Investigation or Harassment

HINDRAF Against The Colonial Government

Invitation to Memorial Service for Comrade Tan Jing Quee

Date: 27th August 2011

Time: 2:00pm

Venue: 1st Floor, KL Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall

Organiser: Strategic Information and Research Development Centre (SIRD)

Tan Jing Quee, a prominent lawyer in Singapore, was actively involved in progressive politics throughout the 1960s. In 1961/62, Jing Quee was President of the University of Malaya Socialist Club. In 1963, at age 24, he stood for elections representing the Barisan Sosialis (Socialist Front) and narrowly lost to S. Rajaratnam (PAP) by only 220 votes in Kg. Clam. In October of that year, he was arrested under the ISA in Singapore for leading a 48 hour general strike called by the Singapore Association of Trade Unions. His detention lasted for 3 years. Upon his release in 1966, he went to England to study law. In February 1977, he was detained again without trial for 3 months for alleged involvement in the campaign to expel Singapore’s PAP from the Socialist International.

Despite the white terror in Singapore, Jing Quee fearlessly visited ex-ISA detainees on both sides of the causeway to help them reconnect to one another and to society. He broke the culture of silence in Feb 26, 2006 during the public forum on Detention-Writing-Healing where, for the first time in Singapore, ex-political detainees publicly identified themselves and presented their alternative historical discourses.

Hence, Jing Quee is outstanding in his contribution to documenting Singapore and Malaya’s political history from the perspective of the people. Despite battling blindness and cancer in the last years of his life, he co-authored and co-edited works such as Comet in Our Sky (2001), The Fajar Generation (2009), The May 13 Generation (2011), as well as The Mighty Wave (translation) (2011).

On 14 June 2011, Jing Quee passed on at the age of 72, leaving behind a catalogue of unfinished works that he had been so determined to produce. His passing is a great loss to us all.

Come this 27th of August 2011, let’s gather in memory of Jing Quee. Among the speakers on that day are: Poh Soo Kai, Syed Husin Ali, Tan Kai Hee, S. Arutchelvan and Chow Sing Yau.

Movement for Change Sarawak - A New "Ambiga"

Ambiga said the MoCS have made it “very clear” that the rally will be a peaceful expression of public opinion and that she hopes “the authorities will facilitate this peaceful rally”.

The civil society supports her statement without a doubt.

This Saturday (13 August 2011) will see the Sarawakians march for the good of the state and country.

Ambiga is Now a Malay word

This is really funny, take time to read especially the examples.

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Ban on BERSIH extends to Dewan Bahasa

Kuldip Gangaram, News Network, 19 July

Kuala Lumpur, 19 July. Dewan Bahasa dan Perkasa (DBP) today confirmed that the word ”BERSIH” will be banned and taken out from the Malay lexicology. The chairman of DBP, Tan Sri Faizal Suresh Abdullah announced the decision at a press conference held at DBP’s main campus at Jinjang, north of the city.

“We are only following the Government directive. They said BERSIH is illegal, so we also follow lah. We are part of the same government, you know. From today onwards, nobody can use the word bersih. Anyone caught doing otherwise can be fined RM 5,000 or jailed for two years

or both”, stressed Tan Sri Faizal.

When quizzed by newsmen what alternative words the public could use instead of bersih, Tan Sri Faizal added “we are not stupid. We have already thought about the inconvenience this ban might cause to the public. So, we had a lab, chaired by none other than Datuk Idris Jala,

which studied the problem closely. And we came up with a brilliant alternative”.

To a question by MNN correspondent, Lattalilat Thamplom, Tan Sri Faizal said “since this problem was started by that freakin Indian woman, Ambiga, we have decided to replace the word bersih with ambiga. Very clever isn’t it”.

According to DBP "since this Indian woman started the problem, we are going to substitute bersih with her name. Clever isn't it ?"

DBP has released guidelines for this change of terminology that advises the public the right way of replacing bersih with ambiga. Extracts from the guidelines are appended below :

Contoh ayat menggunakan perkataan ambiga

Contoh 1

Cara lama

Murid-murid perlu menjaga kebersihan bilik darjah masing-masing

Cara baru

Murid-murid perlu menjaga keambigaan bilik darjah masing-masing

Contoh 2

Cara lama

Pantai itu sungguh bersih

Cara baru

Pantai itu sungguh ambiga

Contoh 3

Cara lama

Kamar itu dibersihkan oleh orang gaji saya

Cara baru

Kamar itu diambigakan oleh orang gaji saya

Contoh 4

Cara lama

Cuci bersih

Cara baru

Cuci ambiga

MNN has been reliably informed that many Local councils are now

considering using the AMBIGA rating system for assessing cleanliness

of restaurants. Instead of the conventional A, B and C or star

ratings, restaurants may be rated 1Ambiga, 2Ambiga or 3Ambiga.

Sent by: PC Tan.

Celebrations - PSM6

A Letter From The World To Malaysia

YAB Datuk Seri Mohd. Najib bin Tun Haji Abdul Razak, Office of The Prime Minister, Main Block, Perdana Putra Building, Federal Government Administrative Centre, 62502 Putrajaya, MALAYSIA. Tel : 603-8888 8000 Fax : 603-8888 3444 Email: najib@1malaysia.com.my

(Date)

A LETTER FROM THE WORLD TO MALAYSIA

Dear Prime Minister of Malaysia,

We are writing to you over concerns raised by the people of Malaysia, in particular those who live in Pahang state, over the construction of a rare earths processing plant in Gebeng, Kuantan. We are also sending this letter as a sign of support/solidarity for groups that are working tirelessly to bring this issue to the mainstream of discussion, and rightfully so, given the magnitude of serious health and environmental impacts that radiation from processing rare earths is known for.

While we are aware that Malaysia has through various laws and policies set stringent standards for the industrial sector, we are not convinced that the decision to allow Lynas Corporation Ltd of Australia to set up a rare earths processing plant in Pahang was done in a transparent manner. Despite policies that recommend a Detailed Environmental Impact Assessment (DEIA) for most large scale projects, Lynas Corporation was only required to conduct a Preliminary Environmental Impact Assessment for what is slated to be the world’s largest rare earth refinery, and one that will meet one-sixth of global demand for material crucial for high technology products. A Radiological Impact Assessment (RIA) was done in a hasty manner only after construction for the refinery had started. Based on feedback we have received, the narrow scope and poor technical information in the two assessments have failed to address many crucial environmental and health risks associated with the refinery. We also note with deep concern points raised by the esteemed Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) that the open-air waste storage model for the plant would allow radioactive particles to “dust the environment,” increasing the chance of nearby communities inhaling it. The MMA stated that the RIA does not include assessment on internal radiation which is crucial as radioactive waste products are mainly alpha emitters, adding that alpha particles can cause cellular damage and increase the likelihood of cancer if inhaled or digested. An estimated 700,000 people live within a 30km radius of the plant, with the closest settlement just two kilometres away, and the South China Sea, an important fisheries source, is a mere five kilometres away. Their lives are surely more precious and invaluable than a rare earths refinery. It is also very disheartening that while Lynas gets a 12-year tax holiday, the local fishing community will lose their livelihoods.

We would like to bring to your attention that the plant will produce 22,000 tonnes of rare earth oxides yearly, producing enough heavy metal and toxic substance waste including 106 tonnes of radioactive thorium, to fill 126 Olympic sized swimming pools annually. The plant will draw water from the Balok River, and every hour, 500 tonnes of waste water will be discharged back to the same river which flows to the South China Sea. We cannot stress enough that radioactive materials have the ability to contaminate air, water and the food chain unnecessarily creating risk of cancer and birth defects.

Further, we are shocked that Japan’s Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, part of the same conglomerate of companies which owned the Asian Rare Earth (ARE) plant in Bukit Merah in another Malaysian state called Perak, has taken a RM1 billion stake in Lynas Corporation, as reported in July by the Dow Jones Newswire. Mitsubishi Chemicals, which is part of the Mitsubishi Group, was forced to shut the ARE plant in Perak in 1992 following public protests over radiation pollution. Today, almost 20 years on, the company is still involved in a USD100 million clean-up as radiation is still being linked to diseases such as leukaemia, which has killed seven people in the area in the last five years. Malaysia has already had the misfortune of dealing with one environmental and health disaster, and it is the responsibility of the Government to not put its people through another potentially dangerous project. Yes, development is important, especially for Malaysia’s growing and increasingly vibrant economy, but it is also the country’s moral obligation to draw the line on foreign investment which has failed to be transparent from day one. We ask you YAB Prime Minister, to please put the health and interests of your citizens first. Groups in Malaysia have reached out to us because they feel that despite their best efforts to voice their grievances, their message has not reached you.

Let us assure you that we are aware the Malaysian Government had after public outcry approached the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to conduct an independent expert review of radiation safety aspects at the said plant. Subsequently, the IAEA came up with 11 recommendations that Lynas should adhere to before obtaining operational approval. Of these, three including for a long-term waste management plan have to be met before a pre-operational license can be issued. Unfortunately, it had gone unreported to the public that Lynas submitted its long-term waste management and decommissioning plans to the Atomic Energy Licensing Board (AELB) under the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation on 18^th July 2011. As of the end of July, neither AELB nor Lynas have disclosed these plans to the public, and sadly, they did not engage local communities in formulating them. This is in clear contradiction of the IAEA’s recommendation that “the AELB should enhance the understanding, transparency and visibility of its regulatory actions in the eyes of the public.” It is also critical to highlight that Lynas seems confident the refinery will start operations soon, based on its announcement on 13^th July 2011 that it has awarded construction of phase two of the plant to Toyo-Thai Corporation for a sum of USD180 to 210 million. This was done before their plans were submitted to the AELB.

We would also like to bring to your attention that there are groups in Australia, including the influential Green Party, that have expressed concern over the shipment of material that contains radioactive thorium through the Perth suburb of Kwinana for processing in Kuantan. Mr Robin Chapple, a Green Party Member of Parliament for the vast Mining and Pastoral Region of Western Australia, said the Premier for Western Australia, Mr Colin Barnett has repeatedly stated he does not wish to see uranium exported from ports in his state, and by that token, Mr Chapple hopes the Barnett Government will not want to be “complicit in the dumping of radioactive waste in another country.” Senator Scott Lulam of Western Australia has also spoken out against the plant, including by writing a letter to Mr Nick Curtis, the CEO of Lynas.

Mr Prime Minister, the facts are clear and we believe you will make the right decision for Malaysians, especially those who live in Pahang. We hope you will reconsider allowing a rare earths plant to operate in your country. While we understand that the plant will add to Malaysia’s revenue, Malaysia is mature enough to look for other sources of income, and to strengthen existing sectors including tourism and fisheries which can provide more jobs and sustain livelihoods. You are in a privileged position to decide wisely in the matter we have brought up.

Yours sincerely,

Name

Organization

Country

Sent by: Save Malaysia Stop Lynas Committee. Kuantan.

The Battle Continues

Murugan - Last Man Standing

What Is Emergency Ordinance About?

To learn more about the EO and the arrest of the six activists, Bar Council invites you to attend a public forum entitled “Emergency Ordinance – The Other ISA”. The forum, jointly organised by Bar Council, Suara Rakyat Malaysia (“SUARAM”) and Gerakan Mansuhkan ISA (“GMI”), will take place as follows:

Date: 20 July 2011 (Wednesday)
Time: 8:30 pm
Venue: Bar Council Auditorium, Level 1, No 15 Leboh Pasar Besar, 50050 Kuala Lumpur

Speakers: Christopher Leong, Vice-President, Malaysian Bar
S Arutchelvan, Secretary-General, PSM
Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh, Chairperson, GMI
Edmund Bon, Member of the Malaysian Bar

Please note that a candlelight vigil will take place from 7:45 pm to 8:30 pm at Dataran Merdeka, on the same day.

BERSIH 2.0 Walk

Message From Dr.Jeya Kumar From Detention

I would like to thank everyone who is supporting us by the hours, prayers, urgent appeals etc. The 6 of us have not broken any laws and our crime is that we are socialists and we are attempting to put the issues affecting the poorer 60% of Malaysians in the national agenda. eg. Hospital privatization,minimum wage and decent wages.

Our detention is totally unwarranted and we are working within the democratic framework. “Udahlah “the pamphlet distribution call for people to think properly for the General Election. The action and activity is totally within the democratic space allowed by Constitution. Sad to see, higher ups in police unable to differentiate nation and constitution from the party of power . (Article 5.

Stand up for democratic rights and let us not allow this kind of intimidation hold us back

Dr. Jeyakumar
7 July 2011

Lock Down

Road closure


Lebuh Ampang

KLCC

Bank Negara

Dataran Merdeka

Sogo

Chow Kit

Menara Sultan Ismail

Masjid Negara

Jalan Raja Chulan

Jalan Ipoh

Sentul

Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman

Jalan P.Ramlee

Jalan Bandar

Subang Jaya ( Near Segi )

Sunway Pyramid and Subang Parade

The Federal Highway

LDP ( Lebuhraya Damansara Puchong )

The KL – Seremban Highway in Seri Kembangan

Anticipation of increased road blocks and traffic gridlocks on all major roads leading to the city ahead of the July 9th rally. The reported police roadblocks in the Klang Valley are provided below, although several more are expected to be erected tomorrow afternoon.

Among the key roads affected are those in Subang Jaya near Segi College, Sunway Pyramid and Subang Parade; the Federal Highway; Lebuhraya Damansara Puchong; and the KL-Seremban highway in Seri Kembangan.

Those taking LRT or Monorail be prepared to walk because it will not stop at the station near to the stadium.

Psst… you know how to beat the odds, right?

BERSIH 2.0 Press Conference (6 July 2011)

Six PRM Members Under Emergency Ordinance

International Surfing Day - Teluk Chempedak, Kuantan

SURFERS AGAINST RADIATIOACTIVE CONTAMINATION!

INTERNATIONAL SURFING DAY! .....Come & join the HOT surfer hunks & chicks as they surf their way against theradioactive tide! Joining us on a UNITED front against Lynas, the surfer community has pledged to keep our shores free from radioactive pollution so that the future generation will be able to surf with a peace of mind! Let us support their cause! Exciting porgrammes such as canvas painting sessions, flea-market sales, photography sessions with the surfers, music performances, beach games & BBQ meals are in store! We will also be embarking on a beach clean-up to show that we mean business in preserving our environment for the current & future generation. Generation Now! Geneartion Next! Consolidate to save our fate!

Venue: Teluk Cempedak Beach, Kuantan. Date: 25 June, 2011. Time: 9am onwards (Peak hour; 2.30pm-6pm)

SCHEDULE FOR 25TH of JUNE, 2011:

9.00am-11.00am: Gathering & briefing / Beach clean-up!

11.00am-1.00pm: Canvas painting session / Flea-market sales

1.00pm-2.30pm : Lunch Break

2.30pm-6.00pm : Surfer's 'Paddle Out' / Photography with surfers

6.00pm-8.00pm : Break & Beach Games!

8.00pm onwards: Grill 'N' Chill (BBQ session)* / Live music performances!

The Time Has Come To Walk The Street

PSM to mobilise for July 9 rally

As endorsed in the Party’s National Congress on 5^th. June 2011, PSM would mobilize its members, front organizations and people based organization to participate in the 9^th. July rally called by BERSIH 2.0.

Freedom of Assembly and rights to expression are fundamental human rights and PSM calls upon all quarters to respect these rights. These rights and freedom cannot be confined to the walls within the stadium as proposed by the Home Minister and hence we will be there in the streets to celebrate the call for democratic reforms in Malaysia.

PSM calls upon the police especially the newly appointed Deputy IGP not to be overly excited and overzealous in dealing with the BERSIH rally. The court has declared that the BERSIH 1 rally on November 10, 2007 was peaceful and released all those detained. BERSIH has now a track record and so it is now up to the police and any other parties planning a rally on the same day to maintain peace and order.

We call on the police to act in the most professional way in dealing with the upcoming public assembly.

The Police should dialogue with SUHAKAM if they are unsure what constitutes a violation of rights and ensure that the police maintain the peace and not violate it.

PSM looks upon July 9^th. as an important juncture in our nation history. It is a day devoted to democracy and fair elections. We call all people who are for democracy and fair election to come out and support the call for democratic and fair elections. History has taught us that the struggle for democracy and freedom does not come in a silver platter. The march will have to go on.

Released by

S.Arutchelvan

Secretary General

Launching of BERSIH 2