HEART TO HEART : "\\'hat comes from the lip' reaches the car, what comes from the heart reaches the heart" ·Arab proverb Fighting for a Cause It's a struggle of the spirit, without arms

our members of the Aliran Monthly edi­ nished living room. While we waited. we \\.'On­ torial board met Dr Wan Azizah Wan dered if she would be guarded in articulating g Ismail, wife of sacked deputy prime her views due to the gag order !'>lapped on her. minister Anwar Ibrahim, at her Bukit Damansara home in Kuala Lumpur recently. Soon, the woman ,..,·hom many in the fledgling Reformasi movement look to for mspiration ap­ The house looked almost deserted when we peared. Dressed in a simple, ::.tylish pink and arrived at 3 pm for our appointment. We white baju kunwg A.zizah appeared supremely walked around the house and spotted a re­ confident and fielded our questions deftly, "ith­ placed wooden panel on the front door and a out any airs, during the -10-minute session. missing glass pane on the window - telling evidence of the excessive force that police used In this exclusi\·e wide-ranging internew with when they broke into the house to arrest A/iran Monthly, one of her rare interviews with Anwar on the night of 20 September, soon af­ the local media ('wh1ch she avoids because, ::.he ter he had led massive demonstrations in the says, they distort her views), she provides an capital. insightful glimpse into her backgnund, her family's recent trials, the recent str~t prote,ts Presently, a young aide opened the panelled door and the challenges facing the Reforma:-i mow­ and ushered us into a spacious but modestly fur- ment, and Malays1ans generally.

Ali ron Monthly November 1998: 18( 10) Page 2 Mussolini And Hitler Of Demonstrations And Democracy Police Brutality Shopping For Justice Still Shopping For Justice 36

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Ali ron Monthly November 1998: 18(1 0) Page 3 Fighting for a Cause Aliran Monthly's Interview with Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail . Aliran Month ly: On behalf of Aliran, we would like to thar1k you for granting us this interview, which we are sure our readers will appreci­ ate reading. Please convet; our COlt­ cern to Datuk Seri Anwar and in­ form him that we're praying for him and hoping that he will have a fair hearing in court.

It's been nearly two months since Anwar was sacked as Deputy Prime Minister and expelled from UMNO and about one month since he was arrested. How is your family, espe­ cially the children, coping with the that they are the children of a Alor Setar, from Standard One to situation? fighter. They have to continue Funn Five. I liked the Convent because it is very important to school very much. The nuns Dr. Wan Azizah Wan Ismail: The have an education, to have the taught me a lot. I can still recite children of course miss their fa­ ideals and the principles. They 'Our Father who art in heaven ... ther terribly. They have had their have to fight, but they must go all right? I went to Tengku little episodes -one had an anxi­ on with their education. It is im­ Kurshiah College for a while and ety attack. They had to go to portant. then I was in Dublin for six years. school when earlier on they 1 was the top student for didn't feel like going. And then Aliran: For many Malaysians, you Obstretics and Gynaecology for they l1ad fever, conjunctivitis and haven't been a very public person my year and won a gold medal. all that. So, I had to deal with all until recently. Could you tell us a My name is inscribed in the halls that. This is quite normal in any bit about yourself and your back­ of the College of Surgeons, which family - the illnesses here and ground before becoming the wife of a is very important because it is a there. 11aHonalleader. Malaysian girl's name. Of course, there are two other Ma­ But our family is now in a tur­ Azizah: I grew up in Kedah, laysians, but I was the first fe­ moil. Their father has been Mahathir's state. I grew up with male. But I don't ru.ually brag treated in this way and the chil­ my uncle and aunt because my you know ... (smiles} dren feel the outrage. My eldest father studied in London at that daughter tried her level best; she time and he had to leave me be­ I was a houseman in the GH in went over and tried to seek some hind. Dr Mahathir was an MP Kuala Lumpur. That's where I political support from family when I was growing up. I re­ first met Am..,·ar- he was visiting friends - not as an emissary but member Datin Sri Or. Siti Oatin Sri Dr Sati Ha.smah's sister. just to meet President (Joseph) Hasmah (Mahathir's wife) came She had an appendicitis. I was on Estrada and President (B.J.) to officiate at my school's fun-fair. duty and he came to see her and Habibie. That was it. I was guard of honour - many that's how we met. years ago. And Marina Mahathir And the other children, they con- was also my junjor in school. I was in GH all the time. I was tinue. Life has to go on- because on scholarship so I had to do 10 their father left them the message I studied in St. Nicholas Convent, years of senice . I did 14 years -

Ali ron Monthly November 1998: 18( 10) Page 4 until Anwar was DPM. Then I Actually, we stopped them. There Kampung Baru. What are your stopped and thenl went back for were so many, so we said, "Eh views on the actions of the police and volunteer service. cukuplah, janganlah banyak­ the protesters? banyak." (That's enough, please, Aliran: Has Anwar been given ad­ not too many.) They went up­ Azizah: The protesters came and equate access to his lawyers. Are stairs, downstairs, geledah sana, showed me the scars and the there complaints about this? geledah sini (rummaging here and wounds and the bruises. Yes, they there). And then one group went; came and showed me because Azizah: Initially, he did not have a second group came. So tiring. I I'm not directly involved, but I'm any access but (for the) hearing, don't know what they were look­ so sympathetic because they are he could see his lawyers - three ing for. doing this on my behalf. The bru­ lawyers at a time, office hours. tality is actually on the part of the Not on Tuesdays and Public Holi­ Aliran: Did they give you an inven­ police. days. On Tuesdays, the Magis­ tory? trate comes to the prison, so no­ They (the authorities) have to body is allowed to go. Other Azizah: Yes, they had a search list prove thatthe protesters were the days, yes. after that. They took some tapes. ones (who were violent). If you All the tapes that were for the go to those who have been ar­ Aliran: Does he find it difficult to Gerak Reformasi- not the Gerak rested, who are in hospital... who prepare for his case because he is de­ (Malaysian People's Justice are the ones who got beaten up, tained? Movement) - whatever Anwar you tell me? And two policemen had been doing. came out, ini scratch sana, ini Azizah: Yes, in a way- because scratch sini (with just a couple of when he was arrested, they came Aliran: Regular protest marches and scratches here and there), two to ransack the house. From 12 demonstrations have taken place in policemen -then what is your midnight to 6 in the morning - Kuala Lumpur recently. Do you re­ evidence? And then you have three groups coming and going, gard this as a hopeful sign for the these protesters sudah four ransacked everything. Some­ future of Malaysian democracy? stitches sana, patah sana, patah sini times you need files and letters, (with severe injuries),so who's which helps in the defence; so we A.zizah: Any protest is a hopeful resorting to violence? have a bit of a difficulty in that sign for me because if it dies sense. down, then everything is .forgot­ Aliran: How should the demonstra­ ten - people get on with their tors react when confronted with ag­ Aliran: When you request the ma­ lives. Ideals tend to die once you gressive police personnel? terial, is it made available? have a full stomach: "So Anwar is in jail; so what? I can still get Azizah: How can you react? It's Azizah: TI1e office is sealed. The up and go to work and get on only natural. You give, okay, tiga moment Anwar came out of of­ with life." minit bersurai (three minutes to fice, his two offices were sealed. disperse). And then after 30 sec­ It is difficult to go in and access. But when people feel strong onds, you blast them with the And his dairies also .. .l don't enough to think that this cause is water cannon. Of course­ know where they are. So, it is up for them also to fight, that is im­ lah ... then you see your wife or to the lawyers;J cannot comment portant. These street protests are your daughter or your sister be­ further on these legal matters. important, and it is an eye­ ing blasted on the face-ke, tarik opener. Suddenly, people open rambut-ke (being dragged by the A1iran: When they came, did they their eyes. Suddenly, they feel it hair), it's natural, you rasa (feel), have a Search Warrant? is up to them as well to do some­ how can (they do this)? thing for their country. That is Azizah: No, no Search Warrant. important. And what did the ladies do? The We asked for the Search Warrant. ladies protest as well and you call Dia kata (they said), "Move aside, Aliran: Reports of violence have them pelacur (prostitutes). How masuk (enter). 30 orang (people)." emerged in the last demonstration at can?!

Ali roo Monthly November 1998: 18(1 0) Poge 5 Of course, it is very Christian to apa (where do we have the weap­ that the Refommsi movement may turn the other cheek, but it's not ons). Siapa yang buang molotov U1tleash extremi.st Islamic forces tlmt very right at the moment. You are cocktail tu, siapa? (Who threw the might alienate the non-Muslims. not doing anything wrong and molotov cocktails, who?) Prove it they put all the blame on you. - siapa (who)? Azizah: I know that. The Chinese mainly - if they can do business, This is self-defence. It's not fair. they are all right. That is a Chi­ All I'm saying is - I'm appealing nese trait. But their spirit is with to the police - please, these are us. A lot of Chinese feel it in them­ your people.Jni orang-orang kita selves that they want change as (These are our people). Adakah welL ki.ta sanggup melihat (Can we bear to see) you brutalising your own They talk about extremist views, people? but who is being extreme in this case? isn't it the government? Of Aliran: People have been expecting People feel it is up /() them as well to do course, in anything you have the you to carry the torch since Anwar's something for their country moderates (and) the extremists - arrest. In what way do you see your­ but the bulk of the people are so self playing a leading role in the moderate in this case. It is the Reformasi nwvement? And then they bring in these FRU police who are taking extreme (Federal Reserve Unit personnel). measures. Azizah: I have to carry on - be­ (The) FRU memang (were cer­ cause we are not talking about just tainly) very, very rough and at Aliran: Still others think the Anwar the man. We're talking one time, cruel juga (too). Reformasi movement is creating in­ about a cause that we have for the stability ... country as a whole. But they have Aliran: What do you think of the clipped me - my hands, my feet, involvement of Gerak (the Malaysian Azizah: Instability in what •..vay? everyt:J:Ung. Everyt:hlng I do is mis­ People's Justice Movement) and It's only on most weekends, you construed. I wave like Queen Gagasan (the Coalition for People's see a bit of excitement, isn't it? Victoria, they callit 'incitement'; I Democracy) in all this? Life goes on. What instability are say saya takutmy husband kena any­ you're talking about? You have thing injection-Tee atau apa ke afear Azizah: It is very good - because APEC, you have Sukom, you that my husband will be injected they are also the voices of the have this, you have that Of or something), they say it's 'sedi­ people. But what Anwar has course, people are angry, but life tion'. And then they show my hus­ fought for is not (for any) politi­ goes on. band with a black eye. My fears cal (party), not (for) PAS, not (for) are not unfounded, right? UMNO, not (for the) DAP. It cuts Our country is still stable, in a across all (partisan) borders, cuts sense. We can have a little bit of So, as leader of the movement, I across everybody, the (various) protesting - why not? Because represent the goodness of the races as well. You see the Indians, this is what the people want to people of Malaysia and I want to the Malays, the Chinese - of express, isn't it? What instabil­ call upon that, to bring that out. I course, the Malays mostly got ity? You want to go an}'1vhere (in think there are a lot of Malaysians belasah (whacked); the Indians are the country), you still feel safe who are kind-hearted, good, you mostly the lawyers; and the Chi­ nowadays, don' t you think so? know, wanting the best for our nese are the co-ordinators. So I country, patriotic. That's whywe think it has brought them to­ Of course, now if you feel unsafe, are seeing all this coming for­ gether. it is the police ...mah, you cakap ward: fighting for a cause -with­ sikit reformasi (if you just mention out arms or anything. Just the Aliran: Some people feel that the reforms), wah, are you going to spirit, semangat. Anwar controversy is really a Malay get caught? That is the instabil­ issue and therefore it i.s best left to ity, I feel, that people are feeling Mana kita ada weapons atau apa- the Malays to resolve. Others worry now. That is not political instabil-

Ali ran Monthly November 1998: 18( 10) Page 6 ity, that is police instability, isn't down. But the thing is the bulk post - that should not be because it? Reformasi! of these people are the middle it is the ordinary members who class and the lower-middle class, should decide that. Aliran: Do you think there is a yang really feel it (who are really grou11d-swell of support for Anwar feeling it), because when Anwar Ali.ran: Is there a need for UMNO and the Refomrasi move1111ellf around was DPM, he tried to help th~:,e itself to refonn then for it to survive? the country. Or is this sentiment people. only confined to urban areas espe­ Azizah: I don't think it needs that cially in the Klang Valley? That is what I told the PM's wife much reform. I think the work­ when I went to see her: ''We had ings (of the party) are all right. It's Azizah: No, you go to Kelantan, such a good thing (going) for our just the application -like now the you go to Trengganu, you go to country. Okay (the) PM - tallest President has so much power Kedah .... bccause when Anwar building, tallest this, tallest that. that nobody dares to say any­ went there to Kedah, 100,000 Okay, he has the vision-great for thing. So where is the democracy (turned up)- and this is next to our country, why not? And then within it(?) -even though the pro­ (the) PM's Kubang Pasu (con­ you have Anwar talking about cess may be supposedly demo­ stituency). the masses, low-cost housing, cratic. Like my husband always taking care of your workers, this said, just administration ofunjust About three or four days ago, this and that. Why not? This is a laws or unjust administration of lady came back from Kedah. Dia good combination. That's how just laws, it's the same thing. In a kata (she said), "Saya balik our country should work. Why way, the results will be the same. kampung, mak saya yang veteran must we upset all these things?" UMNO (I went back to the UMNO, I think, can work. kampong and my mother, an Anyway, when the currency fell, UMNO has worked so far. Now, UMNO veteran) cannot (stand) the cake wasn't big enough to go because of the protest, somehow the TV. Dia kata, 'Kenapa cakap around. Then the trouble started. you adulterated all the principles belit-belit?' (Why are they twist­ that Anwar has stood for. A lot of ing their words, she asked)" Aliran; What was the PM's wife's the party members want to just response to tltat? show a protest. As a party, I mean, they are seeing through though, it is still viable. that. Satu lmri cakap ini, satu hari Azizah: Oh, she is very nice, she cakap lain (One day you say some­ is very motherly. "I'm sorry It's strange; l have this feeling thing; another day you contradict Azizah, you have to accept that. that that post is still vacant for yourself). So, this is a very impor­ This is like fate." Thank you. Anwar to come out (and fill). To tant turning point. The people in me, 1 think that if he comes out, the villages - they are also impor­ Aliran: What seems to be happen­ he will be able to fill it again. tant, because they are the bulk of ing in UMNO now? Some people Wishful thinking? I don't know. the country and the voters and say infighting to fill Anwar's posi­ UMNO on the ground. Whatever tion is occurring. Aliran: If Anwar is not prohibited the propaganda that has been go­ from participating in politics, will he ing on, it is not working. There Azizah: UMNO has always been form a new party? is hope for our country. Jtu yang like that, (in) any election. Party saya rasa sangat tu (I'm really elections - there's scrambling, Azizah: No .. .for one thing, be­ touched). right? In 1987, (there was also) fore you can form a new party, scrambling all round. It is kind of they won't register-to. Aliran: If Anwar is unable over the a tradition that posts will be there long tenn to lead any reform move­ and people will vie for the post. Aliran: Have you given interviews ment, do you think Reformasi will Fair enough. Anwar has filled a with any of the other local media? just fade away? post at a certain level. That is what it should be in a political party's Azizah: Local - tak perlu; tak guna Azizah: That's what the govern­ normal democratic process. But (pointless; no use). They are in­ ment is hoping- (that) it will die Anwar was sacked from his party terested - but then they twist my

Ali ron Monthly November 1998: 18( 10) Page 7 words. Sakit hati (it hurts).

Aliran: What's your vision of a bet­ ter Malaysia? Specifically, is there aniSA in your vision?

Azizah: No.

Aliran: People would have the right to protest peacefully?

Azizah: Yes, of course- freedom of speech, of course. But you don't have to protest if you have avenues to say your stuff; you don't have to take to the streets. If Aliran can come out to voice (alternative opinions) and you feel that you have been heard and have been given due process and due recognition, fine. You don't have to go and shout things like that on the street. There is an al­ ternative.

Aliran: What do you say to Malay­ sians who have not awakened to tire need for reforms?

Azizah: In life, you may try to win over (people). You may have a majority, but you can't (win) everybody (over) to your point of view. That is natural Those who haven't awakened? Well, they may think they are sitting on the fence or they (may) say they are not strong enough to come for­ ward to put their views across; I GOVERNMENT AND THE PEOPLE accept that- because that is their opinion, their right to exercise. Tzu-kung asked about government. Confucius said, "'Suffi­ But the majority, the bulk of us, cient food, sufficient armament and sufficient confidentoe of really feel that something unjust the people.n Tzu-kung said, "Forced to give up oae of these. has been done -and that is what which would you abandon first?" Confucius said, '1 would we're trying to make right. abandon the armament." Tzu-kung said, "Forced to give up one of the remaining two, which would you abandon fint?"' Aliran: Some people think tlzat Dr. Confudus said, ''I would abandon food. There haft been Mahathir is indispensable. deaths from time immemorial, but no state can exist wilhoal the confidence of the people." Azizah: Nobody is indispensable in this life, that's for sure. Not me, not anybody. 0

Ali ran Monthly November 1998: 18( 10) Page 8 Mussolini ancl Hitler Strong leaders who put their nations on the map. &y Dr Maznah Mohamad

lt was Mussolini who popularised fascism as a move­ Mussolini once proclaimed, "The 20th century belongs ment for national upliftment. to Italian fascism.. " I think we are more familiar with Fascism, as a movement of the the ring, -rhe 21st century belongs to the Asia-Pacific. ." early twentieth century laid The first claim was thwarted. Is the latter claim doomed strong emphasis on the su­ to suffer the same fate? History has a way of repeating premacy of nation (race or state) itself. Even more uncanny, historical leaders may have as the centre and regulator of all a way of replicating themselves. I wonder if a history history and life. When Mussolini lesson on Mussolini and Hitler can help us see some was in power, an unbreakable resemblances...... form of unity, including blind loyalty behind the leader was always expected.

itler and Mussolini are and Hitler ruled the Third Reich What of the social and political historical pariahs, but for 12 years. Even though there conditions which spawned the mlet us not forget that the were civil movements within emergence of fascism in Italy? In rise to power of these two men both countries which sought to early 20th century Italy, there was propped up by the enor­ challenge their rule, these was a discrepancy between the mous adulation by their own groups were marginalized be­ advancement of industry and people. Both were popular lead­ cause society was mesmerised the persistence of a semi-feudal ers during their heyday. Even in­ by the power of the Duce state structure and traditional tellectuals were enthralled by (Mussolini) and the Fuhrer authority. Italy was a late them and no matter how brutal (Hitler). Besides, the battery of industrializer as compared to their political tactics were, the repressive instruments of the Britain and France. It was anx­ people had a way of justifying state was easily deployed to cas­ ious to play catch-up. The prop­ the usefulness of these authori­ tigate all manner of dissidence. ertied classes and the new tarian figures for their society. middle-class always feared so­ Fascism thrived on cial unrest and sought the sup­ The Germans and Italians before Nationalism port of a strong man to ensure the Second World War wanted a order, rather than fight for long leader of astounding stature to Fascism as an ideology rejected overdue reforms. instil national pride.They des­ the spirit of individual liberty perately wanted to swagger in and equality of men and races. Both Mussolini and Hitler in­ front of all the other European The leader in control wielded stilled strong nationalistic feel­ races to make up for their status power in Machiavellian fashion, ings among their people to as late industrializers. and under Mussolini, the Italian achieve fantastic goals. The Ital­ slogan for fascism was, "to be­ ians, just like the Germans, un­ Mussoliniruled Italy for20 years lieve, to obey, to combat". der Hitler, wanted to boast to the

Aliron Monthly November 1998: 18(10) Poge 9 world that as a race they were Mussolini's authority to an even Guiseppe Volpi. Volpi adopted superior and that they too could higher plane. He vowed to de­ deflationary and protectionist aspire to the status of the older fend the lira and the Italian policies, among which was to fix capitalist nations. This feeling of economy, "to his last sigh!". Ex­ the lira at an artificially high rate "possibility for greatness" was cerpts from his writings, pro­ of 90 to the pound sterling. extended into all areas, includ­ claiming measures to solve the ing sports. The Italian football crisis have an uncanny familiar­ Mussolini's fascist economic team won the World Cup twice ity: policies favoured stability over under fascism, in 1934 and 1938. mobility. Wage levels were de­ "Our private economic life was pressed and trade unions were Economic Crisis, Firing getting thinner and lighter; ... It banned. The government inter­ of Finance Minister, was inconceivable that an or­ vened in the banking sector Autarky and War derly, quiet, disciplined State,..... and took over the task of in­ should abandon these whole­ dustrial development. Italy The economic condition which some forces ..... to the mercy of eventually conquered Ethiopia heightened the use of fascistic shark speculators and parasites, to resolve its economic prob­ control during Mussolini's eager to enrich themselves on lems as well as rejuvenate its reign was the economic crisis the depreciation of the lira .... A nationalist pride. of the Ia te 1920s. Before this, betrayal of the Italian people was Italy was experiencing a boom being plotted by a class of un­ Mussollnl had No as a result of the reconstruction worthy citizens." Mercy For His Rivals of Europe after the end of the First World War. Much like the "I had to put speculation with its Throughout Mussolini's phenomenon of Asian back to the wall with a sham. I manoeuvrings, a majority of the NlCdom of the late twentieth had to face and defeat that part Italian people welcomed his au­ century, the country quickly of a certain class who would thority. The emerging middle­ adopted laissez-faire economic have pushed the nation toward classes were tired of strikes and policies and financial deregu­ bankruptcy." general disorder in society. They lation so as to tap benefits from wanted the economy to be re­ the post-war boom. Italy's "The Fascist regime will resist stored and they wanted their stock-market was deluged by with all its strength the attempts dignity as a nation to be lifted. hot money from outside. to suffocate Ita ly made by The whole nation fell under the adversarial financial forces. We sway of this man, especially Just like what happened in Asia will squash them as soon as they since he had succeeded in out­ recently, a financial crisis even­ are identified at home. The lira, flanking his enemies within and tually set in. The Italian currency, which is the s1gn of our eco­ outside the party through bril­ the lira's rate of exchange depre­ nomic life, the symbol of our liant political generalship. ciated rapidly, as the stock mar­ long sacrifices and of our tena­ Mussolini was al\vays very sure ket became subjected to exces­ cious work, will be defended of himself and had no mercy for sive speculation and financial and it will be firmly defended-­ his enemies. capitalists reaped the benefits of -and at any cost!" this volatility at the expense of "1 am sure of my strength and my the domestic economy. The policy that he implemented faith; for that reason, I do not in­ was to fix the lira using a gold dulge in any concession or arry com­ Mussolini was livid at seeing all standard, or to peg the currency promise.lleaveu>ithouta look over of his economic ambitions crum­ at a fixed exchange rate. In or­ my shoulder or at my foes atrd those bling before his eyes and re­ der to implement the new eco­ who cannot overtake me." solved to reverse the trend. This nomic regulations, De Stefani, economic crisis combined with Mussolini's finance minister was One of Mussolini's tactics to sup­ a weak civil society and frail lib­ forcibly removed and replaced press his rivals \,;thin the party eral foundations propelled by an industrialist and banker, was by engineering the policy of

Ali ran Monthly November 1998: 18(1 0) Poge 10 appointing party posts rather of industrialists, landowners, Arrogance, than having them filled through workers and even the Catholic Xenophobia and elections. Intransigence was eas­ Church which, before this, was Territoriality Spelled ily purged through this method. always in conflict with the The End Of The Road state. For Mussollnl No Room J=or The Leader Idealism, Just Move Js Always Right Actually Mussolini would still Forward be remembered as a hero to his From 1926 Mussolini occupied own people and profoundly re­ He disdained idealists and ide­ the Interior Ministry continu­ spected in the outside world, alism in any cause. He called po­ ously, abolished the free press had it not been for his xenopho­ litical idealists ascetics and ad­ because he believed that they bia, arrogance, and his dreams of venturers and thought of them "inflame men's minds". From territorial greatness. Even after as, 1926 to 1929 he held no fewer he had invaded Ethiopia, the than eight ministries himself. world did not act strongly. The " .. a dead burden .... they do not League of Nations imposed eco­ understand that there is no revo­ Political opposition and free nomic sanctions against Italy, lution that can change the nature trade unions were banned; the with the exception of trade in oiL of men. Because of their Utopian free press surrendered to censor­ This too did not deter the great illusions the ascetics are never ship or direct take-over; elected dictator from winning more ado­ contented, they waste their time local governments were re­ ration from his people. and other men's energies in soph­ placed by appointed officials. istry and doubts just when it is The government also had the Eventually, this arrogance born necessary to work like fiends to go powers of arrest and detention. out of his unchallenged power forward." It formed a secret police force, led him to team up with Hitler theOVRA. to pursue their war campaigns. Genius and The result was extensive defeat. Modernizer Even though civil liberties were The Allies invaded SicilyinJuly being destroyed, Mussolini was 1943, and the rest, as they say, is, Due to his sureness and his still the most popular leader that history. single-mindedness about pur­ Italyeverhad.Hewasfondlyre­ suing glory for his country, not ferred to as Duce, or The Leader. Hitler: Another only was Mussolini a hero in Walls all across Italy would "Popular" Dictator? his country he was also hailed splash the slogan, TI Duce ha as a genius by the rest of the sempre ragione or "The Duce is Another infamous dictator was, world. Even Winston Churchill Always Right''. of course, Adolf Hitler. Hitler, was in awe ofMussolini. Hitler like Mussolini, also bad a mag­ was another admirer, who said How was loyalty towards him netic pull among his people. that Mussolini was, "the lead­ extracted? Many public employ­ During his early rule, as Chan­ ing statesman in the world, to ees feared dismissal if they went cellor of Germany, he viciously whom none may even re­ against the leader. In the 1930s staged a situation for constitu­ motely compare himself." school-teachers and university tional alterations (by imprison­ professors had to swear an oath ing members of the opposition), His achievements as modern­ of loyalty to the regime. Out of and passed a law called the En­ izer and political reformer of 1,250 professors at that time, abling Act, which granted him Italy were enormous. He only 11 refused to take the oath. the extensive power to pro­ transformed the divided coun­ Such methods, together with nounce decrees and rules with­ try into an industrializing continuous propaganda made out going through the authority force; he developed its infra­ Mussolini, a hero of his people. of higher level state legislative. structure, carried out social re­ Historians call these the "years forms and gained the support of consensus". According to one account,

Ali ron Monthly November 1998: 18( 10) Page 11 "Hitler hated jurists, regarded History Repeats ltseH the law as nothing more than ad­ Many Tl111es ministrative convenience, and INDOIIIIIA often interfered quite arbitrarily Both Mussolini and Hitler were llllllODUCIS with its due processes. It is not not tinpot dictators who simply NIW llllOIUI LAW surprising that the firm ft1unda­ used sheer force to establish their tions of the old bureaucratic state rule. They were sophisticated Parliament in Indonesia were progressively undermined political tacticians, revered by has unanimously passed by the application to govern­ other international leaders, ven­ a new law, regulating ment of the party doctrine that erated by their own people, and the will of the Fuhrer was the highly visionary as nation-build­ protests and demonstra­ supreme law." ers. The authoritarianism which tions, which replaces these two leaders exercised on emergency legislation, Hitler was also a great propo­ their people regressed from be­ introduced during the nent of social Darwinism and he ing of the "soft" to the ''harsh" country's riots earlier believed that the evolution to and eventually to the "brutally this year. greatness of any race could be inhumane" version. socially engineered through Under the new law, state policies. The lessons of history are never demonstrations no easily heeded. Dictators seem to longer require prior per­ The Biggest come a dime a dozen these days. mission from the police, ancl the Largest By the time the world wakes up and the number of par­ to the destruction of dictatorship Hitler loved to build monu­ so much would have been sacri­ ticipants is not limited. ments and buildings that were ficed. In the past, the catharsis gigantic and always the largest came in the form of wars, where However, the new re­ in the world. Hitler built a millions would perish before a quirestbatthe police are 100,000 - seat stadium at new age could dawn upon hu­ given tlm!e days' notice Nuremberg for the spectacular manity. Sadly, it has never been of any demonstration, Olympics Games held in 1936. through the peaceful but reso­ and the protests are per­ After the Berlin Olympics, the lute will of the people that dic­ manently banned in cer­ Nuremberg stadium was fre­ tators can be made to step down. tain places, deemed as quently used for political ral­ sensitive. lies, during which he would It appears that the struggle to in­ whip up sentiments to realise stitute basic liberties and funda­ It also requires his grand vision of combating mental justice seems too high a semitism. price to pay, in exchange for sta­ organisers to euure bility, order and regularity, no demonstrations are Hitler also built a huge bridge matter how delusionary these peaceful and oa:lerly. over the Elbe river and the im­ may be. By the time people mense east-west avenue in Ber­ realise that freedom is not a mat­ The govemmeala says lin. He believed in erecting gi­ ter of choice, it would probably the new lawild 'ped gantic structures because he felt have been too late. 0 to regulate rather tban that they restored a proper sense repress people'Siighra1D of self-respect for the German demonstrate. people, so that, "even the pyra­ M•;JNII mids will be dwarfed by the Dr. Molul•tul te•cltes Dt.,do"""'t masses of concrete and the colos- Stulles in Univertiti sal stone edifices... .1 am building S4lhts MaLly,;., P~J~~JJ~g. for eternity for.... we are the last Germany."

Ali ron Monthly November 1998: 1811 0) Page 12 OF DEMONSTRATIONS AND DEMOCRACY

After a lew weeks as virtual demonstrator, scouring the Net for news reports ancl eyewitness accounts of the momentous events in Kuala Lumpur, Tan Pek Leng shares her thoughts.

as the government re­ According to reports, the police at the residents, all in the name cently decreed that later went wild, indiscrimi­ of ferreting out rioters. Ill even going shopping nately battering anyone who requires a police per- chanced their way, directing On the streets, the brute force mit? their water cannons even at continued: "men and women those having their meals at were dragged, beaten and If not, why were shoppers nearby stalls. It was in the en­ kicked then thrown into wait­ milling about }alan Tuanku suing panic that a group of sev­ ing trucks." Even the mosque Abdul Rahman, in Kuala eral hundreds ran for refuge in did not escape the wrath of the Lumpur, on October 24 - bear­ the Kampung Barn Mosque. water cannons. Has the police ing no banners and shouting force no more respect even for no slogans - fired upon by This gave the police the excuse the sanctity of a place of wor­ water cannons, dragged to go on a rampage in ship? through the streets by their Kampung Baru: smashing hair and paraded down the doors and windows, ransack­ Why have they lent themselves thoroughfare, handcuffed like ing homes without warrants, to such acts of unremitting vio­ common criminals? hurling insults and obscenities lence? Do they not realise that

Ali ron Monthly November 1998: 18( 10) Page 13 it is precisely this kind of wan­ had exhibited the most remark­ who collected the stones and ton brutality against the inno­ able discipline and orderliness tyres and who set the fire?" cent that will persuade them of during the many days and the righteousness of dissent? hours of demonstrations. De­ Although some of the people spite the gathering of tens of might have finally reacted un­ Not Rabble-rousers thousands, not a stone was der extreme provocation, the thrown, a window smashed, a violence had emanated largely Will the elderly lady soaked by vehicle vandalised. from those who wore red rib­ the stinging acid spray and bons, not white. heard muttering, "l was only At the end of the demonstration waiting for a bus. Why do this on October J 0, the protesters Breaking with to an old woman who was only evenshookhandswiththeFRU Traditions waiting for a bus?" ever look at officers and said, "Terima kasih , the authorities with the same bang" before dispersing. On Oc­ Prime Minister Dr Mahathir eyes again? tober 17, the demonstrators Mohamad was quite right found that the police no longer when he remarked that street Or will she share the feelings of responded to such courtesies. demonstrations to demand po­ the Kampung Baru resident Nonetheless, even when they litical change was not a Malay­ who remarked that "after see­ were attacked by water cannons sian tradition. But has he pon­ ing with one,s own eyes the and bludgeoned while dispers­ dered why so many have seen behaviour of the police towards ing, the restrained "rioters" did fit to break with this tradition? the families of Kampung Baru, not reciprocate. one not only starts to think It began because people were about the dirty strategy and tac­ How could such a peaceable shocked and outraged by how tics of the police, but increas­ crowd suddenly turn violent on ruthless and unscrupulous the ingly to question their integ- October 24? According to eye­ authorities were prepared to be n.J't-ul'? . witnesses, many plainclothes in the persecution of one man. policemen started the problems The power wielders had trans­ If such strong arm tactics con­ by shouting and throwing ob­ gressed all bounds of human tinue, they might follow the ex­ jects to encourage the, up to decency, striking fear that if no ample of the inflamed father then peacefuJ, protesters to fol­ less a personality than Anwar who vowed to bring his family low suit. Unfortunately, some can be so demeaned and dis­ to join the demonstrations after youths did, giving a reason for posed of, there can be no safe­ he was chased away from the the police to attack. guard for the ordinary citizen. police station where he had tried unsuccessfully to see his It would have been difficult to As events unfolded, it became detained child. distinguish the "mob" from the obvious to many that the time disguised "guardians of the had come to take a stand. "It is These were no rabble-rousers law', except that the latter gave no longer about Anwar. It is but respectable and respectful themselves away by the red rib­ about justice", as one protester citizens who were being forced bons they wore around their put it pointedly. to recognise that there are no sleeves so that they would not other ways left for them to thrash up their own kind like Even Anwar's daughter, Nurul make the government see sense they had done the week before. Izzah, has bravely stated, "The except to take to the streets. reforms must go on, with or Reel Ribbons Similarly, the residents of without him." or White? Kampung Baru had wondered: "who were those youths that This is because the government Until October 24, the protesters committed the provocation, had shown over and O\'er again

Ali ron Monthly November 1998: 18(1 01 Page 14 that it was ready to violate ev­ This constant resort to the ISA The increasingly mature, edu­ ery tenet of democracy to pre­ is perhaps reflective of govern­ cated and exposed Malaysian serve its power. ment realisation of how flimsy society, especially the politically Demise of the grounds of detention are; confident Malay society/ has Democra.cy they might not stand up even come to realise that politics in our beholden courts. "through the proper channels" When the people decided that does not work and is not their they should no longer be de­ What's more, when one after only option. For too long cast as prived of the basic right to free­ another of those detained under extras on the political set, they dom of assembly and expres­ the ISA in connection with the have now come to claim centre sion, they gathered peacefully Anwar case was released with­ stage, to play a meaningful role to present their views on how out conditions, does it not give in determining what form and democracy should be restored. the lie to the grounds for deten­ substance a genuinely demo­ Such an act of civic responsibil­ tion in the first place? Was it the cratic Malaysian system should itywas notto be tolerated. They threat to national security or comprise. were branded "rioters" and personal power that had the confronted with tear gas, water authorities worried? There are among them many cannons and police truncheons. fair-minded individuals, well­ The separation of powers be­ schooled in the principles and The already emasculated media tween the legislature, executive philosophies of democracy. has been pressured into becom­ and judiciary so critical to the There are also among them ing vehicles of misinformation, proper functioning of a demo­ many who have gained through disseminating all manner of cratic government has been all life's lessons an instinctual falsehoods and fabrications. Or­ but breached. With the steady sense of what is right and what derly forums have been dis­ concentration of power in the is wrong. Both are equally rupted, preventing informed hands of the executive, perhaps qualified to remind the govern­ deliberations on matters of na­ it comes as no surprise that the ment that it holds no monopoly tional concern. current regime has developed on judging what is good gov­ the habit of equating the gov­ ernance. Why is the government so emment with the nation. The fearful of hearing the voice of people are harangued for being And, it is no use trying to di­ the peop1e? Have they become "ungrateful" to the government vide the people or scare them so enamoured with sycophan­ if they voice dissent; opposition into submission by raising the tic echoes that they cannot to the government is con­ spectre of racial riots. The endure the reverberations of demned as disloyalty to the na­ older generations can dissent? tion recognise this bogey for what it is because it has been used The Internal Security Act [ISA] U the government has lost sight too many times before. The has become a favourite instru- of what a government is, how younger generations cannot ment of intimidation. When canitcontinuerulingproperly? be cowed by this bogey be­ Parliament would not come to cause May 13 is not within the people, the people sought to Seeing the Truth their living memory. go to Parliament on October 23. But even that was not allowed­ More than the inability to see But above all, the people can they were threatened with de­ itself for what it is, the gov­ see clearly that the reform tention under the ISA. Now ernment seems incapable of movement is aimed at ad­ there are further threats to de­ seeing what Malaysian society vancing the democratic rights tain demonstrators under the is and what it wants in a gov­ of all, not the rights of one IS A. ernment. race over another. 0

Ali ran Monthly November 1998: 18( 1O) Page 15 don't hate our neighbours, as implied by Mahathir. We might be angered over remarks made by Lee Kuan Yew, but we must bear in mind that he is an old man and he can have disastrous views. Butl don't think we need to take his views seriously.

I'm a fifteen-year old Malaysian who would love to see her coun­ try and neighbours prosper and live happily. I believe we can strengthen ties if we practise tol­ erance and mutual respect. Per­ haps both Malaysians and Singaporeans should stage pro­ tests against our own govern­ Letters should preferably be no more than 250 words and must in­ ments for unnecessarily harping clude the writer's name and address. Shorter letters will be preferred on dated issues. Only then can and pseudonyms may be used. Letters should be addressed to The we stay good neighbours forever! Editor, ALIRAN MONTHLY, P.O. Box 1049, 10830 Penang, Malaysia. Views expressed need not necessarily reflect those of Afuan. Aishah Selangor ISA: The law of Who's the pariah? ing held in high regard for up­ holding democracy, respecting the lungle Dr Mahathir Mohamad said in human rights, and achieving Lately, and practically daily, Tokyo, on 20 October 1998, that prosperity with sound policies people have been detained under Malaysia would rather be a 'he­ for both wealth creation and dis­ the ISA throughout the country. I retical' or 'pariah' state than be tribution. don't understand. Why must colonised by greedy speculators Johan Abdullah these people, including lawyers, in a free market system. Recent Penang professionals and poHticians, be political events show that Dr arrested under the ISA? Don't we Mahathir's grip on power now Shocking olcl tnen believe in our judicial system depends on strong-arm tactics I was shocked when Dr Mahathir enough to be able to charge these rather than political persuasion. told the Japanese media recently people in an open court? Don't It is at a crucial point like the that even if the leaders of Malay­ these people have human rights? present economic crisis that an sia and Singapore want to have Must they be treated like terror­ elected government turns into a good relations, the people may ists? Detaining someone without dictatorship, and a state acquires not want to. How could he judge trial is a barbaric act that must be 'pariah' status. our feelings just like that? condemned. Mahathir must be aware that he Citizens must differentiate be- represents the country, and when I support the resolutions passed tween a leader and the state. he says such things in a foreign by the Malaysian Bar Council at Maybe Dr Mahathir doesn' t country, people might interpret their EGM. The ISA should be mind Malaysia being regarded that Malaysians are rude, stuck­ immediately abolished, and all internationally as 'heretic' or 'pa- up and unfriendly. those arrested under the !SA riah'. But who does he speak for should be unconditionally re­ - the majority of Malaysians? I Some people might hate leased. The P~ and the police cannot believe so. Personally, I Singapore for harping on old is­ should make a full apology to all would rather have Malaysia be- sues. But Malaysians generally those who had been so arrested.

Aliran Monthly November 1998: 18(10) Page 16 For making a mockery of our ju­ PASRAH's objectives constitute Do we have to follow the views dicial system, the PM, the whole an incitement of hatred which is of our leaders? I wonder how cabinet, and the IGP should re­ unlawful according to Section these leaders got into positions of sign. 505 of the Penal Code. We are power. The current crisis in fact concerned that PASRAH's state­ makes me ashamed to think of Concerned Citizen ments may disrupt peace in this them as our leaders. My view Jolwr country. Its purportedly moral that most of our leaders are use­ Debt-free start for agenda cannot be taken lightly as less was proven right when they a billion people it can snowball into something called the supporters of the re­ catastrophic like the extermina­ form movement 'traitors' to the I would like to inform your read­ tion of Jews and homosexuals nation. This is a free country. The ers of a signature campaign con­ under the Nazis, or the ethnic people are in charge. We have our ducted by the La Salle Brothers cleansing atrocities in Bosnia. rights, and it's time our leaders Superior General (Rome) which realize that. My advice to Malay­ calls upon the G-8 Any persecution of homosexuals, sians who support Anwar is: Be (Industrialised) Nations to make as advocated by PASRAH, could wise in your thinking. Don't just a one-off cancellation of the debts have serious health and social follow what our leaders say. owed by the poorest nations of implications. If homosexuals go Analyse first, then act. the world by the year 2000. The underground for fear of ho­ campaign calls for 'a debt-free mophobic attacks, their access to Avinesh D. start for a billion people in the information and support will Johor Jubilee 2000'. cripple national attempts to com­ Practise what you bat the spread of HIVI AIDS. Signatures supporting the cam­ preach, or shut up paign may be sent to: Finally, PASRAH' s formation is a At the October 22 Plenary Session symptom of intolerance and is of the Commonwealth Editors Jubilee 2000 opposed to social justice and hu­ Forum, held at Universiti Sains P.O. Box 100 man rights. Malaysians must not Malaysia, The Star's news editor, London SEl 7RT agree to the harassment, Wong Chun Wai, told the foreign United Kingdom. stigmatisation and isolation of journalists covering the Anwar people who already face tremen­ case to 'speak to local journalists Bro. Stephen Ooi dous personal, family and social and the public to get a better idea Malacca pressure while trying to come to of the issues instead of merely Don't persecute terms with their sexuality. Malay­ relying on reports from CNN, gay coMmunity sians must learn to live together CNBC and the wire services'. in order to face the challenges of We are outraged by the formation the 21st century. Was Wong kidding? What would of the anti-homosexual group, the foreign reporters have gained PASRAH (Pergerakan Sukarela This letter carries 19 names by talking to the local journalists Rakyat Anti-Homosexual, or The Teenage wisdom since they are pro-Mahathir? Anti-homosexual People's Vol­ Wong and his reporters should unteer Movement). I've been monitoring events in have practised what he preached, Malaysia over the past few that is, 'speak to the Malaysian Malaysians should be concerned weeks, and I am ashamed at the public'. Had they, and the Malay­ about this group. Its intention to political conditions in our coun­ sian media done so, the public persecute an already marginal try. I'm a teenager, but I realize would not have abandoned them community - as seen from their that many Malaysians are foolish. for having no credibility. statement that they will target It seems that they treat the former gay premises and push for deputy prime minister as a con­ Meanwhile, The Star's editorial greater penalties against homo­ vict. What has happened to the adviser, V. K. Chin, said that Ma­ sexuals - is not in line with our principle, 'innocent until proven laysian journalists 'are quite aspirations for a caring society. guilty'? happy because the Government

Ali ron Monthly November 1998: 18( 10) Page 17 is ultimately elected by the power. All such issues can then priately punished. people, and if the people want to be swept under the rug while throw them out, they have a everyone rallies behind a leader But I wonder at the selective chance to do so every five years'. who claims to be fighting a for­ prosecution of Guan Eng and the But can the public rely on him eign conspiracy. lack of compassion showed to and the Malaysian press tt> pro­ him. I wonder, too, how many vide fair coverage of any election Ronald B ordinary Malaysians will search instead of parroting what the pro­ Perak their conscience over this issue Mahathir forces sa~ as they have Write your own and deliver a protest vote at the done in the past? letters? ballot box when the next election is held. Or, will an overwhelm­ If neither Wong nor Chin thinks I would like to remind all intel­ ing majority of Malaysians once that the press should serve the lectual Malaysians to be wary of again buy into the Barisan's pro­ public, not just whoever is in all the nice and poetic 'Letters to paganda that the only way to en­ power, they should not cover the Editor' that praise the gov­ sure fast economic recovery is to their lack of credibility by mak­ ernment unstintingly. Many of give the Barisan a 2/3 majority ing the ridiculous suggestion that those letters are written by the in Parliament? all is well with Malaysian democ­ newspaper editors themselves. I racy. wonder where journalistic ethics Teo Chuen Tick are headed for in this country. Penang Dr Wong Kok Keong Wisconsin, USA Educated Forever balling out? fohor Nationalism and After bailing out a bank and a ulterior motive Lim Guan Eng and the shipping company, Petronas is Why has the Prime Minister been reportedly planning to bail out so insistent on using nationalist Malaysian conscience Proton, that is, to throw more rhetoric in his nation-wide tour Over the years, Aliran has been money in Mitsubishi's direction. to explain the economic crisis? important in giving me an oppor­ Petronas reportedly intends to There are two reasons. tunity to voice my opinion on invest billions of ringgit to 'de­ current and controversial issues. velop Malaysia's car industry First, there is a struggle between But being an average, middle-in­ into an internationally competi­ conservative and reformist fac­ come, wage earner in the public tive player'. tions in UMNO, and at the service, I have always used a grassroots. Dr Mahathir, who pseudonym. The reason is What does this plan suggest? holds the fulcrum of power in simple: I want the luxury of be­ Why would Petronas want to in­ UMNO can only neutralise the ing critical of the government's vest in the national car industry reformist faction aligned with stand and actions without paying at a time when the world car in­ Anwar Ibrahim if the former re­ the price of disagTeeing. dustry is suffering from gross sorts to propaganda about a for­ oversupply? Why would eign conspiracy. That way, he However, the failure of Lim Guan Petronas do so when our tries to force those in the reform­ Eng's appeal; and his subsequent economy is contracting, when it's ist faction to close ranks with imprisonment have caused me to better for us to spend billions of him; otherwise, they will be reflect on my own conduct as a ringgit on muchneeded schools, branded 'foreign agents'. loyal, law-abiding citizen who universities and hospitals? The feels it is his duty to consider is­ fate of Proton, now a privatised Second, nationalistic propa­ sues on their own merit without corporation, whatever it is, is one ganda, if used to its maximum, toeing any party's line. Guan Eng thing. The responsible spending will divert people's attention is a full-time politician and, ifI'm of Petronas money, public money, from issues of accountability, not cynical about our judjcia1 sys­ is quite another. cronyism, nepotism, selective tem, I should accept he had bro­ Oily prosecution, and other abuses of ken the law and should be appro- IUIIlla Lumpur

Ali ron Monthly November 1998: 18(1 0) Poge 18 fact,heisalwaysrighteven when he is wrong. I hope he will stay in power till Malaysia gets the chance to host the Olympics so we can make him our mascot); * Megat Junid (1 believe in what PM is doing now; l believed in what he did in the past and I will believe in whatever he will do in the future. But to be fair, I also agree with Anwar that womanising should not be held against Cabinet members); * Rafidah Aziz (Of course PM is doing the right thing. He also did the right thing by deny­ ing Siti Zahara a Cabinet post); >t A nnuar Musa (I support The Mostest List MegaTV 's AXN action channel: what PM is doing because there Tan Sri Lanun Negara. can only be one orator in the In line with the national trend of Cabinet. But one thing though, being the highest, the longest, the • Longest-serving h ead of gov­ there is no need to make a fuss biggest and all those endless at­ ernment! Dr Mahathir (whose about Anwar (allegedly) trying to tempts at trivial besting, we famous last words would include date another man's wife); would like to offer our own the following: Twill go when I am * Zaleha Ismail (I think we humble Jjst reflecting the great no longer wanted... ) should rally behind PM for the Malaysia Boleh (Malaysia Can Do sake of national unity. Without It) spirit: • Leader who lov es his son national unity, there will be more most: Dr Mahathir. single mothers, abandoned ba­ • Most reviled TV station: TV3. bies, people lepaking (loitering) ... ); But people still watch it for the • Most versatile leader: Dr *Ling Liong Sik (PM is a wise cute newscasters who surely can­ Mahathir -he is Prime Minister, leader. He thought of building not be as evil as the things they Home Minister and Finance Min­ the KLIA, which I hope will not regurgitate. ister. He was also Third World catch fire as long as I am Trans­ leader until recently. port Minister. And I also want to • Most reviled newspaper: Two­ deny that I was referring to Dr way fight between the NL>UJ Straits • Leader most in the news: Dr Mahathir when I said fish rots Times and Utusan Malaysia. And Mahathir. from the head); we really mean fight - people * Pak Lah (Abdullah Bada­ fight to tear it up. • Leader with most Mosts: Dr wi) (Anwar's sacking is no great Mahathir. loss. The party has many quali­ • Most promising Minister: fied people... U,Iink! wink!); Dairn ("Economic recovery is • Best Cabinet yes-man: Free­ * Lim Keng Yaik (I don't underway ... "). for-all scramble among: blame PM for being fed-up witl1 * Tok Mat (PM speaks only the demos. I am fed-up too. This • Most likely to make it big as a the truth... like RTM (Radio Tele­ Gerak ... people might think politician if things continue as vision Malaysia). Also, I'm very Gerakan is involved). (Editor's they are: Wira, the hairy Com­ annoyed when people say RTM note: Gerakan has always been monwealth Garnes mascot. is Radio Tok Mat); sloppy with Bahasa Malaysia terms. * Sabarruddin Chik (What Dr After all, their party slogan is Satu • Most likely -to-be-new-star of Mahathir has done is right. In Hati which they think means One

Aliron Monthly November 1998: 18( 10) Page 19 Heart, but which most people who 11omos' to curry favour with the its citizens to hold demonstra­ understand BM know means One PM). tions without prior permission Liver); *Dr KoJ1Tsu Kooll (I used to from the police and with no lim­ * Samy Vellu (People arc support Anwar. I still support Dr its on the size of rallies. They just thinking I am being a first-class Mahathir. Please support me). have to give the police three days' tripod when all I am tryinKto do notice. General Wiranto was re­ is to be staying in power as long ***** ported to have told Parliament as PM is staying. Already, I am Pariah State? that, "The right to expression by having as much hair as he is. every citizen in the country is a Happy Deepavali!); and One may not realise this if one is universal right in line with the * Najib (Can anyone find me solely dependent on the local development of society, race and a nice solid fence?). media (alc;o known as Mahathir's nation." Echo), but Malaysia now stands • Best burungkaka (parrot) out­ quite isolated not only within According to the new law, it is the side the Cabinet: Another free­ ASEAN but also internationally duty of the police to safeguard for-all scramble between: - for its economic policies and the safety of demonstrators. The * His1tammudditr Husseiu particularly for the way it has law protects vital places such as (We have to trust PM because he handled the sacking and trial of the palace, hospitals, airports, has his reasons for doing things Anwar Ibrahim. Within ASEAN, military installations, etc; protests which we may not know of. So only the repressive Burmese are banned at such places but not let me propose a toast to the long­ junta looks worse than we do at university campuses or at Par­ est-serving PM... ); from the democratic point of liament. * Siti Zaharall (I pledge my view and that is really no conso­ loyalty to PM although I had u n­ lation at all. Also part of the new freedom is til recently pledged it to Anwar); the right to air opinions at public * Ghafar Baba (I'm doing Philippines' President Estrada, gatherings and free speech fora. this because I have a grudge inspite of his dubious back­ More interesting, the law makes against Anwar although people ground as an actor and an it a crime punishable by up to a think it's because I am senile ... avowed philanderer, obviously year in prison if anyone prevents by the way, amlinKLor Jakarta? understands democracy and jus­ people who have met all the con­ Is it still morning or afternoon al­ tice better than many a Malaysian ditions of the law from gathering ready? Arc you Tunku Abdul leader. B.J. Habibie, who seems to for demonstrations. That's what Rahman?); have come to his senses since the we call a step forward. * Rahim Tamby Chik (They demise of his "father" Suharto say I also have a grudge against has been visibly horrified at what Yet, for a greater part of this de­ Anwar. It's a wicked lie, like his brother-in-Islam is going cade, the majority of Malaysians those lies and fit1tal1 (untruths) through. were contented to view progress that l had sex with an under-age only through a materialistic eye­ girl. l want to show people that Malaysians have much to learn well-paying jobs, sophisticated Anwar has poor moral values from what these two neighbours buildings, highways. It didn't and is not fit to be a leader); have gone through. The Philip­ matter if repressive laws such as * Mirzan (My father loved pines' People Power has brought the ISA - its abolition was one of Anwar like a son ... but some sons about undreamed of democratic Anwar Ibrahim's supposed aims are more equal tl1an others); rights and freedom for the citi­ when he joined the ruling coali­ * Ibrahim Ali (PM treated zens of that country. tion - existed or that the govern­ Anwar like an anak raja (prince), ment has never bothered to lift much better than he treated the Even Indonesia, a state that used the state of emergency. sultans - or me. Still, PM is 110 to be ruled by Suharto's iron fist, per cent right and r am 120 per now enjoys far more public free­ They were prepared to overlook cent behind him. By the way, it's dom. Indonesia's Parliament re­ the way the police went about not true that I am going after the cently passed a law that allows their business of law and order

Ali ron Monthly November 1998: 18( I 0) Page 20 that sometimes did not seem very Samy Vellu drone on once too On the economic front, people lawful. They didn't seem to mind often and were simply anxious to who once envied the rich now the way Dr Mahathir bulldozed start the Deepavaliholidaywith­ resent the tycoons and the gov­ his way through national deci­ out having to listen to windy ernment, which is seen as goi11g sions or that Parliament had speeches by the man with the out of its way to help the oligar­ grown so subservient to the Ex­ funny hairdo. chical businesses that have been ecutive that governni'ent MPs are spun off their feet by the eco­ now nttle more than robots pro­ But if anyone thinks that the nomic crisis. grammed to say "aye!" at the mainstream media would dare appropriate moment. air a programme critical of Yet, at the same time, the party Mahathir, then they have just president insists that this is a Thus, one general election after rocketed in from the moon. With democratic country, tl1at UMNO another, an overwhelming num­ a few exceptions, the mass media is a democratic party and that the ber of Malaysians gave a landslide have become largely Mal1athir's economy is recovering. mandate to the Barisan Nasional. media, a development which has It gave the ruling party a distorted so angered Malaysians that many But very little of the feelings on sense of power to do as it likes, of them have taken to boycotting the ground comes through in the something which we 110w com­ newspapers and TV stations that media. Thus, while the top Umno plain so bitterly about. Yet, we are brazenly propping up some­ leadership seems united1 speak­ have only ourselves to blame. We one who hac; grown highly un­ ing in one loud echo, the were responsible for giving the popular in a remarkably short grassroots and even the middle­ government the awesome power time. tier leadership are divided in a they now hold over us. manner unseen since the big The media is no longer a conduit Umno split of 1987. And like in ***** of news a11d analyses for the 1987, Dr Mahathir is at the centre Evil Forces masses but a conduit to channel of it all. Is that why so many Ma­ news the way Mahathir likes it. laysians think that it is time he Samy Vellu's televised Deepavali So it is Mahathir says this, heeds the writing on the wall? message had a touch of Mal1athir says that. In that sense, Hollywood's "Star Wars" to it. the media has failed in its tole ***** The MIC leader, with a very and duty. It has allowed itself to Mahathlr•s La Nina bored-looking Indrani seated be­ become a sheer propaganda ma­ side him, urged all Malaysians, chine that seems completely cut Everywhere throughout the coun­ young and old, to "rise to the oc­ off from how people on the try, people Living in floodprone casion and defend our country at ground feel. areas are preparing for the antici­ all costs from these evil forces". pated onslaught of La Nina. But Yet, the UMNO grassroots is for Mal1athir, the political La Nina The pro-Rcformasi TV viewers deeply unhappy over events in is sweeping like a raging tornado gasped, thinking he meant Dr the party. They notice how any through his political office. His Mahathir and his cage of parrots. UMNO leader who praises Dr popularity has plunged (actually A few thought he meant the IGP M and criticises Anwar is there was not much left after his who had, after all, been por­ given coverage over and over unr<..'Strained attack on currency trayed as Darth Vader on the again. They do not like the way speculators), his credibility is in lntcmet. The pro-Mal1athir group Mahathir has acted against shreds and it is likely that even smirked, thinking he meant Anwar - PM's prerogative or Umno leaders realise what a po­ Anwar and his pro-Reformasi not - a11d they fee] distu,rbed litical liability he has become. gang. over the way leaders aligned to Anwar have been sidelined Those around hjm have been The fence-sitters simply and forced to distance them­ shocked by the scale of the street sympathised with fndrani and selves from the Reformasi protests and particularly by the yawned. Like her, they had heard movement. fact that these angry crowds call

Aliron Monthly November 1998: 18(10) Page 21 ing for Mahathir's resignation are eral times to declare that he will down with him and the non­ 99 per cent Malay, largely know when he is no longer Umno politicians are terrified middle-class, many of them col­ needed; that he will know when that the:Yt in turn, will go down lege and university students and it's time £or him to go and that with their Umno counterparts. others comprising a startling he ·will read the signals. The first cross-section of occupations. of such signals came at the ad­ It's true that many conservative ~ vent of the economic crisis. But Malaysians, and they do make up That there is today such a large he claimed the pr~:s:sun:: cam~ the majority, do not relish the idea Malay middle-class is due in no from outside - the wicked west, of street protests and fracas be­ small way to the labours of Unmo Jews, the foreign media, currency tween demonstrators and police. in the past th.re€ decades and that speculators. So he was deter­ They are terrified it will escalate is why the party is stunned that mined to stay put. into widespread violence and it should now be criticised by the even grea te.r economic and politi­ very group that it has helped cre­ But in recent weeks the pressure cal instability. ate. It also scares and worries could not have been more boldly Umno leaders that this vocal and spelt out, particularly on the plac­ But whether conservative or lib­ vic;ible segment of Malay society ards and banners carried by Ma­ eral, there are very few Malay­ is now against the party, or at laysian demonstrators-Mahathir sians who do not support - least against the man who heads Undur! Mahathir Resign! open1y or in their hearts - the idea the party. of a more accountable and trans­ His retort: They are only a few parent political system, a genu­ For Umno Youth in particular, the thousand, I was elected by mil­ inely independent judiciary massive number of students lions, an argument broadly valid (rather than the judicial indepen­ among the demonstrators is a par­ buttechnically flawed because he dence defined by Mahathir), a ticularly painful - and shameful­ was elected only by a few thou­ more law-abiding police force indication of how the movement sand in Kubang Pasu. and a freer media; or the idea of has failed to reflect the aspirations being able to openly criticise poli­ of young Malays. It is likely that Meanwhile, Mahathir and his ticians who use public funds to many young idealistic Malay gang keep trying to dismiss the bail out companies connected to youth are sickened by the way demonstrations and signs of pro­ their relatives. Pemuda l1as aligned itself to the old test as a plot on the part of way of doing things - which boils Anwar's supporters to replicate Thus, although Anwar may have down to that tradition of respect­ Indonesia's "student power'' and come up with his battle-cry of ing your elders, of treating older even the violence that had taken Reformasi to save his own neck, political leaders like one's father place over there. They simply in his absence it has grown into and of accepting whatever they refuse to admit that the street pro­ something quite real and prom­ say as the gospel truth. tests have gone beyond the earlier ising. Are we seeing the end of and initial shows of support for the the Mahathir era? lf we are, then UMNO Youth, instead of articu­ personality of Anwar Ibrahim. thank God! And please, no more lating the ideals of young Malays, prime ministers with grand vi­ has selected to align itself to the Over the weeks and as a result of sions and who are determined to old order and worse, attempted various events, the protests have move mountains and part the to brush off the demands of its developed into quite real discon­ seas whatever the cost. Just some­ own generation as rash, imma­ tent with Mahathir, his political one decent, competent and ture and unrealistic. Umno Youth cronies, the police, repressive laws democratic; someone with a has compromised itself into a cor­ such as the TSA, the mass media, deep-rooted sense of justice and ner which it will find very hard the judiciary. ln short, the system. fair-play who understands and to move out of even when this respects the rule of law and the issue eventually blows over. Umno politicians will not say it Constitution. That's all we ask. yet but many of them are terri­ Mahathir has gone on record sev- fied that Mahathir will drag them NNP

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Ali ran Monthly November 1998: 18( 10) Page 23 cautious, resulting in more self­ censorship. This in turn will jeopardise the existence of legiti­ mate but critical publications.

Such a climate of fear doesn't augur well for a democracy when the freedom to express and debate is slowly being snuffed out. Balanced commen­ taries, constructive criticism, and investigative reporting - published in newsletters, pam­ phlets or books - should be given equal opportunity to cir­ culate in society.

Otherwise, rumour-mongering will persist in a society that dis­ Probe Detainees' the cases of alleged assault, courages civilised debate and Allegations of Assault which have undermined the discussion. credibility of the police force. Aliran welcomes the authorities' The findings of this probe Aliran therefore urges the Home move to investigate sacked should be made public so that Affairs Ministry to stop threat­ deputy prime minister Anwar appropriate action can be taken ening the legitimate right of Ma­ Ibrahim's allegations of physical against those - directly and in­ laysians to express their views. assault. directly- guilty of assault. A/iran Executive Committee We, however, feel that the com­ An independent inquiry is cru­ 2 October 1998 position of the investigation cial to allay the fears of many team should be completely in­ over the increasing lawlessness Spare us the dependent and not include and arbitrary action displayed Patronising members of the police force to by those whose very job it is to Statements ensure justice and transparency. uphold the law. Nothing less than a Royal Com­ Aliran is perturbed by recent mission of Inquiry should be set Aliran Executive Committee patronising public statements up for the findings to have any 2 October 1998 made by certain government credibility. leaders that are an insult to the Yelled Threat intelligence of ordinary Malay­ That said, we urge the authori­ to Printers sians. ties to also probe the allegations of other detainees - such asTian Aliran is disturbed by Deputy These statements may be con­ Chang, the chairman of the Coa­ Home Affairs Minister Tajol strued as trying to limit what­ lition for People's Democracy­ Rosli Ghazali's warning to all ever democratic space and free­ who have claimed that they printing companies about dom of speech that Malaysians were also assaulted by police. printed material that may preju­ have and reflect poorly the cali­ dice national security. bre and intellect of the ministers A thorough and independent in- concerned. vestigation is crucial given the The veiled threat might pressure publicconcemandoutrageover many printers into being over- For instance, Deputy Home

Ali ran Monthly November 1998: 18( 10) Page 24 Minister Ong Ka Tmg advised press their views. subsequently restricted this the public on 5 October 1998 to right to assemble peacefully. make use of the Internet to get Aliran Executive Committee 'useful information' only- and 7 October 1998 Aliran calls upon the police to not information that "can lead join in this endeavour to reclaim to public disorder ahd threaten Lift the Ban on all our rights and re-establish the the country's security". Peaceful Public rule of law. Lift the ban on all Gatherings peaceful public gatherings. We concede that messages that might provoke communal sen­ Aliran is very upset that the po­ Aliran Executive Committee timents and lead to public dis­ lice have rejected the Barisan 8 October 1998 order should not clutter the Nasional's application to hold a Internet. But we also believe that rally at the National Stadium in Arre•tlng many Malaysians have devel­ Bukit Jalil on 10 October. The po­ the search for Truth? oped the capacity to discern lice have offered no valid expla­ right from wrong, the ethical nation as to how the proposed Aliran is concerned about a re­ from the unethical, and can dis­ gathering could threaten the cent commentary in the New tinguish credible information nation's security. Straits Times calling for the de­ from crass propaganda. tention of "errant" journalists The people have always been working for the foreign media The Internet and other forums told that the BN parties conduct under the obnoxious Internal provide a useful and civilised themselves in accordance with Security Act. The commentary, platform for many Malaysians the law. In fact, only on 5 Octo­ written by a certain "Abdullah to exchange views and discuss ber, UMNO vice-president Najib Tan", has caused some uneasi­ issues of public importance in­ Razak confidently asserted that ness among Malaysians who telligently and rationally. Barisan gatherings had always cherish justice and freedom of been peaceful and orderly. Even expression. And discuss they should, as citi­ Dr Mahathir's mammoth zens of the country, irrespective Semarak gatherings in the past, The call to use the !SA on jour­ of whether they are workers in held without police permit as far nalists is dearly contemptuous the public sector or private sec­ as we are aware, have been of the very notion of civil soci­ tor. Indeed intellectual exchange peaceful. ety, democracy, debate and dis­ -whether it is done before, dur­ sent. A perceived untruth in the ing or after office hours - is Indeed, recent large public gath­ foreign media should be coun­ everyone's right in a democracy. erings involving opposition par­ tered with a persuasive argu­ ties, NGOs and Anwar's sup­ ment; it is irrational and unso­ That is why we find Deputy porters - in the past as well as phisticated to propose that the Transport Minister Wira recently- have also been orderly. ISA should be used to clamp Mohammad Ali Rustam's recent down on biased reporting in the directive to taxi drivers -to stay Aliran feels that Malaysians foreign media. clear of the Anwar issue if have always been mature, re­ pressed by their passengers - so sponsible and peace-loving. If being "sensationalist" and dis­ ridiculous. It is certainly a crude This has been especially evident regarding fair-play are sins that attempt at thought control. in recent times. the foreign media have allegedly committed, then the local main­ In the name of justice and de­ Allowing Malaysians to gather stream media, particularly the mocracy, we urge ministers to publicly in large numbers, in New Straits Times, have a lot of refrain from making public fact, is a right guaranteed by the soul-searching to do, given the statements that will undermine Constitution. It is only the Po­ irresponsible and unprofes­ the right of Malaysians to ex- liceAct and other legislation that sional way they covered the

Ali ron Monthly November 1998: 18( 10) Page 25 Anwar issue recently. By resorting so easily to fre­ the afternoon, was no different quent, arbitrary arrests under from a similar march held last Sat­ The New Straits Times should ur­ the ISA, the government has lost urday (10 October) which ended gently clarify if the controversial all its credibility and legitimacy peacefully. commentary reflects its editorial for its actions. People no longer stand on 'unfair' foreign"D''edia believe that there are any legiti­ Yesterday's march was orderly, reporting. If it doesn't, it would mate reasons for these arrests. disciplined, and non-confronta­ be viewed by many as the first Neither do they believe that tional. The participants in the media organisation in the coun­ these individuals pose a threat march displayed no violence and try, if not the world, to advocate to national security. Many are no hooliganism. They destroyed a clampdown on the quest for convinced that the ISA is being nothing, looted nothing, and truth and justice. used to safeguard the interests posed no threat to public security of certain people in power. and order. At the very least, the New Straits Times should declare to its read­ We call upon the authorities to It was no secret, certainly not a ers and other concerned Malay­ stop intimidating and harassing conspiracy, that the protesters sians if it has decided to stop citizens who are exercising their planned to submit an appeal to pretending to be a real newspa­ legitimate democratic right to His Majesty, the Yang Di Pertuan per. peacefully assemble and express Agong, tointerveneinthepresent themselves. We also urge the political crisis. Such an open and Aliran Executive Committee government to release all ISA public submission by a large and 10 October 1998 detainees unconditionally or concerned group ofloyal citizens charge them under specific laws to His Majesty was an expression Govt Losing if it has concrete evidence of of a democratic right. Creclllllllty their alleged offences. over ISA Arrests It was definitely not an unlaw­ We hope that the latest detention ful acl, excepl in the ey~ uf a Aliran is outraged by the latest does not signal the start of an­ government that has become in­ detention of Jemaah Islah Ma­ other round of mass detentions creasingly repressive, intolerant laysia (JIM) president Saari under the hated IS A. of democratic forms of dissent, Sungib under the draconian In­ and contemptuous of the rule of ternal Security Act. Aliran Executive Committee law. 13 October 1998 The latest arrest immediately It is shocking that the police, and follows the detention-and sub­ Encl Pollee Assaults the Federal Reserve Unit (FRU) sequent release-of another Ma­ On Peaceful Marches! should have reacted vvith vio­ laysian, Mahinder Singh lence against the protesters. It is Radhawa. LikeMahinder, Saari Aliranconde~thecontinued all the more shocking that the was apparently detained with­ detention of 133 people arrested FRU assault evidently took out knowing the "misdeeds", if following an unprovoked police place just as the protesters were any, he had committed. assault on a peaceful march and dispersing peacefully. non-violent protest in Kuala The police's arbitrary action un­ Lumpur on the evening of Sat­ In this assault, numerous pro­ der the cover of the ISA appears urday, 17 October 1998. testers, men and women, were aimed at creating a climate of beaten with truncheons, caned fear among concerned Malay­ Various eyewitnesses have re­ with rotans, kicked, injured and sians who have been coming out counted that the march, which bloodied. Of those arrested and to participate in peaceful, or­ involved an estimated 10,000 par­ brought before the Magistrate, derly gatherings in support of ticipants, and which started along several were directed to be sent justice. Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman in for medical treatment.

Ali ran Monthly November 1998: 18( 10) Page 26 By now it is clear that Malaysians who are committed to a just and democratic society are no longer lnough Is lnoutJhl cowed by the authorities' stub­ born refusal to permit peaceful The ISA Must Gol gatherings and non-violent forms of dissent. It is important to remember Operation Lalang which oc­ Malaysians will condemn the curred on October 27, 1987, FRU assault as ample evidence of eleven years ago. On that the authorities' use of the police day, 106 Malaysians were force to vent their frustration on arrested under the Internal peaceful protesters who!'le num­ Security Act (ISA) on the bers have been growing in recent flimsy grounds that they weeks. were a threat to national se­ curity. In fact, most of the The FRU assault on protesters 106 individuals, among who were dispersing peacefully, whom were three Aliran like the beating-up of Datuk Seri members, were loyal and Anwar Ibrahim while in deten­ peace-loving Malaysians tion, is proof of the authorities' who were critics of the flagrant abuse of power. Mahathir regime and op­ posed its authoritarian policies. It makes a mockery of the government's claim that it still Though these people were eventually released, they were practises democracy in this coun- never charged in Court thereby confirming that the gov­ try. ernment had no case against them. Such an ~sbould never be forgotteiL Aliran demands t.hat: • those arrested should be im­ Together with other groups, AUran vigorously protested mectiately and uncondition­ against the flagrant abuse of the ISA and called for its re­ ally released; peal • an independent investigation into the FRU assault of Satur­ Alas, eleven years later, the ISA iS still ban&in8 c)ver our day, 17 October 1998, be con­ heads like the SWOid Of Damocles. ducted; • those found to be responsible And once ag• the ISA Js being used to silence,critiatand for ordering and/ or conduct­ deny innocent people their basic ripts to natai'al ~ ing the assault should be se­ verely punished; ~ ISA is an obnoxious Jaw Which has no place in any dvil • the Internal Security Act (ISA) soaety and is in conflict with the teachings of all the maJO· r be immectiately repealed, and, faiths. • all peaceful gatherings and public rallies should be per­ En~gh is enough. There should be no ifs and buts, no mittedin accordance with the revtews, no amendments. The ISA has to go. right to freedom of speech and the freedom of assembly as Aliran caDs upon all loyal Malaysians to support this call protected by the Constitution and wori towards the abolition of this unjust act which in of Malaysia. fact denies us our Constitutional rights.

Aliran Executive Committee Alinnr Executive Committee 18 October 1998 27. October 199B

Aliron Monthly November 1998 : 18(1 0) Poge 27 I ilion For Pardon I Dull Yang Maha Mulia Seri Paduka Baginda the serving Member of Parliament for Kota Yang di-Pertuan Agong• Melaka whose conviction and sentence in respect Istana Negara of an offence under the Printing Presses and Pub­ Kuala Lumpur lications Act, 1984 and the Sedition Act, 1948 was affirmed by the Federal Court on 25th August Ampun Tuanku 1998.

The Petitioner is currently serving sentence of RE : In The Matter Of A Petition For Par­ 18 months imprisonment at the Kajang Prison. don And Removal Of Disqualification By YB Endk Lim Guan Eng, Member Of 2. The Bar Council is a body established under Parliament For kota Melaka Pursuant To the Legal Profession Act 1976 and represents the Article 48 Of The Federal Constitution, practising lawyers of the country, presently num­ Dated The 7th Day Of September 1998. bering about 8,000 lawyers, who collectively con­ stitute the Malaysian Bar. By Section 42 of the establishing Act, the Bar Council is duty bound, inter alia, to uphold the cause of justice without regard to its own interest, uninfluenced by fear or favour, and to protect and assist the public in al1 matters touching, ancillary or incidental to the law.

3. The Petitioner was first convicted on 28th April, 1997 by the High Court Melaka of an of­ fence under the Printing Presses and Publica­ tions Act, 1984 and the Sedition Act, 1948 (here­ inafter referred to collectively as "the said Stat­ utes") and fined a sum of RMlO,OOO.OO in default 6 months imprisonment on the 1st charge and RMS,OOO.OO in default 3 months imprisonment on the 2nd charge. The conviction was upheld by the Court of Appeal on 1st April, 1998 and the sentence of 18 months imprisonment on each charge to run concurrently. The decision of the Terlebih dahulu patek bagi pihak Badan Peguam Court of Appeal on both conviction and sentence merakamkan setinggi-tinggi penghargaan serta was upheld by the Federal Court on 25th Au­ ucapan menjunjung kasih kepada Seri Paduka gust, 1998. Baginda Tuanku. 4. The Petitioner is currently serving his term Ampun Tuanku, of imprisonment at the Kajang Prison. On 7th September, 1998 the Petitioner has officially pe­ 1. The Bar Council submits this Memorandum titioned for pardon under Article 42 of the Fed­ in support of the Petition for Pardon and Re­ eral Constitution and for removal of his disquali­ moval of Disqualification by YB EncikLim Guan fication as a member of Parliament under Article Eng (hereinafter referred to as "the Petitioner''), 48 of the Federal Constitution.

Aliron Monthly November 1998: 18{1 0) Poge 28 5. The Bar Council is respectfully of the opin­ the Petitioner had consistently said that his ac­ ion that this is a suitable and appropriate case tions leading to his conviction were all along un­ for pardon and removal of disqualification hav­ dertaken in the discharge of his duties as a Mem­ ing regard to all the factors and the overall cir­ ber of Parliament, and has stated that he was cumstances of the case. acting in the discharge of his oath of office as a Member of Parliament. By Article 59 of the Fed­ 6. The Bar Council notes that lhe power of par­ eral Constitution read withits Sixth Schedule this don or clemency is based on the prerogative of oath calls upon all members of Parliament to mercy. In that context it is open for the pardon­ faithfully discharge their duties to the best of ing authority to take into consideration factors their abilities and to preserve, protect and de­ and matters that would not strictly be relevant fend the Constitution. in a court oflaw. InPP v. Soon Seng Sia Heng/Lim Hiang Seoh [1979] 2 MLJ 170, Suffian LP described 11. The Bar Council notes that the Petitioner the exercise of the pardoning power in these believed that the matters that he published and terms: spoke of were matters of public interest that he was entitled under his oath to raise and articu­ "His Majesty does not sit as a court and is late. The Federal Court, as the courts before it, entitled to take into consideration matters has held that in doing so in the manner he did which courts bound by the law of evi­ he has offended the said Statutes. In this regard, dence cannot take into account, and decides it is noteworthy that the Court of Appeal has it­ each case on public policy" (p.171 F-G). self described the Petitioner as "a prominent po­ litical figure whose views command much influence 7. Lord Diplock gave an added dimension to over the Malaysian public" ([1998] 3 MLJ 14 at 35- the pardon power in Ong Ah Chuan v. PP [1981] D). AC 648, in the Privy Council when he said "the prerogative of mercy is available to mitigate the ri­ 12. The Bar Council notes in this respect that the gidity of the law and is the long established constitu- Petitioner has stated that in articulating his con­ tional way of doing so ...... " (p.674-F). cerns as he did he was responding to the request for assistance made of him by the Grandmother 8. These judicial pronouncements accord with of the Minor concerned in the case. It is material the British practice of the exercise of the mercy to note that the Grandmother and the family of p~wer. In Wade and Bradley, Constitutional and the Minor concerned reside in Melaka. The Pe­ Administrative Law (lOth Edn., 1985), it is stated: titioner represents one of the constituencies from Melaka in Parliament. It is also noteworthy that " ...... in British practice, a pardon is granted the Grandmother has herself written on 27th only after conviction when there is some August, 1998 to His Majesty seeking a pardon special reason why a sentence should not for the Petitioner. be carried out or why the effects of convic­ tion should be expunged"(p.360). 13. In all this it is material to note that the Peti­ tioner was not acting out of personal gain but 9. The Bar Council is humbly of the opinion what he thought was in the interest of the fam­ that there exists in this case special circumstances ily of the Minor concerned. The Court of Ap­ of public interest and public policy on why the peal in its written judgment (see 1998 3 MLJ 14 pardon power under Article 42 of the Federal at 35 E-F) has itself acknowledged tha the case Constitution, and the power to remove the dis­ involving the Minor and the then Chief Minister qualification under Article 48, may be exercised of Melaka "attracted much publicity in the print graciously in favour of the Petitioner. and electronic meda". It was therefore a case of public interest and in which the public were 10. In the forefront the Bar Council notes that showing an interest.

Ali ron Monthly No\lember 1998: 18( 10) Page 29 14. The Bar Council notes that the issues involv­ ing the case of the Minor concerned and other 26 September 1998 parties were essentially matters relating to the 5 J' Akhir 1419 administration of law and justice. It cannot be gainsaid that these are matters that concern ev­ YB Lim GuanEng ery citizen and in resped of which they would Ahli Parlimen Kota Melaka be entitled to, within the bounds of the law, to speak and comment upon. The obligation is Berhormat, greater in respect of the elected representatives Yang of the people who are duty bound to represent grievances and concerns of the common people Petisyen Pengampunan Kepada Seri especially from their respective constituencies. Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong oleh YB Lim Guan Eng 15. The Bar Council notes that the Petitioner at­ tempted to do this buthad offended the said Stat­ utes under which he was subsequently convicted and imprisoned. Lord Diplock's observation, supra, that the rigidity of the law may be miti­ gated by the exercise of the pardon power, would seem relevant in the circumstances, having re­ gard to the fact that the said Statutes seek to limit the freedom of speech guaranteed under Article 10 of the Federal Constitution.

16. The Bar Council notes that the Petitioner is a diligent and active Member of Parliament who believes in the democratic parliamentary process and represents his constituency effectively in Par­ liament. He is married with 3 young children between the ages of 7 and 3. He comes from a Adalah saya dititah oleh Seri Paduka distinguished family dedicated to public service Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong untuk through U1e parliamentary process. His father, YB Encik Lim Kit Siang, is the present Leader of merujuk kepada perkara di atas. the Opposition in Parliament. 2. Sepertimana yang tersedia maklum, 17. In all the above circumstances, the Bar Coun­ pada 7hb September 1998 YB telah cil is humbly of the opinion that this is a merito­ mengemukakan petisyen kepada Seri rious case of special circumstances where the Paduka ~aginda Yang di-Pertuan power of pardon and the removal of disqualifi­ Agong untuk xnenggunakan "preroga­ cation may be exercised favourably to relieve the tive" Raja bagi belas kasihan Petitioner, and hopes tllat Your Majesty would menggugurkan kehilangan kelayakan graciously accede to the Petition. YB sebagaiAhli Parlimen dengan diberi pengampunan bebas. Ampun Tuanku, 3. Saya ingin menjelaskan bahawa kuasa Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di­ Dr. Cyrus V. Das Pertuan Agong mengenai pemberian President, Malaysian Bar 18th September 1998

Ali ron Monthly November 1998: 18(1 0) Page 30 pengampunan secara amnya adalah di custody or the date on which the fine bawah Perkara 42(1) Perlembagaan mentioned in the said paragraph (e) Persekutuan yang memperuntukkan: was imposed on such person and a person shall not be disqualified un­ "42(1) The Yang di-Pertuan Agang has der the paragraph <0 of Clause (1) power to grant pardons, reprieves and by reason only of anything done by respites in respect of all offences him before he became a dtizen." which have been tried by court-mar­ tial and all offences committed in the Sehubung dengan itu, peruntukan Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur perkara 48(4)(c) Perlembagaan and Labuan; and the Ruler or Yang di­ Persekutuan ada menyatakan bahawa ; Pertua Negeri of a State has power to seseorang Ahli Parlimen yang telah tl grant pardons, reprieves and respites dihukum itu hilang kelayakannya ll in respect of all other offences commit­ apabila tamat tempoh 14 hari dari tarikh l ted in his State." apa-apa rayuan diberikan jika dalam tempoh 14 hari itu tidak ada Memandangkan kesalahan YB dilakukan dikemukakan suatu petisyen untuk dalam Negeri Melaka, maka Seri Paduka mendapatkan pengampunan. Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong tidak mempunyai kuasa untuk memberi 5. Jadi oleh kerana YB telahpun pengampunan bebasdan banya TYfYang mengemukakan petisyen untuk di-Pertua Negeri Melaka sahaja, di atas memperolehi pengampunan daripada nasihat Jemaah Pengampunan Negeri TYT Yang di-Pertua Negeri Melaka, Melaka, yang boleh berbuat sedenilldan. maka soal kehilangan kelayakan itu tidak akan wujud sebelum TYT Yang 4. Tetapi apa yang dipohon oleh YB di-Pertua Negeri Melaka memberi kepada Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di­ pertimbangan kepada petisyen YB itu. Pertuan Agong adalah mengenai Dengan ini keputusan TYT Yang di­ pembatalan kehilangan kelayakan yang Petua Negeri Melaka perlulah termaktub dalam Perkara 48(3) ditunggu terlebih dahulu sebelum Perlembagaan Persekutuan iaitu: permohonan petisyen YB dapat diputuskan oleh Seri Paduka Baginda _, 1148(3) 'I'M disqllfli{iclltion of II person Yang di-Pertuan Agong dimana di under ptmJgmph (d) lJT ptlTIIgraph (e) of peringkat ini ianya adalah dianggap Clause (1) may be removed by the pramasa (premature). Yang di-Pertuan Agong and shall, if not so removed, cease at the end of Sekian dimaklumkan, terima ,kasih. the period of five years beginning

with the date on which the return "BERKI-DDMAT UNTUK NEGARA" ~ mentioned in the said paragraph (d) was required to be lodged, or, as the Saya yang menurut perintah, ! case may be, the date on which the i,~ person convicted as mentioned in the (DATUK ABDUL RAHMAN IDN HJ. ALI) said paragraph (e) was released from Datuk Pengelola Bijaya DiRaja (

_._ r

Aliran Monthly November 1998: 18(10) Poge 31 State... ent on police brutality .u1hope that immediate action will be taken by those responsible so that there will be an end to the use of violent force and the abuse of power in the police force. n by Chua Tian Chang

FEER : October 1, 1998 arrived at Dataran overhead, the public re­ Merdeka (Indepen­ sponded with jeers. Sud­ g dence Square) at about denly, there were shouts 5.00 p.m. on Monday, of "Reformasi!" from 28 September 1998. Traffic in the groups of people beside area was heavy as several Fed­ the courthouse. Because I eral Reserve Unit (FRU) trucks was at the Dataran, 1 did were parked along the road. not see who started the THE AGE : October 3, 1998 There were also several groups chanting. The shouts were of members of the public-some well received by all who were at vanced from Jalan Tun Perak, seated, others standing- beside the Dataran. Many clapped their and another from the direction the fountain, the courthouse, hands and joined in the chant- of the flagstaff. The members of and along the river. Because of ing. the public who gathered in the the large presence of police and centre (that is, between the Fed­ FRU personnel, the situation at After a few minutes, the FRU eral and the Magistrate Courts) Dataran Merdeka was tense. took their positions and ad­ began to disperse in several di­ vanced towards the groups of rections before theFRU arrived. When a helicopter began to circle people. One unit of the FRU ad- At the time, I was standing on

AI iron Monthly November 1998: 18( 1OJ Page 32 the iron bridge beside the court­ that moment, I again called my were in fact gathered and pro­ house. I saw OCPD Zainal colleague at the office and re­ cessed in the IPK car park. A Abidin appear with a micro­ corded the words of the FRU of­ group of police officers were de­ phone. Because of the distance ficer. FRU Kumar realised 1 was tailed to complete the investiga­ from him, 1could not hear what recording their violence and tion reports and Form 113. At the he said. Suddenly the FRU came in front of me and asked time, a joumalist telephoned me. charged at the people beside the me to switch off the handphone. But before I could answer the river. The people then ran to­ I immediately mentioned their handphone, several SB person­ wards the direction of the Cen­ names: "FRU Kumar, FRU nel came towards me and tried tral Market. Zainuddin, ... "to my colleague to confiscate the handphone. My on the other end of the phone. hair was pulled and I was kicked From the bridge I saw many in the back. But when I stood up people being chased and beaten. Kumar became angry and and tried to ask who was the one I followed several journalists to­ started beating me with his ba­ who did the violent act, no of­ wards the direction of the FRU. ton. I was hit on the shoulder, ficer answered. Several metres from the bridge I hand and leg. The beating saw a group of people being caused serious pain to my shoul­ While we were waiting our turn beaten by the FRU. I went closer ders and my leg. After that, my to give our Section 113 state­ to the side of the road to get a handphone was confiscated by ments, the police officers dearer view of the incident. the FRU. In the truck, there were stopped threatening and scold­ about 20 detainees. ing us. They then tried to Suddenly, a Special Branch (SB) frighten the detainees into pro­ officer (in plainclothes, with a In the FRU truck, FRU viding information. I tried to ex­ leather jacket) grabbed my hand Zainuddin collected our identity plain to the detainees that Form and said, "T(Jm ikut saya!" (You, cards. The truck was driven back 113 needed only to be answered follow mel). I tried to ask for his to the riverside where tens of voluntarily and that it was not name and the reason for arrest­ other detainees had been gath­ compulsory for them to answer ing me, but he grabbed my hand ered. Perhaps realising his error, any question that could incrimi­ even harder. In my agony, I FRU Zainuddin returned my nate oneself. This angered some asked him to release me but he handphone. Once again I called of the police officers. They then responded by twisting my hand SUARAM. This time, several SB lashed out at me with harsh and behind my back and pushed me and police personnel began to insulting words. While I was into a (red) FRU truck that came threaten me. A Chinese SB of­ making my 113 statement a towards our direction. I was ficer tried to interrogate me but Malay officer, who was not pushed into the truck. Several I refused to answer. On finding wearing his name tag, directed others who were arrested were out that I was anNGO member, racist remarks at me. He told an also pushed inside. I was ar­ he and some others began to jeer Indonesian detainee that he (the rested at about 6.30 p.m. and insult me continuously. detainee) should not listen to me because he should not take ad- Immediately, I called the After about half an hour-I esti- vice from the Chinese. He only SUARAM office and informed mated around 7.30 or 8 p.m.- I, stopped his racist harangue my friends that I had been ar­ together with about 25 other de- when I rebutted: "You don't use rested. Several minutes later, an tainees, was placed in a blue po- racist remarks. She (I pointed to FRU officer by the name of lice truck and brought to the the Chinese officer who was tak­ Kumar came up to the truck and Selangor Police Contingent ing my 113 statement) is also began to beat the person he had Headquarters (IPK) at Bukit Chinese." arrested. After that, another FRU Bintang. officer came into the truck and I also received a lot of threats also began beating and shouting At the IPK, we were asked to sit from other officers. I do not re­ at the person he had arrested. At in front of a row of desks. We member their names because it

Ali ron Monthly November 1998: 18( 10) Page 33 was dark m the car park. I also asked to sit in the central open of us in tum from around 3 a.m. noticed that many of the officers space in the lock-up complex About 30 detainees were re­ did not wear their name-tags or (not in the cell), without know­ leased on police bail that morn­ badges. Those I can recall are ing what was to happen to us. ing (30 September). About 20 Jagwant Singh, Rajen, Chia, and When we entered the lock-up others were still detained. I was severa 1other officers whom I can area, the detainees in the cells released on bail at 3.45 a.m. recognise but am not sure of began to clap and chant their names. "Reformasi!" Ifelt paininmy left shoulder and left leg as a result of the beating That night, OCPD Zainal did not The SB officer (an Indian who by FRU Kumar. My right hand actin a professional manner. Not was not wearing his name-tag) (at the shoulder joint) also hurt only did he continue to threaten who escorted us got very angry as a result of being forcefully me, but he also tried to frighten at this and directed the officer­ twisted by the SB who arrested me with words like: ''You are in-charge of the lock-up to open me. I cannot identify him as he now under my custody. I can do a cell He then pulled out a de­ was at my side and at the back anything to you!" tainee by his hair and immedi­ ofme when I was being arrested. ately started to kick and beat What I am sure is that he is a The behaviour and words of the him. Even though I was fright­ Malay. My chest and stomach OCPD encouraged the other of­ ened, I could not put up with the still hurt a lot as a result of the ficers to continue to direct harsh sight of the SB's brutality. I beating by the SB in the lock-up. words at me. They used words shouted: "Oi! Polis tidak boleh like: "Orang bodoh" (stupid per­ guna kekerasnn !" (Oi! The Police I was examined by a doctor at son), "Lnwyer buruk'' (dirty/un­ cannot use force.) Hospital Universiti on 30 Sep­ scrupulous lawyer), "stupid" tember at 2.30 p.m. The medical and others. I felt their behaviour The Indian SB got very angry, report will be ready in two was aimed at exhjbiting their and ran towards me (followed weeks. Even now, that is after 36 power and at frightening the by a Malay SB), pulled my hair hours, I still feel pain in several other detainees. and forced me to stand. While parts of my body. getting up, I said, "Stop it!" He Among us were two detainees immediately boxed my stomach. In making this report officially, I who were seriously injured. One Because of this force, I fell to the hope that immediate action will was still bleeding from the head floor. The SB kicked me again. I be taken by those responsible so while we were waiting to make was kicked in the head and legs. that there will be an end to the our 113 statement. I tried to ask The Malay SB followed suit and use of violent force and the abuse the police to get him some medi­ kicked my stomach. In my se­ of power in the police force. 0 cal attention, but they did not vere pain, I grabbed his boot in bother. (He was only sent to the an attempt to stop his violence. clinic or hospital after we arrived He kicked me again. at theJalan Campbell Police Sta­ This report, transl11ted tion lock-up, where the officers After several minutes, I stood up from the original in on duty refused to accept the de­ and faced the Indian SB. I said, Malay, was lodged on 1 tainee in order to disavow any ''You try doing this again!" He October 1998. responsibility should anything boxed me again. l then chal­ untoward happen to him in the lenged him: "You wait until I go Chu11 Titm Chang is the lock-up.) out!" pro-tem chainntm of the Coalition for Peoplt's I estimate that at about 10 p.m., After this, both SBs went away Democracy, which w11s we were sent to the lock-up at and left the lock-up. We waited set up on 27 September 1998 the Jalan Campbell Police Sta­ inthelock-upareauntil thelock­ tion. We (about 50 persons) were up officer began to release some

Aliran Monthly November 1998: 18(1 0) Page 34 recting traffic and persuading Unit trucks waited in front of the were already waiting there with crowds back when they spilled Sultan Abdul Samad building - their infamous water cannon too much onto the road. • but no one blocked the way. At blocking the way to Jalan TAR. S111lllng Cops the junction near Dayabumi, po­ So people did the most logical lice crowd control consisted of thing: they just sat down on the The uniformed police were far two petite, rather pretty, young road! A sit-in protest - no one can from the stem-faced guardians of female officers. The officers, of accuse you of starting violence the law last week. Groups of two course, tried to play their part to when you're sitting cross-legged or three of them dotted the road, the hilt, looking seriously and on the road! leaning against pillars, their arms sternly at the crowd. But one of folded, smiling at the crowds - them couldn't stop herself from A small group of crew-cut young yes, smiling! I've never seen so giggling when one of the demon­ men in jackets tried to pull down many smiling policemen before. strators remarked: "Jaga the barricades along the padang keselamatan kita ya dik- jangan tah (field) and urge the crowd to fol­ One sixty-year old man 1 met said pukul- sakit!" (Take care of us ok, low them. But the organisers were one of the policemen even struck sis- don't whack us- it hurts!) obviously well-prepared for any up a conversation with him. "Apa Re-for-•a-si! trouble-makers - the young men nak buat sekarang? Dah ramai were immediately surrounded sangat orang dah ni. Asal/am dia The fountain at the entrance of and ordered to get back on the orang tak buat kacau, rosakkan the tunnel below the British road, sit and join the rest. The bar­ benda, kita biarlall" (What can we Council was awash with people ricades were even put up again. do now? There are too many - literally. The rather ugly, per­ people here now. So long as they haps over-expensive ornament The crowd continued chanting don't create a disturbance or was transformed into a refuge and singing what has become the damage property, we will let where the faithful could cleanse anthem of the Reformists, albeit them be). themselves for prayer. But the with the lyrics slightly modified: most stirring moment for me was " ... semboyan telalt berbunyi, menuju I also met a journalist friend of when we entered the tunnel. reformasi !" (the siren has mine a long the way, and a female Roars of "Reformasil" reverber­ sounded; we're heading for re­ acquaintance. "This is wonder­ ated as the crowd entered the forms) ful," I said. "I couldn't believe tunnel, the acoustics amplifying Defiant and Free Malaysians could do this. tlut we the sound until it hit you like the have. And perhaps there's hope." blast from an explosion. I spent a When the clock on the tower 1 subsequently heard that he had few minutes just standing still in struck eight, the crowd roared been assaulted by two men later that tunnel listening to the roars "Allalzu Akhbar!" (God is great). that day. of "REFORMASI!" "REFOR­ They were not budging and the MASI!" "REFORMAS1f" which situation was tense. The police no The crowd headed towards the echoed in my ears for many min­ longer appeared in a smiling National Mosque as the evening utes after I left. mood. Heated negotiations en­ wore on. Thousands converged sued with some senior police of­ there to perform their Maghrib The crowd, filled with renewed ficers. The crowd continued p rayers. The cheers of zeal after Magltrib prayers, came chanting and singing. A round of "Reformnsi" and takbirs (the call to back along the same tunnel echo­ applause rang out when a line of prayer) rang out around Inde­ ing the call and marched towards young women in tudrmg moved pendence Square again, like they Dataran Merdeka (Independence through the crowd in single-file, had on 20 September. Square). They reached the Sultan bearing a poster of Anwar. Abdul Samad building a few Three or four Federal Reserve minutes before 8 pm. FRU trucks As I sat there, 1 noticed Bukit

Ali ron Monthly November 1998: 1811 0) Page 35 Aman towering above us behind the crowd. One or two of the floors on the dark monolith were still lit Still Shopping up, and you could make out indi­ viduals peering through the lit windows. If Anwar UXIS seeing this, for Justice what thoughts would be running througll his head, 1 wondered. The anger has gone well beyond lear now At about 8:10pm, the headlights of the water-cannon were omi­ nously switched on. The police announced: "Wnnita dan kanak­ kanak diminta beredar daripada kawasa11 ini. Kami memberi dua min it untuk beredar." (Women and children are requested to leave this area. We are giving you two minutes to disperse.)

As soon as the announcement ended, the call to lsha' prayers floated from the nearby jamek Mosque. As the music of the azan echoed, an eerie stillness de­ scended over the whole Square. Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman every possible exitinto Jalan TAR When azan ended, the crowd re­ Kuala Lumpur was blocked. mained still. I could hear a young 5 pm, Saturday, Indian man talking behind one of 17 October 1998 But the back doors of the shops the pillars of the building, either were still open. Customers were over a hand-phone or perhaps a ''Kita buka11 main-main" (we are going in and out of them as usuaL walkie-talkie" It's still stand-off. not kidding), the city's Deputy My significant other and I de­ OCPD wants to give them an­ Chief Police Officer had said cided to try one of the large de­ other 15 minutes. Stand by." ominously on Thursday, when partmental stores. She could at warning that stem action would last get the sari she had wanted! But at 8:30 sharp, the organisers be taken if demonstrators refused Then we'd go out the front door told the crowd to go home - their to disperse when advised. The and check out the sari stores on point had been made. As the danger signals were all there. the other side of }alan TAR mass of people turned away to­ Even Reformasi (reform) sup­ But no luck. The front doors of wards Central Market, the clock porters warned people to take a 'break'. all the shops were locked. The on the tower struck 8:30. Despite whole length of Jalan TAR ap­ the attacks on demonstrators in Perhaps, today, my Deepavali peared off-limits. I could see traf­ the weeks before, despite the al­ shopping could proceed undis­ fic still moving along the road, most daily warnings, despite the turbed! The police were certainly but it was strangely clear of pe­ fear, tens of thousands of Ma­ out in full force unlike last week. destrians. We decided to try the laysians came out today-defiant Walking the back-street market of junction in front of the Coliseum and free. Masjid India was like walking in cinema. a war zone. From Masjid Jamek I have never in my life been more right up to }alan Campbell, every Again, at least two dozen police proud to be Malaysian than I am street junction was manned by personnel barred the way. An of­ at this moment in history.O dozens of security personnel and ficer sternly told us to turn back.

Ali ran Monthly November 1998: 18( 1Ol Page 36 1 protested that my significant her secure, her one hand waving ing the 'thumbs up' sign at pe­ other and I were looking forward at the convoy, the other waving a destrians, rolled by. Almost all of to the Hindi movie matinee to­ sheet of paper with the words them had cameras and were busy day. The officer's stern frown 'Reformasi' written in a childish clicking away at the demonstra­ tum PC! into a smile, as though he scrawl. tors. saw right through my smaJ.l. de­ ception. "Tak payah,"(No need) he Cheers of "Refonnasi!", shouts I also noticed something strange. said. "Tiket semua dah habis hari of "Mahathir tmdur!" (Mahathir, I was standing on the steps of ini!" (Tickets are sold out today) step down) and the singing of Sogo, quite far from the chanting, Polite demonstrators 'Barisa11 Kita' (This is our move­ cheering crowd on the pavement, ment) filled the air. The crowd among what I thought was just a We pressed on towards ]alan was much louder than last big crowd of curious onlookers. Campbell, which I was sure they week's, the pace much livelier As time passed, you could see a wouldn't have blocked. Many and faster. Perhaps people felt the couple of these onlookers sud­ others probably had the same demonstration was going to be denly punch a fist in the air and idea. As we turned into ]alan broken up at any time, and they shout ''Reformasi!" They would Campbell and walked towards wanted to make the most of it. then look nervously around, fold Sogo - there they were! Thou­ Police and FRU trucks had their arms as though nothing had sands of chanting, singing people blocked many of the roads so that happened, and carry on quietly at the intersection of ]alan TAR every inch of remainingsidewa lk 'by-standing'. and]alan Campbell. It was about space was packed with people. 1 5p.m. couldn't even move from my Soon, more and more people vantage point outside the within the crowd repeated the The courtyard and stairs leading Haagen Dazs at Sogo. process. Within half an hour, my up to Sogo were packed with little crowd of 'onlookers' was Strange feeling people waving pictures of Anwar chanting as wildly as the people Ibrahim. Aliran must have done But the police seemed preoccu­ on the pavement! The silent ma­ roaring business today. Hun­ pied with controlling traffic and jority had found the courage to dreds of copies of their new Oc­ creating a semblance of normalcy. be silent no more. tober issue on Anwar were being We had the strange feeling that waved at passing motorists. as long as traffic flowed, as long When I first arrived, 1 estimated as this strange sense of 'nor­ the crowd to be at least 5,000 And it was certainly a banner malcy' was maintained, the po­ people. By 5.30 pm, the number demonstration today - literally! lice would probably leave us could have easily matched or ex­ The crowd lined the road hold­ alone. ceeded the numbers last week. ing up banners reading: The demonstration spilled over "Reformasi-The Way To]ustice", When we first arrived, few cars into all four corners of the Sogo "Justice for Anwar - Justice for were honking in support of the junction, up the road towards Malaysians", and "Mahathir­ demonstrators. Last week's con­ Chow Kit, down the road to­ Suharto". One banner read voy was missing. After all, most wards Independence Square. "Mahathir, please resign". Malay­ people thought there wouldn't be sums are extremely polite even when anybody at )alan TAR! But within I couldn't help but overhear a they demonstrate, I thought. half an hour, the honking was in­ young girl in a tudung (head­ cessant. scarf) who was standing next to The banners had a life of their me asking her male companion, own. They were moved up and Frantic mobile phone calls may "What are you feeling now?" down, swayed left and right; the have spread the word that ]alan "My country is going to change demonstrators even passed them TAR was in the hands of the for the better," the young man along the line of people down the people again! A small convoy of replied. Standing next to them road. But prize of top demonstra­ super-bikes roared by, revving was an elderly Chinese man tor had to go to this darling their engines in support, until reading, of all things, a copy of seven-year-old girl in a pink pin­ they sounded like thunderclaps. Hnrakah, the newsletter of the afore, perched on the branches of A bright orange school-bus, full opposition Islamic Party (PAS). I a tree, with her daddy holding of teenagers clapping and.show- never thought I'd see the day.

Aliron Monthly November 1998: 18( 10) Page 37 Perhaps the young man was ribbon and then realised that al­ a group of FRU officers packing right. most everyone was wearing the their shields, batons and tear~gas hizah arrives! ribbon of Justice! Afewindividu­ guns into a police truck and get­ als were carrying boxes full of rib­ ting ready to move off some­ It's funny how many friends you bons and passing them around. where else. My significant other meet at these 'shopping' .excur­ quipped ''You think we could get sions. I met a journalist friend of At about 5.50 pm, the crowd sud­ a lift from them?!" mine, who remarked on seeing denly roared. Everyone surged to me, "Out shopping again, the middle of the street. The po­ I remarked that that we'd prob­ Sabri?!" I coyly asked her why lice had finally charged and peaple ably end up some place we she bothered coming since most were running away, 1 thought at would rather not want to be. of the day's events would be first. But they were not running blacked out by her paper any­ away from the street; they were For me the day had ended. It was way. She could only respond with running towards it. rousing, inspiring, peaceful. a weak smile, slightly embar­ There were hundreds more police rassed. Then we saw her-it was Anwar's personnel this time around and wife, Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, they were not in a friendly mood. And talking about newspapers, waving at the crowd from a pass­ Many refused to shake hands my significant other kept nudg­ ing vehicle! The crowd went proffered to them by demonstra­ ing me every five minutes saying, wild. Within seconds, a sea of tors as they left. The threats - "Sabri, you're being observed people engulfed the road and from the police and from the again ... " Here I was, in the roared "Reformasi!" -louder and Prime Minister himself - were middle of a demonstration, wear­ faster. Some wept in joy; others more sinister this time. ing a flack jacket, carrying a sling appeared dazed as though they bag, keenly observing everything couldn't believe it. Yet, once again, people had and feverishly taking down shown that threats and fear could notes. People would certainly She couldn't have been there for not silence their discontent. As a think I was either a Special more than few precious minutes. friend I met on that walk said, Branch officer in plainclothes or, Remember, she's still under an "We've always been afraid of the even worse, a reporter! Internal Security Act gag order government. But the anger's and could have easily been ar­ gone well beyond fear now." A gentleman standing in front of rested on the spot if she had spo­ me certainly mistook me for a re­ ken. But those few minutes were [I later learned that isolated inci­ porter. He turned around, saw me enough. It chargt:<.l tht: uowd. denLs of police attacks and arrests writing in my notebook, and then The organisers had a difficult occurred when people returning suddenly remarked, "Hah, nampak time pushing the excited crowds from prayers proceeded to the 10,000 - tulis dalam buku 1,000 back onto the pavement. It was National Palace to present a agaknya? !" (Hah, you observe some minutes before traffic memorandum to the King. The 10,000 people and you write in started flowing freely again. crowd apparently dispersed at your book 1,000, I guess?!) the Palace but were attacked as By this time, the FRU and police they were dispersing towards the I quickly assured him that I was had lined the whole road. It was city. Many dispersing demonstra­ not a newspaper journalist, but I like a guard of honour welcom­ tors, young and old, were alleg­ was taking down notes to tell ing the people's convoy! But the edly punched, kicked and beaten people over the Internet about officers certainly did not look with sticks and at least130 people what was happening. His stem very welcoming. were arrested. The fears were not face broke into a laugh as he said, unfounded - and the anger does "Nasib baik hang bukan wartawan, Beyond fear not look as though it will subside] kalau tidak saya dalt mula nak maki At about 6.40 pm, the crowd dis­ tadi!" (Thank goodness you are persed for maghrib prayers. We not a journalist; if not I would had another appointment at Cen­ have started cursing just now) tral Market, and my significant other remarked it was going to be I noticed he was wearing a white a tiring walk there. We passed by

Aliran Monthly November 1998: 18(1 0) Page 38 geous souls during the dictatorship.

I can very well understand your present difficul­ ties, and I want you to know that I truly admire you for your courage and strength. By your ex­ ample, lam sure that there >vill be many more who will join you as you carry on with Anwar's com­ mitment for reforms. l pray that your children wilJ be all right, in spite of their terrible experience. TeU them that my children all survived the painful or­ deal and l believe became better individuals be­ cause of their trials.

I became a very prayerful person when my hus­ I "''as very glad to have been able to talk to you this band was imprisoned. At first, I was indulging in afternoon and to tell you personally that I have been self-pity and questioning our predicament. Why praying for you. Let me tell you again that I was was Ninoy being made to suffer when he was fight­ quite impressed with your interview in Time maga­ ing for the cause of justice and freedom? Why was zine. I am sure your husband must be very proud Marcos, the dictator, lording it over us? In time I of you. learned to entrust all my worries and cares to Al­ mighty God. l prayed that He would guide Ninoy As your friends and 1 talked about the present prob­ and me with courage and strength. Only when I lems in your country, I could not help recalling my learned to accept God's will, did I finally have some own painful experience. I mentioned that my hus­ kind of peace in my heart and mind. band, Ninoy Aquino was arrested and detained without charges upon the proclamation of martial As you probably know, I was a reluctant candidate law. The charges were filed with the military tri­ for the presidency. But when the leaders of the op­ bunal eleven months later. Then there was a time position then explained to me that only I could when my ·visiting privileges were suspended. Por unite the opposition against Marcos, I decided to forty-three days, my children and I had no news accept the challenge. Marcos cheated in the snap about him and we did not ev<>n know if he was election, but People Power brought me to the presi­ still alive. Fortunately, one of my husband's law­ dency. 1faced enormous problems during my presi­ yers suggested that we go to the Supreme Court dency, but with the he! p of the people, we restored and our petition for the restoration of our visiting democracy. privileges was granted for humanitarian reasons. 1 hope that you \vill continue to provide the neces­ At the start of my husband's incarceration, my old­ sary inspiration for your people so that more and est daughter was seventeen years old and my more of them will join you and Anwar in your quest youngest daughter was one year and seven months. for political and economic reforms. I pray that your For seven years and seven months, I was both trials will soon end and that your country will be mother and father to our five children. It helped a blessed with peace. I look fonvard to meeting you lot that my parents, brothers and sisters, as well as and congratulating you for a job well done. my in-laws were most supportive of Ninoy's cause. 1 know that I could not have managed as well with­ Sincerely yours, out their help. Of course, T could also count on Corazon C Aquino Ninoy's lawyers and some of his friends. But Ire­ Quezon City alized soon enough that there were so few coura- 6 October 1998

Ali ron Monthly November 1998: 18(1 0) Page 39 Shopping for Justice Saturday afternoon ~shoppers~ shake oil lear and march lor freedom and reforms

In the heart of Kuala Lumpur Late Saturday afternoon, 10 October 1998

I went shopping today. It was hot and sunny, and my significant other and I strolled to Masjid In­ dia from the Central Market. Traf­ fic was flowing normally and people were going about their own business like any other Sat­ urday afternoon.

But it was no ordinary Saturday. As we wound our way along the back alleys of Jalan Masjid India, People were waving posters and changed that gesture that theRe­ we heard a hum in the air. Traffic magazine covers with pictures of formists have made their own - must be really bad today, 1 th01tghf. Anwar [brahim, brightly painted the 'thumbs up'. The crowds on But it was more than a hum. By doth banners, and pieces of ma­ the pavement cheered as this the time we reached Semua nila cardboard. All bore the same happy convoy made its way up House and decided to tum into messages: "Reformasi" (reforms), Jalan TAR. }alan Tuanku Abdul Rahman "Kmni l!mtut keadilan" (We de­ (TAR), the hum had turned into mand justice), "Umtur Mahathir" One middle-aged lady in a bur­ a roar. (Mahathir, resign), "Keadila11 " gundy Proton saw tl1e white rib­ (Justice). bon pinned on my jacket and bel­ A breathtaking sight greeted us lowed out "J

Ali ran Monthly November 1998: 18( 10) Page .40