UMNO's survival now appears to be linked to the survival of big corporate conglomerates.

&y Dr Maznah Mohamad

lying for) is money. ._I Events ofthe past months may .have aroused :raging While the politics of monc" ,qtJ(!St.ions about the durability of Dr Mahathir ~s reigns high within the party, ib premiership. D<'epcr than this perhaps, is the ques• original dictum of "Ketuanan Melayu" (Malay supre"':"lacy) :lion of the survival of fhe par.ty he controls. Can· rings increasingly hollow to the UMNO, which has virtually become undifferentiated Malay masses. U\L~O leaders from the stJtc and whic:h I1<1S ruled the country since are not in step with the "other" independence, continue 1to form the govemme.nt; att side of development. The party is marginalising many group::. of iufiui.tum? "disenfranchised" Malays who are the victims of ... kewed devel­ opment. UMNO !.~der~ · recur­ hen UMNO was de­ UMNO, the party, is in great tur­ ring resort to "\i,h.! ia\•ellian and clared iJJegal in 1988, moil, again. dirty tactics for political 5UI"'wal many took it as the sur­ is leaving a moral legacy that is est sign of its eventual However, the fear among many full of holes. It i ... aL'O lea\'ing a demise. It did not happen. people of UMNO ever breaking­ gaping leadership credibility UMNO did not vanish because of up is being allayed by their trust gap. judicial intervention. It was re­ in Dr Mahathir. There is nothing born as UMNO Baru, or "new" that he cannot fix. In fact, he, and ~ntity Crisis UMNO, but in its old cast. It was the party may even come out The party is encountering an restored to its status quo ante. more triumphant after the crisis. identity crisis. \\'hat u~~ to con­ So goes the thought. Will it work stitute the ~Way etho~, UMi\:'0- Today, the oft-echoed lamenta­ this time around? style, was couched in the attain­ tion of "money politics" as being ment of economic parity, politi­ UMNO's bane is louder. Umrni To get an idea, let's look at some cal one-upJllafuhip and the reli­ Hafilda, key witness in the aspects of UMNO's less bright gious high ground. Democracy, Anwar lbrahim trial, even went side. To begin with the party human righb, and the rule-of­ as far as, it appeared, slandering lacks renewed idealism. Its mem­ law were shunted aside as incon­ and breaking up her own family, bership is elicited among social veniences obstructing the process all to "save" UMNO, the party. climbers with corporate ambi­ of Mala\' advancement. The party president even half-se­ tions, rather than among those riously suggested that nothing with a commitment to a cause. As Today, without doubt, what was short of his hvin could fill his some would see it, in UMNO, the touted a' the Malay ethos is un­ shoes. All of these signal that only cause worth dying for (or dergoing a :,hakedown. For one

Aliran Monthly January 1999: 19(1 ) Page 2 justice And Common Desllny Human Rights Message 27 Human Rights Evaluation 30 Reformation In Penang 38

15 ALIRAN'S HOMEPAGE 19 http://www.moloysio.net/oliran 25

Printed by RP Print..,.. Sdn. Bhd. 37 116, 68 I< 70 Jol.an Air IUm 10400 Puuo Pilung.Mal.tysiL 40 Ttl : 604 • 21655C6 Fu: 604 ·2271164

Published by Aliran Kesedaran Negara (ALIRAN) 103, Medan Penag2, 11600 Jelutong.. l'enllng. Miliys1L Tel : (04) 658 5251 fliX: (04) 658 5197

Ali ron Monthly Jonuory 1999: 19(1) Page 3 thing, economic parity per se can­ ful agenda is related to its disdain was circumscribed. Witness the not be upheld under conctitions for counter-pointing youthful banning of the Al-Arqam influ­ of the shrinking pie. For another, voices. Since the early 1970s, ence on campus. We may recall the religious high ground is be­ UMNO has not been able to tap that during the pre-UUCA days ing forced to take on a more prag­ into the energies of youth. This the lively proclamation of com­ matic dimension. The infustice was the result of the backlash of peting ideological postures was that was apparent in the hand ling policies put into place to tame the one of the healthy features of of the Anwar Ibrahim issue has restlessness of students and campus life. become too transparent to ignore. young dissidents. Students were Hence, the ideas of judicial inde­ forced to disengage from politics Today, twenty-one year olds at pendence, due process of law, after their involvement in the university - old enough to and human rights have almost peasant uprising of 1974. The choose their go\'ernment- are overnight struck a chord with uprising, which was partly stu­ muzzled from talking and large sectors of the Malay com­ dent-led, shook the then regime thinking politics. As for wear­ munity. so badly, that to prevent the re­ ing their political colours on peat of any show of student their sleeves, that is strictly off­ When Anwar Ibrahim was dis­ power, the University and Uni­ limits. One cannot imagine how plissed on moral grounds, the versity Colleges' Act (UUCA) sterile the campus environment party president (being too much was crafted for use. It was tabled can be these days. of a moderniser) was out of touch by the then Education Minister, with the existence of an ancient Dr Mahathir Mohamad. Small wonder that most political Malay social covenant: a ruler parties today lack any cogent should never resort to the ploy of The legislation has become so sense of idealism or imagination. shaming a subject (memberi 'nib) successful that it is now stultify­ Without some participation from lest the wrath of the Almighty is ing creativity, critical reflection spirited, incorruptible, energetic set upon the land to destroy it. and healthy "rebellion" among youths, it may be difficult for university students. Despite their political movements to renew Not once in the history of UMNO energy, time, spirit and social dis­ themselves or poljtical parties to has any prominent dissident position for engaging in vibrant be re-invented to avoid obsoles­ te:.n so publicly humiliated (as political concerns~ university stu­ cence. nwar Ibrahim has been) and dents are proscribed to a life of oved on moral grounds! Even staid and often vacuous bookish Lately, havingp-ealised that it has he case of Rahim TambyChik, pursuits. no consensus among the young Eere was no formal accusation (perhaps the crowd that had been that he had committed any moral The consequence of this is apa­ thought to thrllng the Refonnasi or criminal wrongdoing! thy and indifference towards so­ rallies}, ~0 hastily propoSed, cial issues. Those who harbour that the minimum age for ~ tfhe removal of Anwar Ibrahim any political inclinations express membership be reduced to Hi f8 the one single political event themselves surreptitiously and years. This will not amount to that has been responsible for un­ exercise self-censorship within anything since ma8l of us know leashing the many facets of perceived safety limits. During that ~alaysian children are stay­ Malay resentment. On the other the heady days of the economic ing longer in school these days. hand, the process of UMNO's boom, university students be­ Those v-•ho drop out at the age of decay had actually set in long came even less concerned about 16 must be either extremely poor before. This combination of re­ fulfilling civic duties, let alone or extremely uninterested in cent Malay mass disaffection and about contemplating meaningful school. Either way they need help a weakening party structure roles in politics. of the more basic kind rather than holds the key to how future apprenticeship into politics. As events will be shaped. Naturally, most Malay students expected, this hasty move to resorted to religion because it was tamper with figures to score Lost ldealls111 the only legitimate avenue for po­ numbers for the party did not litical expression (through the Is­ come to fruition. The proposal UMNO's lack of a single power- lam of various shades). Even this was dropped.

Ali ron Monthly January 1999: 19(1) Page 4 Memltershlp ancl sitions) are plenty of money, sin­ Those "years of consensus" Opportunism ister poison-pen letters, charac­ helped to build the stature and ter-assassination plots, in some coffers of UMNO from a party One other indicator of UMNO's cases the help of mystics (some­ protective of the Malays to a hold on power is its membership times resulting in severe fatali­ party protected by wealthy profile. From the mid-1980s on­ ties), and the use (and hence Malays. Having built itself up as wards, the factor of U'vfNO's fi­ abuse) of the instruments of the a financially formidable party, nancial omnipotence appears to state. The apex of this game of helped by the spoils of the boom­ be more successful in rallying fol­ out-chancing rivals was the un­ ing economy and privatisation lowers than its earlier more noble rivalled way that the book 50 deals, UMNO became increas­ ideology of uplifting the Malays. Dalil was produced, distributed ingly dependent for its protection Cynics equate UMNO's mono­ and pedalled as koranic truths. and enrichment upon a class of Jithic image as the undisputed That the presenl national crisis wealthy corporate Malays. champion of Malay supremacy was triggered by the issuance of with the party's ability to shore this pernicious piece of trash is Perhaps that is where the singu­ up lucrative business deals. On even more pathetic! lar role of the party in upholding the other.hand, this is intentional. Malay tdentity and concerns rrhe NEP was also specifically Several decades ago, Young ended and where its role as the aimed at creating a sizeable Turks (counting Mahathir among defender of a specific class inter­ Malay business class. them) rebelled against the old est began. UMNO's survival guards in UMNO and demanded now appears to be linked to the ~ost of the high-profile members swift implementation of the NEP. survival of big corporate con­ of UMNO would make no bones Helped by fortuitous economic glomerates. The bailouts of some about using the party as a spring­ circumstances, the redistribution well-known companies may be board for some vested ambitions, strategy was generally tolerated seen as almost a desperate at­ primarily corporate by all races as necessary for tempt at keeping UMNO, the aggrandisement. Other profes­ achieving ethnic balance. By the party, intact. sionals, academics and dvil ser­ 1990s, the developmentalist ethos vants join UMNO because their stemming from the umiracle In the process, cracks within the ultimate self-actualisation is growth" phase allowed for some party are being exposed. Splits sought in some high-level politi­ degree of liberalisation in eco­ between the haves and have­ cal office. UMNO is the only nomic policies and education, nots, between the old elite and ~alay party that blazes a sure which pleased most of the elite the new rich, between the descen­ trail for upward mobility. of all communities. Along the dants of the illustrious families way, the ISA was used in 1987 in and the humbler classes, between evertheless, the number of the notorious Operation Lalang the secular Liberals and the reli­ ~ese political hopefuls has esca­ purportedly to diffuse ethnic ten­ gious conservatives, and between lated to such an extent that the sion. the old guards and the young playing field has become over­ turks are all coming 011t in the crowded. Due to the limited With the NEP in place, the gov­ open. Is it just a coincidence that number of positions at branch, ernment under Mahathir em­ Anwar Ibrahim and his close division, state, the supreme coun­ barked on an obsessive agenda to supporters belong to one side of cil and, finally, the cabinet level, hurriedly create a moneyed and the divide and that Mahathir and the competition J1as become powerful Malay business elite. his allies belong to the other? acute, degenerating into a "no­ The UMNO machinery was used holds-barred" kind of endgame, to the utmost to create overnight •Ketuanan Melayu" with the playing-field no longer tycoons. Even if only a handful level and any semblance of rules succeeded in becoming business The platform for Malay su­ or ethics thrown to the dogs. titans and captains of industry, premacy, "Ket uanan Melayu", the rest were quite content to be now rings hollow. No doubt, Insider gossip suggests that the relegated to the status of minions UMNO can still hammer the line only things that count in this propping up the mystique of a that it is the guardian of the game (of jockeying for party po- united game plan. Malay claim for "supremacy", or

Ali ron Monthly January 1999: 19( 1) Page 5 a nationhood based on the cause the non-Muslim majority no cultural renewal, which ties in "bumiputra" first-among-equals will not countenance the possibil­ with the vacuum in the depart­ principle. If this is declared force­ ity of an Islamic statehood. ln this ment of idealism. fully and frequently, UMNO may context, UMNO may survive still win back some of its way­ only because we have a Hobson's Credibility Gap ward Malay constituenciE!s. choice in voting for a govern­ ment. By far the most serious short­ While it may be true that the The uother Malays" term problem faced by the party battle-call of "Ketuamm Melayu'' is the widening credibility gap may not be reaching its demise UMNO's near demise could be within its leadershtp. None of the yet, the phrase needs to be re­ hastened by its indifference to the probable successors to the presi­ contextualized. If "Ketuana 11 plight of the "other Malays", an dent of the party could come Melayu" were to be carried indifference which is matched close to replicating the authorita­ through as the raison d'etre of only by its partiality towards the tive stature of Mahathir or the UMNO, it must be justified in business lobby. The number of charisma of Anwar Ibrahim. To Credible and rationaJ ways. Any Malay youths who are mired in make matters worse, Mahathir leadership of a revitalised social problems such as drug-ad­ himself pronounced publicly, as UMNO must be able to transcend diction has reached alanning pr~ a way of chastising Anwar this recourse to feudal myth­ portions. Malay youths involved Ibrahim to the utmost, that lead­ making in order to lend relevance in drug abuse problems, how­ ership suitability must hinge on to the newer demands of the ever, do not figure highly in the an impeccable moral track ~alay polity. There are really agenda of UMNO Youth. record. Critics and opponents of ~ny other outlets for seeking the party will take serious note fulfilment, salvation or refuge Similarly, that there are some of this. If moral turpitude can be without the spirit of "Ketum~an Muslim women who cannot get used, it will be used to its gutter­ Melayu" for the ordinary Malay sufficient justice from the Syariah worst, as a weapon of character m the present time. courts is not of extremely great assassination. As if it is not al­ concern to UMNO's women's ready the case! For instance, PAS as a political wing, at least not enough for the party is rightly daiming that it is party to take up the issue as its The removal of Anwar Ibrahim ~lso serving Malay interests and cause celebre. has actually made Malaysians emands. Given the present po­ realise that the country is indeed litical climate, more Malays are As for poverty, UMNO is still short of an incorruptible, morally finding PAS a better alternative trapped within the dualistic upright, intelligent, articulate, than UMNO. For them, PAS' al­ mind-set of the rural-urban di­ honest leader - a leader who is ternative of a return to Islamic vide. It has disproportionately in tune with the demands for an tun

Ali ron Monthly January 1999: 19( I) Page 6 Before the appointment of the matic upheaval of lifestyles upon scrupulously raising the spectre new Deputy Prime Minister, the a large cross-section of the Malay of political instability, unrest and situation was almost hopeless, community. One manifestation is extremism, besides denying when every single name men­ that scores have migrated to the other ci vii rights such as freedom tioned in gossip circles (from cities and adopted urban of speech and assembly for po­ Najib Tun Razak 4 to Tengku Lifestyles; they are bound to think tential contenders. It seems like Razaleigh) could only evoke differently from their forefathers. an easy formula to continue us­ comic cynicism among those try­ ing, that is, if voters want more ing hard to imagine ifany of them This new middle-class is en­ of the same. could indeed fit the bill. If they dowed with the privilege of edu­ are morally upright, they may be cation and may even visualise a However, the outwardly calm vacuous; if they are not vacuous, kind of personal and identity mood at the recent UMNO Ex­ they could be morally tainted; if change that goes beyond the traordinary General Meeting they do not have any skeletons NEP.ln opposition to the mantra (EGM) held on 13 December 1998 in their cupboards, they may sim­ of obedience and loyalty that is was not able to conceal that ply be inept or colourless at the supposed to underscore Malay "something is rotten in the state job and so on and so forth. political behaviour, the chains of of Denmark". apathy and indifference are The cabinet reshuffle is bound to slowly being broken. Whether The president's speech was not have a psychological impact this is expressed through Islam, impressive, at least not to think­ upon people. The appointment youthful rebellion, or plain intol­ ing minds. But, for a besieged of the Deputy Prime Minister and erance of injustice, these people president of a beleaguered party, the Prime Minister's relinquish­ are making their most articulate raising the spectre of foreign ment of the key portfolios of the political statement yet. domination can always be relied Finance and Home Affairs have upon as a ploy to justify the exuded confidence among many In the wake of the present politi­ party's survival. This he did, ircles. But, actually, there is cal crisis, the UMNO that used to shamelessly, to the point of il­ nothing to be elated about. writ large over the Malay sense logic. of survival is losing its appeal as Jthough Abdullah Badawi is the unequivocal saviour. Is the The UMNO EGM was predict­ smiling from ear to ear over his party addressing or responding able to the casual observer. new appointments, he has yet to to this groundswen of indignant There was no mayhem, just the :win the battle for the deputy voices? Will the present UMNO usual compliance and demon­ president's post in UMNO. At Baru make way for a newer stration of consensus among its the core of all this hype over the UMNO Baru (as some seem to delegates. All of the proposed reshuffling is the continuation of think that UMNO just needs to amendments to the constitution the same style of leadership. be reformed from the iDitde)? were approved, save for two Power is still dispensed in a neo­ innocuous proposals. The partY, feudal fashion. Short of a massive upheaval, is looking like a lost dinosaur­ UMNO can only remain inpower strong only because it is big. Its Whllller Renewal! if it does more of the same, i.e. leadership struts around like UMNO's dominance is tied to the employ its usual tricks of the the naked emperor, all the implementation of the New Eco­ trade: continue to use money while believing that it is clothed nomic Policy (NEP). Looking at politics in a massive way to buy in the finest of attire. the achievements of the NEP, we votes, manipulate the opinions of see its numerous contradictions. voters through unabashed con­ There is no one around, who is While a few personalities have trol of the media, back big busi­ not beholden to the emperor, un­ benefited from it by amassing nesses in quid pro quo deals, up­ tainted or innocent enough to enormous wealth, there are many hold the semblance of a multira­ blurt out the truth of the obser­ more who are only living off the cial image by cultivating the vation. It looks like the party will crumbsofthenewlyrich. But one other partners in the Barisan go on, perhaps even form the thing is for sure: the NEP (for bet­ Nasional coalition and simply next government, and we will ter or for worse) has forced a dra- countering the opposition by un- continue to foot its hefty bill. 0

Ali ran Monthly January 1999: 19( 1) Page 7 Shopping For Time? The cabinet reshullle is an eyewash and the appointment ol the Deputy Prime Minister a smoke-screen by D.L. Daun

he announcement by said, were both determined to Prime Minister suggests that the the Prime Minister of his occupy the number two position. worst is over and Malaysians can g new Deputy and a re­ People were surprised that now look forward to political rec­ shuffling of his cabinet Abdullah Badawi, frequently re­ onciliation and economic recov­ came as a surprise to Malaysians ferred to as a political light­ ery. As expected, those who have for many reasons. Some were weight, was chosen to be the suc­ supported the establishment feel convinced that Dr Mahathir cessor instead. However, that Mahathir's latest move has would never appoint a Deputy Abdullah Badawi's appointment already worked to defuse the for as long as he could politically still leaves the field open for a anxiety and uncertamty over the stave off the process. Appointing protracted battle, as the two other succession issue. The angst over a successor would allow an op­ "warlords" continue to wait in the impending UMNO elections, portunity for party dissidents to the wings just in case the num­ originally set for June 1999, ap­ eventually stage a "polite" ouster ber two falters. pears to have abated with the of the president. postponement of party elections, for as long as 18 months or until As long as the number two can after the general elections. Yet be seen as a Prime Minister-in­ again, a Mahathirian sleight of waiting this would be enough to hand has seemingly consolidated swing a considerable number of the party, mended its wounds, party members to his side. Com­ and apparently sealed victory in mon knowledge of Mahathir's the coming national elections. dwindling popularity would also force even more people to place How probable is the above sce­ their bets upon the new heir ap­ nario? Let's explore this further. parent. Now that such a scenario First, the recent changes have is plausible, the latest move can been merely cosmetic more likely be seen as sign of Mahathir's im­ a strategic move that has little minent exit, so goes the argu­ bearing on the end-game. Nor ment. can we presume that UMNO will be saved by the mere re-position­ Malaysians were also surprised Toeing·tht-lille will do fine ing of members within its elite by Prime Minister's choice of corp. UMNO is still a long way deputy. There were supposedly from reforming itself and the three front-runners for the post. In the first blush of Abdullah "new" leadership will ha\'e be­ Besides Abdullah Badawi, the Badawi's appointment and the fore it an unenviable agenda to names bandied about by the me­ cabinet reshuffle, the media have deal with- redeemmg the c• •un• dia and in gossip circles were been exuberant. Their optimism try from the tragicomedy of a sa­ Najib Razak and Tengku over lhe latest cabinet line-up and lacious political trial rooting out Razaleigh Hamzah who, it was the appointment of a new Deputy police incompetence and bn1tal-

Aliron Monthly January 1999: 19(1) Page 8 ity; refurbishing judicial sagacity; loyalist as Deputy Minister. This headlined her appointment as "a and rehabilitating a fallering master of machinations and one­ victory for women's rights". economy. time Anwar Ibrahim comrade-in­ Having three women as full min­ arms has been amply rewarded isters in the cabinet of 28 full min­ All of this will no doubt be a tall for his exhibition of extraordi­ isters can hardly be a sign that the order for any government Is the nary, if dubious, loyalty, consid­ leadership is being responsive to new deputy and future premier ering the number of parties he women's needs. It all has to do up to this task or even a portion has hop-scotched into. with the politics of patronage. of it? Going by his track record, Abdullah Badawi has never been As for the "promotion" of Siti Finally, the appointment of Daim a particularly dynamic politician. Zaharah from Deputy Minister in Zainuddin as the Finance Minis­ the Prime Minister's department ter only means that the Prime Now he seems to be quite con­ to Minister in the same depart­ Minister is making sure that his tent to have power thrust upon ment within one day, what can most dependable lieutenant is on him. No rough and tumble poli­ one say? On the first day, the his side. By that token the Prime ticking for Pak Lah, just plain toe­ Prime Minister completely Minister ts not ready to accede to ing-the-line will do fine. That he any demand for change espe­ happens to have a clean personal cially towards transparency and image is timely and a bonus a reversal in economic priorities. given the fallout from the Anwar His primary concerns still remain Ibrahim saga. the consolidation of big business interests; the privatization of An Utusan Malaysia columnist, more public institutions; the ob­ determined to elicit support from session to complete mega­ readers~ put it down pat when projects (from Bakun Dam to the she reeled off the "strengths" of Multimedia Super Corridor); the Badawi as being moderate, soft, relentless control of the country's clean and non-controversial; in financial coffers and the assur­ short, the man is a non-entity. ance that his grand Vision 2020 does not whittle away. With all of If one is banking one's hopes on these unfulfilled plans still in the huge changes occurring within pipeline, Mahathir will be deter­ the party in the event of a Dollah mined to be at the helm, together Tmsted finmzcinl COIIjurt>r? ascendancy in the near future, with Daim as the trusted finan­ one is bound to be disappointed. cial conjurer. With the nation and The entrenchment of the politics missed the cue about Wanita the party in their hands one can of patronage is just too deep­ UMNO needing to be appeased hardly foresee any genuine eco­ rooted in UMNO. The mild-man­ come the next general elections. nomic reforms emerging. nered Pak Lah, while responsive On the second day, he must have to all views, would be unlikely to realised that not only would a The cabinet reshuffle is an eye­ take the perilous path of over­ non-promotion be seen as a de­ wash and the appointment of the hauling UMNO's most deleteri­ motion but it would lead to a loss Deputy Prime Minister a smoke­ ous features, including unravel­ in votes. This error was corrected screen. The "new" cabinet line­ ing vested interests, and risking and the Wanita chief was over­ up is Dr Mahathir's attempt at being challenged by other con­ joyed and overcome by tears, damage-control, at repairing his tenders. never mind the Prime Minister's embattled image as the unrelent­ afterthoughts. One newspaper ing dictator, at bowing grudg­ As for the rest of the new cabinet made a mockery of it all by equat­ ingly to internal party pressure line-up,it'sanill wind that blows ing Siti Zaharah's elevation to a and, in short, at buying whatever nobody anygood. The politics of ministerial position with precious time there is to try to patronage is confirmed with the women's achievements. ln a tone turn around mounting distaste appointment of one prominent of purile excitement the paper over his leadership. 0

Ali ran Monthly January 1999: 19( 1) Page 9 Malaysia's Stand against U.S. Imperialism: Deeds not matched By Words?

tained under the ISA allegedly for espousing anti-imperialist positions, which were accused by the government of that time as being pro-Communist. I would like to find out the truth. Why is it very often your actions are not consistent with your words, Datuk Seri?

On 24 April 1984, you, as Prime Minister, and Casper Weinberger, the then US De­ Why is il very often your actions nr1• no/ COIISistent with your word:;, Datuk Seri? fence Secretary, signed a de­ fence agreement between ~a­ laysia and the US. You have never wanted to be open ust as anticipated by country warning about the about this agreement or of its g many, following the dangers of neo-colonialism contents, even in Parliament. speech by the United from the West, in particular Sources say that, according to States Vice- President AI Gore, the US. Neo-colonialism this agreement, \1aJaysia many government leaders as manifests itself in economic, agreed, among others, to al­ well as media controlled by military and cultural domina­ low US war planes and ships your governing parties have tion. Your speeches have at­ access to Malaysian bases and been crowing loudly to pro­ tracted several Third World to hold regular joint military claim that they are all opposed countries. Many in our coun­ training. to and refn!'E> to kneel before try regard you as a hero. I foreign powers. Syabas! You, myself have been attracted by A few days ago, on 25 i':ovem­ Datuk Seri, as well as follow­ your warnings regarding the ber 1998, UtusanMalaysia and ers and media closely associ­ dangers of imperialism and several other local newspa­ ated to you, have taken full neo-colonialism. pers published news of a re­ advantage of the speech to dis­ cent report issued by the Pen­ credit the reformasi movement Parti Rakyat Malaysia itself tagon, the US defence and in­ and to mobilise public support feels happy that your speeches telligence centre, which stated for the government. often reflect what we have that the US will continue to stood for over the last 30-40 deploy about 100,000 military We have often heard you years. The difference is that personnel in the Asia-Pacific speak inside and outside the many of our leaders were de- region. The report acknowl-

Ali ron Monthly Jonuory 1999: 19( 1) Poge 10 edged that Malaysia is one of suffered starvation or illnesses encouraged large inflows of those countries that has pro­ due to a shortage of food and short term loans and portfo­ vided close co-operation and medicine. Why was it that you lio capital from overseas, facilities to the US deployment agreed to support the US in which was needed to fund of these forces, sai!)l to be nec­ this aggression, Datuk Seri? Is your mega projects and to essary for checking China and this your way of fighting nee­ expand the share market. Be­ North Korea. imperialism? We notice some fore the election in 1995, change in your attitude now, many government leaders What game are you and Ma­ but there is no use crying over were known to express pride laysia playing, Datuk Seri? spilt milk. Nevertheless, it is over the fast expansion of the Where is the moral right of the not too late for you to KL share market, which they government leaders to con­ apologise to the families of the claimed was even more im­ demn others for allegedly get­ children and innocent people pressive than that of Wall ting support from the US? In who have been sacrificed dur­ Street. fact, with this agreement, the ing and after the US cam­ government that you lead is paign. Why was it at that time you supporting, being supported were so happy to welcome by, and cooperating closely Nowadays, as a result of the speculative portfolio capital with US imperialism in its economic crisis we are faced from the US? Was it because military chess game. with, you have often blamed crony capitalists enjoyed great foreign speculators, who have opportunity to reap huge In 1990, the US launched a been driven by greed for huge profits from speculationin the military campaign against profits, such as George Soros, share market? The inflow of Iraq. Before launching its at­ as the main cause of the crisis. portfolio capital as well as tack, the US tried to mobilise Don't we all know that for a speculation in the share mar­ support within the UN Secu­ long time Malaysia has been ket are certainly associated rity Council for its Tesolution pursuing a policy of attracting with the economic activities of to permit the campaign. Ini­ foreign capital? Consistent the global capitalist centres, tially, the Malaysian represen­ with this policy, Malaysia especially the US. tative there appeared to be gives tax exemption to pioneer taking a principled stand industries, prohibits Why was it you were then also against it. But when voting unionisation in the electronics very enthusiastic about came, he voted in support of industry, and offers low wages globalisation and the free mar­ the US resolution. ln other for labour. You, Datuk Seri, ket, which are actually exten­ words, Malaysia joined hands have further strengthened this sions of imperialism? Why is to give her blessing to the sub­ policy. it only now you are angry sequent military aggression with the foreign speculators, against Iraq. What happened? Undoubtedly we need to Datuk Seri? You say that the Is it true that you directed the welcome long term foreign foreign speculators are the Malaysian delegate to take direct investment (FDI) to cause of the economic crisis that unfortunate stand after encourage industrialisation we are now in. But who and President George Bush per­ and create more job oppor­ whose policy in the first place sonally phoned you? tunities. As you know, the encouraged them to come and US, Taiwan and Japan are speculate here? Since Desert Storm until to­ among the biggest foreign day, many innocent Iraqis, es­ investors in this country. Es­ At present, we are all very pecially infants, have died or pecially from early 1990, you concerned about the problem

Ali ran Monthly January 1999: 19( 1) Page 11 of moral degradation, espe­ as they violate justice, de­ cially among the young. mocracy, human rights and They do not have ideal role press freedom and continue HUMAN models from among the to promote abuse of power, leaders, most of whom are corruption, cronyism and RIGHTS now very materialistic, cor­ nepotism. AND rupt, and of low morals and are ever proud to flaunt their We will also continue to DEMOCRACY wealth. One of the causes of criticise any move by the gov­ this moral degradation is the ernment to make use of pub­ "Aliran believes that negative influence of de­ lic and private savings- espe­ freedom-loving Malay­ structive imperialist culture, cially from workers' savings sians were most which is widely channelled (EPF) and the Pilgrimage pleased to hear Deputy through television, and a Fund - to selectively bail out Prime Minister Datuk lack of education that pro­ companies and corporate fig­ Seri Dr. Mahathir motes high religious, mora 1 ures close to the powers-that­ Mohamad declare, and ethical values. be. when opening the Mantin UMNO del­ Who is responsible for allow­ Finally, instead of continuing egates meeting (1980), ing this to happen? Is the gov­ to accuse others of being ma­ that the people must ernment making enough ef­ nipulated by or kneeling in defend the democratic fort to provide good alterna­ front of foreign powers, espe­ system in the country tive programmes, which are cially the US, it is best that in order to continue en­ progressive and promote you, Datuk Seri, advise your joying freedom, peace, noble, idealistic cultural val­ followers and the media that harmony and prosper­ ues? Why is it you appear un­ you control to take a good ity. No citizen would concerned about the bad influ­ look at themselves in front of deny the truth of his ence of imperialist culture that the mirror, and to appraise all statement that 'witlwut seems to be flooding the coun­ the actions taken by the gov­ the practice ofdemocracy, try? ernment, especially those a leader would tend to be elaborated above. dictatorial and IITTOgllnt, Several countries and many and in the end he would people have been attracted We beg of you to be fair to be toppled'. Peace to your speeches. But arc yourself, Datuk Seri, and more through freedom is they consistent with your so to others. surely cherished by our actions? I myself and the people for we do not PRM have long been op­ Yours sincerely, wish to follow the un­ posed to imperialism and we fortunate paths taken have paid the price for it. We by many developing are willing to support your nations where un­ stand against neo-imperial­ Dr Syed H usin Ali democratic practices ism if it is made sincerely 30 November 1998 eventually wrecked~ and genuinely. But at the fl-.------____:::::::::~~~ cieties beyond repair." same time, we will continue I Dr Syed Husin Ali is to oppose the government presidentofParti Rakyat (Mq, 1986) that you lead and the poli- Malaysia des that it espouses, so long

AI iron Monthly January 1999: 19( 1) Page 12 ••.. Iran . HEART TO HEART: / ll ,·, l!' ' "What comes from the lips reaches the ear, " l what comes from the heart reacht•s the heart" -Arab proverb

A Letter from Kojong Prison: Guan Eng replies to Narmi Saito's open letter to him Justice ancl a Common Destiny

am touched by your Government and the Attor­ At the risk of stating the obvi­ g letter, printed in the ney-General's (AG) handling ous, punishing the rape victim December 1998 issue of that infamous rape of the instead of her rapists is wrong. of A/iran Monthly, which underaged girl is simply If this is not wrong, then noth­ clearly demonstrates that wrong and unjust. ing else is wrong! there are stiHMalaysian s who care about truth and justice. There is something inher­ And yet, our Prime Minister, Such prayers and sentiments ently and intrinsically wrong in all his wisdom, refused to of support encourage me to when a rape victim can be see that a great wrong and in­ endure the adversities of my detained for almost three justice has been committed. present incarceration and per­ years whilst her rapists need One can only conclude that to severe in the struggle for a not serve a single day in jail. Dr Mahathir Mohamad, the better Malaysia. Similarly, it is completely law is merely expediency, the and absolutely unjust for the truth is merely to spin, prin­ Like you, I have had plenty of AG to expose the rape victim ciples are merely rhetoric and time to reflect on my present to public humiliation by cal­ justice is merely power! predicament-but in the silent lously disclosing her sexual solitude of my prison cell. I background, and prosecut­ wish you to know that I have ing me after I had criticised no regrets for what I have him for failing to uphold the done. law.

Despite how much I have lost Somehow the Government for the little l have done, 1 and the AG did not find it per­ would still do it all over again. verse or a travesty of justice to (Hopefully, my young chil­ punish the rape victim and dren will in due time under­ me. Can the public then be stand the suffering they have blamed for perceiving that the to bear for what their father rape viclim was detained be­ had done.) cause she had the misfortune of being raped by the 'wrong' I have no regrets because the personali ties? Alirn11 Mor~tllly 1984: 14(9)

Aliron Monthly January 1999· 19(1 ) Page 13 The firm basis of government wheels of injustice. nic divide. We must break is justice. Failure to uphold free for Malaysians have a justice is not just a failure of When her grandmother common destiny - bound by government but also contrary sought my help, she had no a shared past, filled with par­ to our basic values of rigltt and one to turn to. Her plea was allel experiences, tied to a wrong. desperately human and her similar future - seeking cries filled with righteous in­ equal justice. As such, I look upon the dignation. It would have been handcuffs I wear in prison uncompassionate not to re­ I hope that patriotic Malay­ not as a badge of shame but spond. sians like you can join hands of standing up for right to unite Malaysians from all against wrong. It is the abid­ I deeply appreciate it that you ethnic origins on the basis of ing faith that I had tried to see my imprisonment contrib­ justice-Justice For All! do my duty which sustains uting towards the DAP's vi­ me in prison - a duty that sion of a Malaysian conscious­ The task is an onerous but nec­ looks upon such injustice as ness, where Malaysians are essary one. But with faith and a wrong in direct contrast to prepared to help each other the assistance of the Divine the AG, who views it not as regardless of ethnicity and re­ Being, we cannot fail. Let us, a wrong but as a political ex­ ligion. However, I feel sad then, do our duty faithfully, pedient. This is the issue that that after 41 years of Merdeka, fearlessly and effectively! will continue even after I am I am seen as only the first released from prison. Member of Parliament willing Justice and a common destiny, to be persecuted and pun­ one and inseparable, now and It is the eternal struggle be­ ished in the course of helping forever! tween these two principles - a fellow Malaysian from an­ right and wrong. They arc the other ethnic group. Warmest regards, two principles that have stood face to face since time imme­ This goes to show how suc­ moria l. One is the common cessful the ruling party has ~A~...... _ right of justice and the other been in dividing Malaysians LimGuan Eng the 'divine' right of kings. until we unquestioningly ac­ cept that Malay MPs are ex­ Where we should stand is pected to help only Malays, Lim Guan Eng, the MP crystal clear. With the faith Chinese MPs only Chinese, for Kota Melakll, was im­ that right makes might, let us and Indian MPs only Indians. prisoned last August for dare to do our duty to regen­ Malaysians must break free so 'sedition' and 'publishing erate justice for all! that it is not just accepted prac­ false news'. He is now tice but expected of Malay serving two 18-month You have graciously pointed MPs to help non-Malays and concu"ent prison terms. out that 1 was willing to pay non-Malay MPs to help Correspondence to him the price for helping one who Malays. CDn be addressed to Lim is from a different ethnic back­ Guan Eng, (Banduan ground. I had never looked For we share a common des­ No. 6561-98) Blok upon the underaged girl as a tiny. Asingan, Penjara Malay or a Muslim per se, but Klljang, 43000 Klljang, as a poor unfortunate rape vic­ After 41 years, the time has Selangor, Ma/4ysill. tim further victimised by the came for us to dose the eth-

Aliron Monthly January 1999 19(1) Page 14 Re-arrest of two ISA Detainees: An AHront to the Rule of Law

Aliran views with deep concern the recent re-arrest of two indi­ viduals, university professor Lupti Ibrahim and col1ege lec­ turer Fadzlullah Shuib, whose earlier detention under the infa­ mous Internal Security Act was declared unlawful on technical grow1ds by High Court judge Chin Fook Yen.

The swift re-arrest of the two per­ sons by the authorities under the ISA shortly after they were re­ .\ n•cord ol \lirtut', -,1,1nd on rurrent aft.1ir~. leased by the High Court is not only inhuman and unjust, but Anglo-American Air dent Bill Clinton faces impeach­ also suggests a contempt of court. Strikes Against Iraq ment proceedings, makes us wonder if this military adventure In addition, the high-handedness Aliran strongly condemns the is a convenient political diver­ flaunted by the authorities would unilateral aerial attacks on Iraq sion for the American leader. only lend credence to the suspi­ by the combined forces of US and cion- within and outside the coun­ Britain as they will not resolve the Any attempt by the US President try - that the authorities are not continuing conflict between the to invoke a misplaced sense of really committed to the principle US and Iraq. patriotism among the American of rule of law, and civil society. citizenry at the expense of the U anything, such military action Iraqi people is deeply regretted If the authorities have enough will only aggravate the crisis es­ and deplorable. evidence against the two indi­ pecially when it inflicts massive viduals, we would expect them destruction of property and loss As Malaysians, we are all too fa­ to be tried in a court of law, and of innocent human lives. It will miliar with attempts to instil pa­ not - as they arc now - detained also jeopardise the political sta­ triotism as a means of shoring up indefinitely and without trial. II bility of the West Asian region. support for a beleagured leader. not, it is only just that they be re­ h1deed, exhorting citizens to leased immediately and uncon­ We call upon the parties con­ unite against imagined enemies ditionally. cerned to halt this insanity and and to rally around a beleagured return to the negotiating table. political leader who's plagued Tlus remnant of colonial legacy with problems is a politicaJ de­ has outlived its very purpose of This latest display of military ar­ vice that has been employed by existence and sticks out sorely as rogance makes a mockery of dip­ many leaders worldwide. The an anachronism in a civil society. lomatic negotiation and peaceful fact that it is also used by the Employing this nefarious piece of conflict resolution through inter­ president of the world's most legislation against the so-called national bodies such as the powerful nation makes it aU the religious deviants, passport forg­ United Nations. more reprehensible. ers, among others, does not nec­ essarily make this law just and In addition, the timing of the air A/iran Executive Comntittee appropriate to the present time strikes, at a time when US Presi- 18 December 1998 and situation.

Ali ran Monthly January 1999 : 19( 1) Page 15 If anything, this obsolete legisla­ They would like to know what not have access to Anwar in his tion makes it glaringly clear the these inconsistencies arc. Now cell on the night of 20 September difference between an insecure that they are aware that police 1998. and oppressive ruling elite on the have "neutralised" and "turned one hand deploying any means over" witnesses in the past, Ma­ The Attorney-General once again to retain power, and a cari.r\g, con­ laysians are apprehensive about promises the Malaysian public: fident and democratic govern­ the "further explanation" the A­ "t as Public Prosecutor, will not ment upholding the rule of law G is seeking. hesitate to consent to the institu­ and honouring the principles of tion of prosecution against any justice on the other. The public cannot understand individual proved to have com­ why statements from senior offi­ mitted or abetted the commission A/iran Executive Committee cials have not yet been recorded. of such offence." 5 Jmmary 1998 They cannot understand why the Home Affairs Minister, Dr His words sound hollow and A·G's Gobbledegook Mahathir Mohamad, and the In­ sha IJow in the light of his previ­ Undermines Public spector Genera I of Police, Rahim ous brave words uttered with so Confidence Noor, have not yet been inter­ much passion and determination viewed. Since Anwar is no ordi­ on 15 March 1996, when he was The Attorney-General's farcical nary Malaysian, isn't it obvious probing the poison-pen letter that statement on the assault injuries that senior police officers and the contained 112 serious allegations suffered by Anwar Ibrahim while top brass in the Home Ministry against 12 judg~ - a letter that in police custody is an attempt to would have been involved? [t is defamed the judiciary. hoodwink the Malaysian public. elementary to conclude that these For all his gobbledegook, he has officials would have had easy He thundered then: not shed any light on who actu­ access to Anwar while he was in "This investigation ts aimed at ally hit Anwar. their custody. They should have striking at the venomous cle­ been questioned right from the ments who are out to discredit Malaysians are baffled over the start. the Judiciary and subvert justice shroud of secrecy surrounding in our beloved country. the assault and the failure to Malaysians find it hard to accept make public the official reports the police are unable to identify "As Attorney-General and Pub­ prepared by purportedly inde­ the person or persons responsible lic Prosecutor, it is my duty and pendent investigating teams. for assaulting Anwar. The assault responsibility to ensure that the did not take place in an open judiciary and the legal profession Admitting- and that only, three crowded space like Dataran be cleansed of these treacherous and a half months after the as­ Merdeka or Jalan Tuanku Abdul clements who, by their vile, in­ sault that police officers caused Rahman, where assailants could sidious, devious, and scurrilous the in juries is to state the obvious. have mingled with the crowd allegation in this pamphlet had There has never been any doubt and then fled. It took place in a sought to undermine the integ­ in the minds of Malaysians about maximum security area, with ac~ rity of the judiciary and the ad­ that. Who else could have had cess limited to specific officers, ministration of justice in the access to Anwar, who was locked who can be easily identified. country. up in the heart of our security system in Bukit Aman? Our police are noted for solving "Today is the Ides of March. But many crimes all over the country unlike that fateful day in ancient Stating that there are inconsisten­ with hardly any clues to start Rome where the brutish beasts cies in the forensic report requir­ with; they have been praised for succeeded in killing Caesar, to­ ing further explanation is not their professionalism - it is ab­ day we law1ch this pre-emptive good enough reason to withhold surd that they arc unable to solve strike at these conspirators and the various reports from the pub­ this 'mystery', which took place, lnsya Allnh, we will ferret them lic. The Malaysian public has a as it were, in their backyard. out, whoever they are, and bring right to see these reports now. Surely the entire police force did them to justice."

Ali ron Monthly Jonuory 1999: 19( 1) Poge 16 After all that hot air, the issue able to identify Anwar Ibrahim's up a truly independent commis­ fizzled out without so much as a assailants. sion comprising retired judges squeak from the A-C. Even the with no police involvement. passion is gone. Tt's a great pity As Home Minister, he should be he is not displaying the same de­ ashamed that SIT was just sitting "We can't blame the whole police termination in ferret-ing out those aronnd without questioning top force just because of a few," said responsible - and identifying the home ministry and police offi­ Mahathir sanctimoniously. The chain of command - that led to cials over the incident and that whole police force wiU be tainted Anwar Ibrahim's black eye, the Attorney-General was sitting and tarnished until the few are which will remain a black mark on SIT's findings for almost six identified and charged with on the administration of justice in weeks. criminal assault and battery. The this country. Instead, we arc fed longer Mahathir drags his feel, with half-baked statements that From the onset, il should have the more he is deliberately en­ insult the intelligence of Malay­ been obvious that only a top offi­ couraging the image of the police sians. cial would have dared to touch - and of the country - to be Anwar Ibrahim. No petty official dragged through the mud. It is time the A-G realises that he would have risked hi!; career by no longer enjoys the confidence assaulting Anwar. Why then did U those n..>Sponsible for assaulting of the Malaysian public. Aliran SIT waste its time recording state­ Anwar cannot be identified by 31 therefore calls on him to resign ments from 63 relatively junior January, then Mahathir and the immediately and not to waste police personnel without ques­ Attorney General have only one taxpayers' money by beating tioning the lop officers first? honourable option: they should aronnd the bush. The I lome Min­ RESIGN on 1 February. ister and the IGP should accept From the beginning, Malaysians responsibility for this shameful were convinced that the police P Ramakrislumn episode and step down immedi­ were responsible for beating up President ately to save the nation from Anwar. Only Mahathir was scep­ 7 January 1999 more embarrassment. We also tical about it and cynically sug­ call upon the government to dis­ gested that the injuries could Ferret Them Out band the police investigation have been self-inflicted. team and to set up an indepen­ It's unfortunate that Rahim dent Commission of Inquiry to He even had the temerity to tell an Noor's resignation as Inspector­ uncover the truth. audience in Tokyo, "We do not General of Police came rather late treat our prisoners like that." Now i.n the day. lie should have re­ The nation must not be shamed that it has been proven that the signed long ago, soon after by the antics of a few. police are responsible for treating Anwar accused the police of beat­ Anwar '1ike that", he, as Home ing him up while in their custody. P Rnmnkrislman Minister, and the Inspector Gen­ A resignation then would have President eral of Police should be held ac­ been honourable; it would have 6 JanuanJ 1999 countable for police brutality. been accepted as the proper course of action to take - accept­ Anwar's black eye: When he announced the setting ing full responsibility for the rep­ Identify those up of SIT, many groups called for rehensible conduct of the police responsible by a truly independent commission force under his charge. 31 January or resign of inquiry. Now, three months later, he says, "if this is their de­ We hope that it is not a ploy to Aliran is flabbergasted by Dr sire, then I will have to study it. I mollify public outrage and de­ Mahathir's response to the out­ haven't thought about it." What flect attention from the central rage expressed by various groups is there to 'study'? If he is inter­ issue, i.e. identifying the culprits following the Attorney General's ested in establishing the truth who perpetrated the cowardly, disclosure that the police special and clearing the name of the po­ henious crime of severely beating investigating team (SIT) was un- lice, he should immediately set up a helpless man nnder police

Ali ran Monthly January 1999: 19( 1) Page 17 detention. quires urgent action is to identify circumstances. the culprits who had a hand in This terrible wrong would not be this infamy without any undue It is very disturbing that there obviated by Ral1im's resignation delay. Whether they delivered have been numerous incidences and neither will this terrible trag­ the blow or witnessed the assault, of police abuse and brutality, edy be forgotten. The perpetra­ they are equally guilty: one for which have tainted their image tors of this foul deed have made battery, the oU1er for not disclos­ and tarnished their name. It is a mockery of the rule of Law. ing the commission of a crime. time that society takes a hard They have debased and dis­ They must be brought to book. look at them. It is time to re­ graced an entire institution view their purpose and conduct trusted with the enforcement of All those who were aware of and to introduce wide-ranging law and the security of the nation. Anwar's battered condition and reforms - a thorough cleanup. They have betrayed their calling failed miserably by not lifting a It is time to set up an indepen­ and viola ted their trust. finger to provide medical treat­ dent Commission of lnquiry to ment for him must be held ensure that they are a disci­ The IGP has been insinuated in equally culpable for dereliction of plined force, truly dedicated to U1e [ntemet, linking him to the duty and for not responding as their calling and capable of dis­ injuries suffered by Anwar. We human beings. charging their duties impar­ do not know whether this is a vi­ tially without fear or favour, cious rumour or if there is any The police, like any other institu­ living up to the expectations of basis to this allegation. It is im­ tion, must be accountable to the society; upholding ethics and perative that he should be ques­ public. They are not a law unto respecting truth and justice. tioned by an independent body themselves. Their conduct is to restore credibility in the police. governed by rules and regula­ P. Rnmakrishna11 tions, which must be observed President An equally urgent task that re- and upheld at all times, under all 8 January 1999

their campaign. The Movement cornerStones of a democratic is honoured to be associated and civil society. with the campaign especially since it is inspired by the ideal­ PLEASE wear this ribbon as ism of the young. a symbol of the right of ev­ ery Malaysian citizen to be The International Movement presumed innocent until for a Just World urges all Ma­ proven guilty by fair trial White Rllalton laysians and all friends of Ma­ and of the principle that the for Justice laysia to wear the white ribbon rule of law should never be for justice. Wearing the ribbon abused to intimidate, pre­ The 'White Ribbon for Jus­ now has special significance in vent or punish any Malay­ tice' campaign is an idea the light of what has been re­ sian from exercising his right that came from a group of vealed in the Anwar trial which to free speech. young, committed lawyers began, on 2 November 1998. who were deeply troubled Please make your own white by the abuse of the rule of Why the white ribbon? ribbons to distribute to all law in Malaysia in recent your friends. months. They approached The white ribbon represents the the International Movement universal principles of justice Stand up for Justice! Wear for a Just World to endorse and fair treatment which are the the White Ribbon.

Aliron Monthly January 1999: 19(1 ) Page 18 Producers of the movie are look­ ing towards one of those quickie things so that the film can come out while the issue is still hot, hot, hot!

The tentative title: Titanic Nusantarn (note: originality is not the key word here). l11e produc­ ers are said to have already ob­ tained a bank loan of several mil­ lion ringgit within an afternoon (thanks to the practice known as crony banking) while casting is already underway.

Yusof Haslam, the Malaysian di­ rector with the Midas touch has White Boo-Boos million per annum because of agreed to direct while the top that. contender for the hero is none The Thais, who are crazy about other than Jamaluddin Hassan, their royal family, are said to be Another white elephant seems to who was last year voted Most seriously thinking of cloning be the Kuala Lumpur Interna­ Popular Male Actor or something some dearly departed white el­ tional Airport. Usage has fallen like that. He is tall, dark and ephantthat had belonged to their from the time it was first opened, handsome but - and thankfully king. ff they succeed it will be a shops there have closed because so- unlike the real hero, does not scientific first in their country. But of poor business, and parts of the intend to cite Shakespeare or we regret to inform our friendly highway leading from Kuala spout poetry (yawn!). Inciden­ neighbour that Malaysia has al­ Lumpur to the KLIAare so lonely tally, Jamaluddin Hassan is also ready pipped them, one-upped at night that people are even the brother of Musa Hassan (a them, outdone them or whatever claimingthatitishaunted. But as police witness in the real Anwar youcallit, wherewhiteelephants patriotic Malaysians, we are case) and both are brothers of are concerned. Sorry, Thailand! proud to say that it is the most Fuad Hassan, Selangor State Exco You may be one up on us on de­ beautiful white elephant we have member, former ABIM man and mocracy, superior to us in agri­ ever cloned. Eat your hearts out, Anwar boy (some say, also, culture, and get more tourists Thais! former). The family ties, in other than us, but we have really out­ words, make him more than suit­ run you when it comes to clon­ Right now, our scientists are able and the producers say it will ing white elephants. working hard to produce a clone bring new meaning to his acting of our beloved prime minister career, maybe even launch a po­ In fact, our latest white elephant after he declared that the most litical career given that UMNO clone is the second Johor Barn­ suitable person to replace him politics seems rather directionless Singapore causeway, which has should be someone exactly like at the moment. stood sadly underused ever since him. the day it was opened for traffic. Azizah will be played by Nancy According to newspaper reports, Malaysian Titanic Foo, whose acting j,s frankly qui tc it is running at a terrible loss be­ wooden but which the director cause motorists still prefer to jam Rumour has it - and nowhere says will depict Azizah just fine. themselves along the original else is rumour so often truer than We can't in1agine what he means causeway and the Malaysian life than in this dear country of here but he's made more movies government is reportedly paying ours-that a movie on the Anwar than we have and he's the boss. the concessionaire some RM20 Tbrahim story is in the works. The other major part- Dr M - has

Ali ran Monthly January 1999: 19( 1) Page 19 turned out to be a bit of a prob­ down from her first-class deck. tire King here. Anyway, the hero­ lem. No Malay actor wants to ine raises six children and the play him while he's still alive. So Below where the proles rough it hero goes on to build a spectacu­ they arc thinking of approaching out, a skinny lad with a skinny lar political career for himself on Suharto who is, after all, unem­ beard (the young hero) is trying a combination of religious ployed Besides, he is fumiliar to incite the third-class passen­ fen·our, borrowed philosophy, with Mahathir's style having gers to revolt against the ship's half-baked economics, reams of been a first-class .luthoritarian crew over the skimpy food. They rhetoric and bits oi good-inten­ figure himself apart from having are shouting ''Nasi! Nasi!" (rice). tion~. mastered nepotism and cronyism Lnknown to the hero this battle to a fine art. cry would one day be expanded And again, before anyone could to "Reformnsi! Reformnsi!" say "Money PoHtics!" it is already Other minor parts: 1993. The hero is just an arms­ Ziela Jalil: To play hcrseli. Their eyes suddenly meet as the length away from the most pow­ Judge: An unknown who goes by shouting and music rise to acre­ erful and coveted position in th<.' the stage name Keng Ger Roo. scendo and by the time the ship land - after having spent more Prosecution and Defence law­ docks in Port Klang, the young money than anyone could imag­ yers: [.east of worries since actors couple have fallen for each other ine and pushing through his own playing lawyers are a dime a but only refrain from falling into cronies who were known as the dozen (and ,;Cl' \'ersa). each other's arms for fear of be­ Dream Team in the sense that the Ummi: Ziana Zain, an actress­ ing arrested for khalwat (promis­ people on the team led lives that singer who has made an art of cuity). They have not a care - if most people dream of - you playing scheming and wicked her middle-class family didn't know, money, women, fast cars. types. agree, they would elope to Thai­ All that stood in his way was Rahim 1'-:oor: .\italik .:-.Joor who land, where many randy Malay Papa Doc who is reluctant to let intends to model hts role after men would later go when they go of the reins because: l. He Arnold Swarzencgger. wished to take a second, third or loved power; 2. He loved his Azizan: A.R. Badul, who is actu­ fourth l\·ifc and their first wife friends; 3. He loved his son. So ally not as cute as Azizan but all did not agree. they call him a power maniac Malav films like a little comic re- with a penchant for cronyism and • lief. But before anyone could even say nepotism. "Hidup UMNO!", the ship was And why is il to be called Tifa11ic tilting dangerously. Of course, The hero's gang wants him to Nu~autnra? Well, Titanic wac; the the sinking of the Tita11ic stop Papa Doc ·while Papa Doc's Hollywood blockbuster of 1998 Nusmrtam is not as impressive as gang wants to stop the hero, and the producers thought they that of the Hollywood Titanic whom they thought was little might as well shamelessly cash m since it is filmed in Tasik Chini more than another Papa Doc in on it. The tentative plot, with lots using a toy boat and plastic dolls. the making. Papa Doc censures of liberal and artistic interpreta­ Thus, everybody looked stiff Baby Doc for "biting his master's tion, goes something like this ... en~n before they could drown. hand" c1nd Baby Doc accuses Titamt Nusn11111ra, built by a fa­ Papa Doc of "pagnr makatr pndi" mous Malaysian casino O\v·ncr Naturally, the hero and heroine (being ungrateful). Our hero is had sailed into Port Klang. It is are r~scucd and although they just a breath away from the keys actually a sailing casino but its ought to have recognised the to the kingdom when suddenly, owner had convinced the au­ sinking as an omen, they tie the before anyone could say "ISA!", thorities that it was a cruise ship knot on this side of the border. our hero is being accused of some (after a large amount of money The elopement was written out of the vilest things ever heard in had changed hands). The heroine of the script after they were de­ this noble, moral and pious king­ en route from Singapore to Ma­ nied permbsion to film in Thai­ dom. A big fight ensues with a laysia, tudrmg (head scarf) gently land because the Thais were still thrilling car race along the North­ wafting in the wind is taking in angry that we had agreed to al­ South Highway, a shoot-out in the air when she happens to look low Hollywood to film Amm and Putrajaya and silat stand-offs in

Ali ron Monthly January 1999· 19( 1) Page 20 Dataran Merdeka. convince the people there was no thing that many in the present shortage of these items- the pro­ government seem unable or But our hero's buddies Erap and ducers' owu little patriotic con­ refuse to understand. Pak 'Bibie arrange to rescue him tribution towards the glory of this by airlifting him from the top of abundant land of san tan (coconut If the government was using the one of the Petronas.twin towers. milk), cooking oil and sugar. God people's retirement savings to Unfortunately, the hero rushes bless Malaysia (and spare its citi­ shore up the share market with­ through the wrong door (which zens from politicians)! out the people's consent, then is just as we11 because the made­ criticising the govemment for its in-lndonesia helicopter crashes FlyOH action would be for the good of on the way here) and ends up in the nation. Likewise, opposing a a typical Malaysian public toilet It is a sad day when the govern­ government that uses repressive where the stench is so overpow­ ment has to advertise patriotism laws to stay in power would be ering, he faints, hits his head like some commodity. Everyday, an act of justice for the nation. against the toilet roll holder advertisements on TV tell us to Unfortunately, the elected gov­ (which was, of course, installed raise/ fly the flag, to be proud of ernment sometimes acts as if the just for show since it's easier to what we have achieved, to be power it enjoys is something as­ strike a Magnum 40 first prize grateful for what we have in this cribed. It becomes very sensitive than to find toilet paper in pub­ cou11try (read: be grateful that we to criticism. lic toilets). are not Indonesia), to be thank­ ful that our children have some­ So Malays who criticise UMNO By the time our hero recovers thing to look forward to. It seems are accused of betraying their from his stinking toilet experi­ that patriotism, like cooking oil 'race' and even their religion. ence, the only Malaysians left and coconuts, is in rather short People who support Reformasi are who beBeve that the police are supply these days. And it's ironic deemed traitors. Those who join innocent of the hero's black eye that the government should be the demonstrations are labelled are the ones who still believe: 1. doing it through a finance com­ 'trouble-makers'. Flying the flag The EPF slogan-promise of pany of all things-after all, noble equals patriotism. Love our lead­ "Menjamin mas a de pan a11da" causes like love for one's coun­ ers equals love our country. Sim­ (Guaranteeing your future); 2. try are among some of the last plistic arguments like these make The bailout ofMirzanMahathir's things that most people would us wonder at the sort of people company was not a bailout; 3. associate with banks and finance we have elected to govern our Rahim Tam by Chik did not sleep companies and their many ques­ country. Of course, many Malay­ with an underage girl. tionable practices. sians have long suspected that manyofourwakil rakyat(people's At this point, the producers of the But despite the media blitz, not representatives) are notworth the movie realised the script was run­ all that many Malaysians are fly­ paper on which we cross our bal­ ning too long and decided to do ing the flag-not because they do lot - never more so than right away with the court case, so the not love Malaysia but because now. movie ends with our hero march­ they haven't exactly fallen for the ing to National Mosque, fist in propaganda. If Malaysians love Water In The Head the air, shouting "Saya akan Mali}ysia and are grateful and kembnli!" (I will return). No, it thankful for the life they are able While on the subject of unworthy does mean he will make a politi­ to live in this land, it is because wakil rakyat, a Minister from cal comeback, but that there will they themselves truly feel so, not down south was shown inspect­ be a sequel, stupid! because the government tells ing flood-hit areas. Bow caring, them that is how they should feel. except the nut was sitting in an The movie ends with the Besides, loyalty to the nation and armchair placed in an open boat, Reformasi supporters singing and loyalty to the government are while someone held an umbrella dancing under fruit-laden coco­ two quite separate things. One over him! And what was the Min­ nut trees, amidst stalls stacked can oppose the government and ister doing as the boat sped with cooking oil and sugar to still be loyal to the nation-some- through the floodwaters? He

Aliron Monthly January 1999: 19(1) Page 21 looked like he was reading a Cabinet meetings, of making de­ his undeclared property were ac­ newspaper! cisions without consulting oth­ tually not really his, others think ers. Yes, history has a way of re­ that the court case has only raised Talk about people forgetting peating itself- much to our mis­ more questions about the wealth where they come from.lt appears fortune. of this former school teacher­ that some wnkil mkyat, after too turned-politician-turned-multi­ many years in power, begin to £sole MasfiJ Ada millionaire. Well, most people think that they are descended (There's still a would like to be generous, even from royalty. In fact the Sultan of tomorrow) to their friends and employees, Pahang did not behave in such a but to be able to give away land manner when he went out in a Political fortunes in this country to your driver, no matter how ef­ motor boat to visit flooded areas swing like a pendulum. One day ficicnt or loyal he may be, just in his state. you are up, another you are shows how stupendously rich he down, and yet another you are on is. This is the same Minister who's the way up again. And that's always complaining that the me­ where some people had thought And there seem to be more than dia is not doing enough to win former Selangor chief minister a few people in UMNO who are respect and support for the gov­ Mat Taib was headed until the anxious to have him back in the ernment! And the longer politi­ Attorney General's Chambers i.Iu1er track. One of them is Najib cians stay in power, the more decided to appeal the decision to Razak, the sole survivor from the touchy they get about criticism as acquit him for not declaring all seemingly cursed Wawasan (Vi­ evident in the case of Dr M- af­ assets belonging to him and his sion) Team (apart from Mat Taib' s ter 17 years, he's got Petronas family. The High Court had ear­ misfortune, the ring leader bowing and scraping at his feet, lier found him innocent, but as Anwar is in prison, Muhyiddin scurrying to bail out his son and some have pointed out, it still Yassin is on his way out and cronies. Imagine if Musa Hi tam does not erase the sort of doubts Rahim Tamby Chik is being had stuck on as his No 2! The and suspicion::; that continue to avoided like the plague). Najib poor man would now be the hover over the astonishing claimed that UMNOstillneeded longest-serving Deputy Prime wealth he has acquired in the leaders like Mat Taib. The poor Minister in \1alaysian political space of merely 10 years as man must have been either mis­ history. Selangor chief minister. quoted or he must be terribly des­ perate. Well, must be the latter The irony of it all is that it was Talk of his unlimited wealth is since he has not denied his fool­ Mahathir's rebellious streak that only to be expected. This was the ish words. first got him noticed in UMNO. guy who went "shopping" in the He had dared to criticise and go Australian Gold Coast with more It was leaders like Mat Taib, against the Tunku who, after be­ than RM2 million tucked in his Muhyiddin and Rahim Tamby coming the first PM of Malaya briefcase. His new house oppo­ Chik, some people claim, who and the "happiest Prime Minis­ site a golf course in Selangor was lent UMNO that ugly glint of ter in the world", had started to last year put on the market for greed and self-serving ambition act like the titled lord that he was. something like RMS million. that came to be loosely referred There were naturally no takers to as the Me/nyu Bnru (New But power is like a curse some­ and he and his first wife are said Malay) thing. They had got so times. The longer one dons its to be staying there now. fabulously rich in so brief a time, mantle, the more one resembles and they flaunted and used their the character one used to criticise. Then there was that undenied wealth so brazenly, that it was Thus, Mahathir has ended doing rumour of his RM17 million-di­ impossible for most people not to precisely all those things that he vorce settlement with Ku Yah, the think the worst of them. Mat Taib had accused the Tunku of. In his glamorous and much married is said to be rather bitter towards Malay Dilemma, he accused the daughter of the Sultan of UMNO and particularly towards Tunku of favouring his cronies Selangor. While the judge may Anwar Ibrahim. Anwar, the and relatives, of dominating have accepted his stories of how former chief mi.IU.Ster' s support

Ali ron Monthly January 1999: 19( 1) Page 22 ers say, made use of their man during his years in the oppo­ smoke without fire and Megat, and then self-righteously sition, is now in the running as they say, is a man with a his­ dropped him like a hot brick for No 2, despite claims by the tory (somehow the phrase does when he was no longer use­ man himself that he is "not not sound as bad when used on ful. Unsavoury tYPes like Mat qualified". a woman). What's dear too is Taib and Rahim Tamby Chik, that this Minister does not only apparently, were all just Frankly, we think that should have coconuts and chickens on means to an end for the am­ Mat Taib make his way back to his mind. But really, it is inci­ bitious Anwar. the top in UMNO then, as some dents such as these which lead claim, it would indicate that the people to regard insinuations Those who think Mat Taib party is even more bankrupt than about semen stains on mat­ should be allowed another can be imagined. tresses found in posh apart­ chance argue that: ment as little more than hypoc­ ...... risy. Or sanctimonious com­ • It is not as if he is the only HlslwoWIY.. plaints by our MPs about sexu­ Malaysian politician who ally unbecoming scenes on TY. goes shopping abroad For weeks, many Malaysians with millions of ringgit. In were simply hanging onto the Perhaps what we need at the fact, when the Anwar Anwar Ibrahim trial until a rather moment is a Malaysian Larry Ibrahim trial heard that curious report was published in Aynt to show up some of these RM4 million went missing a Malay paper. The report had politicians for what they are­ in the former DPM's Cabinet Minister Megat Junid first-class hypocrites. Malay­ house, the reaction among denying he has got hitched to sian politics, it is believed, is some UMNO people was: Noreen Noor, a local actress­ not only weighed down by "Normal!" singer (in Malaysia, every actress corruption and incompetence, thinks she can sing and every it also has its share of gatal • He did not go on a ram­ singer thinks she can act and (itchy) politicians. Frankly, it's page against UMNO. Be­ that's why the entertainment entirely their own business if sides, as the judge so scene sucks!). The same report they wish to be gatal. What strangely pointed out in also had Noreen denying that she rankles is when they pretend what some people has m arried Megat Junid. Very they are otherwise and preach thought was unnecessary good timing, you know. Inciden­ morals to us. In other words, social commentary, Mat tally, Megat is into his second politicians should just stick to Taib carried himself so wife (the first, it seems, is some what they are supposed to do. well inside and outside long-suffering lady who wears a They are not religious leaders; the court from the time he tudung and the second is the sexy they are not judge and jury was charged to the time he actress-singer Ziela Jalil, who and they are not God. was discharged. His first wears a tudzmg only when she wife too abandoned the turns up at the Anwar Ibrahim ....,. New lslaacl? pants suit and smartly Trial) while Noreen has been cropped and tinted hair through two marriages (now you Singapore opposition figure seen in Brisbane for a de­ see what they have in common). CheeSoonJuanhasbeenmak­ mure baju kurung (tradi­ ing waves down south simply tional Malay dress) and Now, how did things develop to by making speeches in public. tudung. the stage of a denial of marriage? And he's got the authorities All sorts of things come to mind somewhat flustered by his • Moreover, Tengku but we shall not discuss them in sheer defiance. For so long, the Razaleigh, who had at­ these unsullied sheets of A/iran ruling party has been used to tacked UMNO so bitterly Monthly. Suffice to say there is no a cowed citizenship that they ·--

AI iran Monthly January 1999· 19( 1) Page 23 don't quite know how to deal their sex life. 'know about economics? Like­ with this guy. Do they club wise, one can think of no other him on the head and use tear pgppel l•ow reason why Siti Zaharah was gas as the MalaysiaD police promoted apart from having do to peaceful demonstra- A new Cabinet stuffed with old so quickly abandoned Anwar tors?Dotheyshoothimdead puppets- that's all we can say for the other camp. like the Malaysian police do about Mahathir's latest power to suspected kidnappers? Do reshuffle. It's as if Malay politics But this Cabinet is not so they send in the PAP Youth isshortofcapablepeople.lt'snot, much about rewarding loyal­ brigade as the Barisan there are capable Malays but ties as preparing for the next Nasional did to the APCET maybe the capable ones are not general election. Having di­ conference? Do they dig into the yes-sir-you-are-always-right vested his Home Ministry and his sex life and personal as- type. For once, Ling Liong Sik Finance Ministry posts, sets as the Malaysian Govern- was right: loyalty pays (a broad Mahathir is now free to roam ment does to politicians out hint to his MCA cronies). And the the country, campaigning of favour? They are certainly ones who have been singing ahead of othPr politic-al par­ not short of helpful solutions Mahathir's song and dancing to ties. So be prepared for more from their Malaysian coun- his tune have been rewarded. For lectures about the evil west, terparts. Another sign that instance, it is rumoured that wicked currency speculators, Singaporeans are getting Kadir Sheikh Fadzil will drop neo-colonialism and jealous braver: four rare monkeys everything every time he hears Jews. Yes, 1999 looms ahead were stolen from the his master's voice. And it is said like a long monotonous ser­ Singapore Zoological Gar- that every time he wants some­ mon. And if you think that's dens. Either they are getting thing. he goes running to bow bad, an Indian soothsayer pre­ bolderortheywereexploring and scrape at the feet of, not dicted that Mahathir can go their roots. Of course it is pos- Mahathir, but Siti Hasmah. An­ another term (help!), that his sible that they could just have other perceived knki bodek (syco­ political troubles will be over been craving for some fresh phant) is of course Ibrahim Ali, by May (but ours seem to go monkey brain. The Chinese the guy who pledged to go after on and on like that Titanic are notorious for their wide the 'homos'. And really, some song) and may even live until range of foods and Chinese wonder, what does Nazri Aziz - 90. men particularly will con- moved from the PM's Depart­ sume anything to improve ment to the Finance Ministry - byNNP-

RIGHT TO KNOW

It is only when the people's right to know is protected in theory and observed in practice, that elite conduct can be checked constantly. More than that, the right to know is one way of promoting justice and integrity in society. Only if there is information on excesses committed by some public agency or private body, can citizens' groups act. Only if one knows of malpractices, can one endeavour to eliminate them. (Aliran, 1985)

Ali ron Monthly Jonuory 1999: 19( 1) Poge 24 When something is black, how can we, if we have a conscience, say it is white? Should we be so submissive that we consider voic­ ing our opinions a sin?

TSL Kuantan Let's regain our self· respect and dignity First, "Bravo and congratula­ tions!" to Nanni Saila for his very patriotic and humane "Open Let­ ter to Lim Guan Eng" and to Saliha Hassan for her thoughtful and analytical article "So, What Do You think of Anwar's Case?". Their pieces have happily and Letters should preferably be no more than 250 words and must in­ clearly shown that Malaysians clude the writer's name and address. Shorter letters will be preferred have become truly patriotic, in­ and pseudonyms may be used. Letters should be addressed to The trospective and capable of inde­ Editor, ALIRAN MONTHLY, P.O. Box 1049, 10830 Penang, Malaysia. pendent judgement and are not Views expressed need not necessarily reflect those of Aliran. confined to the narrow path of ethnicity very often exhorted by Well done, to welcome you and the door is the Barisan (especially UMNO) Dr. Wan Aiisah always open. polilticians who brashly equate loyalty to the nation with loyalty I am not a loyal fan of Dr. Wan A. Ponnampalmn to the Chief Executive, from Azizah Ismail or Anwar Ibrahim. Former President MIAC Malaysia whom they hope to gain even more at the expense of the com­ What is there to lose for the Without conscience mon people. Malays if Malaysia is on good or principles? terms with foreigners? The main Many of us are dedicated to the point is, ifwe are honest enough, Are we becoming a people with service of our beloved nation, ir­ we will receive the same treat­ neither principles nor con­ respective of our ethnic origin. ment regardless of who we are or science? We have been able to express our what positions we hold. patriotism in tangible, beneficial Since the Anwar Ibrahim saga deeds based on the principles of It is our utmost hope that Wan started a few months ago, friends humaneness, morality, honesty Azizah will let us voice our opin­ have told me that we should not and ethics - even when we our­ ions through an organisation and bother about him. Whatever hap­ selveshave often been denied fair a party other U1an UMNO. pens to him, they say, is his prob­ and equitable treatment and jus­ lem-it has nothing to do with us. tice. On behalf of many Indian Malay­ It is just his misfortune to be sians, I strongly support her in where he is today. When I raised Undeniably, Malaysia has made her quest for justice and true de­ the issue of principles, I was told considerable materialistic pro­ mocracy. that we have jobs; we have gress (despite some of the gran­ money to spend; goods and ser­ diose projects being myopic I know that after this article is vices are in abundance; so we white elephants); the price the published in the local newspaper should be contented and show common people have had to pay (if it gets through) our Prime our gratitude to the government. is the erosion of some eternal Minister, Dr. Mahathir Moha­ principles and the fundamental mad, will direct the Inspector­ Where are our principles? When rights of justice and fairness. General of Police to put me un­ something is so blatantly wrong, der ISA surveillance. I am ready shouldn't we say something? Only the restoration of these

Aliron Monthly Jonuory 1999: 19(1 ) Poge 25 rights and fairness will enable mature to see for themselves much aware of their service and Malaysians to regain their self­ what is good for them. sacrifice. The time has come for respect and dignity and to hold the nation to come forward and their heads high and be respected At the same time, Malaysi_ans support the lawyers involved in by the people of the world. should stop behaving like a flock the Anwar episode in more tan­ of sheep in supporting a leader gible ways. Long live respectable M~aysia! blindly. As mature citizens, we should take a stand based on Prof. Chandra Muzaffar A Patriot solid facts and sound reasoning. Vice-President Ipoh I call on all Malaysians to reduce Protem Committee the majority of the Barisan Social Justice Movement (ADJL) Save our nation Nasional in the next General further embarrasment Elections so that it will recover Start signature from the intoxicating sickness it campaign for Anwar As a concerned Malaysian, I call is suffering from because of the upon Dr. Mahathir, Anwar absolute power given to it in the I would suggest that UMNO Ibrahim and their respective sup­ past. Power corrupts; absolute members who feel strongly for porters to bring to an end the power corrupts absolutely! Anwar Ibrahim could start a sig­ court proceedings immediately nature campaign amongst and save the country from being K. Kannan UMNO members to bring back viewed by foreigners as another ]ohor Bnhru Anwar into UMNO immediately. uncivilised third world country The organisers of this campaign that does not know how to Lawyers for Justice must get at least one million sig­ handle its domestic political natures .from UMNO members to problems rationally. National The protem committee of ADIL is show that Anwar has the support dignity is more important than most appreciative of the service of the grass-roots level. One mil­ the ego of either persons in­ performed by the team of lawyers lion UMNO members openly volved in the case. defending Anwar lbrarum in his supporting Anwar as the party's trial which began on 2 November Deputy President would defi­ Drop all court proceedings im­ 1998. ADIL also commends the nitely send a clear message to the mediately and let the people de­ lawyers involved in a number of party's Supreme Council that all cide in the next General Elections other cases which are part and is not settled yet. who the majority of the people parcel of the Anwar episode. This support. People should wake up includes not only the Nalla, If the organisers manage to get and realise that leaders at the top Munawar and Sukma cases but over one million signatures and have become power crazy and also the forthcoming trials of the Anwar is not reinstated to his are doing whatever possible to hundreds of individuals arrested former position, then, I feel, Ma­ cling on to power. Do not give under the Police Act since the end laysians, especially UMNO mem­ absolute power to any one party of September 1998. bers, should reconsider their vot­ in the next election. ing pattern in the coming general The lawyers involved in all these election. Dr. Mahathir has already drop­ court cases have sacrificed a great ped Anwar from the cabinet and deal of their time, energy and in­ To Dr. Wan Azizah, my best the latter has also been removed come to protect the victims of in­ wishes to her new movement, from UMNO. That is what Dr. justice. A number of them are not ADIL, and to her family. Perhaps, Mahathir wanted and it is al­ receiving any remuneration for through you, we will get a ready a fact now. The nationalis­ their slog and sweat. In some in­ woman Prime Minister for our tic way to end this matter now is stances, they have had to set country one day. Uphold Tmth to withdraw all charges against aside their own routine practice and the Tmth shall defend you Anwar and release him from and as a result their incomes have for God is Truth. prison, letting the matter rest as shrunk considerably. it is. Anwar should work towards May God bless all Malaysians getting people's support for his The Malaysian public, which with Wisdom, Peace and Truth. Reformation Movement through wants to see justice done, is fully the democratic process. Malay­ behind these lawyers. Malay­ K Sure11dran sians are now generally more sians of all walks of life are very Penang

Ali ran Monthly January 1999: 19( 1) Page 26 Human Rights Day Message 1998

Low divorced from justice is like morality clivorcecl from ethics by Ramdas Tikamdas

n the 50th Anniversary that law divorced from justice is While democracy was steadily of the Universal Decla­ like morality divorced from eth­ receding with the dams, immi­ ration of Human Rights, ics, both leading ultimately to nent ecological disaster was ig­ one would have hoped their own disrepute. nored. The Sungai Gombak in to celebrate positive develop­ the heart of Kuala Lumpur be­ ments in fundamental liberties, Basic and constitutionally en­ came a "River of Death" when the rule of law and principles of trenched fundamental liberties nine tonnes of decaying fish were natural justice. But unfortu­ such as the right of peaceful as­ found in a residential area of high nately, the year 1998 will be re­ sembly have been indiscrimi­ density and no information was corded in our history as a night­ nately breached and abused. On released to the public as to the mare period for human rights. 31 May 1998, a peaceful assem­ source and consequences of a bio­ bly in a closed hall in a hotel ecological disaster of such mag­ The human rights diary for 1998 organised by the DAP was met nitude. (NST, May 1998) began with the Lim Guan Eng with a flagrant coercive show of episode being the focus of public police force with full FRU gear, Tire Sun on 27 May 1998 carried concern raising grave constitu­ batons, police shields and police a report attributed to the River tional issues in the context of par­ trucks as if there was an immi­ Engineering Division Head, the liamentary democracy and the nent breakdown of law and or­ Drainage and Irrigation Depart­ oath of office of a Member of Par­ der when all that was sought to ment, that the Official Secrets Act liament. This shameful saga will be done was to discuss basic and has been consistently abused by forever remain in the public con­ fundamental rights and liberties authorities which claim confiden­ science as a brooding reminder guaranteed under the Constitu­ tiality of information to rude tion. weaknesses in their administra­ tion. He stated that "some offi­ On 3 June 1998, consumers were cials hide behind the Act's provi­ prevented by the Police from at­ sions because it provides the per­ tending a forum to discuss the fect way out of having to face the water crisis in the Klang Valley music". when the police permit was can­ Abuse of ISA celled at the last minute, prompt­ ing the President of FOMCA to The year 1998 will also be infa­ express his hope that the state of mously remembered for the ram­ democracy in the country would pant abuse and misuse of the dra­ not recede to the same critical conian lnternal Security Act level as the dams in the Klang (ISA). The Act itself is inherently Valley. a violation of the rule of law and

Ali ran Monthly January 1999: 19( 1) Page 27 • Anwar Ibrahim, medical reports relating to the after being dismissed injuries and a confirmation or as Deputy Prime otherwise of the complaint Minister and Finance that he was denied medical Minister, was ar­ treatment for five days during rested in his home on police custody. 20 September 1998 by the Police Special • Another 17 persons perceived Task Force with as Anwar's friends and sup­ balaclavas and an porters were detained under armoury of fire­ the ISA one by one and there­ the Universal Declaration of Hu­ power as if they were storm­ after released without condi­ man Rights but this year must be ing a terrorist fortress. He tion leaving the public out­ distinguished by the most imagi­ was not initially arrested un­ raged at the misuse and abuse native and innovative use of the der the ISA but his detention of the "national security" and Act in circumstances that could was subsequently converted "public order" concerns to jus­ never have been contemplated into an ISA detention with the tify their detention without when the legislation was passed. Deputy Minister of Home Af­ trial. fairs being quoted (The Sun, • Three persons were arrested 23 September 1998) as saying • The act continues to be in­ under the ISA for spreading that"Anwar was to have been voked arbitrarily against per­ rumours on the the Internet produced in court yesterday sons clearly not "terrorists and with the Deputy Minister of but police decided against it their sympathisers" but "ordi­ Home Affairs being quoted as at the last minute following nary citizens of this country" saying that "we want to im­ the tense situation created by (YTM Tuanku Abdu I pose a deterrent sentence to the supporters outside the Rahman; Bar Council Semi­ send a clear warning to every­ }alan Raja Court Complex". nar, 9 & 10 December 1988). body not to play around with the internet". (NST, 13 August It is now public knowledge Pollee Shootings 1998) that in fact Anwar had sus­ tained seri01..1s injuries while The year 1998 will also be remem­ • The police also arrested and in police custody on the same bered forthealarmingnumberof detained a lorry driver under night of his arrest, with the alleged criminals killed in police the ISAfor allegedly bringing scars still shockingly visible shootings raising the questions as in illegal immigrants and after nine days when he was to what is reasonable force em­ harbouring them. finally brought to court for ployed by the police in the appre­ trial. Was his detention con­ hension of suspected criminals: • One Dr Munawar Ahmad verted "at the last minute" Aness, a prominent academic, into an ISA detention to avoid • In January (NST, 29 January was arrested under the ISA having to bring him before a 1998), seven suspects who had ostensibly for matters relating Magistrate "within twenty­ planned to rob two supermar- to national security but was four hours" as then speedily charged for an stipulated in Ar­ offence under section 377D of ticle 5 (4) of the the Penal Code for gross inde­ Federal Constitu­ cency, leaving the public tion? stunned and puzzled as to how an alleged act of sodomy Even now the can be a matter of national se­ public still awaits curity to justify an arrest pur­ the disclosure of suant to the ISA. the police and

Aliron Monthly January 1999: 19(1) Page 28 kets in Tawau, Sabah, were turned out to be 8 months justice and fairness and this is the shot dead by the police. Ac­ pregnant and whose alleged responsibility of all the three cording to the newspaper re­ involvement in any crime still branches of Government: the Ex­ port "the suspects, three of remains a mystery. ecutive, the Legislature, and the whom were armed with guns, Judiciary. Respect for human were cruising irt' a car when • The same night, on the East rights in state governance is the they realised that they were Coast near 'fumpat, an armed c1nly sure way of ensuring public being trailed by a group of po­ police force shot and killed six confidence and support as we licemen; they then fired two men who, the police claimed, move into the next century. shots in the direction of the were a gang of armed crimi­ policemen who returned fire, nals, some of whom were Rela On this 50th Anniversary of the killing them" - all seven of members and government Universal Declaration of Human them. servants. Rights, and as a step forward into the 21st century, HAI

~

The ISA has been misused on numerous occa- i ISA sions. It is simply not true that it is always the 1 communist subversive or .religious fanatic or eth­ For those of us who want to see democratic nic chauvinist or the practitioner of violence who values grow and mature in our land, there is has been detained under the ISA. The law has really no choice - the ISA has to go. Freedom been used against political opponents of the Gov­ will not flourish and justice will know no joy ernment pursuing political beliefs which are 1& unless this most formidable psychological gitimate through legal political channels. I obstacle to the rakyat's involvement in the life I of the nation is removed once and for all. (Aiiran, 1985) t i

Ali ron Monthly January 1999: 19( 1) Page 29 The Universal. Declaration of Human Rights: An Evaluation of Malaysia's Compliance with the Provisions on the Occasion of its 50th Anniversary, J0 December J998 by Dr Francis Loh ljildtll All human beings are havetllenbilitytoasserttheirrights into the 21st century, the Orang born &ee and equal in dignity and mainttli11 their dignity more Asli lag behind, still denied their and rights. They are endowed fully. This is undesirable. freedom, dignity and rights fully. with reason and conscience and should act towards one another On the other lta11d, it is not uncom- ifliNMEveryone has the right in a spirit of brotherhood. 1/lOII for nation-states to grant spe­ to life, liberty and the security cial rights to their OWl! citizens (con­ of person. This is an assertion of the universal­ tra migrant workers), to the poor and ity of human rights. Despite being needy, minorities and indigenous Law and order prevails inMalay­ signa ton; to tlze Vienna Declaration peoples, women and children, the sia. But there continues to be do­ & Programme of Actio11 on Human aged and disabled, etc. This is desir­ mestic violence perpetrated Rights 1993, we still have leaders able in order to promote a spirit of against women and children. In­ asserting that the UDHR 1948 does brotherhood. deed, there are cultural structures not accord with "Asian values" call­ and practices discriminating ing for its revision instead. The case of the Orang Asli merits against women. But there have special mention: under the Ab­ also been recent complaints of ex­ Kjildtwj Everyone is entitled original Peoples' Act, 1954 (re­ cessive use of force in several to all the rights and freedoms set vi"Sed 1974) the Minister is en­ cases of shooting fatalities by tl1e forth in this Declaration, with­ abled to exercise total and exclu­ police, and of police brutalities out distinction of any kind, such sive power to protect, control and against suspected criminals or as race, colour, sex, language, determine their life, status and dissidents while being arrested or religion, political or other opin­ future. There is no provision in detained . ion, national or social or igin, the legislation allowing the Or­ property, birth or other status. ang Asli any role in the determi­ iflMDI No on e shall be held nation of their own affairs. The in slavery or servitude; slavery Furthermore, no d istinction JHEOA - the government agency and the slave trade shall be pro­ shall be made on the basis of the responsible for all matters concem­ hibited in all their forms. political, jurisdictional or inter­ ing the Orang Asli - has been de­ national status of the country or scribed as their "stL'Pfather" having Slaven; is no longer an issue in Ma­ territory to which a person be­ the power to regulate where they Jive, laysia. But the treatment of foreign longs, whether it be indepen­ what kind of work they do, and eveu workers may be likened to a form of dent, trust, non-self-governing what thetj read. An unprecedented bonded labour. or under any other limitation of sense of dependency is the result. Yet sovereignty. the JHEOA's performance in pro­ lflMI!II No one shall be sub­ moting tltewelfareaud developme11t jected to torture or to cruel, in­ In Malaysia, as elsewhere, the pow­ of the Orang Asli is a chequered one. human or degrading treatmen t erful, wealthy and better-educated Consequently, as Malaysia moves or punishment.

Ali ran Monthly January 1999; 19( 1) Page 30 An Encounter with •Responsllale Journalls111" l In late November 1998, the ration and to award points on a editor of Section 2, The Star, scale of 1 to I 0 for each of them. What was finally carried was called and invited me to join The editor intended to carry the one third of what I had sub­ a "panel discussion" on discussion over two days. mitted. All critical comments Malaysia' s human rights of BN government, and spe­ record which would be pub­ I was informed that there was no cific authorities were deleted. lished on 10 r:>ecember 1998, constraint as to the length of com­ References to cronyism were on the ocasion of the 50th an­ mentary and was assured that if removed while discussion of niversary of the Universal I chose my words and phrases rising centralisation of power Declaration of Human Rights. carefully there might not be any toned down. The other members of the censorship even. panel were Tan Sri Musa For the record, we reproduce Hitam (former deputy Prime I duly despatched the materials the entire commentary : the Minister), Hendon Mohamad that I had worked on for about a 30 Articles are presented in (former president of the Bar week. bold; the commentary that Council) and well-known en­ was carried appears in regu­ vironmentalist Gurmit Singh. Subsequently, I was contacted on lar print; and what UHIS left out I 8 l)ecember to be informed that is indicated in italics. The brief was to comment on they were not going to carry the the 30 Articles of the l)ecla- commentary in its entirety. F. Loh - -· - ·- ---·--= There were always allegatiOns that any discrimination to equal pro­ nal Procedu re Code detainees must suspected criminals have been sub­ tection of the law. All are en­ be presented in court within 24 jected to cruel and inhumane treat­ titled to equal protection against hours. Recently, many were not. ment by the detaining authorities any discrimination in violation Others were also not accorded tlze while in remand. Several publisl1ed of this Declaration and against right to legal representation. There or oral accounts by ISA detainL'es, any incitement to such discrimi­ is even popular belief nowadays that including during Operasi Lalang nation. selective prosecution occurs. 1987, have also alleged incidences of cruel and inhumane treatment du r­ Most citizens are unaware of their dM@I Everyone has the right ing interrogation. Aud affidavits legal rights. This is why the Uni­ to an effective .remedy by the filed by detainees over the past two versal Declaration insists on the competent national tribunals for montl1s, and by Anwar Ibrahim (re: need to educate peoples of their acts violating the fundamental lzis black eye) further allege police rights and freedoms and respect rights granted him by the con­ brutalities. The chilling accounts of for their rights as well. stitution or by law. "h1mingover" and "neutralisation" as revealed by senior police officers Equality before the law also de­ Tltere is a need to set up genuinely during court proceedings indicate pends on equal access to legal independent commissions (prefer­ tile practice of psychological torture representation: even wjth legal ably royal commissions) to investi­ too. aid made available to the poor, gate violations of fu uda men tal the wealthy and powerful com­ rights. Instead, internal investiga­ lfild&N Everyone has the right mands greater protection. tions are sometimes conducted, tile to recognition everywhere as a findings, often exonerating those person before the law; and But rule by law is also fast replacing suspected of abuses. rule of law as a result of which due QMM All are equal before process is sometimes denied. For QM@ No one shall be sub­ the law and are entitled without example, under s117 of the Crimi- jected to arbitrary arrest, deten-

Aliran Monthly January 1999: 19( 1) Page 31 tion or exile. good cause for re-detaining the per­ Monitoring and harassment of the son. Opposition, critics, ex-criminals The ISA, designed to help the and, apparently, even government government fight the armed iflMMIII Everyone is entitled leaders - through interception of communists, is an anachronism. in full equality to a fair and pub­ mail, phone tapping, searches and With the end of the communist lic hearing by an independent interrogation - go on and are justi­ thrcnt, and the availability of so and impartial tribunal, in the de­ fied on the grounds of "national se many other stringent laws, its termination of his rights and ob­ curity". In fact these are violations continued existence and its abuse ligations and of any criminal of one's freedom and rights. Most makes a mockery of this article. charge against him; and people being monitored have learnt that they have little recourse of ap­ It is worthwhile to look at how the iflMMII 1) Everyone charged peal to any other authority: N.B. the Republic of Sou tit Africa handles the with a penal offence has the judge's claim that he had no author­ question of detention without trial. right to be presumed innocent ity to prevent tire police from inves­ Under its co11slitution, detention until proved guilty according to tigating the office of a defence coun­ without trial can only occur when a law in a public tria) at which he sel after the prosecutor had lodged a state of emergency is declared by an has had all the guarantee neces­ police report that some notes had Act of Parliament. sary for his defence. 2) No one gont missing. shall be held guilty of any pe­ When one is so detained, the follow­ nal offence on account of any act Attacks upon a person's lwnourand ing conditions must be further ob­ or omission which did not con· reputation may also occur when served: stitute a penal offence, under deemed necessar!fas in Anwar's case a) an adult family member or friend national or international law, at (and earlier in the case of Tengku must be contacted as soon as reason­ the time when it was committed. Razaleigh weDring the tengkolok ably possible; Nor shall a heavier penalty be with a cross-like emblem during the b) a notice must be published in the imposed than the one that was 1990 elections). The entire media Government Gazette within five applicable at the time the penal can be easily mobi/L.;ed by tire gov­ days of the detention stating the offence was committed. emment towards this end. detainee's name, place of detention, and refer to the Emergency measure Justice must be done as well as ljiiNMQ 1) Everyone has the in terms of which the person has been seen to be done. Yet the country is right to freedom of movement detained; awash with rumours of judges being and residence within the bor­ c) the detainee must be visited by a transferred after ruling agah1st tlze ders of each State. 2) Everyone medical pracl itioner and legal rep­ government. Many believe tlrat there has the right to leave any coun­ resentative of /tis choice; lias occurred a serious erosion of tfre try, including his own, and to d) the court must review the deten­ independe11ce and impartiality of tlze return to his country. tion no later than 10 days after the courts. Some further believe that a date the person was detained, AND, fair hearing is also dmied because of Freedom of movement is guaranteed the court must release the detainee inefficiencies on the part of the jzm­ generally altltouglz restrictions may unless it is necessary to continue the ior members of the Bmch. A fair be imposed on ex-detainees. But detention to restore peace and order; hearing can also be threatmed if, as travel into Sabah and Sarawak by e) slrould he contirme to be detained, in Anwar Ibrahim's case, a "trial by non-residents require travel docu­ the detainee may apply to the court media" occurs. ments. This restriction is part of the for a further review any time more 20 Points guarantee which Kuala than 10 days after the previous re­ gmag No one shall be sub­ Lumpur provided to those states at view, and should detention be con­ jected to arbitrary interference the point of Malaysia's formation. Its tinued to restore peace and order, the with his privacy, family, home or lifting requires the agreement of the process is to be continued until his correspondence, nor to attacks govemments of those states. release, etc. upon his honour and reputation. f) if released, that person may not be Everyone has the right to the ijiMMiit) Everyone has the detained again on the same grounds protection of the law against right to seek and to enjoy in unless tire state first shows a court such interference or attacks. other countries asylum from

Ali ran Monthly January 1999: 19( 1) Page 32 persecution. 2) This right may blue identity cards. other benefits might also be not be invoked in the case of granted. However, the issue does prosecutions genuinely arising lfiit4Mitit) Men and women not simply concern equity and from non-political crimes or of full age, without any limita­ due compensation. It concerns from acts contrary to the pur­ tion due to race, nationality or their history, their cultural iden­ poses and princi}1les of the religion, have the right to marry tity and a whole way of life asso­ United Nations. and to found a family. They are ciated with a particular place. entitled to equal rights as to mar­ This link between the land and the Over the years the Malaysian riage, during marriage and at its ethnic group's history, identihJ and government has rightly offered dissolution. 2) Marriage shall be way of life is especially critical residence and perhaps asylum to entered into only with the free among people belonging to a oral tra­ political refugees especially Mus­ and full consent of the intend­ dition. Tl1eir resettlement from lims from Bosnia, Chams from ing spouses. 3) The family is the their original places of settle­ Cambodia, southern Filipinos natural and fundamental group ment, with or without compen­ (during the Marcos era). However unit of society and is entitled to sation, may result in "ethnocide", political asylum was denied some protection by society and the the destruction of a culture, ulti­ Atjehnese who were then forcibly State. mately an entire ethnic group. returned under perceived dangers of This is not adequately under­ persecution. The large groups of We rarely hear of cases of child brides stood by outsiders. Vietnamese "boat people" first held or forced marriages. Whether rela­ in Pulau Bidong, then removed to the tions within a marriage are main­ fMML1 Everyone has the Sungei Besi detention camp, were tained equally and fairly is largely right to freedom of thought, con­ regarded as illegal immigrants (This considered a private matter. But science and religion; this right was rephrased by the Star to there now exists a domestic violence includes freedom to change his read: But alas, not to all who have act affording women some measure religion or belief, and freedom, so requested.). of protection. either alone or in community with others and in public or pri­ QMMiajt) Everyone has the UMNM 1) Everyone has the vate, to manifest his religion or right to a nationality. 2) No one right to own property alone as belief in teaching, practice, wor­ shall be arbitrarily deprived of well as in association with oth­ ship and observance. his nationality nor denied the ers. 2) No one shall be arbitrarily right to change his nationality. deprived of his property. The Federal Constitution accords Islam a special position as the of­ There remains the problem of An important issue here con­ ficial religion but it also grants spouses, especially the spouses of cerns land, specifically ances­ others the freedom to practice female citizens. Small groups of tral (or native customary rights, one's own religion. Non-Mus­ olderSabahand Sarawaknatives as it is known in Sarawak) or lims have enjoyed this freedom who do not possess birth certifi­ reserve land, on which the Or­ and continue to hold important cates have also been denied citi­ ang Asli or Sa bah and Sarawak positions in politics, the economy zenship. In some cases they were natives reside, or have main­ and society at large. born just across the Malaysian-In­ tained and cultivated for gen­ donesinn border and came to join kin erations, but for which they The thirteen states also have state or clan members living in Malaysia have no legal tenure. Due to laws that restrict tl1e propagation of subsequently. There are also cases development pressures includ­ other religions among Muslims. of people who, out of ignorance ing the constructjon of high­ However, Muslim missionaries, and inconvenience due to great ways, dams, airports, golf many under the auspices of the state, distances, failed to have their courses, FELDA schemes, etc, are allowed to proselytise among births registered. They should these Orang Asli and natives uon-Muslims. Religious freedom is not be penalised for such tedmi­ have been resettled. Compen­ therefore circumscribed by the un­ calities especially since substan­ sation is generally provided for equal status of the different religions tial numbers of illegal immi­ the rubber and fruit trees which most non-Muslims have grants have been able to acquire grown. Alternative land and learnt to accept as a reasorlable com-

Ali ron Monthly Jonuory 1999: 19( 1) Page 33 promise. However, they are curtailed by vari- equal suffrage and shall be held ous exclusions found in the Consti- by secret vote or b y equivalen t However, following the emer­ ttttion itself [article 10(2)]. free voting procedures. gence of the Islamic resurgence movement and the government's The existence of the Printing Presses This is the cornerstone of Malaysia's introduction of Islamisation poli­ and PublicafionsAct, the Broadcast­ claim to being democracy: franchise cies beginning from the 1970s, ing Act and the OSA, apart from the for all adult Malaysians and the non-Muslims have complained ISA, curtails the right of expression. holding of regular elections. The of discrimination and intolerance The virtual mmwpolies that the gov­ Commonwealth team which investi­ claiming that it has become more ernment and ruling parties exert gated the conduct of the 1990 gen­ difficult for them to practise, pro­ over the media, has further restricted eral elections entitled their report fess and propagate their faiths. tlze Opposition's and critics' freedom "Free but not Fair". The unfairness These concerns have been voiced of expression. refers to the continued use of gov­ by the MCCBCHS sometimes ernment facilities by the incumbent leading to compromises accept­ As well, s27 Police Acl1967 requires during the electoral campaign pe­ able to the various parties. personfs to apply for a license for riod, the disbursement of govern­ purposes of meeting, assembly and ment funds for projects, the bias of There is also concern of government procession, which the police may at the government-controlled media, treatment of those it considers "de­ any time on any ground refuse or etc. viant Muslims", as in tl1e cases of cancel. Under the Act, three or more those involved in Darul Arqam persons assembling and meeting Other considerations are rural (which was subsequently dismantled without license constitutes an "un­ weightage and gerrymandering more after the leaders were detained un­ lawful assembly" and "all persons generally in the drawing ofelectoral der theiSA) and tlwse not subscrib­ attending, found at or taking part in boundaries; sudden increases in the ing to the Swmi version of Islam such assembly" shall be guilty of an electoral rolls in particular constihl­ countenanced in the country. A few offence [s.27(5) Police Act] and shall ellcies and the qllestion of phantom isolated cases of individual Muslims be liable on conviction to a fine and voters. attempting to embrace other faiths, imprisonment [s.27(8)]. ll was on as in the case ofNor Aishah in1997f these grounds that the recent peace­ It would be in line with the spirit of 1998, have also caused emotions to ful demonstrations were declared il­ this article if local government was be charged and undue pressures put legal, broken up by the police, and also elected as in neighbouring In­ upon the individual. hundreds arrested. So too in the case dia a11d the Philippines. of APCET II which was being held lfliNMQI Everyone has the behind closed doors in a KL hotel in ifildM Everyone, as a mem­ right to freedom of opinion and Dec 1997. ber of society, has the right to expression; this right includes social security and is entitled to freedom to hold opinions with­ Certain laws need to be amended as realization, through national ef­ out interference and to seek, re­ well if fundamental rights are to be fort and international co-opera­ ceive and impart information guaranteed. tion and in accordance with the and ideas through any media organization and resources of and regardless of frontiers; and ljlldMI 1) Everyone has the each State, of the economic, so­ right to take part in the govern­ cial and cultural rights indis­ QINEill) Everyone has the ment of his country, directly or pensable for his dignity and the right to freedom of peaceful as­ through freely chosen represen­ free development of his person­ sembly and association. 2) No tatives. 2) Everyone has the right ality; and one may be compelled to belong of equal access to public service to an association. in his country. 3) The will of the MflmMdl) Everyone has the people shall be the basis of the right to a standard of living ad­ Tlte Federal Constitution. (article 10) authority of government; this equate for the health and well­ grants us the right to freedom of will shall be expressed in peri­ being of himself and of his fam­ speech, associatio11 and expression odic and genuine elections ily, including food, clothing, and the right to assemble peaceably. which shall be by universal and housing and medical care and

Ali ran Monthly January 1999: 19{1 I Page 34 necessary social service1 and the to equal pay for equal work. 3) The plight of former estate workers right to security in the event of Everyone who works has the merits comment: due to fragmenta­ unemployment, sickness, dis­ right to just and favourable re­ tion of estates and development pres­ ability, widowhood, old age or muneration ensuring for him­ sures, large numbersofunskz1/ed and other lack of livelihood in cir­ self and his family an existence poorly educated workers, largely In­ cumstances beyond his corrtrol. worthy of human dignity, and dians, have been displaced from the 2) Motherhood and childhood supplemented, if necessary, by estates. Often only able to find part­ are entitled to special care and other means of social protection. time employment in the poorly paid assistance. All children, 4) Everyone has the right to form informal sectors, many end up in whether born in or out of wed­ and to join trade unions for the urban slums barely eking out a liv­ lock, shall enjoy the same social protection of his interests; and ing. Denied their dignity, and with protection. little prospect of conditions improv­ IMIWJI Everyone has the ing, various social ills have escalated. This is a second cornerstone of right to rest and leisure, includ­ our democracy. ing reasonable limitation of The living and working condi­ working hours and periodic tions of foreign workers, their The goven1ment's overall devel­ holidays with pay. lack of protection under the law, opment achievements are laud­ and denial of the right to arbitrate able. According to official re­ Unions, subject to restrictions, are or to resort to industrial action are ports, absolute poverty has al­ allowed except in those plants deplorable. Yet many do not most been eliminated. The NEP granted pioneer status, many of seem to care or mind. provided numerous socio-eco­ which nre located in the free trade nomic opportunities for the zones. Where the company has not ljiti!MI 1) Everyone has the bumiputera, resulting in a re­ cleverly applied for extension of right to education. Education structuring of the entire economy. pioneer status through plans to shall be free, at least in the el­ Alargemiddle-class has emerged produce some new product, and ementary and fundamental and most Malaysians enjoy a pioneer status therefore lost, the stages. Elementary education higher standard of living today. government has promoted the for­ shall be compulsory. Technical mation of in-house rather than and professional education shall Unfortunately, relative poverty is national unions. Ostensibly such be made generally available and increasing. Housing remains a unions would be better acquainted higher education shall be serious problem. And priva­ with and committed to the objec­ equally accessible to all on the tisation (and corporatisation) tives and operation of the establish­ basis of merit. 2) Education shall policies have resulted in in­ ment in which the members work. be directed to the full develop­ creased charges, apart from In fact, in-house unions are con­ ment of the human personality cronyism. Alas, despite talk of sidered more docile and collabora­ and to the strengthening of re­ creating a caring society, devel­ tive than the national unions. spect for human rights and fun­ opment allocations for welfare damental freedoms. It shall pro­ services are minuscule. The Although wage levels and safety mote understanding, tolerance lower classes are encountering standards at work have. improved, and friendship among all na­ difficulties in maintaining their SOCSO and some termination ben­ tions, racial orreligious groups, families in the manner they have efits effected, there continues to be no and shall further the activities of been accustomed to during the protection against unemployment. the United Nations for the main­ present recession. Attempts like the MTUC's recent tenance of peace. 3) Parents have proposal to set up a national re­ a prior right to choose the kind QMMI 1) Everyone has the trenchment fund, to increase re­ of education that shall be given right to work, to free choice of trenchment benefits, to enact mini­ to their children. employment, to just and mum wnge legislation and to place favourable conditions of work dnily-rated (estate) workers on Considering how the question of and to protection against unem­ monthly-wage schemes !tave been education had been politicised ployment. 2) Everyone, without rejected by the government and em­ previously, Malaysia has done any discrintinatio~ has the right ployers time nnd time again. remarkably well in providing

Ali ran Monthly January 1999: 19( I) Page 35 opportunities for all up to the ter­ true of the UN itself as well as Conclusion tiary level. Tolerance, perhaps multilateral organisations like the understanding, but not yet ap­ lnternationalMonetary Fund, the Compared to its ASEAN preciation of our differences, new World Trade Organisation, neighbours, Malaysia's record is have been promoted. Choices are etc. In this regard, our leaders commendable. Law and order available for the upper cMsses but have been among the champions prevails. Except for a brief period not evidently for the poorer Ma­ addressing this imbalance. (1969-71), a stable parliamentary laysians. Witl1 the over-empha­ system has been in place since sis on technical and professional iflldMJ 1) Everyone has du­ Independence. Malaysia's eco­ training, "the full development of ties to the community in which noDlicperlonnancellasa~obeen the human personality" might alone the free and full develop­ impressive and has been shared not be so easily achieved. Per­ ment of his personality is pos­ by the different ethnic groups in­ haps more disconcerting, there is sible. 2) In the exercise of his cluding the rural Malay poor. But virtually no attempt to educate rights and freedoms, everyone rising cronyism and conce11tration of Malaysians about their rights and shall be subject only to such power are worrisome. freedoms unlike say in the Phil­ limitations as are determined by ippines and South Africa where law solely for the purpose of Compared to other Common­ they do so in schools. securing due recognition and wealth nations which similarly respect for the rights and free­ installed a Westminster system of lflMtiM 1) Everyone has the doms of others and of meeting government, Malaysia continues right freely to participate in the the just requirements of mo­ to hold its own in terms of eco­ cultural life of the community, rality, public order and the nomic growth and its redistribu­ to enjoy the arts and to share in general weUa.re in a demo­ tion. But alas, man does not live scientific advancement and its cratic society. 3) These rights by bread alone. Unintemtpted benefits. 2) Everyone has the and freedoms may in no case rule by the Barisan has resulted in right to the protection of the be exercised contrary to the the centralisation of pcrwer in the moral and material interests re­ purposes and principles of the hands of the Executive at the expense sulting from any scientific, lit­ United Nations. of Parliament and the I udiciary, the erary or artistic production of curtailment of the important role of which he is the author. On the positive side Malaysians the Opposition as a counter-balance, have learnt to lear and reject ex­ and various cllrbs to civil liberties. Although there is provision for a tremism, to live and let live with Although still impressive when com­ "national culture" based on the cul­ one another. The negative aspect pared to most developing Common­ tural characteristics of Malays and to this is our withdrawal from wealth countries, the rapid replace­ other indigenous groups, the prac­ certain social and political re­ ment of "rule of law" by "rule by tice and development of other cul­ sponsibilities. This has allowed the law" is a major set back. (This tures have not been curbed. How­ government and political leaders to italicised section was toned down ever, cultural performances continue characterise themselves as represetl­ by tl1e Star to read: Participatory to require permits and are subject to tatives of the community's entire in­ democracy and checks and bal­ unnecessan; ce11sorship by the au­ terests and to lord it over us. This ances are the hallmarks of demo­ thotities. is unhealthy for the promotion of cratic systems of government and human rights and fundamental these must be safeguarded UMM.jEveryone is entitled freedoms. against erosion. Any replacement to a social and international or­ of "rule of law" with "rule by der in which the rights and free­ UMtiDI Nothing in this Dec­ law" is also a cause for concern.) doms set forth in this Declara­ laration may be interpreted as tion can be fully realized. implying for any State, group or Finally, Malaysia today can be com­ person any .right to engage in pared to its own past,say the nmku's Unfortunately the international any activity or to perform any act time. Whereas economic growth and order remains a much unbal­ aimed at the destruction of any redistrib1dio11 has progressed, anced one, dominated by West­ of the rights and freedoms set democratisatio11 and government ac­ ern industrial powers. This is forth herein. countability have regressed. 0

Ali ran Monthly January 1999: 19( I) Page 36 ALIRAN MONTHLY SUBSCRIPTION FORM A GIFT of one publication Mr./Ms.------­ of your choice Add~s ------~------if you subscribe to

Subscription I t year l AIR RM ___ _ Aliran for 11 issues ~=~l 2years :====:, SEA Monthly Donation for Afuan ...... RM _____ NOW TOTAL Enclosed : Money Order I Postal Order I Cheque

Salvador de Madariage Subscription I year AIR l88o /Y73 for 11 issues 2 years SEA Spon.·sh dJ'ofotror wrdcr critic

I enclose money order I postal order I cheque for the above order amounting to RM payable to Aliran. Send this form and payment to

This gift subscription is paid for and presented by: Mr./Ms.------Address ------AURAN DISTRIIUTION IUIEAU 103, MEDAIII PINAGA, 11600 JEWTONG, PENANG, MALAYSIA

AM 1999: 19(1) Date Signature

Ali ran Monthly January 1999: 19( 1) Page 37 Reformasi •1n Penang University students defy ban on politics and call lor justice

Just outside the USM campus prayers ended, and the crowd furled out of nowhere several inPenang started drifting towards the cam­ banners reading 'Refonnasi - Di 2 p.m., Friday, pus gate, apparently heading for Mana T

Ali ran Monthly Jonuory 1999: 19( 1) Poga 38 support of the demonstrators and their call for Refonnasi. The atmosphere was relaxed and peaceful but the protestors were all the time wary of the police.

But the calm did not last long. Suddenly, about 20 minutes into the peaceful demonstration, a vanload of riot police with red helmets and menacing batons (but without their Perspex shields) arrived at the campus gate.

Within minutes of their arrival, the protestors vanished, leaving behind their banners and plac­ ards by the roadside. Obviously, they were not taking any chances especially after the high­ handed and even brutal police action against demonstrators in Kuala Lumpur in preceding weeks.

Plainclothes police personnel then walked along the pave­ ments, picking up the placards -perhaps as evidence of the pub­ lic gathering. (Council workers must have been grateful to them and hugely popular "Malta thi r the chorus from inside as well as for clearing the road.) undur" (Mahathlr, resign). outside the campus. Men, both young and old, punched their Despite the brief demonstra­ Strangely, not a single placard fists into the air in support of the tion, the students had had their carried the word "Anwar'', prov­ cry. say and had made their point. ing that Reformasi had gone well They had demonstrated their beyond the Anwar saga and had A handful of Chinese women, support for Reformasi in evolved into a clamour for jus­ who looked like they were in Penang defying the firm warn­ tice and reforms at all levels of their early 20s, joined in the cho­ ings against any political activ­ society. rus, raising their clenched fists. ism on campus, including Behind the crowds, other Chi­ threats of suspension. As ami­ Soon, a section of the crowd nese shopkeepers and the lunch­ crocosm of young Malaysian started roaring "Reformasi!" time crowd milled in front of the society, the USM students had pumping up the adrenaline of shophouses, as curious specta­ also succeeded in displaying the both curious and supportive tors behind the demonstrators. their burning desire to realise crowd which had gathered to their ideals of justice and truth observe the unfolding drama. Traffic slowed to a crawl and within what is now a jaded The rest of the predominantly jammed the road. Drivers in Malaysian socio-politicalland­ Malay-Muslim crowd joined in passing cars and vans honked in scape.O

Ali ran Monthly January 1999: 1911) Page 39 Aliron Monthl y Jonuory 1999·· 19(1) poge40