International Muslim-Christian dialogue “postponed” — strange, stranger and strangest

The Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said yesterday that the international Muslim-Christian dialogue — the Building Bridges seminar — organized by the London office of the Archbishop of Canterbury has not been cancelled but postponed.

He said it was postponed because he had to attend to some urgent matters that coincided with the seminar which was scheduled for May 7-11, 2007.

Abdullah said he did not want the inter-religious conference to proceed without him.

He said: “I have an important role to play in the conference and I don’t want it to be held when I am not around.”  The government would have to find another suitable date for the international  inter-religious dialogue.

The events and circumstances surrounding the “postponement’ had been strange, stranger and strangest.

Strange because when news first broke in London Times on Thursday  that there had been a “last-minute cancellation” of the international Muslim-Christian dialogue in Malaysia, nobody knew its reason despite numerous attempts by various persons and bodies responsible for organizing it to seek explanation from the authorities.  The Building Bridges conference was cancelled with just a short two-week notice  although it was mooted a year ago causing great disruptions as many international participants had finalized their flight arrangements.

For instance, in the Malaysiakini report on Friday, 11th May 2007, “‘Confusion’ reigns in interfaith meet ban”, the  general secretary of Council of Churches of Malaysia, Rev. Dr. Hermen Shastri said that “we are as much confused as the organisers of the London office of the Archbishop of Canterbury, as to the sudden withdrawal of the endorsement and support by the Malaysian authorities for holding the Building Bridges seminar in Kuala Lumpur.”

Professor Emeritus Dr Osman Bakar, who had been appointed to be among the prime movers in Malaysia of the inter-faith conference, said that the authorities were  passing the buck on the cancellation of the Building Bridges  conference with nobody willing to take responsibility, with him being  passed from one office to another in his search for answers behind the cancellation.

Osman Bakar was pushed from pillar to post, from the Prime Minister’s Department to the Institute of Islamic Understanding Malaysia (IKIM), without anybody able to give him an official reason.

This is strange because if the inability of the Prime Minister to attend the conference was the cause of the “postponement” of the interfaith conference, the question is why no one who had been involved in organizing the Building Bridges Conference had been informed of the  perfectly legitimate reason.

Furthermore, why wasn’t the organizers informed beforehand instead of having the conference cancelled in the last-minute with only two weeks’ notice.

Stranger because when I raised the issue of the last-minute cancellation of the international Muslim-Christian Conference  in Parliament on Thursday night, the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, Datuk Dr. Maximus Ongkili had nothing to say as clearly he knew nothing about it although he is a member of the Cabinet.

Strangest because no date has yet  been fixed for the “postponed” international Muslim-Christian dialogue.  This is really unthinkable, raising questions about the Prime Minister’s seriousness in “walking the talk” to promote inter-religious dialogue in international forums.

                This entry was posted on Sunday, 13 May 2007, 2:05 pm and is filed under
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Ipoh Timur kicks off support for Po Kuan and condemn two sexist BN MPs

The people of Pasir Pinji and Ipoh Timur parliamentary constituency tonight stand in the very national forefront to  give full support and solidarity to DAP MP for Batu Gajah, Fong Po Kuan and condemn the two sexist Barisan Nasional (BN) Members of Parliament, Datuk Mohd Said Yusof (Jasin) and Datuk Bung Mokhtar Radin (Kinabatangan) for their derogatory, crude, vulgar, sexist and gender-offensive attack on Po Kuan and all Malaysian women, making an utter mockery of Mother’s Day tomorrow.

I thank the people of Pasir Pinji and Ipoh Timur for their public-spiritedness and sense of justice in just  supporting by an  unanimous show of hands a four-point resolution over this issue, viz:

	CONDEMN the two sexist BN MPs, Datuk Mohd Said Yusof (Jasin) and Datuk Bung Mokhtar Radin (Kinabatangan) for their derogatory, crude, vulgar, sexist and gender-offensive remarks against a woman MP, Fong Po Kuan (DAP — Batu Gajah) bringing shame and dishonour not only to Po Kuan, but also to Parliament and all Malaysian women.

	URGE all Malaysians, regardless of race, religion, political belief, sex or age to come forward to stand as one to give full support to Fong Po Kuan and demand that the most severe punishment must be meted out to the two sexist BN MPs for bringing shame and dishonour to Po Kuan, Parliament and Malaysian women.

	REGRET that not a single Barisan Nasional MP, whether Umno, MCA, Gerakan, MIC, man or woman,  had the political principle and courage of conviction to stand up in Parliament to support Po Kuan to condemn the two sexist BN MPs for their shameful and abominable conduct in Parliament; and

	CALL on the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to honour his 2004 general election pledge to “hear the truth” from the people and to be modern-day Justice Bao by taking severe disciplinary actions against the two sexist BN MPs  for their derogatory, crude, vulgar, sexist and gender-offensive remarks which have brought shame and dishonour to Parliament and all Malaysian women, making an utter mockery of Mother’s Day tomorrow.

BN women MPs owe Malaysians an explanation as to why they chickened out and abdicated from their responsibility to defend and uphold women honour and dignity when they  came under attack by the two sexist BN MPs in the last two days of Parliament.  They must  in particular explain their spineless  conduct in three  instances:

Firstly, when Mohd Said and Bung Mokhtar made the derogatory, crude, sexist and gender-offensive remarks on Wednesday (9th May)  when DAP MPs sought to highlight the scandal of Parliament leaking after a RM100 million renovation, Po Kuan and other DAP MPs did not hear the disgusting remarks because of the din and pandemonium in Parliament at the time. Another reason was  DAP MPs and the sexist BN MP duo were seated at the furthest distance from each other  in extreme positions in the House.

However, BN men and women MPs who sat close to the two BN MPs heard the sexist remarks.  Why didn’t anyone of the BN women MPs stand up to instantly protest against the sexist remarks which are an affront not only to Po Kuan, but to themselves and all women MPs,  as well as Malaysian women in general.

Secondly, when Po Kuan stood up in the House at 10 am the next morning (Thursday 10th May) after reading press reports about the sexist remarks by Mohd Said and Bung Mokhtar, and tabled a motion to refer them to the Committee of Privileges, why no BN women MPs stood up to support Po Kuan?

Instead, one BN woman MP quickly scurried out of the Chamber when she heard Po Kuan  raising the subject of the sexist conduct of the two BN MPs.  I will not name her now, but if BN women MPs dare to deny and challenge me to name names, I am glad to do so.

Thirdly, when the Speaker, Tan Sri Ramli Ngah Talib returned to the House at 2.30 pm to announce his decision — throwing out Po Kuan’s privilege motion on a technical ground though expressing regret at the offensive language used by the two sexist BN MPs — all the BN women MPs, including  Minister, Deputy Minister, Parliamentary Secretary,  conspicuously stayed away from the House when they should have made it a point to attend to show support and solidarity to Po Kuan as they had more than four hours’ notice of the Speaker’s ruling.

When at the most critical time to stand up for women rights and dignity, BN women MPs decided to hide themselves away from the Chamber!  Can they account for their conspicuous absence despite more than four hours’ notice of the Speaker’s ruling at 2.30 pm the same day?

Parliament has failed  in its duty to the nation and people, in particular Malaysian women, in shirking from its responsibility to redeem itself and  punish the two sexist BN MPs who have brought shame and dishonour to Parliament and Malaysian women.

Since Parliament is not prepared to do what it should do to redeem its honour and those of Malaysian women and the nation, it is now up to the ordinary Malaysian public to do what Members of Parliament and Ministers have failed to do — by making their condemnation of the sexist conduct of the two BN MPs loud and clear to the Prime Minister, the Cabinet, the country and the world!

If Parliament cannot protect its own honour and those of Malaysian women and people, then the time has come for ordinary Malaysians to stand up to protect their own honour and those of Parliament!

(Speech at Pasir Pinji ceramah on Saturday, 12.5.07 at 9 pm)

                This entry was posted on Sunday, 13 May 2007, 8:20 am and is filed under
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Abdullah must not condone crude and abominable conduct of the two sexist BN MPs

Malaysians are relieved that rumours that the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi had fainted during a function in Teluk Batik, Lumut yesterday  was untrue and in Abdullah’s own words,
“I am fine, don’t worry”
.

Malaysians do not want to see anything untoward happening to Abdullah and are glad  that a series of tests carried out on him, including an ECG, declared him  to be in good health after he had lost his balance during a presentation of keys for a housing project for the poor.

While Malaysians are relieved that there is nothing amiss with him physically and health-wise, they are also at the same time very disappointed that he is not providing the proper leadership when he  could declare that he was
satisfied
 with the performance of  Barisan Nasional (BN) elected representatives, when public outrage at the crude,  vulgar, derogatory and offensive remarks by the two sexist BN Members of Parliament, Datuk Mohd Said Yusof (Jasin) and Datuk Bung Mokhtar Radin (Kinabatangan) are roiling the country.

Abdullah seems to be less than sensitive as he should be to the gross misconduct of the two sexist BN MPs, especially at a time when it is  about to be  transformed into an international issue with international women leaders preparing to demonstrate support and solidarity with DAP MP for Batu Gajah Fong Po Kuan and Malaysian women — the immediate targets and victims of the latest ‘male chauvinist” attacks  by the two sexists BN MPs in Parliament last week.

I am very disappointed that at the meeting of BN elected representatives, including MPs and State Assembly members, yesterday the Prime Minister had missed  the opportunity to give both the sexists BN MPs a public “dressing down” and make it clear that there is no room for  “male chauvinists” and gender-insensitivity in his administration — whether  Parliament and the various state legislatures, whether from the Barisan Nasional or Opposition.

Is Abdullah’s continued silence on the crude and sexist conduct of the Jasin and Kinabatangan MPs a public gesture that he finds nothing wrong or objectionable to their derogatory, sexist and offensive remarks directed against Po Kuan?

Abdullah  must not condone the crude and abominable conduct of the two sexists BN MPs as it will bring disrepute to his premiership and  Islam Hadhari as well as disappoint Malaysian women and  Malaysians who expected his sense of justice and fair play as among his strongest armour.

Abdullah must speak up and redeem the grave injustice and disservice which the two sexist BN MPs had done to Parliament, Malaysian women and the Barisan Nasional.

In fact, the Cabinet on Wednesday should come out with a public apology to Parliament, Malaysian women and the nation for the disgraceful and disreputable conduct of the two sexist BN MPs, which have attracted a new round of negative international publicity for the country.

                This entry was posted on Monday, 14 May 2007, 6:45 pm and is filed under
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Jamaludin Jarjis – stop censoring the press and be man enough to make public apology to Sheena Moorthy

The  Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation Datuk Seri Dr.
Jamaludin Jarjis
should stop censoring the press and be man enough to make an unqualified  public apology  to third-year CalyPoly Biotech Malaysian student Sheena Moorthy for his disgraceful conduct in making racist and derogatory remarks about Malaysian Indians when he met Malaysian students in Los Angeles, California a fortnight ago on 30th April.

During his official visit to California enroute to the Biotechnology Industry Organisation (BIO) Convention in Boston, Massachussets, Jamaludin had met some of the Malaysian students studying in California especially the ones from TPM Academy twinning programme at the Belacan Grill Malaysian Restaurant, Redondo Beach, Ca.

One of the students was Sheena Moorthy, who has become a cause celebre with her complaint that during the 3 ½ hour session, Jamaludin made “totally uncalled-for racial insults” when he passed a few racial remarks on her, being one of the two Indians present there.

This incident happened in front of a crowd of about 100 people including students, officials from the Malaysian Consulate, TPM, Tourism Malaysia, etc. But everyone is afraid and nobody is prepared to stand up to speak the truth.

Sheena and her  sister, Dr. Sheela Moorthy, who is currently living in the USA and supporting her sister’s education at CalyPoly, are demanding a public apology from Jamaludin.

Sheena has written to complain about Jamaluddi’s racist and derogatory remarks  to the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and several Malaysian Ministers, including the MIC President and Works Minister, Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu.

Last Tuesday (8th May), I  first raised the Sheena-Jamaludin issue in Parliament when I spoke in the debate  on the
Youth Societies and Youth Development Bill
, citing it  as one instance  of  Barisan Nasional (BN) leaders  setting bad leadership examples to Malaysian youths  on national unity and national integration.

The other example was the infamous “keris-wielding” history of the Umno Youth leader and Education Minister, Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein in the context of extremist and chauvinist demands heedless of rights and sensitivities of all communities in the country turning him into a symbol of national division and disunity.

The next day, May 9, blogger
Rocky’s Bru
 quoted an aide of Jamaludin to report that the Minister  had apologised to Sheena as he had said “some things in jest”.

As another blogger
sagaladoola
 rightly asked as a follow-up:

Is he  (Jamaludin) saying that he was only JOKING using such horrible words but he was ‘Sorry’ that Sheena/Sheela took it seriously?

In response to my inquiry as to the actual position and latest update, Dr. Sheela has emailed the following reply:

Well, neither me nor my sister have received a formal apology from him. There are rumors circulating that he apologized and I saw them on some blogs, so all I know is what the rest of you also know. I have also NOT received any news from any of the officials that I have written to.

I am shocked that Jamaludin has used his position as Minister to censor the press. Dr. Sheela  said that although she and her sister had given many interviews as they had been approached by Bernama, New Straits Times and the Star, not one word had been published.  She commented that this is  “a sorry and scary state of affairs” and “So much for World Press Freedom Day”.

In actual fact, the only media to have published Sheena’s complaint and plight is Malaysiakini, while the mainstream media have blacked out the story despite their  reporters making international calls to  both Sheena and Sheela in California to interview them.  This issue has been extensively blogged, another proof that blogs have become more reliable source of true and timely information than the mainstream media.

Dr. Sheena also complained that despite the many letters both sisters have written to the various Ministries, including the Prime Minister, “not one person has taken an ounce of responsibility to reply”.

She said: “Keep it down and it’ll die a natural death, that is the message I am getting. Even the PM’s office has nothing to say; may be their email addresses are not working! The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation should be able to fix that.”

The Moorthy sisters are also very disappointed by the thunderous silence from the Indian leader in the Barisan Nasional coalition — MIC President Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu.

She said:

I agree the problem my sister and I have highlighted might be the tip of the iceberg of all the misconducts going on in our country but people have to learn to stand up for their rights and beliefs, politics aside. It just goes to show the basic upbringing we have had.

I am ashamed of how this whole issue was handled or mishandled I should say. I would like to hear the PM’s say on this. Does he think it’s funny too??? Please remind yourself that the world is watching and to just ignore issues like this just paints a BAD picture internationally. My colleagues are already questioning the integrity and sincerity of a Government that condones such behavior.

                This entry was posted on Monday, 14 May 2007, 9:44 am and is filed under
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“Project Mahathir” – Mahathir should appear before Integrity Select Committee

Former Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad should appear before the Parliamentary Select Committee on Integrity to throw light  on the grave and protracted problem of the extraordinary increase of foreigners resulting in their numbers exceeding Sabahans in the state population.

This is particularly pertinent in view of persistent  allegations that Mahathir  had masterminded when he was Prime Minister what  had been described as “Project Mahathir False ICs” in Sabah based on the deliberate issuance of Malaysian I/Cs to foreigners based on false statutory declarations under “Project IC” or “Project Mahathir”.

One estimate  has put the foreigners in Sabah as  around 1.75 million, including those in possession of the Project Mahathir ICs, as compared to 1.5 million genuine locals in Sabah.

Hundreds of thousands of false ICs are  in the hands of foreigners who are proclaiming themselves not only Malaysians but also as Bumiputras with  all the privileges and rights of  Customary Native Rights in Sabah.

It is now public information that in the 1999 certified electoral rolls, through the new IC numbers,  there were 150,000 Sabah-born registered voters who were born in 1952 through 1960 although according to the Sabah Statistics Department, the State’s population in 1951 was 334,141 and in 1960, 454,421, an increase of 120,000.

With an  estimated 80 per cent in this group  registered as voters, there would only be about 100,000 Sabah-born voters for this period — which would mean that  about one-third of voters allegedly born in Sabah between  1952-1960 were foreigners with ICs issued fraudulently with the use of falsified Sijil Akuan under the Project False I/Cs.

These are very serious allegations which Mahathir cannot allow to stand in the public domain uncontradicted or unclarified.

Mahathir spoke for the first time on the “Project Mahathir” or “Project False ICs” in the third part of his
exclusive interview
with Malaysiakini on Friday, where he made an outright denial of any knowledge about “Project Mahathir.”

This is what Mahathir said in the
Malaysiakini interview
:

Q. You have created a situation in Sabah where there are more foreigners than locals.

A. Sabah is a border area like Kelantan. Traditionally, the Bajaus for example, used to come and go as they like because they never recognised the boundary between the Philippines and Malaysia or between British North Borneo and Indonesia. These people come and go, and some of them have been staying there for 30 years. The children cannot go to school because we do not recognise them as citizens. This is very unfortunate.

We have been having this kind of problems all the time, and it’s going to get worse – in every country – because borders today are very porous. No way you can stop a few million Indians migrating to Europe, a few million Arabs migrating into France. You cannot stop it today.

Q. But they accused Umno of giving all these ICs to foreigners in order to…

A. Not Umno as such. There may have been a few fellows who did it, but it was not Umno.

Q. The government?

A. The government, no. Certainly not. Some people with an interest in doing so may have, maybe for money.

Q. There were claims that there was a special meeting involving former deputy home minister Megat Junid Megat Ayob, involving the police, and where these things were discussed. There were very specific allegations where things were orchestrated for political ends. Do you have any knowledge of this so-called Project M?

A. No. Not me.

Q. So Project M is not Project Mahathir?

A. It’s nice to have ‘M’. At one time, there was even an MM government.

I will propose at tomorrow’s meeting of  the  Parliamentary Select Committee on Integrity that Mahathir be invited to give testimony to give first-hand evidence on the serious allegation of a Project False I/Cs which had also been termed as Project Mahathir which was responsible for the  fraudulent legalization of  hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrants by the issue of false documentation, conferring on them voting and citizenship rights.

As Mahathir has said that the problem of corruption has worsened under the present administration as compared to his 22-year premiership, this would also be a very pertinent subject for Mahathir to appear and testify before the Parliamentary Select Committee on Integrity.

                This entry was posted on Monday, 14 May 2007, 2:17 pm and is filed under
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Raja Nazrin sets golden standard of exemplary conduct for rulers and political leaders

The Raja Muda of Perak, Raja Dr. Nazrin Shah, has set a golden standard of exemplary conduct for rulers and political leaders with moderation, economy and the people’s welfare as the top considerations.

Raja Nazrin has already carved a special place in the hearts of Malaysians with his scholarship and enlightened concerns for the people and nation as testified by his keynote address last month on
“Prospects and Challenges for Nation Building”
 on the seven steps towards successful nation-building, in particular the first principle — “Malaysians of all races, religions and geographic locations need to believe beyond a shadow of doubt that they have a place under the Malaysian sun”.

The Raja Muda of Perak has now won the love and admiration not only of the people of Perak but of all Malaysians with his exemplary modesty and rectitude — wanting only a
simple royal wedding
 with Zara Salim Davidson and declining to accept state-allocated funds.

His advice to the Perak state government to spend the money for development projects to meet the needs of the people as well as  to companies and individuals not to compete to buy advertisement space in newspapers on the occasion of his wedding but to channel the funds for charity, especially donating to places of worship, welfare bodies, old folk homes, orphanages and schools in Perak, demonstrates the sincerity and  depth of the  Raja Muda’s  devotion and commitment to the welfare of the people.

Raja Nazrin’s commendable  example should remind Malaysians of a similar advice given by Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi when he first became Prime Minister in November 2003, telling government departments and agencies to  be simple and modest and to slash   elaborate ceremonies and lavish functions, especially when a Minister, the Prime Minister or the Rulers are present.

However such advice to reduce ceremony and extravagance had been observed largely in the breach in the past 40 months, and Raja Nazrin’s “walk-the-talk” example should be an inspiration to all government departments and agencies to start paying  heed to the Prime Minister’s advice as far back as November 2003.

Having won the hearts of Malaysians all over the country and not just in Perak state, Raja Nazrin and  Zara’s wedding will be an occasion for  joy and pride to all Malaysians in the country  and not just confined to Perak state.

                This entry was posted on Monday, 14 May 2007, 11:04 am and is filed under
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Come one, come all – let’s teach the two sexist BN MPs a lesson!

Public Forum
–
Respect Women’s Dignity, Towards A 1st World Parliament

Speakers –

1. Ambiga Sreenevasan – Bar Council President

2. Maria Chin bte Abdullah – Executive Director of Women Development

       Collective (WDC)

3. Zainah Anwar – Executive Director of Sisters in Islam

4. Azmin Ali — Vice President, PKR

5. Lim Guan Eng – Secretary-General, DAP

6. Lim Kit Siang – Parliamentary Opposition Leader

7. Teresa Kok Suh Sim – MP for Seputeh

8. Fong Po Kuan – MP for Batu Gajah

(Chair – Tony Pua)

Date: 17 May 2007 (Thursday)

Time: 7.30pm

Venue: YMCA Hall, Kuala Lumpur.

No.95, Jalan Padang Belia, Off Jalan Tun Sambanthan, 50470 Kuala Lumpur

(Opposite of the KL SENTRAL Station)

Why the forum?  Explanation of organisers:

“
Parliament has failed in its duty to the nation and people, in particular Malaysian women.  It has shirked its responsibility to redeem itself and punish the two sexist BN MPs who have brought shame and dishonour to Parliament by the use of derogatory, crude, vulgar, sexist and gender-offensive attack on Sdri Fong Po Kuan and all Malaysian women on Wednesday, 9th May.

“Since Parliament is not prepared to do what it should do to redeem its honour and those of Malaysian women and the nation, it is now up to the ordinary Malaysian public to do what Members of Parliament and Ministers have failed to do — by making their condemnation of the sexist conduct of the two BN MPs loud and clear to the Prime Minister, the Cabinet and the country!”

COME ONE, COME ALL – LET’S TEACH THE TWO SEXIST BN MPs A LESSON!

Meanwile sample some of the the editorials and comments in the media:

1. NST Online

2007/05/12

Editorial:
Offensive language

SUCH apparently was the extent of the commotion generated by the debate over the leaks at the entrance of the media centre at parliament that many members of parliament were not aware of the alleged sexist remarks made in the Dewan Rakyat on Wednesday until it was brought to their attention by press reports on the matter.

However, the attempt to refer the offending backbenchers to the Privileges Committee has failed. In ruling against the motion, Speaker Tan Sri Ramli Ngah Talib has cited the standing orders which make it “clear” that such matters should be raised “immediately” after such words were uttered.

Contrary to the assertion of Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz, who did not find the words offensive, what is or is not deemed parliamentary language is not up to the listeners to decide. It is up to the presiding officials to intervene when the language used in parliament is questionable, or to rule on the matter when it is brought to their attention by any member of parliament who feels aggrieved by such remarks. In this case, since the Speaker has ruled that no action can be taken, the matter can be considered closed. Nevertheless, the Speaker’s expression of “regret” over the incident and his admonition to members of parliament to be “careful with the words they use” suggest that the language used has been questionable. While the Speaker is well within his rights, it is a matter of some regret that the offending members have been left off the hook because of a mere technicality.

In a sense, Nazri is quite right. Ultimately, it would be the people who sent the representatives to the highest institution in the land who would judge what is and what is not unparliamentary conduct. And they might not be as forgiving as the Speaker. Many will feel a sense of outrage that those who speak on their behalf could be capable of such crass and crude language. Such disparaging expressions are a direct affront to millions of Malaysian women. Such open contempt of women is disgusting and perverse. Comments that degrade women will never be funny. There is no room in the Dewan Rakyat for foul language, racism or sexism. Parliamentarians should learn to keep a civil tongue even in the most fiery of exchanges. Whatever the provocation, they should behave like serious and responsible legislators. There is a need to draw a line and prevent parliamentarians from making derogatory remarks about women and bringing parliament into disrepute.

2. Opinion

Sunday May 13, 2007

There they go again

ON THE BEAT:  WONG CHUN WAI

It’s amazing how our lawmakers who repeatedly display political cockiness, make sexist remarks and behave in an uncouth manner can still get themselves re-elected.

THERE he goes again with his looney tunes. The incorrigible Kinabatangan MP Datuk Bung Mokhtar Radin has once again infuriated most Malaysians with another of his off-colour remarks.

The loud Sabah politician, who has a notorious reputation for using un-parliamentary language, created Malaysian parliamentary history when he uttered a four-letter word against a DAP woman six years ago.

The microphones of all MPs had to be switched off by the Speaker in the heat of the debate but Mokhtar’s profanity was loud enough for other members and reporters to hear. He must be proud of his record.

Strangely, the Hansard, which records the House meetings in verbatim, has no record of the outburst during the debate. Things would have remained that way until the media approached Bung Mokhtar in the lobby and, to their surprise, he admitted the deed and went on to defend himself on record.

Before that, the MP sparked a controversy when he uttered a sexist-tainted boleh masuk sikit? (Can I come in a little?) remark in his attempt to seek clarification from Bukit Mertajam MP Chong Eng.

As expected, he said he meant no harm and that the phrase was commonly used in Sabah.

Last week, Bung Mokhtar was back in the limelight again but this time he was joined by the “close one eye” Jasin MP Datuk Mohd Said Yusuf, who once accused certain top Customs officials of selling confiscated luxury cars cheaply to their “friends” in the palaces and other government departments but failed to produce any evidence.

On Wednesday, Bung Mokhtar reportedly said: “Mana ada bocor, Batu Gajah pun tiap-tiap bulan bocor juga (Where is the leak? Batu Gajah leaks every month too) against Batu Gajah MP Fong Poh Kuan who had complained about the leaks in the Parliament lobby.

An angry Fong proposed to refer Mohd Said, the MP for Jasin, and Bung Mokhtar, to the Rights and Privileges Committee, saying that the remarks were insulting and derogatory to women.

A motion by the DAP MP to refer the two MPs to the panel was rejected by Speaker Tan Sri Ramli Ngah Talib on a technicality, saying Fong had filed the motion a day later. In short, the two BN MPs were let off the hook.

But what was more frustrating was the lame defence put up by some backbenchers.

Tangga Batu MP Datuk Idris Haron said Fong should not see the remark as a gender issue and accused her of using it to get publicity, saying “we should take them as a joke, not as a personal attack”.

Petrajaya MP Fadzillah Yusuf said the statement never intended to humiliate women, adding: “I think he just said it as he was provoked.”

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz also came to the two MPs’ rescue, saying he did not find the choice of words used to be offensive and that it was normal to play with words.

This must surely be a case of partisan politics going overboard. What Bung Mokhtar and Mohd Said said was not just impolite but appalling. As politicians with the Yang Berhormat (The Right Honourable) title, should they not have acted in a more honourable and gentlemanly manner?

Bung Mokhtar could be forgiven if he had made the remark for the first time, particularly during a heated debate, but this man has a pretty poor record when it comes to parliamentary debate. We expect our lawmakers to articulate their views without having to shout, much less shout profanities and make sexist remarks.

It is better for our politicians not to use the honorific YB if they cannot live up to the expectations of the rakyat as role models. Not many of us expect our lawmakers to speak like Tony Blair or Bill Clinton but the least they could do is to exercise some restraint when debating issues affecting the people and the nation.

In 2000, Datuk Mohamed Aziz (BN — Sri Gading) touched a raw nerve when he started his speech saying: “It is unusual for women’s issues to be touched (raised) by men,” and after a pause, he added, “but women are supposed to be touched by men.”

When Bung Mokhtar asked why single woman found it hard to remarry, Mohamed replied that it was generally due to their not-so-favourable age, adding that “men, when it comes to younger women, they will definitely drool”.

Last year, Bung Mokhtar, in a heated debate with Karpal Singh (DAP-Jelutong) shouted: “You should keep quiet. It’s a lucky thing that you are in a wheelchair. You almost died once (in an accident).” The DAP leader had earlier criticised Bung Mokhtar: “Dia otak tak centre (the MP is insane).”

The Opposition also has its share of ugly MPs who are afflicted with the foot-in-the-mouth disease.

The PAS MP for Rantau Panjang Abdul Fatah Harun made headlines last year when he labelled divorcees as gatal (randy) and went on to say it was not a sexist remark.

Malaysians had never heard of this unknown MP until he asked in the Dewan Rakyat whether some women who divorced their husbands were more intent on getting separated. He claimed these single mothers did not look like they were sad about their divorce.

Abdul Fatah said he based this on his observation at gatherings and parties, and the impression was that these women were gatal. He went on to say that it was quite obvious why these women ended up divorced or why their husbands left them.

Really, some of our lawmakers never cease to amaze us, especially Bung Mokhtar and Mohamed Aziz. Despite repeatedly displaying political cockiness and being uncouth, they still get themselves re-elected.

Malaysians have been spared from the physical drama which Taiwanese lawmakers are notorious for but we must end the name calling, the sexual innuendoes, intimidation, subtle threats and racist remarks that are often displayed at every Parliament session.

The Sun
today has a strong and eloquent editorial on this issue,
“Dewan must purge itself of sexist remarks”
.

3. SPEAK UP! :: theSun Says

Dewan must purge itself of sexist remarks

After years of a silent revolution that fostered a change in attitudes and caused people to be conscious of the language they use when talking to and with different people and in different situations, it should come as no surprise at all that there are still some graceless Calibans in our midst.

But there is no doubt that like the dinosaurs of yore, they, including those in our legislatures, are on their way to becoming extinct. The overriding concern of the ongoing change is the usage of correct and proper language, a language purged of sexist, racist and politically incorrect remarks and innuendos.

It was a gradual revolution which began soon after women started joining the workforce in large numbers – in factories, offices and universities – and gaining admittance to men-only and members-only preserves such as clubs and other public places.

The Anita Hill incident in the US, no doubt, gave the revolution a boost, after it brought the debate of what constitutes sexual harassment to centre stage. It triggered off behaviourial and language changes in most civilised societies across the globe.

It wasn’t just the men who changed, women changed too, especially in a society where public life had always been male-dominated. It has just taken off in Malaysia.

It would have helped the cause had the MPs who made sexist remarks about a female fellow lawmaker last week in the august Dewan Rakyat were disciplined.

The disciplining of the two MPs would have sent a powerful message to the other legislators that the days when members were almost uncensured when they make sexist remarks and innuendos in the Dewan Rakyat are over.

It would also tell Malaysians that they have to mind their language and that the days when sexist remarks and jokes were tolerated are over. At the same time, it would have hastened the development and spread of a politically correct culture among Malaysians.

But even though the Speaker of the Dewan Rakyat did not rule that the two MPs be referred to the Committee of Privileges, the fact that he hesitated by as much as four hours before ruling in their favour is time enough for them to feel a sense of regret at what they had done.

Thus, even though they were not disciplined, it is hoped that the long and agonising four-hour wait was enough to deter them and other colleagues from making similar remarks in the future.

                This entry was posted on Tuesday, 15 May 2007, 9:24 am and is filed under
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I never felt more mortified in my 33 years as MP – with “rubbish-bin” Senate “rubbishing” Dewan Rakyat

I have never felt so insulted and humiliated as an elected Member of Parliament for 33 years when the Dewan Rakyat became the subject of scorn and ridicule by the Dewan Negara yesterday because of two reasons:

	another  disgraceful and disgusting episode of crude, vulgar, sexist and “male chauvinist” outbursts by Barisan Nasional MPs in the Dewan Rakyat last week, though directed at DAP MP for Batu Gajah Fong Po Kuan but had also shamed Parliament, Malaysian women — all mothers, sisters and daughters — and the nation; and

	the abject  failure of Parliament to  protect and redeem its honour and those of Malaysian women and the nation by taking instant action to punish  the two BN MPs, Datuk Mohd Said Yusof (Jasin) and Datuk Bung Mokhtar Radin (Kinabatangan) in order to spare Parliament, Malaysian women and our international reputation from shame and dishonour.

I  had in the past described the Dewan Negara  as a “rubbish-bin for political has-beens, rejects and deadwoods” and I am mightily mortified that  the Dewan Rakyat has given the Dewan Negara the opportunity and justification  to “rubbish” the elected chamber.

During question time in the Dewan Negara yesterday,
Senator Datuk Yip Kum Fook
wanted to know what measures were put in place to ensure women had a conducive working environment at the working place, adding: “Take, for example, the Dewan Rakyat, where prejudicial and sexist statements are being made at women MPs. Is this not setting a bad example?”

I feel awfully ashamed and I can speak for all the DAP MPs that we feel terribly humiliated, but have  the BN MPs – who had thumped the table in glee and celebration when Po Kuan’s motion to refer the two sexist BN MPs to the Committee Privileges was rejected –any sense of shame?

The 2004 general election had elected a record 91% of MPs from the BN but they had brought the greatest shame and dishonour to the elected legislature — to the extent that even the “rubbish-bin for political has-beens, rejects and deadwoods” could laugh and mock at the Dewan Rakyat.  I never thought that I would ever see such a shameful day for  the Dewan Rakyat!

I notice that some BN Ministers and MPs are speaking up as a result of escalating public disgust at the latest exhibition of sexist and offensive male chauvinism by BN MPs in the Dewan Rakyat, which had been condoned by BN Ministers and MPs, both men and women!

Things would not  have reached this sorry  stage today, with the Dewan Negara publicly castigating the Dewan Rakyat, if BN Ministers and MPs had  stood up in support and solidarity with Po Kuan in the Dewan Rakyat  last Wednesday and Thursday.  They had all the time and opportunities to do so, as there were three separate occasions spanning over 24 hours for them to take a stand, but  instead they ducked and ran for cover on all the three occasions failing at  the most critical times to show their commitment to principle and courage of conviction.

The Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri
Shahrizat Abdul Jalil
has expressed her “deep displeasure” over the remarks by the two sexist BN MPs, saying that she will bring it up in Cabinet to see whether it is possible to amend the Standing Orders to include that language used in Parliament must be gender-sensitive.  She said: “I see this happening over and over, and its getting worse.”

With the greatest respect, the problem is not with the Standing Orders and Shahrizat should not deflect attention from  the real  issues.  The real problem lies with the Barisan Nasional  mindset whether Cabinet Ministers or MPs!

When Barisan Nasional MPs could thump their table in glee and celebration that Po Kuan’s motion to refer the two sexist BN MPs to the Committee of Privileges had been rejected, the message is very clear — the problem does not lie with Standing Orders but with the gender bias and prejudices of BN MPs.

When Deputy Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Razak could say that the crude, sexist and offensive remarks were
“not supposed to be taken seriously”
 and should be taken “with a sense of humour”, and the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, Datuk
Nazri Aziz
could trivialise the remarks as “play with words” and “part and parcel of parliamentary debate”, no stronger proof is needed that the problem is not with Standing Orders but the utter lack of gender sensitivity of the entire BN leadership.

Shahrizat should go to the Cabinet to educate the Cabinet, in particular Najib and Nazri, about the meaning of gender-sensitivity. In fact, the entire Cabinet should be sent for an  intensive gender-sensitisation course so that Ministers will set a good example to all BN MPs and leaders.

(Media Conference Statement 2 in Parliament  on Tuesday, 15th May 2007 at 12.30 pm)

                This entry was posted on Tuesday, 15 May 2007, 4:07 pm and is filed under
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Malaysia 2007 – export brains, import brawns

Malaysia is celebrating 50th Merdeka anniversary – half-a-century of nationhood. But things are going wrong all over us, whether macro or micro, from long-standing protracted ones to unheard-of scandals and outrage of public services.

The cry of Ooi C.H.’s plaintive email can be summed in one sentence – why is Malaysia continuing to export brains and import brawns?   Read Ooi’s cry of a Malaysian patriot and nationalist:

I’m a former  student from a famous high school in Bukit Mertajam. Each year, my school  ‘produced’ many excellent students and intellectuals such as doctors, engineers, lawyers, etc, for  the community and nation.

This year also the same. My school  achieved most satisfactory results in both SPM and STPM. But sadly, among those ‘good’ students, more than half will pursue their studies at private colleges, such as Inti, Nilai.

After 1 year of study at these colleges, they will further their study overseas if their financial situation allows them to do so. It’s not only loss of human resources,  it also a huge loss in terms of money. Let’s say, if a student spends RM200k to go to Australia, Canada, etc. Imagine how much it wil be if this involves 1000 students a year?

When the STPM  results were  announced, yes my school did it again. 6 students got  5As and 1 of them was  among the best candidates in the country. 38 students gained 4As.

Most of them have done the same thing after receiving  their results. Guess what? Yup, they applied for Singapore’s universities. I  guess about 15 people got the offer from Singapore. I think all of them will accept the offer, no doubt. What is so surprising about the small number of 15 students?? All of them are top students in my school!! According to the Singapore government’s policy, they will be bonded for 3 years. As they will  receive attractive salaries and  stable permanent jobs in Singapore, few of them will come back to develop their career in Malaysia.

This is what my friends told me. Why this situation is repeated  every year but neither  our government nor  our ministers can solve this problem. Sigh. What is the main cause of this situation, you may try to find out. There are many benefits to be developed in Singapore but  many disadvantages in Malaysia.

Malaysia has achieved a high international trading figure months ago. But we  are losing the intellectual human resources which is the main asset to develop a  country. We export the intellectuals to Singapore, but meanwhile import building workers from Indonesia. What is the  “loss and profit” business of the government. Please look  into it seriously.

                This entry was posted on Tuesday, 15 May 2007, 7:21 am and is filed under
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Sudden cancellation of PSCI meeting – connected with proposal to invite Mahathir to talk about “Project False I/Cs” and corruption?

The Parliamentary Select Committee on Integrity was to meet this morning in connection with the subject of  “Project False I/Cs” in Sabah, which had also been termed by some as “Project Mahathir”, resulting in the extraordinary increase of foreigners with their numbers exceeding Sabahans in the state population.

Yesterday morning, members of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Integrity received SMS from Parliament  reminding them of the meeting which was fixed three weeks ago at its previous meeting on April 24.

Last evening, the morning SMS was countermanded by fax and SMS  from Parliament postponing tomorrow’s meeting to an indefinite date. No reason for the sudden postponement was given and until now I do not know the cause for the cancellation of today’s meeting.

Earlier yesterday, I had proposed that former Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad should appear before the Parliamentary Select Committee on Integrity to throw light on the “Project False I/Cs” which had been described by some as “Project Mahathir”, alleging that Mahathir was the mastermind when he was Prime Minister in the massive and deliberate issuance of Malaysian I/Cs to foreigners based on false statutory declarations.

One estimate  has put the foreigners in Sabah as  around 1.75 million, as compared to 1.5 million genuine locals in Sabah — with foreigners exceeding Sabahans in their homeland.

It has also resulted in tens if not hundreds of thousands of  foreigners fraudulently exercising the right to vote, changing the political power equation in Sabah state.

In the 1999 certified electoral rolls, there were 150,000 Sabah-born registered voters who were born between  1952 and  1960. However,  according to the Sabah Statistics Department, there was only an increase of 120,000 persons based on birth registration — as  the State population in 1951 was 334,141 and in 1960, 454,421.

With an  estimated 80 per cent in this group  registered as voters, there would only be about 100,000 Sabah-born voters for this period — which would mean that  about one-third of voters allegedly born in Sabah between  1952-1960 were foreigners with ICs issued fraudulently with the use of falsified Sijil Akuan under the Project False I/Cs.

These are very serious allegations which Mahathir cannot allow to stand in the public domain uncontradicted or unclarified.

Mahathir spoke for the first time on the “Project Mahathir” or “Project False ICs” in the third part of his exclusive interview with Malaysiakini on Friday, where he made an outright denial of any knowledge about “Project Mahathir.”

I had announced yesterday that I will propose at today’s  meeting of  the  Parliamentary Select Committee on Integrity that Mahathir be invited to give first-hand evidence on the serious allegation of Project False I/Cs which was responsible for the  fraudulent legalization of  hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrants by the issue of false documentation, conferring on them voting and citizenship rights.

As Mahathir has said that the problem of corruption has worsened under the present administration as compared to his 22-year premiership, this would also be a very pertinent subject for Mahathir to appear and testify before the Parliamentary Select Committee on Integrity.

The Parliamentary Select Committee on Integrity has no powers to compel Mahathir to appear before it.  It will be completely up to Mahathir whether he would want to do so.

I would not rule out completely however the possibility that Mahathir might avail himself of the invitation by the Select Committee to appear to give testimony both about the “Project Mahathir” allegations and the problem of corruption under his administration as well as under the present leadership.

Would Mahathir’s appearance, and what he says to the Select Committee, create concern, fear and trepidation among powerful quarters?

Is the sudden cancellation of the Integrity Select Committee meeting today just a pure coincidence that I had earlier proposed that Mahathir appear before it, or is it connected to my proposal?

[Media Conference Statement (3)  in Parliament  on Tuesday, 15th May 2007 at 12.30 pm]

                This entry was posted on Tuesday, 15 May 2007, 5:20 pm and is filed under
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Urgent fax to PM on 3 issues which Cabinet must address tomorrow

I have sent an urgent fax to the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi highlighting three  issues which the Cabinet must address tomorrow – the racist and sexist conduct of Barisan Nasional (BN) Ministers and MPs and support of the Raja Muda of Perak, Raja Nazrin’s exemplary conduct on moderation and simplicity  by launching a nation-wide campaign to slash  government extravagance and ostentatious ceremony.

The three  issues which I conveyed to the Prime Minister are:

1.	The complaint by third-year CalyPoly Biotech Malaysian student
Sheena Moorthy
of the disgraceful conduct of the Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation Datuk Seri Dr. Jamaludin Jarjis  in making racist and derogatory remarks about Malaysian Indians when he met Malaysian students in Los Angeles, California a fortnight ago on 30th April.

I had raised this issue in Parliament last week and Sheena had emailed complaints  to the Prime Minister and various Cabinet Ministers, including MIC President and Works Minister  Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu but she has not received a single reply as if  the Malaysian Cabinet and Government is totally IT-illiterate in this era of instant communications. Furthermore, Jamaluddin has yet to make a public apology for his “totally uncalled-for racial insults” to Sheena at a public meeting in Los Angeles.

2.	The
derogatory, crude, vulgar, sexist and gender-offensive remarks
 by the two BN MPs, Datuk Mohd Said Yusof (Jasin) and Datuk Bung Mokhtar Radin (Kinabatangan) in the Dewan Rakyat last week, bringing shame and dishonour to Islam Hadhari, Parliament, Malaysian women and Malaysia’s international image and  reputation.  Apart from punishing the two sexist BN MPs, the  Cabinet should come out with a public apology to Parliament, Malaysian women and the nation for the disgraceful and disreputable episode which had  attracted a new round of negative international publicity for the country.

3.	Support  of the Raja Muda of Perak,
Raja Nazrin’s exemplary conduct on moderation and simplicity
 by launching a nation-wide campaign to slash  government extravagance and ostentatious ceremony.  Raja Nazrin has shown  exemplary modesty and rectitude,  wanting only a  simple royal wedding with  Zara Salim Davidson and declining to accept state-allocated funds, as well as advising  the Perak state government to spend the money instead  for the development of the people and to companies and individuals to channel their funds meant for newspaper advertisements for charity and the people’s welfare. This should remind the Cabinet of the Prime Minister’s forgotten directive   in November 2003 to  government departments and agencies to be simple and modest and to slash elaborate ceremonies and lavish functions, especially when a Minister, the Prime Minister or the Rulers are present.

(Media Conference Statement in Parliament  on Tuesday, 15th May 2007 at 12.30 pm)

                This entry was posted on Tuesday, 15 May 2007, 4:01 pm and is filed under
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If Prime Ministers do not know, then who does?

by Amigo

A parallel can be drawn between the problem or problems facing the Malaysian government and that of the United States over what to do with the presence of millions of illegal aliens within its borders, working illegally and sending billions back to their home state — the only difference is that in the case of the U.S. it represents a national problem whereas in the case of Malaysia it is looked upon by some as a panacea to a “national problem”.

In the state of Sabah today, with the presence of “foreigners” more appropriately referred to as illegal aliens working illegally within its borders, outnumbering its citizens, the problem over time has been compounded many times over. Since its “inception” there is no government attempt to calculate in terms of costs how much it is costing the country and Malaysian taxpayers in terms of jobs lost, medical costs, education and the strain on its existing infrastructure — and the crime rate in the country.

In the U.S. even if you are an illegal alien, you are entitled to the protection afforded by the U.S. Constitution under the First Amendment; the children of illegal aliens have the right to educate their children by sending them to public schools like any of its citizens, and when they get sick they cannot be refused medical treatment at hospitals. These costs are borne by its citizens when they pay their taxes.

One cannot even begin to compare less still fathom the depth of the problem  posed by illegal immigrants in Malaysia, and in the state of Sabah in particular.

Where do these “foreigners’ send their children to be educated unless they have red ICs? Are we not condemning them to a life of criminals? How do they get driving licenses to drive without documents to prove their presence?  Never mind the lives lost in motor accidents because the driver is not insured. Never mind the hospitals since even its citizens are not entitled to medical treatment they could not afford to pay.

No official studies has been made to study the impact  the presence these “foreigners” better referred to as illegal aliens or “undocumented’ workers, has on the local economy e.g. the impact it has on the demographic landscape of the state of Sabah, their implications on the planning and development of not only physical infrastructure  but also socio-economic,  all essential indicators  for  a meaningful economic planning under the country’s Five Year Development Plans.

On the other hand, the BN or national coalition-run  government is guilty of breaches of human rights in treating its “foreigners” as sub-humans when refusing them the right to education for their children and medical treatment especially while allowing them to do lowly-paid menial jobs that locals are unwilling to do or do for the same pay. Never mind the presence of Islamic extremists and would-be terrorists among them since Malaysia is already acknowledged by many as a potential training ground for Muslim terrorists.

Over decades the nature of this mostly unofficially-acknowledged migratory but officially-sanctioned flow of mostly Muslims who may or may not be refugees or who may or may not meet the  definition of “refugees” given under the 1967 U.N Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees” (to which Malaysia is not a signatory and is, therefore, not bound by the 1951 U.N.  Convention), has gone from a trickle to a wave.

One is left to wonder since the BN run government based in Kuala Lumpur is aware of this problem, if it is not also UMNO-condoned and UMNO-sanctioned migratory flow of Muslims of another sovereign state into its territories as part of the national  effort at Islamization – and in this particular case to Islamize what was predominantly Christian territory before it joined Malaysia in the early 60s.

In the mid-70s, after only a decade or so since joining predominantly Muslim Malaysia it was fast becoming common knowledge even then that red ICs issued to its  permanent residents could be purchased by Indonesians for RM120.00  in Sabah; and there are Indonesian agents working for some  Dato offering this “facility”  only to Indonesian Muslims at a time when Indonesian Christians legally working as teachers in  West  Malaysia for some twenty years and have developed roots in this country, have had their applications for permanent-residents  status turned down because they were not Muslims.

My Indonesian wife whom I married legally was called by Special Branch for a ‘routine interview’. The Special Branch officer was particularly  interested in the red IC that was issued to her as he was going over it as if he was looking for tell-tale signs that it could be a ‘fake’ IC. I have seen fake ones and they look exactly the same. The government was aware even then of these unofficially-issued official ICs. Still decades later no one was ever arrested and tried for documentation fraud which is a crime in any country.

For Dr. Mahathir to say that he does not know, or is unaware of any involvement by UMNO politician or politicians in the illegal issuance of legal red ICs to “foreigners” during his tenure as Prime Minister is not only an insult to the intelligence of the average Malaysian but a slap in the face of all  Sabahans.

Dr. Mahathir may not have been the mastermind behind the conspiracy to import what are essentially BN voters from adjoining territories which happen to be foreign territories, but he must have known of it. It may not have been his Project or his brainchild but it certainly is an unofficial UMNO project to which the inner circle of its senior leaders must be a party for the “problem” to continue this long and on such a  scale.

We are not only entitled to know directly from the former Prime Minister but also from the sitting Prime Minister or is he going to put forward his by now predictable response of “I do not know and I am not aware”.

If Prime Ministers do not know and are not aware then who does?

                This entry was posted on Wednesday, 16 May 2007, 11:02 am and is filed under
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Sexist BN MPs duo – strip their “Datuk” titles which they have disgraced and dishonoured

This morning in Kuala Lumpur,
political parties and NGOs
 led by the
Joint Action Group for Gender Equality (JAG)
held a
protest
at the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry to protest against the  two sexist Barisan Nasional (BN) MPs, Datuk Mohd Said Yusof (Jasin) and Datuk Bung Mokhtar Radin (Kinabatangan) for their  crude, vulgar, sexist gender-offensive remarks and calling for an end to sexism in Parliament.

I am glad that after failing to stand up in Parliament  in solidarity with the DAP MP for Batu Gajah, Fong Po Kuan, who was the target of the male chauvinist attacks of the two sexist BN MPs,  some BN Ministers and MPs are bowing to public opinion and are  speaking up to dissociate themselves from the abominable conduct of Mohd Said and Bung Mokhtar.

However, they must do more to make up for their regrettable failures on three critical occasions spanning 24 hours in Parliament last Wednesday and Thursday to denounce the two sexist BN MPs — for Parliament and the nation would not have  become objects of international ridicule and mockery if there had been  BN Ministers or MPs who dared to stand  up  in Parliament to  speak and act according to their conscience  of what is right and wrong!

Even  worse, there had been  no shortage of BN Ministers and MPs who openly supported or condoned the two sexist MPs in their disgraceful exhibition of male chauvinism in the House, for instance the statement by Deputy Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Razak  that “it was not supposed to be taken seriously”, that it should be dealt  “with a sense of humour” and alleging that “But of course people are making a big meal out of this issue”.

The issue at stake is not simply about Po Kuan’s dignity and self-respect, but also the dignity and self-respect of all women MPs and Malaysian women, Parliament as a “first-world Parliament” and the honour and international reputation of the nation, as this issue has again put Malaysia in  the international limelight and news but for all the wrong, negative and bad reasons.

All are waiting to see whether the Cabinet meeting tomorrow will do justice to Po Kuan, Parliament, Malaysian women and the nation by coming out with a clear stand to condemn and punish the two sexist BN MPs as well as extending an apology over the disgraceful episode.

When Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi became Prime Minister, Malaysians were promised a “First-World Parliament” but we have instead a ninth-class Parliament.

I will  convene a Parliamentary Roundtable of all political parties, NGOs and concerned Malaysians to demand a  “First-World Parliament NOW” where there is  no sexual harassment and where  “male chauvinist” sexist remarks will never be heard again  in the highest legislative chamber in the land.

I want to make two calls tonight:

1.	Firstly, to call on  Najib to apologise for his insensitive remarks condoning the disgraceful conduct of the two sexist BN MPs when he said that their “male chauvinist” attacks on Po Kuan and all Malaysian women should not be taken seriously but “with a sense of humour”, which had compounded the offence committed by the two errant MPs.

2.	Secondly, to call on  the relevant states and awarding authorities to strip both Mohd Said and Bung Mokhtar of their  “Datuk” titles which they have disgraced and dishonoured  by their abominable conduct with their crude, vulgar, sexist, offensive, “male chauvinist” attacks on Po Kuan and all Malaysian women as well as bringing shame and dishonour to their state and nation, casting a dark shadow on the nation’s 50th Merdeka anniversary celebrations.

(Speech a DAP ceramah at Kampong Simee, Ipoh Timur on Tuesday, May 15, 2007 at 9pm)

                This entry was posted on Wednesday, 16 May 2007, 10:24 am and is filed under
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Shame – week-long silence of Chairman of Parl Caucus on Gender Equality and support of 2 caucus members to 2 sexist MPs

The week-long silence of the Chairman of the Parliamentary Caucus on Gender Equality, Dr. Rozaidah Talib (Ampang) in the escalating national furore over the crude, vulgar, sexist and male-chauvinist  remarks of the two sexist Barisan Nasional (BN) MPs, Datuk Mohd Said Yusof (Jasin) and Datuk Bung Mokhtar Radin (Kinabatangan) bringing shame and dishonour to DAP MP for Batu Gajah Fong Po Kuan, women MPs, Parliament and the nation and the open support of  two caucus members to sexism in Parliament is another shameful episode for the Malaysian Parliament.

Dr. Rozaidah was informed by SMS on Thursday morning of Po Kuan’s attempt refer the two sexist BN MPs to the Privileges Committee and the decision by the Speaker, Tan Sri Ramli Ngah to make a ruling when the House resumed after lunch-break at 2.30 p.m, but she chose to absent herself when it would be her duty and responsibility as Chairman of the Parliamentary Caucus on Gender Equality to round up all Caucus committee members to stand up and speak loud and clear against sexism by male chauvinists in Parliament.

Even worse, two caucus members, Fadilan Yusuf (BN- Petrajaya)  and Idris Haron (BN-Tangga Batu) spoke up in
support and defence
 of the two sexist BN MPs, showing no sympathy, support or solidarity whatsoever to Po Kuan and Malaysian women who were being shamed and dishonoured by the  derogatory, crude, sexist and gender-offensive attacks of the MPs from Jasin and Kinabatangan.

Fadilan said “the statement was never intended to humiliate women” and that it was provoked – although he did not explain how two MPs could be provoked and together, when the whole issue was about Parliament leaking despite a RM100 million renovation!

Idris went even further, accusing Po Kuan of “using the issue as a means of getting publicity for her own political agenda”, claiming that it was “a joke, not a personal attack”.

Both Fadilan and Idris must apologise for their gender-insensitive and offensive comments.  They are also totally unqualified to be on the Parliamentary Caucus on Gender Equality.

I am surprised that Mohd Said has now
denied
 that he had uttered sexist remarks, when the video footage of his disgraceful parliamentary conduct is up on YouTube, Google and many blogs. On YouTube alone, which received a four-and-a-half star rating, it was viewed more than 21,000 times.

The Jasin MP of “one-eyed” notoriety is proving himself to be a liar apart from being a MCP in Parliament.

I have received a report by the DAP MP for Bukit Mertajam, Chong Eng, that the GlobalPOWER 2007, which is a worldwide coalition of Members of Parliament, state legislators and members of the judiciary, has issued a statement denouncing “the sexist and demeaning statements that male Members of Parliament in Malaysia made to their women colleagues”.

Mohd Said and  Bung Mokhtar as the main culprits and the two MCPs in Parliament should apologise to Parliament and the nation for this international shame they have brought to the country.  Others who had rallied to their defence and support like Fadilan and Idris or condoned their misconduct like Deputy Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Razak and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz, should also tender their public apologies to Po Kuan, Parliament, Malaysian women and the nation.

                This entry was posted on Wednesday, 16 May 2007, 12:58 pm and is filed under
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Two sexist BN MPs — apologies that never were

In conjunction with the Cabinet meeting today, the two sexist Barisan Nasional (BN) MPs Datuk Mohd Said Yusof (Jasin) and Datuk Bung Mokhtar Radin (Kinabatangan) were expected to make amends  for their crude, vulgar, sexist gender-offensive remarks directed at DAP MP for Batu Gajah Fong Po Kuan  in Parliament last Wednesday, not because they are truly contrite and repentant but because of escalating adverse public opinion and political pressures from some BN Ministers and MPs who have found life quite uncomfortable and unpleasant in the past week because of the controversy.

I was not completely surprised when shortly after noon, SMS were flying around that Mohd Said and Bung Mokhtar had apologied to Po Kuan and Malaysian women for their sexist and male-chauvinist remarks.

The Star
online was the first to file the following four-paragraph report:

MPs apologise for sexist remarks

KUALA LUMPUR: The two MPs at the centre of a storm over their sexist remarks have apologized.

Kinabatangan MP Datuk Bung Mokhtar Radin and Jasin MP Datuk Mohd Said Yusof apologised to Batu Gajah MP Fong Po Kuan and all Malaysian women for the remarks made in Parliament last week.

The furore started in the Dewan Rakayt when Opposition MPs tried to raise a motion on the leaking ceiling near the media centre at the Parliament building.

Bung and Mohd Said then said: “Mana bocor? Batu Gajah pun bocor setiap bulan. (Where is the leak? Batu Gajah [MP Fong Po Kuan] also leaks monthly).”

Some two hours later, Malaysiakini carried the
Star
 report but raised the question whether there was such an apology.  It reported:

However when
malaysiakini
 contacted Mohd Said for comment, he denied making any apology.

“Why should I apologise? This was a matter raised during a debate in parliament. This is usual,” he added.

He also said he would be meeting Women, Family and Community Development Minister Shahrizat Abdul Jalil this Friday to explain to her the remarks he had made in parliament.

Bung Mokhtar did not pick up his telephone when contacted.

Later,
Star
 online modified its report to remove all reference of apology to Po Kuan by the two sexist BN MPs, as follows:

MPs apologise for sexist remarks

KUALA LUMPUR MPs Datuk Mohd Said Yusof (Jasin — BN) and Datuk Bung Mokhtar Radin (Kinabatangan — BN) have apologised to all Malaysian women for making the now infamous bocor remarks in Parliament last week.

The remarks caused a nationwide furore, leading various women’s groups to protest against the two MPs outside the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry on Tuesday.

“I am very sorry. I apologise to all women. It was a slip of the tongue, said in the heat of the moment,” said Mohd Said, adding, “I respect all women and the liberation of women.”

In Kota Kinabalu, Bung Mokhtar also expressed his apology to all women for his “unintended remarks.”

“It was not my intention to hurt any woman.

“I said it in the heat of an argument with DAP members, who were calling me binatang (animal) and accusing the Barisan Nasional of corruption.

“I strongly feel that women’s feelings should be respected,” he told The Star.

Both MPs got into hot soup when they remarked, “mana bocor? Batu Gajah pun bocor setiap bulan” (Where is the leak, Batu Gajah [MP Fong Po Kuan] also leaks every month) during a heated argument last week over a leaked ceiling.

Both Mohd Said and Bung Mohtar have compounded their crude and vulgar exhibition of male chauvinism in Parliament last week by saying “sorry” to all women when they manifested not a single iota of being sorry, particularly in the deliberate exclusion of Po Kuan from the apologies.

What is worse, Bung Mokhtar also proved himself a liar when he claimed that he was provoked into such a “male-chauvinist” outburst because he was being called “binatang”.

Is Bung Mokhtar alleging that Po Kuan had called him “binatang” to justify directing derogatory, crude, vulgar, sexist and gender-offensive remarks at her? Po Kuan never used the word and I can personally vouch for it.

Can Bung Mokhtar prove that the word “binatang” had been used by Po Kuan or any other DAP MP against him, when  we can prove that he and Mohd Said had used derogatory, crude, sexist and gender-offensive remarks?

Nobody would believe that Bung Mokhtar or the Parliamentary Mat Rempits would take it so docilely if Bung Mohtar had been called “binatang” as it would be full justification for them to go on a rampage to demand that it be withdrawn and apology tendered.

There is still a lot of confusion as to what exactly  Mohd Said and Bung Mokhtar have been forced to do and say in conjunction with the Cabinet meeting today, but one thing is clear, there is totally no compunction, contrition or repentance by both of them about their male-chauvinist spree in Parliament last week, which was why they had been defending their actions to the hilt the past one week!

                This entry was posted on Wednesday, 16 May 2007, 5:35 pm and is filed under
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Bernard Dompok’s resignation as PSCI chairman – red-light warning that Abdullah’s anti-corruption campaign run aground

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, Tan Sri Bernard Dompok has dropped a
bombshell
with his sudden and shock resignation as Chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Integrity (PSCI) yesterday.

Yesterday at 5.23 pm, I received a faxed  letter from Bernard on his resignation, which reads:

15 Mei 2007

YB Tuan Lim Kit Siang

Ahli Parlimen Kawasan Ipoh Timur

Yang Berhormat,

Jawatankuasa Pilihan Khas Dewan Rakyat Mengenai Integrity

Dengan rendah hati, saya dengan ini ingin memaklumkan kepada Yang Berhormat bahawa saya telah membuat keputusan untuk meletak jawatan daripada Jawatankuasa Pilihan Khas Dewan Rakyat Mengenai Integrity.

Saya rasa sebagai salah seorang ahli Kabinet, saya mungkin tidak dapat berlaku adil terhadap tanggungjawab yang dimandatkan oleh Parlimen kepada Jawatankuasa. Saya sudah memberitahu keputusan saya ini kepada Yang di Pertua Dewan Rakyat.

Saya ingin mengambil kesempatan ini untuk mengucapkan terima kasih yang tidak terhingga kepada Yang Berhormat atas kerjasama penuh yang telah anda berikan kepada saya semasa saya menjadi pengerusi Jawatankuasa itu.

Yang ikhlas

(Tan Sri Bernard Dompok)

Earlier at 4.40 p.m. Bernard had informed me by phone that he had tendered his resignation as Chairman of the PSCI.

Bernard’s shock resignation as PSCI Chairman yesterday must be regarded as a red-light warning  that the national integrity and  anti-corruption campaign of the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has run aground after 42 months.

Bernard’s resignation as PSCI chairman is not a matter which merely concerns him, because of his invidious and unenviable position of chairing the parliamentary select committee on integrity while being a Cabinet Minister.

This mix-up of  the separate executive and parliamentary roles undermining the doctrine of the separation of powers of the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary has created complex and grave conflict situations, as the role of parliamentary select committees is to present viewpoints and proposals which are   independent and distinct from those of the Executive for consideration and adoption by the Cabinet.

This is why the situation of Cabinet  Ministers chairing  parliamentary select committees is completely unheard-of  in other Commonwealth parliaments, as it creates inherent conflicts and contradictions which has resulted in situations like  Bernard’s resignation and statement:
“I feel that as a member of the Cabinet I may not be able to do justice to the tasks assigned to the committee by Parliament”.

After the 2004 general election, I had met the Prime Minister twice to urge him to agree to the adoption of a general  select committee system as an important feature of parliamentary reform to transform the Malaysian Parliament into a First World Parliament.

In the event, only three parliamentary select committees had been set up which had functioned, i.e. on Criminal Procedure Code and Penal Code Amendment Bill, Unity and National Service and the third one on Integrity.  A fourth parliamentary select committee to draft a  code of ethics and integrity for MPs headed by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak had been set up in December last year but it had not even held its first meeting after half a year.

A Parliamentary Select Committee system with Ministers as Chairmen can only work efficaciously if the Prime Minister and the Cabinet are fully committed to make such a hybrid system work despite its  inherent problems and contradictions between  the executive and parliamentary functions.

But the Prime Minister and the Cabinet lack the political will to give the PSCI full support to ensure it could be  really meaningful and not just be a “windrow-dressing” about national integrity and anti-corruption efforts in the country.

That this is the sad case can be seen from the  following self-explanatory letter which I had sent to Bernard on 13th February this year:

The  National Integrity Plan envisaged all Ministries, government institutions,  departments and agencies will enhance the practice of good governance,  modernize their administration and enhance the effectiveness of the public delivery system all-the-year-round.

In the first Cabinet meeting of YAB Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi as  Prime Minister on 5th November 2003, the Prime Minister  directed every Minister to set up a task force to cut red tape, fight corruption and deliver quality public service.

The Parliamentary Select Committee on Integrity should call up every Ministry, government department, agency and institution to give a progress report on public service reform, modernization and enhancement of public service delivery programme in the past three years.

In view of current public interest issues and concerns, I will like to suggest that priorities be given for the summoning of Prisons, Police  and Public Works departments.

News report quoting you as saying that the  seven-point plunge from 37th to 44th position in the past three years  in Malaysia’s ranking of Transparency International (TI) Corruption Perception Index (CPI) is “not too bad”  when the target is at least 30th position next year will cast an adverse reflection  on the Parliamentary Select Committee on Integrity.

As Feb. 26 and 27 have been fixed for the next meeting of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Integrity, a clear position must be taken that this does not represent the stand or position of the Select Committee.  I propose to ask the Select Committee to formally record its shock and concern at the continuous backsliding of Malaysia’s TI CPI in the past three years, which represents a failure and setback for the country’s efforts to promote integrity and combat corruption.

The lack of support by the Prime Minister and the Cabinet for the PSCI could be discerned from the immediate reason for Bernard’s resignation  – the boycott of the PSCI by the Director-General and  top officers of the National Registration Department for its hearing last Tuesday into the protracted and grave problem of the issuance of false identity cards in Sabah — what had variously been termed as “Project False I/Cs” or “Project Mahathir”.

It is still to be tested whether the PSCI has the powers to summon and subpoena members of the public as witnesses to its hearings, but when public servants could defy with total impunity as  to boycott   the PSCI hearings, clearly with the support of the highest authorities in the government, it makes a total mockery of the PSCI, its members and Chairman who is also Cabinet Minister.

It also makes a total mockery of the recent statement by the Deputy Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Razak that “fighting corruption remains a national mission and the Government is all out to eradicate graft”.

This is what Najib said in his key-note address on the third anniversary of the National Integrity Plan (NIP) and Integrity Institute of Malaysia last month:

“Some people might be quick to say that the Government is not serious in fighting corruption or that the Prime Minister is the only person speaking on this subject.

 “But let me remind every one that this is not just the agenda of the Prime Minister. The Cabinet is firmly behind him on this.”

Bernard’s resignation as PSCI Chairman has proved Najib wrong!

The question all remaining PSCI members should wrestle with is – Should they all  follow Bernard’s example and resign if the PSCI  cannot be effective and play any meaningful role in the National Integrity Plan to promote public integrity and push back the rising tide of corruption?

The Prime Minister should meet with all the members of the PSCI to give concrete assurance that he and the Cabinet will give full backing to the PSCI to carry out its mandate and terms of reference to promote integrity and roll back the rising tide of corruption in the country and that those who in the public service who defied or boycott the PSCI hearings would be immediately disciplined — whether suspension or expulsion from public service!

                This entry was posted on Thursday, 17 May 2007, 1:33 pm and is filed under
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False ICs of another kind

by R.Q.

I’m a Malaysian who has been working in Singapore for the past 12 years. (And yes, I am a proud Kuantan-ite)

I just wanted to let you know of two incidents at the Kuantan IC registration department, and perhaps you may want to warn readers of your blog who are Kuantan residents.

Last April 2006, I went back on Good Friday to apply for my MyKad in Kuantan. After they had taken my photo, I was directed back to the counter, where I was told that I could not make my IC there, since the computer records showed that the last time I made my IC, it was in the Petaling Jaya New Town office.

I questioned the officer there, asking why my records could be accessed, but I wasn’t allowed to do it in Kuantan. A supervisor came over, and told me the same thing. Grumpily, I left, since I had wasted a trip there, and had gone back with the sole intent of making my IC.

In November, I made a trip to the PJ office, and upon submitting my application, the man behind the counter said “You lost your MyKad is it?” to which I replied “No, first time applying.” Then he said “You collected your MyKad in July, what. It says here.” And again I said “No, this is the first time I’m applying for it.” He then turned his computer screen to me, and asked, “Then who is this? This is you, right?” And to my shock and horror, it was the photo I had taken in Kuantan!

(At that point, I was too stunned to even know how the photo got there, and only recalled later that I was sent to the photo-taking counter before being sent back to the regular application counter.)

He must have thought I was lying to avoid the fine, and went ahead and processed my new application.

Feeling uneasy, I asked to speak to a supervisor/manager.

When I told the supervisor the situation, she punched my IC number into the computer, and she could only retrieve the information that was sent in just minutes before by the other officer. Apparently, any new information updates and deletes what was there previously, so once you enter in new information, there is no way WHATSOEVER to retreive earlier information. There is no backup, no records, nothing.

So she said “I can’t do anything, sorry.” I told her, “Well, what if there is a copy of my IC out there, being used for some criminal, terrorist or other activity?” Her reply was “just hope for the best.”

Reassuring, she was not.

My guess is that once the Kuantan people found out I was living in Singapore, and wasn’t going to be back to collect my IC for a while, they just processed the application–with whose name, and whose photo, there is no way of telling–and updated the information after the IC was collected. Since the new information would override the old one, there would be no evidence of any tampering. It’s the perfect system for making fake ICs.

If this wasn’t bad enough, when I met my parents at Christmastime, I told them what happened to me, and they said they had recently made their new MyKads too. They then told me that they had to pay RM10 for three photos each. “What….” I said, “it’s now all digital, what photos?” So my father went over and pulled out six polaroid photos from the drawer. “IC photos lah,” my dad said “they took these and scanned it in.” This was the most ridiculous story I had ever heard

Not being very tech-savvy, these crooks sent my parents to the little shop in the building to get their photos taken. The sort of shop that does photostatting and IC photos before digital cameras made this part of their business obsolete. But the Kuantan IC office people have a side business where they fleece innocent or uneducated folks of RM10 for an absolutely unnecessary service!

Something is rotten in the state of Pahang. And it’s the Kuantan IC Registration Department.

I am not sure what can be done, if anything. There is no crime to report, and anything else such as any kind of letter, will be summarily ignored. And if applicants are asked to go over and take their photos, only to be told later of some lame excuse that they are unable to make their ICs, there is no way of getting them to delete the photo they just took of you either.

                This entry was posted on Thursday, 17 May 2007, 7:28 am and is filed under
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Two sexist BN MPs – Shahrizat gender-desensitised when she should have gender-sensitised Cabinet

The
farce
of the “apology to Po Kuan and all Malaysian women, then only to Malaysian women but not to Po Kuan, and then
not even to Malaysian women
” has shown the true colours of the two sexist Barisan Nasional (BN) MPs Datuk Mohd Said Yusof (Jasin) and Datuk Bung Mokhtar Radin (Kinabatangan) who had brought shame and dishonour not only to Poh Kuan, but Parliament, Malaysian women and the nation’s international reputation.

It is clear that both the duo had no sense of remorse or regret for their crude, vulgar, sexist gender-offensive remarks directed at DAP MP for Batu Gajah Fong Po Kuan in Parliament last Wednesday.

However, they were prepared to apologise to Po Kuan and women, as they did yesterday morning, if it is politically necessary for them to do so to continue as BN MPs.

They had tried to jump the gun yesterday morning by making public their apology to Po Kuan and Malaysian women for their sexist and gender-offensive remarks in Parliament last week because they were made to understand that the Cabinet would be directing them to issue such an apology.

But when they found that the Cabinet had made no such decision, they quickly retracted their apology, at first excluding Po Kuan and later even withdrawing their apology to all Malaysian women altogether.

This was cheap and low-class farce, bringing even more shame and dishonour to Parliament, Malaysian women  and the nation.

All Malaysian women and men  must now tell the two sexist BN MPs — that their apology whether tomorrow or in the future are totally worthless, and that they must be given  appropriate punishment not only for their gender-offensive  “male chauvinist” outbursts in Parliament last week but also for the low farce yesterday showing their utter contempt for common decency and public opinion.

What is most pathetic in yesterday’s low farce is the role of the  Women, Family and Community Development Minister, Datuk Seri
Shahrizat Abdul Jalil
, who had come out of the whole episode in the worst possible light.

Shahrizat was supposed to educate the Cabinet Ministers about the subject of gender-sensitivity — but instead of gender-sensitising the Cabinet, she was gender-desensitised by the Cabinet meeting yesterday.

Why should the Cabinet relegate the issue of the two sexist BN MPs to be dealt with the Shahrizat, downgrading it to a minor and trivial problem?  Is this what Shahrizat meant when she had earlier said that she would raise it in the Cabinet — for the football to be kicked officially to her Ministry?

Why can’t Shahrizat get the Cabinet to see the seriousness of the issue and to take a decision commensurate with the gravity of the offence committed by the two sexist BN MPs?

Or do we have not only these two MCP BN MPs, but a MCP Cabinet as well?

When Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi became Prime Minister, Malaysians were promised a “First-World Parliament” but we have instead a ninth-class Parliament.

I will  convene a Parliamentary Roundtable of all political parties, NGOs and concerned Malaysians to demand a  “First-World Parliament NOW” where there is  no sexual harassment and where  “male chauvinist” sexist remarks will never be heard again  in the highest legislative chamber in the land; a “First World Parliament” where the Prime Minister,  Ministers and MPs are diligent and conscientious in their attendance and accountability; a First World Parliament where  Select Committees play a meaningful and effective role in proposing new thinking to the government and nation in facing the challenges of nation-building, globalization and international competitiveness and a First-World Parliament all Malaysians, regardless of race, religion or gender, can look up with pride, love and admiration..

DAP MP for Seputeh Teresa Kok will be the co-ordinator for the Parliamentary Roundtable for “First-World Parliament NOW” to be held in Parliament House next Saturday, 26th May 2007.

The Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz as well as all other Cabinet Ministers  are also  invited to the Parliamentary Roundtable for First-World Parliament.

                This entry was posted on Thursday, 17 May 2007, 1:04 pm and is filed under
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Nazri – running spy network among MPs?

I am calling this media conference  on the statement by the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz, on the reasons for the shock resignation of the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department,  Tan Sri Bernard Dompok as Chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Integrity (PSCI), which has been reported extensively in the media such as
“Dompok influenced by Kit Siang, says Nazri”

(The Sun)
 and
“Nazri: Dompok influenced by panel deputy chairman Kit Siang”

(New Straits Times)
,

Firstly, let me say that I fully agree with Dompok   in describing  Nazri’s statement as “a cheap shot”. It is a low blow and most unbecoming of one Minister to make of another, especially when it is founded  on baseless rumours and hearsay. What Nazri said was just poppycock.

Nazri said my alleged “influence” over Dompok was “causing uneasiness among other members of the committee”.

NST
reported:

Nazri said members of the committee had complained that Dompok was being influenced by Lim.

“I know what is going on in the committee as the BN members on it report to me. I learnt of this unhappiness from them,” he said.

Asked why they did not indicate their unhappiness to Dompok, Nazri said as disciplined BN members, they followed what the committee head instructed.

“(Dompok) is a cabinet member. They will never go against him,” he said.

Firstly, Who are these “BN members” on the PSCI who had reported to him behind its back — which is a gross breach of parliamentary privilege!  This is because the PSCI and Parliamentary Select Committees are  only to report to Parliament and not to any single Minister, be he the Minister in charge of Parliamentary Affairs!

Or is one of the functions of the Minister in charge of Parliamentary Affairs to run a network of spies among BN MPs in the various Select Committees?

Secondly, I challenge these BN MPs on the PSCI who have been carrying tales of  half-truths and downright lies  against Dompok to Nazri to come out into the open to declare themselves;  prove that they are honourable men and women and not “petty characters”; and explain why they had been guilty of such unethical,  unparliamentary  and disgraceful conduct.

This is in fact another chapter of shame for the Malaysian Parliament, coming so soon after the dishonourable and unresolved episode of the two sexist Barisan Nasional (BN)  MPs, Datuk Mohd Said Yusof (Jasin) and Datuk Bung Mokhtar Radin (Kinabatangan) who had brought shame and humiliation to Parliament, Malaysian women and the nation’s international reputation with their crude, vulgar, sexist gender-offensive remarks at DAP MP for Batu Gajah Fong Po Kuan in Parliament last week.

Nazri is giving a picture as if Dompok was  so under my influence that he was virtually a robot and was only doing my bidding, while “unhappy” BN members on the PSCI were forced to go  along because of the BN culture that BN MPs must be robots to be “disciplined BN members” and to obediently  follow  Dompok, on the ground that he  is a cabinet minister and “They will never go against him”.

To be fair to Dompok, at PSCI meetings he never decided beforehand what the committee  should do, always putting to the Committee for a decision by vote if necessary.  I do not see how any PSCI member could truthfully and in all conscience allege to Nazri that the PSCI was being led by the nose by Dompok who was under my influence.  Had Nazri been lied to or was Nazri guilty of concocting untruths?

This whole issue should be referred to the Committee of Privileges for a full investigation, as it has besmirched not only Dompok and my honour, but also all other members of the PSCI — and the honour of Nazri as what he  said is completely baseless!

I will propose a motion in the June meeting of Parliament  to refer this matter to the Committee of Privileges which can investigate me, Dompok, all other PSCI members as well as Nazri and let the real truth come out.  I hope Nazri will agree to have such a privilege motion adopted by Parliament as the first item of business on June 18 when Parliament reconvenes.

Nazri said there was a wide gap between members of the Cabinet and Dompok’s understanding of the select committee’s scope and role.

He said the cabinet was of the view that the committee was formed to collate information on issues relating to integrity and come up with ideas and suggestions, like all previous select committees.

He said: “Our understanding is for the committee to meet people and obtain feedback and formulate a programme or find ways to improve on policy, not investigate people.”

There is no great disagreement here. What the PSCI had sought to do was to seek the co-operation of various persons and parties who could throw light on issues pertaining to integrity and which had been raised at public hearings when seeking public consultations.

It is clear that what miffed Nazri was the invitation in March by the PSCI to the then Director-General of the Anti-Corruption Agency Datuk Zulkipli Mat Noor  to give his views on the serious allegations of corruption in ACA which had been made by whistleblower and former Sabah ACA director Mohamad Ramli Manan.

I want to specifically ask Nazri whether he had arm-twisted BN MPs on PSCI in March to reverse their earlier decision to hear  the then ACA Director-General on serious allegations of corruption in ACA, resulting in the farce of the on-off-on-off PSCI hearing for Zulkipli and Mohamad Ramli?

Nazri should come clean as he has now admitted that he had objected to the ACA chief being called.  Nazri should stop acting as self-appointed Super-Chairman of the PSCI interfering in the operations and functions of the PSCI.

Nazri appears to have also become the champion of the National Registration  Department which had refused to appear before the PSCI this Tuesday over the issue of false ICs in Sabah — what variously had been termed “Project False I/Cs” or “Project Mahathir”.

PSCI hearing on “Project False I/Cs” or “Project Mahathir”, which Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad had recently denied knowledge, is very pertinent to the Select Committee’s core term of reference on national integrity for it highlights a grave absence of integrity in an important aspect of governance in Sabah.

Why is Nazri and the Cabinet so afraid that PSCI is trying to find out why there is such a shocking lack of integrity and absence of good governance for so long  that there could be such extraordinary explosion of documentation of false I/Cs for illegal immigrants in the past few decades in Sabah?

                This entry was posted on Friday, 18 May 2007, 12:29 pm and is filed under
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