there is another custodial death. In the long run, the committee hopes to put up workable proposals to ensure there are no more custodial deaths,” he said.

The Youth wing’s advisor S Vell Paari told Malaysiakini that the objective of the committee was to ensure that the youth wing was playing its role in protecting the Indian community.

“We can’t be doing things on ad hoc basis, trying to pool people every time something like Kugan’s case happens.

“That’s why we wanted this committee to be there on a permanent basis to look on such matters, to see how we can avoid them from happening altogether,” he said.

While Malaysiakini reported as above, NST had slightly different story:

MIC Youth has set up a watchdog committee to monitor cases of brutality and deaths in police lock-ups.

The newly formed committee comprises seven lawyers and three representatives from non-governmental organisations, all members of MIC Youth. [MK said only 2 from MIC Youth and 8 lawyers]

Acting MIC Youth chief T. Mohan said the committee had already begun compiling the details of the death of A. Kugan from the police and his family.

The 22-year-old died in the police lock-up at Taipan, Subang Jaya, on Jan 20.

He had been in detention from Jan 14 for investigation into his possible involvement in the theft of several luxury cars.

“These details will be contained in a memorandum to be submitted to the inspector-general of police and deputy prime minister within a week or two. [MK reported 3 weeks]

“We want the police to take action, including specialised training, to make its personnel more responsible for safeguarding human life so there is no repeat of a case like Kugan’s.”

Speaking after chairing the national MIC Youth council meeting yesterday, Mohan said the police and Home Ministry should re-open and thoroughly investigate every death in police custody.

“The reports of these investigations must be made public and action must be taken against the personnel involved to restore public confidence in the police force.”

Mohan said although people of all races had died in police custody, records show that in the last eight years about 80 Indians had died in lock-ups, possibly due to abuse by the police or by fellow prisoners.

“The police should also appoint more Indian officers to high positions. They would be better equipped to handle young Indian offenders and spread anti-crime awareness.

“Currently the highest rank Indian police officers have reached is Senior Assistant Commissioner I,” he said, adding MIC Youth was planning prayers for Kugan at the Klang Sivan temple on Friday evening.

By the way, does anyone keep track how many committees have been formed by MIC/other parties and their status so far? We don’t want it to be like some entities – many committees, but no action nor results.

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