Lingam inquiry: Memory loss epidemic spreads among witnesses

 Democracy, Judiciary, M'sian politics  1 Response »
Jan 232008
 

An impartial observer from Mars sitting in at the Lingam video inquiry would be forgiven for thinking that there is an outbreak of amnesia and dementia in Malaysia. Witnesses don’t seem to remember basic details. Why, Lingam was even unable to positively identify himself in the video, uttering the now legendary words, “It looks like me; it sounds like me.” And when they appear to be incriminating themselves on the stand, they are very generously given time off to go and find a lawyer. There is also considerable dilly-dallying in calling key witnesses such as Anwar Ibrahim, who first made the video public. And why does another potentially key witness, Lingam’s brother, have to literally beg to testify before the inquiry? Anyway, I believe most Malaysians can see for themselves how the judiciary functioned during Mahathir’s administration. And it’s not a pretty picture. As my fellow correspondent with Inter Press [Read more]

“It is people like Hishamudin who should be heading the judiciary”

 Accountability, Democracy, Human rights, Judiciary, M'sian politics  2 Responses »
Oct 262007
 

Justice Hishamudin has created waves with his decision to punish the government for its detention and torture of activist Abdul Malek Hussin. In the wake of his decision, some Malaysians are even suggesting that if the government really wants to restore the shine back to the judiciary, then judges like Hishamudin should be allowed to head the judiciary. RIGHTS-MALAYSIA: Damages Award Exposes Internal Security Act By Anil Netto PENANG, Oct 24 (IPS) – A stunning court decision awarding a huge sum in damages to an activist who was detained without trial and tortured has galvanised activists campaigning for the repeal of Malaysia’s harsh Internal Security Act (ISA). It has also put a little shine back in the judiciary, which has been rocked by an explosive video clip apparently revealing the fixing of judical appointments and promotions by a coterie of well-connected individuals in legal, business and political circles. Full article

Amidst the judicial shambles, a stunning Federal Court decision

 Development issues, Judiciary, Marginalised groups  2 Responses »
Oct 092007
 

All that bad news about the judiciary and the shambles it is in. Yet, amidst the uproar and outrage (and rightfully so) over the Lingam tape, there was much cause for rejoicing especially in Sarawak: a sweet victory for natives over the Sarawak state government on the issue of native customary rights, courtesy of a landmark Federal Court decision. Thanks to a reader for sending this news item to me with the following comments: This was a bit dicey — but now, this is the end of the line for the Sarawak government’s position; the State AG, if he repeats the position he has been stating all this time, will be in breach of the law as this is now the law of the land. It is truly a great victory for the natives and for customary rights. Congratulations to the Federal Court.

Lawyers’ march, Burma’s struggle, PGCC campaign all related

 Asean, Democracy, Environment, Human rights, Judiciary, Malaysian finance/business, People's Park/PGCC  4 Responses »
Sep 262007
 
Lawyers' march, Burma's struggle, PGCC campaign all related

This is a more realistic miniature model of what the PGCC will look like – Awful! What do the lawyers marching in Putrajaya, the ordinary people struggling for democracy in Burma and those campaigning against the Penang Global City Centre Project have in common? They are all part of the global justice movement, trying to create a real alternative to the decaying structures and oppressive forces in society. Trying to build a more just and sustainable world – a world where human dignity is respected and no one is oppressed. A world where the environment – God’s gift to humanity – is considered sacred. So congratulations to the 1,500 courageous Malaysians who marched in Putrajaya despite the obstacles in their path. Even though the police stopped the buses from entering Putrajaya, the lawyers got off and started walking. As lawyers committed to the cause of justice, you have given all [Read more]

Malaysians, Burmese march for democracy

 Asean, Democracy, Global justice movement, Human rights, Judiciary, Poverty  No Responses »
Sep 252007
 

Monks have been leading tens of thousands of people as protests rock Burma People are on the march in both Malaysia and Burma in their quest for justice and freedom. The Malaysian Bar Council is organising a march of lawyers from the Palace of Justice in Putrajaya to the Prime Minister’s Office on the morning of Wed, 26 Sept after the explosive revelations in a widely circulated videoclip. They are expected to be joined by activists and other concerned Malaysians. This is a piece I wrote for Asia Times Online: Malaysia’s judiciary on Candid Camera By Anil Netto PENANG, Malaysia – On May 27, 1988, then-prime minister Mahathir Mohamad, his party faced with a legal challenge from rivals that threatened his leadership, summoned Malaysia’s top judge, Salleh Abas, and gave him an ultimatum: resign or face a judicial tribunal. That secret private meeting led to suspension of Salleh and five [Read more]

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