There is No End. There is No Beginning. There is Only The Infinite Passions of Life...

"Malaysians are of course a patient lot. It is a blessing and a curse. We have lived the past 50 years with this fear of change, and in doing so we have accepted a status quo that has seen our Motherland devolving rather than evolving. But as the old saying goes, "it only takes a spark to get the fire a fire burning.

And this is why Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim's importance cannot be denied. Because he is that spark that has lit the flames of desire for change in the hearts of millions Malaysians.

2008 is certainly his year as no other single individual has stirred so many different mixed emotions in Malaysians and the rest of the world for a Malaysian cause.

Everyone is talking about Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his concepts. He has gotten Malaysians to talk about politics and the Future of Our Country in a way that has never been done before. Fear him, admire him, hate him, love him, respect him, denounce him, whatever.... you cannot deny that he is certainly the Man of the Year."

Quoted from Passions interview with DSAI. Read interview in full here...

Breaking News: Anwar hands in 'takeover' letter to PM?

Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim insists he has the numbers to form the next Government.

However, he did not give details of how many Barisan Nasional members will cross over, or their names.

At Pakatan Rakyat's 45th Malaysia Day celebration yesterday, Anwar said he had sought a meeting with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to discuss a smooth transition of power.

"We have handed a letter signed by all Pakatan Rakyat leaders to Pak Lah. We will give him one or two days to give his response," he said during his speech at the rally in Kelana Jaya stadium last night.

A group of Pakatan Rakyat MPs had turned up at the Prime Minister's Office earlier in the day to hand over a letter from their leaders to Abdullah. Read more here..

Press conference at 2 pm? Better wait and see... Plenty rumours flying around these days. 916 or not.. we've already won in many ways.

Pak Lah said Anwar's claim is a nuisance and preposterous.. Intelligence feedback must have been confirming the truth behind Anwar's claim. If not, why the sudden field study trip to Taiwan which started and ended in a hastily manner? And the timing of the use of ISA without proper explanation or proofs? Things just doesn't happen without a reason. But for them, it is always for EVIL reason or intention. And that's Treachery!!

Watch the press conference live here..

Update:

The Change is Set. Takeover notice served. Next move is getting consent from Our King.

Finally, we see the light at the end of the tunnel. Lets stay cautious till we get out of the tunnel. Only then we can all jubilate and enjoy the fresh air.

We must all remain calm at this moment. Lets not give them the chance to change this positive scenario.

Syed Hamid takes a swipe at Zaid...

"The ISA crackdown was a government decision and no minister, including Zaid, should question it.

He also said the government would be dealt an administrative crisis if each minister offers a view and questions the jurisdiction of another minister via the media.

Utusan then quoted Syed Hamid as saying: “Zaid is in the cabinet, if he has his own views, he should bring it up with the prime minister (Abdullah Ahmad Badawi).

If every cabinet member openly debates through the media, we will have an administrative crisis.“If a cabinet member is doing his job while another one openly criticises him, I don’t know where we are heading and what will happen.”

- Excerpts taken from MalaysiaKini report on 'Syed Hamid's U-Turn on ISA arrests'.

Hello.. Do you mean to say that once you are a cabinet minister, you have to forgo your principle, opinion, conscience and righteousness, and bow like an obedient dog to your master without regards to ethics and morality? That's explains well of your recent spats of undesirable behaviour. Just too bad your lowly theory doesn't goes well with any 'man of principle' like the honorable Zaid Ibrahim who have earlier tendered his resignation letter to the Prime Minister today. Find out more here..

However, the Prime Minister rejected his resignation and urged him to stay on to see to the reform of the country's legal and judicial system. Full report here.

Now lets see how this honorable man is going to react to this. I believe it would be wise for him to continue to reject the usage of ISA against civilians. He must call for the immediate release of Raja Petra and Teresa Kok from ISA custody and allow the normal legal and judiciary system to determine. Anything lesser than this would be a big blow to his credibility.

Someone else caught my attention. And he is non other than the infamous man of ambiguity, Dr Rais Yatim. Just because he is from a lawyer background, he mustn't make it a habit to come out with ambiguous statement all the time. Behaving like another obedient dog. This is his statement on the recent usage of draconian ISA...

"It was not a surprise because similar actions had occured before.

Malaysia with the three major races, has to always ensure that racial, cultural and religious sensitivity is not raised by any party.

If something touches on such sensitivity, the authority has the right to exercise the ISA."

Is this the best he can comment? Now you know why I bestowed upon him that ambiguity title. Dr Rais, the people want to know what is your take on these recent ISA arrests. We don't need you to beat around the bush and avoid giving your fair opinion on these arrests.

Maybe it would help if I list them down here:

Case One: Raja Petra Kamarudin charged under ISA for exercising his rights to Freedom of Speech. Why ISA-ed him for insulting Islam? He is a Muslim and he is entitle to his opinion on what Islam preaches. From your definition up there, I do not see any violation that warrants this draconian ISA against him.

Case Two: Teresa Kok fraudulently charged with ISA over some proven 'cooked up' allegation without any sign of unrest. Why didn't you give your honest opinion after all these unfolding of events right in front of your eyes? Don't tell me you have none? Silence from you could easily be translated as your lips are sealed because you are just another blind barking dog. Lawyer, my Ass! Foreign Minister, my fat Ass! Can't even voice out to defend the Right from Wrong. And the instigator roams freely with more guts to stir up sensitive issues because of non action from idiots like you and the whole lot walking the corridor of power.

I won't proceed with the journalist case as your dumbo colleague has already made a Fool out of himself with his justifications. But you know darn well who should be ISA-ed here...

Clearly, this ISA thingy still exists because it can be abuse to Umno's advantage to keep them in power. History has proven that..

Malicious police reports made against Teresa Kok...

I read Malaysiakini's report on 'Two Muslim groups defend MP's arrest' in disgust.

"Two Malay-Muslims groups who still believe that Selangor exco Teresa Kok was against the azans emanating from local mosques have come out to defend her detention under the Internal Security Act (ISA).

Bernama reported yesterday that the Muslim Consumers’ Association of Malaysia (PPIM) and the Islamic NGOs, Heritage Associations, Malay Cultural Organisations and Related Bodies Cooperation Network (Pewaris) had lodged police reports against Kok."

I remembered watching this interview with PPIM secretary general, one Dr. Ma'mor Osman on Bernama News channel last night. The overall context of his speech was totally irrelevant as though he has been used or paid by someone just to justify their barbaric act of detaining Teresa under ISA.

All these police reports despite the said mosque officials clarification denying Teresa's involvement and further police reports made against Toyol and Utusan Melayu for their malicious act.

Ma’mor, however, said notwithstanding claims by the mosque officials, the police still have to investigate and get to the bottom of the matter.

“I am not saying that your investigations into the matter is not true. But the responsibility of conducting investigations into the matter is the police. I am sure they have done their investigations into the matter. Let them carry them out,” he said.

Yeah right, you bloody idiotic bastard.. If that's the case, then why the need to make a police report and make it against Teresa Kok? Shouldn't it be against both parties if you want the police to investigate and get to the bottom of the matter? From your report, you have already taken side and chose to believe in those maliciously cooked-up allegation. And the worse is, it doesn't even take a genius to see the truth by merely following the unfolding of events that leads to this ISA absurdity.

Maybe Jackie Lee's detailed chronological of the said episode can help hammer some sense into these brainless barking dogs. Click here to read his interesting piece.

Anyway, can someone enlighten me on whether there is any law against these people making malicious police report?

Now Everyone Must Stay Calm while This Country is being Ripped Apart..

With the detention of Raja Petra under ISA earlier this afternoon, numerous bloggers have make the call for The People to remain calm as not to fall into the trap laid by this desperate ruling coalition. What we can see now is the pattern of history repeating itself backwardly now that we have traveled back to 1987 Ops Lallang. The next major event backwards would be May 13th, 1969.

Malaysia Today came out with this statement to it's readers and commenters:"

Remember May 13. The government is trying to use the same methods to make people angry so that if we all take to the streets to protest, it will basically give them a free ticket to arrest more people. So we must be clear on what NOT to do. Let's not fall into their trap.

I am being told many political party leaders are now talking about what is proper to say in public, so when commenting please exercise the same restraint.

Next, we also need to know that RPK has not associated himself to any power or position. He is just like you and me except that he means well, can swear better and can talk louder. So, there is NOTHING for the government to gain by arresting him except to perpetuate their rule and to create the emotions to help them stay in control.

People are not stupid or ignorant anymore. Today, we have the Internet and mobile phones. We can always alert each other on the progress.

Unlike 1969, when you are thirsty for news, you may get angry and you would go to the streets. Not today."

And The People's Parliament wrote:

"For now, at least.

I’ve received sms’s asking if we are going to take to the streets.

People, do not play into the hands of the authorities.

Let’s not knee-jerk.

If we are going to do any vigils or peaceful demonstrations, let these be planned.

Will keep you posted on these, if any.

What I can tell you is that Pakatan Rakyat is holding a Hari Malaysia celebration on 15th September, 2008 at the Kelana Jaya stadium to commemorate 45 years of the formation of Malaysia, since 1963. The even starts at 8pm.

We are going to utilise that event to show solidarity with RPK.

I will try to get more details of that event and update all of you when I can.

Meanwhile, please start an sms campaign. Please send out the sms below. Can someone do translations in BM, Tamil and Mandarin, please? Send it in and I will put it up."

While Anwar came out with his press statement to condemn this ISA detention:

"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."

Here is the latest from MalaysiaKini which came in as i was writing this post.

Sin Chew Daily journalist Tan Hoon Cheng has been arrested today at 8.30pm at her home in Bukit Mertajam, Penang.

It is unclear whether she has been arrested under the Internal Security Act, which allows for detention without trial.

It is learnt that she has been taken by the police to the Penang police headquarters.

Tan had reported that local Umno chieftain Ahmad Ismail had allegedly said that Chinese Malaysians are “squatters” in the country.

Her report sparked a nationwide outcry, resulting in Ahmad being suspended by Umno for three years.

Sin Chew had three days ago came out strongly defended Tan, who was accused by Ahmad of misreporting his comments.

Damn! I can't believe this is happening. Ahmad got away with a 3 years suspension and this reporter got arrested for doing her job... merely reporting what actually transpired that night during the ceramah.

I am getting real sick of all these ridiculous events that happened today.This is the day where Malaysia took a deep plunge into Total Darkness!!

Updates: 11:45pm

Now MP Teresa Kok joins the list of ISA victims taking the total to 3 in today's 'crackdown'. Both Tan and Teresa Kok is said to be charged under Section 73 (1) of the ISA.

Why Teresa Kok? Held for stoking racial tension? Based on cooked-up allegation by the loser Khir Toyo with the help of Utusan Melayu? What about her denial and her counter action of demanding for apology from these parties acting in concert? What about the Kinrara's mosque authorities statement which cleared Teresa Kok's involvement in the said azan controversy?

What they said here just doesn't justify the usage of their barbaric ISA against Teresa Kok. Again, it's based on their beliefs- their reason to believe... which can easily be subjected to Abuses.

Who's next?

They did It again: RPK ISA-ed!! What a cowardly move!!

Controversial blogger Raja Petra Kamaruddin has been detained under the Internal Security Act (ISA). According to his wife Marina Lee Abdullah, Raja Petra was arrested when 10 police personnel who arrived at his home in Sungai Buloh at 1.10pm. When Malaysiakini contacted her at 1.25pm, the police personnel were still there. According to Marina, Raja Petra has yet to appoint a lawyer to handle the matter. Reported in Malaysiakini

Why this need to use the draconian ISA against Raja Petra when all their dirty moves failed to silence him? Simply because Raja Petra is the most influential personality in Malaysia today. He is seen as a threat to the ruling coalition and even to Anwar if Pakatan Rakyat were to come into power.

The People had collectively entrusted their hopes and voices unto RPK and he is seen as someone who carries the voice of The People. Yes, indeed he has become an iconic figure in the like of Martin Luther King Jr. That explains the government need to stoop so low to use this ISA against him.

So, what will happen from now remains to be seen. Will the voice of The People be silenced together with RPK being ISA-ed?

I take this as a temporary setback. The People will not waver and The People will fight back stronger this time. I believe this is what RPK wanted Us to believe in.

Lets not forget the coming court case against RPK in October. Is this move an ill-intent attempt to stop RPK from revealing the truth behind the Altantuya's murder case?

Oooo... I just love to see them react each time the odds stacked up against them. So Machoooo...

Help spread this message for our indigenous brothers and sisters...

Announcement from JOAS via Sahabat Alam Malaysia

INVITATION TO WALK WITH THE INDIGENOUS PEOPLE
(SATURDAY 13TH SEPT, 10 AM, CENTRAL MARKET, K LUMPUR)

Dear friends,

Let us take a break from all the pendatang vs. non-pendatang debates, and support the original people of Malaysia whose rights, land and all, have been violated since the formation of this nation-state and who have remained marginalised in every sense of the word.

Below is an invitation from the Chair of Jaringan Orang Asal Se-Malaysia (JOAS) to join the indigenous peoples of Malaysia for a walk to the royal palace on Saturday September 13, 2008 in order to hand out their memorandum to His Royal Highness, just like how many of you did in November 2007 for BERSIH.

Please join them, as we only should. Please circulate and announce it on your blogs as well.

Goodwill will overcome. Many thanks.

Salam,

SH

Sahabat Alam Malaysia

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Reason:

On 13 September 2008, the world will celebrate the first year anniversary of the United Nations Declaration for the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (DRIP). Over 370 million indigenous people in 70 countries are affected by this declaration which recognises our right to our distinct social, cultural, economic and political identities.

On Nov. 7, 2007, less than two months after the UN adopted the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous peoples, Bolivia became the first country in the world to adopt the declaration as law when Morales announced the passage of National Law 3760, or the Rights of Indigenous peoples, legislation that is an exact copy of the UN declaration. The Peru congress has repealed two legislative declarations that were in conflict with the rights contained in the DRIP.

In Malaysia, our struggles for recognition of land rights continue. Nonrecognition and uncertainty over our land contributes to our continuing poverty and inability to develop our lands. The government's development policies are making decisions for our future without our free, prior and informed consent. Though our situations may differ in each state, we are united in our common struggle for recognition of our land, our rights and our identity.So, for the first time, we as indigenous peoples are gathering together to present to the Supreme Authority of Malaysia, DYMM Seri Paduka Baginda Yang DiPertuan Agung, a memorandum to urge the government to locally implement the DRIP and recognise our rights to land and to control, develop, and protect it for the benefit of our community and this nation.

The Call:

On behalf of JOAS, we would like to invite our fellow indigenous peoples -- Orang Asli of Peninsular Malaysia, Anak Negeri of Sabah and Dayaks and Orang Ulu of Sarawak to come with us on our walk to the Royal Palace. We also invite friends and supporters from civil society, environmental and human rights advocates and those who believe that our place as indigenous peoples within Malaysia needs to be recognised and reaffirmed by the Government and authorities to come with us on a Saturday morning walk and observe this historic event.

We will be gathering at Central Market on 13 September, Saturday and start walking toward the Royal Palace by 10am. For more information, please contact joasmalaysia@gmail.com, hseanrubis@hotmail.com or call Sean at 0128837937.

Adrian Lasimbang

Chair
JOAS