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Climate of fear???

And today, politicians of all stripes as well as members of the judiciary, the media and non-governmental organisations attest that Malaysians are enjoying a new climate of expression.

Statement by Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad:

Why did I criticise the Prime Minister?
Because no one else is able to criticise the Prime Minister. He cannot be criticised by his Deputy, his Cabinet Ministers, Umno Supreme Council members, Menteris Besar, Chief Ministers, members of the Dewan Rakyat, members of the Senate, members of the Legislative Council, Umno members at all levels, Government officers and anyone from royalty ies to beggar.

The mainstream media, including radio and television, are not allowed to admonish the Prime Minister. Pre-paid telephones are now required to be registered so that anyone who transmits an SMS will be known by the government and action can be taken.

The Internet and websites will be electronically bugged and action taken against anyone who criticises the Prime Minister.

Anyone who attempts to hold any function that may involve criticising the Prime Minister will be harassed and threatened by the police and government leaders to force them to cancel the function.

I myself have been blocked, using all sorts of means to stop me from criticising the Prime Minister.

• I cannot be invited by Umno, non-governmental organisations, associations of government officers or non-government officers, universities or any other institution.

• Umno members and the public are prevented from and advised against attending any function or meeting where I am to speak.

• All sorts of threats are meted out by police and political leaders to scare anyone who refuse to comply.

• Every time anything that involving the public takes place, the Deputy Prime Minister and certain other quarters will forcefully advise that any criticism, comment or debate should stop.

Actions that are taken or threatened to be taken include sacking, transfer to remote areas like in Sabah, retraction or cancellation of contracts, harassment by the banks, call-up by the police, the Anti-Corruption Agency and other government enforcement agencies, detention detained and interrogated repeated interrogation.

No one dares to comment, criticise or oppose anything that is done by the Prime Minister.

In a situation where no one can criticise the Prime Minister, I have to voice my criticism on matters that do not concern my personal being but only those that concern the interest of the religion, race and country.

Because of this, I am abused by the Prime Minister’s henchmen, including component party leaders, the mainstream media that is controlled by Kali and Brendan and all other Government apparatus.

The questions and issues I raised have not been answered. What is being questioned is my right to comment and criticise. Attempts are made to disparage me so badly that I am made out to be of unsound mind. Repeatedly, allegations were made that the administration during my time was worse.

Their media make out that my criticisms of the Prime Minister are despicable and reprehensible.

Muslims should know that even an imam can be corrected by those he leads in prayers if he reads or does something wrong.

Saidina Abu Bakar, Islam’s first Caliph, had asked to be corrected if he does something wrong, not by foreigners but by the Muslims themselves.

But the current Prime Minister cannot at all be commented upon, criticised or advised. He is almost a saint who is free from any human weaknesses or wrongs.

My meeting with him should be kept secret from the rakyat. And because we have met, I can no longer criticise whatever is done by the Prime Minister.

Because of my statement that I would continue criticising if something that is not good for the religion, race and country is done by the Prime Minister, all sorts of condemnations and insults are thrown by these hatchetmen and the mainstream media towards me.

Because all avenue for criticising the government has been shut, therefore, I am forced to come up with this written statement so that it is not spun by anyone."

* This unedited statement was downloaded from the Internet

Malaysians enjoying new climate of expression

• Parliament: Uncontrollable. Too aggressive. These are some of the words used to describe a Dewan Rakyat that has shown no fear of questioning and shaming Cabinet ministers or ripping government policies.

Johor Baru MP Datuk Shahrir Abdul Samad: "Pak Lah advocates more dialogue and is more transparent in the decision-making process. If Dr Mahathir interprets this as a police state, then I think this ‘police state’ is not so bad."

• Government, political parties and the Cabinet: By all accounts, Abdullah believes in consensus-building. Ministers and politicians say their piece without worrying about being put in cold storage. If there is a criticism against this approach, it is that decision-making is sometimes cumbersome.

Deputy International Trade and Industry Minister Ng Lip Yong: "I wrote to the PM late last year over something I felt very strongly about. So far, no action has been taken against me."

• Judiciary: In the past few months, the government has suffered several reverses in courtrooms. Also, judges have been willing to step on legal minefields. For example, judge Hishamuddin Yunus noted that the Federal Court in the Ayer Molek case was illegally constituted because one of the judges sitting in the matter was a High Court judge.

Former Federal Court judge: "The accusation that no one else is able to criticise the PM is not true because the media has been printing balanced articles, including his (Mahathir’s) criticisms as well as those of the public."

• Media: Several newspapers have covered sensitive issues more thoroughly than ever before. The drawback: Some Cabinet ministers are uncomfortable with the new found freedom enjoyed by the mainstream Press. Also websites and bloggers have attacked the prime minister and his government at will.

Energy, Water and Communications Minister Datuk Seri Dr Lim Keng Yaik: "There is no substance to this claim that Internet sites are electronically bugged so that action can be taken against anyone who criticises the PM. You can see websites like Malaysiakini and Malaysia Today, there is criticism of Pak Lah but we are not doing anything about it."

• Non-governmental organisations: Every other week, NGOs organise forums to criticise the police, government policies or the PM.

Dr Chandra Muzaffar, president of the International Movement for a Just World: "Tun Dr Mahathir’s allegations are utterly baseless. There was less space for democratic dissent under Dr Mahathir. I was one of those who was arrested under the ISA via Ops Lalang. He (Dr Mahathir) could not have picked a better date to tell the world that Malaysia is a police state. It was exactly 19 years ago (yesterday) that we were picked up."

Yeo Yang Poh, president of Bar Council: "There has been an opening up of some space for freedom of expression in recent months. But there is a need to promote greater freedom of speech."

• The opposition: As far as opposition politicians are concerned, there is not much change between the Mahathir years and Abdullah’s stewardship of the country. They are sidelined and feel threatened by the police.

Tan Seng Giaw, DAP MP for Kepong: "As far as we in the opposition are concerned, this has been going on for years. Abdullah has only been prime minister for a few years. Tun had more than 20 years. Making a comparison between the two would not be fair. But what I see now is that what we (opposition members) say comes out more in the Press."

Go ahead and criticise me, says Abdullah

The prime minister has been criticised in Cabinet meetings, the Umno supreme council and Barisan Nasional meetings.

This was because they sometimes held views that differed from the prime minister’s.

But Abdullah said yesterday that such differences of opinion were resolved through consensus.

"We discuss and express our views before reaching an agreement.

"When a decision is made, it’s a collective decision. That makes it easier for us to implement… This is my way," he said at the state Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house at the Melaka International Trade Centre in Ayer Keroh yesterday.

"If anyone wants to criticise me, go ahead," he said in commenting on a statement yesterday by former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad that he was criticising Abdullah as no one else was able to do so.

Dr Mahathir had claimed that Cabinet members and others holding government and party posts were not allowed to criticise Abdullah.

He had also alleged that the media was muzzled in the matter while the Internet and websites were bugged to enable action to be taken against those who criticised the prime minister.

On his two-hour meeting with his predecessor on Sunday, he said he had maintained silence during the first 1½ hour as he wanted to give Dr Mahathir a chance to express his feelings on the administration of the government and his leadership.

"I wanted to reply but I didn’t want to interrupt because eventually he would say that I’m wrong. So I waited for him to stop talking before commenting one by one on the issues ranging from the police state, Umno, family interference and the economy and finally on the crooked bridge.

"I was satisfied that Tun had expressed himself. However, I am slightly disappointed as I had many things to say and to reply to what Tun had expressed but I had to stop because of the limited time."

Abdullah also touched on the fifth annual Reporters Without Borders worldwide Press freedom index, which indicated that the freedom of Press in Malaysia was better compared with several Asean countries, including Singapore and Thailand.

"This is the view of outsiders who are constantly assessing us in terms of competitiveness, quality, human rights and Press freedom."

It was reported in the media yesterday, that Malaysia ranked 92 in a poll carried out in 158 countries on Press freedom. Malaysia was ranked 113th last year.

Earlier, Malacca Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam said the country, its leaders and people were happy that Dr Mahathir and Abdullah had met to resolve various issues but unhappy with the outcome.

"We were all hoping that things would have been different with Tun during this auspicious month. Our hopes were high that he would have a change of heart and together we could work towards developing the nation.

"But it looks as if Tun has let us all down. We know how it feels like for Abdullah and we share his sentiments and promise to support him in his endeavours for the nation’s good."

The Star, Saturday October 28, 2006

Zakaria advised to relinquish councillor post

News Update by The Star News Desk

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SHAH ALAM: The Sultan of Selangor has advised Port Klang assemblyman Datuk Zakaria Md Deros to relinquish his post as Klang municipal councillor. 

The advice was conveyed to Zakaria following a one-hour audience with the Sultan at Istana Kayangan in Shah Alam this morning. 

During the meeting Zakaria admitted his mistakes on the building of his bungalow in Kampung Idaman without approvals, on operating a satay restaurant without a licence, on the non-payment of assessments and a host of other complaints. 

If Zakaria does not comply, he risks being stripped of his Datukship.

The Star, Saturday October 28, 2006

‘Sick and tired’ of Dr M

PETALING JAYA: Umno Youth is “sick and tired” of Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s attitude of constantly criticising Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. 

Its chief Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein said Umno Youth’s support for Abdullah’s leadership, who is also the party president, cannot be questioned. 

“As the Umno Youth chief, I will never ever allow our members’ attention to be distracted because of the current polemics, nor will I allow this movement to be divided,” he said in a statement yesterday. 

“We will continue to defend the party’s institution and ensure that its fight is still relevant. 

“I myself will go down to the ground to carry out the responsibility mandated to me as the Education Minister.” 

Hishammuddin said a lot still needed to be done to realise all the plans under the 9th Malaysia Plan. 

“We will prove that the Barisan Nasional government under Pak Lah is still relevant, responsible, committed, hardworking and has strong determination to bring harmony and development for the people,” he added. 

Former prime minister Dr Mahathir has continued his attacks against the Government and Abdullah’s leadership despite meeting with his successor on Sunday to talk things over. 

Yesterday, Dr Mahathir took it up another notch when he issued a two-page open letter, entitled Why did I criticise the Prime Minister?, that was directed to the “Citizens of Malaysia.”  

He said he was forced to write the open letter to ensure it was not spun by anyone. 

At the open house in Kepala Batas on Thursday, Abdullah said Dr Mahathir’s latest attacks were akin to stronger doses of venom and expressed sadness over it. 

In Sitiawan, Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Tajol Rosli Ghazali said Abdullah and Dr Mahathir should continue to meet each other privately to resolve their differences.  

“They should have one-to-one dinner or high tea, and not make criticisms through the media,” he told reporters at the Perak Umno Liaison Committee Zon D Hari Raya open house in Seri Manjung.  

“Our prayers are for Tun and Abdullah to make Umno one big happy family again,” added Tajol Rosli, who is also Perak Umno liaison chief. 

Of all people, he said Dr Mahathir should be the one to better understand Abdullah’s position. 

“When Tun first became prime minister, he too was criticised for his administration and policies by Tunku Abdul Rahman. What was done to him, he is doing to Pak Lah now,” Tajol Rosli said.  

“In 1987, Tun met with Tunku and kissed his hand and everything was fine for 10 days after that. But it has taken Tun only one day after his meeting with Pak Lah to start the criticisms in the media again,” he added. 

In Butterworth, Penang Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon said Dr Mahathir’s description of the country, as a police state was inaccurate.  

“We are a free country and our people are free to talk. We are a democratic state,” he said.  

In Malacca, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam pledged his support for Abdullah during the Hari Raya open house, which was graced by the Prime Minister.  

The Star, Saturday October 28, 2006

Mahathir issues an open letter

KUALA LUMPUR: Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has levelled fresh criticism against Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, through an open letter sent to the media yesterday. 

The two-page letter – titled Why did I criticise the Prime Minister? – was addressed to “Citizens of Malaysia.” 

“In a situation where no one can criticise the Prime Minister, I have to voice my criticisms on matters that do not concern my personal being, but only those that concern the interest of the religion, race and country,” he said. 

In his letter, which he signed off as a “Malaysian citizen and commoner,” Dr Mahathir listed four manners in which he had allegedly been blocked from criticising Abdullah. 

He claimed that Umno, non-government organisations, associations of government officers or non-government officers, universities or other institutions were not allowed to invite him to their functions. 

He also said: “Every time anything that involves the public takes place, the Deputy Prime Minister and certain other quarters will forcefully advise that any criticism, comment or debate should stop.” 

Claiming there was a climate of fear in the country, Dr Mahathir said the questions and issues he had raised had not been answered, and that what was being questioned was his right to comment and criticise. 

He said attempts were made to disparage him “so badly that I am made out to be of unsound mind. Repeatedly, allegations were made that the administration during my time was worse.” 

The former prime minister, who led the country for 22 years, said the media also made out his criticisms as despicable and reprehensive. 

“My meeting with him (Abdullah) should be kept secret from the rakyat. And because we have met, I can no longer criticise whatever is done by the Prime Minister,” he said. 

In ending his letter, Dr Mahathir said he was forced to release a written statement so that it was not spun by anyone as all avenues for criticising the Government had been closed to him.  

Focus on Constitution, history

The module will touch on the rationale for Article 152, which relates to the national language, Article 153 (position of Bumiputeras), Article 3 (religion) of the Constitution and the background for the implementation of national economic policies.

He said the idea was to remind the younger generation of the major provisions of the Constitution where founding fathers such as Tunku Abdul Rahman, Tun Abdul Razak, Tun Tan Siew Sin and Tun V.T. Sambanthan had given their inputs in the spirit of goodwill and compromise.

"Not many of the younger generation have a sound understanding of the route we took to independence and nationhood and there are some who have chosen to forget historical facts and events, so the module would act as a reminder," he said in an interview with the New Straits Times.

"This is because the younger generation was not part of the history and did not fully understand the compromise achieved by the major races in the drafting of Article 152 on language, Article 153 on Bumiputeras and Article 3 on religion.

"Our founding fathers had a lot of wisdom and they came to many compromises and that in the end every citizen has a stake in Malaysia.

"For example Article 3 on religion says that Islam is the official religion, but other religions are also allowed to be practised."

Mustapa said although the course had come under fire recently for stirring racial sentiments, resulting in the course module being withdrawn, he felt that something must be done to address the racial divide in public universities.

"We are not in a state of denial. We acknowledge that there is a problem and the government is trying to address it for the sake of peace, prosperity and harmony," he said.

Mustapa believes that instant results to get students of different ethnic groups to mix freely in universities cannot be achieved through the course introduction alone.

"This is a problem that has been around for many years and we would need a few years before we can see any results from the course."

Mustapa said the new course guideline which would place more emphasis on unity and tolerance would be introduced at all public universities.

"It would be more forward looking than the earlier draft as we want to highlight the positive aspects and on cultural diversity. We have removed the sensitive aspects and paragraphs which were considered objectionable by some parties."

He said one of the aims was to reduce the segregation of the races in universities.

"This is evident in the university cafeterias, the lecture halls and even the sports fields. Students mix with their respective racial groups and the racial divide is visible."

Mustapa said this was an unhealthy practice and the government believed that the subject was vital for Malaysia’s continued survival as a multiracial nation.

"This means we have to ensure that football and netball, for example, are played by a multiracial group. So the challenge is not the module as such, but how far we can change the mindset and attitudes of our undergraduates."

He said from his observation, community outreach programmes in universities were often monopolised by one race: Malays.

"If there are non-Malays among them, they are only a handful, five or six," he said, adding this was disappointing.

He hoped the goal of the programme which was to get students to understand the importance of preserving racial unity would be ach- ieved.

The best way to do it was to implement programmes that would bring students of different racial origins together.

Dr M tingkat serangan