MACC claimed Raja Petra Kamarudin’s accusations are baseless

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has claimed that Raja Petra Kamarudin’s accusations are baseless — that the agency was not prosecuting prominent personalities.

Raja Petra’s Malaysia Today website has started to put out documents to support the allegations, details of complaints and evidence submitted which the MACC apparently had not followed up with prosecutions.

“The accusations made in a blog that said SPRM did not investigate and did not prosecute the suspects based on the investigation reports of three cases is absolutely baseless,” replied the MACC on its official blog, www.ourdifferentview.com today, while not naming Raja Petra directly.

On his Malaysia Today website, Raja Petra has published what he claims are copies of investigation reports against former Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) chief Datuk Seri Zulkifly Mat Noor, National Civics Bureau (BTN) director-general Datuk Shagul Hamid Abdullah, former Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Khir Toyo, as well as a preliminary investigation report based on a report where Kulim assemblyman Lim Soo Nee claimed that he was offered a bribe to defect to Barisan Nasional (BN).

The anti-graft body also said that the cases against Zulkifly, Khir, and Lim were old cases, although it did not mention the case against Shagul.

“As a conclusion, all the cases cited are old cases,” said the blog post.

The anti-graft body added that news reports in 2007 had highlighted police investigations against the former ACA chief and pointed out that they could not have taken action against their own head.

“To ensure that investigations were done fairly and transparently, the police were given the responsibility to handle investigations,” said the MACC.

“Besides, the cases mentioned were not graft cases. So, don’t try to connect SPRM with this issue and slam them for purportedly not taking action to investigate and prosecute. It is not fair to hit out at SPRM and connect it to the issue of MACC’s frayed image for silencing action on this case,” it said, referring to the body’s Malay acronym.

The agency also pointed out that the report on the Kulim assemblyman did not contain enough evidence to prosecute the former Kedah mentri besar who allegedly offered Lim a RM5 million bribe to defect to the ruling coalition.

“If the investigation report is properly perused, it is merely a report that was given by the branch office to the headquarters for it to start the investigation process. In this case, the BPR (Badan Pencegah Rasuah) had already started investigations,” said the MACC, referring to the ACA’s Malay acronym.

The beleaguered anti-graft body further lashed out at PKR leaders for hampering their investigations by sparking massive media coverage which eventually affected the outcome of the case.

“The problem was the attitude of PKR’s highest leaders that were too quick to over-react until this case was blown up in the media,” said the MACC.

“It clearly affected the BPR’s investigation process. Investigations were disrupted as there was no longer an element of surprise and the perpetrators who were involved knew the future actions of the authorities. Eventually, the case that was supposed to happen did not happen. So, who should be blamed in this instance?” it asked.

The MACC stressed that they had tried to collect evidence in this case as the purported bribe had not yet occurred, but their efforts were allegedly blocked by over-reactive PKR leaders as mentioned by the former ACA chief, according to a February 2009 news report.

“In this case, the (graft) transaction had not yet happened and the process of collecting evidence was disrupted because of the over-reaction of other parties,” it said.

“Because of that, SPRM tightened laws by introducing section 29(4) of the SPRM Act 2009. It is aimed at preventing complainants from declaring their complaints in public until the investigation process is complete and the guilty party is brought to court,” said the anti-graft agency.

In the third case which involved Dr Khir, the MACC pointed out that they had no basis to prosecute him as statements from witnesses and documents favoured the accused.

“In the case of the former Selangor mentri besar, it clearly shows that both elements – which are statements and proof like documents — were on the side of the accused. So, on what basis can SPRM use to prosecute him?” asked the anti-graft body.

“SPRM has investigated and results showed that he did not commit any wrongdoing in his visit to Disneyland and Morocco,” it added.

The anti-graft body stressed that they had completed their duties in investigating Dr Khir and pointed out that an investigation process was not about pinpointing the blame on someone.

“This case clearly proves that SPRM has done its duty to investigate. The investigation process is not a process to look for someone to blame. Instead, it is a process to look for the truth,” said the anti-graft body.

“SPRM cannot accuse someone based merely on sentiment,” it added.

MACC is still struggling in a losing battle to regain public confidence.

In his campaign, Raja Petra has accused the MACC of being “a component member of the Barisan Nasional” by suggesting that the government agency did not take action against those with ties to the ruling coalition.

Raja Petra is expected to release more documents in the coming weeks.

(From: The Malaysian Insider)

Hardtalk, Halftalk or money talks?

Saga of the aborted RPK interview

According to its media note, Hardtalk "asks the difficult questions and gets behind the stories that make the news -- from international political leaders to entertainers; from corporate decision-makers to ordinary individuals facing huge challenges."

This reputation of independence and fearlessly getting the stories behind the news is now blotted.

On Aug 10, Nicholas Davis Blakemore, BBC planning editor sent an e-mail note to Raja Petra Kamarudin asking if he would be interested in appearing in Hardtalk.

Following confirmation from RPK (read the full correspondence here), the live interview was to have been conducted on Sept 1.

On Aug 29, Hardtalk producer Bridget Osborne informed RPK that the interview was cancelled. This abrupt turnabout is quite unprecedented in the programme's 13-year history. According to Osborne, the cancellation was due to legal concerns.

Since then the BBC has issued a further note in which its Global News senior press officer Peter Connors said in an e-mail reply: "It became clear in our research any comprehensive interview with former Malaysia Today editor Raja Petra would prominently feature issues that are currently the subject of a current court case in Malaysia, which raise issues of defamation."

It is unclear from Connors' e-mail which "current court case" is being referred to.

Even more cryptic is the allusion to "defamation". Who might it be that is likely to be defamed should RPK appear on air?

The BBC explanation is uncharacteristic of its traditional journalism ethos.

In the past, the programme has not been afraid of controversy arising from its choice of personalities and the discussions that arose during the course of their interviews. Surely the programme which prides itself on undertaking meticulous and in-depth research to accompany the interviews would have done its homework on the legal implications before any official invitation was extended by Blakemore to RPK.

Bear in mind that RPK is no suddenly arrived personality. The BBC had previously given press coverage to the Malaysian government's persecution of him, and several times.

Nonetheless, Connors is correct to infer that the topic -- once RPK started hard talking -- may submerge viewers in turbulent waters.

Let's just suppose the Q&A had gone ahead. If 'the news' is a court case as revealed by Connors, what might be 'the difficult questions' asked by Hardtalk to get the real story behind the sandiwara.

If it is the Altantuya murder case, then there is an added dimension. One of the accused was Abdul Razak Baginda who brokered arms deals worth billions of ringgit for the Malaysian Defence Ministry.

A political commentator, Mariam Mokhtar, writing in the Malaysian Mirror speculated on what could have caused BBC to pull the plug. Mariam is sceptical that the British broadcaster would be afraid of legal threats and suggests that the Hardtalk climbdown might be due to something "purely economic" and the pressure coming instead from the British government to protect its arms sales to Malaysia's Defence Ministry.

For now, and until a whistle-blower steps forward to provide details which can throw light on the unexpected turn of events, we can only ponder upon the reasons suggested by analysts who have been closely following this astonishing capitulation by Hardtalk.

Whist some of their views may appear to be highly speculative, it is however still inconceivable that the decision was arrived at by the Hardtalk programming staff themselves.

The possibility that higher levels of authority intervened to stop the programme should not be discounted. There is little doubt that if the interview had gone ahead, RPK would have spoken - if asked - at length on the Altantuya murder and his allegation of the Prime Minister's involvement.

To clear the air, it is important for the Malaysian and British governments to issue a statement disclaiming any interference in the matter and for the Hardtalk senior management to be more explicit on what actually went on behind the scenes.

Silence will only lead to further suspicions that a conspiracy has been concocted to stymie RPK in his uncompromising pursuit of justice and freedom for Malaysia...more

RPK strikes again !

Raja Petra Kamaruddin had posted digital copies of leaked documents on the Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ), including classified Cabinet papers, what appears to be a request from the Finance Ministry for a retrospective increase in cost for the PKFZ project from about RM1 billion to nearly RM5 billion.

The Attorney-General Tan Sri Gani Patail was quoted as saying that if the document was genuine, action could be taken against the editor of the website under the Official Secrets Act.

The 18-page document bearing the reference number KK/BPKA/D5(Y)/540/1/1 was published on the website yesterday with Raja Petra alleging that the government knew about the skyrocketing cost to develop the project but condoned it.

The document, dated June 22,2007, is purportedly a Treasury memorandum to the cabinet signed by the then finance minister Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop.

In it, the cabinet is asked to retrospectively approve an increase in the cost of the PKFZ project from RM1.088 billion to RM4.6 billion.

The document also said the government approved the purchase of the land via a "Letter of Support" from the transport minister with an assurance that government bonds would be used to finance the project.

Gani said he would talk to the relevant authorities on investigating the matter.

"If the document is a fake, then it is nothing more than an attempt to create unrest in the country. However, if it is genuine, then investigations under the OSA must be carried out."

Gani said possession and release of classified government documents were serious offences.

The PKFZ issue was still under investigation by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission and the police, among others, "and the government is not hiding anything".

The shocking revelation has forced Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak into damage control mode. He has ordered the police to immediately investigate the security lapse.

"Anyone who exposes cabinet papers will be subjected to police investigations and action under the Official Secrets Act will depend on the investigations," Najib told reporters late on Friday.

Meanwhile, Deputy Inspector-General of Police Ismail Omar confirmed a probe has begun.

“We are investigating to find out who is responsible for exposing information on the cabinet paper,” he said.

PKFZ is an integrated 1,000 acre commercial and industrial zone located adjacent to the national gateway and transhipment hub in Port Klang.

It is the government’s largest port investment ever. However due to massive cost overruns that independent auditors have blamed on weak governance and questionable practice, the original development budget has ballooned multiple folds and and could hit RM12.5 billion if funding undertaken for the project is not revamped soon.

Said Kit Siang: “The time has come for the Prime Minister Najib to honour his pledge of public accountability, transparency, integrity and good governance which must include a commitment to freedom of information and respecting the right of Malaysians to information about the entire process as to how Malaysia could be landed with a RM12.5 billion PKFZ scandal through three prime ministers, three transport ministers and four Port Klang Authority chairmen.”

Raja Petra Kamaruddin goes into "self-exile". ?

Raja Petra Kamaruddin has failed to appear in court for his trial on sedition charges.

A prominent government critic, he has published numerous claims of alleged wrongdoing by senior ministers.

He was detained for two months last year under a law which allows someone to be jailed without trial if thought a threat to national security.

When he failed to appear in court on Thursday morning, a new arrest warrant was issued against him. His wife, Marina Lee, who paid his bail, was also absent from court .

PETALING JAYA, April 23 (Bernama) -- A warrant of arrest was issued against blogger Raja Petra Raja Kamarudin by the Sessions Court here after he failed to turn up for his sedition trial on Thursday.

Judge Rozina Ayob also issued a show-cause notice to Raja Petra's wife, Mable @ Marina Lee, who is his bailor. She was also not present in court.

Raja Petra's counsel, J. Chandra, told the court that he could not contact his client and was not informed on why the blogger failed to show up today.

However, he said, Raja Petra had posted his reason in his blog this morning, stating that he was in self-exile from Selangor as he had an issue with the Sultan of Selangor.

When asked by Rozina how he knew about the content of the posting, Chandra said he was informed by members of public this morning.

Raja Petra, 59, is charged with publishing a seditious article entitled "Let's Send Altantuya Murderers To Hell" on the Malaysia Today news blog on April 25.

Deputy public prosecutor Shahidani Aziz applied for the warrant of arrest as Raja Petra had failed to give valid reason for his absence from the trial, which was fixed for hearing today and tomorrow.

Rozina allowed the application and fixed May 22 for mention.

Meanwhile, Raja Petra's lead counsel, Gobind Singh Deo, told reporters that he had been unable to contact Raja Petra for several weeks and was only aware about his absence via his blog this morning.

"I'm not sure what was the actual reason for his absence and I need to read his blog for the details since I could not contact him even this morning," he said.

-- BERNAMA

Raja Petra wrote on his site that he feared he would be arrested under a law that allows indefinite detention without trial of suspects who threaten national security.

He was held for two months under the law last year after the government accused him of causing ethnic tensions.

"If I were to turn up in court today I would never be allowed to leave," Raja Petra wrote.

He claimed police had been monitoring him closely and that he had "reason to believe" the government was planning to re-arrest him under the law.


Why I am absent in court today


I wish to explain why I am not going to be present in court today, 23rd April 2009. Firstly, it involves my recent dispute with the Selangor Palace. This dispute was due to my open letter to the Perak Menteri Besar, Datuk Seri Nizar Jamaluddin, which I wrote on 2nd March 2009 in response to the ongoing Perak Constitutional Crisis. My family said I had acted in a treasonous manner and they wanted me to issue a public apology to the Sultan of Perak.

I refused to comply with my family’s demand and instead wrote two articles condemning the Perak Palace for violating the Federal Constitution of Malaysia and for ignoring the wishes of the rakyat. My opinion is no different from that of NH Chan, the former Court of Appeal judge, which you can read in the addendum below.

The Sultan of Selangor was very angry and that triggered a conflict between our two families. My family told me I had brought shame to the family name and they demanded that I attend a family meeting to discuss the matter. However, I did not attend that family meeting and this aggravated the situation.

My family then gave me an ultimatum. I was to either make that public apology or else my family would insert an advertisement in the mainstream newspapers practically distancing itself from me, which could be interpreted as disowning me. My response to that was, and in accordance with the normal action to be taken against a member of the kerabat who durhaka, I went into exile outside Selangor. As a matter of fact, I even missed two recent family funerals, as I could not, and would not, step foot in Selangor ever again.

It has to be noted that this has always been the punishment for any member of the Selangor Royal Family who is considered durhaka since the beginning of the Selangor Sultanate more than 250 years ago. My grandfather, Sultan Musa, was in fact subjected to that same punishment and it is the only punishment befitting a member of the Selangor Royal Family who has courted the displeasure of the Palace.

This means, in short, I can no longer attend the court hearing as the same is heard in Petaling Jaya, which is invariably within the state of Selangor.

The second reason is as follows:

In September 2008, I was detained under the Internal Security Act for what I was alleged to have written regarding the Altantuya murder and the alleged links to those who walk in the corridors of power. However, I am already facing trial on sedition and criminal defamation charges in this court as well as in the Kuala Lumpur court.

Now, my ISA detention in September 2008 was for the same crime as what I have been charged in this court (sedition) and in the Kuala Lumpur court (criminal defamation). This means I am being punished twice for the same crime and the law does not provide for one to be punished twice for the same crime.

No doubt, in November 2008, the Shah Alam court ruled my detention illegal and subsequently ordered my release. Nevertheless, the government is appealing this decision, giving a clear indication that it wants me back in Kamunting whereby I will face punishment without trial on top of the two trials I am being made to face -- which, as I said, are for those same crimes.

The events of late do not give me any confidence that I will get a fair trial. Even if the Petaling Jaya court acquits me, they can still appeal the decision of the court like what they are doing with the Shah Alam court’s decision to free me from ISA detention. And the manner the Federal Court conducted itself during the recent ISA appeal hearing is very troubling indeed and borders on unprofessional conduct.

Finally, my open letter to Nizar Jamaluddin has been classified as treason and the government wants to charge me for treason. The fact that no such law exists will not stop them as they can use the ‘waging war against the King’ law that they used against some of the Al Maunah members, which resulted in them being hanged in the Sungai Buloh Prison in October 2006.

Many of my friends have spotted police vehicles parked outside their house. Others have noticed police officers loitering in front of their residence while some have been summoned to Bukit Aman for interrogation. The police want them to reveal where I am currently residing.

Why are the police looking for me? Two months ago, the Federal Court was in a hurry to hear the appeal against my release from ISA detention. After impatiently rejecting all our applications and refusing to allow us time to file the necessary papers, the court suddenly went cold and nothing was heard from it since.

This got me very suspicious. I did some checking and have reason to believe that a new detention order has been issued and that is why the police are looking for me. If I were to turn up in court today I would never be allowed to leave. The police would immediately detain me and send me to Kamunting and this time I shall not be so fortunate as to see freedom in two months like in the last two occasions.

After two ISA detentions, I do not plan to allow them to get me so easily the third time around. I also refuse to face treason charges that will result in me being sent to the gallows. I love my life and wish to remain alive a few years longer if possible.

Those are the reasons I am not in court today. I shall, however, attend the court hearing when the situation permits, i.e., I am no longer to be charged for treason and I get an assurance from the powers-that-be that the Government’s appeal against my ISA release is withdrawn forthwith and that no new detention order has been issued. After all, if the Razak Baginda acquittal was not appealed upon, why am I being treated differently?

Raja Petra Bin Raja Kamarudin
23rd April 2009

Prosecution gets a tongue lashing for absent witness

Raja Petra Raja Kamaruddin's sedition trial in the Sessions Court here became rather heated on Wednesday when the prosecution's fifth witness again failed to be present in court, forcing it to postpone hearing to February 10 next year.

Raja Petra's counsel, Gobind Singh Deo, gave the prosecution a tongue-lashing when told that the witness, DSP Gan Tack Guan (the complainant) was attending a course in Taiwan and would only be available after Dec 21.

Gan failed to be present the first time on Nov 10 because he was ill.

Gobind took to task Deputy Public Prosecutor Roslan Mat Noor over the matter claiming the prosecution was deliberately delaying the trial.

Gan was due to be cross-examined by the defence on both occasions (Nov 10 and on Thursday).

Judge Rozina Ayob then interceded and called for a short recess to the proceedings to enable Roslan to get all material information on why Gan could not be present on Thursday.

Roslan later said Gan's office would fax the pertinent details to the court and asked for a two-week adjournment.

Raja Petra, 58, the editor of the Malaysia-Today news portal, is alleged to have published a seditious article at his house in Bukit Rahman Putra, Sungai Buloh.

Titled "Let's Send the Altantuya Murderers to Hell", it appeared on the www.malaysia-today.net website on April 25.

He is charged under Section 4(1)(c) of the Sedition Act 1948 which carries a maximum fine of RM5,000 or three years jail or both, if convicted.

Earlier, the court had allowed the prosecution to amend the charge to include the title of the article in it and Raja Petra, when asked to enter a plea, pleaded innocent and castigated the prosecution for the alleged "games they were playing".

-- BERNAMA


Raja Petra Raja Kamarudin claimed the prosecution was deliberately delaying his sedition trial when the complainant in his case was not available to be questioned by his defence team on Thursday.

“Why must the prosecution bring this case to court today just to amend the charge and postpone it?,” Raja Petra, 58, told the Sessions Court.

“How long are we going to wait for Supt Gan Tack Guan (chief investigator in the Altantuya Shaariibuu murder case and the complainant in Raja Petra’s sedition trial)?

“He was on medical leave earlier and is now gone for training,” he said.

When told by Sessions Court judge Rozina Ayob that he only had to record his plea over the amended charge, Raja Petra said: “I plead not guilty and I protest the delay.”

The amendment inserted the title of the seditious article and the addition of the URL of the article to the first page of the appendix attached to the sedition charge.

Lawyer Gobind Singh Deo asked the court to direct the prosecution to close the case if they were unable to call Supt Gan to be cross-examined.

“Supt Gan is aware that the hearing has been fixed for four days but he deliberately chose to go away. He is a police officer and should know the procedure,” he contended.

Rozina said Supt Gan was not subpoened and set three days from Feb 10 for continuation of the trial.

Raja Petra sedition trial starts

One of Malaysia's most prominent bloggers and a high-profile critic of the government has gone on trial for sedition.

Raja Petra Kamarudin, who is already being held under Malaysia's Internal Security Act (ISA), could be sentenced to three years in jail if he is convicted.

The two cases against Raja Petra, who runs the popular Malaysia Today news site on his blog, have provoked an outcry against the government, with detractors accusing it of misusing the judiciary to crack down on critics and suppress freedom of speech.

"They are penalising him twice ... It's double jeopardy. But his spirits are up," said Raja Petra's wife, Marina, at a district court where the frail-looking activist, wearing flip-flops and sporting stubble, was brought in handcuffs in a police van for the trial.

The sedition charge stems from an April 25 article titled "Let's send the Altantuya murderers to hell" that Raja Petra posted on his website. It allegedly implied that Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and his wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, were involved in the 2006 killing in Malaysia of Altantuya Shaariibuu, a 28-year-old Mongolian interpreter. Both have denied involvement.


Raja Petra in PJ to face sedition charge

Internal Security Act detainee Raja Petra Kamarudin was bought to the Petaling Jaya Sessions Court this morning to face a sedition trial.

The popular blogger arrived at the court in an unmarked police vehicle at about 8.30am. He was wearing a blue T-shirt with a white collar and a pair of blue jeans.

Raja Petra appeared thinner, with long hair and a beard. He also looked tired.

About 60 of his supporters were present in the court compound. Some wore T-shirts calling for his release.

Also seen were some opposition leaders, led by DAP veteran Lim Kit Siang and Selangor exco member Ronnie Liu.

Raja Petra's wife Marina Lee Abdullah was also present.

The trial started with the first witness Harme Mohamed, an information technology expert from the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission, informing the court about websites and how these are operated.

The sedition trial is fixed for a week over Raja Petra's article entitled 'Let's send the Altantuya murderers to hell' which he posted on Malaysia Today on April 25. He was charged on May 6.

Justice Rozina Ayob is presiding over the case.

Raja Petra was served with a two-year detention order on Sept 22 and is being held at the Kamunting detention camp in Perak.

He appeared in good spirits during a break in the trial this morning, smiling and joking with his family and friends. However he was not interested in talking to reporters.

- Malaysiakini

Malaysia's Credibility Crunch

Malaysia lost credibility with investors after a recent policy misstep. A reversal may not be enough to win it back.

The government retreated from a controversial tax on power producers this week that had contributed to foreign outflows in the country's stocks, bonds and currency holdings in recent weeks. Power companies and market watchers said the tax would have severely hampered the power companies' ability to continue making debt payments-a situation that would have affected about $2.89 billion in bonds.

That measure wasn't the only reason investors worry. Malaysia's currency, the ringgit, is weakening against the U.S. dollar. Inflation is at a 27-year high. A net exporter of oil and natural gas, Malaysia remains vulnerable to fluctuating fuel prices. Aggravating the situation is the political uncertainty, with growing opposition to Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's National Front government.

Foreigners have pulled about $330 million out of Malaysia-focused equity funds since June, or around 25% of the funds' Malaysia stock holdings, according to the Boston-based fund-flow tracker EPFR Global. Bond markets in some Asian countries have been a standout source of corporate finance, but Malaysia's has slowed to a crawl.

While Malaysia's move this week was a positive one for investors, it adds to the overall feeling of uncertainty that can plague developing nations with on-again, off-again policies. In a more dramatic example, Thailand jolted investors nearly two years ago with new capital controls designed to staunch rapid appreciation of its currency and make its economy more competitive. The government changed course after one day, but not before the local stock market dove 15%, erasing $22 billion in market capitalization. Investors were slow to return.

In a potentially positive sign, the Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange ended Friday up a slight +0.3%. Shares of private power companies also rose. But not all investors were celebrating: shares of state-run utility Tenaga Nasional, which wouldn't have paid the tax, dropped 8.9%. Western analysts had seen the tax as a government effort to discourage hard-bargaining by private electricity producers in negotiations with Tenaga over power prices. The government shelved negotiations Thursday.

-By LAURA SANTINI, WSJ



ISA ? Ops Lalang ?


“For a country to progress, drastic measures need to be taken so that these efforts are not derailed,”

- DR Mahathir


Raja Petra Kamaruddin has been detained under the Internal Security Act, reported Malaysiakini.

Raja Petra, popularly known by his initials RPK, is also alleged to have allowed comments to appear on his website that degraded Islam and Prophet Muhammad in an article entitled "Not all Arabs are descendants of the Prophet".

This is the second time Raja Petra, a father of five and part of the Selangor royal family, has been detained under ISA, which allows for indefinite detention without trial.

His first arrest under the tough security law was on April 11, 2001. RPK was detained as part of a crackdown against reformasi activists in which nine others were also held.

At that time, he was webmaster for the now defunct FreeAnwar.com site.

Raja Petra was subsequently released after 53 days in detention. However, six of the reformasi leaders were eventually sent to the Kamunting Detention Centre in Taiping where they were detained for two years.

The controversial blogger has earlier been charged with sedition and defamation after linking Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak and his wife to the sensational murder of a Mongolian woman.

Abdul Razak Baginda, a close friend of the deputy premier, has been charged with abetting the murder of 28-year-old Mongolian woman Altantuya Shaariibuu, whose body was blown up with explosives.

Two police officers from an elite force, whose duties included guarding the prime minister and his deputy, were also charged with the killing.

The ISA, which human rights groups have pushed to have abolished, provides for renewable two-year periods of detention without trial and is normally used against suspected terrorists.

It has also been used to lock up opponents of the government, and last year five Hindraf leaders were detained three weeks after mounting a mammoth rally in the streets of Kuala Lumpur on Nov 25.

Three newspapers - Sin Chew Daily, The Sun and Suara Keadilan - have also been issued show cause letters.

In the case of Sin Chew, it is understood that the authorities were unhappy with its report on the racist remark made by Bukit Bendera Umno division chief Ahmad Ismail. Editors at the newspaper said the show cause letter alleged that the report had caused racial tension.

Coming October 27th marks the 21st anniversary of Ops Lalang, just a friendly reminder ....



Release Raja Petra and retract show cause letters

RPK’s detention is unjust as it denies him his democratic right to defend himself. He should have been charged in open court in relation to the earlier charges made against him under the Sedition Act. By resorting to the ISA, his innocence can no longer be proven. This is indeed undemocratic, unjust and un-Islamic.

That is why we, other civil society groups and concerned Malaysians have opposed the use of undemocratic and unjust laws such as the ISA and the Sedition Act. Even individuals who express and do things that may cause anxiety and pain among the people and possibly inflame ethnic and religious sentiments should be accorded their right to natural justice and be allowed to defend themselves in an open court. They deserve this in any democratic society.

Moreover, the government’s drastic action makes us wonder whether this is a politically motivated prelude to a 1987-type of political clampdown, which involved mass detentions of innocent individuals most of whom were not even remotely involved in creating the supposed ethnic tension at that time.

The government’s latest moves reinforce the suspicion that these are desperate measures taken to undermine what is seen as the unstoppable Anwar Ibrahim and his Pakatan Rakyat mounting a real challenge to the Barisan Nasional..

Whatever the case may be, we urge the government to release Raja Petra unconditionally and also retract the show cause letters issued to the three brave newspapers so that democracy can flourish and justice be served.

Aliran Executive Committee

12 September 2008



Press Statement on Arrest of Raja Petra by the Leader of Opposition, Anwar Ibrahim

— PRESS STATEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE —

(PETALING JAYA, MALAYSIA) SEPTEMBER 12, 2008

I condemn the arrest of social activist and blogger Raja Petra Kamaruddin under the draconian and infamous ISA. By sanctioning the use of the ISA to avert the process of transformational change in Malaysia, the UMNO-led BN government is confirming that it has lost touch with the will of the people and is no longer capable of leading within the framework of a just and democratic society.

Raja Petra should be released immediately and any allegations leveled against him by the Ministry of Home Affairs must be resolved swiftly by the due process of the law. Raja Petra should be given access to proper legal counsel, and his wife and children should not be denied an opportunity to visit him while he is held captive under this illegal detention.

Raja Petra’s detention and the show cause letters issued today to Sin Chew Daily, The Sun and Suara Keadilan, and its earlier banning of prominent political websites, demonstrate clearly the government’s willingness to subvert the freedom of speech at a time when expression of dissatisfaction with the government’s policies is at an all time high.

In the aftermath of the March 8th elections and the Permatang Pauh by-election the Malaysian people have demonstrated their courage and commitment to building a mature democratic society. The dastardly act of detention without trial will do nothing to abate the current government’s declining credibility, and in fact will likely hasten its eventual collapse.

KeADILan reiterates its vehement opposition to the practice of arbitrary detention without trial. We have consistently called for the immediate release of all ISA detainees, as such practices have no place in a democratic society. The ISA is used to quash dissent and smother those who in exercising their right to free speech voice opinions contrary to the preferred views of the ruling clique.

Invoking the ISA just days before September 16th is clearly an attempt to engineer an atmosphere of fear and instability that would justify the government’s heavy-handed tactics against those aligned with the political opposition.

ANWAR IBRAHIM
LEADER OF OPPOSITION

‘I want you home’

“I want you home”. These four words from his wife helped Malaysia Today editor Raja Petra Kamarudin to change his mind and agree to bail being posted.

His wife Marina Lee Abdullah, 54, said she had sent a note with the words via a prison warder on Wednesday. He had refused to allow any visitors after being taken to the Sungai Buloh Prison on Tuesday.

“My note helped him agree to bail being posted,” she told reporters after handing over her bank passbook for RM5,000 to a Petaling Jaya Sessions Court interpreter at 2pm to process bail application for her spouse.


Game on:Raja Petra ups the ante

BARADAN KUPPUSAMY
Malay Mail

PROMINENT blogger Raja Petra Kamaruddin has upped the ante by refusing to post a RM5,000 bail.

No, he is not your everyday salary man, finding it hard to get the money.

Many supporters are ready to chip in.

This latest sedition charge is probably the most serious “mind battle” he has fought.

The action arises out of an article he posted on his website attempting to connect the high and mighty with the murder of a Mongolian beauty.

By opting not to post bail, he is upping the ante where it counts most —in the battlefield that is public opinion where victory or defeat is won not on facts but on public perception of right or wrong, or victim and oppressor.

No matter what, Raja Petra wants the underdog tag be- cause, often, the public is for the battered little guy.

Going to prison and coming out a lot slimmer wins public applause more then anything else. Add in the bravado, and you have a explosive mix.

Civil society is already rooting for him going by the numerous comments slamming the authorities for invoking the archaic Sedition Act, 1948.

“In our view the sedition charge is malicious and without merit. It is also politically motivated and aimed at silencing one of the most eloquent, dedicated and uncompromising voices speaking in defence of the rights of Malaysians and against the abuse of power stemming from the highest level of government and authority,” said a joint statement from various NGOs.

Long before the trial starts, Raja Petra may have already won the war in the minds of the people.




Press Statement : Penang Chief Minister YAB Lim Guan Eng

Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak Convinces No One By Saying That The Government Is Liberal And That Sedition Charges Against Blogger Raja Petra Kamarudin Is Not Politically Motivated When RPK Was Charged After Najib And His Wife Objected Against His Allegations Linking Them To The Altatunya Murder Trial.

Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak convinces no one by saying that the government is liberal and that sedition charges against blogger Raja Petra Kamarudin is not politically motivated when RPK was charged after Najib and his wife objected against his allegations linking them to the Altatunya Shaariibuu murder trial. With RPK being charged so soon after both of them objected to so called slanderous remarks online, the public can not be faulted for thinking that these charges were a directed act of vengeance.

On 2 May 2008 the Deputy Prime Minister’s press secretary Datuk Tengku Sariffuddin Tengku Ahmad wrote in a letter to Malaysia Today that Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak will not hesitate to seek legal redress over unfounded and unfair allegations made against him in the case involving murdered Mongolian woman Altantuya. This follows Najib’s wife statement on 1 May against slanderous remarks against her. Despite such warnings of civil action of defamation, Najib has still not sued RPK who instead faced criminal charges of sedition.

This latest infringement of rights may be the beginning of Barisan Nasional’s crackdown on media freedom. This will also set a frightening precedent against online expression that will further erode media freedom in this country despite promises by the BN government.

DAP condemns the arrest of blogger Raja Petra Kamaruddin, the editor of the internet news portal Malaysia Today, under the Sedition Act, and demands for his immediate release as well as withdrawal of charges. DAP hopes that all journalists and media associations can come out in solidarity and support for RPK by condemning RPK’s sedition charges.

We know that Raja Petra - who is charged with implying in a post on April 25 that Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and his wife were involved in the murder of a Mongolian model Altantuya Shaariibuu - has been one of the vocal critics of the BN government and its cronies.

On the same day the posting was made (April 25) Information Minister Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek told the press that media freedom should not be feared by anyone, including the ruling party, as it could also be the source of strength for the government and the country. Ahmad Shabery even said that the reform announced by Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi recently such as the setting up of a judicial commission and introducing an Anti-Corruption Commission could be implemented more effectively in a free media environment.

Even Home Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar promised that he would review the country's repressive media laws to boost press freedom. “I have told my officers that I want to have a re-look at the Printing Presses and Publications Act so that we can move with the times,” he said, according to the Star on April 20.

Syed Hamid went further when he said, “We need press freedom in order for us to have a check and balance in government. We are not trying to control you but we want everyone to contribute to the nation-building process. Why should we let ourselves (government) become unpopular by having such regulations?”

The sad truth about this deteriorating situation pertaining to our press and other media is due to Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi’s too many promises which he failed to deliver since he became Prime Minister in late 2003. After the recent political tsunami on 8 March 2008, it is now proven that talk is cheap.

Such empty promises also demonstrate that BN is not capable of reform, that BN can never accept criticisms and will always resort to repressive laws against the interest of the people.

Another anti-freedom attitude displayed by BN leaders is when Najib yesterday (May 7) inferred that the Attorney-General can decide whether action can taken against DAP chairman Karpal Singh for questioning the transfer and reappointment of the Perak Islamic Religious Affairs Department (JAIP) director. Malaysia is facing international condemnation and widespread public anger for charging RPK. Najib is strongly advised not to apply the same tactics of sedition used towards RPK on Karpal who is the National Chair of DAP.

When criticisms are perceived as threatening stability and public order, this means the BN government will never ever learn from the lesson of the March 8 political tsunami. While the voters are giving BN a second chance, its leaders are more interested in bullying the voice of conscience and the voice of the oppressed.

DAP demands that BN government immediately stop harassing bloggers, journalists and federal opposition leaders and supporters who are merely acting as good citizens in exposing wrongdoings of government leaders.


LIM GUAN ENG

(Source)

Bloggers and Fellow Malaysians unite for Justice !

There will be a vigil tonight (May 7, 2008 ) at 9.00pm at the main entrance of Sungei Buloh Prison. It will be a peaceful show of solidarity for Raja Petra. You are welcome to join.

I am told by his wife, Marina Lee Abdullah-Petra this morning that Raja Petra is not in communication with her, his children, his close relatives and his friends. This means that he does not want to be bailed out and has decided to stay in prison until his trial in October, 2008. Let us hope Raja Petra has not gone on a hunger strike.

- Din Merican


Malaysia Today editor Raja Petra Raja Kamarudin remains adamant in his refusal to meet anyone, even his wife who twice tried to see him at Sungai Buloh prison on Wednesday.

Malaysiakini:

Malaysia Today webmaster Raja Petra Kamaruddin - presently in jail for refusing to pay bail - has cut off all contact with the outside world including his own wife, Marina Lee Abdullah.

DAP supremo and Ipoh Timur member of parliament (MP) Lim Kit Siang has brought the case of blogger Raja Petra Kamaruddin, who has been charged with sedition, to parliament.

In debating the motion of thanks on the royal address yesterday, Lim told the Dewan Rakyat that Raja Petra, who runs popular political website Malaysia Today, was facing a sedition charge for his recent posting entitled, “Let’s send the Altantuya murderers to hell”.

“Is this the beginning of a crackdown and the latest example of The Empire Strikes Back — the Barisan Nasional (BN) strikes back in retaliation for the March 8 political tsunami, which swept away the BN’s two-thirds parliamentary majority?” he said.

The DAP adviser, who is also a blogger, said the police investigated Raja Petra under the Sedition Act 1948 for incitement and that the blogger had commented on Altantuya’s case before the court made its decision.

“Any offence in the latter category would fall under the contempt of court to be dealt with by the presiding judge for the Altantuya murder case. When and why did it become an offence under the Sedition Act?” he added.

Lim also highlighted that Raja Petra’s prosecution came after Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak denied that he had anything to do with the murder of the Mongolian model.

He questioned why the Sedition Act should be used against Raja Petra as Najib’s wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor said she reserved the right to take legal action against those who defame her and her husband.

“Is the government willing to set up a Royal Commission of Inquiry to investigate whether Raja Petra’s claim is true?” Lim said.


And Najib said :"it's not a clampdown on bloggers, it's Not Politically Motivated.."

The first blogger to face the Sedition Act 1948 and the first one who rather cool his heels in jail than stay free to face trial.

Raja Petra shouldn't be the hero and legend. But his refusal to pay RM5,000 in bail in lieu of jail time for the charges under the Sedition Act has done that.

It has also enhanced his stature and will attract more to his website and believe it to be the gospel truth. And further spread allegations and innuendoes that have got him the attention of the authorities.

But the charge against him under Section 4.1 (c) of the Sedition Act 1948, which pertains to threats against national security, is not the answer. Those maligned by Raja Petra should sue him for defamation and libel rather than let the state prosecute him.


Marina Lee : Is Parliament still relevant?

"... when freedom of speech is being brutally subverted by the present regime and false charges can be instituted against anyone who dares to demand for justice and truth."

As a wife and mother, I want to know from my fellow citizens whether a government that has incarcerated my husband in the Sungai Buloh prison on trumped up charges and brought untold suffering on my family, especially when one of my daughters is sitting for her final examinations, is a legitimate government.

No wife, mother or child should to go through this horrible experience when all her beloved husband did was to uphold justice and truth...read more here.

Walk With RPK !

Malaysiakini: Malaysia Today news portal webmaster Raja Petra Kamaruddin was today charged with sedition at the Petaling Jaya Sessions Court over an article which he wrote in his website.

The article allegedly implied that Deputy Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak and his wife were involved in the killing of a young Mongolian woman.

Raja Petra claimed trial to the charge. He was charged under Section 4(1)(c) of the Sedition Act for publishing seditious article on April 25 on Malaysia Today.

Hearing has been fixed from Oct 6 to 10 and Raja Petra was granted a bail of RM5,000, which he refused to post, deciding instead to remain in custody until the hearing date.

If found guilty, Raja Petra could be jailed for a maximum of three years and/or face a fine of up to RM5,000.

The chargesheet also highlighted nine paragraphs of the article which was titled "Let's send the Altantuya murderers to hell" as seditious.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Nordin Hassan is prosecuting while Raja Petra was represented by a team of six lawyers led by Karpal Singh.

According to Malaysiakini:

RAJA PETRA KAMARUDIN was charged under Section 4(1)(c) of the Sedition Act for publishing seditious article on April 25 on Malaysia Today. If found guilty, Raja Petra could be jailed for a maximum of three years and/or face a fine of up to RM5,000. The chargesheet also highlighted nine paragraphs of the article as seditious. Deputy Public Prosecutor Nordin Hassan is prosecuting while Raja Petra was represented by a team of six lawyers led by Karpal Singh.

News about Raja Petra’s case spread like a wild fire last night and this morning a large crowd had gathered at the court complex to show support for him. Also present were DAP leaders Lim Kit Siang and Ronnie Liu as well as Lembah Pantai MP Nurul Izzah Anwar.

CIJ and WAMI questions Sedition Acts used against blogger, again

Friday, 02 May 2008

The Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) and Writers Alliance for Media Independence (WAMI) are concerned that the Sedition Act continues to be used to harass bloggers, contradicting the positive attitude that the government exhibited towards bloggers post election. The targetting of certain bloggers, in particular, Raja Petra Kamaruddin, under the broadly worded Sedition Act raises concern that the law is being used to silence critics.



On the eve of World Press Freedom Day, the police searched the house of Raja Petra Kamaruddin and confiscated a CPU and laptop. The blogger was later summoned to the police station to record his statement about his posting on 25 April under the title "Let's send Altantuya Murderers to Hell", linking the murder of the Mongolian woman with deputy prime minister Najib Razak and wife Rosmah Mansor. Raja Petra was summoned soon after Najib Razak and wife both issued a public denial of their involvement in the murder.

When contacted, DSP Victor Sanjos, who led the team to Raja Petra's house said, a police report was made by the Investigating Officer in the murder case.
CIJ and WAMI are concerned that the current legislative framework to control freedom of speech put bloggers who write about political issues and political personalities in a risky spot. Actions can be taken against them conveniently using the Sedition Act, which has been repeatedly used against bloggers whenever they tread on political controversy or when criticizing the government.

The action against Raja Petra also will fuel further speculation about the integrity of the judicial process in the Altantuya trial. Far from convincing the public that the case has been given a fair hearing, such actions only strengthen the people's suspicion of the judiciary and the executive. We believe that the judicial process must be allowed to run its full course but we also firmly believe that the use of the Sedition Act is being done to protect narrow political interests. In an environment where public perception of the police is also very low, police action against individuals like a blogger only show to the public that the force is also heavily influenced by political leaders.

In the spirit of the coming World Press Freedom Day, we urge the government and the police to recognize the rights of the people to freedom of expression. We call upon the police to stop harassing bloggers and the government to repeal the Sedition Act.

The Centre for Independent Journalism, Malaysia (CIJ) aspires for a society that is democratic, just and free, where all people enjoy free media and the freedom to express, seek, and impart information.

Ends

Issued by

Gayathry Venkiteswaran
Executive Director, CIJ

and
Wong Chin Huat
Chair, WAMI

For more information, please contact Wai Fong at 03 40230772

(Source)


Walk With RPK : One Ringgit One Person

Latest Update :

updates 16:16 - Account statement made by RPK's wife on the donation as at 4pm today

From CIMB bank account : RM24,500.00
From Paypal account : $3,283.61 USD (net total, after deduction of fee charges by Paypal services)

Message from RPK's wife and family:

Only RM5,000.00 is needed to bail out RPK. The remaining balance will be given to charitable home of RPK's choice. We would like to thank you all for your tremendous supports.



Message from MT's Team: 5.30pm 6th May 2008

We would like to CALL OFF the donation campaign as we already collected enough fund to at least bail out our dearest YM RPK. It is the matter of RPK principle, and collecting excess wouldn't be appreciated by him. As stated aerlier, all excess will be given to charitable home/center, and RPK or his family will make known of the statement from time to time. Thank you MALAYSIAN for supporting MALAYSIA TODAY!

"ONE RINGGIT ONE PERSON" RPK's court bail donation can be deposit into this account:

*****************************************************************
Bank: XXXX

Account No.: xxxx xxxx xxxx xx

Account Name Holder: Xxxxxxxxxxx

notes: the account number supplied by RPK's wife and she knows Mr.Visva well

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Updates 1730: CALL OFF donation campaign


Read also:" RPK the martyr keeps spotlight on Altantuya case"