Once again, I would like to highlight the unfair and unprofessional actions of the press. On the 13th of September 2008, Dato' Chua issued a press statement to all the major mainstream media plus a few alternative media.
This press statement was duly ignored and as a result some opinion makers both here in blogosphere as well as the public have a wrong perception on the stand of Dato' Chua on many issues.
Thus I would like to present a press release by Dato' Chua that reflects his stance on the ISA and its recent application.
PRESS STATEMENT BY DATO’ CHUA JUI MENG ON THE ISA ARRESTS
13TH SEPTEMBER 2008
I am alarmed at the news of the arrest of YB Teresa Kok, Sin Chew journalist Tan Hoon Cheng and Raja Petra Kamarudin.
Certain sections of the Government still fail to grasp the new political scenario that has been unveiling itself since 8th March 2008. With these actions they further alienate the electorate and cause unease amongst the governing coalition.
I am especially dismayed at Tan Hoon Cheng’s arrest since she so recently did the nation a favour by exposing racism. Did not the Deputy Prime Minister, who was at the scene at the time apologise for Ahmad Ismail’s statement? Hasn’t UMNO also expressed its opposition to racism by meting out a 3-year suspension to Ahmad Ismail?
Why then is this poor 23-year old girl being detained under the most draconian of laws in Malaysia where she cannot even claim trial? It is blatant discrimination that the man who made seditious statements still walks free while the person who reported him is disproportionately and inappropriately punished.
Rather than closing an embarrassing chapter we have now exacerbated the situation.
The rationale of arresting a sitting Member of Parliament under the ISA must also be explained swiftly by the Prime Minister if he wishes to retain the confidence of the rakyat and that of a nervous and anxious Parliament.
I also note the flip-flop in regards to the restoration of the Malaysia Today website and the subsequent arrest of its editor Raja Petra Kamarudin. The Government is sending mixed signals to the rakyat displaying confusion within its ranks.
I both applaud and support Datuk Seri Rais Yatim when he says that these people should have been charged in the court of law where they have the ability to defend themselves, rather than detained under the ISA.
I believe it is time for Parliament to review and limit the powers of the ISA to ensure that we do not repeat the errors of our past.
I also wish to voice my concern regarding the show cause letters handed to 3 newspapers recently. It is actions like these that cause our Press freedom rankings to be one of the worst in the world. The Government must realise post-March 8 the rakyat of Malaysia will no longer tolerate the suppression of their right to know.
I am also attaching another ignored press statement - this time on Ahmad Ismail.
Ahmad Ismail must be expelled
The Ahmad Ismail issue must be brought to a close. His attempt to excuse his racially divisive rhetoric is a slap in the face to all Malaysians, regardless of party allegiances, race or religion.
His act of violence is not only an offence against Koh Tsu Koon and Gerakan, but against the entire Barisan Nasional.
His actions are a direct challenge to the Prime Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister and the Malaysian Government. With his arrogant outbursts he dares to hold the whole country to ransom.
The seditious statements he makes are in direct contravention of Article 8 of the Federal Constitution that makes all Malaysians equal before the law.
This is the time for firm action, the Prime Minister must show that he is the leader of all Malaysians and expel Ahmad Ismail from UMNO.
The Prime Minister and the Cabinet must also discuss Ahmad Ismail’s statements, one of the most seditious I have ever encountered, and have him charged under the court of law.
I urge the UMNO leadership to be firm, put out this fire before it becomes uncontrollable.
They must decide now whether it is better to sacrifice one man or to risk the entire Barisan Nasional coalition.
This press statement was duly ignored and as a result some opinion makers both here in blogosphere as well as the public have a wrong perception on the stand of Dato' Chua on many issues.
Thus I would like to present a press release by Dato' Chua that reflects his stance on the ISA and its recent application.
PRESS STATEMENT BY DATO’ CHUA JUI MENG ON THE ISA ARRESTS
13TH SEPTEMBER 2008
I am alarmed at the news of the arrest of YB Teresa Kok, Sin Chew journalist Tan Hoon Cheng and Raja Petra Kamarudin.
Certain sections of the Government still fail to grasp the new political scenario that has been unveiling itself since 8th March 2008. With these actions they further alienate the electorate and cause unease amongst the governing coalition.
I am especially dismayed at Tan Hoon Cheng’s arrest since she so recently did the nation a favour by exposing racism. Did not the Deputy Prime Minister, who was at the scene at the time apologise for Ahmad Ismail’s statement? Hasn’t UMNO also expressed its opposition to racism by meting out a 3-year suspension to Ahmad Ismail?
Why then is this poor 23-year old girl being detained under the most draconian of laws in Malaysia where she cannot even claim trial? It is blatant discrimination that the man who made seditious statements still walks free while the person who reported him is disproportionately and inappropriately punished.
Rather than closing an embarrassing chapter we have now exacerbated the situation.
The rationale of arresting a sitting Member of Parliament under the ISA must also be explained swiftly by the Prime Minister if he wishes to retain the confidence of the rakyat and that of a nervous and anxious Parliament.
I also note the flip-flop in regards to the restoration of the Malaysia Today website and the subsequent arrest of its editor Raja Petra Kamarudin. The Government is sending mixed signals to the rakyat displaying confusion within its ranks.
I both applaud and support Datuk Seri Rais Yatim when he says that these people should have been charged in the court of law where they have the ability to defend themselves, rather than detained under the ISA.
I believe it is time for Parliament to review and limit the powers of the ISA to ensure that we do not repeat the errors of our past.
I also wish to voice my concern regarding the show cause letters handed to 3 newspapers recently. It is actions like these that cause our Press freedom rankings to be one of the worst in the world. The Government must realise post-March 8 the rakyat of Malaysia will no longer tolerate the suppression of their right to know.
I am also attaching another ignored press statement - this time on Ahmad Ismail.
Ahmad Ismail must be expelled
The Ahmad Ismail issue must be brought to a close. His attempt to excuse his racially divisive rhetoric is a slap in the face to all Malaysians, regardless of party allegiances, race or religion.
His act of violence is not only an offence against Koh Tsu Koon and Gerakan, but against the entire Barisan Nasional.
His actions are a direct challenge to the Prime Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister and the Malaysian Government. With his arrogant outbursts he dares to hold the whole country to ransom.
The seditious statements he makes are in direct contravention of Article 8 of the Federal Constitution that makes all Malaysians equal before the law.
This is the time for firm action, the Prime Minister must show that he is the leader of all Malaysians and expel Ahmad Ismail from UMNO.
The Prime Minister and the Cabinet must also discuss Ahmad Ismail’s statements, one of the most seditious I have ever encountered, and have him charged under the court of law.
I urge the UMNO leadership to be firm, put out this fire before it becomes uncontrollable.
They must decide now whether it is better to sacrifice one man or to risk the entire Barisan Nasional coalition.
No comments:
Post a Comment