Aliran Monthly : Vol.23(6) Page 1 PP3739/12/2003 ISSN 0127

PP3739/12/2003 ISSN 0127 - 5127 / RM3.00 / 2003:Vol.23No.6

Aliran Monthly : Vol.23(6) Page 1 COVER STORY New Politics In Malaysia by Francis Loh

wish to argue that there III exists a New Politics in Malaysia. A careful analysis of the 1999 election results provides evidence of this New Politics. However, it is possible that the results of the up- coming election might not carry evidence of this New Politics. To comprehend this apparent contra- diction in my argument, I distin- guish between two realms of politics: formal electoral politics involving the political parties and non-formal participatory politics often involving NGOs and other community groups who do not necessarily focus on winning elections. Even if the Barisan Nasional (BN) wins the forthcoming election, the New Politics will prevail. The BN’s hegemony over Malaysian society will not be as comprehensive as it used to be, again.

The Meaning Of New Politics

Ethnicity remains a very salient aspect of Malaysian politics. However, whereas ethnicity previously dominated the discourse and practice of Malaysian politics and posed limits on democracy, it no longer does so to the same predictable extent. Recent develop- ments, especially those that occurred since 1998, suggest that a new discourse and politics of par-

Aliran Monthly : Vol.23(6) Page 2 EDITOR'S NOTE

This month’s cover story is about the forthcoming 11th General Election. The various CONTENTS articles on this theme were first presented in a Roundable which was held in the School of COVER STORY Social Sciences, USM, Penang on 27 June 2003. ••• New Politics In Malaysia 222 It was held in conjunction with the launch of ••• New Rules And Constituencies 777 the book New Politics in Malaysia edited ••• Winning Hearts And Minds 999 by Francis Loh and Johan Saravamuttu. Most ••• Reforming PAS? 111111 of the people who spoke at the Roundtable ••• NGO Candidates For The Election? 141414 had also contributed to New Politics. These ••• The Contest In Penang 151515 articles based on 10-minute presentations have been revised for publication in this month’s AM. FEATURES In the back cover story Anil Netto recounts ••• KL City Hall's Censorship 181818 vividly the talks by Hishamuddin Rais, Saari ••• Not That We Cintai IT ! LessLess! 191919 Sanguib and Tian Chua held in Rumah Aliran ••• Laughing Out Of Control 222222 soon after their release from ISA detention. ••• “Rakyat” Activism 242424 “Do not fear this Law” but be forewarned ••• Is Capital Punishment Justified? 323232 of their mind games they tell us. And they ••• “Liberate Your Mind” 404040 reminded us to continue to campaign for the repeal of the ISA. Many “faceless” detain- REGULARS ees were still being held. ••• Current Concerns 303030 ••• LettersLettersLetters 373737 Prema Devaraj raises the question whether capital punishment is justified arguing that OTHERSOTHERSOTHERS mistakes had been made and innocent peo- ••• Subscription Form 171717 ple will be killed. ••• Ode To The Penang Ring Road 343434

The “Thinking Allowed” section takes the form of a special Aliran dedication to the In- stant Cafe Theatre, to its talented actors and courageous defenders of the freedom of expression. Published by Aliran Kesedaran Negara (ALIRAN) 103, Medan Penaga, 11600 Jelutong, ALIRANALIRANALIRAN is a Reform Movement dedicated to Penang, Malaysia. Justice, Freedom & Solidarity and listed on the Tel : (04) 658 5251 Fax : (04) 658 5197 roster of the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations. Founded in 1977, Aliran welcomes Homepage : http://www.aliran.com all Malaysians above 21 to be members. Contact the Hon. Secretary or visit our webpage. Printed by Percetakan Tujuh Lapan Enam Sdn. Bhd. No. 16, Lengkangan Brunei, 55100 Pudu, Kuala Lumpur.

Aliran Monthly : Vol.23(6) Page 3 ticipatory politics has gained racy and developmentalism, as • 61 semi-urban “multi-ethnic ground among Malaysians, par- well as combinations of them (for seats” (comprising 22 seats ticularly urban Malays. I refer to instance ethnicism and democ- where no ethnic group consti- the emergence of the reformasi racy) as evidenced in the ethno- tutes a majority and 39 small movement which contributed to- regionalist movements in Sabah Malay-majority seats wherein wards the formation of an oppo- and Sarawak, and the Islamist Malays ranged from 50 to 66 sition coalition that made the 1999 discourses and practices as well. per cent of total voters). election uncharacteristically The distinctions between the dif- meaningful by offering a real ferent discourses are used in this Careful studies by the contribu- choice to the voters. There were discussion as heuristic (or ana- tors to New Politics in Malaysia re- also new non-party voices – indi- lytical) devices. For in the real situ- veal that the Malay voters in the viduals, NGOs and other organi- ation they overlap with one an- 59 large Malay-majority split their zations - demanding justice, ac- other and are not mutually exclu- votes between the BN/UMNO (49 countability, popular participa- sive. New politics refers to this per cent) and the BA/PAS (51 per tion and an autonomous public fragmentation and contestation in cent). The studies also reveal that sphere. Malaysia’s political culture. the Chinese in the 24 Chinese majority seats similarly split their But in spite of the ferment, the BN’s Narrow votes between the BN (51 per cent) democratic impulse did not pre- Win In 1999 and the BA (45 per cent). Appar- vail. Some observers have resorted ently, there occurred a high per- to ethnic factors to explain this lag The narrow victory by the BN in centage of spoilt votes here. between Malaysia and certain the 1999 election provides evi- Southeast and East Asian coun- dence of this fragmentation and (Alas, the Indians do not consti- tries where regime changes have contestation. As is known, the BN tute a majority in any of the con- occurred. My argument is that it won 102 out of the 144 parliamen- stituencies and analysis of the is no longer ethnic factors but tary seats in the Peninsula, and pattern of voting among Indians developmentalism, the cultural 148 out of the 193 parliamentary can only be conducted at the level by-product of an economic seats throughout the country. In of the voting district or saluran. dirigisme, successfully under- the contest for seats in the eleven Based on a limited number of stud- taken by a developmental state state assemblies in the Peninsula, ies, it appears that a majority of since the 1970s, which is princi- the BN won 281 of 394 seats con- Indians tended to vote for the BN pally responsible for limiting de- tested. Although the BN won 76.7 rather than for the BA which is not mocratization in present day Ma- per cent of the parliamentary surprising for a weak minority laysia. Put another way, this new seats, it polled only 56.5 percent group. However, this finding political culture places value on of the popular vote (compared to should be considered tentative). sustained economic growth as 65 percent in 1995). well as the political stability The BN’s victory was gained es- which allows this growth to oc- Leaving aside Sabah and sentially because it performed cur. Sarawak, it is useful for analyti- spectacularly in the semi-urban cal purposes to divide the 144 con- multi-ethnic constituencies where However, the fact that democratic stituencies in the Peninsula into: it captured 60 of 61 seats. Of ferment is occurring while ethnic course, the BN also won all 28 factors still appeal among certain • 59 generally rural large Malay- seats in Sarawak and 17 of 21 groups suggests that Malaysia’s majority seats (with more than seats in Sabah (including Labuan) political culture has become frag- 67 per cent Malay voters), in sealing its overall victory. mented. In other words, there are • 24 generally urban Chinese- contestations between the dis- majority seats (with more than Marginal Seats courses and practices of 50 per cent Chinese voters), ethnicism, participatory democ- and Less well known is that 26 parlia-

Aliran Monthly : Vol.23(6) Page 4 mentary seats in the Peninsula The Two Realms the ISA and other coercive laws, were won by less than five per cent Of Politics etc. i.e. the issues championed by majorities, and another 24 seats the NGOs. which were won by 5 to 10 per There are, of course, the formal and cent margins. (Of this total of 50 the non-formal realms of politics. This counter-discourse, which the marginal seats, 29 were won by The formal realm is the one in- NGOs had initiated and kept alive the BN, 21 by the BA). This means volving the executive and the bu- throught the 1990s as that more than one-third (50 out reaucracy, the judiciary as well as developmentalism held sway and of 144) of the seats in the Penin- the legislative assemblies and par- consolidated its grip over the sula were won by slim margins. liament. The political parties and Malaysian public, was subse- And if an additional 5 to 6 per the electoral process are also part quently adopted not only by the cent swing in favour of the BA had of this formal sector. This realm is leaders of the reformasi movement, occurred, and if the BA had cap- overwhelmingly dominated by the but by the new keADILan party, tured all the 29 marginal seats BN coalition. The non-formal sec- as well as by the new opposition won by the BN – two big “if’s” - tor is that realm of politics coalition, BA. In addition, some of the election in the Peninsula wherein ordinary people, some- the leaders of the NGOs also might have ended in a dead heat ! times organized as NGOs or other joined one or another of the BA informal groupings, express them- parties and even contested in the At any rate, it was the first-past- selves peacefully. It is not readily 1999 election. But it must also be the-post (or simple majority) elec- or necessarily related to the politi- stressed that although some toral system which is used in Ma- cal parties or with elections. By NGOs engaged with the electoral laysia, and the BN’s ties with the comparison there exists more process directly, they continued to dominant regional parties in scope for manoeuvring in the non- maintain their independence and Sabah and Sarawak (ties which formal realm. did not join any of the BA parties the BA lack altogether), which ena- (see Aliran Monthly vol 22 no11/ bled the BN’s victory, indeed, its The significance of the 1999 elec- 12 for more details). The point also regaining a two-thirds majority in tion was that NGOs and other in- is that the BN had lost its previ- Parliament. In fact, the BN’s ac- formal groups usually more con- ous hegemony over the public, tual victory in the Peninsula was cerned with specific causes – especially the NGOs. There oc- a slim one. Also hardly realised women’s rights, media freedom, curred, therefore, New Politics - was the fact that both the Malays rule of law, corruption, environ- not only the fragmentation of the and the Chinese were actually mental degradation, improved ethnic communities but also open split down the middle. working conditions, land rights, contestation of the ruling BN etc - directly engaged this time ideas. Although a larger proportion of with the formal political process. Malays voted for the BA, and a This dramatic turnaround had The Future larger proportion of the Chinese everything to do with the dual cri- supported the BN than previ- ses – i.e. the 1997 financial crisis It is not clear whether the New ously, it is wrong to conclude and especially the “Anwar saga”, Politics will manifest itself again that the vast majority of Malays (Anwar’s sacking from the cabi- in the next election. There are con- had swung to the BA and that a net, his expulsion from UMNO, siderations of agency and institu- vast majority of Chinese to the and his subsequent arrest, pros- tional constraints involved. For BN. These findings based on ecution and sentencing to jail.) one, the DAP has since left the BA analysis of the popular vote in The demands of Anwar’s sup- coalition and there might not oc- the three different kinds of con- porters quickly moved beyond cur again the one-on-one contests stituencies suggest fragmenta- concern for Anwar’s well being which occurred in 1999 through- tion of the different ethnic to issues such as rule of law, jus- out the country. groups, as well as their politi- tice for all, curbs on corruption, cal cultures. cronyism and nepotism, repeal of More importantly, with its two

Aliran Monthly : Vol.23(6) Page 5 thirds majority, the BN govern- PAS, it appears, has not given due Under the circumstances, it is ment passed amendments to the attention to economic matters. likely that New Politics might not Election Act and the Election Of- Consequently, PAS’s rule in the manifest itself in the forthcoming fences Act in 2002 which were two states has not inspired much election. However, this does not generally detrimental to the oppo- confidence especially among mean that there does not exist New sition. A new re-delineation exer- Malaysians living outside the two Politics. New Politics continues to cise was also concluded in 2003 states. be evident especially in the non- resulting in the creation of addi- formal sector of participatory de- tional seats especially in the semi- Meanwhile the BN has consoli- mocracy. The New Politics of frag- urban areas where the BN had dated itself through a series of vic- mented ethnic communities and performed so well in 1999. No ad- tories in the Sarawak state elec- of contestations of political ideas ditional seats were added to tion and other by-elections, the is here to stay. q Kelantan, Terengganu and Kedah PBS’ return to the BN, and Dr where PAS had performed well. Mahathir’s enhanced interna- Instead, Sabah has an additional tional status as the voice of mod- Francis Loh is Professor of 5 seats, Johore another 6 seats, erate Islam. Indeed, his criticism Politics at USM and Pahang 3 seats and Penang 2 of the US invasion of Iraq in early Aliran Secretary. seats - all of which are states 2003 furthered his status as a where the the BN had performed leader of the Islamic countries too. well. As mentioned earlier, the realm of formal electoral politics is dominated by the powers-that- New Parliamentary Seats be, i.e. the BN. 199919991999 200320032003 IncrIncrIncr RemarksRemarksRemarks PerlisPerlisPerlis 3 3 - Finally, in the aftermath of Sep- tember 11 and increased anxiety KedahKedahKedah 1 5 1 5 - especially among non-Muslims KelantanKelantanKelantan 1 4 1 4 - about militant Islam, there have Terengganu 8 8 - arisen concerns about PAS’s al- PenangPenangPenang 1 1 1 3 2 Batu Kawan; Bukit Gelugor leged connections to the PerakPerakPerak 2 3 24 1 Lenggong Kumpulan Militan Malaysia (KMM), and by extension the PahangPahangPahang 1 1 1 4 3 Camerons; Indera Kota; Bera Jemaah Islamiyya, allegedly the SelangorSelangorSelangor 1 7 2 2 5 Sekinchang; Pandan; Puchong; al-Qaeda’s proxy in the Southeast Kelana Jaya; Kota Raja Asian region. Wilayah Pers 1 0 1 1 1 Setiawangsa N Sembilan 7 8 1 Rembau Although there has been no evidence of such PAS connections MelakaMelakaMelaka 5 6 1 Bukit Katil whatsoever, nonetheless, the dra- JohoreJohoreJohore 20 26 6 Sekijang; Ayer Hitam; matic change in the international Kahang; Tanjung Surat; political climate has had its Pasir Gudang; Tanjung. Piai knock-on effects in Malaysia. This Sabah (inc.(inc.Sabah 2 1 2 6 5 Kudat; Putatan; Kota has resulted in fear of PAS’ intentions – not helped by the fact that Labuan)Labuan)Labuan) Kinabalu; Kota Marudu; PAS has seemingly focused on its Sepanggar goal of realizing Islamic rule in SarawakSarawakSarawak 28 28 - Terengganu and Kelantan. And PutrajayaPutrajayaPutrajaya 1 1 whereas many Malaysians are TOTALTOTALTOTAL 193193193 219219219 25+125+125+1 imbued with developmentalism,

Aliran Monthly : Vol.23(6) Page 6 COVER STORY New Rules And Constituencies For New Challenges? Appearances of unfairness can erode the credibility of the Election Commission by Lim Hong Hai

he next general election Amendments were also made to liamentary constituency of TT will be held under some the Election Offences Act 1954 to: Pendang and the State constitu- TTT new rules as well as new (a) raise the ceiling of electoral ency of Anak Bukit in Kedah, the constituencies. The new spending by candidates (from EC has proposed further amend- rules are the 2002 amendments to RM30,000 to RM100,000 for a ments to the Election Offences Act the election laws pertaining to the State seat and from RM50,000 to that it considers necessary for con- conduct of elections while the new RM200,000 for a Parliamentary trolling the campaign behaviour electoral constituencies are those seat); and (b) make it an offence of political parties during elec- resulting from the 2003 “to act or to make any statement tions and also for reducing redelineation exercise. The effects with a view or with a tendency to “phantom” voters (more on this of the new constituencies may be promote feelings of ill-will, dis- later). These additional amend- more certain and predictable, but content or hostility between per- ments, if passed, would require the new rules are not lacking in sons of the same race or different political parties contesting elec- importance. races or of the same class or dif- tions to register with the EC and ferent classes of the population of electoral candidates to sign a Amendments To Malaysia in order to induce any pledge of good behavior (or Election Laws elector or voter to vote or refrain Akujanji). The EC would be able from voting at an election or to to refer to the courts any candi- Following the 2002 amendments procure or endeavour to procure date who, in its opinion, has to the Elections Act 1958, it is no the election of any person.” Elec- breached the Akujanji and this ref- longer possible to mount a legal toral spending is poorly moni- erence, if upheld, would disqualify challenge to the accuracy of the tored by the EC and the higher the candidate. electoral rolls – thus no more spending now permitted mainly Likas. Another amendment al- has the effect of better reflecting The purpose of these proposed lows the Election Commission actual practice. The new offence amendments, as explained by the (EC) to raise the ceiling of election of promoting “feelings of ill-will, EC Chairman, is to ensure that deposits. If significantly in- discontent or hostility” is such a “any election candidate who increased, the election deposits catch-all and something nearly dulged in unhealthy and violent would be much more of a finan- impossible not to commit while campaigning would lose his right cial burden to opposition parties campaigning that one can only to contest” (New Straits Times, 12 (more to DAP than to PAS) – than wait and see how it is applied and February 2003). Again, the EC’s to the better-financed BN. It would enforced in actual practice. discretion in deciding when a thereby also reduce the resources breach of the Akujanji has oc- of opposition parties available for In fact, in response to events in the curred would be crucial should campaigning. July 2002 by-elections for the par- these additional amendments be

Aliran Monthly : Vol.23(6) Page 7 made before the coming general analysis by Ong Kian Ming. rural weightage: more to UMNO election. In hoping that the new areas and less to PAS areas rules would be implemented fairly Method 1: No Parliamentary by the EC, opposition parties are seats added to PAS-strong States Without knowing how constitu- also expressing their concerns encies are classified into various from past experience. None of the 25 newly added par- rural-to-urban categories, it is dif- liamentary seats are in Kelantan, ficult to verify this method. This The New Trengganu and Kedah, the states requires comparing constituency Constituencies where PAS is strongest. The gov- sizes or electorates within the ernment claims this reflects same category (say, the most rural In the book New Politics in Malay- changes in the population or elec- category): selective weightage sia, I examined constituency torate. This would be more con- would be established if we find changes (in 1974, 1984 and 1994) vincing if the proportional-to-elec- that PAS-controlled constituen- that were mainly directed at re- torate principle has been consist- cies have more voters than ducing the electoral importance of ently followed in the past – it has UMNO-controlled constituencies the non-Malay vote and thus en- not – and also followed in the ap- within the same category. In the hancing the importance of the portionment of the newly created 1994 re-delineation the EC classi- Malay vote. This had benefited seats – again it has not. In fact, fied constituencies into 5 catego- UMNO – that is, until the 1999 within Peninsular Malaysia, ries but has not released or re- election, when PAS won about as Johor, a BN-stronghold, has been vealed its actual classification of many Malay votes as UMNO. My given two “extra” seats (from a constituencies among these cat- concluding speculation was “deficit” of one in the last re-de- egories. For 2003, the EC did away whether this would usher in a lineation in 1994) but, despite the with these categories. However, new phase in constituency de- addition in 2003, FT still suffers Ong found enough examples of lineation directed at the growing from a “deficit” of 2 seats (down UMNO-inclined rural constituen- PAS threat. I also noted four meth- from 3 in 1994) and Selangor from cies having significantly less vot- ods in which this can be done. a “deficit” of 5 seats (up from 3 in ers than equally rural PAS-in- Question: Are there any signs that 1994). clined constituencies to suggest these methods have been resorted that “in general this is true for Par- to in the 2003 re-delineation? Method 2: Increasing the number liament and State seats.” of ethnically mixed seats This of course requires much more Method 4: Gerrymandering careful analysis which requires Mixed constituencies can be de- against PAS time. However, initial impressions fined in various ways. In particu- – and initial analysis by Ong Kian lar, mixing Malay-controlled (i.e. Establishing gerrymandering, or Ming, a co-researcher in a research Malay-majority or -plurality) con- the manipulation of constituency project on the Malaysian electoral stituencies with a significant pro- boundaries for partisan advan- system – suggest that, in varying portion of non-Malay voters tage, is inherently difficult. How- degrees, these methods seem to would lower PAS' chances. Ong ever, several scholars have have been used in the 2003 re-de- Kian Ming’s examination led him pointed to its possible occurrence lineation. It is worth noting that, to this conclusion in his corre- in Malaysia since 1974. Ong’s ex- for the first time, PAS joined DAP spondence with me (and I quote): amination of the 2003 re-delinea- in a “walk-out” protest against “On the whole there has been an tion in Kedah (a sensitive State in the new constituencies when they increase in the number of mixed the next general election) uncov- were approved by Parliament. A seats.” He also points out that ers enough cases to point to al- DAP Member of Parliament also most of the new seats, both par- most systematic gerrymandering noted in discussion that (for a liamentary and state, are relatively of parliamentary constituencies change) the re-delineation in 2003 mixed, with Malay-controlled in Kedah, besides cases in other was not directed at the DAP but, constituencies having upwards of States. This has made it very diffi- impliedly, at PAS. Only the briefest 30 percent non-Malay voters. cult for several current PAS MPs explanation is possible here, to retain their seats in Kedah in drawing mainly from preliminary Method 3: Selective variation in the next election. Probably more

Aliran Monthly : Vol.23(6) Page 8 interesting is to check for gerrymandering in state constituencies in Kedah: a null finding (of no gerrymandering) here would pro- Winning Hearts mote belief in the fairness of the electoral system. And Minds Conclusion Malay Parties and Their Prospects Two caveats are in order. First, much of what has been said of the 2003 re-delineation is tentative: more careful analysis is needed by Maznah Mohamad before any firm conclusions can be made on the use of the three meth- he 1999 general election was indeed a historic chal- ods of mixed seats, selective or dif- TTT lenge for UMNO. The idea of a split Malay commu- ferential rural weightage and ger- nity appeared very threatening at that juncture. Four rymandering in the 2003 re-deline- years later, at the just-concluded UMNO General As- ation. Second, the use or abuse of sembly of 2003, Dr Mahathir, in his last appearance as presi- constituency delineation and the dent of the party, slipped in an important fact to his rapt audi- effect of the new rules of electoral ence: there were only 3 million out of 11 million Malays who conduct need to be placed in per- were members of UMNO. The idea that UMNO represented the spective. Whether singly or in com- interests of all Malays had suddenly become quite presumptu- bination, they do not suffice to de- ous. termine the outcome of the next or any general election. However, So the next general election will be a test as to whether UMNO, small advantages from various by then, would have regained its Malay consensus, which had sources do add up and their total been partially lost to the Reformasi-inspired opposition in 1999. effect can be significant for political parties concerned. Some Issues

Finally, it must be said that even But the aftermath of the NEP and the advent of a new “com- appearances of unfairness can petitive” age have also affected UMNO’s dominance in the erode the credibility of the EC and system. There is now an open rolling-back of state support for public belief in the fairness of the Islamic religious schools. Anything resembling what authori- electoral system. Unfortunately, ties consider as “extremist”, or “deviant” or worst, “militant” the ruling party in Malaysia has (all, unfortunately, stereotyped as having links to Islam) would shown itself to be quite willing to not be tolerated. sacrifice or compromise these important matters for the sake of its Added to this is the government’s new zeal to apply “meritoc- own electoral advantage. q racy” as the basis for admission into public universities, and the re-embracement of English as the new lingua franca of success. This onslaught of policies for economic liberalization and deregulation have reduced, if not thwarted programmes for Lim Hong Hai is Assoc Prof social redistribution (and celebration of anything nationalist), of Politics in Universiti which had largely benefited the bumiputera community. Where Sains Malaysia. He has will UMNO then find its new source of legitimacy to galvanize published several impor- its constituency? tant studies on the Malay- sian electoral system. A departure from a race-based politics would be good, except that UMNO’s other partner, the MCA, is riding high on its

Aliran Monthly : Vol.23(6) Page 9 ents, more and more of them would rather that Islam be re- turned to the inner sanctums of much nobler private lives. And if secularism was a prohibitive ambition in the parlance of resurgent Islam there are now open debates and even confessions among pious Muslims that they would much prefer that the system be secularized than “theocratized”!

It is quite obvious that the two Malay parties will find it quite difficult to seize upon any sound-bytes or buzz phrases to win over their traditional sup- reputation as the premier cham- tive of a resurgent Islam still be porters. There will be a politi- pion of a celebrated ethnic-con- able to retain its support, post-Sept cal, social and cultural vacuum cern. Its successes in deliver- 11 and post-American invasion of created by these emerging ing welfare services to the com- Iraq? How is the strengthening of Malay-Muslim modern pre- munity and the setting up of American global imperialism dicaments. Who will pick up the UTAR as a symbol of Chinese helping or hindering PAS’s slack? pride in education would agenda for the Islamic state? reinsert the idea among The outcome of the next general UMNO leaders that a balance While Islam can still be used to election will probably not be would still have to be provided retain loyalty towards a cause it able to capture the full length, by an equally efficacious if not cannot be used to guarantee jobs breadth and intensity of these stronger Malay party. This is for the thousands of unemployed issues. But it is time that we perhaps the issue that will con- bumiputera university graduates. move on to other indicators and front UMNO members as they And there are many pragmatic is- not depend too much on elec- prepare themselves to face the sues that will concern the youths toral shenanigans to under- two battles ahead - the battle of today, pushing idealism to the stand society’s moods. q for leadership succession on backburner of politics that is sim- the one hand and the battle for ply too arcane for the likes of this relevance on the other. generation. Maznah Mohamad is Idealism Versus The politicization of Islam which Associate Professor in Pragmatism emanates from the oft-professed Developement Studies at dictum that politics cannot be USM and Aliran Exco And at the other end of the separated from the faith has de- Member.Member.Member. Malay politics spectrum - can scended to become too ideologi- PAS as the electoral representa- cal a world-view. For many adher-

TheThe nextnext generalgeneral electionelection willwill bebe aa testtest asas toto whetherwhether UMNOUMNO wouldwould havehave regainedregained itsits MalayMalay consensus,consensus, whichwhich hadhad beenbeen partiallypartially lostlost toto thethe ReformasiReformasi-inspired-inspired oppositionopposition inin 1999.1999.

Aliran Monthly : Vol.23(6) Page 10 COVER STORY Reforming PAS ? by Dr Ahmad Fauzi Abdul Hamid

slamic resurgence Whenever there were calls from II started and matured in within to reform the party’s ori- III Malaysia as a dakwah entation, the diehards in PAS movement. Dakwah here would accuse the new PAS mem- refers generally to the effort to re- bers identified with such calls of introduce Islam as a way of life to lacking loyalty to entrenched born Muslims, most of whose un- PAS’ ideas. An example was the derstanding of Islam was condi- witch-hunt and eventual banish- tioned by Malay traditions and ment of former Islamic Representa- customs. Until the early 1980s, Is- tive Council (IRC) members dur- lam in Malaysia experienced a ing the 1987 PAS General Assem- social transformation at grass- bly. roots level, as a result of the missionary activities of such dakwah If calls for reform came from out- groups as ABIM (Angkatan Belia side PAS but still within the Islam- Islam Malaysia), Darul Arqam and ist camp, they would similarly be Nik Aziz: Rejected the notion that an Islamic state could come about step-by- Jamaat Tabligh. PAS (Parti Islam outrightly rejected. This became step SeMalaysia) was more an observer clearer as PAS gained confidence than an active participant in the by wresting political power in graduate student, a session be- formative years of Islamic resur- Kelantan in 1990. Offers of assist- tween PAS’ General Guide-cum- gence. ance to PAS’ Kelantan state gov- Kelantan Chief Minister, Hj. Nik ernment in 1991-92 from Darul Aziz Nik Mat, and Islamists Dakwah Or Party Arqam and Jamaah Islah Malay- among Malaysian students in Bir- Politicking? sia (JIM), in order to widen the mingham, England, in December appeal of Islamic programmes in 1995. In contrast with dakwah It was only in the mid-1980s that Kelantan beyond the scope of movements’ gradualist approach, PAS accommodated dakwah as party ceramahs, were bluntly re- Hj. Nik Aziz plainly rejected the part of its strategy in winning in- jected and dubbed attempts to hi- notion that an Islamic state could fluence among the Malay-Mus- jack the state from PAS. In short, come about step-by-step, starting lims. By then, the leadership had PAS was, and arguably still is, from the individual, then pro- been taken over by the so-called convinced that only its path was gressing to the family, the society Young Turks, many of whom had right, and only its method was and finally the state. He surmised themselves been active in other correct in the fight to realise Islam that such a theory was concocted dakwah movements early in their as the solution. This narrow by the enemies of Islam to obstruct Islamist careers. While dakwah be- mindset was made worse by PAS’ the Islamic struggle. Ruling out came an important activity of PAS’ continual electoral victories in the conception of the diversity of Youth Wing, it never established Kelantan and capture of movements and methods, he in- itself as PAS’ core activity. The Terengganu in 1999. After all, are sisted if there had to be diversity party politicking and electioneer- these not signs of the veracity of after all, one movement needed to ing activities of PAS overwhelmed PAS’ struggle? be installed as the parent move- any dakwah tendencies of converts ment, by which he meant none to PAS from other movements. I remember attending, as a post- other than PAS.

Aliran Monthly : Vol.23(6) Page 11 Islamists Divided saga. With Anwar sacked from what avenue was there left to ex- UMNO and the government, and press one’s reformist sentiments The above-mentioned narrow- later arrested, tried, convicted and apart from voting PAS? mindedness persisted through the incarcerated under questionable 1990s, dispelling many fellow Is- circumstances, Islamists within PAS Benefits lamists who were nevertheless the establishment suddenly found happy that more people were ap- themselves in a quandary. A hand- As the biggest election contender parently beginning to accept the ful stayed on, but most preferred among Reformasi elements, PAS entry of Islamists in competitive to leave establishment politics was catapulted into leading the elections. The ‘moderate’ brand of rather than face ostracism. assorted Reformasi groups by de- Islamists ventured into the poli- UMNO ideologues did not lament fault. Reformasi groups, out of tics of the ruling establishment, their departure. In their view, practicality and convenience, had and a significant number of them these Anwar loyalists had never to accept PAS’ leadership despite - under the formal or informal pa- been pure UMNO members any- sharing with it only one long term tronage of Anwar Ibrahim, who way. Some former comrades of aim: the restoration of justice, as himself had joined the ruling Anwar joined PAS, but most ral- embodied in the treatment meted United Malays’ National Organi- lied behind Anwar’s Reformasi to Anwar Ibrahim. Their short- sation (UMNO) in 1982 after campaign. Human rights became term goal was simply the exonera- heading ABIM for eight years - the clarion call of Reformasi. By tion of Anwar. PAS was the great- held positions of influence in the 2001, many Islamists, while feel- est beneficiary of rather than the ruling party, government and civil ing they were instrumental in the main contributor to Reformasi. The service. formative periods of Reformasi, leap in the number of votes and were disappointed to discover seats of PAS in the 1999 elections The leading Islamists were di- themselves sidelined in contests was due to the euphoric support vided into those convinced of for the leadership of KeADILan – for political and social reform PAS’ hard-and-fast approach of the new party championing rather than serving as an endorse- confrontational opposition poli- Reformasi. ment of PAS’ policies. PAS’ tics, and those seeking to reform spokesmen became ever more the system from within. But for the On the other side of the coin, in convinced that Malaysia was on bulk of rank and file Islamists, spite of its frailties, since the the way to becoming an Islamic hopes were high that one day, Anwar saga erupted, PAS has per- state by means of states within the somehow, the two streams would sistently been at the centre-stage Malaysian federation falling one- merge. By the mid-1990s, conven- of anti-state political mobilisation. by-one in domino-like fashion to tional politics, whether PAS leaders such as Fadzil Noor PAS in consecutive elections. For oppositional or pro-establish- (died June 2002) were quick to them, PAS’ methods had been veri- ment, seemed to be justified as the capitalise on their long term fied, while those of other move- method most likely to bear fruit for friendship with Anwar in portray- ments, by being ineffectual, were Islamists. This sentiment became ing that PAS was indeed with clearly false. stronger following the state’s sup- Reformasi, and was with Anwar pression of Darul Arqam and the all along. PAS projected itself as The shift from dakwah to party cowing of Jamaat Tabligh. For, if an indispensable component of politics as the method in vogue even movements with no clear Reformasi, and by means of being with respect to Islamic resurgence design on political power were the largest opposition party, and social activism in Malaysia suppressed, would it not be wiser emerged as its leader and pace- does disservice to both causes. for Islamists to explicitly proclaim setter, at least as far as the masses The liberal social activist seg- their political intentions and of- were concerned. Voting PAS was ments of Reformasi may get alien- fer a viable Islamist alternative to depicted as voting for social and ated. Recently, a disillusioned Dr. the populace and the ruling elite? political reform. After all, in con- Farish Noor, hitherto identified as stituencies where PAS candidates a Reformasi thinker, abandoned Anwar And Reformasi were left as solitary opposition writing, citing Reformasi’s allow- candidates in one-to-one contests ing itself to be taken over by reli- Then came the Anwar Ibrahim against the BN (Barisan Nasional), gious zealots and traditionalist

Aliran Monthly : Vol.23(6) Page 12 defenders who were reluctant to ship in recent years, thus claim- to him that PAS was indeed un- steer the movement towards its ing success of the first option, not able to fulfil some of its promises logical conclusion. Ideological to mention those who align them- to the people. All too often PAS imperatives will have to be com- selves with PAS’ politics via mem- leaders have simply reacted to the promised to suit electoral priori- bership of keADILan and Parti agenda of the ruling party and the ties. Rakyat Malaysia (PRM). But some government, rather than propos- Islamists have opted for the sec- ing a masterplan of its own. With- To be fair, there exist liberal voices ond option. Former members of out planning whatsoever, incon- even among keADILan’s leading Darul Arqam, for example, being sistencies abound. The newly figures. For example, Syeikh Azmi under constant surveillance from elected Terengganu state govern- Ahmad, keADILan Vice-President the authorities since their movement in 1999 toyed with the idea and former mufti of Penang, re- ment’s proscription in 1994, have of imposing kharaj (land tax) on cently issued a statement that in focused upon building urban Is- non-Muslims when the Kelantan an Islamic state, the people’s wel- lamic communities of their own. state government had never im- fare and justice rather than the This can be seen from the string of plemented it since 1990. Unsure implementation of hudud, was the business enterprises that have of itself, PAS’ leadership at na- priority. I would say that this prac- sprung up, under the aegis of tional level has been fiercely at- tical view is accepted by many Rufaqa’ Corporation Sdn. Bhd., in tacked by grassroots members in dakwah enthusiasts who share the Bandar Country Homes, Rawang, private party assemblies. same reform-minded outlook of Selangor and to a lesser extent, their social activist counterparts. Bandar Baru PERDA, Bukit It is a well-known criticism of PAS The difference is that, while the Mertajam, Penang. Still confident that its rank and file members lack former’s aspirations are spelt out that their struggle will eventually continuous Islamic education in Islamic idiom, the latter’s aims be vindicated, most harbour (tarbiyyah) from their leadership. assume a secular-humanist out- hopes, however illogical they In order to succeed at the highest look. But what utility do these might seem to be, that the forth- level of Malaysian politics, PAS accommodationist stances pos- coming Election will be aban- needs to improve its profile as a sess when their supporters are doned amidst political turmoil, party of dakwah and welfare – one forced by circumstances to vote and that their leader of choice, that wins the hearts and minds of PAS, and PAS then wilfully inter- Ghafar Baba, be handpicked as people rather than just their short- prets votes cast for its candidates Dr. Mahathir’s successor as Prime term votes. Even with the present- as endorsing its juridical interpre- Minister. day incoherence, PAS has gained tation of Islam? The wedge be- a significant measure of support tween PAS and non-PAS Islamists PAS- Lacking from reform-minded Malays of my could only be driven further apart In Substance? generation. I have no doubt that by a possible domination of PAS’ they will continue to do so, if only upper echelons by leaders of the PAS serves as a poor embodiment for the want of a more credible elec- east coast states, where there is less of contemporary political Islam in toral alternative. But to transform need for and understanding of Malaysia. It is rich in idealistic such support from an anti-BN and accommodationist politics due to rhetoric, but often lacking in sub- anti-UMNO one to an unwaver- the preponderance of Malay-Mus- stance, except in the case of elec- ingly pro-PAS vote, an internal lims. tioneering. While appearing in- Reformasi within PAS is called flammatory in public, it finds it for. q As we approach the 11th General difficult to deliver goods. Omar Election, non-PAS Islamists are Khalid, a former PAS activist in faced with the difficult choice of Terengganu and an ex-detainee Ahmad Fauzi is attached either siding with PAS, whether under the Internal Security Act to the Distance Education directly or indirectly, or standing (ISA) in 1987, has detailed in his Centre in Universiti Sains aloof altogether from conven- booklet Parti Islam: Antara Realiti Malaysia and teaches Poli- tional politics. PAS claims to have dan Fantasi, how Kelantan’s Chief tics.tics.tics. had a marvellous rise in member- Minister, Hj. Nik Aziz, confessed

Aliran Monthly : Vol.23(6) Page 13 COVER STORY NGO Candidates For The Election? Prospects for a Rainbow Coalition by Johan Saravanamuttu

s we are all too aware, withstanding, we know that im- Thirdly, candidates are pre-se- AA Malaysian general elec- portant issues like accountability, lected by political parties, AAA tions have many sys- transparency, human rights, en- whether government or opposi- temic or structural fea- vironmental degradation, rape, tion. That is, parties already have tures which have militated violence and child abuse do strike a fixed number of seats allocated against the success of non-incum- a chord with Malaysians. How- to them well in advance of nomi- bents and opposition party can- ever, these issues are championed nation day. In the last election, didates. Nonetheless, a certain mainly by NGOs and small po- parliamentary seats in the Penin- number of opposition figures do litical parties, which have inad- sula were allocated by the BN as get elected and let’s not forget that equate resources to effectively follows: UMNO contested 93 of some 44 percent of the electorate contest elections. The deposits the 98 Malay-majority constituen- actually voted against the BN in alone for contest have been raised cies, other BN parties contested 51 1999. In this brief note, I want to today to RM20,000 while the up- Malay, Chinese and Mixed con- argue that it is perhaps time for per limit for electoral spending stituencies. The BA did much the Malaysian electorate to have a has been increased to RM200,000. same in pre-allocation of constitu- taste of what many other democ- Of course, much, much more is encies with PAS taking the larg- racies have experienced and ‘en- really spent. The point, nonethe- est share of Malay-majority seats, joyed”, namely, the choice of can- less, is that the system favours the DAP, Chinese-majority seats, didates who will stand for univer- those with resources. keADILan, mixed seats and PRM sal issues such as human rights, some “others” as follows: PAS - the environment and gender is- The second point to be made is 66; DAP - 36 (including one to sues. But before one goes further that by and large ethnic politics “women” and one to PSM), it’s important to begin with a re- still determines the success of keADILan – 44 and PRM – 4. ality check on the electoral poli- both government and opposi- tics that prevails in this country. tion candidates. This is only Enter The NGOs? partly due to the manner in Major Features And which constituencies are delin- In the last election women’s Constraints eated but mostly because the groups got together and launched main political parties mobilise the Women’s Candidacy Initiative The first point to remember is that votes using ethnic and some- (WCI) which secured a seat for the “first-past-the-post” electoral times religious affiliation. And contest, courtesy of the DAP. The system (not a proportional repre- voters are still largely hooked to WCI grew out of the larger con- sentation or mixed system) means such ethnic pulls rather than cerns of women’s groups con- that non-incumbents generally, influenced by universal, non- tained in a document called Wom- including would-be new political ethnic matters. It is true and un- en’s Agenda for Change (WAC). The groups, with few resources will be fortunate that Malaysian politi- seriously disadvantaged in any cal culture remains dismally Continued on page 16 election, let alone win. This not- backward on this score.

Aliran Monthly : Vol.23(6) Page 14 COVER STORY The Contest In Penang by Toh Kin Woon

ome the next General Action Party (DAP), long re- that affects personal safety and the CC Election, which is ex- nowned for his fearless criticism environment will be hot issues in CCC pected to be held of the ruling coalition. It is also Penang. The debate revolves anytime between No- well known that Penang voters are round a need for development, vember 2003 and the end of 2004, well capable of shifts in moods generation of economic opportu- the Barisan Nasional (BN) will be that can make electoral outcomes nities and hence, the need for led, barring any unforeseen cir- close. projects (as argued by the govern- cumstances, by Dato Seri ment side) versus lack of proper Abdullah bin Ahmad Badawi, the A total of 40 state seats, an addi- consultation and insensitivity on current deputy prime minister, tion of 7 over the current number, the part of the government vis-à- who will assume the premiership, and 13 parliamentary seats, two vis public opposition against and hence the chairmanship of more than now, will be up for these projects on account of their the BN in October this year. Need- grabs. Contests are expected in negative impact on quality of life. less to say, Dato Seri Abdullah will all seats. The economic prospects of the want to lead the BN to a grand state and the relative competen- victory; for this is what is needed Factors Impinging cies of the various parties to turn to strengthen his own position On The Outcome the economy around is another within UMNO and boost his im- important issue. age internationally. Like previously, the inter-play of national, state-wide and local is- The generally good record of most Anything less convincing, say a sues are likely to affect the overall of the incumbent BN members of failure by the BN to obtain a two- outcome of the electoral contests parliament and state assembly thirds majority in the parliamen- in Penang. National factors affect members in providing services to tary election, may weaken his po- the general mood of voters, who their electorate; their access to de- sition within his own party. Com- can feel good and secure or down velopment funds which facilitates ing from Penang, a convincing and insecure, depending on the minor capital works projects; sup- victory in his own state is even inter-play of these factors. The port from the media; and the re- more critical. performance of the economy; cent redelineation of constituen- availability of tertiary educational cies that generally favour the BN The Contest In Penang opportunities; amd national secu- in the State are all likely to work rity and personal safety especially in the BN’s favour. And Dato Seri Like in all previous elections, the of women are among some of Abdullah’s ascendance to the pre- contests for both the parliamen- these factors. Still others include miership is likely to be an added tary and state seats in Penang in the availability or otherwise of boost to these electoral prospects. the next election are expected to democratic space and be keen and tough. For this is the Islamisation versus secularism. Problems state where leaders of three major parties will likely be contesting - Then there are the state-wide and But the BN is not without prob- Dato Seri Abdullah; Dr. Wan local issues. It is likely that the lems. Intra-party squabbles (rem- Azizah bt Wan Ismail, the presi- columbarium issue, the Penang nants of MCA’s Team A versus dent of keADILan and Lim Kit Outer Ring Road (PORR) project, Team B struggles for the largesse Siang, chairman of the Democratic and rock blasting here and there of political office) and inter-party

Aliran Monthly : Vol.23(6) Page 15 conflict between Gerakan and on a motion to delay implementa- that in 1999, the BN can still re- MCA are among these problems. tion of the PORR project tabled by tain the seat, but with its majority, There will be a contest between the the opposition DAP in the State already reduced from 5,000 plus two parties for the right to contest Assembly. to just over 2,000 in 1999, further in Dato Keramat and Bayan reduced to just over a thousand Lepas, a bigger share of the addi- Machang Bubuk votes. A shift of a few hundred tional seats; and ultimately, the votes from the BN to the opposi- post of Chief Minister Let me now say something about tion in the next election will spell my own constituency of Machang trouble for the BN. q For the record, Lim Boo Chang, the Bubuk. Following the recent current State Assemblyman for redelineation, this constituency is Dato Keramat and Lim Chien more mixed than before: Malays Aun, the incumbent State Assem- 40%; Chinese 51% and Indians Datuk Dr Toh Kin Woon is blyman for Bayan Lepas, crossed 9% now versus Malays 33%, Chi- the Penang State Assem- over from the Gerakan to the MCA nese 58% and Indians 9% previ- blyman for Machang shortly after the 1999 general elec- ously. Bubuk and also the tion. The recent controversial lift- Penang State Executive ing of the freeze on Lim Boo Chang Given that KeADILan has a strong Councillor in charge of and Tan Cheng Liang, the assem- presence here, aside from Education, Economic blywoman for Jawi, and whether Permatang Pauh, the parliamen- Planning and Human Re- or not they can contest in the next tary seat now held by Dr. Wan source Development. He election are likely to raise the ten- Azizah, Machang Bubuk has now was a contributor to New sion between the two parties fur- become even more marginal. As- Politics in Malaysia. ther. Both Lim and Tan were sus- suming the same pattern of vot- pended following their abstention ing in the next general election as

Continued from page 14 a ploy to de-fang some of the more ous other state constituencies in vociferous NGOs or simply a slip the coming election and would of the tongue by the commission? therefore need credible candi- concerted work of the women’s dates to contest them. The WCI groups proves that NGOs can mo- I would like to suggest that candidate Zaitun Kassim in gar- bilize significant electoral sup- NGOs could use the same tactic nering 26,144 votes in Selayang port. Other civil society groups, as the WCI in 1999 and negoti- (Selangor) in 1999 was able to sig- like The People are the Bosses and ate with the BA (or the BN if it nificantly reduce MCA’s Chan Pemantau, which were non-ethnic would respond to such over- Kong Choy’s winning margin to in approach, involved themselves tures) to offer a number of mixed about 9,000. A combination of civil in various campaigns but took no seats for their candidates to con- society forces championing a con- direct part in electoral contest. test on issues of gender, environ- certed campaign on the many so- ment, human rights, etc. If cial issues of the day may be able Given this similar sort of scenario enough of a concerted effort is to do better in similar mixed con- in the coming election how then made this could impact signifi- stituencies.q are civil society groups with im- cantly on the electorate. portant issues to project their per- spectives? Campaigning without Purely on rational grounds, the contesting could well continue. BA is the better choice to begin the Johan Saravanamuttu is However, the Election Commis- quest for a “Rainbow Coalition”. Professor of Politics in sion has opened the doors to di- Not only would the BA be politi- Universiti Sains Malay- rect NGO contestation in the com- cally more inclined to do so but it sia. He is also secretary of ing election by announcing that would also be seeking to fill up 25 the Aliran Trust Board. they can put up candidates. Is this new parliamentary and numer-

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Aliran Monthly : Vol.23(6) Page 17 KL City Hall’s Censorship No Laughing Matter

liran condemns Kuala against Instant Café. But what would leave nothing left to per- AA Lumpur City Hall’s about the thousands of other sat- form. It is tantamount to rewrit- AAA high-handed decision isfied Malaysians who thronged ing the script. It is an insult to the not to issue any further Instant Café’s sell-out shows for intelligence of the playwright and performing licences to the Instant ten days from 8 July 2003? Since the entire cast as well as to ma- Café Theatre Company (ICT) after they did not complain, surely the ture Malaysians who have flocked the political satire group refused show should be viewed positively. to the shows. Why must govern- to revise the script of its sell-out Instant Café are an accomplished ment policies and agencies be be- show. The censorship attempt on group of performers who portray yond criticism and satire? Has this ‘The 2nd First Annual Bolehwood Malaysian life satirically. They anything to do with the general Awards 2003 – The Director’s force us to look at ourselves and election around the corner, lead- Cut’, a satirical performance, is a laugh at our idiosyncrasies and ing to “uneasiness” on the part of blow for artistic freedom and the weaknesses; they educate us on the government about critical per- flowering of the arts and culture current issues in a hilarious way. formances? in the country. Instead of being thankful, City Hall tries to suppress such infor- Aliran has the highest regard for City Hall, staffed by Barisan mal education and artistic expres- Instant Café for their profession- Nasional political appointees, sion. alism, creative talent and keen seems to be no longer focussing insight into the nation’s affairs. on providing services to the pub- City Hall, whose councillors are They have been performing hi- lic. Instead, it appears to be acting un-elected and unaccountable to larious but politically pointed on the whims and fancies of rul- the public, cannot claim to be our acts all these years without any ing coalition politicians to sup- moral guardians. What was it in apparent problem. Instant Café press freedom of expression and the script that was deemed to be performers have graced func- assembly. so “sensitive”? What did City tions organised by the govern- Hall public relations officer ment, the Bar Council and nu- What is the rationale for this Sarifuddin Ibrahim mean when merous other groups. Until now, abominable abuse of power? he advised Instant Café to conduct nobody we know has accused There have been numerous other its performance in a more “ethi- them of profanity and of being public complaints about City cal and decent manner and not to insensitive. Two months ago, Hall’s shoddiness and ineffi- cause uneasiness to the public”? they performed at Aliran’s 25th ciency but these have not been What uneasiness? Who is feeling anniversary and received a well- acted upon with the same speed. uneasy? deserved round of hearty ap- Neither has City Hall disciplined plause from the audience. Not a its staff who have failed to live up Aliran dismisses City Hall’s single complaint was heard. to public expectations. views as myopic, irrelevant and totally without merit. We chal- Aliran demands that City Hall It is appalling that a single com- lenge City Hall to air this show respects Instant Café’s right to plaint from a newspaper reader - on television so that the entire freedom of artistic expression and who sounds more like a ruling citizenry can watch and give their restores its performing licence. coalition supporter with a closed verdict. To demand that five ele- mind and no sense of humour - ments be eliminated from the Aliran Executive Committee has prompted the council to act script is silly and ridiculous and 18 July 2003

Aliran Monthly : Vol.23(6) Page 18 ART AND CULTURE

An Aliran Dedication to Instant Café Theatre Not That We Cintai IT ! Less, But We Love ICT More

est we are accused of LL easily forgetting, how LLL shall we best remember era Mahathir?

Shall we remember it as a time of modernization? But didn’t our process of modernization begin before Mahathir ruled the political stage?

Or shall we remember it as a period of industrialization? Yet, didn’t our most successful pro- gramme of industrialization, the MNC-dominated export-oriented variety located in Penang, take off while Mahathir was an UMNO ejection, way before Perwaja was established?

Fix Him Better

Perhaps it’s not out of place, therefore, to offer a humble word of advice to anyone who’s writing about Mahathir’s legacy: don’t stamp it with a dreary economic label for if there’s one thing Mahathirologists agree on, it must be that the man is never bor- ing.

After 2 September 1998, an Anwarista or reformnik might choose to look back on the Mahathir era in anger. Following Mahathir’s speech at the last

Aliran Monthly : Vol.23(6) Page 19 UMNO General Assembly, a Eu- pect) to malaysiakini. Madonna, at least one woman ropean might dismiss it with dis- was not amused. gust. Nowadays Amir does his stuff with shorts, including sombre es- Nor is Satire always refined. But what will you do if you’re nei- say films. Watch him lampoon the ther here nor there (like me)? What IC bureaucracy here or the Singa- Few of the cartoons drawn by will you say if you’re worried, like pore immigration. You won’t fall Zunar, who transferred from the some other people, that Pak Lah’s off your chair laughing but the NST group to Harakah, were truly reign will be gloriously tedious, chuckles become harder and refined. One recent and hope- or if you’re indescribably nostal- harder to suppress. lessly confused cartoon attributed gic about Mahathir’s era al- SARS to pigs. (Some people will though the end is near but not yet And then you wonder why no one blame anything on the poor here? has hired him to do ‘The Great swine.) Water Row: Both Sides Now’. Save this one for your grandchil- Still, Zunar’s peculiar collection, dren. Tell them that era Mahathir Sometimes Satire supposedly so Keranamu Hidung!, did exclusive was zaman sindiran, roughly an offends that clever commentators and original nose jobs on age of satire. blush and courageous critics blanch. Satire is not a Malaysian inven- tion and there’s no need to reach S**T, don’t whisper to me. Go tell for the Book of Records. it to Shahnon Ahmad. Squeamish people condemned his allegory But Satire as an art form suits an for turning art into obscenity. If era in which leaders use slogans you’re not a prude, perhaps you’ll to promote the virtual and hide the think that Shahnon turned ob- real, fitnah and tohmah make for scenity into an art. media, a surat layang is a judge’s way of exposing injustice and a At the 1999 election, lots of Kedah talkin is a hack’s method of doing voters must have thought so, too, in a living No. 2. because, P***M**, they turned this NL* into an MP. Spices of Life Diary And Cartoons Satire is alive and kicking. It’s spice to our mundane lives, un- For the record, Satire isn’t ob- less you’re a diehard BN type who sessed with vice. believes that no news is good news, and that ‘only the news that Sabri Zain’s online Reformasi Di- matters’ doesn’t matter. ary was peppered with entries dedicated to Virtue in its endless Occasionally Satire is chucked out guises. Sabri praised the Activity of newspapers. of shopping so long as the mer- chandise it sought was justice. Amir Muhamad perforated New Straits Times with irreverence. No- He encouraged Ambition in those body could domesticate Amir’s who yearned to be the PM’s wit, definitely not during the post- clones. He applauded Intelligence Anwar days. Amir could bend his evident in the attainment of super prose any way he wanted. So NST political IQs. He sang admiringly transferred him (free agent, I sus- of Virginity but, Sabri being no * National Laureate

Aliran Monthly : Vol.23(6) Page 20 Mahathir, none terribly cosmetic, packed, always appreciative sorry to say, and all were personal audiences. like mad, as Malaysians say. Return To Sender This Land Is Your Land Then came a boringly predictable Well, this is Malaysia zaman heavy-handed response to ICT’s Mahathir. The lines between poli- ‘insulting’ airing of ‘sensitive’ is- tics and profanity, and vice and sues. virtue have been blurred. Politics and politicians are personal like One morning, we woke up, read mad. If you’re an MB, say, you can the news rags and choked on our show the finger or slam your palm coffee. One lousy letter, just one at your fist in public. If you’re BA, carping complaint, to Utusan Ma- though, don’t show yourself at by- laysia – the last newspaper to re- elections. spect public sensitivities – and Dewan Bandaraya Kuala This is Bolehland against which Lumpur revoked ICT’s permit, a much sued and maybe suspended its licence, and kicked wounded MGG Pillai fights with Satire off the stage. fiery words and fantasy. This bureaucratic suppression of Most of all, Ladies and Gentlemen, artistic freedom was directed at this is Bolehwood, the world of the ICT’s sell-out performance, The Instant Café Theatre, where Jo and 2nd First Annual Bolehwood Co. treat society as a stage and use Awards 2003: The Director’ s Cut. the stage to portray society. This was the ‘most unkindest cut’, They’ll laugh their heads off if you delivered by an un-elected coun- call them fundamentalists of a cil claiming to run a 21st century sort. But it isn’t untrue, is it? Fun- capital city boasting the world’s damentally their art spares no one tallest towers and freest Multime- and holds nothing sacred. dia Super Corridor.

Here, where art is politics and Wasn’t the incident suspiciously Would the police have raided politics art, only mockery, wit and like the police raid on malaysiakini RTM overnight and carted off sarcasm rule. Politicians are that took place after the guardians cameras and sound systems? scumbags and bureaucrats mere of morality in UMNO Youth machines. Corruption is exposed, lodged one equally lousy, equally Or would the Ministry of Home pretensions are hollowed and lies miserable police report? Affairs have raided PAS and shut are nailed. down Harakah for publishing a What If letter from a non-party member? The kopi o kau flavour of the ICT joke, instantly served, is never for- Satire’s spirit is aroused: what if Such is Satire’s popularity that gotten. Instant Café Theatre has an irate reader had written to ICT is still with us. In these times, shredded many reputations with Harakah to complain that the when the misnamed ‘local govern- 2-in-1 acts, 3-in-1 performances, UMNO President made fiercely ment’ bureaucrats throw their and riotous fusions of styles. anti-foreign remarks ‘live’ on TV weight at their own risk, at least that scared away investment and one bureaucrat with a sense of You’d tremble to be there except tourist dollars? (See AM Vol 23 humour had the sense to tear up as a member of the always No. 5: LETTERS) the revocation script.

Aliran Monthly : Vol.23(6) Page 21 In Bolehwood, where awards are liberally given, but rarely credit is given where credit’s due, let’s The Instant Café Theatre Company speak plainly: ICT lives on because the Company wasn’t cowed. (Bravo, Adeline, your lines in malaysiakini were well spoken!) Laughing Out

At heart it’s because Satire is irre- pressible. Of Control

Every Move You Make Instant Café are truly a hilarious Satire is everywhere in our soci- Malaysian institution that is here to ety, sniffing out dirty politics, tak- stay - whether the KL City Hall likes it ing in abusive power and noting down greasy money. or not.

Then Satire recycles them into de- by Anil Netto licious art. Satire never tires. It in- vents, remakes and enacts all kinds of situations, and gives them wo politicians vying for the prestigious post of Deputy Min- names that any informed citizen TTT ister of Misinformation are fielding a barrage of questions would appreciate, such as … from journalists who want to know their views on current issues. The candidates stand behind a rostrum looking com- • Non-consensual politics: We posed and confident. Were Sodomised • Showcase court: Anwar and the Shoots one journalist: “Ministers, what have you got to say to allega- Stained Mattress tions that Malaysia does not have a very good human rights record?” • The comedy of local government: A Connected Bankrupt in Answers one of the impeccably dressed candidates with an air of the Council of Ampang disdain: “Yes, we know that we do not have a very good human rights • A party-triad whodunnit: The record. That is why we are trying to have all the other records: the Underground Opera of Sio Sam tallest buildings in the world, the longest outdoor buffet with the least Ong • An enforcement circus: Tonto Helps the Pirates • The best feng shui money can buy: Columbarium by the Sea • Contracts, yes; blame, no: The Labs With Falling Roofs • Concession, check; timber, check; payment, no cheque: How UMNO Logged Pahang in 3 Easy Steps

Will any of these make it to Holly- wood, Bollywood or Bolehwood?

Touch wood, ‘Next Change’ at ICT.

Aliran Monthly : Vol.23(6) Page 22 amount of food...The foreign press time, and I cried. I found the show them perform for the first time. In- - they only focus on the human to be so horribly true.’” deed, the word down the grape- rights record. That is very unfair.” vine even reached CNN, which Audiences marvel at the group’s featured a clip about the troupe. Welcome to the world of the In- daring in their portrayal of offi- Not bad for a small band of stant Cafe Theatre, Malaysia’s cialdom in rather unflattering artistes treading where no one else very own political satire troupe. light. has dared to go in Malaysia. Set up in Kuala Lumpur in 1989, it quickly carved a niche for itself But how have the authorities Instant Cafe has been hitting the with its brand of irreverent hu- themselves reacted in a country road and staging shows at many mour and biting social and politi- where dissent is closely moni- of Malaysia’s leading hotels and cal satire, not seen before in the tored? “We haven’t heard any- halls for the last 14 years. Today, country. thing, at least not directly,” says Kukathas says they are catching Kukathas. (That was in 1997 - a flight to Kuantan, 600 kilome- At a company’s annual dinner, they have obviously heard from tres from here, to perform at a din- the invited troupe whips through Kuala Lumpur City Hall now! - ner organised by lawyers in scripted skits, improvised editor) Pahang state. sketches, and songs based on current affairs and news items. In- The bad news is that it’s almost Back to our press conference... deed, attending one of Instant impossible for the group to get Café’s shows is like watching a funding from local bodies promot- “Now what about allegations by news bulletin - only a great deal ing the arts.”People think we are international trade union bodies more hilarious. very comfortable because of our that Malaysia’s refusal to imple- success, but we have to pay our ment a minimum wage system is Little escapes Instant Café’s lam- performers,” she adds. The group, a violation of workers’ rights?” poons: the smog, power blackouts, she points out, also stages per- fires another journalist, with a no- politicians’ antics, bureaucratic formances “which we feel are im- ticeable western accent, bumbling…almost nothing is portant to support artistes.” spared. “That is not true. It’s not true. It These include half a dozen suc- makes me very, very angry - be- The troupe comprises is anchored cessful full-length plays, some in cause Malaysia HAS a minimum by mainstay Jo Kukathas and fea- collaboration with other local wage,” answers one of the two tures some of the leading artistes drama and dance groups. Among candidates, indignantly, looking in English-language theatre in them were Peter Schaffer’s ‘Black rather ruffled. “We always make Malaysia. Comedy’, Shakespeare’s ‘A Mid- sure we pay the workers the abso- summer Night’s Dream’, Joanna lute minimum.” Beneath the sardonic humour, the Murray Smith’s ‘Love Child’, and group has touched a chord among John Aubrey’s ‘Brief Lives’. For now, the show is back on the Malaysians accustomed to the of- road, with or without the re- ficial version of news from the The lack of financial resources sources, and the DBKL uproar country’s tightly controlled main- forced the troupe to give up its 140- notwithstanding. No doubt, le- stream media. seat theatre bar in Kuala Lumpur. gions of Instant Café fans across “We can’t afford a new place the country are heaving a collec- Hearty laughter from the audience without corporate support, but tive sigh of relief. q punctuates a typical performance then we have never tried to mar- - though there are other reactions. ket ourselves,’ says Kukathas. Jo Kukathas recalls a conversation “People hear about us through This is a slightly revised with a fan after a show one night. word of mouth.” version of an article origi- “I had seen her attending a previ- nally written for Inter ous show and so I said to her. ‘You “I’m so proud that we have such Press Service in November are back!’” relates Kukathas. talented artistes in Malaysia,” 199719971997 “And she said, ‘I came the last says a new fan, after watching

Aliran Monthly : Vol.23(6) Page 23 COMMUNITIES “ Rakyat” Activism The Kampong Bohol incinerator protest saw the rise of a new form of citizens’ action

he recent decision by the especially in more TTT government to shift the densely populated controversial 1,500-ton urban areas and capacity incinerator the dangers of from Kampung Bohol in Puchong waste run-off into to a less densely populated area the water table and showed a new model of ‘rakyat’ other water sources activism towards an unpopular means that other government policy. It could per- alternatives of haps be an indication of how fu- waste disposal ture engagements between the needed to be used. government and the public would look like especially in relatively An incinerator, urban areas. which would burn the municipal waste, thus leav- Finally, a site at Kampung Bohol, Politicians whether in the ruling ing only a small portion of resi- located near the Old Klang Road coalition or in the opposition, due would seem like one such end of Jalan Puchong was chosen NGOs and interested members of plausible alternative. Small in- as the site. civil society would do well to cinerators with capacities of less learn important lessons from the than 15 tons per day have been Beginnings Of no-incinerator campaign initiated built in Malaysia previously in Resident Opposition by the affected citizens of Puchong land scarce areas such as Pulau and the surrounding areas which Langkawi, Pulau Pangkor, Pulau When news of the proposed in- slowly gained a wider regional if Tioman and Labuan. Since the cinerator and its location first sur- not national appeal. main KL landfill at Taman faced, not many of the local resi- Beringin would reach its capac- dents in the immediate vicinity Background ity soon, KL would seem to be the took notice or bothered to investi- natural location to build an in- gate the health impact that such Municipal waste disposal has cinerator with a high capacity to an incinerator would have on the been and still is a national prob- cater for the large and increasing surrounding areas. Indeed, a resi- lem as our national income in- waste volume in the Klang val- dent who later became one of the creases and our waste disposal ley. committee members of the no-in- increases commensurately. The cinerator campaign, said that he 15,000 tons of municipal waste It is not easy to locate a site for an was initially very sceptical of the generated nationwide needs to be incinerator in KL given that the dangers that such an incinerator disposed off in a cheap, efficient EIA guidelines require that no would pose. and safe manner. Traditionally, housing areas could be located this meant waste disposal in within a 500m radius of the pro- It was only after a few of the more landfills. The constraints of space posed incinerator site. pro-active residents began to in-

Aliran Monthly : Vol.23(6) Page 24 vestigate deeper into the issue by posed incinerator was also ques- siastic volunteers and a police reading the EIA report, checking tioned and the fact that existing permit, they managed to organize the websites of other anti-incin- plants in Japan using the pro- three outdoors meetings with resi- erator campaigns and consulting posed technology had less than dents of three affected areas. their own sources that a sense of 10% of the capacity of the pro- urgency to launch a campaign posed Puchong plant was also At these talks, the audience num- against the location of this pro- highlighted. bering between 500 to 2,000 per- posed incinerator emerged. sons was told of the negative The shortcomings of the EIA re- health impact of having an incin- Thus a pro-tem committee was port was made known to the pub- erator so close to their homes as formed with the specific aim of lic via a website (www.no- well as the threat of depressed campaigning against the location incinerator.com) which was set up property prices, among others. of the proposed incinerator. The by committee members with the Through these outdoor meetings, committee consisted of concerned specific purpose of lobbying the cause of the pro-tem commit- residents living in the surround- against the location of the incin- tee gained more publicity and ing areas. Most of the committee erator. more volunteers signed up to con- members were professionals of tribute to the campaign by provid- different races and of different The website was also used to ob- ing donations, their expertise and professional experience. tain signatures for the online pe- publicity through their network of tition. friends. Different Channels And Strategies Used Articles in the printed press, The campaign was gaining a life Malaysiakini.com and independent of its own and in recognition of The committee took care to ensure assessments by local environmen- the public outcry over the location that it was not seen to be taking talists were also posted on the site, of the proposed incinerator, the political sides on this issue espe- which also has links to other anti- government finally relented and cially in terms of working with incinerator campaigns around the announced that it would relocate opposition parties. It used a world. Through word of mouth, the incinerator. number of creative ways of engag- news about this site spread ing with the authorities and at the through cyberspace reaching Lessons Learnt same time promote public aware- Malaysians in other parts of the ness of this issue. country and even concerned in- The no-incinerator campaign dividuals from other countries. showed many interesting aspects For example, the committee ar- of citizens’ activism, which poli- ranged to meet the minister in The pro-tem committee also en- ticians on both divides should charge of the project, senior min- listed the help of the various resi- take note of. istry representatives, coalition dents’ associations in the affected politicians in the constituencies areas. Petitions were given to The first aspect is that citizens can affected as well as experts who these representatives for them to no longer be hoodwinked or rid- helped draft the EIA report to dis- collect signatures from their re- den roughshod over by the au- cuss the contents of the report. spective areas. thorities. With the increase in the number of professionals and the Many weaknesses of the EIA re- Road shows were also conducted rise in the education level espe- port were exposed in this meeting by committee members, who had cially in urban areas, citizens are including the recommendation to gone through the EIA report in capable of taking a critical look at move an army hospital near the detail and were well versed with government policies that directly proposed site but not a Tamil pri- its contents. Armed with a small impact their lives. The ability of mary school which was also near lorry, a makeshift sound system, concerned citizens to question the the site. The technology of the pro- flyers, some energetic and enthu- findings of a panel of ‘experts’

Aliran Monthly : Vol.23(6) Page 25 should be an encouragement to the person on the street and a warning to those who think that BEWARE! citizens can be easily intimated by a bunch of PhD’s. Word has it that the authorities in Penang are consid- ering a proposal to build an inicinerator, perhaps in The second aspect is that the citi- the Jelutong area. So far, there has been little publicity zens themselves are taking a much about this proposal. And not surprisingly too: the more mature and politically savvy Penang state government is still embroiled in a run- approach towards activism. ning battle with residents’ groups over its decision to Many different channels - both steamroll the Penang Outer Ring Road project through. formal and informal - were used They obviously don’t want to alarm more people with to put pressure on the authorities. the prospect of cancer-causing dioxin emissions from They were not averse to having an incinerator. consultations with the authorities. But neither were they easily If this incinerator project is approved, the state gov- duped into a wait-and-see attitude ernment can expect strong resistance from civil soci- but took up their own initiatives ety and residents groups such as Aliran whose office to gain public support for their is in Jelutong. cause.

Although a few opposition politicians took up the cause on behalf The third aspect is that the rise There is no guarantee that other of the affected residents, the pro- of the Internet has empowered such campaigns initiated by mem- tem committee never formally citizens and curtailed the abil- bers of the public will achieve aligned themselves with the op- ity to keep the public in the dark similar success. The local issues position. They were also wise in on issues directly affecting are always different and the local providing a way out for the au- them. It is perhaps a sign of sentiment always shifting. thorities by not asking for an in- things to come in the future - cinerator to be built per se but in- when the power of the Internet But this episode shows that the stead lobbied to have the incinera- is harnessed along with a politics of engagement is chang- tor moved to a less populated number of other creative chan- ing and that politicians on all area. nels to mobilize members of the sides, NGOs and other members public to act on an issue of lo- of civil society will need to change Opposition politicians should cal, regional or even national im- to adapt to these changing circum- also take note that the campaign portance. stances. q did not depend solely on their role in raising objections to the project Conclusion whether in parliament or in the K. Ong works for a non- public arena. Although the efforts In retrospect, it is easy to comment profit think tank in KL. of these opposition politicians and point out why the no-incin- He happens to live in would have increased publicity on erator campaign in Puchong was one of the affected areas this issue and thus put public pres- a success. But things were never and accidentally bump- sure on the authorities, the re- so certain in the midst of the cam- ed into many of the peo- sources that the citizens managed paign itself. It took the guts and ple who were directly to rustle up on their own is a sign determination of a few concerned and indirectly involved that opposition politicians must residents to raise their voices and in this campaign. work that much harder to make to push the issue into the public themselves relevant to voters. arena.

Aliran Monthly : Vol.23(6) Page 26 JUSTICE Is Capital Punishment Justified? Mistakes can and have been made, and in maintaining the death sentence, innocent people will be killed by Prema Devaraj

n the US state of Illinois, we so keen on imposing the ulti- alty. the Governor recently mate sentence, so keen on sanc- III commuted the death tioning the killing of another per- Amnesty further reports that in sentences of 167 death- son through the enactment of cer- 2000, 1,457 prisoners were ex- row prisoners to life imprison- tain laws? Why, when the experi- ecuted in 28 countries and 3,058 ment instead. It was a highly con- ence and evidence from states people were sentenced to death in troversial decision. But it such as Illinois should encourage 65 countries. These figures consti- shouldn’t have been seen as sur- us to do exactly the opposite: to tute just the known cases. A break- prising. States and countries give very, very careful considera- down of these figures shows that around the world are slowly but tion to the justification and use of 88% of the executions took place increasingly abandoning the the death penalty, with a view to in China, Iran, Saudi Arabia or the death penalty as an instrument of its curtailment. USA. punishment. The Situation These are questions which have For the Governor of Illinois, the pre-occupied countries around In Malaysia decision had followed the earlier the world. And we can and should Under Malaysian law, the death pardoning of four death-row in- note that the majority of countries penalty is mandatory for some of- mates because they had, in his have actually abolished it, though fences and discretionary (the opinion, been tortured into con- there are still a substantial judge decides) for others. Table 1 fessions. Illinois had instigated a number who maintain its use, lists the offences for which the thorough review of the death pen- Malaysia among them. According sentence is a mandatory death alty three years earlier, after it was to Amnesty International, 76 coun- penalty. Table 2 lists offences for found that 13 people had been tries and territories have stopped which the death penalty is up to wrongly convicted. The whole using the death penalty com- the judge. system, it was concluded, was pletely. Fourteen countries have “haunted by the demon of error”. abolished the death penalty for all According to the National Hu- but exceptional crimes such as man Rights Commission In Malaysia, of course, the death wartime crime and 20 countries (Suhakam), 159 people are cur- penalty still exists and is still used. can be considered abolitionist in rently on death row pending ap- Indeed, people are constantly ex- practice. This means that they repeal. There are also cases of pris- horting that its use should be ex- tain the death penalty in law but oners being in jail for more than tended, constantly saying that it have not carried out any execu- 10 years after being sentenced to is the appropriate punishment for tions for the past 10 years. In other death (Malaysian Human Rights even more crimes. You will recall words, 110 countries have abol- Report 2001, SUARAM). Accord- statements made recently, for ex- ished the death penalty either in ing to the Deputy Home Minister, ample, in relation to the issue of law or practice and 85 other coun- Zainal Abidin Zin, between 1970 incest and rape. Why? Why are tries retain and use the death pen- and October 2001, 359 death sen-

Aliran Monthly : Vol.23(6) Page 27 tences were carried out. The ma- nal is the only reasonable re- families - The rights of the vic- jority were for trafficking in dan- sponse. tims are more important than gerous drugs. 2.2.2. DeterrentDeterrentDeterrent - Potential criminals the rights of the criminal. Al- will think twice before break- though the victim and the vic- So what are the arguments for and ing the law for fear of losing tim’s family cannot be restored against the death penalty? Here their life. to the status which preceded is a brief presentation of the major 3.3.3. SafetySafetySafety - Once a convicted the crime, at least an execution ones. We hope you can take this criminal is executed, we don’t brings closure to the criminal chance, whatever your persua- have to worry anymore about and closure to the ordeal for sion as to the rights and wrongs that person. There is no chance the victim’s family. of the death penalty, to review and of them escaping or getting think about the assumptions on parole or somehow coming out Many of us may sympathise with which justification for the death of jail, to repeat their crimes. at least some of these arguments. penalty is based. 4.4.4. CostCostCost - Once someone is ex- Some of us may particularly like ecuted and buried, there are no the “eye for an eye” argument. For The Death Penalty further maintenance costs to Others may justify the existence the state. and use of the death penalty on 1.1.1. RetributionRetributionRetribution - The taking of a 5.5.5. Value of human life - “It is by the basis of its acting as a deter- criminal’s life allows society to exacting the highest penalty for rent – despite the evidence to the show convincingly that certain the taking of human life that we contrary. It is hoped that the argu- crimes will not be tolerated. affirm the highest value of human ments implied in (3) and (4) above They are considered so hei- life “ (Edward Koch) are not used as the main justifica- nous that executing the crimi- 6.6.6. Justice for the victim and their tions for the taking of a human life

Table 1: Mandatory Death Penalty in Malaysia

OffenceOffenceOffence Legal Provision which provides for mandatory death penalty Trafficking in dangerous drugs Section 39(B) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 Discharging a firearm in the Commission Section 3 of the Firearms (Increased Penalties) Act 1971 of a scheduled offence Accomplices in case of discharge of firearm Section 3A of the Firearms (Increased Penalties) Act 1971 Offences in Security Areas for possession Section 57(1) of the Internal Security Act 1960 of fire-arms, ammunition and explosives Offences against the Yang di-Pertuan Section 121A of Penal Code Agong’s person Murder Section 302 of Penal Code

Table 2: Discretionary Death Penalty OffenceOffenceOffence Abduction, wrongful restraint, wrongful Section 3 of Kidnapping Act 1961 confinement for ransom (kidnapping) Consorting with person carrying or Section 58(1) of Internal Security Act 1960 having possession of arms or explosives Waging or attempting to wage war or abetting the waging of war against the Section 121 of Penal Code Yang di-Pertuan Agong, a Ruler or Yang di-Pertua Negeri

Courtesy of Sitham and Associates, Advocates & Solicitors, Penang

Aliran Monthly : Vol.23(6) Page 28 – the logic of (4) would lead us to should be more humane and state. How can we possibly jus- abolish all sorts of state expendi- holistic responses to the tify this? ture and by the way underesti- growth of (violent) crime, in- mates the actual costs involved. cluding paying attention to I would like us all to accept that root causes such as poverty the strength of the arguments of Statement (5), elevating the dis- and injustice. (1), (2) and (3) from above and cussion to a more philosophical abolish the death penalty on that plane, may be matched by a state- 2.2.2. Lack of Deterrence - The over- basis. But over and above the ment from Amnesty: “Central to whelming conclusion from philosophical arguments, it is the human rights is that they are inal- years of deterrence studies is practical administration of the ienable.... they are accorded equally that the death penalty at best death sentence which may unite to every individual regardless of sta- is no more of a deterrent than a us all against the death penalty. tus, ethnicity, religion or origin. They sentence of life in prison. Mur- Human beings are not infallible. may not be taken away from anyone ders are often committed in the Our prison and justice systems are regardless of the crimes a person has heat of the moment. Not much not infallible. Mistakes can and committed. Human rights apply to thought is given to the punish- have been made. And, in main- the worst of us as well as to the best of ment at that particular time. taining the death sentence, inno- us, which is why they are there to pro- cent people will be killed, their tect all of us. They save us from our- 3.3.3. Value of human life - Far from lives taken away, their families selves”. enhancing the value of human and loved ones as devastated as life, the death penalty lowers those of victims we seek to pro- And the increasing concern in it. It violates the belief in the tect. countries such as the USA and UK human capacity to change (i.e. about the rights of the victim, negates the principle of reha- The situation in Illinois is not ex- completely understandable, has bilitation of offenders) and re- ceptional. The Governor’s deci- also been the subject of much inforces the idea that killing is sion was greeted with relief by study. The argument that the death a reasonable response to those many campaigners against the penalty allows for “closure” is by who have wronged us. death penalty. “It is a system that no means proven; in many cases, suffers from flimsy evidence, po- it has made little difference to the 4.4.4. CostCostCost - There are costs, for ex- lice misconduct and the influence victim and/or their families and ample to maintain state of the of race”, as one of them put it. loved ones and, in some cases, art execution techniques and DNA testing has cast new doubts where there is doubt as to whether personnel and huge costs in on the reliability of old convictions the right person has been con- terms of the inevitable series of and so-called confessions of ac- victed, it only makes matters appeals through the court sys- cused criminals. As mentioned worse. tem. earlier, worry that confessions may be extracted in a way which These are matters well worth 5.5.5. UnfairnessUnfairnessUnfairness - The death penalty make them highly reliable had thinking about. They are difficult is prone to being unfairly ad- helped change the Governor from but crucial issues. Let’s attempt to ministered. Many argue that a supporter of the death penalty summarise briefly the arguments those facing capital punish- to someone who doubted its effi- against the death penalty. ment are not the worst offend- cacy. As he wrote to the victims’ ers but merely the ones who families: “I am not prepared to take Against may suffer from prejudice the risk that we may execute an inno- The Death Penalty against them (for example, rac- cent person.” ism) and/or with the fewest 1.1.1. End the Cycle of Violence - resources to defend them- In Malaysia, are we? q The death penalty only serves selves. to further brutalize society. Vengeance is a strong and 6.6.6. Chance of Error No justice * The writerwishes to thank natural emotion but the de- system is infallible. There are James Lochhead for his help mand for a life in retribution very many instances where the in preparing this article. should have no place in a civi- wrong people have been con- lized justice system. Our aim victed and killed, by us, the

Aliran Monthly : Vol.23(6) Page 29 diate ceasefire and resume negotiations to find a peaceful solution to the conflict, no matter how long and protracted they are.

2 July 2003 Endorsers: 1.Aliran 2.Suaram, Penang 3.Save Ourselves (SOS, Penang) 4.Malaysian Local Democracy Initia- tive (MALODI) 5.Women and Work- ers Independent Training Center (WIMTEC) 6.Penang Anti-ISA Net- work (PAIN) 7.DAP Socialist Youth 8.International Movement for a Just World (JUST) 9.Women’s Candi- A record of Aliran'sAliran'sAliran's stand on current affairs. dacy Initiative (WCI) 10.Women’s Development Collective (WDC) 11.Kumpulan Kemajuan Masyarakat Stop The Violence homes to escape the violence or to (KKM) 12.Malaysian Youth and In Aceh avoid arrest. Student Democratic Movement (DEMA) 13.Sisters-in-Islam (SIS) We the undersigned non-govern- Public transport and the local mental organisations are deeply economy have been badly hit, fur- National Service: concerned about the escalation of ther hurting the ordinary people. Putting The Cart violence, conflict and human There is a looming humanitarian Before The Horse rights violations in Aceh. crisis as food supplies run low. Aliran welcomes the govern- On 19 May 2003, the Indonesian We call for the immediate lifting ment’s recent retraction of the pro- Government declared Martial Law of martial law in the province Both vision in the National Service in Aceh for a period of six months, sides must protect the civilian Training law that criminalizes to be prolonged as necessary. population, and stop the arrest criticism of the legislation. This and harassment of human rights change came about after a chorus The ongoing military offensive, activists. of protests from civil society the country’s largest since the in- groups; such retraction is in keep- vasion of East Timor in 1975, is We also call for an end to the ar- ing with democratic tradition that causing civilian loss of life and the rests and detentions of civil soci- upholds criticism and dissent. destruction of Aceh’s public infra- ety members in Aceh structure. The aim is to crush the That said, we are still concerned Free Aceh Movement (GAM), but The Indonesian media have been that the bill was eventually passed already the targets have also in- curbed from reporting honestly by Parliament despite reserva- cluded civil society organizations, and critically especially news tions among the public about the students, NGOs and human about GAM. Restrictions imposed government’s rationale for intro- rights activists, many of whom on Indonesian journalists in their ducing national service and other have been arrested, killed or gone coverage of Aceh must be imme- aspects such as the curriculum into hiding. diately lifted. Humanitarian or- content, religious considerations, ganizations and journalists - both and physical safety. Numerous reports of extra-judi- foreign and local - should be al- cial killings and torture have lowed free and unfettered access Public outcry could have been emerged from Aceh since martial in Aceh. averted or anxiety appeased had law was declared. More than the government in the first place 25,000 villagers have fled their Both sides must call for an imme- consulted in all seriousness and

Aliran Monthly : Vol.23(6) Page 30 sincerity various stakeholders in of globalisation. If anything, it government might not appreciate society. Legislation like this, mocks the government itself. such dissent, we need students which has far-reaching political, and other citizens who dare to financial and social implications Aliran Executive Committee question the common wisdom. requires a healthy debate and se- 2 July 2003 rious deliberations from all par- We therefore call upon the univer- ties concerned - not just students, Don’t Disrupt sity authorities to reinstate these who are the potential recruits. The ISA 7’s Studies students so that their education will not be unnecessarily dis- For meaningful debate to take Aliran calls upon the government rupted. place, a steady flow of adequate – in particular the local universi- information – not in dribs and ties concerned – to allow the seven Aliran Executive Committee drabs as dished out by the Defence university students (dubbed the 4 July 2003 Ministry – is essential to generate “ISA 7”) who were detained for well-informed, objective and alleged illegal assembly to con- Show Compassion meaningful public discussion. tinue their studies pending their trial. Aliran is deeply disturbed by What is equally worrying is that Education Minister Musa citizens are generally not given The students have been subjected Mohamed’s insistence that the so- the public space to air their griev- to gross injustice when their only called “ISA 7” students should ances through the mainstream ‘crime’ was that they happened apologise for their alleged partici- media to allow for various views to be be present during a demon- pation in an anti-ISA demonstra- to emerge and flourish. It should stration to protest against the use tion in June 2001 before he can be pointed out the mainstream of the harsh Internal Security Act. revoke their suspension. media, by and large, only highlighted views that supported the The students may have actually Musa’s stipulation was made in national service scheme. displayed a high degree of social response to civil society calls for and political awareness - an es- the seven students to be allowed The Defence Minister’s assurance sential prerequisite for all future to continue their university stud- that public feedback would still leaders and intellectuals. Though ies pending trial. be welcomed after the enactment the university authorities might is like putting the cart before the not like such independent think- This ministerial precondition is horse. The feedback should have ing, they should at least wait un- tantamount to compelling the stu- been sought before the law was til the court trial instead of pre- dents to admit guilt even before enacted. judging the students. the court delivers its judgment. This, we believe, is unjust and It is unacceptable that the govern- Overzealous actions on the part prejudicial to their case and goes ment tolerates public commentar- of the university authorities only against natural justice. ies only on the implementation of reinforce the suspicion that they a policy, but not to assist the for- do the bidding of the ruling party The Education Ministry should mulation of the very policy itself. instead of taking a more independ- not be too quick to find them Such an attitude on the part of the ent line. guilty. He should remember that government is downright patron- some of the most succesful people ising as it implies that the public This has serious implications for today including those in govern- does not have the capacity to the pursuit of truth, which is of- ment and those running our uni- think, let alone the right to reflect. ten sacrificed to protect the vested versities were once also involved interests of the ruling elite. This in demonstrations against one Tokenism of this nature doesn’t episode also illustrates the thing or another. We recall espe- contribute to the government’s univeristy authorities’ inability to cially the student protests over purported desire to build a soci- appreciate the value of debate and Baling in 1974. Yet even when ety that is caring and intellectu- dissent on and off campus. those students were arrested back ally robust, especially in the wake Though the Barisan Nasional then, the universities did not take

Aliran Monthly : Vol.23(6) Page 31 action against them. gard for the public’s right to pri- Such a practice should be out- vacy of communication. It also lawed. It should also be an offence We therefore call on the honour- smacks of Internet censorship, for the media to publicise such able minister to exercise compas- which the Mahathir administra- political bribery during the cam- sion so that the students will not tion had vowed not to carry out. paign. have to endure unnecessary hard- ship and disruption to their stud- If this so-called Internet monitor- It is disturbing that the EC should ies merely based on suspicion. He ing was triggered by concern for be so concerned about dissenting should approach the issue intel- ‘sensitive issues’ on the Internet, views on the Internet when it lectually instead of seeking a then it is imperative for the EC to doesn’t seem to display the same forced apology. clearly spell out what is meant by concern for the unethical practices ‘sensitive’. Our recent past shows that we often see in the mainstream Aliran Executive Committee that this term can often mean any- media and elsewhere during elec- 13 July 2003. thing and everything including tion campaigns. If the Commis- issues not related to national se- sion is really honest about its in- “Internet Monitoring” curity. Issues that threaten the rul- tentions, it should focus its efforts For Whose Benefit? ing coalition’s grip on power may in ensuring fair and ethical cam- also be considered ‘sensitive’. paigning on a level playing field. Aliran views with deep concern the Election Commission’s inten- If the Commission is truly commit- Dr. Mustafa K. Anuar & Anil Netto tion to monitor the Internet in the ted to fair and healthy electoral Coordinators forthcoming general election. contests, it should monitor the Charter2000-Aliran This proposed monitoring in col- mainstream media. In previous 17 July 2003 laboration with the Energy, Com- general elections, they have re- munications and Multimedia sorted to unethical and unprofes- Why Did The Police Ministry could jeopardise the sional one-sided coverage of elec- Frustrate The Anti-VAW Commission’s integrity and lead tion campaigns. State-run televi- Gathering? to conflict of interest. sion stations - which are actually public property held in trust - Aliran condemns the authorities The Internet serves as a popular should not be abused for partisan for frustrating the All Women’s ‘last frontier’ for the Opposition campaigning. There is a distinc- Action Society’s efforts to hold a and government critics who often tion between property owned by public gathering to protest the ris- have little access to the main- the state and property owned by ing tide of rape and violence stream media especially in the the Barisan Nasional. RTM1 and against women. run-up to the elections. Denied RTM2 do not belong to the Barisan such access, they use the Internet Nasional. In the wake of the Canny Ong to transmit their views quickly to rape-murder case and the una- the public to counter the Barisan The Commission would also do bated spate of cases involving vio- Nasional’s propaganda. Malaysians a great service by en- lence against women, AWAM’s forcing a limit to the expenditure efforts should have been ap- We therefore wonder whether the incurred by the respective politi- plauded. In fact, thinking Commission’s move is aimed at cal parties and not just by indi- Malaysians would have expected not only curbing opposition cam- vidual candidates. This would go the police to have co-operated in paigning but also further restrict- a long way in curbing money poli- this public endeavour to fight such ing the legitimate sharing of vital tics. It should remind contesting crimes. information among Malaysians parties that a caretaker govern- who are concerned about democ- ment during a general election Instead, the authorities last week racy and their right to information. campaign period does not have rejected AWAM’s initial attempt the moral authority or the politi- to organise an outdoor march Moreover, the authorities’ so- cal legitimacy to offer ‘develop- from Bangsar Shopping Complex called monitoring of e-mails actu- mental goodies’ to the voters in to nearby Bangsar Baru. The or- ally constitutes a blatant disre- the weeks leading to the election. ganisers were forced to relocate

Aliran Monthly : Vol.23(6) Page 32 the event indoors at the Mid-Val- police can allow a May Day out- they lack compassion and are gen- ley Exhibition Centre on Sunday. door gathering at Dataran Merdeka der-insensitive. A peaceful public But when they applied for a per- organised by grassroots groups, demonstration would have mit, they were given the run- why can’t they allow the women’s shown that society is fully behind around by the venue owners and groups to organise a gathering? In the police in condemning and the police, each insisting that the spite of the police apprehension combating these crimes and that other’s approval was required before the May Day gathering, they the community stands in solidar- first. were pleasantly surprised that the ity with the victims of violence gathering was so orderly and re- and their families. It is absurd for the police to insist sponsible and even complimented that the venue owner’s approval the organisers. Are we to conclude that the au- for an indoor gathering is neces- thorities are worried that allow- sary before a police permit can be We want to know the real reason ing such gatherings would mean issued to the organisers. The po- why the police blocked this gath- giving in to the people’s demand lice should know very well that ering. It sends a wrong signal to for more democratic space and venue owners are only willing to the perpetrators of violence recognising their right to assem- give permission to the organisers against women. If ‘national secu- ble peacefully? Aliran calls on the when a police permit is produced. rity’ is the reason for the permit relevant authorities to reconsider This refusal to allow a gathering rejection, we have to ask how a their decision. To do otherwise creates grave doubt as to whether peaceful gathering of this nature would be tantamount to under- the police are really serious about could tear society asunder. mining the public’s right to free- asking the public to co-operate in dom of expression and security. fighting crime. It appears that it is In a supposedly caring society, the police who are unwilling to one would have expected the au- Dr. Mustafa K. Anuar co-operate with the public. thorities to give full and uncondi- Asst. Secretary tional backing to the gathering Aliran Why was permission denied? If the instead of leading us to believe that 21 July 2003

New Sunday Times: June 29, 2003

Sunday Star: June 29, 2003

.... very laudable indeed! From Aesop's Fables ... The Crab And Its Mother “Why do you walk so crooked, child?” said an old crab to her young one. “Walk straight!” “Mother,” the young crab replied, “show me the way and when I see you moving straight ahead, I'll try to follow.” Moral: Actions speak louder than words.

Aliran Monthly : Vol.23(6) Page 33 Ode to the Penang Ring Road

by Richard Jones

It seems that those we voted for, In various select locations, don’t listen to us any more. but will not publish valuations!

Once elevated to great rank, Secondly, Yes. Snakes Alive! they quite forget who they must thank. We’re going to give them Gurney Drive.

Instead of list’ning to our pleading, Thirdly, Toll paid by the users”. they spend their time on highways, speeding. But they are not the only losers.

Although they’re often caught and fined, As anyone with any sense, their answer is: “Oh never mind, can tell you, many residents

Our work is most important so, Of houses near the route may well, no-one can tell us to go slow.” find their new life a noisy hell.

It’s when they get back to Penang, And those on hillsides may, besides, they find that speeding’s not senang lose all they have due to landslides.

They’re caught up in the traffic when, And those who have, so stupidly, they have to wait like common men. bought property close to the sea,

So, “How can we avoid this load? Will find, when they wake up one day, We’ll build ourselves a new Ring Road! the sea is half a mile away.

Then we can zoom from coast to coast, And where young lovers used to sigh and see which one can speed the most. Has now been renamed “Gurney Dry”.

Anf if this damages our car we, And those who now so peacefully, can trade-in for a new Ferrari. rest in the Christian cemetery,

It’s true this road will cost a lot, Will hear the excavator near, but we’re not worried, not a jot. (for excavating them, we fear).

The contract’s not put up to offers, But Penangites do not despair, but passed to friends with ample coffers. we have not finished this affair.

We have three ways to pay for it. Let every voter have his say, Let us explain this, bit by bit. upon the next elections day!

Firstly, you must understand, And if they think this deal a phony we’ll give them many plots of land, It means the end of “Jalan Crony”.

Aliran Monthly : Vol.23(6) Page 34 “LIBERATE YOUR MIND” Continued from page 40 known private Islamic school in the whole world that the highest matter; what I do is what I believe Kuala Lumpur , he was deeply body, the Advisory Board, had in,” recalled Tian. involved in human resources de- recommended our release.” velopment and missionary work. What makes the ISA so effective is He said it was important to have the fear of surveillance by the Spe- During the height of reformasi, it a group of human rights lawyers cial Branch and the indefinite was Saari who succeeded in mo- exposed to court proceedings re- duration of the detention. But bilising huge crowds to mammoth lating to such cases. They could more torturous than the actual gatherings around the capital. (“I focus on arrests and handle cases length of detention, observed believe in my democratic right to involving OKTs (Orang Kena Tian, was the process of appeal have peaceful demonstrations,” Tuduh or accused persons), and and review. whether big or small, he declared.) Tahanan Politik Reformasi (reformasi detainees). It was the The former labour activist said he “There is no freedom as long as reformasi activists’ clear affida- was grateful to the detainees of the ISA is around,” he said som- vits that brought about victory in the past who had struggled for brely, as his wife Aliza Jaffar the Federal Court last year, he small improvements in the condi- looked on from the front row just noted. tions of detention, such as im- a couple of metres away. Aliza was provements in the menu. As for among the wives of detainees who Torturous Appeal the campaign to secure their re- had campaigned tirelessly and lease, “we knew people outside fearlessly for their release and The scrawn- looking but indomi- were fighting for us; it made us proved to be thorns in the side of table Tian Chua, a Suaram activist- feel strong and courageous,” he the Mahathir administration. turned-KeADILan vice-president, said. was up next. Beaming, he said that Saari said his loss of freedom only he had actually been preparing for Indeed, said Tian, the anti-ISA spurred him to fight to regain it. a longer quieter spell in detention campaign to secure the detainees’ “My strategy was to write book in sharp contrast to the gruelling release has gained worldwide rec- after book until I was released – campaign schedule they had em- ognition. “We should not let this reverse psychology,” he said. “I barked on since their release. “Now momentum die down,” he urged. wanted to be released as soon as all my plans (for a less stressful life) “Let’s work hard to remove these possible.” Indeed, Saari churned are spoilt, thanks to you people,” unfair laws." out a steady stream of books de- he said, tongue firmly in cheek, in scribing in vivid detail his inter- an indirect expression of apprecia- The Enemy rogation ordeal. tion to those on the outside who Is Your Mind had campaigned hard for the de- According to him, the authorities tainees’ release. During the question-and-answer must have got so fed up with his session that followed, the detain- revelations of what went on dur- Tian said the initial 60-day inter- ees provided a glimpse of what it ing interrogation that they de- rogation period was the toughest. was like being in detention, cut off cided it would be better to release “They are out to destroy and de- from the outside world. “The en- him. “They have no more stories base whatever you believe in – emy in the first 60 days is yourself because I have exposed all their your principles, your friends.” – your mind,” recalled Hisham. stories,” he quipped. The whole thing was about the collecting of information. He told the audience there was a Saari noted that former Anti-Cor- library in Kamunting that was as ruption Agency director-general He said his interrogators even told big as the Aliran kitchen (if you Ahmad Zaki, who headed the ISA him: “Saari is a fanatic; his house have seen the Aliran kitchen, you Advisory Board that reviews de- has no television.” would know it must have been tention cases, had done enough one small library!). It was stocked to propose their release. “We told “My response was: ‘It doesn’t with old, obscure books – “lots of

Aliran Monthly : Vol.23(6) Page 35 books on Islam, some on Christi- tually linked to Islamic religious election in 1999, it was replaced anity and Buddhism.” schools (SAR). before long in 2001 by the Abol- ish ISA Movement (GMI), made Some of the detention centre re- Making A Choice up of 83 civil society groups. What strictions were as mind-boggling was lacking now in the campaign as they were petty. He recalled the Someone from the audience was focus, he suggested. time when his sister brought eight wanted to know who was respon- pods of petai (a fetid jungle bean sible for the reformasi detainees’ We Will Prevail that can be chewed) for him. But release – Mahathir or his deputy, the camp authorities only allowed Abdullah Badawi, who is also Hisham, who believes strongly in two pods to be handed over. Home Minister? a democratic, secular state, then “They have this power over you,” urged the audience “to collect our he said in disgust. “What's the dif- The answer to that, said Hisham, small victories and consolidate ference between 8 and 2? There’s was not important. What was im- them” in the near future. a lot of this power trip.” portant was pressure was mount- ing. “That was what gave us back In paying tribute to the three ex- Hisham recalled his conversation our freedom.” He refuted claims detainees, Aliran president P with a police officer who tried to that under the Mahathir admin- Ramakrishnan noted that Dr persuade him to accept his fate. istration, no ISA detainee had been Mahathir may have “robbed them “‘It is the will of Allah,’ the officer detained for more than two years, of their freedom, but (he has) failed told me…But then I saw Abdullah pointing out that the Al-Maunah to crush their spirit.” Badawi’s signature on the paper detainees had already spent in front of him.” about three years in detention. Rama also pledged that the larger nobler struggle to restore our hu- Saari in turn described the disori- On a more philosophical note, man rights would continue. “I entation in recording the passage Hisham reminded the audience have no doubt that with your help of time that the detainees experi- that everyone has to make a choice and God’s blessing, we will pre- enced. They had creative ways of between right and wrong in life. vail.” overcoming this. In his case, he “I hope everyone will make a would gauge the passage of time choice to make society a better Ong Beng Keong, coordinator of the from the remaining length of a place,” he said, “We are free Penang Anti-ISA Network, which smouldering mosquito coil nearby. agents – free to make a choice: for along with Aliran and Suaram right or wrong.” A free individual, Penang jointly organised this Tian reiterated the importance of he said, was more important than event, observed that there were continuing the anti-ISA campaign individual freedom. many ways of bringing about to get the remaining ISA detain- change – as unaffiliated individu- ees released. He spoke of the im- Prema enquired how it was pos- als (like Hisham), through politi- portance of providing the public sible to make a change when some cal parties (Tian) and through Is- with more information about people were even afraid to attend lamic movements (Saari). “If you those detainees. “People know an Aliran gathering. “You have to are doing anything positive, please our faces – but a lot of the other struggle within yourself,” replied continue.” Suaram Penang’s Choo detainees are faceless,” he said, Hisham. “You have to break this Chon Kai then presented souvenirs pointing out that their back- fear.” to the speakers. grounds were largely unknown. Saari for his part praised the anti- It was an inspiring night. Many Referring to the alleged ISA campaign, which he said was went home deeply moved and Kumpulan Militan Malaysia able to sustain itself for two years. encouraged that the trio's spir- (KMM) and Jemaah Islamiah (JI) “It is a good success,” he said. its were unbroken and with militants now in detention, Even though Gerak, the initial Hisham’s reminder about liber- Hisham said one has to take a anti-ISA alliance between opposi- ating our minds and wiping out principled stand: “Bring them to tion political parties and non- fear ringing in our ears. The trial.” Saari for his part noted that governmental organisations fal- struggle will go on and we some of these detainees were ac- tered due to the oncoming general WILL prevail.q

Aliran Monthly : Vol.23(6) Page 36 Even a school child knows that the Mongols were not European. Genghis Khan, founded an empire which stretched as far as China across to Europe. The Mongol colonisers were by all accounts brutal and greedy. They wantonly murdered hapless innocents, torched and destroyed remarkable cities which they conquered. They had no respect for learning, sci- ence or universally accepted civi- lised values. Baghdad in the 12th century was a great cosmopolitan capital and a world centre of learning. It had thriving Jewish, Christian and Muslim communi- Letters must not exceed 250 words and must include the writer's ties. The Mongols razed Baghdad name and address. Pseudonyms may be used. Send letters to : to the ground including emptying Editor, ALIRAN MONTHLY, 103, Medan Penaga, 11600 Penang, the libraries of books and throw- Malaysia or e-mail to : [email protected] Views ing them into the Tigris. A local expressed need not reflect those of Aliran. If you are sending chronicler commented that the riv- by e-mail please include your message in the e-mail body itself. ers were stained black with ink We do not open attachments to avoid viruses. from the millions of books which were dumped into them.

Great Read Clearly then, colonisation is not a peculiarly western phenomenon Stephanie Bastian’s “An Embar- or predilection as claimed by rassment for the State - Act now to Mahathir. Non-Europeans, in- wipe out custodial violence” cluding those who happen to be (Aliran Monthly, Issue 23:4) was Muslim, also have a history of co- an excellent read. lonialism, subjugation and cultural imperialism not to mention Radha genocide. In recent times, in a bid to cleanse Cambodia of ‘western Mahathir’s Ridiculous cultural imperialism’ the infa- Diatribe mous Pol Pot embarked on a geno- cidal social engineering pro- Mahathir’s diatribe against the gramme which left at least 2 mil- West at the recent UMNO con- lion Cambodians dead. If Mahathir just looked into his ference is patently ridiculous, ing his grip in more ways than backyard, he will realise a Mus- which begs the question one. It was sad to witness him lim regional superpower, Indone- whether our beloved prime min- talking like an uneducated man sia, invaded East Timor in 1975 ister is showing signs of cogni- and in a manner totally inimi- and colonised it until recently. tive impairment. Rather than cal to that of a man who projects The local population, who were berating him for the ludicrous himself as a ‘world leader’. His predominantly Christian, resisted statements he made about the speech made him sound like a the occupation but this was bru- European race, one should feel racist bigot who contradicted tally suppressed by the Indone- pity for a man who is clearly los- himself at every turn.

Aliran Monthly : Vol.23(6) Page 37 sian army. It is estimated that I don’t need a reply, but just think try to be called Bahagian Hal about 300,000 innocent people what you would do if you were Ehwal Dalaman Kepolisian (more died either due to genocide and torn with problems and had life- or less the same level as Internal starvation as a result of the Indo- death power over another human Affairs Division enforced in all nesian conquest. Not a whisper being - because the taste of power police organizations in the re- of protest from a man who calls ‘a can blind you from your true pur- spective states, counties and cit- spade a spade’. pose as a man of the Law . No one ies in the United States). Perhaps, is a above the LAW sounds a little this system may uphold the rights The American intervention in bit hillarious in our days. of the interrogators and the sus- Iraq, which ousted the murderous pects as well. This may deter any and evil Saddam regime which so Ciprian Cucu physical abuse of authority and vexed Mahathir, is a picnic by could look into cases of custodial comparison in terms of innocent Universities Or violence. lives lost. The world knows that Private Colleges? Mahathir supported Suharto right Syariff Masyhur to the end. Indeed, a human rights It was very interesting reading the conference on East Timor which analysis by Molly Lee on Educa- Appalling was held in Kuala Lumpur, was tion in Crisis but I was wonder- Behaviour violently disrupted by UMNO ing how you would rate the uni- thugs with the approval of versities and the private colleges With regard to the ISA, it is sad to Mahathir, as he did not want to in comparison? What are the dif- see such appalling behaviour: the embarrass Suharto. ferences, which offer better qual- authorities beating detainees. But, ity, which provide you with a bet- as they say, what goes round will Malaysiarista ter chances to join the labour mar- come round. ket? I’ve heard very different opin- Power Can ions about it, and it would cer- K. Nayar Blind The Police tainly help to have a more pro- found statement. Christmas For Anwar? Even if we trust the police task force, we must remember that man Rene I was moved by your story but feel is only an animal, but smarter. rather awkward that you high- And each and every animal has Custodial Violence lighted and seemed more concern violent instincts, impulses. When that Anwar will be missing Christ- you give a man a badge, a baton, a My suggestion is to set up a spe- mas. So are you saying that the gun and full rights and even an cial division in the Home Minis- celebration is the most important Association, the Police, he no for all you people? This reflects longer feels insecure about letting negatively, since your name is Raja out the rage and violence within. Petra Kamaruddin. I can forgive I think that policemen have a hard Semenanjung Malaysian for not life, that slowly supresses their hu- knowing that there is no such man senses and transforms them thing as royalty in Sarawak, into wild beasts. My opinion is though Sarawak has been in Ma- that in a perfect world, policemen laysia for forty years. But forgive wouldn’t be allowed to use torture me, if I don’t know that you and as a mean of “solving” crimes and Anwar are in fact celebrating stuff, BUT in a perfect world we Christmas, and are looking for- would not need the police task ward to it for gifts. force, would we? I’m a Romanian, but the “custom” and “rituals” of Abdul Hakim Bujang, police are alike, almost identhical. Kuching

Aliran Monthly : Vol.23(6) Page 38 Appreciating all races the meaning and spirit own work a book titled, ‘Mei 13 The Tunku of a nation which just got her in- Sebelum dan Selepas’. Most true dependence. A man who started patriots of Malaysia know how negotiations for independence in important it was that this man 1955 and finally achieved inde- struggled and fought for his coun- pendence on 31 August 1957, try’s independence without sac- ‘God Bless that Man’s Soul’, the rificing any of its people - whereas late Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra other commonwealth countries Al- Haj. If he were alive today, he had to suffer tremendous losses would have celebrated his 100th of their people such as India, birthday in February 2003. What China and South Africa just to were you all doing on that day? name a few.

There were many true patriots of How could you justify your this nation who remembered his claims for making him insignifi- birthday and they had a special cant to this nation’s history? How prayer for him on that very same could one justify the approval in day at their respective temples removing the Tunku’s statue, and churches. Mr. Prime Minister, which was left in his loving They say the time has come for all you even lamented that not much memory at our Parliament Malaysians to write their feeling has been written on the country’s grounds? The excuse is that it’s of appreciation and sense of grati- history, citing an example of how not Islamic? Even Tunku said in tude towards you, Prime Minister you had urged several historians his book, ‘K. Das & The Tunku Dr Mahathir Mohamad.A man to ask about Tunku Abdul Tapes’: “As for Malaysia, there that brought for us an interna- Rahman Putra Al- Haj's experi- was no point in pretending she tional event to this country like the ence when the Father of Inde- will become an Islamic state now Formula One, a man that practi- pendence was still alive but no or in the near future. People, not cally made Malaysia recognized concrete efforts were made to ad- states, must choose on their own throughout the developed world dress this issue. to become Muslims, and it is en- and being a leader and a mentor tirely up to the people to choose.” for the developing nations. Dear Mr. Prime Minister, have you forgotten about your past? Don’t ”People must never be made into Your achievements are beyond you remember, a good friend of the Muslims by any authority in the words, but they also say that the Tunku, a fellow traveller, fighter world. People have to convert on time has come for you to step down for truth and a formidable their own free will, never by this October. I’m proud of what Malaysian writer who’s simply force.” you did Mr. Prime Minister when known as K. Das. A man if not for you launched a book written by his work we would not have had Malaysia is a multi-racial society Datuk Mohamed Abid on Datuk THE TUNKU’S AUTHORISED BI- and being a part of the Common- Onn Jaafar titled, ‘Reflections of OGRAPHY which was the wealth, we also practise Democ- Pre-Independence Malaya’. In the Tunku's last work and personal racy and we must abide by our na- ‘people’s paper’ Mr. Prime Min- interview with K. Das. tion’s Constitution, which was ister you said that ‘the younger founded by the late Tunku. generation must learn lessons Compiled and edited by Kua Kia from the struggle to gain inde- Soong, ‘K. Das & The Tunku Tapes’ In the end, all I’m asking is for you pendence in order to be able to de- is a must-have book for all the Father of Modern Malaysia, to fend their heritage’. Malaysians because it’s practi- restore the true meaning of this na- cally Tunku’s final work before he tion’s independence for her peo- Have you forgotten Mr. Prime departed from his fellow people ple and its founding Constitution, Minister about the very man who of this newly founded nation of which was proclaimed by the gave this wonderful and blessed independence for good. Another Tunku. nation and to all her people not book which has gone unnoticed exclusively to just one race but to under your nose is the Tunku’s T.A.R. Vijaya@ the Patriot

Aliran Monthly : Vol.23(6) Page 39 ISA “Liberate Your Mind” Newly-released reformasi activists urge Malaysians to cast out their fears and continue the anti-ISA struggle by Anil Netto

o not fear this law,” port these allegations was ever Hishamuddin Rais provided to the public nor were “D“D“D told a hushed crowd the activists ever brought to court packed inside the to face charges. Aliran office, in a reference to the dreaded Internal Security Act. Reverse Psychology “This law works if you are fearful of it. Tonight, I am asking you to The bearded Hisham, with his liberate your mind, open your trademark beret lying on the ta- mind.” ble, said the interrogation – at Hishamuddin Rais: Do not fear this law times crude and vulgar - hardly It was the first time that many in touched on national security. In- the 100-odd audience were meet- stead, it dwelled a lot on his per- ing Hisham, Tian Chua and Saari sonal life including his sexuality. Sungib, who were among six re- Harsh and relentless, the interro- cently released reformasi activists. gation took its toll. “When I broke The three received rousing ap- down, it’s because behind this plause before the start of the Aliran façade of ‘Malaysia Boleh’, there dinner-talk on 11 July 2003 – an is this brutality to other detain- event moderated by Aliran exco ees.” member Prema Devaraj. He now lives in the knowledge The trio were freed from the that Big Brother is watching ‘every Kamunting Detention Camp on 1- move he makes’ (to paraphrase Saari Sungib: There is no freedom as long 3 June 2003. They had been ar- that line from the hit Sting song). as the ISA is around rested under the ISA, which al- “I know that everywhere I go they lows indefinite detention without follow me, so I am the most secure trial, on 10 April 2001. person in Malaysia,” he said, with an impish grin. Back then, Inspector General of Po- lice Norian Mai accused the ac- Nonetheless, he urged the crowd tivists of involvement in a militant not to have fear. “You just stay plot to topple the government. strong and do your thing.” They were alleged to have taken steps to obtain explosives includ- Saari Sungib, the founder presi- ing bombs and grenade launch- dent of Jamaah Islah Malaysia ers and were said to be resorting (JIM)for about a decade, rose to to the use of Molotov cocktails and speak next. Founder and Chair- Tian Chua: Let’s work hard to remove other dangerous objects to create man of the board of management these unfair laws disturbances during street dem- of the Al-Amin Islamic primary onstrations. No evidence to sup- and secondary school, a well- Continued on page 35

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