Hazlan Zakaria

Over 70 civil society organisations today called upon Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak to take action against political hooliganism mushrooming in the country, or stand accused of condoning such violence and being in bed with its thuggish perpetrators.

“If the political violence continues due to the alleged impunity granted by the police, the PM will be perceived as being complicit in these acts of violence and intimidation,” said the groups in a joint statement read out at a press conference in Kuala Lumpur today.

The groups came forward to express their alarm that the worrisome trend of “contrived violence”, which they believe is being engineered to suppress free democratic discourse and political choice in the run-up to the 13th general election.

Such political intimidation and violence, the groups claim, will undermine the very fabric of society and its freedoms if left unchecked.

They pointed to the attacks on ceramah held by NGO Asalkan Bukan Umno and during the political speeches by PKR leaders Nurul Izzah Anwar and her father Anwar Ibrahim, as signs of the worrying trend.

They ... [Read more]]]>

Hazlan Zakaria

Over 70 civil society organisations today called upon Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak to take action against political hooliganism mushrooming in the country, or stand accused of condoning such violence and being in bed with its thuggish perpetrators.

“If the political violence continues due to the alleged impunity granted by the police, the PM will be perceived as being complicit in these acts of violence and intimidation,” said the groups in a joint statement read out at a press conference in Kuala Lumpur today.

The groups came forward to express their alarm that the worrisome trend of “contrived violence”, which they believe is being engineered to suppress free democratic discourse and political choice in the run-up to the 13th general election.

Such political intimidation and violence, the groups claim, will undermine the very fabric of society and its freedoms if left unchecked.

They pointed to the attacks on ceramah held by NGO Asalkan Bukan Umno and during the political speeches by PKR leaders Nurul Izzah Anwar and her father Anwar Ibrahim, as signs of the worrying trend.

They called upon Najib to ensure that the home ministry and police take proper action against those who have committed such violence against civil activists and legitimate political organisations, including suspending, investigating and punishing errant police officers whose alleged inaction during some of the disturbances have painted an ugly picture of the police, the guardians of public order.

Zaid Kamaruddin of Jemaah Islah Malaysia, a NGO which was formed in the 70s, said in a statement today that the group will send a memorandum to the PM, the home minister and the police, during the week as they await to record from more NGOs who have expressed their support.

Meanwhile, A Jayanath of civil society group Saya Anak Bangsa Malaysia appealed to Malaysians to remember the preamble to the Rukunegara, which most importantly calls for upholding the constitution, rule of law and practicing good conduct and proper manners.

All the three seem to have been forgotten as the constitutionally guaranteed freedom to assemble is being restricted and some are acting beyond the law and abandoning manners and good conduct.

Mas Elati Seman from the Centre for Independent Journalism chimed in that police should also ensure the people’s safety during rallies and demonstrations as this may impact journalists on the ground who will have to face the rowdy atmosphere at political ceramah and rallies.

Making it safe for society also means keeping things safe for journalists as they have to carry out their job to brings news of what is happening to the general public.

The groups also repeated their call for the IPCMC to be instituted to ensure that the police can be properly monitored and reprimanded if they are found neglecting their duty of maintaining public order.

They, however, praised police for their excellent job in facilitating the Himpunan Hijau 2.0 gatherings across the country, though they believe that the force could have done better, especially during the fracas in the Penang leg of the green rally which was disrupted by a group alleged to include Umno and Perkasa members.

Other civil society groups represented at the press conference included the Kuala Lumpur Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall, the Negeri Sembilan Chinese Assembly Hall, All Women’s Action Movement, the Tamil Foundation, Anak Muda Sarawak and Tenaganita.

It is rather surprising that the Western media started to call Ennahda party in Tunisia as a ‘moderate Islamist party’. The same label has been used to describe the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt,  to differentiate them from  the ‘radical’ Salafi parties. It was not the case a couple of years ago and  unimaginable by many considering we are just ten years post-911; the tragic  bombing of the WTC in New York. ‘Moderate’ Islamists appears to be a new jargon to describe the ‘not so bad’ Muslim guys who were previously designated with  a plethora of Islamphobic labels by the same media  which included among others ‘the radical Islamists’,  ‘extremist banned group’,  “radical Islamic fundamentalist”, “jihadist militants” etc.

Finally, there is now hope that the many self proclaimed political Islam experts in the western  media  would  awaken to the fact that the term ‘Islamist’ is not a monolithic one. It is  most unfortunate that J.L. Esposito’s piece, ‘Islamic threat: Myth or Reality’ was  never given  much attention to many  to better understand this  phenomenon.  Esposito’s thoughts might be seen as an outlier  when contrasted against   the tsunami of islamphobic writings published post-911. However, ... [Read more]]]> Dr Maszlee Malik PhD (Durham)
Dr Musa Mohd Nordin FRCP (Edinburgh)

It is rather surprising that the Western media started to call Ennahda party in Tunisia as a ‘moderate Islamist party’. The same label has been used to describe the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt,  to differentiate them from  the ‘radical’ Salafi parties. It was not the case a couple of years ago and  unimaginable by many considering we are just ten years post-911; the tragic  bombing of the WTC in New York. ‘Moderate’ Islamists appears to be a new jargon to describe the ‘not so bad’ Muslim guys who were previously designated with  a plethora of Islamphobic labels by the same media  which included among others ‘the radical Islamists’,  ‘extremist banned group’,  “radical Islamic fundamentalist”, “jihadist militants” etc.

Finally, there is now hope that the many self proclaimed political Islam experts in the western  media  would  awaken to the fact that the term ‘Islamist’ is not a monolithic one. It is  most unfortunate that J.L. Esposito’s piece, ‘Islamic threat: Myth or Reality’ was  never given  much attention to many  to better understand this  phenomenon.  Esposito’s thoughts might be seen as an outlier  when contrasted against   the tsunami of islamphobic writings published post-911. However, it is an excellent beginner’s book  to better understand the wide parameters of the much varied global-Islamism phenomenon and trends.

In surah Al-Baqarah verse 143 Allah says “Thus have We made of you an ummah (nation) justly balanced, that you might be witnesses upon mankind…” Interestingly, this verse resides smack in the middle of the surah which contains 286 verses, further emphasizing the concept of “ummatan wasata” (the middle nation); justly balanced and embracing moderation in its clarion call for change and reformation. We are thus convinced that in the midst of the many loosely defined “Islamists” there exists the “moderate and justly balanced Islamist”. This immediately begs the question, “how does one define one?”

This calls to mind  Karim Raslan’s foreword  to Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad’s new book “Striving for Change”. After admitting his  historical “stereotyping”  of all Islamists,  it eventually dawned upon him  that there  are such  persons or movements  that can be described as  moderate Islamists.  We could not  agree more with  Karim Raslan and think that there are many who share similar analyses and sentiments.   In this respect, we can vouch that friends and foes of Dr Dzulkefly better known as Dr Dzul, would unanimously echo that this Dr Dzul guy is  truly a universal persona  of a moderate Islamist.

His Islamic activism dates back to his student days in Birmingham, UK in the mid 70s. His excellence in academia landed him a doctorate in the medical sciences (toxicology) from Imperial College, London and he taught both medical sciences and Islamic civilization in USM. Very much a self taught economist he has proven his mettle by jointly spearheading the Pakatan shadow cabinet on financial matters besetting the nation. A prolific writer and an orator of substance he has all the makings of a  credible and iconic Muslim politician to represent  the professional group amongst Malaysian Islamists. His added and rare asset is his ability to master the Arabic language and his invaluable training in the skills and competence to  understand, reflect and contextualize  the  meaning of the Quran and  traditions of the prophet,  which makes him a  new symbol of  transformative Muslim leadership in Malaysia.

His brand of down to earth, facilitative, hands-on and savvy Islamic  leadership is  being increasingly accepted not only within the ranks of his party, his constituents in Kuala Selangor, his colleagues in Pakatan but also the lay public both Muslims and non-Muslim alike.

Having read his blog http://blog.drdzul.com/,  analysed his writings  in the various on-line news portals, watched  his many interviews, listened to his public ceramahs (talks)  and viewed his parliamentary sessions as a lawmaker,  Dr Dzul in our humble opinion embodies a breakthrough, a  new hope for the “izzah”, an honourable and noble positioning of Islam within the landscape of Malaysian politics unlike that adulterated and tarnished by the parochial and racist representation of Islam in the past 50 years post-Independence.   As friends of Dr Dzul even prior to his political debut, we might be ruled to be jaundiced  in our assessment of his performance but you are at liberty to seek the opinions of others on Dr Dzul, the “Islamic democrat”.

Furthermore, as a PAS central committee member and think tank maestro, it is  kind of difficult to  fathom  that this same pious guy  has his own musical  choir consisting of his wife, children and in-laws which they have labeled  ‘The Wayfarers’. They blasted a few “hot numbers” among others, Il Divo’s “I believe in you” and an Arabic version of the original Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah”  at the recent fund-raiser in Kelab Shah Alam on the 18th December 2011, attended by a microcosm of the Malaysian populace.

Dr Dzul’s willingness to engage and embrace others  in crystallizing his vision and his commitments to “memberikan yang terbaik untuk agama, rakyat dan gegara” (nothing less than the best for his religion, people and nation) sets new and enviable benchmarks for the Muslim politician in multi-ethnic and multi-religious Malaysia.

If PAS is seriously hoping and planning on the long walk to Putrajaya as part of an engaging, and trusted partner in a PR led federal government, then they should be seriously considering cloning the Dr Dzul template in their rank and file and not fear losing one or more  Hasans or Nashas. The Dr Dzul aura represents the contemporary best of PAS political culture in the PR band wagon for change towards a new and better Malaysia.

REMEMBERING GAZA

Today marks three years since the three week Operation Cast Lead bombardment of Gaza from 27 Dec 2008 to 19 Jan 2009. The perennial, illegitimate and inhumane blockade has led to progressive isolation and deprivation of the Gaza Strip and restricted access to essential items vital for “normal existence”, making the daily process of living extremely difficult. Its people die slowly, its children are malnourished, an alarming 66% of its 9-12 months old and 35% of pregnant women are anemic, its water contaminated, 80% of its people is dependent on UN Food Aid and the youth unemployment rate a soaring 65%.

The Gaza invasion is yet one more tragic story in a long, sad tragedy that has befallen a people whose story has been denied and distorted. The people of Gaza have become destitutes in their homeland, more so the women and children. The current situation has been described as a crisis of human dignity. The dehumanization of the Palestinians of Gaza continues unabated. But we will not forget.

Viva Palestina Malaysia’s 14 man team as part of the Viva Palestina 5 convoy of 380 volunteers from 30 countries driving 147 vehicles carrying humanitarian aid ... [Read more]]]> 27 December 2011 / 2 Safar 1433

REMEMBERING GAZA

Today marks three years since the three week Operation Cast Lead bombardment of Gaza from 27 Dec 2008 to 19 Jan 2009. The perennial, illegitimate and inhumane blockade has led to progressive isolation and deprivation of the Gaza Strip and restricted access to essential items vital for “normal existence”, making the daily process of living extremely difficult. Its people die slowly, its children are malnourished, an alarming 66% of its 9-12 months old and 35% of pregnant women are anemic, its water contaminated, 80% of its people is dependent on UN Food Aid and the youth unemployment rate a soaring 65%.

The Gaza invasion is yet one more tragic story in a long, sad tragedy that has befallen a people whose story has been denied and distorted. The people of Gaza have become destitutes in their homeland, more so the women and children. The current situation has been described as a crisis of human dignity. The dehumanization of the Palestinians of Gaza continues unabated. But we will not forget.

Viva Palestina Malaysia’s 14 man team as part of the Viva Palestina 5 convoy of 380 volunteers from 30 countries driving 147 vehicles carrying humanitarian aid worth in excess of USD 5 million entered Gaza in October 2010 and delivered a powerful message that the world has not forgotten them and global efforts were underway to overturn the cruel siege on Gaza.

The past three years has seen a myriad of VPM activities advocating justice and self determination for Palestine and transferring much needed funds for various projects in besieged Gaza. In summary, a total of nearly RM 1 million of your generous contribution has been disbursed to fund various medical, educational, micro-financing and women’s projects in Gaza.

In the first quarter of 2012, Viva Palestina 6 Life Line to Gaza will take on another mission to Gaza. VPM will be a major player of this international humanitarian mission and plans to raise a sum of RM 3/4 million to fund an integrated agricultural and animal husbandry project, a Palestinian heritage project and train Gaza doctors in post-graduate medicine and surgery in Malaysian medical schools.

This year round we have tweaked our advocacy and awareness campaign to showcase Gaza Remembrance Day in a national high impact Kuala Lumpur Palestine Film Festival (KLPFF). Breaking new grounds VPM and FINAS (National Film Development Corporation Malaysia) will be staging our KLPFF from 4-6 February 2012, at the Golden Screen Cinemas, Pavillion, Jalan Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur. The films screened will document many of the humanitarian issues besetting Palestine and the festival doubles as a major VPM fund raising initiative for our Viva Palestina 6 Life Line to Gaza.

The pain and sufferings of Gaza still speaks to us from thousands of miles away. When VP5 left Gaza, the people of Gaza kept thanking us but in essence it is we who should thank them. These courageous people teach us every day, every hour, every moment what it’s like to be brave, strong and resilient. They live against all odds and we are humbled by their unbroken spirit that soars even with clipped wings.

Brave people of Gaza, may Allah grant you more strength, bravery and fortitude. May your spirit remain unbroken and irrepressible.

May you stand united, firm and defiant against the enemy. Brave people of Gaza, we salute you and we await the day when victory greets you Insha Allah.

Viva Palestina!
Dato’ Dr. Musa Mohd Nordin
Chairman

PoAM urges the public to join the protests organised by Kempen Kebebasan Berhimpun (KKB), the Bar Council and other civil society groups as well as overseas Malaysians against this act. The events scheduled so far are:

1.       Vigil: (a) 26th November, Saturday 7.30pm, Dataran Merdeka

2.       Walk: (a) 26th November, Saturday 2-3pm, KLCC park near water fountain; (b) 29th November, Tuesday, 11.30am, Lake Club to Parliament

3.       Public Forum: 29th November, Tuesday, 8pm, Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall

PoAM reminds the public that in 1981, the then new Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad too attempted to amend the Societies Act to cripple political participation of associations, but the amendment was defeated by a united front of civil society groups coming from all backgrounds.

PoAM is therefore confident the bill will have to be withdrawn or be rendered unenforceable if the public pressure continues to mount.

PoAM holds that the hefty fines of RM 10,000 for assembly organisers who fail to notify ... [Read more]]]> The Plan of Action for Malaysia (PoAM) Coalition urges the Government to immediately withdraw the Peaceful Assembly Bill, which is unconstitutional and more repressive than the existing Police Act.

PoAM urges the public to join the protests organised by Kempen Kebebasan Berhimpun (KKB), the Bar Council and other civil society groups as well as overseas Malaysians against this act. The events scheduled so far are:

1.       Vigil: (a) 26^th November, Saturday 7.30pm, Dataran Merdeka

2.       Walk: (a) 26^th November, Saturday 2-3pm, KLCC park near water fountain; (b) 29^th November, Tuesday, 11.30am, Lake Club to Parliament

3.       Public Forum: 29^th November, Tuesday, 8pm, Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall

PoAM reminds the public that in 1981, the then new Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad too attempted to amend the Societies Act to cripple political participation of associations, but the amendment was defeated by a united front of civil society groups coming from all backgrounds.

PoAM is therefore confident the bill will have to be withdrawn or be rendered unenforceable if the public pressure continues to mount.

PoAM holds that the hefty fines of RM 10,000 for assembly organisers who fail to notify the police 30 days in advance and RM 20,000 for assembly participants who fail to disperse as instructed by the police are proposed in bad faith. This is in fact much worse than the Peaceful Assembly and Procession Bill passed by Myanmar which requires only 5 days notification to the police.

Such fines are beyond the means of average Malaysians and are meant to silence ordinary Malaysians from middle and lower class backgrounds. Such fines can also be used to disqualify elected representatives, in the hope that this will deter them from joining the public.

In our opinion, if the People allow this bill to be passed, the people will not be able to hold any  demonstration or  rally to express their opinion in most urban areas.  Under the law, Assemblies are prohibited within a 50-meter radius from petrol stations, police stations, religious places, schools and eight other categories of “prohibited areas”, most of which are commonly found in urban centre.

It is PoAM considered view that when governments are protected from criticism, they will have little incentive to check corruption, arrest power abuse and reverse unpopular policies. This will eventually lead to political instability and conflict.

PoAM calls upon the government to withdraw the proposed Bill immediately and to consult major stakeholders including civil society   before retabling the Bill.

PoAM feels that if the Peaceful Assembly Bill in its current form is passed, is a potential time bomb that can result in societal disharmony and chaos. This is something that all right-minded Malaysians do not desire and would rise to prevent.

Issued by GBM which comprises of the following organisations:

1.      Kuala Lumpur & Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall (KLSCAH)

2.      Aliran

3.      Tamil Foundation

4.      Pertubuhan Jamaah Islah Malaysia (JIM)

5.      Majlis Perundingan Malaysia Agama Buddha, Krisitian, Hindu, Sikh dan Tao (MPMAM)

6.      Negeri Sembilan Chinese Assembly Hall (NSCAH)

7.      Penang Chinese Town Hall (PGCTH)

8.      Lim Lian Geok Cultural Development Centre (LLG)

9.      United Chinese School Alumni Association of Malaysia (UCSAAM)

10. Muslim Professionals Forum (MPF)

11. Suara Rakyat Malaysia (SUARAM)

12. Pusat Komunikasi Masyarakat (KOMAS)

13. Saya Anak Bangsa Malaysia (SABM)

14. Persatuan Masyarakat Selangor dan Wilayah Persekutuan (Permas)

15. Centre for Policy Initiatives (CPI)

16. National Interlok Action Team (NIAT)

17. People’s Green Coalition (PGC)

18. Anak Muda Sarawak (AMS)

19. All Women’s Action Society (AWAM)

20. Partners in Community Organising (Pacos Trust)

21. Pertubuhan IKRAM Malaysia

We the undersigned board members of MPF read with horror and disbelief   the open threats  to commit murder on proponents of BERSIH 2 March planned for 9 July 2011.

Rhetorics and posturing are part and parcel of an active democracy, but any threat of violence is malicious  and jeopardises the peaceful co-existence of all  in this beloved country of ours

Regardless of one’s feelings about the correctness or otherwise of the planned gathering on 9 July 2011, nobody other than the insane or racial supremacist will be in agreement with the obnoxious wave of highly coordinated text messages aimed at  Dato’ Ambiga and her like minded colleagues.

The inaction of the relevant authorities does not bode well for an otherwise peaceful and harmonious Malaysia. Failure to apprehend and charge the culprit with intent to murder will be dereliction of duty of the highest order.

The silence of the national leaders in the face of this racist and deplorable death threat is  also cause for concern. All Malaysians who love this country must unequivocally condemn this dastardly and cowardly act of extreme provocation.

The royal houses whose existence ... [Read more]]]> 24^th June 2011

We the undersigned board members of MPF read with horror and disbelief   the open threats  to commit murder on proponents of BERSIH 2 March planned for 9 July 2011.

Rhetorics and posturing are part and parcel of an active democracy, but any threat of violence is malicious  and jeopardises the peaceful co-existence of all  in this beloved country of ours

Regardless of one’s feelings about the correctness or otherwise of the planned gathering on 9 July 2011, nobody other than the insane or racial supremacist will be in agreement with the obnoxious wave of highly coordinated text messages aimed at  Dato’ Ambiga and her like minded colleagues.

The inaction of the relevant authorities does not bode well for an otherwise peaceful and harmonious Malaysia. Failure to apprehend and charge the culprit with intent to murder will be dereliction of duty of the highest order.

The silence of the national leaders in the face of this racist and deplorable death threat is  also cause for concern. All Malaysians who love this country must unequivocally condemn this dastardly and cowardly act of extreme provocation.

The royal houses whose existence depends on continued peace in Malaysia must also be in unison in unreservedly condemning this vicious threat to the very fabric of  our pluralistic society.

We, members of civil society have had enough of the escalating threats by individuals and groups who have increasingly upped the ante on pursuing their parochial and racist agenda. Unless genuine political will deals firmly with such racial supremacist provocations, the slogan 1Malaysia will paradoxically be long  remembered as an era of “heightened racial tension” and “intense religious conflict”.

Dr Mazeni Alwi
Dr Shaikh Johari Bux
Haji Mohamed Ali Ghazali
Dr Jeffrey Abu Hassan
Dato’ Dr  Musa Mohd. Nordin