Guan Eng : Who destroyed the records of the RM 6.75 billion Navy deal ?

This is recent on Malaysiakini, that Guan Eng of DAP has asked ACA to investigate into a purported RM 6.75 billion deal navy deal to purchase six offshore patrol vessels, the evidence of which has been destroyed !!

“There is greater urgency in discovering the truth of this scandal following the shocking revelation by Public Accounts Committee (PAC) chair Shahrir Abdul Samad in a Malaysiakini report on Sept 26,” Lim said in his report.

In a three-part interview with Shahrir published since Tuesday, the Umno politician disclosed that the powerful parliamentary committee has not be able to get hold of sufficient company records pertaining to the deal. He claimed they have been “destroyed”.

He said the records destroyed involved the first two problem-ridden vessels, delivered to the Royal Malaysian Navy last year after a two-year delay. The remaining four are under construction.

The PAC started to investigate the scandal in 2005. The deal also came under criticisms in the latest Auditor-General’s report for approving an additional RM1.4 billion to complete the four vessels with “no justification”.

The lucrative contract was awarded to PSC-Naval Dockyard Sdn Bhd – a subsidiary of PSC Industries Bhd owned by Umno associate Amin Shah Omar Shah – in 1998.

The company was renamed Boustead Naval Shipyard Sdn Bhd in August last year.

 

Malaysiakini : Records on vessel deal ‘destroyed’

from Malaysiakini on Sept 26th 07.

Shahrir clearly says – ” I’m sure the records were destroyed”

I wonder isn’t that a crime ??

(write more later)

A march for life, freedom and democracy – the Monks of Myanmar

I have been closely following the news that is filtering out of Myanmar (Burma to my mother), and find it very sad and yet inspiring that there are still people in this world who are willing, against all odds to stand up for what is right.

BBC : New protests on Rangoon’s streets

Check Haris Ibrahim, and other newsites if you want more details.

But I simply thought of this. A movie that moved me very much a couple of years ago called AMISTAD. (anthony hopkins)

And at the end Hopkins says this to the Supreme Court of US, (this is before the civil war)  as he defends the freedom of a black man who was kidnapped from South Africa.

“that the natural state of mankind is freedom. Is freedom. And the proof is the length to which a man, woman or child will go to regain it once taken. He will break loose his chains. He will decimate his enemies. He will try and try and try, against all odds, against all prejudices, to get home (be free) “ 

“James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, George Washington… John Adams. We’ve long resisted asking you for guidance. Perhaps we have feared in doing so we might acknowledge that our individuality which we so, so revere is not entirely our own. Perhaps we’ve feared an appeal to you might be taken for weakness. But, we’ve come to understand, finally, that this is not so. We understand now, we’ve been made to understand, and to embrace the understanding… that who we are *is* who we were. We desperately need your strength and wisdom to triumph over our fears, our prejudices, ourselves. Give us the courage to do what is right. And if it means civil war? Then let it come. And when it does, may it be, finally, the last battle of the American Revolution.”

I hope that you can one day watch this movie…and watch the last scene.

My prayers are with those who dare to face the Junta on the streets of Rangoon tmrw.

The world must not and cannot turn a blind eye to such madness

GOODNIGHT

International Right to Know Day – 28th September

The Right to Know Day was first celebrated in Sofia, Bulgaria in 2002 at an international meeting of access to information advocates who proposed that September 28th be dedicated to the promotion of freedom of information worldwide. The goal is to raise citizens’ awareness level about their right of access to information under the control of government institutions. These celebrations are aimed towards the citizenry, a non specialized clientele

It is to raise awareness of every individual’s right of access to government-held information: the right to know how elected officials are exercising power and how the tax-payers’ money is being spent.

Sometime ago, I remember having a conversation with my other half, on how much information the government actually knows about everyone of us. Many of us, often don’t give this issue much thought, because it is presumed that when you are presented with a form to fill, you just fill in the blanks. However, I think in this day an age, as all information is so easily accessible, we must give thought to the kind of personal information we give away.

On the other hand there is the argument, that as citizens of a state, we give up a certain amount of freedom and information, in return for protection by the state. This in simpler terms means that the government needs the information in order to protect us from the “bad guys”. Now I accept this argument. Therefore I will openly say that having ID or IC’s is a good thing. However my acquiescence to such a policy has a limit.

I would argue, that when being asked to give up information, I want to know what that information is used for and who has access to it. There is a serious lack of transparency when it comes to such issues, in Malaysia. That’s why the need for vigilance.

It does not make any sense to know my race and religion when I sign up for an exam ? Do you know that when your children sign up for the SPM (the Form 5 examination), there is a question where u answer A. BUMIPUTERA or B. LAIN-LAIN .

Why is this so ?? It completely does not make sense to me ? (If it does to you, pray do tell)

I would suggest this : If you are ever filling up a form, that demands a lot of personal information from you. I suggest you contact the party who released the form and politely ask why they need such information ? (contact no’s are usually available at the end of the form) There is no harm in asking, and maybe if a few people ask, then the next time they print such a form they’ll think twice.

If you want to know how the Day is celebrated around the world, CHECK HERE

So what do you do on International Right to Know Day? (its never too late)

if you are an NGO / civil society organization … hold an event, a debate, an award ceremony …. write a press release … hold a discussion with a local community group or in the local school … print up posters and t-shirts and hand them out in the streets … get people involved and, best of all, get them exercising their rights by filing request for information!

 

if you are an individual … file a request for information, write a letter to your local newspaper, ask your local town hall to put up notices telling people about the right to information, or ask them to put more information on their website … write to your local council or to your member of parliament and ask them what they are doing to promote government transparency!

if you are a teacher or pupil … have a discussion in class about the right to know and why open government is important … think of some requests you can file with your local authority or with a government body such as the Ministry of Education … find a local issue that you would like to know more about such as the quality of the drinking water or the budget for the sports centre and file requests for more information!

 

if you are a librarian or write an Internet blog … you already understand the value of information, so make sure you inform your members/readers about Right to Know Day!

 

if you are a journalist … write an article about Right to Know Day around the world and/or about local transparency issues … if you have never filed a request before using your national access to information law, now is the time to start, and then make a story out of what happens!

 

if you are an Information Commissioner … join in the publicity for the day by holding an event or issuing a press release … hold a competition that will encourage openness such as the best government website or the department with the fastest average response time for answering requests … publicize examples of information disclosure that has helped strengthen the relationship between the public and the government … send a memo to government departments reminding them that 28 September is International Right to Know Day and emphasizing that transparency is nothing to be afraid of because everyone is doing it!

 

if you are a public servant or elected member of government … ask yourself you are doing to help promote open government … find out what the department you work in is doing to be more open … think about how you can manage information better so that it’s easier to provide to members of the public … put some more information on your website so that the public has a better idea about what you are doing … and if your country has an access to information law, talk to the people in your department who are responsible for giving out information and find out what you can to do help them respond to requests within the time-frames established by law!

 

if you are still not sure what to do … take a look at the FOI Advocates Network website for more information about what the members are doing and what you can do … we can also put you in touch with the local access to information organization in your country …

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This is what happened in Malaysia – organised by CIJ

Twenty members and volunteers of civil society groups today distributed 11,000 leaflets on various social justice issues within two hours here today.

The joint leafleting activity involving several NGOs was held in conjunction with the International Right to Know Day that falls on 28 September every year to raise citizens’
awareness on their right of access to public information.

Members and volunteers from the Centre or Independent Journalism (CIJ), the Abolish ISA Movement (Gerakan Mansuhkan ISA, GMI), the Joint Action Group for Gender Equality (JAG) and Jaringan Rakyat Tertindas (JERIT) distributed leaflets around the Masjid Jamek and Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman areas this afternoon.

CIJ executive director Gayathry Venkiteswaran said the joint leafleting was organised to distribute information on all areas of social justice and political rights to the people.

“The essence of building an informed citizenry is that all citizens have the right to access information that is important to them. There are so many issues where the public has been denied access to information such as the privatisation of health and water services, voter rights, misuse of public funds, detention without trial under the Internal Security Act and others.

“We hope that through this activity people will realise that they have the right to know about any decisions that affect their lives,” she said at the end of the event.

CIJ, which coordinated the event, first celebrated the International Right to Know Day in 2006 when the National Campaign for a Freedom of Information Act was launched.

Empower project officer Ayesha Melati Shariff Paul said being in direct contact with the public gave her an opportunity to gauge public opinion on several issues.

“I also see how people react to the topics, some are open to the contents while others dismiss them even before reading,” she said.

For project assistant Mardhiah Yaakob and administrative assistant Ruhil Razak of Women’s Aid Organisation, it was a new experience for them to reach out to the public. They said the campaign to raise public awareness on their right to know was an important one especially for NGOs have limited access to the public.

CIJ will organise this event annually to mark the International Right to Know Day.

The Bar Council march my experience and photographs

UNITED IN A DEMAND FOR JUSTICE - Malaysiakini

Well after walking for 1 1/2 hours towards the Palace of Justice, actually being able to see the building within sight was a great joy. I don’t think I have ever been as happy to see the POJ. lol. . .

All along the away Amer kept our spirits up by saying, “its just over the hill, don’t worry imagine there are no trees and you’ll be able to see it” . . this was the sort of banter that kept us walking for almost 8 km.

Then when we reached the POJ our numbers had dwindled to about 50 odd…. but the rapturing cheer, and claps from the 2000 people at the Palace of Justice, made my heart, and the hearts of those who had walked with me soar to even greater heights !!

THE PALACE OF JUSTICE WAS A SIGHT TO BEHOLD !!! . . . absolutely amazing !

Earlier in the morning we were kidding about a turnout of 500 would be good, and yeah 1/3 of that would be NGO folk…but no. Today I honestly tell you the lawyers turned out in the flesh themselves. Hats of folks !!

Too see the 2000 people at the POJ, made my adrenaline start pumping again, and after a short address by Ambiga, the President of the Bar Council . (find it here ) We were of for another 3.5 km trek to the PM’s office !!

Do look at Malaysiakini for more statements on what was said by Ambiga and others.

The trek to the PM’s office in my mind was a walk in the park (because i had already walked 8km to the POJ) . There were actually those who complained about the 3.5 km distance. I do feel sorry for some of the women who didn’t were proper walking shoes. I think they probably don’t know the DO’s and DON’Ts of doing a march, as not everyone has done it before with either NGOs or opposition parties.

When we reached the PM”s office, Ambiga went in with the 2 memorandums. While we waited outside.

The people waiting, became drenched and soaking wet !!!!!!!!! There was a thunderstorm.

Some people went running for shelter but a good number stood our ground. (Yeah la we couldn’t let the FRU stand there alone right). The people holding the banner…kept on chanting and saying slogans through the rain, lead by spirited members of the organizing committee.

I particularly like the part when they mimicked VK lingam’s “CORRECT, CORRECT, CORRECT, ah CORRECT CORRECT ” . . ..that was funny.

All in all it was one worthwhile trip to Putrajaya…and a worthwhile walk. It’s like what Ambiga said : WHEN LAWYERS WALK SOMETHING IS WRONG !!

If you are in need of a refresher, here is the video again :;

Todays photographs :

Braving the rain !!

The LONG walk to the Palace of Justice & Protesters barred from Malaysiakini

What was supposed to be a quick bus ride, turned out to be a long long walk for the 200 people on the buses. We got down from the buses very quickly and began WALKING !!

We walked almost 5 – 8 km to reach the POJ, a walk that took about 1 1/2 hours !!

Along the way many of the people walking managed to hop into cars and get a lift to the Palace of Justice.

All through the walk we kept entertaing each other, and shouted slogans like

“SIASAT, SIASAT all the way ” – “Who we are : Malaysian BAR“

The Police by not allowing the buses in, gave the Bar’s event more press coverage then even the organizing committee bargained for !!! Every single person driving into Putrajaya along that road would have seen us. All the better !!

It was truly a remarkable experience and my feet are still aching !!

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Protesters barred from entering Putrajaya (from) Malaysiakini

Sep 26, 07 10:44am

The police have barred seven buses packed with lawyers and members of the public from entering Putrajaya this morning. The buses were headed towards the Palace of Justice in the administrative capital where the passengers were to take part in a protest march calling for a royal commission of inquiry into judicial integrity. Malaysiakini learnt that some private vehicles too have been stopped from entering Putrajaya. The march is organised by the Bar Council in the aftermath of the latest scandal to hit the judiciary – a video clip showing a senior lawyer brokering the appointment of judges with another person on the telephone. The context of the conversation indicated that the person at the other end was the current Chief Justice Ahmad Fairuz Sheikh Abdul Halim. The march from the Palace of Justice to the PM’s Department was scheduled to start at 11am. Those stranded – numbering about 200 – are now walking to the Palace of Justice, which is located about five kilometres away from where they have been stopped. Eyewitnesses say they are carrying banners and shouting slogans along their way. Meanwhile at the Palace of Justice a crowd numbering about 2,000 – majority of whom are lawyers – have started gathering since early morning.

Pictures from the WALK for JUSTICE, by the Bar.

The Members of the bar and some of the organizing committee began gathering at Dataran Merdeka at 9.00am to board the buses to Putrajaya.

By 9.30am there were enough people to fill 4 buses. The buses left Dataran Merdeka at approx 9.40am.

This is where the excitement begins, the Police would not allow the buses into Putrajaya !!They stopped us on the highway itself, just before we turn in to Putrajaya.

The first bus was with the negotiating team , and so they alone dealt with the police in a calm manner.

So when the Police refused to let the buses through, members of the Bar who happened to drive and follow the buses from behind began taking on passengers from the buses.

The 4th bus managed to fully empty out into the cars waiting at the back, while the rest of us began our long LONG LONG!! walk towards the Palace of Justice

I’m going for the march . . . Are you ??

It ’s been a long day for me, so I’ll keep it short.

I’m most certainly going to march with Bar tomorrow to show solidarity and support for a cause that is important to every Malaysian.

So be sure to check back for pictures and updates from me on the march !!

GOOD NIGHT !!

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DETAILS OF THE MARCH on wednesday 26th September 2007

The Bar Council-sponsored march from the Palace of Justice to the PM’s office, Putrajaya will be held tomorrow (26 September 2007, Wednesday). Some clarifications on the event:

(1) Six buses will be chartered by Bar Council to ferry people. The public can take the chartered buses – please be at Dataran Merdeka at 8.30am. The buses will leave for Putrajaya at 9am sharp.

(2) Those who wish to go to Putrajaya on their own are advised to be at the Palace of Justice, Putrajaya by 10.30am. The march from the Palace of Justice to the PM’s office will start at 11.00am sharp.

(3) As announced by the Bar Council earlier, you are encouraged to wear black and white attire with jacket – however, it is not compulsory.

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Lim Kit Siang on the suggestion of an independent panel !! (malaysiakini)

(courtesy of Malaysiakini)

Disbelief, shock and outrage – these three feelings sum up the general reaction to news of the announcement by Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak.

The three-man independent panel into the authenticity of the Lingam tape is unsatisfactory and unacceptable as it falls far short of what should be done – a royal commission of inquiry into the Lingam tape and the alleged perversion of the course of justice and the compromising of judicial independence, integrity, impartiality and integrity.

The establishment of a royal commission of inquiry to conduct a full and comprehensive investigation is particularly urgent and imperative to restore public confidence in the system of justice as up to now, Ahmad Fairuz has been conspicuously silent in failing to personally issue a statement on the Lingam tape – five days after its expose by Anwar Ibrahim.

The denial which the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Nazri Aziz had made on Ahmad Fairuz’ behalf is just not good enough, with zero credibility.

In restricting the panel to the question of the authenticity of the Lingam tape instead of allowing full investigations into all aspects of the allegations of perversion of the course of justice and the compromising of judicial independence, impartiality and integrity raised by the video clip, the government is avoiding the imperative issue of the long-standing rot in the judiciary and the urgent need to restore national and international confidence in the system of justice with a truly independent judiciary and a just rule of law.

The independent panel is not enough – the MARCH goes on!

THE MARCH GOES ON TOMORROW AS PLANNED (malaysianbar)

KUALA LUMPUR, Tues: The Bar Council Chairman, Ambiga Sreenevasan reiterated today the march for justice will go on as planned tomorrow notwithstanding the report that the government has set up an independent panel to determine the authenticity of the video recording.

“This falls short of the Bar’s call for an investigation by a Royal Commission not only of the recording but of larger issues affecting the state of the administration of justice in Malaysia”, said Ambiga.

In an immediate response to the composition of the panel, namely Tan Sri Haidar Mohd Noor, Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye and Datuk Mahadev Shankar, one senior lawyer said the three personalities are not acceptable.

“Haidar was involved in the 1988 Judicial Crisis. Lee has no legal training. Shankar served under Tun Eusoff Chin, and also in the Royal Commission of Inquiry on the black-eye incident involving the former Deputy Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim which only implicated the then Inspector General of Police, Tan Sri Rahim Noor, but took no action against police officers who were present at the time the former IGP Ramli assaulted Anwar,” he said.

Meanwhile, the walk tomorrow is a peaceful initiative and everything humanly possible is being done to ensure this.

We call on all members to join us in the walk in solidarity, and to send a serious message that improvements to the judicial system have been long overdue including the establishment of an independent appointments and promotion commission.