Malaysiakini and Susan Loone

I received a voice message today from Susan of Malaysiakini this morning asking me to return her call.
It was followed by a text message from her a few minutes later.

As I was driving I said I would return the call later.

How could I have put it any gentler?

This is the same Susan Loone who insisted that she was not told of All Blogs when it first started though those present then including Zorro remembered her declining a nomination for pro-temp committee because she was based in Bangkok (around 2007).

And now she is back in Malaysia working for the 'credible' Malaysiakini.

Because they are so reliable, I guess its better that I answer them through my blog so that I do not get misquoted. (If you have read my previous post, you will understand why I chose not to answer her earlier)

Her questions that was emailed to me goes like this;

1. Why did you make the police report?
I am a peace loving Malaysian. I made the report after my request for her to retract her tweet on 'getting christians to march for persecution against the lord' was ignored.

2.What have you got against Lilian Chan?
I have nothing against her until her tweet. Incitement using the Catholic faith as an excuse is one thing I will not stand by as a Catholic.

3.How can you be the secretary of Blog House (an organisation set up to support bloggers) yet go after another blogger?
This has nothing to do with Blog House.

4.How can Blog House be a credible representative of the new media as proposed by the media council if it appears (perception is everything) to be intolerant of free speech?
Again nothing to do with Blog House. Funny she mentioned about tolerance and free speech. Does the Chief Minister tolerate staff members who incite in the name of religion? Free speech is sharing thoughts, not incitement.

5.Do you regret the problem you seem to have caused (especially that Lilian's iMac has been siezed)
Its not my concern whether the police want to confiscate her equipment. As it happened before to people I kbow, I wouldn't want to wish it on others. I am more interested to know that people who threaten the peace of the nation do not cause any more damage they have already done.

6.Isn't 'thinking' allowed in Malaysia? Chan Lilian said her tweets was merely her thoughts.
Do you honestly think that? Thinking not allowed in Malaysia? If its her thoughts, then I am sure the AG will not charge her, so no problem.

7.Whats your brief take on Allah issue, do you think this not a form of persecution on Christians in Malaysia?
More important for the bishop to answer that question. My appointment with him did not materialise. It does seem that there are quarters bent on making this an issue though it was never one to me. Tuhan, God, Jesus works fine for me. In Malaysia (and being bilingual in Malay and English, Arabic does nothing for me)

You may add any other comments if you wish to.
Malaysians must all take responsibility in safeguarding our nation. Todays environment is no reflection of my younger days. I was never thought to incite hatred.
I pray for Chan Lilian to find peace in her thoughts instead of one that asks Christians to take the streets.
Religion is a sensitive issue, lets make sure that Malaysia remains peaceful.

Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.2

Follow the money.....

Every now and then, I get an invite to go back to school to learn and build applications from our friends in Malaysiakini.

Its not really too expensive, but its also not really affordable either.

However, the 'media school' that is being run by Malaysiakini seems to draw a particular crowd. According to a participant who got in touch with

me, their courses are quite informative and helpful, but ultimately appeals only to their followers.

Let's back track a little and see if you can understand how Malaysiakini has evolved from a 'news portal' to a media school.

2001 - Senior Editor YL Chong (Desi) resigned over a controversial RM188,000.00 deal between Mkini Dot Com and 'Media Development

Loan Fund' (MDLF)
Arising from that revelation (and denial by the manegement), it was later discovered that MDLF will emerge as 29% equity owners of Mkini Dot Com.

News Clipping of Desi's resignation

Now, this may seem like just an ordinary business deal, after all, everyone was jumping on the bandwagon of Dot Com companies back then.

But did Mkini Dot Com's Steven Gan and Premesh Chandran know about MDLF and what they stood for before that exercise? Surely, a suitor

of such a deal would have been evaluated and if there should be any doubts, made clear in order to be absolutely sure, right?

MDLF has a mission statement and one of those lines read ...a non profit investment fund that provides low-cost financing to independent news

outlets in "countries with a history of media oppression".
Another says "provide technical know-how to help journalists build their businesses around professional, responsible and quality journalism"

Nice. But here is the million dollar question. Who funds MDLF?

What do ya know? OSI - Open Society Institute is part of a group of financiers dishing out much required green backs to help these 'oppressed

media' (Question:If media was indeed oppressed here in Malaysia, howlah can Malaysiakini survive all these while? And if quality journalism is

what it inspires to achieve by helping journalists, then how could Malaysiakini publish completely false stories like this one?

OK. Lets forget about that for a moment and assume that I am making up all this. But how can anyone explain this?

In 1999, Mkini started with a grant of USD100,000.00K (RM385,000.00) from SEAPA (South East Asia Press Alliance) and a further deal to

'develop open source software application' for RM188,000.00 (with CAMP a technollgy division of MDLF). Mkini Dot Com received another

RM1,300,000.00 from MDLF in 2002. All these In exchange for (presumably) a 29% equity.

All this information is from public domain, but what they did not tell you is that the source of funding are suspiciously the same.

My point? With all this start up and new media school that aims to empower 'oppressed' people, are they hoping for a Myanmar, Egypt,

Thailand, Libya, Tunisia styled uprising? I wouldn't discount that.

Coming up next: Who's who in dishing out money to an 'Independent news portal'...

I can see clearly now. . . . that Bersih is gone.

Not sure if you remember the words to that song (I can see clearly now the rain is gone...)

But whilst Bersih 2.0 is still busy getting pockets of their supporters to push for arrest showing up in public with their fancy Tees, most others have returned back to their day to day chores, and those who do can surely see their objectives.

Some are sure as hell as to the cause of the gathering -'For Free and Fair Elections'. Most everyone would have accepted this if it was clear from the beginning.

But from the moment Ambiga sold her platform to Pakatan politicians, she gave away her ability to speak apolitically.

I can surely see clearly now, after all I was there in Bersih 1, 2007. I walked because I believed that the electoral process was manipulated. The people I met seems to have thought the same too. Until the emergence of the opposition figures at the end of that march, and in one move hijacked the agenda of that first gathering.

But after that the 'Tsunami' of 2008 happened. 81 seats went to PR, we all know what happened next. In fact, back then when the election results was announced, those of us who gathered in the then Blog House, Haris Ibrahim included, could not believe our ears and eyes listening to reports and reading the incoming results. Seats were falling to PAS, DAP, and PKR (it wasn't till after the elections that they decided to call themselves Pakatan Rakyat). Not one single person in that room thought that the election was littered with fraud.

How could we? the opposition won an unprecedented amount of seats. Haris Ibrahim himself, now a steering committee member of Bersih did not question those results.

Fast forward three years later, and now as we all know it, Ambiga took to the streets despite being asked not to by HRH Tuanku Mizan. As a person who knows the law, she seemed to have backed down after the audience with HRH Tuanku, and when Khalid Ibrahim offered Melawati Stadium, it all appeared that KL would be free from the gathering that the business community was fearful of.

And now, as the Police reveal video evidence to refute claims of abuse and negligence, which clearly show them reacting positively to the illegal gathering, some are asking about Ambiga's motives.

My theory is that Ambiga had no other choice but to ensure that the gathering went ahead in KL. Why? Only she can answer that, but it seems there are already people who are on to her, those who know better of the motives of 'Open Society'.

And I think if you actually read this entirely, you might want to rethink the 'Fair elections' part too.

Because I was part of a group that engaged the Perak Branch of Election Commissions prior to the 2008 Elections, I did engage the EC again this time around and got answers to all questions posed by Bersih 2.0 in their meeting held with the EC last November. All information are now available on EC's website. Go read it.

So having got clear answers from the EC, I decided to check what Bersih 2.0 was hiding from you, those who believed that you actually walked for 'Free and Fair Elections'.

Spend a few more minutes, you will be surprised to find out which road Bersih 2.0 wants to bring Malaysia down to.....CLICK ON THE PIX FOR ALL YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT BERSIH

A report to die for

So after the months of going in and out of the courtroom, the report on the Royal Commission of Inquiry has been submitted to His Royal Highness Tuanku Mizan.

Making it public is the only option and the credit must go the Royal Commission for completing the arduous task of unearthing the truth behind TBH's death.

And such, its not surprising at all judging from the response of Lim Kit Siang, Karpal Singh and those that reject outright the outcome of the inquiry, I can only conclude that DAP had from the beginning intended to prolong the issue of TBH's death.

Why? Karpal has now said that the Commission is inferior to the law.

To me Karpal has basically told HRH that his appointment of the board was BS.

And with that statement, DAP supporters have renewed their actions in politicising tbe TBH issue.

But didn't DAP called for the RCI to begin with?

No excuse should be given for the investigators who did not follow procedures in the first place.

So from today on, those that have been suspected of any wrongdoing can simply say no and protest their questioning, and tell the investigators that all questioning can only be done according to the mood of the suspect.

In my opinion,the whole affair stinks. From the existence of proof of payment and the acknowledgment of 'Ali Baba' contractors is evident that there was some form of manipulation.

The rest of the evidence merely points out the weaknesses of MACC and all things associated with the events that lead to TBH dying.

To me, now that the RCI has made public the report, we should all just go on with our lives.

Let me then tell you whats going to happen next;

1.DAP will still play this issue and try to get sympathy votes

2.TBH's sister Teoh Lee Lan will run as a DAP candidate in the upcoming elections

3.There will be more fundraising dinners for TBH's family which will help in Lee Lan's campaign

4.MACC officers named in the inquiry will meanwhile be facing legal proceedings

5.Ean Yong will carry on with his allocation for constituency work as to how its always been done

oh yeah. . . and the million dollar prize is all this is BN and MCA's fault!

Which Police would you prefer?

OR

The question again: Which do Police Force do you prefer?

One that gets illegal protesters of the streets?
or
One that is friendly (yet still take unruly protesters off the streets) but allows the intrusion of your personal space by allowing hackers to get data from your phones?

To accuse ALL our officers of wrong doing is like saying that people of a certain race are ALL drunks.

I confess that I do not think highly of our police officers, especially the sneaky ones that seems to hide behind pillars and trees to nab you for road offences. But all that changes when I met two separate officers from two different departments.

Both were diligent and polite, yet...human. Not the brutal 'nude squat' proponents that is being said of officers in PDRM. Nor the chota wielding head beating chest stomping officers that were present in KL during the Bersih 2.0 gathering.

In the recent disclosure and the aftermath of the phone hacking case in the UK, it will be naive to think that Police these days are incapable of wrongdoing.

The difference I guess is the severity of it.

Whilst the Police Commissioner of the London Metropolitan police is paying for his folly (and that of his men), ultimately, the wrongdoing of his staff in not acting against certain complaints came back to haunt him.

In Malaysia, meanwhile, amidst all that accusation of police brutality and wrongdoing, video footages appear to tell the story that every policeman on duty that day was dragging parliamentarians by the scruff of their neck and shooting at them with tear gas canisters (right to their faces, as claimed).

So, let's get to the bottom of it, and produce some hard evidence, and lets then get the IGP to take responsibility, shall we?

Two Wongs don't make one wight!

I mean two wrongs don't make one right.

Oh, just so I am clear, lets also ensure that those who perpetrated the illegal rally also get charged for disturbing the peace.

PAS for Everyone? or PAS FoOLS Everyone?

Post 2008 - I was keen to find out what PAS MP for Shah Alam, Khalid Samad had to say when he visited my church in the days after the Tsunami of 2008.

He had a lot to say, and admittedly thanked those who voted for him, yet non committal to how the Church will grow post BN.

Fast forward 3 years later, and though now the church has a strong following of PR, nothing much has changed. We are still in that factory tucked away in the corner of Shah Alam, and when I confronted the YB on why he had agreed to help us fight for a better location, he said he committed to no such things.

Whilst he said he would help the church get 'rights' to conduct its ritual processions on the streets, that did not happen too. Our twitter exchange ended with him questioning my 'position' in the church, and finished by adding that he will not deal with me unless I am with the church council.

Let's take a look at what PAS stands for and how it has managed to convince (some) non-muslim voters that it has really made a change and now is the political platform for everyone.

That PAS has not made public its all time demand of a full Islamic state complete with its own version of Hudud is something we must all be aware of.

One of the most telling statement from Tun Dr Mahathir was when he reiterated recently that whilst he was PM he had openly rejected PAS's demand for Hudud simply because PAS had chosen to interpret it the way they saw fit.

A key example given was their insistence on the 'four witness' to a crime. How would one accuser such as a rape victim produce four witness to a crime that was perpetrated against her?

Though I know very little about Hudud, it does not take a rocket scientist to understand the implications of such demands. And as we now know, cases where victims pay the ultimate as it can bring death as a convicted adulterer.

So let's look closer at how PAS and its wanton wish of pressing ahead with clear community division issues.

If the claims that as a non-muslim must not comment on Islamic issues ring loud enough for us to shy away from it, now I too must demand that PAS and extremist Muslims must shy away from commenting on issues un-Islamic, such as alcohol consumption and gambling, and whilst at it, throw in the concert issue as well.

Let me be ABSOLUTELY CLEAR without a doubt THAT I HAVE NO ISSUE WITH ISLAM AS THE OFFICIAL RELIGION HERE IN MALAYSIA.

I RESPECT THAT so much so that even in RAMADHAN, I tend to be more discreet with my vices out of respect for my friends.

WHAT I DON'T respect is that PAS seems to deem it upon themselves that RAMADHAN is the time that they MUST IMPOSE THEIR OBSERVATION on ALL MALAYSIANS!!

First the ban on outlets that offer entertainment in Kedah. Though I hardly go to Kedah, I can understand the kinds of problem that would affect the operators, especially so because of the effects that comes with such ban.

Example, an outlet I frequent complained that its income fell over the 'Bersih 2.0' weekend from the usual RM50k to only RM18k. That is approximate 36% of what it collects usually!
So if such ban was to be imposed across the board, one can only imagine the repercussions and other effects downstream.

Malaysia prides itself on being a moderate Islamic country, with diverse cultural and racial composure. That it has emerged and maintained its peaceful atmosphere amidst serious damage of racial disturbance in the late 60s is telling of its resilience to such polarity that tears at the fabric of communal diversity.

Yet we are probably the only country in the world that aims to maintain that characteristic by providing vital ethnic based educational programs which has both its proponents and detractors.

Whatever said, ALL these make up the colourful cauldron of 1Malaysia.

What we definitely do not need are politicians who say one thing and do the next, and by calling for the cancellation of the MTV concerts due to take place soon at I-City Shah Alam, is just another act of 'showing' its ultra supporters that their lawmakers have not forgotten the 'jihad' of PAS.

It brings me to the day, in the old Blog House of All Blogs when I met Dr.Siti Maria, now ADUN of Kota Raja and offered to welcome her with a handshake. Her response, understandably due to her faith was expected, but when she told me the true reason for refusing my offer was that because she was a 'visible' PAS leader, and female too, she had to please her staunch supporters by not shaking hands with men for she will come under heavy attack from these supporters.

It didn't mean anything tom e then, but now seeing the true colours of PAS yet again, I dread to think what would happen and what choices I will have next time should they come into power.

Time and again, I am told by pro PR supporters that DAP and PAS play a game of check and balance, and that they will augur well for Malaysia.

I beg to differ. 53 years and counting of true check and balance and a great voice of its people with 6 Prime Ministers tell me that the spirit of the Alliance through BN will not fail.

PAS on the other hand tells us they are for everyone, but to me its more like fooling everyone.

On another note, Karpal Sinh did threaten to sue PAS unless it rescinded the ban call in Kedah, but what happened to the ban of lottery tickets sale which according to law is permissible?

What BS!

What BS! Have you ever seen a man on neck brace move his head so much?

While Bersih tries their best....there are others too

Whats in the electoral system that is dubious?

Phantom voters? (as explained by the EC, pre 2005 change of act, there were many cases where more than a few voters were registered to an address, and this was largely due to the fact that in most cases the registering agent of the day had conveniently lumped registrations onto the same address).

In fact, if one was reasonable, he or she can access these information from EC website. The EC had also printed out booklets addressing each of Bersih's demands.

But none was accepted by Bersih.

Instead, as you and I sit in our house all holed up (I am going out shortly though) and lapping through pages of pages of website and blogs, there are those yet bent on propagating the assembly and their call for Electoral Reforms.

Yet when asked, not one can admit that if there was indeed any fraud, the opposition would not have made the greatest gain in any of our 12 elections.

So the underlying question remains; Is this an Electoral Reform rally or Pro-Democracy rally?

In Al Jazeera, the scroll text claims 'Electoral reform rally' yet in their story, it's 'Pro Democracy'.
There is a big difference.

And what about the lead up story? Protest in Syria? Reform calls in Cairo?

For anyone not used to Malaysian politics, today's Bersih Rally will be lumped up with the People uprising in Egypt. It seems to them, 53 years of BN (an Alliance, not a SINGLE PARTY Government) seems just a tad too long.

No one talks about Singapore. And I am not asking you to, I am merely pointing out the obvious.

My point?

These 'electoral reformist' are the same that are shouting 'Jahanamkan BN' or bring down the government, yet after the 12th General Election where the opposition made their greatest accomplishments (81 seats out of 222 parliamentary seats) they are still saying that the Malaysian electoral system is full of fraud in favour of the ruling alliance.

Let's leave this for now, that I have made my point.

You will see the PSM logo, or the similarity in the picture above.

Now, a website had highlighted this. So does this mean if there is any truth in this?
Why had Ambiga of Bersih not tell of the NED funding earlier?

Did those who really think that they are in it for a real electoral reform call was actually free from any influence?

I am no International Policy expert, but having been in a committee of a pro tem association before, we had made the decision not to accept USD25k from a new media advocate. Why? We could not tell the source.

As in the case of Bersih, they chose to accept funding from an external source, and when push comes to shove, especially in today's rally, it can only be that there is external influence.

And if you care to check out the link highlighted above, you will KNOW for sure that those in Bangkok protesting are paid agents. Surely any MALAYSIAN would know if you want to ask Najib something, though via a placard, it did be Mr Najib, or Najib. Hell Jibby would do for those bent on poking him. But a 'MR ABDUL RAZAK'?? come on!

In today's day and age and access to the the internet, incitement and lies can go a long way.
All it takes is for one to step back and assess, and to rationalise.

It doesn't take long then to note that there are some very sick people out there who are bent on creating chaos. And for who's benefit? You can only guess......

A date with MCMC

Update: Having been at the other end when a police complaint was made the last time my website was highlighting the matter of certain licensing matters, I now understand better how the system works. Today I had an appointment to meet an officer of the Multimedia & Communications Commission of Malaysia who was acting on a published article of my police report against 5xmom. That was supposed to take place at 2pm. It wasnt till 4pm that I finally met them. There, they explained why they needed to see me. I accepted their explanation and assisted the officer in matters pertaining to my earlier report. Its still early days yet. I guess I will have to do this a few more times. I wonder if the subject of my complaint will be required to do the same? The police report I made last week was one that I did with absolute belief that the authorities would investigate any attempt of incitement.

I have been receiving many calls both supporting as well as condemning my action.

Lets get this straight, its not about me, or me being a Catholic or Christian.

Its about what we as Malaysians must do to safeguard our country from extremists.

I gave 3hours of my life last week, and I will give another 3hours when I will be questioned and interviewed by the investigators at MCMC.

I will update my post after that.

Thank you for your messages both for and against.

Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.9

Don't push it

A friend remarked the other day to an audience that he would have gladly supported Ambiga if she incited 100,000 to pick up pales and cloth to wash cars in order to raise money for a good cause.

I would too, and I am sure you would whether you prefer a yellow or red badge.

However, the moment you start to identify a political cause to it, then it obviously become.....political.

It does not take a genius to see the damage it has done to countries like Thailand, who until today are still picking up the pieces of the Red Shirt vs Yellow Shirt protest that virtually killed off Thailand Tourism (well, it took them 3 quarters to recover but yet the damage was there).
Yet in Libya, the battle still continues. (Police picked up some banners from a 'Bersih' gathering point that asked the public to revolt ala Libya)

Is this the way we want to take the country forward?

Much has been said about Najib and how he will destroy the country if he comes into power (there was a group who petitioned the King to interfere in his appointment). Najib has assumed power now for almost 2 years, ad we have seen positive changes vs the last administration, and Malaysia continue to grow despite all the doom and gloom in world economics.

Bersih 2.0 is nothing more than a desperate attempt to push the Government to wield the ISA. It does not help that the Home Minister has not been 'moved' to act against troublemakers, but worst of is the fact that the opposition lawmakers are openly defying the law in trying to coral public support.

Did you stop and ask yourself why now? Having produced great growth gains in trying times, Malaysia under Najib has won over many detractors. Anwar on the other hand has been tripping all over his folly. It really does not help the opposition if Najib calls for an election soon.

So out comes from the woodwork all those who crawled into it the last time around. Not only have they grown bg and fat from all the milking that has been going on, they have been fed the notion that the whole nation supports them!

This has gotten a mother of 5 , otherwise known as 5xMom both in her blog and twitter. She had twitted 'I think all Christians should march for all the persecution they had done to us and our lord' on the night of the 29th of June. I had seen that twit being retweeted, and am definitely disappointed that there are people out there who is happy to incite and blow up what Bersih has started.

What more if you work for a Chief Minister? Should we, the rest of us who want to move forward just stand by on the side and hope that the best prevail?

I can't. I stood by when I was demonised for 'switching sides', but I know myself better.

For one, I am a catholic, and WILL NOT ACCEPT that my religion is used by some to garner popularity in the name of religion. The line has to be drawn, and there are limits to what we can do. Inciting in the name of religion is not one of it.

I made a police report today, after my warning to 5Xmom to remove the tweet was ignored, and I guess now its time I did my part to debunk the notion that ALL CATHOLICS are off the view that we have been religiously persecuted.

I am appealing to all right minded (not like minded) people to think rationally and not react emotionally. Malaysia is OUR COUNTRY, and do not let the likes of Ibrahim Ali, or Ambiga and those bent on tearing Malaysia apart for their benefits to prevail.

This is OUR COUNTRY. There is no need to take to the streets to defend it as THERE IS NOTHING TO DEFEND IN THE FIRST PLACE!!!

Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.1

Bersih, a gathering for what?

When it reappeared on our radar screens, Bersih had reinvented itself as Bersih 2.0. Similar demands but for electoral reforms.

Although the last 12th GE proved that Elections in Malaysia have proven to be still free and fair, there are groups such as Mafrel (granted observer status bythe Election Commission, but chosed not to follow procedures laid don, such as failure to provide independent non-partisan report and making statements durig the process) who claim that elections in Malaysia are tainted.

No proof. mere allegations.

What then is the real intention of the Bersih organisers?
a.Electoral reforms?
b.Political Statement?
c.Causing Chaos?
d.Incite racial and religious?

I did be careful to answer that if I had not seen what the opposition was capable of.
I had sensed it in Sibu, seen it in Kuching, and if there are any more doubts, let it be put to rest now.

In my previous postings (in which I came under intense criticisms) I had made it clear that a 2nd part was to follow. Despite getting some inside information on who is who in the Roman Catholic archdiocese and how certain Priests are out to make political statements, my appointment with the Archbishop could not be confirmed. So I shall spare the details of that follow up.

But for now, let it be clear that not every Catholic in Malaysia share the same bigoted statement by those hell bent on politicising the church. If there are Catholics out there inciting others, let it just be known that its their intention to take the 'battle of good over evil' as they see it. NOT EVERY CATHOLIC SHARES THIS VIEW.

Precisely why the rest of us who think rationally MUST PREVAIL and stop these bigots from using God, the church and the congregation in what can only be deemed as Opposition Politics.

What happened to Middle Malaysia, of moderation?

A few nights ago, one of CM Lim Guan Eng's staff had saw it fit to jump on the bandwagon (despite normally blogging about her mundane life) of Bersih 2.0 by calling on 'all Christians to march for the persecution 'they' had done to us and our lord'.

If you ask me if there are any persecutions, I would fault it on a former Education Minister who removed the Cathechism classes and replaced it with POL. Are there any other? There is talk of crosses being removed from church buildings, and I challenge those who accuse the government of having an official policy on this.

But to incite ALL CHRISTIANS to march and turn a gathering into a religious one? What is she thinking off? More importantly, what has CM Lim Guan Eng been talking to his staff about to bring about these kinds of attitude? All these simply points to the 'Christian Nation' issue recently as not being far from fiction!

We must all behave responsibly, and making such reckless remarks hardly qualifies one to work for a Chief Minister! Especially if one is in his 'Media team'.

I have asked for a retraction, to which she brushed off.

I now want the police to investigate this, and to charge her for seditious statements, and use her as an example to others that we cannot take National Unity for granted. As long as there are those out there who think they can get away with this, then we must all be vigilant in safeguarding this nation we all love.

To incite and divide is hardly an act of allegiance to Malaysia!