Ops Sept 16: PKR four off to Taiwan – Malaysiakini

Ops Sept 16: PKR four off to Taiwan

Kuek Ser Kuang Keng & Andrew Ong | Sep 11, 08 4:36pm

Four PKR leaders will be flying off to Taiwan tomorrow in a bid to meet their Barisan Nasional counterparts who had earlier agreed to defect in time for the Sept 16 takeover plan. MCPX Tentatively, the four member PKR delegation would consist of party vice-president Dr Lee Boon Chye, party strategist Saifuddin Nasution, deputy election director Fuziah Salleh and publicity chief Tian Chua. According to Tian Chua, the decision to fly to Taiwan was made by the party’s powerful political bureau during a meeting chaired by party supreme Anwar Ibrahim today. “We have to discuss the finer details of the takeover plan with the BN MPs. Anwar doesn’t have to go personally,” said Chua. The four PKR leaders are suppose to meet some of the 49 BN MPs who are on a retreat which was organised in haste by the Barisan Back Benchers Club, ostensibly to study Taiwan’s agricultural industry. The BN MPs flew off to Taiwan on Sept 7 and are only scheduled to be back on Sept 19, three days after Sept 16 deadline imposed by Anwar to topple the BN federal government. Three options Chua also said that the government takeover was on schedule though Pakatan Rakyat has yet to come to a consensus on the exact methodology. “Firstly, we can ask for emergency Parliament sitting where we can push for a no-confidence motion. Secondly, we can bring all the MPs to meet the king to appoint a new government. “Thirdly, we can write a letter to the king with all the signatures of the MPs to inform his majesty that Anwar has the majority support of the MPs,” he said. However, Chua admits that the last option was flawed since Barisan can do the same thing. The four PKR representatives to Taiwan are expected to return to Malaysia on Sept 15 in time for a meeting with Pakatan leaders to finalise plans. “On Sept 16, we would execute the plan. We’ll give it our best effort to ensure success, even if it takes time,” he said. Change is imminent In a related development, Pakatan has announced that Sept 16 deadline may have to be deferred due to the Taiwan trip by the BN MPs but the coalition was still confident that a change of federal government would happen soon. The announcement was made in a joint statement by PKR secretary-general Salehuddin Hashim, DAP political education director Loke Siew Fook and PAS secretary-general Kamarudin Jaffar. In the statement, Pakatan blamed Umno and BN for fanning racial sentiments to divert attention from the government’s weak leadership. “In view of the latest developments, many Barisan MPs have lost faith in the government and have decided to be with Pakatan. Pakatan stresses that we have never, nor do we need to, buy or bribe BN MPs to join us. “They are driven by their own realisations and have given us the commitment to support our agenda for change,” read the statement. However, the statement said that a group of elite Barisan leaders still hoped on causing anarchy in order to stop the takeover of the federal government and force a mass arrest or declaration emergency. “We urge Malaysians, and Umno supporters, to remain calm and not get caught in political rethorics…We believe that any efforts by BN would only delay the takeover but not foil it because Barisan’s formula has failed,” read the statement.

Expect ‘surprise’ on Sept 16: Anwar – Malaysiakini

Expect ‘surprise’ on Sept 16: Anwar

Beh Lih Yi & Andrew Ong | Sep 10, 08 5:04pm

Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim insisted that his self-imposed Sept 16 deadline to form the new federal government is “very much” on track, although a large number of the BN MPs are abroad. MCPX Met at the Jalan Duta court complex after a hearing related to the sodomy charge against him, he was asked to comment on his remarks that he would be deferring his plan, now that BN has sent 49 of its MPs to Taiwan on an agricultural study trip. Saying that the plan is on track, he however said he would deal with the details later. He also said there will be a “surprise” on Tuesday, but did not elaborate. “I will fly to Taipei if needs be if they want to meet me. I am not joining them, but will talk to them,” quipped the newly-elected Permatang Pauh MP, in response to a question. Anwar, 61, had earlier said he had information that the MPs would not be allowed to return from Taiwan before Sept 16 in order to thwart his plans. His Pakatan Rakyat alliance has 81 of the 222 seats in parliament. He had promised voters he would overturn BN’s majority by inviting its MPs to defect to the Pakatan camp. ‘Incitement of Umno leaders’ On the reported move by former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad to return to Umno, Anwar quipped: “Is he trying to help the ship sink faster?” He also said Armed Forces chief Jen Abdul Aziz Zainal’s call for stern action by the government against those who stoke racial sentiments was a “timely” reminder. “I think it is timely that the army reminds the government that they should act swiftly against perpetrators of racial hatred,” Anwar said. “However, I must caution that this issue is due to incitement by Umno leaders to cover up corruption, abuse of power and economic mismanagement pending imminent change in this country.” Anwar stressed, however, that he was not in favour of the use of draconian legislation such as the Internal Security Act and Sedition Act to handle such situations. The army chief had warned yesterday that racial issues should not be raised as this has potential to create chaos and disorder.

Pak Lah: ISA not ruled out-Malaysiakini

Sep 10, 08 8:34pm

Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi today did not rule out the possibility of invoking the Internal Security Act – which allows detention without trial – against those who stoke racial tension. MCPX Responding to a question at a press conference in Kuala Lumpur, he said: “If the (home) ministry finds it necessary, then the appropriate action can be taken.” However, Abdullah did not elaborate on the issue. The premier’s remark comes amid rumours that the Barisan Nasional-led government – which is under siege and riddled with internal problems – may launch a crackdown similar to what was initiated by Abdullah’s predecessor Dr Mahathir Mohamad in 1987. The Mahathir government had then detained more than 100 people, ranging from politicians to activists, under the tough security law in a dragnet known as Operasi Lallang. BN, which suffered its worst-ever electoral setback in the March 8 polls, is constantly being threatened by Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim who has vowed to oust the ruling coalition through defections. The PKR supremo, who returned to Parliament after a 10-year absence, has set Sept 16 for the political coup. However, he also said that the date may be deferred because of the unexpected twist which saw two-thirds of BN backbenchers taking a study tour to Taiwan. In addition, the Abdullah-Najib Razak leadership is facing pressure from Mahathir as well as internal dissension within Umno. A further blow came from Umno vice-president Muhyiddin Yassin today. The senior politician urged Abdullah to step down before the 2010 transition of power plan. ‘Cause for concern’ Yesterday, the military weighed in with Armed Forces chief General Abdul Aziz Zainal calling on the government to take stern action against those who incite racial sentiments in order to prevent chaos and disorder. The army chief drew flak from the opposition for this rare comment with PAS Youth telling him to stay out of politics. Also expressing worry was DAP MP Charles Santiago. “The Armed Forces chief’s statement should be a cause for concern for all Malaysians.””The role of the army should be confined to the barracks. It works at the behest of the government of the day. It should be neutral.” On Saturday, Home Minister Syed Hamid Albar too raised the ISA spectre when he said that the preventive detention law could be used against controversial blogger Raja Petra Kamaruddin for insulting Islam and Prophet Muhammad.

Anwar’s case put off to Sept 24 – Malaysiakini

Anwar’s case put off to Sept 24

Beh Lih Yi & Andrew Ong | Sep 10, 08 8:25am

Anwar Ibrahim’s sodomy case was today adjourned to Sept 24 following a dispute over a certificate signed by Attorney-General Abdul Gani Patail to transfer the case to the Kuala Lumpur High Court. MCPX When the case was called up this morning at 9.58am before Sessions judge SM Komathy Suppiah, the prosecution submitted the certificate for the case to be transferred to the high court. However, Anwar’s lead counsel Sulaiman Abdullah disputed the certificate (see photo) as it was signed by Abdul Gani. Sulaiman contended that Abdul Gani should not be involved in the case as he was a party to a complaint lodged by Anwar for having allegedly tampering with evidence in 1998. “We have been categorically informed that the attorney-general plays absolutely no part in this prosecution,” said Sulaiman, adding that this was based on a media statement made by Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. “So far we haven’t read any statement from the AG’s Chambers to correct the prime minister on that (decision),” the lawyer told the court, which was packed with PKR leaders and supporters, as well as Anwar and his family. The premier had said that Abdul Gani and Inspector-General of Police Musa Hassan would not be directly involved in Anwar’s sodomy case following Anwar’s police report against the duo for tampering with evidence in his court cases 10 years ago. Sulaiman argued that the signing of the letter showed the AG was involved in the prosecution. “In order to sign the certificate, he needs to apply his mind on the circumstances of the case and consider them; he is not a chief clerk just to sign (documents),” the veteran lawyer said to the laughter from court. Legal procedures cited The six-member prosecution team, led by the AG’s Chambers prosecution head Mohd Yusof Zainal Abiden countered that the certificate, however, could only be signed by the AG under the laws. Sulaiman had also earlier pointed out that, under Section 418A of the Criminal Procedure Code and Article 145 of the Federal Constitution, such power could only be exercised by Abdul Gani. At this juncture, Justice Komathy suggested a two week-adjournment to allow both parties time to research on the matter and to submit arguments, to which Sulaiman agreed. Komathy then quipped, telling Yusof: “I have read many law reports in which the high court and court of appeal judges have paid tribute to you as a very fair deputy public prosecutor (DPP), so I trust you will not have objection to this postponement.” Yusof however objected to the timeframe, to much annoyance of a visibly upset Sulaiman. Sulaiman (in a raised voice): That’s why I keep on telling him (Yusof) to tell us in advance whether the case will be transferred. Don’t catch me by surprise. Yusof: Two weeks is too long. This is a public interest case. Judge: If you say this is a public interest case, then all parties need to be given sufficient time (to study the matter). I am going to grant the two-week adjournment. All the judges have said you are a fair DPP. The judge then teased Yusof as to whether he was merely raising the objection “for record purposes”. She later fixed Sept 24 to hear arguments from both parties over the validity of the certificate signed by Abdul Gani. Bail issue not raised in court Anwar had arrived at the Jalan Duta court complex with his wife, Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, at 9.30am and were greeted by about 100 opposition supporters. They were accompanied by two of their daughters, Nurul Izzah and Nurul Nuha, as well as lawyer Sankara Nair. Anwar and Wan Azizah, who were surrounded by a large group of journalists and photographers, slowly made their way into the courtroom, where the hearing was due to begin at 10am. The police had heightened security around the court complex, with at least five Federal Reserve Unit trucks seen on standby. The riot squad, armed with tear gas launchers and batons, were in full force. “This is not a trial of Anwar but of the people’s demand for a new government,” said one of the supporters, 34-year-old engineer K Ragunath. “The government wants to stop Anwar from taking power by charging him falsely and I think it is wrong, we want justice for Anwar.” Norhayati Aulkifli, a 22-year-old student wearing a Muslim headscarf, said, “we want to see real change in Malaysia and we believe only Anwar can deliver that.” “We want an end to corruption and crime, and to have an honest government.” Journalists were asked to register at three places before being allowed into the courtroom. The police also used a metal detector to check those entering the courtroom. Anwar had claimed trial on Aug 7 when charged with sodomising his former aide, 23-year-old Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan. If convicted, he could face a 20-year jail term if found guilty. He is currently out on a RM20,000 personal bond. His supporters had feared that his bail could be revoked today, resulting in Anwar being sent to prison while awaiting his trial – a process that could take months. However, the issue was not raised in court today.

Ahmad suspended for 3 years – Malaysiakini

Ahmad suspended for 3 years

Andrew Ong and Wong Teck Chi | Sep 10, 08 5:27pm

Bukit Bendera Umno division chief Ahmad Ismail has been suspended from the party for three years over his racial rants. MCPX This was announced by party president Abdullah Ahmad Badawi after an emergency supreme council meeting which lasted about three hours this afternoon. “The supreme council’s opinion in this matter is that the statement and actions of Ahmad had caused tension and objections were raised by BN (Barisan Nasional) component parties. We view this seriously,” said Abdullah. He added that the supreme council also urged all BN component parties to take stern action against theirs members who cause discord among coalition parties. In an immediate reaction, Ahmad – who was at the party headquarters soon after the meeting – reiterated there was no reason for him to retract his remarks that likened the Chinese community to ‘squatters’. “No way. I made no mistake,” he insisted. He also said that Abdullah was “brave” in making the decision to suspend him. “This decision may not be in favour of Umno… They did it anyway because it is for national security,” he added. ‘Race relations not good’ Meanwhile, Abdullah said Ahmad had been stripped of all his rights in the party but still had the right to appeal against the supreme council’s decision. Abdullah also told reporters that members of the cabinet had discussed race relations during their weekly meeting this morning. “We were of the opinion that there are signs which indicate that race relations are not good and there is tension among the races,” he said. He added that souring race relations were aggravated by a lot of issues and statements which broached upon racial sensitivities and issues that are not normally raised. “This has caused all sorts of reactions, when for so long (race relations) had been good without any untoward incidents. We cannot allow the current (negative) situation to continue,” he added. The ‘Chinese squatter’ statement had received strong condemnation from Gerakan and MCA but the situation worsened when Ahmad hit back at Gerakan chief Dr Koh Tsu Koon and suggested that the latter’s party leave BN. A press conference held by Ahmad two days ago degenerated into a ruckus when a photo of Koh, who is Penang BN chief, was ripped from the wall of the Penang Umno headquarters where the event was held and torn into pieces. Not a unanimous decision? Several Umno leaders who spoke to reporters after the emergency supreme council meeting had differing views on the council’s decision. Council member Shahrir Samad said that the action meted out on Ahmad was “appropriate.” “(The issue) has reached a stage where it is causing a rift between component parties. Surely stern action had to be taken,” he said. Another council member Shahidan Kassim said that no one should stoke racial sensitivities but implicitly questioned if Ahmad had been treated fairly. “If you want to talk about fairness, why no action was taken against (Chinese pressure group) Suqiu or the person who mocked the national anthem?”

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