Citizens In Solidarity with Raja Petra and Freedom of Speech !

I found this on the comment section of my website today .
Anonymous said...
New Petition... Citizens In Solidarity with Raja Petra and Freedom of Speech !
http://www.petitiononline.com/FrdmRPK/petition.html
Wednesday, July 25, 2007 1:19:00 PM

I visited the petition mentioned and these are the details that I have found...
___________________________________

To: The Government of Malaysia

Citizens In Solidarity with Raja Petra and Freedom of Speech !

Bloggers United ! Malaysian Citizens United ! Supporters of Freedom of Speech United !

We, hereby, Malaysian Citizens, the Boss of the Malaysian Government demand to be given the Freedom of Speech and Discussion.

We call for the government to respect the Malaysian Constitution in Freedom of Speech.

We protest against the formation of similar draconian, non-transparent, oppressive acts that undermine the freedom of the cyberspace such as certain sections of ISA, OSA, SA, UUCA and PPPA.

We protest the action against Raja Petra Kamaruddin, who is one of the Top 20 Asian Progressive, a Towering Malay Malaysian. We, Malaysian Citizens see it as a way government to clampdown on bloggers, cyberspace and freedom of speech !

Link:
http://www.worldbusinesslive.com/search/article/655151/top-20-asian-progressives/

We do not find any writings of Raja Petra Kamaruddin offensive. We protest any potential attempts to close down Malaysia Today, an avenue for freedom of speech !

We call the Malaysian government to not emulate China's Communist control on cyberspace !
We call the Malaysian government to investigate the corruption allegations supported by documents provided in Malaysia Today website.

We, Malaysian Citizens, the Boss of the Malaysian Government demands the government to investigate and clampdown on Corrupted Officers in a highly transparent manner and not Whistleblowers and Bloggers.

We, Malaysian Citizens urge that Tan Sri Muhammad Muhammad Taib be excluded from party, Members of Parliament Candidacy and elections until his name is cleared on the allegations in Malaysia Today.

We, Malaysian Citizens, the Boss will translate the actions of the Government into election votes. Malaysian Citizens choose and vote their government through democratic means !

Freedom of Speech, Constitution of Malaysia and Agong rules !

Sincerely,
The Undersigned
___________________________________

Interested people can do whatever necessary.

Raja Petra found the Police report puzzling as he claimed he had not written anything on the mentioned date in the report ( news from Malaysiakini )
Raja Petra is defiant after eight-hour grilling by Police in IPD Dang Wangi yesterday. There was a mention of certain "cybertroopers" essentially involved (read it in the link). Tan Sri Muhammad Muhd Taib, the UMNO Information Chief made the police report.
___________________________________

As Malaysia made it international with BBC reporting " Malaysia cracks down on bloggers ", I feel a little chilled and grow concerned.
The new rules would allow a suspect to be detained indefinitely, without being charged or put on trial.

Sounds familiar, doesn't it? Sounds like a passage from repressive "Internal Security Act" ( ISA ). Finally, it has come.

Read this passage from Centre for Independent Journalism article Nazri, govt threats to bloggers alarming :
The Centre for Independent Journalism objects strongly to the government's threat to use the Internal Security Act (ISA) to silence critical bloggers. Detention without trial, as stipulated under the ISA, against a blogger is grossly disproportionate and alarming. The government's willingness to use the draconian law seems to affirm the speculation that it fears the freedom of speech over Internet. It also shows that the government takes the easy way out to punish a blogger without going through an open court process, besides violating the fundamental rights enshrined in the Federal Constitution.

I am actually writing this article in fear. I fear a number of things in my life. Of which, one includes the fear that I can't safeguard my own country against corruption. Fear to get married. I do not want my children to end up uncertain about the future like me. Fear of losing everything I have because of the mismanagement of people more "higher class" and position than me. Fear because I get intimidated year by year with words calling for "blood" and such.

Fear that if I do not speak up something bad would really happen. Fear that if I speak up, I may get caught.

I fear but I shall try my best to overcome and do something about it. After all, what is the meaning of 50th Merdeka when all one knows is fear?

Good luck and best wishes to all. May you celebrate 50th Merdeka with a sense of pride, dignity of what we achieved thus far with the political parties and politicians of this land. And... Make sure you celebrate it only at the permitted time set by our government.

Regards....

Malaysia Today, What is 50th Merdeka?

Dr M: Gov’t wants to curb cyber dissent (Malaysiakini Jul 24, 07 12:21pm)
Former Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad believes that there is an attempt by the government to curb voices of dissent on the Internet.
-> Failed under his rule
-> Report against Malaysia Today

Umno lodges report against Malaysia Today (Malaysiakini)
Jul 23, 07 2:46pm
Umno has filed a police report against political website Malaysia Today for allegedly publishing disparaging remarks against the King and Islam.

Sagaladoola: Who's Next? 1st Nat? 2nd RPK? Cyber-Axe Cometh?

The Straits Times: Umno files report against webmaster
Raja Petra said yesterday he had no idea which article about the king made Umno leaders upset. 'I am also not against Islam. I am just against the conduct of some Muslims,' he told The Straits Times, saying he believes the government wants to shut down his site and arrest him.

Malaysia Today: Press statement/Letter to the Editor by Dr. Lim Teck Ghee
I am writing in defence of Raja Petra Kamarudin and his writings in his website, Malaysia Today. ... I hope good sense will prevail - and Raja Petra and Malaysia Today can be allowed to continue unhindered in their good work aimed at achieving a better Malaysia.

Jeff Ooi: E-mail from Dr. Helmy Haja Mydin
And if UMNO is so concerned about the lies that is being spread at the website, perhaps it would be more appropriate for them to bring up the various issues of corruption that has been highlighted by Raja Petra. I am sure Muhammad Muhammad Taib, who led the lodging of the report, would want to publicise the issue and clear his name as Raja Petra can't possibly have evidence to back up his rhetoric, can he? If the issues were brought to an open, impartial court and the man be given the opportunity to present his evidence (or lack thereof) then we would have justice. To deny justice, after all, is the ultimate insult to Islam.

My words: What is Merdeka? by Sagaladoola

What is there to celebrate on the 50th Anniversary of Merdeka?

What is Merdeka?

What is Merdeka when people cannot speak?

What is Merdeka when we have a sense of fear on the net?

What is Merdeka when we have a sense of fear walking on the street?

What is Merdeka when we have draconian laws "watching" us?

What is Merdeka when there is no transparency and accountability?

What is Merdeka when we do not know where our hard-earned money went?

What is Merdeka when corruption is killing my country?

What is Merdeka when my citizens cannot talk about the "State" of my homeland in public?

What is Merdeka when my media is not free?

What is Merdeka when I remain suspicious of my leaders, ACA and police?

What is Merdeka when I am not sure if my interests are being safeguarded?

What is Merdeka when certain businesses are "systematically" monopolised?

What is Merdeka when my country is benchmarked against underdeveloped nations of Africa?

What is Merdeka when my citizens cannot be sure of their own future?

What is Merdeka when my citizens are divided and ruled?

What is Merdeka when my citizens are leaving my homeland out of disappointment?

What is Merdeka when my leaders are sleeping through it all?

What is Merdeka when my leaders are not respecting the Constitution?

What is Merdeka when my voice is not heard?

What is Merdeka when my fellow citizens and virgin forests are being raped?

What is Merdeka when I can only complain and see Malaysia "go down"?

What is Merdeka when we are not free to celebrate as how we like?
( Patriotisme tidak boleh dimonopoli , Sambutan ambang 31 Ogos hanya di Dataran Merdeka ? )

What is Merdeka when I fear that I will be caught for writing this?

What is Merdeka when all I can do is to ask but have no courage to tell the answers?

What is Merdeka when all I can do is forcing myself to write out of fear?

I weep for Merdeka. I weep ... that is all I can afford to do to celebrate Merdeka.

That's me Sagaladoola.

Regards ........

Who's Next? 1st Nat? 2nd RPK? Cyber-Axe Cometh?

Oh My God ! What is Happening to my Merdeka Country? 50th Anniversary of Merdeka is one month from now? ! ?
____________________________________

Malaysiakini: Umno lodges report against Malaysia Today

Lim Kit Siang: Axe finally coming down in Malaysian cyberspace - after Raja Petra, who’s next?
____________________________________

Terror ! Terror ! Help ! Help ! RED ALERT !!! CALL IN THE PROTECTORS...
(Picture courtesy of Wattahack? blog )


There was Nathaniel Tan .

Now, after RPK?

Who's Next? Who's Next?

MCA Bangsar Open Letter to UMNO Youth

Sagaladoola's note: This blog is not a Pro-MCA (pro-government) or Pro-Keadilan site (as evident in the case of Nathaniel Tan). Sagaladoola supports free discussion and all Malaysians (regardless of race and parties) to speak up. I received the e-mail on 22nd July 2007 5:45 pm and decided to publish it.

Associated news related to the e-mail:
1) Hisham's warning: Hey MCA! Shut up! Jul 21, 07 5:45pm ( Malaysiakini )
Umno Youth has asked its Barisan Nasional partner MCA to cease its public campaign to declare Malaysia as a secular state.
-> Hisham: Saya beri amaran (Hisham: I am warning)
-> MCA ministers gagged?

2) Hisham: Stop making statements on secular state
3) MCA, jangan komen isu negara sekular



The e-mail:

"A.L. HO" to me received (22nd July 2007 5:45 pm)

Hi,

For your blog and help to please forward below to as many people as possible.

What MCA doing is right, our conscience and action must support MCA to do what is right for the country.

Thanks

Best,
Aoi Ling, Ho
CEO

http://mylivingwall.com/
____________________________________

To: 'editor@malaysiakini.com'
Subject: Surat terbuka kepada Ketua Pergerakan Pemuda UMNO

22 Julai 2007

Kami, ahli-ahli muda MCA, menyokong penuh pendirian dan usaha murni MCA menyumbang kepada pembangunan negara dan rakyat Malaysia.

Kami membidas tindakan Ketua Pergerakan Pemuda UMNO yang memberi “Amaran kepada MCA” melalui akhbar Berita Harian (tajuk utama, Sabtu 21 Julai 2007) yang meneruskan politik polemik mengintepretasikan semula perlembagaan persekutuan Malaysia. Ini berlaku walaupun pada hari Khamis 19 Julai, 2007, Kementerian Dalam Negeri telah mengarahkan media arus perdana supaya jangan menyiarkan sebarang berita mengenai Malaysia sebagai sebuah negara Islam. Perbuatan Ketua Pergerakan Pemuda UMNO langsung tidak menghormati larangan yang telah dikeluarkan oleh KDN yang mewakili kerajaan negara.

Kenyataan Ketua Pergerakan Pemuda UMNO terhadap pemimpin MCA yang merupakan rakan kongsi utama BN, tidak membawa manfaat kepada sesiapa kerana ia tidak membawa kebaikan kepada mana-mana pihak.

Kami memberi nasihat ikhlas kepada Ketua Pemuda UMNO supaya mengingati semangat BN yang telah menjadi teras kerjasama dan muafakat selama 49 tahun Malaysia merdeka. Perbuatan mengeluarkan amaran terhadap sesebuah rakankongsi seperjuangan BN juga memperlekehkan semangat toleransi, hormat-menghormati dan bermuafakat.

Kami menyarankan pihak yang berkenaan seupaya melihat Perlembagaan Persekutuan Malaysia secara menyeluruh, bukannya mengambil sesuatu fasal atau fakta secara terasing kerana ini tindakan pihak yang jahil mengenai latar belakang, semangat dan kesefahaman yang telah dipersetujui di antara semua rakyat Malaysia yang menjadi teras membawa kepada pembentukan negara Malaysia yang merdeka.

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT BUREAU
MCA Bangsar
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Previous related articles of http://sagaladoola.blogspot.com/
1) MCA Stressed: Malaysia Is Not What Najib Claimed
2) Weeping for a Merdeka State or Islamic State?
3) Hisham, Ultraman and Scared Kitty

Click here to e-mail this post to your friends

Democratic Forum: No Debate on Islamic State?

As posted and requested by Tony Pua.

Democratic Forum: No Debate on Islamic State?

Panel of Distinguished Speakers:
Lim Kit Siang, Parliamentary Opposition Leader
Ambiga Sreenevasan, Malaysia Bar Council President
Malik Imtiaz, Human Rights Lawyer
Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim, PKR Treasurer
Rev Dr Hermen Shastri, General Secretary, Council of Churches*
Lim Guan Eng, Secretary-General to DAP

* To be confirmed

Venue: KL & Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall
Date: 25th July 2007 (Wednesday)
Time: 7.30 pm

If you feel strongly about the above issues, please bring friends and turn up in full force! Please forward this post to all concerned parties.
_________________________________________

As reported by Bernama, the Deputy Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak proclaimed on 16th July that “We have never, never been secular... we are an Islamic state.”

Subsequently, as reported in Malaysiakini, the Internal Security Ministry has confirmed that they have given a directive to all mainstream media not to publish any news on the issue of Malaysia being an Islamic state.

Publications Control & Al-Quran Texts Unit senior officer Che Din Yusof said, “Yes, we have given the directive to all mainstream newspapers. Islam is a sensitive issue. They cannot publish any news on whether the country is secular or Islam.”

However, he said newpapers can still publish statements from Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and his deputy Najib Abdul Razak on the country being an Islamic state.

“Reaction from political parties and the public cannot be published especially the negative reactions,” he said.

In light of the seriousness of the above two major development on a 'democratic', multi-racial and multi-cultural Malaysia, and the reluctance of other BN component parties to pick up the gauntlet, the DAP is organising a public forum to discuss the above issues.

_________________________________________

Sagaladoola's note:
Previous related articles of http://sagaladoola.blogspot.com/
1) MCA Stressed: Malaysia Is Not What Najib Claimed
2) Weeping for a Merdeka State or Islamic State?
3) Hisham, Ultraman and Scared Kitty
4) MCA Bangsar Open Letter to UMNO Youth

Hisham, Ultraman and Scared Kitty

Ohh dear, I spotted this news in Malaysiakini this morning ....

Hisham's warning: Hey MCA! Shut up!
Jul 21, 07 5:45pm
Umno Youth has asked its Barisan Nasional partner MCA to cease its public campaign to declare Malaysia as a secular state.
-> Hisham: Saya beri amaran
-> MCA ministers gagged?

Hishamuddin is also the Education Minister of Malaysia.

The warning came in reply to the important point that MCA Stressed: Malaysia Is A Secular State. "Malaysia is an Islamic state" Najib said previously. I wrote the article "Weeping for a Merdeka State or Islamic State?" when Malaysiakini reported that all media were told not to broadcast or feature discussions and articles concerning Najib's infamous and unsubstantiated claim.

Anyway, MCA should instead ask for an apology from Najib and Hishammuddin for such actions. If Najib and Hishammuddin think they are right about Malaysia being an "Islamic State" and "never secular", they should come clean with proof and points.

The current situation would probably lead some Chinese to think MCA as a Wonderman for being vocal and may harbour bad sentiments towards UMNO. On the other hand, some Malays, Muslims may think UMNO is another Superman for Islam and MCA, a super-villain Bizarro.

Such suspicion will not benefit anyone on this land. The right approach should be solving it and making it clear in immediacy. The solution should not come from closed door meeting with ambiguous results.

Two components in one party should not have such differences. As representatives of different races in Malaysia, these contradicting statements will potentially "Divide" the people in the lines of races. BN (of UMNO and MCA) will have to "Rule" over these divided people. Malaysia may still be "divided and ruled" after 50 years of Merdeka ! That is dangerous to Malaysia. Especially, when there are "economic pirates or thieves" intending to siphon our money away.

Do we consider a "divided and ruled" nation as being free / "merdeka"?

Malaysians can think for themselves on this matter. Even as this article is being written, Lulu (a mainstream Malaysian blogger) is analysing the issue.

___________________________________________

Today is Sunday and it is currently raining, a nice condition for sleeping. I do not get much sleep these days. I do not sleep at work and I do not sleep in meetings. We all can guess what will happen when people sleep at work and meetings. When you are a leader it makes matters even worse. That would be equivalent to leaving the your subordinates directionless and the respective departments on auto-pilot. I do not want that to happen to anybody. Therefore, with common sense, I shall take a good rest and sleep this Rainy Sunday to avoid falling into that pathetic condition.

So, perhaps we should entertain ourselves with a few photos and internet cartoons. A picture speaks a thousand words. Few pictures speak few thousand words. Sorry for the crap that I am uttering.....



(Picture from Mob's Crib) That's what I call Ultraman Keris, or Kerisman ! Nice poster there Mobbie ....


(Picture courtesy of Lame Basket) I call that picture Freedom being Suppressed, oh, I mean, Pressed. The words mean almost the same I guess. Socially and politically we can associate it with media, speech and human rights. Great piece there from a Malaysian. Malaysia Boleh ! (and I really mean it).


Cute kitty ..... Kitty got scared when the hands that is holding it intend to press. Don't PRESS it with tough and powerful hands ! Scared Kitty will die !

(Picture from Jeff Ooi) This is a used Primary or Secondary School Education exercise book back in the 90s. Hope that Education Minister Hishamuddin Hussein still reads, understands and ensure the Rukunegara statements stay.

Rukunegara Malaysia
Kepercayaan Kepada Tuhan
Kesetiaan Kepada Raja dan Negara
Keluhuran Perlembagaan
Kedaulatan Undang-undang
Kesopanan dan Kesusilaan

I love the 3rd and 5th verse. 3rd verse means "Respect the Constitution". Our Constitution promises freedom. 5th verse means "Polite and Well-Mannered". When Tunku Abdul Rahman and other racial representatives "created" Malaysia, they intended that its citizens be civilised. Of course it is almost impossible to polite all the time but at least we try to be well-mannered when the situation allows. Am I wrong to say that?


? !

Hey Kitty, kitty .... ! Hope that everyone have a nice and chilling weekend with the cool rain. Perfect weather !

Shall listen to Bjork's Vespertine album before I get some lovely snooze. Chilling and Ethereal.

Weeping for a Merdeka State or Islamic State?

Oh dear! This is what I found in Malaysiakini regarding the Malaysian Government response towards the media after the sudden infamous statement ‘This is an Islamic state : Najib’ :

‘Malaysia is an Islamic state and not a secular one’
‘Islam is the official religion and we are an Islamic state’
‘We have never been secular…’

Jeff Ooi and Haris Ibrahim (of The People's Parliament) have given proof (with black and white) to prove Najib's statements as unfounded and false. MCA said "We are a secular nation", Non-governmental Groups is standing on the same ground . Malaysia Is Not What Najib Claimed to be.


With that, Ministry bans Islamic state debate in media (from Malaysiakini)
The Internal Security Ministry has confirmed that they have given a directive to all mainstream media not to publish any news on the issue of Malaysia being an Islamic state.
-> Sensitive, can cause tension
-> No negative reactions


This directive says so much about the freedom of speech in Malaysia.
___________________________________________

There are 8 questions I would like to pose to the Internal Security Ministry:

1) If discussions by the media would be considered "sensitive, can cause tension", why did Najib issue such "sensitive, can cause tension" remark in the first place?

2) Why was Najib allowed to spout such remarks but the media are not given the same permission?

3) What is Najib trying to do? Is he trying to uphold the Constitution as created by his father Tun Abdul Razak, Tunku Abdul Rahman with the support of Tun Hussein Onn or go against it? Tunku, the Father of Independence had said in 1983 that Malaysia has always been a secular state with Islam as the official religion.

4) Information Minister, Zainuddin Maidin has periodically reminded media practitioners to respect the Malaysian social contract. Why is Zainuddin mum over this social contract issue?

Link: http://bernama.com/bernama/v3/news.php?id=263361

This is the remark passed by Zainuddin Maidin as reported by Bernama:
"Lately, I found that most of the (political) bloggers have the tendency to question the basis of the social contract which had been agreed upon by our forefathers," he said."

Why didn't Zainuddin Maidin remind Najib to "respect the status quo of the social contract which became the pillar of this nation."

5) If Najib thinks his claim is true, why did he not produce any supporting documents or thorough analysis on the issue when challenged?

6) Is Malaysia a merdeka state / freedom state? Does merdeka / freedom include freedom to speak and freedom to discuss and a free media? If not, what constitutes of merdeka?

7) Are there double standards on who should be banned, reminded or allowed to speak?

8) Does Najib have any hidden intention by bringing up an issue which has been solved aeons ago?

Tranungkite has the Malay version of the news. Even, the Muslims are ready for this dialogue.

Bobjots posted an interesting story Opposition representative Lim Guan Eng shared at a forum. :

The Thai media, Indonesian media and Malaysian media decided to ask God how to bring about media freedom.

After meeting God, the Thai media came out in tears lamenting how difficult it was to do so. The Indonesian media met God and came out in tears as well.

When the Malaysian media went for his audience with God, God saw who was coming ...

AND GOD WEPT!



Sad but true.

First it was wrongful arrest of Nathaniel Tan , and now this "strange" directive...

I can't hold back my tears. Now, I am weeping too ..... (while listening to Philip Glass's Violin Concerto - 1st Movement)

MCA Stressed: Malaysia Is Not What Najib Claimed

I happen to chance upon this BM article in Malaysiakini:

Malaysia sebuah negara sekular, kata MCA
Jul 18, 07 7:40pm
MCA menegaskan bahawa semua dokumen sejarah berhubung pembentukan perlembagaan persekutuan dan penubuhan sebuah negara yang merdeka menunjukkan bahawa Malaysia adalah sebuah negara sekular.....

Translation:
MCA stressed that all historic documents regarding the formation of the Malaysian Constitution and the creation of this independent country has proved that Malaysia is a secular state.

There was an issue with this a few years back with some leaders who spoke like Najib. All of a sudden, he claimed Malaysia is an Islamic State in public. His intention of such unexpected utterance is unclear. Malaysian readers can pass their own judgment on our current Deputy Prime Minister. After all, politics in Malaysia mainly runs on the concept of race and religion.

MCA was responding to these statements in a Malaysiakini report entitled ‘This is an Islamic state : Najib’ :
‘Malaysia is an Islamic state and not a secular one’
‘Islam is the official religion and we are an Islamic state’
‘We have never been secular…’

Jeff Ooi and Haris Ibrahim produced important points and old newspaper cuttings with statements from Malaysia previous statesmen, Tunku Abdul Rahman (who created the Constitution with other members of the independence committee) and Tun Hussein Onn.

The ex-Prime Ministers statements prove that Malaysia is an Islamic country (with Islam as an official religion) but not an Islamic State. In fact, Tunku was so concerned that he made a direct plead to the government to refrain from making Malaysia an Islamic state !

This is his exact statements:
‘The country has a multi-racial population with various beliefs. Malaysia must continue as a secular State with Islam as the official religion’.

Tunku was seconded by Tun Hussein Onn. It is definitely ironic that Najib's father, the late Tun Abdul Razak, who is also an ex-Prime Minister, participated in the 1956 delegation to London for independence of Malaysia. The British colonialists only allowed Malaysia to be free after the Constitution has been agreed by representatives from all races and both countries.

The message by Tunku was very clear. The words used are free from any ambiguity.

An important point that should be highlighted; Finally, MCA has taken the initiative to speak up. Somehow or rather, this action can be considered good. As the proverb goes, "It is better late than never". Currently, the general perception on MCA is not very positive. In the past, MCA had tolerated brandishing of keris with calls of "bathing in blood" in UMNO meetings even though the chinese community was obviously upset. It was a blunder to the credibility of MCA as a representative of Malaysian Chinese.

MCA should opt for persistency in speaking up against injustice and correcting wrong statements from BN component parties if there is an intention for the association to garner support from the grassroots.

I am comfortable with Malaysia being an Islamic country with certain Islamic family laws with the nature of a secular state. After all, Islam is a good religion if practitioners choose to practise the peaceful verses of Qur'an.

Islamic state equals to countries like Iran or Saudi Arabia. For the very least, that is what people all over the world and the mentioned countries thought of as Islamic states. In my opinion, Saudi Arabia looks more like a Medieval Arab State (pre-Islam). Perhaps they should not use the name of the religion as a label for their ultra-suppressive governance. Saudi Arabia does not allow any religion other than Islam to be practised.

Saudi Arabians come from the Wahhabi sect of Islam. Iranians are Shiah / Syiah Muslims (or Shiites).

Malaysian Muslims practise the Sunni version of Islam.

One of the "Prinsip Rukunegara" in Malaysia is "Keluhuran Perlembagaan". Translated, it means "Uphold and respect the Constitution". The same line can be seen at the back of a Sekolah Kebangsaan exercise book. Both primary and secondary school students are being taught to recite this at least once a week in general assemblies.


(Picture taken from Jeff Ooi )

Perhaps, Malaysians of various race and religion should just do that and everyone can live in peace and prosperity.

Nat Tan Released: Do Not Forget This Wrongful Arrest!

Malaysiakini reported this:
"Nathaniel Tan was released on police bail today after his four day remand order expired. He was investigated for allegedly breaching the Official Secrets Act."

Link: http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/70008

Similar entry can be seen in The Star newspaper today, page N27. There is a small article at the bottom left corner on Nat's release. Page 27? This is particularly strange. When Nat was arrested, The Star published his picture and news on the 2nd page.

It is relatively a good news that finally the police and government had come to their senses and do the "almost right" thing.

Almost right but not absolutely right. Why? You may ask. That is because the arrest of Nathaniel Tan was wrong in the first place ! Other than that, the release should be unconditional (without police bail)

I have covered the events and campaigned for his release. Here are my entries:

1) Nat Tan Arrested: My SMS-es to Police
2) Nat Tan, Handcuff and 50th Merdeka Logo
3) Nat Tan 2nd Candlelight Vigil Chronicles

Say No to "Arrest First, Investigate Later" and "Raid First, Talk Later"

Although Nat Tan has been released, the nation should not forget this incident. Malaysians (especially bloggers) have to let the authority know that the society does not tolerate such unreasonable action. Below are the keypoints that we should solve as a learning curve towards developing Malaysia as a nation with freedom of speech and democracy.

Negative outcomes (that should be solved):
1) A person can go "missing"/disappear for 6 hours in the free land of Malaysia.
2) A person can be selectively arrested for a link and comments by another commentator.
3) Parents and lawyers of a person under remand were not properly informed the exact time he/she will be brought to court.
4) The usage of OSA and Cyber Crimes is ambiguous for arresting bloggers for such matters.

Positive outcomes:
1) People of multi-racial and multi-religious background can put aside their differences, come together and support the freedom of speech.
2) Certain bloggers, parties and organisations are willing to campaign for other bloggers who are wrongfully arrested.

There is a Nat Tan Forum: No to a Police State in Blogosphere with The First Malaysian Blogger to be Arrested himself as a speaker.

Say No to Intimidation !

Nat Tan Forum: No to a Police State in Blogosphere

Forum In Solidarity with Nat Tan

Extracted from:
Tony Pua's Blog

Nathaniel Tan, a 26 year old dedicated blogger, a Harvard University alumnus and an aide to Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has been arrested under the Section 8 of the Official Secrets Act (OSA) over allegations that he had documents linked to Deputy Internal Security Minister Datuk Johari Baharom’s alleged involvement in corruption.

To demonstrate our solidarity with Nathaniel who has been dealt with great injustice, to show our steadfast refusal to let the Government curb the democratisation impact of blogs and the Internet, and to voice our displeasure at the OSA, we are organising a forum with invited speakers from across the civil society with details as follows:

Venue: KL & Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall
Date: 19th July 2007 (Thursday)
Time: 7.30 pm
Admission is Free; Bring Friends

The panel of Distinguished Speakers include:

Nathaniel Tan, Blogger & Aide to PKR Advisor*
Jeff Ooi, Protem Vice-President, All Blogs Malaysia
Haris Ibrahim, Lawyer & Founder of The People's Parliament
Nurul Izzah Anwar, Special Assistant to PKR Advisor
Lim Guan Eng, Secretary-General of DAP
Tony Pua, Economic Advisor to DAP Secretary-General
Chairperson: Soon Li Tsin, Journalist & Blogger

* We will be inviting Nathaniel to speak to us and relay his experiences at the Forum should he be released from remand on Tuesday, 17th July or before. We'll also be trying to leave as much time to the floor as possible, so as to enable greater interaction at the forum.

And for those who would like to find out a little more about the young man who wants to do so much for his country, check out the write up at Jeff's blog.

A quick note on the OSA:

The OSA in its current form allows for a government to administer this country covertly and in defiance of the accountability and transparency that is crucial to democratic process. As human rights lawyer, Malik Imtiaz says, "this impacts on all our lives in more ways that we can begin to understand as the government is given a means to thwart legitimate public interest by the forced suppression of material and relevant information."

See you there!! ;)

Nat Tan 2nd Candlelight Vigil Chronicles

Malaysiakini informed of a 2nd Candlelight Vigil at IPD Dang Wangi on 8.30 p.m. 17 July 2007. I missed the 1st. People came even though it rained in the beginning.

Politicians

For those not in the know, Nat's 4-days remand ended yesterday. Today would be the day, which the police have to decide a request for a remand extension from the court or release Nat. Perhaps that explains the numbers of prominent socio-political groups and people present.

As Nat is a PKR staff, Tian Chua started the ball rolling by giving his speech. Expectedly, PKR condemned the arrest and on the use of OSA in ambiguity to arrest a blogger. OSA has become a tool for certain parties to stamp free discussion.

Tian Chua's speech was interrupted when a car parked by the side of the road with Anwar Ibrahim coming out from it.

Anwar Ibrahim, who currently acts as the chief of PKR and the President of Foundation for the Future came and made a speech. He said such an arrest is downright unreasonable. It merely serves as a form of intimidation to bright young men concerned about the well-being of Malaysia from speaking up in the blogsphere. Certain Foundation for the Future documents were not spared from being confiscated for investigation. He further called on the government to put their concentration on more pressing issues such as graft claims on IGP Musa Hassan and corruption cases instead.

Foundation for the Future link: http://www.futurefoundation.org/

The Chiefs of Wanita and Angkatan Muda Keadilan echoed similar statements in their speech.

DAP rep, Ronnie Liu equaled the action of the police as "Arrest First, Investigate Later". The party represented by Lim Guan Eng would table for the unconditional release of Nat in the parliament (11.30 a.m., 17th July 2007, Tuesday). DAP stands against this wrongful arrest method.

NGOs and Common Folks

A representative from SUARAM mentioned that several international organisations have been informed on this matter. These organisations and several of Nat's friends in Oxford have started campaigns. Furthermore, should the court extend the remand, SUARAM will lodge a report to SUHAKAM on the violation of human rights.

Nat was "missing" for 6 hours. Initially, he was invited by the police for "some talk about internet". His parents and lawyers were not properly informed by officials when he was brought to court.

For more information refer to http://www.suaram.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=518&Itemid=29

Syed Shahir of MTUC gave a speech in support of Nat's release. From a journalistic perspective, Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) representative found it ridiculous to arrest a blogger for a comment from another visitor.

MTUC link on an unrelated issue: http://www.mtuc.org.my/psforeignworker8feb05.htm
Syed Shahir's blog: http://syedshahir.blogsome.com/
CIJ link: http://www.cijmalaysia.org/display_story.asp?ID=520

Nat's parents was there. His father thanked those who came. They met Nat in Bukit Aman and Nat is still doing well. DAP Tony Pua told the public that a forum will be held on this matter. Nik Azmi, a colleague of Nat's highlighted the multi-racial crowd that came in support of Nat's release. This is a positive development considering the fact that Malaysians are able to put aside their differences and share the common goal of striving for fairness and freedom of speech. Nik noted that the Malaysian government should be thankful to Nat for coming back to this beloved country. With such qualifications (Nat is Harvard graduate), Nat could have seek for greener pastures overseas.

Songs in solidarity

In solidarity, participants led by Suaram rep and a man by the name of Aloysius sang a few songs for Nat. Petitions were signed. The vigil ended at about 10.00 p.m. with participants leaving the place peacefully.

Jeff Ooi has another scope of the story:
http://www.jeffooi.com/2007/07/nat_whom_thepowerthatbe_didnt.php

Ambiguous Basis of Arrest

To date, there is yet to be a statement from the police that Nat possesed an OSA document despite arresting him for a link posted on his blog. The link, which leads to an anonymous website that implicates Datuk Johari Baharum as a corrupted minister, was used as a basis for OSA probe.

However, Nat had exclusively removed the statements of this commentator in his website. The police had listed under this a cyber crime. However, it is ambiguous as to what extent a link should be considered as a cyber crime. For example, should we label a website such as google as a violator of cyber crimes?

Take a look at the links of the search results:
http://www.google.com.my/search?hl=en&q=freewebs+dato+johari&meta=

All the links point to the website that contains the negative implications on Dato' Johari. If that is a cyber crime perhaps the police should arrest google or any other websites such as http://www.hotbot.com/ , http://www.altavista.com/ and http://www.yahoo.com/ which will more or less display the same links. Furthermore there are layers and layers of websites within the aforementioned websites that contain directions to the so-called Dato' Johari "corrupted minister" sites.

If it is justifiable to arrest Nat, why didn't the police arrest the owners of these layers and layers of websites for OSA probe? Why is there a double standard? Would I be considered a cyber criminal suspect by making a link to the website search results as the above? Again, such a question is not addressed properly in the cyber crimes law.

If the answer to my question is yes, it would certainly be laughable by internet standards. The government might as well ban the internet and take one step back in development. Internet is an exponential network. It is impossible to drill down the near infinite layers of websites in the internet.

It is unclear on why the police would arrest Nat instead of the creator of the website implicating on Dato' Johari. It is certainly strange.

Pictures

Nat Tan, Handcuff and 50th Merdeka Logo

(Picture taken from Mob's Crib )

Nat's being remanded for 4 days. Under the OSA over allegation of possession of documents pertaining to Johari Baharum's alleged involvement in corruption. Jeff has the story. It seems that a bunch of bloggers in Malaysiakini has started campaigning for his release.

The original post from Malaysiakini

I am so confused now. I mean, why is he detained? The Star has two different set of stories over this incident on the same day. Will people from The Star be arrested the same way as Nat? Let's hope not. We know who owns The Star

Story 1 from The Star: Anwar’s aide held over doctored DPM pictures
Story 2 from The Star: Nathaniel Tan remanded for four days under OSA

Excerpt from Story 2:
Tan, who is also secretary of Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's Foundation for Future, is believed to been remanded under the Section 8 of the OSA over allegations that he had documents linked to Deputy Internal Security Minister Datuk Johari Baharom's alleged involvement in corruption.

See, both are different stories on the same case. Which one is the truth?

Sensintrovert has a detailed version on certain fishy happenings. It certainly is weird to know that a person in Malaysia can suddenly disappear for 6 hours. Do citizens still feel safe?

Lim Kit Siang, the opposition leader said "Abdullah should intervene to “Free Nat Now” so that 50th Merdeka anniversary will not start off infamously"

This is an excerpt from Mr. Lim's post which I fully support:
Free Nat Now. Abdullah should be aware that the whole world is watching Malaysia. If the Prime Minister does not want the 50th Merdeka Anniversary celebrations to start off infamously, he should act and restrain police abuses by freeing Tan immediately.

Global Voices Online has an entry on THE FIRST BLOGGER IN MALAYSIA TO GET ARRESTED.



Handcuff

50th Merdeka Logo

31st August is coming soon. Look at how far we have come since 1957. I mean, really. Look at us. Are we truly free / "merdeka" yet?

Nat Tan Arrested: My SMS-es to Police

I was reading several blogs listed in Malaysiakini . It seems that Nathaniel Tan of jelas.info was arrested on Friday the 13th (July 2007) by policemen who wanted to speak with him concerning the "internet".

For full account, you can read Elizabeth Wong's Nat: What *YOU* can do to help and Tian Chua's Missing game.

Jeff Ooi has an article on this arrest too. I would say I am quite displeased with the way Nat was arrested and handled.

Accordingly, it was said by Elizabeth Wong:
"On Saturday, the police will either free him by 4.30 pm or, a magistrate will be brought in / or he will be brought to a magistrate where Nat could be remanded up to 10 days."

This is the updated account of what happened from time to time by Thetrialsofcheryl.

Elizabeth Wong called for support. I have sent SMS-es to DCP Victor (Investigating Officer) and ACP Tn Kamaruddin (Cyber Crimes Unit). I may follow up with a mail to IGP Tan Sri Musa Hassan soon.

This is what I wrote in my message:
"Ingin bertanya bilakah polis akan membebaskan nathaniel tan pada sabtu ini yang blogger kata 'hilang' 6 jam kemudian dilokap tanpa 'charges' di ipd dang wangi. Adakah ini memenuhi hak asasi manusia dan undang-undang? Kalau tidak, sila bebaskan dia secepat mungkin."

Translation:
"May I inquire when will the police release nathaniel tan this saturday; the person that bloggers purportedly said was last for 6 hours and currently locked-up without any charges in ipd dang wangi. Does this action fulfil the basic human rights and law? If it does not, please release him as soon as possible."

Some may ask why I am doing this? Am I a member of the opposition Keadilan?
The answer is "No".

As a blogger myself, I believe everyone deserves to have the freedom to speak. As a Malaysian, we have human rights and law. If there is any form of potential injustice to any fellow Malaysian, we have to be alert and speak up.

Quoting a poem quoted by KTemoc Konsiders

When the Nazis came for the communists,
I remained silent;
I was not a communist.

When they locked up the social democrats,
I remained silent;
I was not a social democrat.

When they came for the trade unionists,
I did not speak out;
I was not a trade unionist.

When they came for me,
there was no one left to speak out.

First they came … is a poem attributed to Pastor Martin Niemöller (1892–1984) about the inactivity of German intellectuals following the Nazi rise to power and the purging of their chosen targets, group after group. (From Wiki).

P.S. I am impatiently waiting for more information on this issue

Officers Fumed with Steam Over "Unclean" Girl

Still recovering from a shock from an incident reported in Malaysiakini, I chanced upon this article in The Star. Marina has an entry titled "Raid First, Talk Later". Rocky Bru's entry is "Why you shouldn't go sleeveless in an entertainment outlet". Sean-the-man posted an entry, comparing the entertainment outlet singer with various Malaysian artistes.

My comments in Purple.

Singer held over dressing


IPOH: The Perak Religious Department (JAIP) has ordered a singer to appear before the Syariah Court for “exposing her body” during a performance and “encouraging immoral activities”.

Goodness, that is overdressing? I mean, seriously. I think that is a decent dress which is not too showy of "anything". What were these people thinking anyway? Do people simply get over-erected, ermmm.. over-excited just by looking at a woman's shoulder and just a tiny patch of flesh at the back? This is scary. Besides, the word "exposing her body" is so subjective. I mean the face and hands are part of the body, right? Skin is part of the body, right? Are they expecting the women in Malaysia to "cover up" like Afghan women under Taliban?

Wow, that doesn't look human to me. It looks like "how a person dresses after a nuclear holocaust". You know, that type of suit that can avoid nuclear radiation. Now, let Lil'Kim show you what is "exposing your body". Let Lil'Kim show you how you can even do it with a burqa. Way to go Lil'Kim !



However, an indignant Siti Noor Idayu Abd Moin, 22, said she was wearing a sleeveless top and long pants when JAIP officers raided an entertainment outlet in Sunway City where she was performing on Tuesday.

Entertainer: Siti Noor Idayu was dressed in a white, sleeveless, top and long black pants when the officers from the religious department raided the entertainment outlet in Ipoh and detained her on Tuesday.

Bear in mind that in these two paragraphs the writer mentioned Siti's dress twice. Why? Perhaps the writer could not believe what is happening either.

“Our band had just finished and it was a little past midnight when they came in and rounded up all the Muslims.

“They asked to see our MyKad but one officer refused to touch the cards, referring to them as najis (unclean),” she said.

It is immoral to say someone is unclean before one is sure whether she has committed any offense. Furthermore, using such words towards another is downright rude.

Siti Noor Idayu said the JAIP officers later detained seven people, including four employees of the outlet, and brought them to the department office.

“They put us in a tiny room and turned up the air-conditioner. I heard one officer tell the other: Bekulah dia orang (Let them freeze),” she said.

It is immoral to torture a person you have caught.

Siti Noor Idayu also said the male officers kept taking photographs of her, adding that she was made to stay overnight in that room until 10am.

It is immoral to frantically take pictures of a female without her consent (violation of human rights) or detain a person overnight when she has not been proven guilty of anything.

She said the officer who finally came to record her statement at 8am, accused her of consuming alcohol and drugs, being involved in immoral activities, and that her MyKad was a fake.

“I took the breathalyser test twice and when the reading remained at zero, the officers looked frustrated.

“I heard one tell the other: Tapi dia tak minum lah (But she did not drink),” she said.

It is immoral and unlawful to accuse someone of something she didn't do. One is innocent until proven guilty, not the other way round. Furthermore, the JAIP officers did not state what are the "immoral activities" committed. For all we know, the harsh treatment by this bunch of JAIP officers are immoral and possibly unlawful.

Siti Noor Idayu said an officer even told her that the money she earned working in the outlet was duit haram (illicit money) and that her parents, children and future generations would all be tainted for using such money.

Why? I mean, she is not a stripper. She is not a drug dealer/pusher. Furthermore, the government of State and Country gets the expensive taxes paid by these so called "illicit" entertainment outlets.

There was a pay raise for government officers this year. So, where does government officers like JAIP get their money from? From taxes paid by the private sector. Ironic, really ironic.

Entertainment outlets are part of the private sector. Did someone mention about "generations tainted by illicit money"? "Tainted" people cannot become religious moral officers. Did I say anything wrong with that?

“They finally wrote me a notice accusing me of dressing sexily and encouraging immorality just because I sang there,” she said.

The notice ordered her to appear before the Syariah Court here on Aug 6.

When contacted, JAIP director Datuk Jamry Sury said he was confident that his officers had not acted outside of their jurisdiction in issuing the notice.

“According to Islamic laws, a Muslim woman is not allowed to serve or entertain a man who is not her husband in a place where immoral activities usually take place,” he said.

Ohh really?! That is Islamic law? Are you sure about this, Jamry? Perhaps, JAIP director can launch a so-called "moral" task force. Is Siti Nurhaliza, the most popular singer in Malaysia liable? Don't forget to take Ella, Ning Baizura, Aishah, Ziana Zain, Sheila Majid and Noraniza Idris into consideration. I mean, they do perform in the presence of men who are not their husbands.

Furthermore, what constitutes a "place where immoral activities usually take place"? I have heard some unmarried people like to make out in the toilet, public gardens and even lecture rooms. This is such a subjective matter. If that's the case, JAIP might as well say "women cannot perform" and tie it with Islam.

Is that really Islam? From what I recall, Prophet Muhammad intended to save women from suppression, not the other way round.

Is public speaking or being a stand up comedienne a form of entertainment? Then, the women cannot be allowed to speak. Oh my, I do not know what to say.

Perhaps, JAIP and certain MPs in the Parliament can stop being sexist and treat the women with more respect. They have to understand that they come to this world from a women's womb. Without the female sexual organ, they will not be able to be created.

Nuff said...

Citizen Think Tank: Poor Cyberjaya Bus Service

I have posted my latest voicing on Citizen Think Tank - Citizen Voice. Will be submitting this as a letter to the editor@malaysiakini.com for publishing.
_____________________________

Poor Cyberjaya Bus Service
Link: http://www.citizenthinktank.com/citizenvoice/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=22&Itemid=1

Description:
Cyberjaya RapidKL bus which is supposed to transport public transport users from the intellegent city to Putrajaya Sentral Bus Station is besieged with problems. Previously in previous months, the number 429 bus will appear at 5.10 p.m. during offices off-time. The second bus will appear around 5.35 p.m. This is a violation of the 15 to 20 minutes interval bus feeding promised by RapidKL. The regularity can be seen on banners of RapidKL buses. Starting from July it seems the waiting interval has become worse.

Two intervals of bus has been merged into 1. The 5.10 p.m. and 5.35 bus will not appear until 5.45 p.m. On 4th and 5th July 2007, I took a bus which is so full with people that literally users are sticking onto the front glass of the bus! That is what you get for squeezing people of two buses into one.

This is also a cause of concern where it is a risk to the dangers of the bus users. Another violation is the bus has taken more than its limit should. Basically, the bus drivers are having problem looking at its side and front mirrors which may result in a traffic jam.

The bus initially did not want to stop to take people from the bus stop I am in. I used a Sony Cyber-shot to take a picture and subsequently realising that, the bus driver stopped to pick us up. Sad to say, people in at least three subsequent stations was skipped. I wonder whether they have to wait for another 1/2 an hour in addition to the previous 1/2 hour violation waiting time previously. An 1 hour waiting time is a blunder in such a highly reputed city with no traffic jams. In June, Someone said they wanted Malaysia's public transport to be as good as Singapore and Hong Kong.

Have they been overseas, I wonder? Hong Kong and Singapore have a much complex system but able to handle it well. If Cyberjaya city governance can't handle a simple transport system in Cyberjaya, how will the public have confidence in the Malaysia government handling the country's successfully?

Proposed Solution:
Submit a petition from Citizen Think Tank - Citizen Voice to the governance of Cyberjaya and RapidKL. The petition should contain:
1) Problem faced by users of the transport system.
2) Seek for explanation from RapidKL on their non-compliance.
3) Seek for a solution from the governance of Cyberjaya on this issue. How are they supposed to communicate with RapidKL?
4) Request for an exact date of resolution.

I can be e-mailed at lemmonate@gmail.com or be located at my blog. Reviews, Solutions and Ideas are welcome in Citizen Voice.

Regards....

5Bs, 5Cs, 5Ks: Malaysian / Singaporean Old Maids and Convenient Women Population is Rising !

This is what I received in my mail-box today.
________________________________________________

Just for laugh ...
Well, here is something to link the 5C's to the newer 5B's!

I don't need a CAR, but I want a BMW
I don't need a CONDO , but I want a BUNGALOW
I don't need you to have CASH but I want you to own a BANK
I don't need you to have a CAREER but I want you to be a BOSS

It's interesting for you to read!

Most of you would have heard of the Singapore 5C's ! :
Car, Condo, Credit Card (Gold), Cash and Career

Heard of the 5B's ?
B - BMW
B - Body
B - Brain
B - Billionaire
B - Bungalow

And addition with the 5K's.

Kiasu (scared of losing)
Kiasee (scared of dying)
Kiabor (scared of wife)
Kiaboh (scared of having nothing)
Kiachenghu (scared of government)

We've been reading about the 5C's and 5K's for Singaporeans, now comes the 5 numerals and Malaysia's equivalent.

Singaporeans' "practice" for Simple Living:
1 - One Wife
2 - Two Children
3 - Three Bedroom Condo
4 - Four Wheels
5 - Five Figure Salary
________________________________________________

Malaysian Malays' "practice" for Simple Living:
5 - Five Children
4 - Four Wives
3 - Three Figure Salary
2 - Two Wheels
1 - One-Storey Link House
________________________________________________

These days Malaysians and Singaporeans are overtly materialistic. That is to the point of being unreasonable. For example, how often do we meet someone that has the 5Bs at the same time (BMW, Body, Brain, Billionaire, Bungalow)? There are only 691 Billionaires on Earth but Singaporeans and Malaysians female population number in millions.

As for 5Cs, it is achievable but bear in mind that such people normally do not have "time". All the time will be spent on his Career, making "Cash" to pay for his Credit Card (Gold) that fund his Car and Condo. Hehehe.... Perhaps, those people forgot to include the "Time" factor in the relationship. Unless of course those people can accept being lonely with all the material they have. To date, I have known no woman that can tolerate that. On second thoughts, if you have the "Cash" of your husband, you can keep a "mister" (the opposite of "mistress" if you catch the drift).

Not to mention, beggars can't be choosers. If you think you are beautiful, that does not mean you are. Those with 5Cs and 5Ks can "choose" who want to be with and "change their taste" whenever they want to.

One thing for sure. There are plenty of 5Ks people around. Such a disgrace. The ugly side of Malaysia and Singapore. To me, 5Ks people = Cowards. Due to such unreasonable circumstances, both countries will be a haven for "breeding" "old maids" or "convenient women". That is why the chinese population is not growing exponentially over here. Not to mention, migration to other countries play a part.

I am not sure about the cliche on Malaysian Malays. Perhaps some of them would prefer that kind of living. I mean look at the UMNO MPs, they don't look "simple" to me. The Zakaria Mat Deros case is an eye-opener. Maybe that is "simple living" to him, not sure about that. Malaysiakini made a report on his illegal multi-million mansion previously. Wonder how does the Member of Parliament is able to make that much of money. Selling satay?

Regards..

Sagaladoola Officially Joined Citizen Think Tank

I have officially met with Sean Ang and Dzul Bahrin (trustees and moderators) last Saturday (30th June 2007), the moderators of the new Citizen Think Tank organisation. Editor Anita Morah Abas was there as well. We are currently preparing for a press release.

Soon, I will be quite active in this area of the web. As an editor, I will be writing and sending a lot of posts. It is a voluntary job, which I am willing to partake in service of the community.

Before I further go on, perhaps there should be an understanding on the concepts of this organisation.
____________________________________________

The Modus Operandi of Citizen Think Tank
Written by Administrator
Sunday, 29 April 2007

How does CTT Work?
The Citizen Think Tank consists of 2 major citizen-centric systems, the Politician Watchdog System and the Citizen Voice System. Both system compliment each other as at the end of the day, the outcomes of the Citizen Voice will be used as part of the basis for our politician rating.

The Politician Watchdog
In the Review section, you will be able to rate a particular Politician by registering as Member in the Politician Watchdog registration form. There are 2 groups of Reviewers - Users and Editors. The Users refer to anyone who signed up as an Online Member. The Editors refers to the drivers of the Citizen Think Tank and the Meet the MPs Group.

In this site, you are also able to update information about a particular MPs or ADUNs. If you wish to update a certain profile of a politician, you need to be upgraded to an Editor first. The Editors are drivers of the Citizen Think Tank who will play an active role to conduct research on all MPs in Malaysia, and provide rating based on a more rigour standards compared with the rating provided by normal online members.

The Citizen Voice
In this site, you will be able to raise an issue which affect you or your community members. In order to post an issue you need to signed up as a Member in the Citizen Voice registration form. You are also able to conduct a Poll to obtain public opinion on certain ideas that is lingering in your mind.

Once you have submitted an issue, the public will then be able to rate the issue and the suggestion to address the issue. If there is overwhelming support for an issue and the suggestion, then our Lobbyists will then fax your issue to the respective Politician. The Lobbyist assigned to the popular issue will also organize a lobby group to ensure that the issue are taken up by the respective politician.

The Citizen Think Tank plays the role as a facilitator to enhance democratic practices in Malaysia. The success of Citizen Think Tank depends on your enthusiasm to make a difference to our society. In the emerging knowledge society, it is a moral obligation of every citizen in particular those who are knowledgeable to bring about positive change in the running of the country.
____________________________________________

Bear in mind that this is an independent website. It is neither pro nor anti-government. It is an attempt to present the contributions and blunders of MPs in a more organised form. Only with such information, citizens will be able to judge and vote for better quality MPs. These days, many Malaysians seem to be displeased with the performance of a substantial number of their MPs in the Parliament. Citizen Think Tank may spell a wake up call to them.

Both sides of the camp, the ruling party and opposition had voiced support for Citizen Think Tank. The Sassy MP, Teresa Kok (DAP-MP of Seputeh) and Ng Lip Yong (BN) had made it public in a news that was carried in a NST 10 June 2007 article.

As for MP profiling, Citizen Think Tank format may reflect a similar Malaysiakini article Teresa Kok: A woman but an effective legislator by Su Hui Hsing

So, keep on reading...

I will try to write more articles in Bahasa Malaysia.

Link: http://www.citizenthinktank.com