By now, you will have heard that RPK (or Raja Petra Kamaruddin, the author of the highly popular Malaysia Today website) has been detained under the draconian Internal Security Act (ISA) today.
The MT (Malaysia Today) website is highly popular with its readers - many will be hugely upset with the latest arrest. The current political climate is still fragile with 916 looming and the very recent racist remarks. As tensions run high, it is even more important to remain calm, be fully informed, and do not over-react at all times. The last thing we want is another May 13, 1969 or another Ops Lalang with the Opposition rounded up.
A show of solidarity has been planned for RPK at Kelana Jaya Stadium at 8 pm, Monday, 15 September 2008. Please attend, if you are able.
**********************
Until then, this is a perfect opportunity to be fully informed on issues relating to ISA. For example, what is the ISA? How can someone like RPK can be arrested under ISA? What is the history of ISA and is this still relevant today? Why is it "draconian"?
As many of you will know, Wikipedia and Google are 2 of my favorite resources. Wiki carries a relatively good info on the ISA here - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internal_Security_Act_(Malaysia). I will extract and highlight some of the parts which I think could be relevant, and provide my commentaries also within the context of RPK's detention.
What is the ISA?
The Internal Security Act 1960 (ISA) (Malay: Akta Keselamatan Dalam Negeri) is basically a preventive detention law.
In essence, it allows anyone to be arrested without the need for trial in certain defined circumstances (see below).
History of ISA
ISA 1960 was actually inherited by Malaysia after it gained independence from Britain in 1957.
Preventive detention first became a feature of the then Malaya in 1948 primarily to combat the armed insurgency of the Malayan Communist Party.
The Emergency Regulations Ordinance 1948 was made, following the proclamation of an emergency, by the British High Commissioner Sir Edward Gent. It allowed the detention of persons for any period not exceeding one year.
The 1948 ordinance was primarily made to counter acts of violence and, conceivably, preventive detention was meant to be temporary in application. The emergency ended in 1960 and with it ended the powers contained in the that ordinance as it was repealed.
The power of preventive detention was however not relinquished. In 1960, the government passed the Internal Security Act under Article 149 of the Malaysian Constitution.
How does ISA work?
In essence, ISA permits the detention, at the discretion of the Home Minister, without charge or trial of any person in respect of whom the Home Minister was satisfied that such detention was necessary to prevent him or her from acting in any manner prejudicial:
(a) to national security or
(b) to the maintenance of essential services or
(c) to the economic life in Malaysia.
(Section 8(1) of the ISA)
Under what grounds is RPK arrested under ISA?
To be honest, I am not sure at this point in time what is the reason for RPK's detention. In my simplistic lay-person mind:
(a) I simply just cannot see how RPK nor the MT website is a threat to national security. Especially when compared to remarks uttered by Ahmad Ismail, and many other worse acts done in the past, such as Hishamuddin's keris antics, or even DPM Najib's keris bathing with Chinese blood remarks in the late 80s.
(b) I also simply cannot see how RPK or the MT website will affect the maintenance of essential services. Especially in Malaysian context where maintenance of essential services is done at variable standards ranging from excellent to extremely poor.
(c) And I seriously doubt how RPK or the MT website is prejudicial to the economic life in Malaysia.
So, I am extremely puzzled as to why RPK is being detained.
Malik Imtiaz, a human rights lawyer and a blogger has this to say in his blog here - http://malikimtiaz.blogspot.com/2008/09/rpk-isa-and-rest-of-us.html
I quote: "The Government must also do its part and explain clearly how RPK is a threat to national security and why he has been detained. He had presented himself everytime he was asked to at police stations and in court. He has been charged, has not attempted to flee the jurisdiction and has indicated his desire to defend himself in court. Access to Malaysia Today has been permitted. And though four police reports have recently been lodged against him by agencies linked to the Government, a consideration of those police reports in the bigger picture would reveal the unreasonableness of his being detained on the basis of what has been alleged in those reports. The Government must make the basis of its decision clear and why it is RPK cannot be tried in an open court."
To me, the key words are "Explain CLEARLY". Not just any vague explanation. It must be clear that when first explained, most people can honestly say "yes, I understand". It must also be capable of withstanding reasonably intelligent scrutiny.
According to Wiki: Article 151 of the Malaysian Constitution gives to any person detained without trial (under the special powers against subversion) certain administrative rights. By the terms of Article 151 the authority, on whose order a person is detained, shall, as soon as may be, inform the detainee of the grounds of detention and the allegations of fact on which the order is based.
According to MT here, the grounds of detention has been given: http://mt.m2day.org/2008/content/view/12576/84/
4:00pm Marina's recieved a 'notis penangkapan' from Chief Inspector Azrin Abu Bakar, stated reason of detention. The notice sounds like this:
"...penulis telah menyiarkan rencana-rencana di laman web memburukkan kepimpinan negara dan menghina kesucian agama Islam sehingga menimbulkan kekeliruan kepada rakyat..."
Huh?
He's being detained because he has confused Rakyat?
Is this a valid reason to detain someone indefinitely under the ISA?
Oh dear!
If anything, RPK's writings have clarified a lot of things that has been happening in this country, instead of causing greater confusion. How can one confuses things when one speaks the truth? Specifically, which part - which article - which paragraph - which sentence - of his writing is supposed to have caused "confusion to Rakyat"?
And what is the implication of this alleged "confusion"? Is the impact of the alleged confusion on Malaysian society so bad that it deserved indefinite detention without trial? Why can't RPK be charged and trialed in the open court as he has demanded many times before?
Furthermore, is his case really that serious, when compared to numerous other people in this country that have "caused substantially far larger confusion to Rakyat"? For example, Ahmad Ismail? If Ahmad Ismail is not detained under ISA, then, why should RPK be detained when his article has far lesser elements of racism?
Dear, oh dear! I am sorry Mr Home Minister, but I simply failed to understand the grounds of RPK's detention.
It simply seemed grossly unfair to any right thinking Malaysian.
You will need to do a better job at CLEARLY EXPLAINING to Rakyat why you are detaining RPK indefinitely under the ISA.
And this thing about alleging RPK to "give a bad name to the current leaders of the country". What exactly are these "bad names"? Notwitstanding that, can anyone honestly say that whatever bad names that have been uttered, are they not deserving? Surely our country's leaders are not surprised that millions of Malaysians have been giving "bad names" to our country's leaders well before Mar 8 GE results? Did the leaders change? What about after Aug 26 Permatang Pauh by-elections results? And the government only charge RPK under ISA today, on Sep 12 2008, which is 4 days prior to 916?
And the alleged insult on the Islam Religion - as a regular MT reader, I am extremely puzzled since my own personal experience reading thousands of his articles gave me a reasonably good impression of him as a genuine Muslim, and it simply didn't occur to me at all that he would deliberately insult Islam. In fact, I cannot recall a single instance when he insulted Islam! And I am certainly not confused as a result of reading his writings. If the truth be told, I am actually very confused with the grounds for RPK's ISA detention which have yet to be given in substance, than his writings.
Length of ISA Detention
A person detained under the ISA during the first 60 days is held incommunicado, with no access to the outside world. Furthermore, lawyers and family members are not allowed access to the detainee during this initial period.
If a two-year detention order is signed, the detainee is taken to the Kamunting Detention Centre to serve his or her two-year term, during which family members are allowed to visit.
The power to detain seems to be restricted by Section 8(1) to a period not exceeding two years but the restriction is really illusionary because, by virtue of Section 8(7), the duration of the detention order may be extended for a further period not exceeding two years and thereafter for further periods not exceeding two years at a time.
The extension to the detention order may be made on the same ground as those on which the original order was based, or on different grounds.
In short, the length of detention can be indefinite.
The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) has recently recommended that the ISA be repealed and replaced by new comprehensive legislation that, while taking a tough stand on threats to national security (including terrorism), does not violate basic human rights.
It would be interesting to see if SUHAKAM will come out with a statement demanding for an immediate release for RPK, further to my earlier article on Muhammad Shafee Abdullah here questioning if both are the same or different person -
http://fusioninvestor.blogspot.com/2008/08/is-this-same-muhammad-shafee-abdullah.html
Criticisms of the ISA
The ISA is one of the most controversial Acts enacted under Article 149 of the Malaysian Constitution.
According to Wiki: "Malaysia is one of the few countries in the world whose Constitution allows for preventive detention during peacetime without safeguards that elsewhere are understood to be basic requirements for protecting fundamental human rights. "
Not surprisingly, the Opposition has criticized the ISA for many reasons. The implementation is often labelled as a political tool by the ruling government to suppress the Opposition, rather than genuine preventive detention for national security or other reasons specified in the ISA law. For example, many of the Opposition members in the past (e.g. those from PAS, PKR and DAP) have been detained under ISA before and subsequently released.
Furthermore, according to Opposition leader Tan Chee Koon ... "This infernal and heinous instrument has been enacted by the Alliance Government at a time when the emergency was supposed to be over. Then it promptly proceeds to embody all the provisions of the Emergency Regulations which during the Emergency had to be re-enacted every year, but now it is written into the statute book ad infinitum...
The fact that it is a violation of fundamental human rights cannot be disputed. For example, the detention without trial aspect. Imagine simply being locked up for an indefinite period, with absolutely no right to even be trialed in court, and no opportunity to even prove one's innocence, or to even defend oneself against charges by the government. Or the indefinite period detention aspect, instead of a limited period. Or the detention being made at complete discretion of the Home Minister aspect - there are so many flaws here, where arbitariness would inevitably come into consideration (since there is no clearly written guidelines and case-by-case interpretation can potentially vary extremely widely). Also, changes in Home Ministers, or changes in Prime Ministers, or changes in ruling government, or simply a change over time, or for any other reaon could result in different absolute or relative standards being applied as to the grounds of the ISA detention with varying degrees of un/fairness. And so forth.
But the surprise is that even BN and UMNO has criticized ISA in the past too, including Badawi and Mahathir previously!
In 1987: Badawi stated "Laws such as the Internal Security Act have no place in modern Malaysia. It is a draconian and barbaric law."
In 1988: Badawi went on record to state "If we want to save Malaysia and Umno, Dr Mahathir (then Prime Minister) must be removed. He uses draconian laws such as the Internal Security Act to silence his critics."
In 2003 when Badawi became Prime Minister: the ISA "a necessary law," !
Badawi further said "We have never misused the Internal Security Act. All those detained under the Internal Security Act are proven threats to society."
Oh dear! With RPK's detention, has Badawi done another flip-flop again? How will he now explain that RPK's detention under ISA is "never misuse"? Where are the "proven threats" by RPK?
Not surprisingly, Mahathir is also similar in his duplicity with the ISA:
In 1966: when Mahathir spoke out in support of the Internal Security (Amendment) Bill 1966 as a backbencher, he stated that "no one in his right senses like[s] the ISA. It is in fact a negation of all the principles of democracy."; However, after becoming Prime Minister, he had little if any hesitation using the law to suppressed what he termed racialism but was seen by some as a move against his political opponents, the most notable of events being the infamous Operasi Lalang in 1987.
(And as an aside, one did not hear him promoting the use of ISA against Ahmad Ismail to "suppressed racialism" too.)
Disclaimer: I am not a lawyer by experience, training nor profession. This is merely a layperson's current personal understanding of ISA formed by applying independent critical thinking based on various related materials on the topic. If you require pesonal assistance on ISA, please consult your own professional legal advisor.
Showing posts with label Najib. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Najib. Show all posts
Friday, September 12, 2008
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Another UMNO Racist Remark
Link for future reference - http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/8/30/nation/20080830200907&sec=nation
Article and my comments below:
Saturday August 30, 2008 MYT 8:18:56 PM
PM to instruct Bkt Bendera chief not to repeat remark
By YENG AI CHUN
KEPALA BATAS: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Badawi will personally see to it that Bukit Bendera Umno chief Datuk Ahmad Ismail does not repeat his remarks about the Chinese community.
“I’ll tell him not to do it again. You know during campaigning all sorts of things can come up. I don’t think he meant it. I’ll make sure to tell him not to say it again,” he said Saturday after chairing the Bertam Umno division meeting here.
Ahmad had allegedly called the Chinese "squatters" and said that "as the Chinese were only immigrants it was impossible to achieve equal rights amongst races" during a ceramah in Permatang Pauh on Aug 25.
He had allegedly made the remark in the presence of Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
Ahmad’s remarks have caused a furore among the Barisan Nasional component parties after it was printed in several Chinese newspapers.
Penang Gerakan Youth committee member Dr Thor Teong Gee lambasted Ahmad and alleged that Umno was still using racial ideology to achieve its personal political agenda.
Bukit Mertajam MCA division chairman Lau Chiek Tuan said disciplinary action should be taken against Ahmad.
“An apology is not enough to the Chinese community. We want Umno to take disciplinary action against him. We want him to leave Barisan and Umno because he has broken the racial harmony (of the parties),” said Lau, adding that the division had also lodged a police report against Ahmad.
Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng’s political secretary Ng Wei Aik has also called on Ahmad to immediately retract his statement and apologise to the community.
Ahmad could not be reached for comment.
In George Town, Tanjung Gerakan Youth division chief H’ng Khoon Leng lodged a police report at the district police headquarters in Patani Road over Ahmad’s alleged remarks.
Speaking to reporters after that, H’ng reminded people of all races to learn and be aware about the contribution of other races to the nation so that they won’t look down on others.
PKR adviser Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Umno leaders should stop using racial sentiments to seek support from the people.
“They (Umno leaders) do not seem to understand history very well.
“They are not being respectful and sensitive toward the feelings of the non-Malays,” he told reporters Saturday at a thanksgiving luncheon in Kampung Permatang Pasir, Permatang Pauh.
_____________
Comments:
1. To me, Ahmad Ismail is either a racist or a liar, and clearly does not deserve to be called Datuk. Calling him a Datuk merely insults all the other Datuks.
2. His public remarks as a community leader (Chinese = squatters; Chinese = immigrants; Chinese = less than equal rights) are completely unacceptable to me, and I'm sure to every right thinking Malaysian.
3. I wonder if Ahmad Ismail ever mixes with Malaysians Chinese at all. If he does, why doesn't he tell them to their face that they are squatters, immigrants and deserve less than equal rights? Why didn't he tell them in their face, but behind their backs, told the entire world that Chinese = squatters, Chinese = immigrants, Chinese = less than equal rights?
Isn't this behaviour clearly one of a liar and a morally defective character?
4. If 3. isn't applicable i.e. if he doesn't mix with Chinese at all, what does that tell you about racial unity when a community leader and a Datuk like Ahmad Ismail doesn't lead by example? Is Ahmad Ismail a suitable person to be a community / UMNO leader?
5. To me, Ahmad Ismail - by his public display - is clearly unsuitable to be both a Datuk, as well as a community / UMNO leader. I demand UMNO sack him immediately, to show the world that UMNO is dead serious about National Unity. Similarly, if Pakatan Rakyat MP were to say the same thing, I would also demand no less!
6. UMNO and PM Abdullah's choice is actually very simple. Which is more important - National Unity (which include respecting every race in Malaysia), or condoning Publicly Uttered Racist Remarks? If you sincerely believe that the former is clearly more important, discipline and sack the guy. Period. There should be no 2nd thoughts.
Conversely, UMNO's lack of action clearly shows that the former is simply not a priority nor a consideration. Rhetorics by PM Abdullah is cheap, and means nothing. Action speaks louder than words.
7. What is the point of spending Billions of $ in Budget 2009 to promote racial unity, when, we tolerate public remarks like Ahmad Ismail? Which does greater damage to racial unity - Ahmad Ismail remarks, or not spending Billions? His insensitive and public racist remarks has the potential to undo a lot of good things in this country, or whatever good that is left.
8. Deputy PM Najib was present when the racist remarks were made! Why didn't Najib publicly state that this is completely unacceptable? Doesn't he realize that his silence is equivalent to acceptance? Is this someone Malaysians want as the next Prime Minister? If he continues to remain silent, I certainly don't.
9. PM's response and statements are extremely dissappointing for several reasons.
9.1. First, PM Abdullah - as a PM for all Malaysians - must make it very clear with no uncertain terms - that community leaders must never incite racism in a public setting. There should never be a valid reason to incite racism in a public setting. We must never tolerate this as a nation.
9.2. Second, DPM Najib has erred and needs to be corrected by the PM.
So, if I were the PM and want to talk to someone, I would talk to DPM Najib first than Ahmad Ismail.
I will make it clear to DPM Najib that Ahmad Ismail's behaviour is completely unacceptable. I will also make it clear to Najib that his silence then is also unacceptable.
I will not accept any excuses from Najib.
And I will then instruct Najib to correct his mistake by delegating this to him personally to handle the disciplinary action on Ahmad Ismail.
In other words, as a First World leader, PM Abdullah must make sure that his deputies are at least as capable as he is. And he cannot do everything himself.
Obviously, there is no point for PM Abdullah to correct Ismail Ahmad, when his very own DPM still thinks it is publicly acceptable.
9.3. Third, I am dissappointed that PM Abdullah made at least 2 excuses on Ahmad Ismail. First excuse = "You know during campaigning all sorts of things can come up". Excuse me? This is a public speech by Ahmad Ismail. He incited on his own initiative these racist remarks publicly. PM Abdullah even dare to give an excuse?
Second excuse = "I don’t think he meant it. ". What? You haven't even spoken to the guy, and you already made excuses on his behalf? Or are you saying you spoke to him earlier, he told you that he didn't meant it, and you didn't chide him then? PM Abdullah, are you are First World Leader, or a Third World Leader?
PM Abdullah - if you are a true First World leader, you should NEVER make excuses when one of your guys has incited racism publicly.
Your 2 excuses tells me loudly that you are NOT SERIOUS about national unity.
Your 2 excuses tells me loudly that you do not intend to take stearn disciplinary action against Ahmad Ismail.
Your 2 excuses tells me loudly that you actually condone his behaviour, and sends a loud message that it is acceptable for other UMNO community leaders to repeat such behaviour!
Your 2 excuses are simply UNACCEPTABLE to me!
If you continue to make these excuses, then, I demand that you step down immediately Mr PM, as you are clearly UNFIT to lead this nation! The longer you stay on, the more likely Malaysia will never achieve its Vision to be a First World developed country by 2020.
10. It is commendable that Gerakan Youth has filed a police report. But PM Abdullah doesn't seem genuine to take disciplinary action. Instead, he prefer to make excuses. So, Mr Gerakan Acting President Koh Tsu Koon - as the leader of Gerakan party, what are you going to do about it? Lie down like a low lying dog again?
11. I notice Bukit Mertajam MCA called for disciplinary action. But PM Abdullah again doesn't seem genuine. So Mr MCA President - as leader of MCA party, my question to you is the same one as I asked in 9. above. What are you going to do about it? Lie down like a low lying dog again?
12. And where is all the other BN component parties like MIC? Mr MIC President - no comments from you because it's Chinese and not Indians? Remember - when you don't speak when injustice is being done to other races, one day, don't be surprised when others don't speak up when injustice is done to your own race.
13. Imagine this were to happen in a First World country like the USA where a Republican party leader were were to say the same kind of things that Ahmad Ismail did - e.g. Blacks = squatters, Blacks = immigrants, Blacks = less than equal rights. Do you seriously think that the US President and leader of the Republican Party George Bush could get away doing to same thing as what our PM Abdullah is planning to do?
If George Bush doesn't immediately sack the guy, you can be sure the Republican Party will sack him! In fact, it is obvious the entire America will reject Bush AND the Republican Party if he doesn't immediately take stearn disciplinary action on the errant guy and his 2nd in charge! No question about it.
14. With this type of third class mindset deeply prevailing in BN parties, do you think Malaysia will be able to fulfill its Vision to be a First World nation by 2020, which is only less than 12 years away?
Article and my comments below:
Saturday August 30, 2008 MYT 8:18:56 PM
PM to instruct Bkt Bendera chief not to repeat remark
By YENG AI CHUN
KEPALA BATAS: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Badawi will personally see to it that Bukit Bendera Umno chief Datuk Ahmad Ismail does not repeat his remarks about the Chinese community.
“I’ll tell him not to do it again. You know during campaigning all sorts of things can come up. I don’t think he meant it. I’ll make sure to tell him not to say it again,” he said Saturday after chairing the Bertam Umno division meeting here.
Ahmad had allegedly called the Chinese "squatters" and said that "as the Chinese were only immigrants it was impossible to achieve equal rights amongst races" during a ceramah in Permatang Pauh on Aug 25.
He had allegedly made the remark in the presence of Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
Ahmad’s remarks have caused a furore among the Barisan Nasional component parties after it was printed in several Chinese newspapers.
Penang Gerakan Youth committee member Dr Thor Teong Gee lambasted Ahmad and alleged that Umno was still using racial ideology to achieve its personal political agenda.
Bukit Mertajam MCA division chairman Lau Chiek Tuan said disciplinary action should be taken against Ahmad.
“An apology is not enough to the Chinese community. We want Umno to take disciplinary action against him. We want him to leave Barisan and Umno because he has broken the racial harmony (of the parties),” said Lau, adding that the division had also lodged a police report against Ahmad.
Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng’s political secretary Ng Wei Aik has also called on Ahmad to immediately retract his statement and apologise to the community.
Ahmad could not be reached for comment.
In George Town, Tanjung Gerakan Youth division chief H’ng Khoon Leng lodged a police report at the district police headquarters in Patani Road over Ahmad’s alleged remarks.
Speaking to reporters after that, H’ng reminded people of all races to learn and be aware about the contribution of other races to the nation so that they won’t look down on others.
PKR adviser Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Umno leaders should stop using racial sentiments to seek support from the people.
“They (Umno leaders) do not seem to understand history very well.
“They are not being respectful and sensitive toward the feelings of the non-Malays,” he told reporters Saturday at a thanksgiving luncheon in Kampung Permatang Pasir, Permatang Pauh.
_____________
Comments:
1. To me, Ahmad Ismail is either a racist or a liar, and clearly does not deserve to be called Datuk. Calling him a Datuk merely insults all the other Datuks.
2. His public remarks as a community leader (Chinese = squatters; Chinese = immigrants; Chinese = less than equal rights) are completely unacceptable to me, and I'm sure to every right thinking Malaysian.
3. I wonder if Ahmad Ismail ever mixes with Malaysians Chinese at all. If he does, why doesn't he tell them to their face that they are squatters, immigrants and deserve less than equal rights? Why didn't he tell them in their face, but behind their backs, told the entire world that Chinese = squatters, Chinese = immigrants, Chinese = less than equal rights?
Isn't this behaviour clearly one of a liar and a morally defective character?
4. If 3. isn't applicable i.e. if he doesn't mix with Chinese at all, what does that tell you about racial unity when a community leader and a Datuk like Ahmad Ismail doesn't lead by example? Is Ahmad Ismail a suitable person to be a community / UMNO leader?
5. To me, Ahmad Ismail - by his public display - is clearly unsuitable to be both a Datuk, as well as a community / UMNO leader. I demand UMNO sack him immediately, to show the world that UMNO is dead serious about National Unity. Similarly, if Pakatan Rakyat MP were to say the same thing, I would also demand no less!
6. UMNO and PM Abdullah's choice is actually very simple. Which is more important - National Unity (which include respecting every race in Malaysia), or condoning Publicly Uttered Racist Remarks? If you sincerely believe that the former is clearly more important, discipline and sack the guy. Period. There should be no 2nd thoughts.
Conversely, UMNO's lack of action clearly shows that the former is simply not a priority nor a consideration. Rhetorics by PM Abdullah is cheap, and means nothing. Action speaks louder than words.
7. What is the point of spending Billions of $ in Budget 2009 to promote racial unity, when, we tolerate public remarks like Ahmad Ismail? Which does greater damage to racial unity - Ahmad Ismail remarks, or not spending Billions? His insensitive and public racist remarks has the potential to undo a lot of good things in this country, or whatever good that is left.
8. Deputy PM Najib was present when the racist remarks were made! Why didn't Najib publicly state that this is completely unacceptable? Doesn't he realize that his silence is equivalent to acceptance? Is this someone Malaysians want as the next Prime Minister? If he continues to remain silent, I certainly don't.
9. PM's response and statements are extremely dissappointing for several reasons.
9.1. First, PM Abdullah - as a PM for all Malaysians - must make it very clear with no uncertain terms - that community leaders must never incite racism in a public setting. There should never be a valid reason to incite racism in a public setting. We must never tolerate this as a nation.
9.2. Second, DPM Najib has erred and needs to be corrected by the PM.
So, if I were the PM and want to talk to someone, I would talk to DPM Najib first than Ahmad Ismail.
I will make it clear to DPM Najib that Ahmad Ismail's behaviour is completely unacceptable. I will also make it clear to Najib that his silence then is also unacceptable.
I will not accept any excuses from Najib.
And I will then instruct Najib to correct his mistake by delegating this to him personally to handle the disciplinary action on Ahmad Ismail.
In other words, as a First World leader, PM Abdullah must make sure that his deputies are at least as capable as he is. And he cannot do everything himself.
Obviously, there is no point for PM Abdullah to correct Ismail Ahmad, when his very own DPM still thinks it is publicly acceptable.
9.3. Third, I am dissappointed that PM Abdullah made at least 2 excuses on Ahmad Ismail. First excuse = "You know during campaigning all sorts of things can come up". Excuse me? This is a public speech by Ahmad Ismail. He incited on his own initiative these racist remarks publicly. PM Abdullah even dare to give an excuse?
Second excuse = "I don’t think he meant it. ". What? You haven't even spoken to the guy, and you already made excuses on his behalf? Or are you saying you spoke to him earlier, he told you that he didn't meant it, and you didn't chide him then? PM Abdullah, are you are First World Leader, or a Third World Leader?
PM Abdullah - if you are a true First World leader, you should NEVER make excuses when one of your guys has incited racism publicly.
Your 2 excuses tells me loudly that you are NOT SERIOUS about national unity.
Your 2 excuses tells me loudly that you do not intend to take stearn disciplinary action against Ahmad Ismail.
Your 2 excuses tells me loudly that you actually condone his behaviour, and sends a loud message that it is acceptable for other UMNO community leaders to repeat such behaviour!
Your 2 excuses are simply UNACCEPTABLE to me!
If you continue to make these excuses, then, I demand that you step down immediately Mr PM, as you are clearly UNFIT to lead this nation! The longer you stay on, the more likely Malaysia will never achieve its Vision to be a First World developed country by 2020.
10. It is commendable that Gerakan Youth has filed a police report. But PM Abdullah doesn't seem genuine to take disciplinary action. Instead, he prefer to make excuses. So, Mr Gerakan Acting President Koh Tsu Koon - as the leader of Gerakan party, what are you going to do about it? Lie down like a low lying dog again?
11. I notice Bukit Mertajam MCA called for disciplinary action. But PM Abdullah again doesn't seem genuine. So Mr MCA President - as leader of MCA party, my question to you is the same one as I asked in 9. above. What are you going to do about it? Lie down like a low lying dog again?
12. And where is all the other BN component parties like MIC? Mr MIC President - no comments from you because it's Chinese and not Indians? Remember - when you don't speak when injustice is being done to other races, one day, don't be surprised when others don't speak up when injustice is done to your own race.
13. Imagine this were to happen in a First World country like the USA where a Republican party leader were were to say the same kind of things that Ahmad Ismail did - e.g. Blacks = squatters, Blacks = immigrants, Blacks = less than equal rights. Do you seriously think that the US President and leader of the Republican Party George Bush could get away doing to same thing as what our PM Abdullah is planning to do?
If George Bush doesn't immediately sack the guy, you can be sure the Republican Party will sack him! In fact, it is obvious the entire America will reject Bush AND the Republican Party if he doesn't immediately take stearn disciplinary action on the errant guy and his 2nd in charge! No question about it.
14. With this type of third class mindset deeply prevailing in BN parties, do you think Malaysia will be able to fulfill its Vision to be a First World nation by 2020, which is only less than 12 years away?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
