Analysis by Syed Jaymal Zahiid
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 2 — The brutal scene of police beating PAS lawmaker Hatta Ramli, which was captured on camera during yesterday's anti-Internal Security Act (ISA) rally, and the force in which the authorities put down the protest will certainly leave a black mark on Datuk Seri Najib Razak's fledgling rule.
The arrest of some 400 demonstrators including women and youths, the sight of tear gas fired towards peaceful demonstrators will not do much good for a prime minister who is just about to enjoy a bit of support from a sceptical public.
Pakatan Rakyat (PR) leaders will definitely ride on the public anger generated by the excessive force used by the police to crush a peaceful rally that saw some 20,000 people taking to the streets to protest against the ISA.
Ultimately the protest was a larger attempt by the federal opposition to reclaim its reform agenda from the Najib administration.
Since taking power, the prime minister has portrayed himself as a reformer, by pledging to review the ISA, making concessions for the non-Malay communities and taking steps to free up the economy.
The force with which the protest was crushed yesterday will certainly provide fodder for PR to say that the Barisan Nasional (BN) government does not tolerate any dissent.
It will also provide an opportunity for the opposition to use the ISA as a symbol of BN's intolerant approach in governance.
The city was transformed into a war zone yesterday, much of it due the fact that the authorities were not prepared to tolerate what was planned as a peaceful march.
Tear gas filled the air and the streets were covered with chemical-laced water sprayed towards demonstrators, forcing them to scurry for cover in nearby malls.
Shops were closed and businesses were brought to a halt. Instead of entertaining customers, shop owners and their staff had to cover and wet their faces constantly as tear gas seeped into the malls.
There were scenes of mothers trying to calm their crying children hurt by the burning sting of tear gas and chemical-laced water sprayed all over them.
"Oh God, please help us," one of the mothers was heard calling out. About a few metres away from her was a young man with blood all over his head, cut by the tear gas canister that hit him.
The violence could perhaps have been avoided if Najib had responded to a letter requesting for a meeting to discuss among others, the ISA , sent by PR leaders.
And instead of looking for a middle ground or a diplomatic approach, BN ministers defiantly defended the police action and insisted that the ISA would remain.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein, in an immediate reaction to the rally, showed no sympathy towards those brutalised by the police, saying they had been forewarned not to join the rally.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz said there was no way the government was going to repeal the ISA, declaring that "as long as BN rules, the law stays."
Whether these BN ministers know it or not, it will be precisely such statements that could make the public forget about the problems in PR and give them enough ammunition to rally the public behind them.
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written by mei1, August 02, 2009
written by mei1, August 02, 2009
Hidupx2 Hidup Rakyat; Mansuhx2 Mansuh ISA; Mampusx2 Mampus Be eNd in the next general election!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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written by bayi, August 02, 2009
written by bayi, August 02, 2009
"Whether these BN ministers know it or not, it will be precisely such statements that could make the public forget about the problems in PR and give them enough ammunition to rally the public behind them."
This is yet another nail in BN's coffin. It's as though they are fated to expire into the obscurity of history in recalcitrant arrgogance. So be it. The rakyat will speak at the appropriate time.
This is yet another nail in BN's coffin. It's as though they are fated to expire into the obscurity of history in recalcitrant arrgogance. So be it. The rakyat will speak at the appropriate time.
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written by wandererAUS, August 02, 2009
Evil UMNO goons and Honey suckers are the rulers of the day. Corrupt administrators of the land need to be shielded by retaining ISA..."Might is Right"
The worst has yet to come...killing innocent rakyat who demand for their rights will be next on the card of these UMNO evil doers. So the bottom line is, either you destroy them or this evil force will destroy you!
written by wandererAUS, August 02, 2009
Evil UMNO goons and Honey suckers are the rulers of the day. Corrupt administrators of the land need to be shielded by retaining ISA..."Might is Right"
The worst has yet to come...killing innocent rakyat who demand for their rights will be next on the card of these UMNO evil doers. So the bottom line is, either you destroy them or this evil force will destroy you!
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written by garang, August 02, 2009
written by garang, August 02, 2009
It is definitely a setback for Najib.
If the govt intends to catch the opposition leader following the anti isa and do not release the detainees (over 600 now), support for BN will definitely drop further and this time, it may be the long term (and may be nail to the coffin) regardless of what image improvement program govt may execute ..etc. Only good leader will raise good leaders...
So in the end, BN has a choice...
If the govt intends to catch the opposition leader following the anti isa and do not release the detainees (over 600 now), support for BN will definitely drop further and this time, it may be the long term (and may be nail to the coffin) regardless of what image improvement program govt may execute ..etc. Only good leader will raise good leaders...
So in the end, BN has a choice...
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written by smstars, August 02, 2009
written by smstars, August 02, 2009
Good governance is an alien entity in our present Government, As long as they don't/won't realise that the Rakyat has rights to an opinion, rights to assemble peacefully to express their opinion under the Constitution, the Public will embrace all of PR hook, line and sinker.
The Government is and has been on a self destructive mode for so long, and will continue spiralling down the self destructive path because some of it's ministers are acting like Lords instead of the Rakyat's Servant that they are, often spewing filth and fallacies unreservedly. Most uncool.
This incident is another ugly and destructive notch up on the post of the the Government's long record of abuses and the Rakyat will certainly remember it in the near future when the next election comes around.
And the Government wonder why they are losing ground, well, wonder no more!
The Government is and has been on a self destructive mode for so long, and will continue spiralling down the self destructive path because some of it's ministers are acting like Lords instead of the Rakyat's Servant that they are, often spewing filth and fallacies unreservedly. Most uncool.
This incident is another ugly and destructive notch up on the post of the the Government's long record of abuses and the Rakyat will certainly remember it in the near future when the next election comes around.
And the Government wonder why they are losing ground, well, wonder no more!
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written by P Loke, August 02, 2009
written by P Loke, August 02, 2009
Well, if BN is adamant about embracing the cruel and anachronistic ISA, the only way to get rid of them is to vote BN out at the next elections.
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written by MindlessMalaysian, August 02, 2009
written by MindlessMalaysian, August 02, 2009
raw vile evil - served up by the incumbent politicians and their henchmen.
(malaysia - a police state in every definition).
Hatta Ramli - an extraordinary hero struggling for the very basic of rights - the right to not be oppressed (safety and security) by the cruel arm of the government. (and they claim they are providing security)
any citizen has the unalienable right to standup for his basic rights.
PAS - you guys are amazing.....
never again will i vote for vile evil.
(malaysia - a police state in every definition).
Hatta Ramli - an extraordinary hero struggling for the very basic of rights - the right to not be oppressed (safety and security) by the cruel arm of the government. (and they claim they are providing security)
any citizen has the unalienable right to standup for his basic rights.
PAS - you guys are amazing.....
never again will i vote for vile evil.
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written by HANif, August 02, 2009
written by HANif, August 02, 2009
Te police showed no respect women, children and leaders of PR. The pol;ice were very efficient, fast an furious in wasting their time during the anti-ISA rally! DO they act in the same way aginst robbers,thieves and corrupt BN politicians?
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written by soondar, August 02, 2009
written by soondar, August 02, 2009
Well, that's the true image of the so-called reformist leader. Smiling, goody face but yesterday he said, let the police handle and how did the police handle - they attack inncent civilians and Najib has the cheek to talk about civility.
What kind of a leader will say beating innocent civilians is a can-do? Despicable.
What kind of a leader will say beating innocent civilians is a can-do? Despicable.
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written by Ed, August 02, 2009
written by Ed, August 02, 2009
It is at this time, PR should feel fortunate and thankful that there are goons and morons still sitting in umno-bn and giving insensitive and brainless comment. (read the article to find out which morons from umno-bn were mentioned).
Many times, it is the police and other authorities that make malaysia chaotic, we have ministers asking chinese to go back to China if they feel it is not save here, we have minister using ISA to detain news reporter on the ground that she might be harm but not on the newspaper editor which utter nothing but full of shit (utusan and NST). we have police do not act when karpal singh was haressed and threatened by the thugs from selangor umno youth but the police are all ready for the perak assembly fiasco. We can really see how double standard work in Malaysia.
Under umno-bn, we are no longer a social-democracy country (or do we have one actually?) Honestly speaking, do you really think the morons in umno-bn sincere about reform? As long as the status quo remain, nothing will change (read: as long as my cronies network is doing fine, nothing will change).
If najib want a suggestion to ISA, first, you must use ISA to hold up the NST editors and also the idiotic awang selamat. Secondly, the regulation has to be amended so that the suspect held under ISA are genuine terrorist like the Selamat (note: this one refer to Mat Selamat, although i put Awang on the same group as Mat). There should have a clear distinction between terrorist and civilians who might threaten the home land security.
Having said that, nothing will change as promised by the goon Nazri, thanks for reminding us that as long as umno-bn rule, nothing will change.
Many times, it is the police and other authorities that make malaysia chaotic, we have ministers asking chinese to go back to China if they feel it is not save here, we have minister using ISA to detain news reporter on the ground that she might be harm but not on the newspaper editor which utter nothing but full of shit (utusan and NST). we have police do not act when karpal singh was haressed and threatened by the thugs from selangor umno youth but the police are all ready for the perak assembly fiasco. We can really see how double standard work in Malaysia.
Under umno-bn, we are no longer a social-democracy country (or do we have one actually?) Honestly speaking, do you really think the morons in umno-bn sincere about reform? As long as the status quo remain, nothing will change (read: as long as my cronies network is doing fine, nothing will change).
If najib want a suggestion to ISA, first, you must use ISA to hold up the NST editors and also the idiotic awang selamat. Secondly, the regulation has to be amended so that the suspect held under ISA are genuine terrorist like the Selamat (note: this one refer to Mat Selamat, although i put Awang on the same group as Mat). There should have a clear distinction between terrorist and civilians who might threaten the home land security.
Having said that, nothing will change as promised by the goon Nazri, thanks for reminding us that as long as umno-bn rule, nothing will change.
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written by Jason, August 02, 2009
written by Jason, August 02, 2009
As long as BN rules, the law stays? This statement from Nazri exposes Najib's lies. Wait til GE13. The rakyat will make sure BN cannot stay.
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written by Singam, August 02, 2009
written by Singam, August 02, 2009
Najib's chess pieces are being systematically backed into a no-win situation. Soon it will be checkmate.
If they change their game plan, they could play for a stalemate and extend their tenure... but their mindset is locked, and thereby their fate is sealed.
If they change their game plan, they could play for a stalemate and extend their tenure... but their mindset is locked, and thereby their fate is sealed.
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written by Doom, August 02, 2009
written by Doom, August 02, 2009
"As long as BN rules, the law stays." People of Malaysia.....is our country Democratic..? Don't vote for BN. We do not need corrupted & arrogant leader to rule us...
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written by Greenbug, August 02, 2009
written by Greenbug, August 02, 2009
Dato Nazri Aziz said "as long as the BN rules, the ISA stays!"
He is asking the people to remove BN if they want to remove ISA, what are you waiting for?
Such arrogant words from the BN minister! Bongkak lagi sombong terhadap rakyat, Cis!
He is asking the people to remove BN if they want to remove ISA, what are you waiting for?
Such arrogant words from the BN minister! Bongkak lagi sombong terhadap rakyat, Cis!
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written by Paul Warren, August 02, 2009
written by Paul Warren, August 02, 2009
If really it does more harm to Najib's reform agenda, then he himself would not have wanted this to happen. We all know that within UMNO there are many who want Najib's reform agenda to fail. Starting with Tun Mahathir himself. what happened yesterday, was it something that someone did to create more harm to Najib, maybe?
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written by lengcai, August 02, 2009
written by lengcai, August 02, 2009
How far is it from Sogo shopping Complex or Masjid Negara to the Palace? the most is less than 15 Km. in distance. Why could the authority or ruling government just to tolerate the most is 01 hour to let the peaceful marching force of 20,000 in numbers to fulfill or let the people's voices to reach up to HRH the King. The most is one hour healthy activity for the people as well as the police, just because someone up there wanted to show he has the power and iron hand, all end up in the mess, reputation of government, image of the country gone in 3 to 4 hours chaotic condition.
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written by PM, August 02, 2009
written by PM, August 02, 2009
The provocative action by the Police towards a peaceful demo only shows that Najib's 1Malaysia is full of hot air and also his government insecurity. Let's kick out Najib and his political ilks comes the next GE.
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written by u.s.gill, August 02, 2009
written by u.s.gill, August 02, 2009
Arrogant and inhuman as it has been always, this UMNO-BN. They had sufficient opprtunity and time to engage the PR to find a middle path solution and 'soften' the high emotions. Instead, by pouring water on the PEACEFUL DEMONSTRATORS, it was actually more like pouring petrol on a HARMLESS demo. And all this is happenning with the slogan of ONE Malaysia deafening our ears daily. Please, the peaceful demonstrators are very much a part and parcel of this so-called "One Malaysia" who are equally concerned about the future of Malaysia.
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written by John, August 02, 2009
written by John, August 02, 2009
This regime is just not listening to the people, instead it uses harsh measures to put them down. It doesn't take a political scientist to tell you they are going to lose more votes in the next election.
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written by KB, August 02, 2009
written by KB, August 02, 2009
BN is doing all the correct steps to kick itself out of power come next election. Keep it up BN!
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written by Anti-ISA, August 02, 2009
written by Anti-ISA, August 02, 2009
"as long as BN rules, the law stays. - Therefore to abolish ISA, we all know what to do in the next GE.
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written by novice101, August 02, 2009
written by novice101, August 02, 2009
Galvanized Force May Bring Down a Government.
Unjustified death and unjustified police brutality against people with good causes in most cases often startle many uncommitted people and fence-sitters into join the fight against tyranny. History is rich with such examples... Gandhiji-led, peaceful fight against minority suppression in South Africa, his more famous peaceful demonstrations against the British in his native India, Rosa Parks' simple act of protest galvanized America's civil rights revolution, Martin Luther King Jr's. death startled the people to repeal discriminatory laws against the blacks, Corazon Aquino's People Power brought down the cruel Marco's regime ... the pages of history are repleted with many such results brought about by such galvanized forces.
Are we seeing such scenario being played out in Malaysia now. There is the Teoh Beng Huat's and yesterday we have the brutal police reaction against the peaceful demonstration.
Unjustified death and unjustified police brutality against people with good causes in most cases often startle many uncommitted people and fence-sitters into join the fight against tyranny. History is rich with such examples... Gandhiji-led, peaceful fight against minority suppression in South Africa, his more famous peaceful demonstrations against the British in his native India, Rosa Parks' simple act of protest galvanized America's civil rights revolution, Martin Luther King Jr's. death startled the people to repeal discriminatory laws against the blacks, Corazon Aquino's People Power brought down the cruel Marco's regime ... the pages of history are repleted with many such results brought about by such galvanized forces.
Are we seeing such scenario being played out in Malaysia now. There is the Teoh Beng Huat's and yesterday we have the brutal police reaction against the peaceful demonstration.
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written by zackeye, August 02, 2009
written by zackeye, August 02, 2009
Najib can employ the best image consultant to boost up his and BN's sliding reputation, but the reputation is so bad now that it will be better to dissolve BN especially UMNO and start afresh. It has come to a point of no return and the reform message is now very confusing. Each minister is trying to get as much publicity as possible to show that he is still relevant.
The rakyat also know that many ministers were rejected by the rakyat in the last election or are appointed through the back door. So the ministers loyalty is not to the rakyat but more to the boss.
The rakyat also know that many ministers were rejected by the rakyat in the last election or are appointed through the back door. So the ministers loyalty is not to the rakyat but more to the boss.
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written by stupid, August 02, 2009
written by stupid, August 02, 2009
This bloody Nazri again. He is helping PR by making the people hate the govt and BN. Good.
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written by draken, August 02, 2009
written by draken, August 02, 2009
The dastardly behaviour of the Evil Empire is an indication of its bankruptcy of social decency. Its growing arrogance is undenied. It will lose everything if it is overtaken by a new awakening for a new social order in the country. It is desperate to maintain its hegemony. It knows it is losing its grips on events that keep unfolding that are not to its liking. It becomes more dangerous.
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written by tanglk, August 02, 2009
written by tanglk, August 02, 2009
Nazri: "as long as BN rules, the law stays."
i think this is a stupid comment, linking BN = draconian law
i think this is a stupid comment, linking BN = draconian law
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written by GMItoo, August 02, 2009
written by GMItoo, August 02, 2009
Finally, We can see how the malay is struggling to abbolish ISA, while the other anti ISA (Chinese and Indian), laughing and hope the GMI is a success and later they also can claim the credit....
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written by Jimini, August 02, 2009
written by Jimini, August 02, 2009
I call on all the voters of Permatang Pasir by-election to send a loud and clear message to BN on what you think of them by giving a thumping majority victory to PR. If we keep supporting BN esp UMNO, they think they can push their weight around.
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written by bob, August 02, 2009
written by bob, August 02, 2009
Thank you Nazri. In other words, he is saying: "A vote for BN is a vote for ISA. Vote for PR if you dislike ISA".
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written by Hak adil, August 02, 2009
written by Hak adil, August 02, 2009
GMItoo, were you even born when Chinese and Indian leaders were put under ISA for reasons known only to the present and past rulers? This is no laughing matter as these leaders are true Malaysians. They did not return to Tongsan or India as their loyalty belongs here!
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written by Wali Kota, August 02, 2009
written by Wali Kota, August 02, 2009
Another nail in the UMNO coffin for next General Election ..
The rakyat wants the ISA to be abolished ..
The rakyat wants the ISA to be abolished ..
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written by victorong, August 02, 2009
written by victorong, August 02, 2009
since ISA is an outdated law and the Government had agreed to review, why does'nt the Government arrange for every legal voter in Malaysia to vote for the repeal of the said act or otherwise once and for all to settle the problem.
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written by kampy, August 02, 2009
written by kampy, August 02, 2009
GMItoo, apahal lu, Bro? You sounded like a racist. We do have Malays as the majority in Malaysia, and that's why you see more Malays than other races in the protest. Don't you get it?
Hak adil, I do agree with you. If not because of Chinese and Indians, our country won't able to developed this far. And without the Malays we won't be as harmony as today. But with greediness and hatred, we could end up in fights and war.... Think again!
The only way to avoid all this is to stop all these craps (bribery, fanaticism, hatred, racism, power crazy, etc.)
Hak adil, I do agree with you. If not because of Chinese and Indians, our country won't able to developed this far. And without the Malays we won't be as harmony as today. But with greediness and hatred, we could end up in fights and war.... Think again!
The only way to avoid all this is to stop all these craps (bribery, fanaticism, hatred, racism, power crazy, etc.)
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written by stupid, August 02, 2009
written by stupid, August 02, 2009
The BN govt is getting irrational and paranoid, beside being stupid.
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written by monk, August 02, 2009
written by monk, August 02, 2009
The rally was held because the people have completely no trust in BN and Najib in abolishing the ISA.
It does not matter if you do not want to abolish the inhumane and cruel law. The people vowed to abolish UMNOputras as candidates in the next ballot box and for that matter, all BN candidates.
It does not matter if you do not want to abolish the inhumane and cruel law. The people vowed to abolish UMNOputras as candidates in the next ballot box and for that matter, all BN candidates.
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written by CJ7, August 02, 2009
written by CJ7, August 02, 2009
Chua Jui Meng so correct whn he describe PM's "iron fist rule in velvet glove".
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written by Durian Besar, August 03, 2009
written by Durian Besar, August 03, 2009
True face of the Hypo-Naj
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"as long as BN rules, the law stays."
Nazri Aziz words have totally shown what a hyper-hopocrite Najib is. Najib never meant for a tiny bit to review or revoke ISA.
A few other UMNO ministers who previously said ISA "maybe" revoked were all farting through their mouths, none of them meant it.
MACC, police, IGP, ISA are UMNO's means of persecuting the dissidents. They will only cling on to it more.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fStiKF_HuVw
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"as long as BN rules, the law stays."
Nazri Aziz words have totally shown what a hyper-hopocrite Najib is. Najib never meant for a tiny bit to review or revoke ISA.
A few other UMNO ministers who previously said ISA "maybe" revoked were all farting through their mouths, none of them meant it.
MACC, police, IGP, ISA are UMNO's means of persecuting the dissidents. They will only cling on to it more.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fStiKF_HuVw
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written by Durian Besar, August 03, 2009
written by Durian Besar, August 03, 2009
Follow orders or we MACC you
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Bernana News
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What kind of reporting is this? Bernana News. who is this assemblyman nabbed? No name.
MACC is no longer an agent of anti corruption operation, it is UMNO's very own gestapo.
MACC is used to not only persecute the opposition, but any dissident who don't follow orders.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fStiKF_HuVw
Is this MACC doing? Dunno, you tell me
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Bernana News
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What kind of reporting is this? Bernana News. who is this assemblyman nabbed? No name.
MACC is no longer an agent of anti corruption operation, it is UMNO's very own gestapo.
MACC is used to not only persecute the opposition, but any dissident who don't follow orders.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fStiKF_HuVw
Is this MACC doing? Dunno, you tell me
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written by indian, August 03, 2009
written by indian, August 03, 2009
Why this demonstration only by 20,000 people? Pas claimed there will be 50,000 of their members, so what happened change of mind hah? does this figure speaks for 27 million? What ever the reasons are, the public in general should not been the victim especially the chlidren and old folks. Demo after demo since 1998, it has proven nothing yet because the rakyat has made their choice to chose the goverment of the day. Don't their choice mean anything? Let the rakyat be the judge and until than no one has the right to cause havoc in public and claim its for the rakyat and by the rakyat. Want to make a change then wait for your turn, let the rakyat chose you to run the goverment and you can even decide to run the goverment without any law. As saying goes one man's meat another man's poison you might not been a victim of this evil criminal who commit crime without dirting their hands and let me see how will you bring them to the book and punish them if you take over the goverment. Saying it is easy but doing it is different. You were never a better person when you in the goverment and you claim that you are going to do good if you take over. There was only two Mahtma Gandhi, one has die and one is yet to be born. So save your breath and let the rakyat chose who should be the goverment of the day.
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written by tony, August 03, 2009
written by tony, August 03, 2009
this is just teh work of police ,,nothing,,else,,not interested in catching criminal,only interested in using violent,,again,,people who cannot ,,hit bak,,like mr TEO,,,,,,CASE,
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written by Pro bono publico, August 04, 2009
written by Pro bono publico, August 04, 2009
The previous home Minister was a stupid lawyer, who held a reporter under the ISA for protective custody the present is a bigger fool of a lawyer who has'nt a clue of the ISA as who can be put under the ISA. The 3rd is the biggest fool a lawyer too who is a minister in the P.M.'s Dept, B.N. is alredy tottering and they they are talking of winning the next elections! They have lost 6 by-elections and the 7th in the offing. The BN leaders still arrogantly speaking without any shame.What is required is for the Police to call the organisers and ask them to appoint 15 or 20 persons to keep the peace. Thei names should be given to the Police. Evey 100 to 200 meters a Police ma should be placed on b oth sides of the road to prevent them from behaving in a riotious manner. Instead having 5000 polcemen running riot among them , have the FRU 2 or 3 of them to stand by. If anything shold happen the orgaisers are respnsible and those whose names are givento the Police could be arrested forthwith. This is only a suggestiion. There is no harm in giving people to march and give vent to their grievenses.
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