Lim Guan Eng challenges Koh Tsu Koon to reveal the remaining truth about Kg Buah Pala

Penang CM says he was not behind arrests in Kg Buah Pala

BUKIT MERTAJAM: Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng says the state government had nothing to do with the recent arrest of three Kampung Buah Pala residents committee members.

Lim said he did not control the police, and thus had no knowledge of why they were detained.

“Since the residents have sought the help of Umno, they should ask Umno for an explanation.

The state government has no idea about any action taken by the police (against them),” he said after visiting a Merdeka baby at KPJ Penang Specialist Hospital in Bandar Perda here Monday.

On Saturday, police detained the committee’s chairman M. Sugumaran, secretary J. Steven and assistant secretary C. Thamaraj at about 10pm on grounds of criminal intimidation.

They were arrested over an Aug 4 police report lodged against them by several contractors who claimed that the three men had threatened them.

Lim said it was clear that there was an attempt by certain quarters to undermine the state government.

“But, I am certain they will not succeed because the people of Penang are solidly behind the Penang state government.

“And, this was proven by the Permatang Pasir by-elections, where the voters, regardless of their race, are solidly behind us,” he said.

On Gerakan president Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon’s allegation that he (Lim) was not telling the whole truth about the Kampung Buah Pala land issue, Lim said Dr Koh should then come forward and tell the remaining truth.

“If Dr Koh wants a debate, he should not send his proxies.

“If he throws me a challenge to debate on national television, I won’t run away from it,” he said.

Star Online
31/08/09

Malaysians grief on 52nd Merdeka day celebration as the nation is in chaotic situtation

The false Merdeka consciousness

Merdeka celebrations often force me to sulk. The fireworks, the countdowns, the reruns of old Malay war films like "Bukit Kepong" and Merdeka-themed emotionally evocative advertisements financed by Malaysia's most successful multinational companies on national television sicken me.

These are, to me, the imposition of a false consciousness. A cunning form of political chicanery aimed at unifying a divided nation under the pretense of a glorious history profoundly twisted to serve the interest of the ruling class.

And what better way to do that than to exploit a date that defines the very meaning of this country itself?

On this day, government leaders are transformed into poets, reading out poetic speeches intent on inspiring if not stoically rendering the denizens of this wealthy country to contemplate and appreciate in retrospect the multi-racial efforts that led to our independence.

Our hardworking countrymen, the pillars that stabilise the ample wealth of those above them, are heavily bombarded with the images of a younger generation oblivious and unappreciative of the race-transcending bonds of Abu, Ah Chong and Achiapan through beautifully-filmed advertisements.

The underlying message of these extremely well-packaged messages is clear. They manufacture a perception of a generation distant from the spirit which binds the different races of the nation together, a spirit crafted and solely credited to the wonders worked by the ruling party.

For the most part, the advertisements depict real truths. Many of the younger generation cannot truly grasp the spirit of Merdeka.

Take, for example, the response given by young celebrities, artists, musicians, comedians and candid interviews of your average citizen. Their replies merely parrot the idea of Merdeka taught in national schools by teachers who in turn parroted their teachers.

The replies given are rewound and replayed falsities. The evidence of this is everywhere. From the drunks in pubs and clubs throughout the nation on Merdeka eve to the cities congested with fireworks zealots, the manner of celebrating the country's birth reflects their understanding of what it is: nothing but a day among the list of public holidays.

But really, who can blame them?

This is a generation desensitised and tired by the daily resonance of contradictions of the policy-makers. While racism is rejected on festivity months, it is accepted at other times.

While we are constantly reminded of those who sacrificed their lives to oust the British colonialists and their devastating divide-and-rule methodology, 52 years on, its remnants and essence remain rooted in our political culture, fertilised and nurtured further to serve and consolidate the interest of those wielding power.

While endless propaganda of equitable development and the promises of fair income distribution, made possible given the nation's abundance of natural resources, dominate the airwaves for 52 years, this generation is still treated with the sight of the Malay poor in Kepala Batas, the Indian poor in Tapah and the Chinese poor in Yong Peng.

So what we have in our hands now is a confused mass plagued by a sense of powerlessness which then triggers the instinct to forget about everything and just get on with their lives.

What is left of the Merdeka spirit then is a consciousness vacuum ready to be filled with a fictitious notion of a national identity, a fake identity celebrated on August's end which is more a way to reinforce the position of the ruling class as the unifier while removing any recollection that it is the very "saviour" that divides us.

This is, sadly, what Merdeka means to me.

MI
31/08/09

Dakwaan penjenayah kuasai polis Malaysia: Sikap KPN dipertikai

KUALA LUMPUR, 30 Ogos: Sikap Ketua Polis Negara (KPN), Tan Sri Musa Hassan yang enggan mengulas tuduhan bahawa beliau mengizinkan penjenayah menguasai pasukan polis menimbulkan persoalan besar terhadap kredibilitinya, kata Naib Presiden PAS, Salahuddin Ayub.

Malah, katanya lagi, ia juga menyebabkan kredibiliti Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak dan Menteri Dalam Negeri, Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein lebih dipertikaikan.

"Mengapa selepas mengambil alih kerajaan April lalu, Najib dan Hishammuddin terus mengekalkan seorang KPN yang telah begitu lama dipertikaikan kredibilitinya?

"Sama seperti kita mahukan seorang Perdana Menteri yang bersih dan dilihat bersih sejak dari mula Najib menyandang jawatan itu, kita juga mahukan seorang KPN yang bukan sahaja bersih tetapi dilihat bersih.

"Amat mengecewakan apabila hendak melantik KPN yang bersih dan dilihat bersih pun tidak mampu dilakukan oleh kerajaan Najib," kata Salahuddin.

Mengulas lanjut keengganan Musa mengulas pelbagai tuduhan terhadapnya itu, beliau berkata, "itu bukan sifat seorang KPN".

Sepatutnya, kata Salahuddin, Musa berdiri tegak untuk menangkis pelbagai tuduhan terhadapnya.

"Umno tidak henti-henti memperlekehkan kenyataan-kenyataan bersumpah yang disiarkan oleh Raja Petra (Kamarudin) sebagai tidak ada nilai, bohong dan sebagainya.

"Kenapa Musa tidak matikan sama sekali pendedahan Raja Petra kalau pendedahannya tidak ada nilai dan bohong?

"Bukankah orang kita terkenal dengan pepatah berani kerana benar?" kata Ahli Parlimen Kubang Kerian itu.

Dalam laman web kelolaannya, Malaysia Today, Raja Petra semalam menyiarkan kenyataan bersumpah yang mengandungi pelbagai tuduhan terhadap Musa.

Malaysiakini melaporkan, Musa enggan mengulas tuduhan-tuduhan itu.

Walaupun dipadamkan identiti dan beberapa maklumat lain dalam kenyataan bersumpah itu, Raja Petra berjanji akan menyiarkan kesemuanya jika perkhidmatan Musa sebagai KPN disambung semula.

Dalam kenyataan bersumpah yang dikatakan dibuat oleh seorang pegawai polis yang pernah menjadi pembantu peribadinya (aide-de-camp atau ADC), Musa dituduh menyebabkan pasukan polis dikuasai penjenayah berikutan hubungannya dengan kumpulan itu.

Pegawai polis itu menuduh Musa membiarkan kepala-kepala penjenayah memanipulasi kenaikan pangkat anggota polis dan penentuan jawatan mereka.

Sebagai ADC kepada Musa, kata pegawai polis itu, beliau diarahkan untuk "menyelaraskan arahan mengenai pangkat dan jawatan para pegawai polis berdasarkan draf dan cadangan yang dibuat oleh BK Tan".

Laporan sebelum ini mendakwa Tan adalah kepala sindiket jenayah terancang yang menguasai dadah, persundalan, ceti haram dan rangkaian perjudian haram di seluruh Malaysia. Beliau juga didakwa menguasai sistem maklumat berkomputer polis.

Pegaawai polis itu juga mendakwa bahawa sesetengah arahan pertukaran dibuat dengan tujuan untuk memerangkap pegawai yang diarahkan berpindah itu.

Sesetengah arahan pertukaran pula dibuat untuk memperlihatkan seolah-olah Musa melakukannya dengan tujuan menghapuskan rasuah.

Musa juga dituduh mengarahkan supaya diwujudkan blog tanpa nama pemiliknya untuk menuduh Timbalan Menteri Pertanian dan Industri Asas Tani, Datuk Mohd Johari Baharum menerima rasuah RM5.5 juta dari tiga kepala penjenayah.

Johari pada masa itu ialah Timbalan Menteri Keselamatan Dalam Negeri dan dikatakan tidak mempunyai hubungan baik dengan Musa.

Kenyataan bersumpah pegawai polis yang mendakwa pernah menjadi ADC kepada Musa itu juga mengulangi tuduhan bahawa Musa berada di sebalik pakatan jahat ke atas bekas Pengarah Jabatan Siasatan Jenayah Komersil (JSJK), Datuk Ramli Yusof dan lain-lain pegawai yang terlibat menyiasat beberapa kepala penjenayah.

Ramli dan pegawai-pegawai tersebut sebelum ini menghadapi tindakan Suruhanjaya Pencegahan Rasuah Malaysia (SPRM) yang ketika itu dikenali sebagai Badan Pencegah Rasuah (BPR).

Pegawai polis tersebut juga menyatakan beliau pernah memaklum dan mengadukan perkara itu kepada begitu ramai pembesar termasuk Johari sendiri dan bekas Menteri Hal Ehwal Dalam Negeri, Datuk Sri Mohd Radzi Sheikh Ahmad.

"Bagaimanapun, tidak banyak yang dapat dilakukan bila perkhidmatan Musa (sebagai KPN) dilanjutkan dua tahun lagi pada Julai 2007 lalu oleh Perdana Menteri sebelum ini, (Tun) Abdullah Ahmad Badawi yang juga Menteri Keselamatan Dalam Negeri ketika itu.

"Ia menjadi pengesahan yang sangat kuat bahawa kerajaan berada di belakang Musa sepenuhnya," kata pegawai polis itu dalam kenyataan bersumpahnya.

Menurut Raja Petra, terdapat tanda-tanda bahawa kerajaan mahu menyambung lagi perkhidmatan Musa untuk kali ketiga apabila tempoh perkhidmatannya kini tamat pada 14 September akan datang.

"Ini bermakna kumpulan kongsi gelap Cina akan terus menguasai pasukan polis dan menentukan siapa yang ditukarkan, dinaikkan pangkat, diturunkan pangkat dan dicampak ke dalam penjara.

"Ya, mereka bertindak sehingga ke peringkat mencampakkan pegawai-pegawai polis yang enggan 'berkerjasama' ke dalam penjara. Dan, hari ini, kami mengemukakan bukti mengenainya," kata Raja Petra

Harakah
31/08/09

ADUN Pakatan Perak tetap hadir sidang DUN pada 02/09/09

IPOH, 30 Ogos: Kesemua Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri ADUN Pakatan Rakyat Perak akan hadir ke Sidang Dun Rabu depan seperti notis panggilan yang telah dikeluarkan speaker V.Sivakumar kepada mereka.

Ianya sekaligus mengenepikan arahan Speaker Barisan Nasional, Datuk R. Ganesan agar ADUN mengabaikan jemputan yang dibuat Sivakumar itu.

Menteri Besar Pakatan Dato' Seri Ir. Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin pagi tadi menegaskan bahawa Ganesan tidak layak berbuat demikian kerana bekas Adun Sungkai itu bukanlah Speaker Dun yang sah.

Beliau yang juga Ahli Parlimen Bukit Gantang dan Adun Pasir Panjang turut berkata, mustahil Ganesan boleh mengakui dirinya Speaker Dun Perak, sedangkan jawatan itu masih disandang V. Sivakumar secara sah sehingga sekarang.

"Dia (Ganesan) bukan Speaker yang sah. Dia tidak berhak berbuat begitu (menghalang sidang Dun Rabu depan) kerana Sivakumar masih Speaker yang sah. Dalam laporan Aturan Mesyuarat (Standing Order) Dewan Undangan Negeri, selagi Speaker (merujuk pada Sivakumar) masih ada di kerusinya, tidak ada orang lain boleh mempengerusikan persidangan."

"Jadi, persidangan tidak bermula pun. Ini kerana Speaker Sivakumar telah menunggu semua yang diarahkan keluar dewan berdasarkan Perintah Tetap 11, keluar dewan (Dun)," ujarnya ketika dihubungi.

Jelas Nizar, Sivakumar telah mengarahkan 7 Adun BN (Datuk Dr. Zambry Abdul Kadir, Hamidah Osman, Ramly Zahari, Dr. Mah Hang Soon, Saarani Mohamad, Mohd Zahir Abdul Khalid dan Zainol Fadzi Paharuddin) yang digantungnya kerana menghina Dun Perak; tetapi mereka enggan mematuhi peraturan tetap Dun.

Sivakumar juga telah mengusir keluar 3 Adun Bebas iaitu Jamaluddin Mohd Radzi (Behrang), Kpt. (B) Mohd Osman Jailu (Changkat Jering) dan Hee Yit Foong (Jelapang) yang didakwanya sudah hilang kelayakan sebagai Adun disebabkan pengisytiharan kekosongan Dun, keluar dewan; tetapi mereka juga mengingkari perintah Speaker Sivakumar.

"Arahan Speaker (Sivakumar) waktu itu sah. Mereka (Adun BN) sedar, mereka sudang hilang majoriti (di dalam Dun). Jadi, mereka heret Sivakumar keluar secara paksa sebelum lantik Ganesan. Itu (Ganesan) Speaker haram namanya." ujarnya lagi.

Ditanya tentang sidang dun Rabu depan sudah mendapat perkenanan Tuanku Sultan atau tidak, Nizar menjelaskan bahawa bidang kuasa Tuanku Sultan untuk memanggil sidang Dun sebenarnya pada permulaan penggal kerajaan memerintah sahaja.

"Artikel 36 (1) Undang-undang Tubuh Negeri Perak hanya digunapakai untuk permulaan sesuatu sesi Dewan ataupun apabila Dewan bermula selepas sesi itu tamat. Artikel ini tidak boleh diguna pakai dalam keadaan setelah Dewan ditangguhkan dan dipanggil semula untuk bermesyuarat dalam sesi yang sama." tambahnya.

Beliau yang dikenali sebagai ikon 'Politik Baru Malaysia' sewaktu pilihanraya kecil Bukit Gantang, April lalu, turut memaklumkan bahawa persiapa Dun Perak kali ini telah dibuat lebih rapi, sejak enam bulan yang lalu.

Pihak Polis dan FRU tidak boleh lagi menghalang sidang Dun tersebut dari terus berlangsung, sebagaimana yang pernah mereka lakukan dalam peristiwa 'Perak Yang Gelita' (1Black Perak), 7 Mei lalu.

"Saya berasa ia (Perak Yang Gelita) tidak akan berlaku kerana Tuan Speaker (Sivakumar) telah membuat suatu persiapan yang lebih serius sejak enam bulan lalu. Sivakumar telah memohon daripada Mahkamah Tinggi Ipoh supaya ianya (sidang dun) tidak akan dihalang Polis dan FRU."

"Kami (Pakatan) merasakan kalaulah kemasukan kami (ke Dun) itu dihalang kerana mahkamah tidak memberikan pengisytiharan, maka ia sesuatu yang bertentangan dengan peraturan Panel Kod 124 Kanun Keseksaan. Polis dan FRU tidak boleh menghalang atau mengkasari kami. Sebab itu, kami (Pakatan Rakyat) meminta perintah Mahkamah supaya manghalang Ketua Polis Daerah dan FRU mengkasari kami dari menghadiri sidang dun depan," ujarnya lagi.

Nizar juga turut mempersoal kredibiliti Ganesan yang berani menganggap Sivakumar dan Pakatan Rakyat negeri seolah-olah menghina Tuanku Sultan Perak serta cuba merampas kuasa (kudeta) kerajaan negeri; sekiranya tetap mahu meneruskan sidang Dun Rabu depan.

"Yang menghina Sultan bukannya Sivakumar, Yang hina Sultan dan kemuliaan Dun Perak adalah Ganesan sendiri. Barisan Nasional lah yang kudeta (merampas kuasa) kerajaan negeri Perak dari Pakatan; yang sah mendapat mandat rakyat dalam pilihanraya umum ke-12 lalu." katanya.

Tambah Nizar lagi, Ganesan juga boleh dianggap sebagai perampas kuasa speaker Dun, kerana perlantikannya meragukan.

"Merujuk Perkara 36(5) Undang-Undang Tubuh Kerajaan Negeri Perak, Nizar menegaskan bahawa apa-apa perlantikan pun (termasuk melantik Ganesan), mestilah selepas titah Tuanku (Sultan Azlan Shah). Dia (Ganesan) dilantik dalam kalangan mereka (Adun-Adun BN) di dalam dewan, sebelum Tuanku bertitah (setelah) dengan merampas kerusi Speaker, sedangkan Speaker (Sivakumar) masih ada dikerusinya. Itu yang meragukan."

Semalam, sebuah akhbar arus perdana melaporkan, Ganesan mengarahkan semua Adun Perak tidak menghadiri sidang Dun Rabu depan.

Beliau mendakwa Sivakumar cuba menyamar sebagai Speaker Perak dan seolah-olah cuba merampas kerajaan negeri dari genggaman Umno Barisan Nasional.

Mei lalu, Sivakumar mengeluarkan Notis Panggilan Sidang Dun Tergempar 11 hari lebih awal sebagaimana sah di diperuntukkan undang-undang, Perintah Tetap Dewan Negeri (PT)8(1).

Bagaimana pun, ianya dihalang dan terpaksa mengadakan sidang di bawah pokok.

Selepas kejayaan BN menghalang sidang Dun tergempar lalu, khalayak percaya Pakatan Rakyat akan berdepan cabaran yang lebih genting Rabu depan

Harakah
31/08/09

UMNO's view does not equal the views of Malay People

1. Upon reaching home today at 530 pm, I opened up my computer as usual and browsed my favorite online newspaper. I was shocked to see that all of them carried the story of a group of Malay-Muslim protesters claiming to be residents of Section 23 of Shah Alam carrying the severed head of a cow to the Selangor State Secretariat building.

2. The people who claims to be Muslims has shown how ignorant they are about Islam and how their action has brought shame to the religion of Islam and to other Muslims. They did not defend Islam but had portrayed Muslims as fools. I am so angry with Mahyuddin Manaf and the residents there for their action.

3. I questioned their motives and agenda. I questioned their action of carrying a severed head of a cow which is a sacred animal to the Hindus. If their action is not considered seditious and a threat to the nation, I don't know what else is needed to qualify. The government must ensure that all might of the law must be taken against this group of 50 people especially their leaders. PR and BN must agree on this matter.

4. I grew up all over Malaysia and in the 70's after the sudden demise of my father; the whole family went back to a small town, north of Ipoh, called Chemor. As far back as I could remember, directly behind the Chemor mosque there is a Chinese temple and within a walking distance from there lies an Indian temple. As far as I know, all communities lives harmoniously and tolerate each other "ding, bang, tong and screams" There had not been any problems.

5. I cannot comprehend the argument that was raised by the Residents Association Deputy Chairman that claims with a temple on their residential area where they have 90% Muslim; they cannot function properly as Muslims. They claims that with the temple will disrupt their daily activities like prayers in the Surau. This is the most ridiculous argument that I have ever heard.

6. I would like to suggest that the Section 23 residents take a study trip to Kota Bharu. Just drive outskirt of Kota Bharu and you will find plenty of Buddhist temples. Some of the biggest Buddha statues are located outskirt of Kota Bharu. We are talking about a state of 99% Muslims. Do you hear problems among the Kelantanese? These are people who have very strong opinion about Islam and yet they behave in a level minded manner.

7. I believe people who has been to Hong Kong knows what I meant. In an area called Tsim Sha Tsui, there is a big mosque located a walking distance from the MRT station. The mosque called for Azan five times a day. The Muslims are minority but yet they can continue to practice their religion in the middle of millions of non Muslims within a commercial district. There hasn't been problems.

8. About three months ago the new mosque of Bukit Antarabangsa was opened. The mosque is located 50 meters from my house. For the record, I live in a Taman where the majority of the residents are non Muslims. My Taman is unique in the sense that it is sandwiched between two long hills. In the first few weeks the mosque loud speakers volume and direction was not adjusted, hence the Azan which was supposed to sound nice and melodious sounds more like a very unpleasant noise. It is like sitting in a car and blasting the sentimental music at full blown.

9. I was very uncomfortable. I thought I was the only one but a casual chat with other Muslims neighbors in my area led to the same conclusion. One Muslim neighbor said that he was so distressed that he would closed all his doors and windows during the Azan. If we the Muslim felt so distressed, how would the non Muslims felt? We decided to do something about it.

10. Among us the Muslims, without any pressure from the Non Muslim, we analyzed the issue and look for a solution. Azan is meant to be a sign for the calling of prayers. There were two loud speakers directed at our Taman and the bouncing sound against the hills cause such a ding! On behalf of us, we asked our Resident Association Chairman to talk to the Mosque Chairman who is a respected and known to be a reasonable person.

11. We put forward our points on the basis of the purpose of the Azan and the location of various other Surau nearby and physics. The very nature of the surrounding hills around our Taman and Mosque is turning the Azan into a loud and unpleasant noise. I must say Alhamdulillah as he sees that we make sense.

12. Immediately, the mosque committee decided to reduce the volume until they repositioned the loudspeakers again. We are now enjoying the sound of Azan and prayers in its melodious tone until they get someone to repositioned the loud speakers.

13. While this was going on, there were one or two people who make immature remarks during the mosque meeting that if the sound of Azan is too loud, the people who cannot tolerate it should move out. I know who these persons are and I know where they lives. I think they does not understand what we meant and it cross our mind that we should sponsor a loud speaker and place it right in front of their house so that he can hear the Azan "loud and clear" five times a day. It occurred to me whether the same argument should be put forward the residents of section 23 Shah Alam.

14. The actions taken by 50 odd residents of Section 23 have brought shame to all Muslims in Malaysia. They have shown their ugly side of their conduct. They have been disrespectful. They have defamed Islam. They hide behind the veil of the religion for their ugly, uncivilized and barbaric act. To all my Hindu friends, I apologize for their ignorance. To the PM and the MB of Selangor, please take the full might of the law on this people who had defamed Islam. To the other Muslim residents of Section 23 Shah Alam, please talk some sense to this 50 people! To the Hindus, please forgive them for their ignorance!
31/08/09

1Malaysia on the 52nd Birthday - Laws that act selectively

Hindraf has filed a police report on the 'cow head' protest and urged the police to act swiftly. K Selvam acting for Hindraf lodged the report at the Shah Alam district police headquarters. He was accompanied by 16 leaders and supporters.

"We wonder why the police have yet to take any action against the protesters although they have promised to act swiftly. Until today, nothing has been done," he said.

The act of marching with the cow's head could create racial tension. “They marched about 300 metres with the head....it was seditious and the police did not do anything (to stop them),” he said.

Last Friday, some 50 residents from Section 23 in Shah Alam staged the protest against the proposal to relocate a Hindu temple to their area by carrying the head of a cow by its horns to the State Government Building. Before dispersing, several protesters spat and stomped on the cow's head.

By implications this is clearly inflammatory and provocative, as the cow is a religious symbol of the Hindus - a significant part of the Malaysian populace.

This action that should have immediately invited the application of the Seditions Act by the Police -it is expressly for this purpose that this law exists.

Quote "Act 15 SEDITION ACT 1948
Seditious tendency
3. (1) A “seditious tendency” is a tendency — .......
(e) to promote feelings of ill will and hostility between different races or classes of the population of Malaysia;.....
4. (1) Any person who—
(a) does or attempts to do, or makes any preparation to do,or conspires with any person to do, any act which has or which would, if done, have a seditious tendency; shall be guilty of an offence and shall, on conviction, be liable for a first offence to a fine not exceeding five thousand ringgit or to
imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years or to both

Imagine what would have happenned if a Chinese group in Kedah had taken a head of a pig like this when their slaughterhouse was demolished to the gates of the Government to protest against the act of demolishment..... Just imagine.
I think it would have setoff a tremendous furore across the country and all those involved would have been dealt with summarily and immediately.It would have been seen as a terribly provocative act.......... Compare!

1Malaysia on the 52nd Merdeka day for you.

All this must change - we need a new Malaysia.
A Malaysia bult on Justice.
A Malaysia built on Equality.
A Malaysia we can all equally celebrate.
A Malaysia we can all be equally proud of.

But we are some ways off from all of that. We can only that create that Malaysia through struggle. Struggle on issue big and small like this.It is not going to happen easily. All the struggles against injustices like this will push the boundary continuously and we will slowly get there. And we do not stop till we get there.

Makkal
31/08/09

Hindraf files report, urges cops to act fast


The Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) has filed a police report on the controversial 'cow head' protest and urged the police to act swiftly.

Hindraf coordinator K Selvam told Malaysiakini said he lodged the report at the Shah Alam district police headquarters. He was accompanied by another 16 leaders and supporters from the movement.

"We wonder as to why the police have yet to take any action against the protesters although they have promised to act swiftly. Until today, nothing has been done," he said.

According to Selvam, the act of marching with the cow's head could create racial tension. “They marched about 300 metres with the head....it was seditious and the police did not do anything (to stop them),” he said.

PM cannot be quiet
Last Friday, some 50 residents from Section 23 in Shah Alam staged the protest against the proposal to relocate a Hindu temple to their area.

Before dispersing, several protesters spat and stomped on the cow's head. The cow is considered sacred to Hindus.

The protest drew flak from various quarters, including politicians from Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Rakyat

Selvam said the movement will stage a candlelight vigil on Saturday at Dataran Merdeka if the police fail to act against the protesters.

"We are urging the police to take action and the government should do something about it.

"The prime minister (Najib Abdul Razak) cannot just sit quiet on this matter because he keeps promoting the concept of 1Malaysia and this is a multiracial country," he said.

Earlier today, Selangor police chief Khalid Abu Bakar told Malaysiakini that a special team has been set up to probe the matter and they hope to wrap up investigations by Tuesday.

The case is being investigated under the Sedition Act.

31/08/09

HINDRAF- Press release 30/08/2009- Candle light vigil

The reason turns of event on Friday, August 28, 2009 in front of the State secretariat building in Selangor with an intention to incite and create racial hatred feelings between Hindus and Muslims in Malaysia had got the whole nation riled up against the Federal government led by
UMNO and the ineffectiveness of the police force to curb such activities.

HINDRAF calls upon all peace loving Malaysians irrespective of their religion, race, color and creed to join us in a candle light vigil at Dataran Merdeka on September 5, 2009 at 6.45pm in solidarity to uphold the concept that all Malaysians are equal with one another for their
individual right to co-exist without infringing and inciting racial hatred amongst us and create a greater sense of public insecurity.

HINDRAF welcomes all NGO’s and Malaysians from all walk to participate and make our stand that we Malaysians cannot be cowed by fear and intimidation orchestrated by the UMNO led government and its stooges for their own political needs.

HINDRAF stresses that Malaysia is for all Malaysians in equality and fairness in protecting one another for the public benefit rather than being marauded by UMNO led Federal government against public interest as seen in the latest incident in Seksyen 23 in Shah Alam.

Those organizations that are interested to collabarate and walk with us, please call Selvan on 016-3137840 after 6pm. To our Muslim brothers and sisters fasting during this period please call Shanti on 019-621 1101 for special arrangements.

Thank you.

P.Waythamoorthy

HINDRAF
Chairman
31/08/09

BN leadership currently seemed weak in handling and resolving crises

BN's nemesis is BN itself

Leadership crisis in component parties and other related problems were the main reasons behind Barisan Nasional's consistent defeats in by-elections over the past year, said an academician.

Social scientist Dr Sivamurugan Pandian said his study showed that the coalition could not break the by-election jinx because its own supporters have deserted it.

This was based on the results and patterns of voting for and against BN in the last seven by-elections in the Peninsular, he said.
"There are serious problems within all BN component parties which the leadership involved should address and rectify. It seems the main enemy for BN now is BN itself," he said.

Due to this, he said BN's members and supporters were either boycotting balloting or voting for Pakatan Rakyat to express their anger.

He cited the current crisis in MCA and PPP, previous one in Umno and Gerakan, and perhaps soon in MIC would surely weaken the coalition.

He said the BN leadership currently seemed weak in handling and resolving such crises.

"BN leadership at all levels can't afford to be in a state of denial any longer. Or else this series of defeats would carry on until the next general election," he said, adding that the BN leadership should now embark on a strategy to lure back their own disgruntled members and supporters.

Despite the leadership change in Umno and the federal government, Sivamurugan pointed out that the people were still voting against BN.

He said the coalition's leadership should find out the reasons behind this downslide - on why the Malays were not backing BN and why non-Malays were inclined towards voting for Pakatan.

"BN should find out whether its newly hatched policies were understood by the people, whether information has been correctly disseminated to the people etc," added the USM lecturer.

Communication breakdown
He said there was a feel-good political climate with the appointment of Najib Abdul Razak as the country's sixth premier but this has yet to translate into votes.

"There could be a communication breakdown between the higher and lower BN leadership levels, which is a crucial link to reach out to the grassroots," added the academician.

Sivamurugan said the country needed two strong and vibrant political blocks for democracy and civil liberty to prosper.

"But it looks bad currently because the electoral matches have been favouring one side for the past one year," he added.

Of the seven by-elections held in the Permatang Pauh, Kuala Terengganu and Bukit Gantang parliamentary seats, and Bukit Selambau, Penanti, Manek Urai and Permatang Pasir state constituencies, Pakatan won all.

BN had only won one in Batang Ai, Sarawak, which many critics considered as insignificant.

Conduct in-depth study
Sivamurugan urged BN to conduct an in-depth nationwide study to accumulate information and grassroots' feedback on the sentiments, demands and grouses of the people against the federal ruling coalition.

He said firstly BN would have to find out whether the people had voted against it because they were pro-Pakatan or anti-BN.

"If the votes were anti-BN, the coalition leaders have to acknowledge it and address the reasons for it immediately," he said.

He said defeats in Permatang Pauh and Permatang Pasir were expected since both areas were Pakatan and PKR supremo Anwar Ibrahim's strongholds.

"But what about other areas?" he asked. "Except for Manek Urai, BN suffered massive loss of votes in other constituencies."

Sivamurugan also slammed PKR for not being able to keep its group of elected representatives together and allowing too much of BN infiltration into the party.

He said the PKR leadership was duty-bound to ensure that these elected representatives don't hop to another party because the electorates voted for a change in the last general election.

Three PKR state assemblypersons - two in Perak and one in Kedah, have opted out to become independent representatives.

"PKR will have to check and stop this to avoid losing public confidence," said the academician.
31/08/09

Semangat kemerdekaan menyanggah perhambaan dan membina keyakinan baru — Anwar Ibrahim

Apabila mendekati tarikh 31 Ogos, ingatan kita akan mengimbas kembali rentetan peristiwa dan perjuangan rakyat yang berkemuncak dengan kemerdekaan. Tarikh tersebut terungkap sebagai tarikh keramat ,menjanjikan kebebasan daripada cengkaman penjajah dan menyelamatkan martabat hidup rakyat.

Persoalan yang menerjah kita semua ialah; bagaimana kita menghayati makna tarikh tersebut hari ini. Pergulatan ini menjadi penentu kepada persoalan makna diri kita sebagai rakyat Malaysia.Tekad baru untuk memahami makna diri Malaysia sebagai bangsa merdeka juga menuntut kita untuk memahami bagaimana kita menjadi tidak merdeka; bagaimana kita hilang kemerdekaan sebelum kita memperolehinya kembali.

Lebih dua ribu tahun yang lalu, Brutus bertanya warga Kota Rom “siapakah yang begitu hina sehingga mahu hidup sebagai hamba ?” Caesar mahu memiliki kuasa yang tidak terbatas. Nafsunya sebegitu besar dan mahu memastikan Rom dalam genggamannya.

Pertentangan antara Brutus dengan Caeser adalah pertentangan antara kebebasan menentang nafsu kekuasan tidak terbatas. Sejak negara kita merdeka kita masih bergelut dengan pertentangan ini. Kebebasan — kebebasan bersuara, kebebasan media, kebebasan institusi kehakiman sentiasa mahu disekat oleh penguasa. Oleh itu kita menginsafi hanya bangsa yang pernah melalui gelita penjajahan akan mengerti makna cahaya kemerdekaan. Bagitu juga, hanya diri yang pernah kebebasannya diragut akan menghargai nilai kebebasan.

Syarahan Perdana Professor Dr Syed Muhammad Naguib al-Attas yang berjudul “Islam Dalam Sejarah Dan Kebudayaan Melayu” juga menghuraikan dengan panjang lebar peranan paksi tauhid sebagai aqidah menambat keyakinan baru yang menolak faham tahyul dan perhambaan, seterusnya menjadi pelantar kepada pemikiran yang berakar dengan tradisi aqliyah dan mencernakan budaya segar dengan bahasa Melayu sebagai pertuturan kepustakaan(lingua franca) rantau ini. Ratusan tahun berlalu yang sewajarnya tambah memperkukuh dan memantapkan semangat dan keyakinan baru tersebut.

Cantik sungguh puteri Palembang,

Sayang bersunting bunga pudak;

Betapa keras dilambung gelombang,

Kucacak tiang, kulayar jua.

Manakala melangkaui separuh abad kemerdekaan, kita rakyat Malaysia sewajarnya mempunyai kesedaran betapa Bahasa Melayu bukan sekadar bahasa pasar, bahasa komunikasi basahan untuk berjual beli. Bahasa Melayu adalah bahasa ilmu, bahasa tamadun dan bahasa untuk mengungkapkan pengalaman kemanusian yang paling mendalam dan luhur. Bahasa Melayu telah menjadi bahasa intelektual dan kerohanian untuk umat Islam, makanya Bahasa Melayu juga seharusnya menjadi bahasa intelektual dan kerohanian umat Budha, Hindu, Kristian dan lain-lain keyakinan.

Bahasa Melayu yang saya sebutkan di sini bukanlah bahasa milik orang Melayu semata-mata. Bahasa Melayu adalah milik rakyat dan bangsa Malaysia yang berketurunan Melayu, Cina, India, Kadazan, Dayak dan lain-lain. Bahasa Melayu adalah milik semua rakyat Malaysia.

Kemerdekaan mestilah tidak terperangkap dengan bahana dari politik sempit dan kelam sesebuah parti politik tertentu. Kemerdekaan perlu di lihat dari perspektif rakyat keseluruhannya ; perjuangan pelbagai kaum, menggunakan pelbagai wadah, dan melibatkan pelbagai aliran pemikiran. Sejarah ternyata mengajar kita bahawa Perjuangan Menuntut Kemerdekaan menerbitkan kesatuan semangat untuk menentang penjajah dan imperialisme Barat ketika itu.

Generasi terdahulu yang sama-sama berjuang untuk kemerdekaan, dan mereka yang menempuh zaman mudanya di masa awal kemerdekaan menjadi saksi kepada kepelbagaian aliran dan wadah perjuangan rakyat. Tetapi penulisan sejarah kemerdekaan yang disampaikan kepada generasi hari ini masih belum berlaku adil kerana fakta yang bercampur propaganda. Ini merupakan beban dan tanggungjawab kepada ahli-ahli sejarah kerana tanpa pensejarahan yang adil, kita tidak akan dapat melihat dan menemui makna dan rupa diri bangsa kita yang sebenarnya. Nama pejuang kemerdekaan seperti Datuk Onn Jaafar, Ustaz Abu Bakar Baqir, Dr Burhanuddin al Helmy, Ahmad Boestamam, Mat Salleh, Panglima Rentap dan Rosli Dhobi tidak sewajarnya digelapkan dari sejarah menuntut kemerdekaan.

Kemerdekaan adalah untuk kebebasan dan keadilan. Inilah yang dijanjikan kepada kita pada 31 Ogos 1957. Sekiranya kita mahu berdegil untuk meneruskan saki baki peninggalan feudal, atau mahu memperkokohkan lembaga-lembaga sistem otoritarianisme, sudah pasti kita menjadi bangsa yang terpinggir. Bangsa Malaysia tidak miskin dengan sumber daya manusianya. Dengan paras pembangunan yang telah dicapai dan kekayaan yang kita miliki Malaysia boleh menjadi negara yang besar. Dan kita perlu yakin bahawa Malaysia boleh menjadi bangsa yang besar. Tetapi kita tidak boleh menjadi bangsa yang besar sekiranya rakyatnya tidak bebas dan merdeka.

Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is the leader of the opposition.

MI
31/08/09

"What about the mosques and Friday prayers? As non muslims we have no problem, even if their place of worship is near to us

Section 23 a multiracial neighbourhood caught in a religious dispute

SHAH ALAM: Section 23 here is a typical Malaysian middle-class housing estate, with rows of new and identical double-storey houses which have two cars parked outside, but in recent days has been turned into ground zero of a major debate on race relations.

Last Friday, a small group of Malay-Muslims raised race tensions when they marched to the Selangor state secretariat after Friday prayers and threatened bloodshed and threw on the road a severed cow's head if plans went ahead for the construction of a new Hindu temple in Section 23.

They claimed to be residents of Section 23 which they said was a 90 per cent Muslim neighbourhood. They also claimed that the temple would disrupt their way of life and interfere in their own prayers.

But anecdotal evidence suggests that Section 23 has a fairly high number of Indian families living there.

Unsurprisingly, many of them are happy with the plans for the new temple to be relocated from its current location in Section 19, where their very few Hindus.

The proposed spot for the temple relocation sticks out in broad daylight surrounded by a zinc fence. Next to it is a children’s playground and a community hall. Some residents have apparently raised their concerns regarding the temple being extremely close to a playground.

One of the other major concerns of this predominantly “Malay-Muslim” area is that the temple is situated too close to the Surau Al-Jannah, approximately 150 metres away.

Indians in the neighbourhood are perplexed over the objections.“I don’t think that there will be any traffic problems as some other residents have claimed if the temple were to be relocated here. As everyone is aware, there are two roads that we can use to enter the housing area,” said I. Ramasamy, 59, a retiree who thinks that the move by the state government is a logical one and should not cause any distress or tension.

“We are happy if the plan goes on and the temple is relocated from Section 19 to 23. I go to the temple in Section 19 to pray, and sometimes when it rains the place there becomes flooded. People from Section 19 who have no transport can always take the bus to the new temple as there is a bus stand nearby. This way, devotees from Section 19 and 23 both stand to gain.”

The current location in Section 19 is viewed as not conducive by Indian residents because the area is a majority Malay-Muslim area, whereas Section 23 offers a more balanced ratio between the races.

Section 23 Indian residents expressed their agreement to the relocation of the Hindu temple to their area.

According to another Indian resident, M. Sekar, 46, a teacher in a technical school, there are about 120 double-storey semi-detached houses in Section 23, and of that number around 30-40 are Indian families.

Taking that into account, the Indian community actually makes up about one-third of the neighbourhood population, which contradicts recent claims of 90 per cent Malay domination. There are also a number of Chinese families in the neighbourhood.

Resident R. Doraraj feels that what took place last Friday was uncalled for, and the matter should be brought out in the open and discussed in a transparent manner.

“Religious issues are always very sensitive. Maybe they felt that what happened the other day was right, but to some of us it wasn’t. The argument that our temple, our place of worship would disrupt their daily activities just doesn’t hold.

"What about the mosques and Friday prayers? As Malaysians we have no problem with Malays practising their beliefs, even if their place of worship is near us. We respect their practices, and they should respect ours,” stressed the soft-spoken Doraraj.

About two weeks ago, some members representing the interests of the non-Muslim community in Section 23 sent a letter to their state assemblyman with over 100 signatures from residents in the area consenting to the temple relocation.

“It was reported in the media that the people of this community unanimously opposed the temple being built in the area. We did not agree with that statement so the Indian community sent a letter of approval for the construction with more than 100 signatures,” said Ramasamy.

Asked to comment on the call made by protestors for the temple to be moved to Section 22, many of the Indian residents were shocked and baffled, saying that they had no idea that the temple was originally going to be built there.

“That area is not a housing area, it is an industrial zone. Its location is too far for devotees to go for prayers, and furthermore it is near a burial site. I am surprised because I did not know of this plan,” said N. Murugesu, 42 who has been living in the neighbourhood for more than a year.

However, most of the Section 23 Indians say their relationship with their Malay neighbours and friends remained intact, and that they still took care of each other.

Many of them say they are looking forward to the dialogue being planned for the residents on Sept 5 so that they can finally address this issue.
31/08/09

Do we have to wait till the cows come home for some police action against those who threaten Malaysia’s peace and give a bad name to Islam?

Can’t hold a candle to cop’s excuse

One can’t hold a candle to the Shah Alam police excuse for inaction in fear of sparking further anger at the cow-head protest yesterday.

It begs the question if the dozens of riot police in full gear were cowed by the actions of 50 protesters armed with banners and a cow’s head.

And smacks of double standards.

Dozens of people have been hauled away for less provocative stunts, like wearing black or holding lit candles at night.

The only thing these cow-head protesters had in common with the others was to assemble without a permit.

Of course, a democracy can tolerate if not encourage public assemblies and protests but not anything that is provocative or insults another person’s faith.

Isn’t there mutual respect anymore? And is it not the duty of the police to keep the peace by preventing stunts that can inflame racial passions?

Opposition politicians have long condemned the Royal Malaysian Police for not arresting the rising crime rate but instead focusing on political activity against the ruling Barisan Nasional government.

It’s now plain to see that they may be right after all. The police have to act without fear or favour, for they carry the royal warrant. All the more so when the police top brass were breaking fast with the King yesterday, hours after the protest.

The proffered excuse of not acting because of the “volatile nature’ of the protest is pathetic and a slur on a force that has served the nation for some 200 years. And shows up the police as a farce, to borrow the words of Pulai MP Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed.

Are we a nation that quickly detains those who wear black or hold candles but take our time for those who insult religions!

MI
30/08/09

UMNO menghina agama lain dalam bulan Ramadhan

Rakyat Malaysia mengutuk sekeras-kerasnya tindakan sekumpulan 50 orang yang kononnya mewakili penduduk Seksyen 23 di Shah Alam yang telah mengarak dan bertindak menghina kepala seekor lembu dalam memprotes isu penempatan semula sebuah kuil Hindu.

Tindakan mereka ini dengan jelas bertujuan untuk mengaibkan dan menimbulkan kemarahan penganut Hindu yang menganggap lembu sebagai binatang yang suci.

Agama Islam tidak pernah mengajar penganut Islam untuk mencemuh mahupun menghina agama atau kepercayaan orang lain malah telah melarang sekali orang-orang Islam berbuat sedemikian.

Tindakan ini berupa satu cubaan untuk mewujudkan kemarahan dan kebencian di antara orang-orang Islam dan Hindu sekaligus mencetuskan perbalahan kaum dan agama dan suasana yang tegang di Selangor lantas memberi peluang untuk UMNO untuk merampas balik Selangor sebagaimana yang dilaung-laungkan kononnya atas nama bangsa dan agama.

Pihak berkuasa tidak mengambil tindakan yang tegas untuk menjaga keamanan dan keharmonian dan memandang remeh terhadap perbuatan yang jelasnya salah disisi undang-undang dan berbentuk provokasi dan menggugat ketenteraman awam dan hubungan antara kaum/agama.

Rakyat Malaysia juga kesal kerana pihak polis Selangor gagal menghalang kejadian ini dari berlaku dan sebaliknya Ketua Polis Selangor menyatakan bahawa tindakan boleh diambil hanya sekiranya terdapat laporan polis. Ini jelas menunjukkan sikap sambil lewa pihak polis seolah-olah membenarkan atau mengalakkan perkara sebegini.

Tindakan jijik oleh UMNO dalam usaha untuk menjatuhkan Kerajaan Negeri Selangor dengan mencetuskan insiden-insiden berunsur perkauman dan agama.

30/08/09

UMNO's low mentality by using a cow head to overthrow Selangor govt?

The ‘Cow Head’ Demo in Shah Alam - Another attempt to create disunity and overthrow the Selangor government?

The rally by some 50 Malay Muslims, parading the head of a chopped cow, to dramatically protest the re-location of a Hindu temple to their neighbourhood is strangely unusual.

We have never seen such an overt display of religious discord in Malaysia, unless it is orchestrated by ruling UMNO, despite the escalation of racial tension in the last few years.

Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim has been portrayed as a traitor to Islam and over the last few weeks, we have seen Pakatan Rakyat politicians in Selangor targeted by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).

It is also weird that dozens of policemen watched silently when the protestors were spitting and kicking the bloodied cow head. The Selangor police chief Datuk Khalid Abu Bakar, glossing over the inaction of his officers, said that he would definitely take action if a police report is lodged.

One protestor is reported to have challenged the state government to go ahead with the re-location, warning that it would guarantee bloodshed and racial tension. I am stumped as to what else the state police chief is waiting for, given that opposition politicians are quickly nabbed for what is alleged as statements that could threaten national security.

Furthermore, the Malaysian Insider has quoted a local resident of Section 23, where the temple is to be built, as saying that some of those who had protested were not even from their area.

All this points to dirty politics played by ruling UMNO heads, desperate to see the toppling of the Pakatan-led Selangor state government. This is shocking and absolutely despicable. I also strongly condemn the lack of action on the part of the police, who have subtly been accomplices to the act that is totally disrespectful of Hindus.

Malaysia is gearing up for its Merdeka Day celebration, complete with the glitz and pomp. But the rally comes amidst Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak's new campaign, dubbed 1Malaysia, aimed at promoting national unity and integration by emphasizing equality among all races.

The protest not only questions the viability of the campaign but screams out at simmering issues that need the attention of the federal government. UMNO and its component parties cannot afford to apple polish or close a blind eye to the increasing racial tension, brought about by unequal treatment of the minorities and rising influence of Islamic hard-liners.

What happened outside the Selangor secretariat building on Friday is violence against minority Indians, who have been marginalised over the last 53 years. And it has certainly cast a shadow over Monday's celebrations.

In reality we would be celebrating a Black Merdeka not just because of Friday's protest but due to the ongoing clampdown on dissent, smear campaign against the opposition politicians, appalling coup staged to overthrow the Perak state government, efforts underway to topple the Selangor state government, death of Teoh Beng Hock while in the custody of anti-graft officers, rising curb on the freedom of expression and media and rampant corruption.

As such, I strongly urge the government and the police to take stern action against this group of people and conduct a public inquiry into the protest, the presence of outsiders at the rally and the unbecoming conduct of the policemen, who acted as guardians of the demonstrators who only succeeded in bringing shame upon themselves.

Also, I urge the state and the relevant authorities to organise mandatory religious and racial sensitivity courses for these protestors.

Charles Santiago
Member of Parliament, Klang

Kepala lembu: Penerusan agenda Utusan Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR: Setelah sekian lama Utusan Malaysia mengasak isu perkauman, akhirnya lahirlah apa yang berlaku di Shah Alam selepas sembahyang Jumaat semalam, apabila sekumpulan umat Melayu membawa kepala lembu ke pejabat SUK Selangor.

Anggota Parlimen Kuala Selangor, Dr Dzulkifli Ahmad menyifatkan apa yang berlaku itu adalah penerusan dari siri-siri laporan dan tulisan dari akhbar berkenaan yang bersifat berkauman.

Bagi beliau, apa yang berlaku juga akibat dari pengaruh akhbar Umno itu terhadap pembaca mereka khasnya di kalangan ahli Umno yang memiliki akhbar berkenaan.

Dr Dzul mengulas tindakan sekumpulan yang memperkenalkan diri mereka sebagai penduduk Seksyen 23 Shah Alam yang membantah keputusan kerajaan negeri memindahkan sebuah kuil Hindu di Seksyen 19 ke Seksyen 23, kawasan kejiranan mereka.

Mereka telah membuat demostrasi dengan membawa kepala lembu yang masih berdarah dan diletak di depan pintu pagar pejabat Sultan Salahudin yang menempatkan pejabat SUK dan MB Selangor.

Tindakan mereka ini dikira satu penghinaan kepada orang Hindu yang menjadikan lembu sebagai tuhan mereka.

Seorang pembaca The Malaysian Insider menyifatkan langkah ini bertentangan dengan Islam kerana Islam melarang mana-mana umatnya menghina tuhan-tuhan orang lain kerana dibimbangi mereka akan membalasnya dengan menghina tuhan orang Islam iaitu Allah.

Bagi Dr Dzul yang juga AJK PAS Pusat, mereka hanya menyambung apa yang telah disiar dan ditulis dalam akhbar mereka sahaja.

Sejak kebelakangan ini, akhbar berkenaan banyak menyiarkan tulisan yang disifatkan sebagai bersifat perkauman dan dilihat cuba membangkitkan semangat Melayu.

Antaranya tulisan bertajuk "Sedarlahh wahai Melayu" dan sebagainya. Penulis akhbar itu membayangkan seolah-olah Melayu dalam tertekan. Padahal, bagi kebanyakan pemimpin Pakatan, bukan Melayu yang tertekan tetapi Umno.

Atas sebab itulah pelbagai usaha dibuat untuk menarik PAS bersama mereka atas kepentingan Melayu dan Islam. Namun, ianya ditolak oleh PAS.

Sebahagian penyokong dan ahli PAS juga dikatakan ada yang terpengaruh dengan pendekatan perkauman dan agama sempit di Seksyen 23 Shah Alam ini. Atas dasar itulah juga dikatakan ada yang mengaku ahli PAS menyokong tindakan itu.

Sebelum ini, anggota Parlimen Shah Alam, Khalid Samad memaklumkan, pihaknya akan membuat dialog dengan penduduk Seksyen 23 tentang rancangan kerajaan negeri Selangor itu.

Menurutnya, apa yang berlaku adalah, Kuil Mariaman di Seksyen 19 itu dibina di atas tanah PKNS berhampiran dengan rumah penduduk di situ. Ia menyebabkan sering berlaku kesesakan di situ dan menyusahkan banyak pihak.

"Mereka telah 25 tahun membuat bantahan," kata Khalid.

Atas dasar itu, kerajaan negeri dengan persetujuan JK Kuil telah bersetuju memindahkan kuil itu ke seksyen 23 untuk kegunaan penganut Hindu di situ serta Seksyen 19 dan 20.

Tanah tapak industri milik PKNS di Seksyen 23 Shah Alam telah dipilih oleh kerajaan sebagai tapak baru kuil itu. Majlis Bandaraya Shah Alam juga telah bersetuju mengenainya.

"Selepas semua pihak setuju, barulah kita akan bincang dan terangkan kepada penduduk," kata Khalid yang juga YDP PAS Shah Alam.

MI
30/08/09

Kepala Lembu Berdarah: Usaha Umno jatuhkan kerajaan Selangor


SHAH ALAM:: Pakatan Rakyat Selangor mendakwa perarakan 'kepala lembu' yang masih segar berdarah semalam di depan Pejabat Menteri Besar Selangor sebagai usaha terbaru 'pelampau Umno' untuk menjatuhkan kerajaan negeri itu.

Bercakap di depan Balai Polis Seksyen 11 Shah Alam pagi tadi, Ahli Parlimennya Khalid Samad mendesak pihak polis segera bertindak ke atas ekstremis-ekstremis Umno terbabit supaya insiden yang sama tidak lagi berulang.

"Umno ini sudah jadi parti yang ekstrem. Di tempat-tempat-tempat lain pun, Umno sudah berdemontrasi ekstrem sebegini, di Kuala Selangor, Ijok, Tanjong Karang.

"Mana-mana tempat yang dia nak api-apikan semangat perkauman yang sempit (serta) sentimen agama (Islam) yang salah, mereka terus buat. Sebab itu, Polis perlu bertindak.

"Kalau polis tidak bertindak dan dilihat seolah-olah bersama-sama mereka (pelampau Umno), ini akan menyebabkan tindakan yang lebih liar berlak," kat Khalid.

Beliau yang dikenali sebagai penyokong kuat PAS dalam Pakatan Rakyat turut mempersoal sikap 'tunggu dan lihat' Polis ketika perhimpunan itu berlangsung.

"Mereka (Polis) tidak boleh kata: Kami menunggu laporan mana-mana pihak dibuat dahulu. Bolehkah Polis ?tunggu dan lihat? cermin sebuah kereta dipecah penceroboh, atas alasan menunggu rakyat atau pemilik kereta itu sendiri buat laporan; baru boleh bertindak," katanya.

Bercakap pada sidang media yang sama, Exco Kerajaan Negeri Selangor Dr. A. Xavier Jayakumar turut melahirkan rasa kesal atas pelampau-pelampau terbabit.

"Kita tidak mahu keharmonian rakyat menjelang Hari Merdeka ke-52 ini digugat oleh demopntrasi yang penuh melampau itu. Kita minta Polis segara bertindak sebelum apa-apa yang lebih buruk berlaku," katanya.

Ujarnya lagi, mana-mana pihak termasuk Umno sendiri dibenarkan berdemontrasi secara aman. Kerajaan negeri konsistan tidak akan menentang hak asasi tersebut.

Namun, demontrasi ekstrem seperti semalam sebenarnya melanggar undang-undang serta perlu tindakan segera oleh pihak Polis.

"Mereka boleh demontrasi. Kita tidak akan tentang. Tetapi, demontrasi yang melampau seperti itu sesiapa pun lihat melampaui undang-undang. Jadi, saya gesa polis bertindak pada demontran yang melampau," katanya.

Beliau turut menjelaskan inti maklum balas pihak Polis sebelum membuat kenyataan media di sini.

"Saya diberitahu dia ada masalah peribadi di Alor Star. Pegantinya juga ada masalah peribadi di Shah Alam. Jadi, dia menyuruh kita (Pakatan) bertemu dengan Ketua Polis Daerah Shah Alam," katanya.

?Kita tidak mahu keharmonian rakyat menjelang Hari Merdeka ke-52 ini digugat oleh demontrasi yang penuh melampau itu. Kita minta Polis segara bertindak sebelum apa-apa yang lebih buruk berlaku," katanya.

Turut menyertai kenyataan media di sini, Adun Batu Tiga dan Exco kerajaan negeri, Rodziah Ismail dan Ahli Parlimen Klang Charles Santiago.

Ketua Penerangan PAS Pusat Idris Ahmad pada satu kenyataan media yang lain petang tadi, menegaskan demontrasi melampau itu bukannya berdasarkan ajaran Islam, sebaliknya amalan tradisi Umno sejak ditubuhkan lagi.

Tambahnya lahi, "Apa yang mereka buat itu bukan sahaja melampaui undang-undang negara, tetapi jelas membelakangi agama Allah, iaitu Islam dan Rasulullah s.a.w tidak pernah menyuruh ummatnya berbuat demikian atas nama Islam.

"Jika berjuang atas nama Melayu, beginilah akibatnya (melampau)," tegas beliau.

Katanya, PAS berpegang dengan prinsip Islam yang menghargai kehormonian penganut agama-agama lain serta melarang ahli-ahlinya (umat Islam) memaki-hamun kegamaan lain; sebagaimana dalam ayat 108 dari Surah al-An?aam.

Firman Allah bermaksud, ?Dan janganlah kamu memaki hamun sembahan yang mereka sembah selain Allah, kerana mereka nanti akan memaki Allah dengan melampau batas tanpa dasar pengetahuan. Demikianlah kami jadikan setiap ummat menganggap baik pekerjaan mereka. Kemudian, kepada Tuhan tempat kembali mereka, lalu Dia akan memberitahu kepada mereka apa yang telah mereka kerjakan.?

Beliau turut mempersoal kredibiliti Polis dan FRU yang tidak membedil kumpulan ekstremis Umno tersebut dengan gas pemedih mata dan pacutan meriam air berasid, sebagaimana beberapa demontrasi aman rakyat seperti Anti-iSA, Mansuh PPSMi dan BERSIH lalu.

Ketua Polis Daerah Shah Alam, Noor Azam Jamaluddin menjelaskan bahawa pegawainya tidak boleh terus bertindak waktu insiden itu berlaku, demi mengelakkan perkara yang lebih buruk berlaku.

Bagaimanapun, beliau memberi jaminan agar insiden itu disiasat dan demontrans yang didakwa ekstrem itu akan dibawa ke muka pengadilan.

Noor Azam juga memaklumkan bahawa pasukannya sudah ditempatkan di beberapa lokasi strategik demi memastikan insiden terbabit tidak berulang.

Nasihatnya, semua rakyat diminta bersabar dan tidak lagi mengeruhkan keadaan, terutamanya di kala negara bakal menempuhi Hari Kemerdekaan ke-54 Isnin depan.

Semalam, kira-kira 50 orang Melayu dari pelbagai badan bukan kerajaan (NGO) yang pro Umno mengarak kepala lembu yang masih segar berdarah dari Masjid Negeri menuju ke pejabat Menteri Besar.

Berdepan Bangunan MBSA, pemuda-pemuda ?ekstrem? terbabit kelihatan saling menendang bangkai itu sambil melaungkan ?Kami Bantah?.

Pada masa yang sama, kelihatan Pejabat Adun Batu Tiga turut dijadikan medan bantahan dengan contengan, ?Khalid-Rodziah, Pengkhianat Bangsa?.

Laungan dan bantahan itu dipercayai khalayak ekoran keputusan Majlis Bandaraya Shah Alam (MBSA) memindahkan kuil Hindu ke lokasi yang baru di Syeksyen 23 Shah Alam.

Insiden ?Kepala Lembu Berdarah? itu merupakan cabaran tergenting Kerajaan Pakatan Rakyat Selangor, setelah isu arak dan penternakan babi yang dipercyaai dicetuskan juga oleh Umno mulai reda belakangan ini.

Sebelum ini, sebuah akhbar politik melaporkan Umno akan menjatuhkan kerajaan Pakatan Rakyat di Selangor pada Hari Kemerdekaan, 31 Ogos ini.
Harakah
30/08/09

Mufti perlu betulkan ajaran sesat di Shah Alam

KUALA LUMPUR: Para mufti sepatutnya bertindak segera untuk membetulan ajaran sesat yang menghina Islam serta memalukan umatnya, kata Naib Presiden PAS, Datuk Mahfuz Omar.
"Sebarang perbuatan yang mencetuskan provokasi supaya orang lain menghina Islam serta memberikan gambaran yang sangat buruk kepada Islam hakikatnya adalah perbuatan menghina Islam.

"Adakah para pemimpin Umno Selangor tidak terlibat dengan perarakan ajaran sesat yang memberikan gambaran buruk terhadap Islam itu?" soal beliau ketika mengulas penunjuk perasaan yang mengarak dan memijak kepala lembu di Shah Alam.

Beberapa NGO Melayu mengarak kepala lembu ke bangunan Setiausaha Kerajaan Selangor sebagai membantah cadangan pemindahan sebuah kuil Hindu ke Seksyen 23 Shah Alam..

Dari sepanduk-sepanduk bantahan mereka, adalah jelas mereka adalah penyokong Umno kerana melaungkan slogan yang sama dengan slogan yang dilaungkan oleh para pemimpin Umno.

Mereka turut disertai oleh beberapa orang yang mendakwa penduduk kawasan berkenaan.

Mahfuz menyifatkan perbuatan itu sebagai provokasi untuk mencetuskan api perkauman yang bertujuan menutup kelemahan dan keburukan Umno.

"Jika pemimpin Umno mendalangi perarakan ajaran sesat itu, mereka sepatutnya merujuk kepada mufti terlebih dahulu sebelum melakukan perbuatan yang akan menyebabkan pihak lain memburukkan Islam dan umatnya," katanya.

Bagi Ahli Parlimen Pokok Sena itu, mana-mana pihak sekalipun boleh membantah apa yang tidak mereka setujui.

"Tetapi, bantahlah secara bertamadun," kata beliau.

Perbuatan menghina agama lain, kata Mahfuz, adalah bertentangan dengan ajaran Islam kerana terdapat nas yang jelas mengenainya,

Di dalam surah al-An'am ayat 108, Allah s.w.t. berfirman yang bermaksud: "Janganlah kamu mencela atau memaki hamun sembahan mereka selain Allah, nanti mereka juga akan memaki hamun Tuhan kamu kerana marah tanpa sebarang ilmu pengetahuan".

Malaysiakini melaporkan, polis hanya memerhati sahaja perbuatan kumpulan itu.

Mengulas kejadian tersebut dalam blognya, Datin Paduka Marina Mahathir menulis posting yang bertajuk "Barbarians at the gate".

Beliau menyifatkan perbuatan kumpulan itu mencemarkan agama mereka sendiri.

Harakah
30/08/09

Malaysia Muslims Protest Proposed Hindu Temple

Dozens of Malaysian Muslims paraded Friday with the head of a cow, a sacred animal in Hinduism, in a dramatic protest against the proposed construction of a Hindu temple in their neighborhood.

The unusual protest by some 50 people in Shah Alam, the capital of Selangor state, raises new fears of racial tensions in this multiethnic Muslim-majority country where Hindus comprise about 7 percent of the 27 million population.

The demonstrators who marched from a nearby mosque after Friday prayers dumped the cow head outside the gates of the state government headquarters. Selangor adjoins Kuala Lumpur.

Protesters stomped on the head and spat on it before leaving the site, Xavier Jeyakumar, a state government official in charge of non-Muslim affairs, told The Associated Press.

"This is a sign of disrespect, insensitivity and a huge insult to the Indian community," he said.

Such an overt display of religious discord is almost unheard of in Malaysia, which has carefully nurtured racial harmony among its three main ethnic groups, Malay Muslims, Chinese and Indians, since 1969 when the country suffered its worst racial riots.

The demonstrators said their neighborhood, Section 23, has a 90 percent Muslim population and building a Hindu temple there was inappropriate.

"If there is blood you (the government) will be responsible," Malaysiakini, an independent news Web site, quoted a protest leader Ibrahim Haji Sabri as saying.

"I challenge (Selangor government leaders) to go on with the temple construction. I guarantee bloodshed and racial tension," Ibrahim said amid chants of "Allahu Akbar," or God is great, the Malaysian Insider, another news Web site, reported.

Both sites posted pictures of the protest showing a bloodied cow head.

Muslim Malays and the Chinese and Indians _ who are Christian, Hindu, Sikh and Muslim _ have generally been careful about not offending each others' religions.

But racial tensions have risen in recent years amid complaints by the minorities that their rights are being eroded along with the rising influence of Islamic hard-liners.

Human Resource Minister S. Subramaniam said the incident infuriated Prime Minister Najib Razak, who asked the national police chief to investigate. Witnesses said police stood by and did nothing to stop the protest.

The demonstration, which occurred days before Malaysia celebrates its independence day on Monday, comes amid a new campaign by Najib to promote national integration by emphasizing equality of all races.

"The prime minister said he was very upset over the incident and wants it to be nipped in the bud," Subramaniam said in a statement.

The protesters condemned Chief Minister Khalid Ibrahim of Selangor, one of four states controlled by a three-party opposition coalition that includes an Islamic party. The demonstrators described Khalid, a Muslim, as a traitor to Islam. It was not immediately clear if they were affiliated to any political group.

The Malaysian Insider quoted a protest leader, Mohammad Zurit Bin Ramli, as saying a temple would disturb Muslim practices.

"The temple will disrupt our daily activities like prayers. We cannot concentrate with the sounds coming from the temple," he said.

Associated Press writer Sean Yoong contributed to this report.

AP
30/08/09

UMNO's 'Cow head' demo in Shah Alam makes it top news around the world - nizar nizar

Malaysia has been the focus of the international media for the last month but for things that we rather wished was disinformation, but in fact, are not.MORE

The Shah Alam demonstration against the construction of a Hindu temple - complete with a severed cow's head - wrapped up a month of negative international news reports over the state of religious tolerance in Malaysia.

Earlier this month, the international press focused on the caning sentence imposed by a Pahang Syariah Court on part-time model Kartika Seri Dewi Shukarno's for consuming beer.

This was followed by news of the government's decision to restrict Muslims from attending the concert of international pop sensation Black Eye Peas, because it was sponsored by an alcohol company.

Unsavory terms used to describe incident
Now, international news organisations have focused on the temple row, in which protest organisers were said to have threatened bloodshed if the temple was built.

"Malaysia Muslims protest proposed Hindu temple," read the headlines of the Associated Press report.

"Racial tensions have risen in recent years amid complaints by the minorities that their rights are being eroded along with the rising influence of Islamic hard-liners," the report said.

The wire report also notes that the protest occurred just three days before Malaysia celebrates its 52nd independence day and amid a new campaign by Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak to promote national integration through the 1Malaysia concept.

India's news portal dnaindia.com also reported the incident in unsavory terms.

Some 50 protestors marched from the state mosque to the nearby Selangor government headquarters condemning the relocation of a temple to the Section 23 vicinity.

The protestors condemned the move, ordered by the state government, because the Section 23 area was a Muslim-majority neighbourhood.

Malaysiakini
30/08/09

Inefficient, ineffective and political biased Malaysian Police force

OCPD: Volatile situation ‘did not permit’ police action. Is this what we call double standard - MALAYSIAN DIRTY COPS

SHAH ALAM: Shah Alam OCPD ACP Noor Azam Jamaludin today explained that the police had failed to act during the cow-head demonstration at the state secretariat because the situation “did not permit” them to do so.

“We saw the situation was not right because we did not want to spark more anger but we will take actions based on other evidences that we have. We will take action based on evidence and against those who have been identified,” Azam said.

Dozens of riot police stood by and watched as protesters brought the severed cow-head to the Selangor state secretariat and stomped on it.

The act, which is offensive to Hindus who regard the cow as sacred, was carried out by a group of 50 protesters who oppose the relocation of the Sri Mahamariamman Temple to Section 23 to Section 19, claiming the area is mainly occupied by Malay-Muslims.

The 150-year-old temple was built on a plantation which over the years was developed into housing estates by the Selangor Development Corporation (PKNS). No provisions were made to relocate the temple, which is now in the middle of a Muslim majority area.

Azam assured that the police will begin investigation immediately based on the reports that they have received and the report that the police made yesterday.

The police will be arresting the protestors under section 27 (5) of the Police Act and Sedition Act.
Azam also advised the public to be patient and not to take drastic actions because the police “will bring justice to those responsible.”

“I regret what happened, the cow-head should not have been used as an issue. We will take action and identify who are involved and responsible for the head,” he said.

Azam also confirmed that the police will increase their presence in section 23.

“We won’t compromise where safety is concerned. I do not want any racial fighting like what was said in the mosque,” he said.

MI
29/08/09

The cow-head sacrilege an ominous warning that Najib’s first National Day celebration as Prime Minister will go down as a Black National Day

All patriotic Malaysians of goodwill and reason must condemn in the strongest possible terms the cowhead sacrilege in Shah Alam yesterday where a group of protestors claiming to be residents of Section 23 in the area protested the construction of a Hindu temple and threatened bloodshed and committed the ultimate act of religious insensitivity, insult and offence to Hindus by severing the head of a cow and stomping on it.

If such an ultimate act of religious insensitivity, insult and offence had been committed against Islam, Utusan Malaysia would have gone to town not only with full front-page coverage and denunciation, probably half the newspaper today would be devoted to it. Why the thundering silence from Utusan Malaysia?

In other multi-religious societies, such an ultimate act of religious insensitivity, insult and offence to one of the major religions in the country would have led to mayhem, riots and loss of lives and it bespeaks of the high degree of maturity, mutual tolerance, goodwill and co-existence that cool heads had prevailed in the response to such a deplorable act of sacrilege.

In a multi-religious society, the act of sacrilege to one religion must be regarded as an act of sacrilege to all other religions and the entire nation.

Let this serve as a overarching consensus of all political parties, mass media, NGOs and Malaysians if we cherish and love this nation.

The Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Razak is to be commended for his quick response in ordering the Inspector-General of Police, Tan Sri Musa Hassan to take swift action against those responsible for the cowhead sacrilege.

But why was the police so slow in its response to such a public act of religious sacrilege, when tardiness in dealing with “national security threats” had never been a weakness of the Royal Malaysian Police Force?

Police intelligence cannot be so obsolete that it is not aware of the act of sacrilege being planned and executed, when the organizers had taken pains to ensure that their protest would get the maximum mass media coverage – reported, photographed and videoed!

With two days to go before August 31, the cow-head sacrilege must serve as an ominous warning that Najib’s first National Day celebration as Prime Minister will go down as a Black National Day if the genii of racism and religious chicanery are allowed to get out of the bottle – as in plural Malaysia there is not just one genie but many genii threatening to tear apart the multi-racial, multi-religious, multi-lingual and multi-cultural fabric of Malaysia.

It must deeply trouble all right-thinking Malaysians regardless of race, religion or political affiliation that despite Najib’s 1Malaysia policy to serve as an overarching inclusive policy to build a united nation of diverse races, religions, languages and cultures, recent trends have worked in the opposite direction.

The past weeks in particular have seen various top political leaders and mass media acting with utter impunity and immunity to crank up racial and religious animosities to polarize the country along race and religious lines – as happened in the recent Permatang Pasir by-election – making a total mockery and repudiation of Najib’s 1Malaysia slogan.

These divisive, polarizing, centrifugal forces emanating from top official directions must stop if Najib’s 1Malaysia slogan is not to meet an even quicker end of all Prime Ministerial mottos – including Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi’s short-lived “Islam Hadhari”.

LKS
29/08/09

UMNO stirring the racial pot in Seksyen 23 – Shah Alam

HINDRAF condemns the latest incident involving the act of placing a severed cow’s head outside the gates of the state secretariat building in Selangor.

HINDRAF believes UMNO and their cohorts in the Royal Police Force (PDRM) organized this act that is inflammatory with an intention to incite and create racial hatred and feelings between the Muslims and Hindus.

These perpetrators were able to walk over 300 metres in open public and conduct their seditious speeches calling openly for bloodshed, and racial chaos without any interference from the police force. So far nothing has been done by the PDRM or the AG’s department other than issuing lip service statements.

Selangor Police chief Khalid Abu Bakar states “If a report is lodged, we will definitely take the necessary action,". Here we are talking about an outright and outrageous act in fanning racial hatred that could threaten the public security and he claims he needs a police report before an action can be taken.

The police had on many previous occasions brutally arrested and questioned peaceful protesters without any reasons for fear of public security, but they would need a report before they can take any action for those inciting violence and parading in the public with a severed cow’s head to undermine the sensitivity of the Hindus. This is absurd and nonsensical.

Who else could practice such double standard other the UMNO led government and its stooges and that is why HINDRAF believes that this is the work of the UMNO government to create unrest in Selangor.

There is no distinction between a muslim dominated area and non muslim dominated area as Malaysia is one multiracial and multicultural society living together side by side in co-existence in respect of each other’s race, religious practice and beliefs.

Instead of promoting harmony amongst Malaysians, UMNO is fast becoming the public threat by protecting such devious and extremist acts.

UMNO should curtail such irresponsible acts rather than seeding and sowing hatred, bullying extremist elements and fascist mindset amongst the fanatical Muslims for their own political survival.

PM Najib has to immediately issue a statement and make a firm stand on the subject and not delegate this paramount duty to his “mandores” and eventually hoping for the whole issue to be swept under the carpet.

If the AG’s department fails to charge these perpetrators, HINDRAF would proceed to formally lodge complaints with the UN Human Rights Council, European Parliament, UK Foreign affairs select committee and the Global Human Rights Defence based in The Hague.

In solidarity for a harmonious Malaysia Hindraf calls upon all peaceful citizens who respect and cherish Religious Freedom and the right to co-exist to join us on a peaceful candle vigil at Dataran Merdeka on 5thSeptember 2009 at 6.45pm

Thank you.
P. Waytha Moorthy
Chairman
HINDRAF
29/08/09

Temple demo: Residents march with cow's head




Some 50 residents enraged with the proposed relocation of a Hindu temple to their area staged a noisy protest with a severed cow's head this afternoon.

The residents - from Section 23 in Shah Alam - who gathered after the Friday prayers, placed the head outside the gates of the state secretariat building for a short period before removing it.

"Where is Xavier? This head is for him," shouted one of the protesters in reference to Selangor executive councillor Dr Xavier Jeyakumar.

Jeyakumar is one of those in charge of non-Muslim affairs in the state.

Earlier, the protesters had marched some 300m from the state mosque to the state secretariat building.

The protesters also condemned Menteri Besar Khalid Ibrahim, exco member Rodziah Ismail (as the area falls under her state constituency) and Shah Alam MP Khalid Samad.


Before dispersing, several protesters spat and stomped on the cow's head. The cow is considered sacred among Hindus.

Addressing the crowd, Section 23 action committee deputy chair Ibrahim Sabri said: "If there is blood, you (the state government) will be responsible if you are adamant about building the temple."

"This is a warning. Relocate the temple to Section 22. This cow is a present to the state government. This is a gift from us," he added.

The protesters also carried several banners which among others read 'Take Beer' (mocking PAS' rallying cry of 'Takbir') and 'Illegal temples are very small, but once relocated, they are as big as Putrajaya'.

The crowd gathered for about 15 minutes at the main entrance of the state secretariat building under the watch of more than a dozen police personnel.

'We'll not budge an inch'


Speaking to reporters later, Action Committee chair Mahyuddin Manaf warned that the state government must give in or the residents would retaliate.

"We will not budge one inch, even if lives are lost or blood is made to flow. We will still defend Section 23 from having a temple built there," he said.

He added that a protest memorandum was forwarded to the state government two months ago but there has been no response.
Contacted later, Mahyuddin distanced his organisation from the act of bringing the cow head to the protest.

"It is not our intention. We were surprised," he said, denying that the act was intended to insult Hindus.

He said that the cow head was likely brought by angry residents.

"Maybe, they meant it (as a symbol of) stupidity. In Malay culture, the cow is a symbol of stupidity, or leaders that are stupid," he said.

On Aug 11, the state government announced that the relocation of the temple from Section 19 to Section 23 was final and will be situated 200m from the nearest house and 400m from a surau.

The temple will face an industrial lot and will be separated from the houses by a playground and a multi-purpose hall.

However, some residents felt that it was not appropriate to build a temple in a Muslim-majority area.

The Pakatan Rakyat state government accused rivals Umno of instigating the crowd to protest the relocation.

Jeyakumar to lodge police report

In an immediate reaction, a furious Jeyakumar described the protest as "unwarranted, unacceptable and without sensitivity towards other religions."




He also said that he will lodge a police report on the matter soon.

"These people should have ethics. They are inciting racial and religious hatred. I am going to lodge a police report against these people," he told Malaysiakini.

He also expressed disappointment towards the police personnel at the scene for not taking any action against the protesters.

"The police didn't stop anybody. The police should have arrested them and charged them for inciting hatred," he said, adding that he could tolerate with "ethical" demonstrations.
Jeyakumar is slated to meet Selangor police chief Khalid Abu Bakar and other police officers over the matter tomorrow.

Malaysiakini
29/08/09

Are the cow-head protesters real?

KUALA LUMPUR: The police inaction and the possibility that some of the cow-head protesters are not from near the disputed Hindu temple site in Shah Alam has Selangor buzzing about the real motives of the racially-provocative demonstration.

Pakatan Rakyat politicians claimed that most of the protesters are not from Section 23 where the temple is to be relocated while Hindraf claimed it was “absurd and nonsensical” for the police to need a report to investigate the incident.

Others claim it could be a plot to undermine and topple the Pakatan Rakyat government that has been beset with allegations of corruption and divisions over the sale of beer in convenience outlets.

“It looks like conspiracy to show Pakatan’s incompetence in handling race relations,” a Pakatan Rakyat politician told The Malaysian Insider.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has ordered the police to quickly nip the situation in the bud to prevent it blooming into a full-scale racial conflict as criticism mounted over their inaction in the face of the fiery protest.

Dozens of riot police stood by and watched as protesters brought the severed cow-head to the Selangor state secretariat and stomped on it.

The act, which is offensive to Hindus who regard the cow as sacred, was carried out by a group of 50 protesters who oppose the relocation of the Sri Mahamariamman Temple to Section 23 to Section 19, claiming the area is mainly occupied by Malay-Muslims.

The 150-year-old temple was built on a plantation which over the years was developed into housing estates by the Selangor Development Corporation (PKNS). No provisions were made to relocate the temple, which is now in the middle of a Muslim majority area.

The previous Barisan Nasional administration had planned to relocate the temple to an industrial site in Section 22 but the location was deemed too far away.

After their win in Election 2008, the Pakatan state government decided to move the temple to Section 23 which they felt was more suitable as 40 per cent of its residents are Hindus.

Residents there who are opposed to the temple relocation initially said it should not be built there because it has a 60 per cent Malay majority, a figure which subsequently became 70 per cent and, today, it’s 90 per cent.

The outlawed Hindraf movement, however, has claimed that Najib’s Umno is stirring the racial pot with the protest.

“Hindraf believes Umno and their cohorts in the Royal Police Force (PDRM) organised this act that is inflammatory with an intention to incite and create racial hatred and feelings between the Muslims and Hindus,” exiled Hindraf president P. Waytha Moorthy said in a statement.

He railed against the police, particularly Selangor police chief Datuk Khalid Abu Bakar’s statement that action would be taken “if a report is lodged”.

“Here we are talking about an outright and outrageous act in fanning racial hatred that could threaten the public security and he claims he needs a police report before an action can be taken.

“The police had on many previous occasions brutally arrested and questioned peaceful protesters without any reasons … but now they would need a report before they can take any action against those inciting violence and parading in the public with a severed cow’s head to hurt the sensitivity of the Hindus. This is absurd and nonsensical,” he said.

Waytha Moorty said Umno and its “stooges” were practising double standards, adding Hindraf believed it was the work of the Umno government to create unrest in Selangor.

“Instead of promoting harmony amongst Malaysians, Umno is fast becoming the public threat by protecting such devious and extremist acts,” the lawyer said.

He also said if the Attorney-General’s Chambers failed to charge these perpetrators, Hindraf would proceed to formally lodge complaints with the UN Human Rights Council, European Parliament, UK Foreign affairs select committee and the Global Human Rights Defence based in The Hague.

He also called for a peaceful candlelight vigil at the Dataran Merdeka on Sept 5 to protest the incident.

MI
29/08/09
mi1: Malaysian Police are the bastards of the nation!!!

Protesters threaten bloodshed over Hindu temple


The group making their way to the Selangor secretariat building after their prayers. - Picture by Choo Choy May

SHAH ALAM: A group of Malay-Muslim protesters claiming to be residents of Section 23 have threatened bloodshed unless the state government stopped the construction of a Hindu Temple.

Amid chants of "Allahuakbar," the group also left the severed head of a cow at the entrance of the State Secretariat here as a warning to Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim.

The "residents" said that the construction of a Hindu temple in a 90 per cent Malay- Muslim neighbourhood was insensitive because activities there would disrupt their lives.

They claimed that the "noise" from the temple would disturb their own praying, and that they would not be able to function properly as Muslims.

The group of 50 over protestors marched shortly after Friday prayers from the Shah Alam State mosque to the State Secretariat.

“I challenge YB Khalid, YB Rodziah and Xavier Jeyakumar to go on with the temple construction. I guarantee bloodshed and racial tension will happen if this goes on, and the state will be held responsible,” shouted Ibrahim Haji Sabri amid strong chants of “Allahu Akbar!”

Ibrahim identified himself as the Deputy Chairman of the Resident’s Committee against the building of the temple in S23 here, which is perceived by some as being a Muslim majority area.

He told the press that the state should move the temple to Section 22 as ‘originally planned’, and also labelled Khalid a “traitor to the Malay race and Islam”.

It is understood that the protest is an immediate reaction towards the Selangor MB’s visit to the Hindu temple site yesterday, an act seen by the "residents" as disrespectful to the Muslims of the community.

A symbol of objection?... The cow's head being paraded by the protestors in their march. - Picture by Choo Choy May
Mohd. Zurit Bin Ramli, who claims to be the secretary of the "Coalition of Malaysian NGOs" echoed Ibrahim’s stand on the matter, saying that it was irresponsible on the part of the state government to approve the construction as there was apparently a “90 per cent” majority Muslim population in Section 23.

“With a temple on our residential area, we cannot function properly as Muslims. The temple will disrupt our daily activities like prayers in the Surau. We cannot concentrate with the sounds coming from the temple,” stated Zurit.

When asked whether members of the protest were affiliated with any organisations or movements, Ibrahim claimed that the people present today were members of PAS, PKR as well as Umno who are “united in the name of Islam and the Malay spirit.”

The state government was also accused of lying to the people of Selangor.

The Chairman of the Residents Committee, Mahyuddin Manaf excitedly proclaimed that the committee would uncover “the lies” and find proof of the state’s misconduct.

“Khalid Ibrahim wears a mask of a Muslim, but in truth he is a liberal. PAS stands to lose out as a result. I voted for PAS as well as Khalid in the past elections,” Mahyuddin claimed.

The issue first cropped up when the Selangor government proposed that the Sri Mariamman temple be relocated from Section 19 to Section 23.

MI
29/08/09

Would you sing the Negaraku?

In a few days Malaysians will celebrate National Day. While there are those who will be excited, there are also those who will be ambivalent; and many may simply be cynical and indifferent.

Have we lost the reason for everyone to celebrate?

A few weeks ago I was in Singapore. You know their National Day is near when you see the distinct red and white colours of the Singapore national flag draped below the windows of the HDB flats even weeks before the day.

On the day itself, I watched the parade on television in a city hotel. I saw something I hadn't seen for a long time.

As the Singapore national anthem played, a middle-aged Singaporean stood up in the cafe and sang along with the live telecast of the event unravelling at the special floating platform where the country's leaders, dignitaries and ordinary Singaporeans had gathered. She was a picture of patriotism, oblivious to stares from strangers, and only sat down after the last note of the anthem was played.

I admired her apparent pride in her nation.

I wonder how many would spontaneously stand up and sing the Negaraku in a public place? I haven't seen anything of the sort since my youth when most Malaysians felt a thrill in celebrating their new nation. I have no doubt many still do.

I recall in the cinemas how the country's national anthem was played and the audience stood up as a mark of respect.

Still I believe many Malaysians believe in their country's future. I recall the first prime minister, the late Tunku Abdul Rahman, an honoured guest at the school assembly of his alma mater, tell an impressionable, young and wide-eyed audience that "you are all the future leaders of the nation." Sadly no Malaysian leader has been able to inspire the rakyat as the Tunku, known affectionately as Bapa Malaysia, did at the time, albeit he died disillusioned seeing his “child” crippled during the Mahathir era.

Today have Malaysians lost their national fervour?

That unquestioning trust in the words of their leaders? The spontaneity in celebrating their national day? And perhaps more sadly, the crucial loss of a sense of belonging and pride in nation? Has indifference become the new trend that people have to be cajoled to show their enthusiasm even in displaying the national flag?

As we consider the state of the nation, besides the economic success, I wonder if real progress has slipped through our fingers? In our haste, that critics say is our unbridled and unashamed “gold rush” mentality, have our real national interests been overtaken by our selfish ambitions resulting in everyone watching out for their interests and not those of others, and least of all the nation's? It is not a problem peculiar to the country but to which it seems susceptible.

Or have we become inordinately legalistic in our reaction to materialism that we have lost our compassion, and the religious authorities will punish a Muslim woman in what many consider an inappropriate manner because she enjoyed a few forbidden drinks with friends?

Have we suffered a lost generation of opportunities to meld the diverse peoples together as one that every citizen feels fairly and adequately treated in their homeland and will approach their national day with greater ownership and gusto?

When citizens by virtue of their class, race, religion or background feel no need to fight for their share like a pack of predators after a kill, because no one will forcefully and unfairly grab the lion's share, then there is hope for a nation, especially in a multi-dimensional country like Malaysia.

Have we lost our innocence that with more money we also have more crime and feel more unsafe that we have also lost our faith in the public institutions that exist to protect and serve us? And when those who are supposed to set the example and encourage us to be one nation become so divisive as never before is there real reason to celebrate?

There is much that politics has to answer.

I believe there is a time when politicking will do more harm than good. When it taints the National Day with partisanship and prejudice and obfuscates national interests, even presumptuously confusing personal ambitions with national goals, it results in confusion, polarisation and distrust. Some will think the historic day has nothing to do with them. Others audaciously and arrogantly, presume the day belongs to them. But in truth, a national day belongs to everyone.

It will help, it is even crucial that all political parties drop their differences on National Day and stand alongside each other to honour the meaning of nationhood and remember what Merdeka stood for, and why a new nation Malaysia was formed. Perhaps those who decide policy need to re-consider if Merdeka is synonymous with Malaysia Day and synchronise these two auspicious but distinct events, to give every Malaysian a common day to celebrate their proud history.

Our forefathers set us free not to be slaves to anything or anyone again — ever. Our concern for order should not curtail our freedom. For true progress is not simply measured in cold economic statistics or new mega shopping malls, but in the quality of life of all of its citizens, in the laws and public institutions that protect them and their democratic space.

It includes the intangible aspects that determine the cohesiveness of a nation. It is like the X-factor that decides if someone will be remarkable or mediocre, even flawed. It is the spirit of unity, that makes us feel an integral part of one another as a people, as a nation, despite our many, and sometimes seemingly irreconcilable differences.

Sabah, Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia are separated by sea. But when I visited Kuching for the first time during the Rainforest World Music Festival in 2007 I was impressed with its cohesive society. Is there something we can learn from those we merged with but have yet to fully appreciate?

Is the failure to capitalise on our strengths instead of focusing on our differences produced only a nation in name but a house divided in reality? Is nationhood simply a “marriage of convenience” when most Malaysians still don't know much about each other after all those years? And still don't trust one another because of those with selfish interests?

A nation is not made by its history alone. The past reminds of achievements and also failures. Nevertheless, it provides a better road map for the future; it makes people avoid the pitfalls along the way as they plod on. And a nation is made in the present that paves the way into the future. It cannot progress on past laurels or simple slogans and hype or promises, sometimes false. It must change for the better. Change must be felt and be real and evident to bring the people closer together.

Without a good vision a nation flounders. To celebrate the past without a vision for the future is nothing more than sentimentalism. A good vision is not myopic or selfish but considerate, inclusive of the concerns and welfare of all those who help build the nation, even if they are not citizens. It is always accompanied by action — now — not later, because hope deferred makes the heart sick, and procrastination is the thief of time.

A National Day is for recalling the nation's past and all those who made it possible, not just those who led the cause but ordinary citizens who all contributed their blood, sweat and tears. It should not be wrongly exploited by any because a National Day is the day that belongs to the nation and all its peoples. Exploiting the special day for political gain is sacrilegious! It is a celebration of a historic moment in the past, and a time to inspire hope for better times in the future.

For this reason I believe not only the government but opposition politicians and others be given roles to play in its celebration. It is in inclusion not exclusion that national pride is forged. You can't have a national celebration unless there is representative leadership. No one who tries to better the country can be left out or worse, be called a traitor, for the villain is not the one who dissents but the one who pretends.

The day of celebration should also be a time for forgetting differences and uniting in a common celebration of acceptance. It is a time to remember what builds up not break down, what unifies not divide. It is a time to remind ourselves that whatever we do if it is not right, if it does not benefit the people, if it does not produce good, if it is not in the interest of the whole nation, it can't be good enough, it is a ploy, it must be avoided.

I agree with those who question if whipping a harmless woman helps the country's progressive image? Is punishment, in this instance, better than compassion? Is fear the way of faith rather than conviction? And when even government and other leaders are of two minds about its propriety, even from a religious purview? Is it all a big mistake in the haste to chastise and perhaps a misguided attempt at balancing the scales against the perceived materialism or worse a misplaced priority?

I share a personal anecdote. I know a Malay friend who drank heavily. But in recent years not a single drop of alcohol has touched his lips. And the reason? Conviction! Not the penal kind, but a change of heart and mind. No one coerced him, he simply believed it was better to stay off alcohol. It is a tough lesson for those who are dogmatic and fail to give people time to come to their senses.

I like the Malay custom of seeking forgiveness from one another after Ramadan. It is a good custom. "To err is human but to forgive is divine," as the saying goes, but it also makes one a better person. And what better time than to remember the National Day as a day of forgiveness, that the nation may come together in a reconciling, restoring and redemptive way? But forgiveness is a matter of the heart not just the lips. It requires humility, and God hates the proud!

If we bite and devour one another we will destroy one another.

We need to debate not hate. There is a time for healing, not hurting, and a national day is the time for national healing. Every citizen should feel a sense of ownership and do something positive to heal the rifts in their society and make their nation a better place. They can't simply rely on the politicians.

Indonesia celebrates its National Day by forgiving the misdeeds of some of its prisoners, often shortening their prison sentences. Would it not be nice if Malaysia can do better and release all prisoners of conscience, particularly those who are unnecessarily and unfairly held under the ISA who are no real threat to the nation?

The real enemy of the nation, of the people, of our times, must be seen as corruption, that pervasive evil that destroys all it touches, that destroys truth, justice, morality, spirituality, freedom and democracy, and ultimately the society we live in. If we respond to corruption as we do to the H1N1 flu threat, it would have been licked a long time ago.

The Midas touch, the flair for financial success, is not everything because we know its danger and saw its tragic end, even if in a fable. The global crisis is also a timely reminder that greed is a curse, and that materialism is a mirage and even real wealth can disappear in a puff of smoke. A nation is more than money which is important but not the most important.

The nation as it celebrates must come together and be committed in fighting their real common enemy, this double-headed demon of greed and corruption that enslaves and destroys everyone it touches and spawns the kinds of troubles that keep our media and law enforcers busy.

And our law enforcers themselves must stay out of trouble and be beyond reproach. Allegations of wrongdoing against corruption watchdog the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) undermines the campaign against the very thing it was formed to combat.

The corrupt will surely destroy the nation.

It is time for all citizens to act so that evil does not triumph. And every national day ought to be a reminder of this ongoing struggle until the goal is achieved. Then Merdeka will take on a fresh meaning. And the people shall look ahead to a new dawn, where freedom is real, not historic and theoretical, even elusive.

Without a strong commitment to tackle the root problem as a national theme and make the nation an upright nation, free from all forms of corruption, and to create a climate of inclusiveness in celebration and mission, another National Day misses the point, and becomes nothing more than another hyped and meaningless ritual.

MI
28/08/09