Anwar drops by at the RPK trial (updated)
kkitsam was in court this morning on Day Three of the RPK trial and sends us this report:
I was there this morning. First time to court. Arrived there very early at 7.45am, wearing the uniform “I am with RPK”. The crowd grew bigger by the minute. From my chat with Marina, she said the cards sent to RPK on which were written “No to ISA” would not be passed to him. So from now on, I’m going to avoid that.
Our hero RPK arrived at around 8.30am. The crowd was happy to see him; some even said it’s better for him to be in court rather than in the Kamunting cell. I got to squeeze into the court room, and by 8.40am, the room was full, with many others standing at the back.
The trial started a bit late, at around 9.15am. In between, many people wished RPK, and Marina got to hold him as well. Of all the journalists there, only one reporter interviewed RPK (the only one foreign reporter) while the rest of them just sat there waiting for the trial to start. A few MPs came today - Ronnie Liu, followed by Lau Weng San - and surprisingly at 10.10am, Anwar and Azizah came in as well, much to the delight of RPK.
The trial took a break for 15mins at 10.25am, and I called it a day, went to work! Forgot to mention, during the trial, people were going out and others were coming in, non-stop. I guess there must have been around a hundred people, with 50 squeezed in the small room and others waiting outside for their turn to support RPK. A good show of support from all. Thank you everyone, a great day.
During the break, blogger Surind got a chance to meet RPK up close:
Meeting him today… for the first time after he had been ISAed… was enough to make tears come to my eyes and for me to drop my guard… for a while.
I had to step to the side after hugging him and looking him in the eye because I did not want him to see me emotional and to see my teary eyes and weakened facial expression. I could not speak for a while because I knew my voice would give away what was going on inside me.
Rakyat@Work takes up the story after the break:
Arrived at 10.30am. A crowd surged out of the court, cameras clickling away and I saw a journalist trip over. Something’s happening!
My word, the man himself - it was Anwar! He was rushing. A thought flashed through my mind: he’s supposed to be at Duta, right? I say, that’s why he’s rushing off.
It sure was a morale boster. I hope Anwar’s presence satisfies some queries about his support for RPK. Despite Anwar’s own tight schedule and a court case at Duta, he still made it a point to visit RPK; what more can one ask of him? Have faith, people. Be patient, and more importantly, don’t let anyone shake your commitment.
While the hearing is on, due to the packed court room, some other supporters were sitting out on benches in the compound. From a distance, it looked as if a group of people was waiting for some kind of cruise ship. I called it a “Cruise to A New Nation”. Shared that thought with two other ladies, and we jokingly agreed - just like searching for new freedom in a new nation.
“POWER! People’s Power!” said Marina, as she emerged from the court house at about 12.15pm today. She spoke with conviction and no doubt, she meant it. She is more determined than ever to secure not only the freedom of RPK but she knows in her heart, it also means freedom for the rakyat (that’s my own personal impression).
More energy and vibes could be felt around the compound today. Marina’s family and close friends ended the day with an interview carried out by a foreign media station.
Surind rounds off the day:
After the proceedings were over for the day, we said our goodbyes… and as the police were taking Raja Petra back in the van, RPK’s supporters and I stood by the gate with our two large banners, shouting “Free Raja Petra!” and words of encouragement and support. We could not see inside the van because of the tinted windows, but I knew he would have been smiling and waving to us
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- Scenes from the RPK trial
- Disappointment as RPK’s trial is postponed to Nov
- RPK in high spirits as new faces show up (updated)
- An unforgettable Raya morning in Kamunting
- LIVE: ‘ISA Vigil 23′ released on bail
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Rakyat@Work, Thank you for your field report. Great job!
wah anwar was also there
Did Anwar say something like, “hang on bro…your detention would last much longer now…” to RPK. I have taken to call him “The Raja” in my household because he is the Man.
Thank you rakyat…your reporting much valued by the sarawakians..we pray that RPK will come out victrious….His victory is our victory..
we love you RPK..
could not be there but my daily prayer is for rpk to go through the trial triumphantly
Hi, Anil. ~ Would be love to write to Marina. Do happen to have her address? I only have NO. 5, Jalan BRP 5/5, Bukit Rahman Putra, Sungai Buloh. Do u happen to have the complete address with postcode?
Much Thxs if u can accommodate or know someone who can share this with me.
p.s. I was there at the courthouse on Day 1. Kind of sad to see so few but yet it is understandable being a working day and things just being the way they are. God Bless to Malaysia.
Never doubt a moment, Anwar will show up, if he can. I am sure, RPK was delighted and appreciated his kind gesture. … both the cases running simultaneously,… split the attendance of the supporters in two different courts.
True believers, have faith in your heroes, continue with your support.
Folks,
Acording to Star report, RPK’s trial will commence on Thursday which means tomorrow is off. Take care and Cheers. Come on Thursday?
We’re up north in Penang but our thoughts & prayers are with all of you who are physically present at the court. Thank you for the daily updates!
Hidup RPK. Hidup RPK. Hidup RPK!!!!!!!!!
“Where-ever law ends,tyranny begins” watch out Malaysians.
Release all ISA detaines nowwwwwwww!!!!
Hi Anil, i was there this morning. First time to court. Arrived there very early at 7.45am wearing the uniform “I AM WITH RPK”. The crowds grew bigger by minutes. From my chat with Marina, she said the cards send to RPK which written “NO TO ISA” will NOT be pass to RPK, so right from now on, i’m going to avoid that. Our hero RPK arrived around 8.30 am, the crowd was happy to see him, some even said it’s better for him in court rather than stay in Kamunting cell. I get to squeeze in the court room and by 8.40am the room was full, with many others standing at the back. The trial starts a bit late, around 9.15am. In between the time, many people wishes RPK and Marina gets to hold him as well. Of all the journalist there, only one reporter interview RPK (the only one foreign reporter) while the rest of them just sits there waiting for the trial to start. A few MP came today, Ronnie Liu, followed by Lau Weng San and surprisingly at 10.10am, Dato Seri Anwar & Azizah came in as well, much to the delight of RPK. The trial breaks for 15mins at 10.25am, of which i also called it a day, went to work!!! Forgot to mention, during the trial, people go out, and people come in, none stop. I guess there must be around 100s, with 50s people squeeze in the small room and others waiting outside for their turn to support RPK. A good show of support from all. Thank you everyone, a great day.
It was great to see RPK, the hero, this morning. From his demeanour, the guy is in fighting form hehe. But Gobind’s loud and hectoring way with the witness would have been more effective if he had not been so bad in Malay. Please please can Gobind just spend ONE NIGHT brushing up his Malay istilah, once and for all, seeing as these Malay legal terms are what he needs to use EVERY DAY as a lawyer anyway? When he objected to the reexamination, it became clear to the court that Gobind was the only one, of the judge, counsel and witness, who had no idea of the difference between “menyiasat” and “memeriksa”. This was embarrassing, if not dangerous. Outside, I was surprised to hear people praising Gobind as a strong lawyer. A loud manner is not skill. I was glad the judge seemed to be fair and have a grip on things. Love ya RPK!! See y’ll there tomorrow!
Thanks for linking my post bro
Ppl, thanks Anil for allowing me to share in his blog, by the way, Anil have also corrected my spelling and grammer befor posting it. Embarrasing also but thanks Anil. See you guys tomorrow! Cheers.
Our spirit and strength are with you, RPK.
Hang in there.
I know we are doing all these activities to boost RPK’s morale, and to try and pressure our DESPOTIC Govt. to free him.
Do you think we can find someone (who can nominate) to nominate RPK for the NOBEL PEACE PRIZE ?? this may be another way to free him from ISA.
The conditions for nominating are as below:-
Who may submit nominations?
Each year between 150 and 200 different nominations are received of candidates for the Nobel Peace Prize. The number has risen steadily as the Prize has become increasingly globalized. There may occasionally be several thousand nominators behind one and the same nominee.
Who, then, may nominate candidates for the Peace Prize?
According to the statutes of the Nobel Foundation, a nomination is considered valid if it is submitted by a person who falls within one of the following categories:
Members of national assemblies and governments, and members of the Inter-Parliamentary Union
Members of the Permanent Court of Arbitration at the Hague and of the International Court of Justice at the Hague
Members of Institut de Droit International
University professors of history, political science, philosophy, law and theology, and university presidents and directors of peace research institutes and institutes of international affairs
Former Nobel Peace Prize Laureates and board members of institutions that have previously been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize
Present and past members of the Norwegian Nobel Committee
Former permanent advisers to the Norwegian Nobel Institute
The Nobel Committee makes its selection on the basis of nominations received or postmarked no later than February 1 of the year in question. Nominations which do not meet the deadline are normally included in the following year’s assessment. Members of the Nobel Committee are entitled to submit their own nominations as late as at the first meeting of the Committee after the expiry of the deadline.
The Committee does not itself announce the names of nominees. In so far as certain names crop up in the advance speculations as to who will receive the year’s Prize, this is either sheer guesswork or information put out by the person or persons behind the nomination. Information in the Nobel Committee’s nominations data base is not made public until after fifty years.
I take my hat to you,DSAI.
Can any bro out there help out?
What actually happened in the morning? Other then YB DSAI, YB KOK and a couple more came?
Was there around 1pm, so that there’s car park when all out for lunch. Then a couple of more guys and a gal came along for the afternoon session.
We waited till 2pm but nobody around except us. After enquiring at the counter we were told there’s no afternoon session but to continue tomorrow morning.
So the few of us just chatted around till 2.45pm and to meet up again tomorrow.
tomorrow full day hearing, Friday half day only.
Hi Enforcer, today ends earlier because the Judge was not feeling well. Marina had told us earlier that it’s going to end at 11am, but apparently after the 15mins break at 10.30am it resumes until 12. In the morning all went well, the judge was fair, the prosecution team were screwed many times, with their stupid question, and the way it goes, they seems to be dragging the case. For example, they ask the police witness “Bagaimana kamu pergi ke rumah RPK di Sg Buloh (2/5/08)?” RPK and the rest of us just shaking our heads, man if they don’t go by cars, then what? walk? Then the police Victor San Jos, have to identified his team mates who went along with him, and the Judge really annoyed, two of the police were seen wearing the name tag, so what’s the point of identifying? and at one point, the Victor was asked to identified RPK, of which he was given a picture, again really silly, RPK was there sitting in the dock and the police was given a picture to identified instead of pointing him out straight. The prosecution team is really really bad, unprofessional, which is good to us anyway. Haha.
I’m reading this piece late, but am happy , this is the most cheerful news in about the last 10 days, RPK will come out of it triumphantly, good to read that Anwar was there and Raja delighted.
Today THURSDAY 9.10.08.
A quick one.
PLS NOTE TODAYS COURT CASE ENDED AT 12PM.
NEED NOT GO THIS AFTERNOON.
CASE WILL CONTINUE ONLY NEXT MONDAY 13.10.08 9AM.
GOT TO GO NOW. CHEERS WILL WRITE MORE THIS EVENING
Day 4
Arrived 10.20am, court just reconvened 5 mins ago. As usual, the room was packed. Couldn’t get in. More ppl were present today and more new faces too. Great!! Keep em coming.
Those outside the court house had the opportunity to mingle around great minds like Din Merican and the faithful bloggers. These are real rakyat who are down to earth and humble lot. A sense of euphoria was in the air as more and more ppl turning up each day.
Inside the court house, each bench supposed to sit 5 ppl are now occupied by 7 ppl. Half way on, another group of ppl were asked to vacate the room because they were the standing lot. Too bad. Anyway, many smaller groups are visible now sharing and discussing what went on inside the room.
The hearing ended about 12pm, unusually early. habis, habis hari ini.That’s it for today? I asked. Ya, ya came a joyous reply from those geting out of the room. Its a nice feeling this time round.
I leave the details out coz you can read it from M’siakini and MT.
Better get in to wish Pete and family.At this point many are lining up inside the room to do the same.
Was so tempted to take a picture, but lets not abuse the law, right? so no pictures lah. Pete was in high spirit. The family support remain as strong as ever, so are the supporters. Ok,now to quckly get out and try to take pictures of RPK as he’s about to leave the room. What do you know, unable to take pictures because the van is park behind the court house.Anyway, make do what we could.
All journalist and camera were clicking away just as the van turn out and began its journey to ‘?’ By then, banners and entire supporters were there to say goodbye for the day, yet again. Though the van was tinted and RPK were blinded folded, we all understood its not important becuase by now, RPK and us are already communicating in spirit. RPK knows and we all knows, we are family and we are bonded as one.The crowd cheer and gave a standing ovation to RPK’s lawyers for doing a fine job. Marina were holding bunch of flowers from well wisher and some took the opportunity to have photo taken with her too. Well, the day ended in a high spirit mode. Yes, ppl We shall prevail! NEXT COURT SESSION ON MONDAY October 13th, 9am. Be there!! Get your T-shirts when you arrived. P/S, I don’t earn commission ok? Just come as you are. Continue to show your support.
I’d be there every day for RPK if I didn’t live a 3-hr commute back & forth away. What struck me was the great spirit of camaraderie around the courthouse - good to spot so many in their Free RPK T-shirts. Met a guy who had “FREE RPK - ABOLISH THE ISA” embroidered on a dark blue shirt (he explained that he can’t wear collarless shirts to work, so he paid a few ringgit at Sungai Wang to get the slogan stitched on, what a resourceful guy!) While waiting for a chance to give RPK ahug and pass him a book I had a drink at a nearby cafe with some friends. It struck me hard how precious FREEDOM is - just to be able to walk across the road and order an iced lemon tea would seem such a privilege to somebody under police detention! With every sip I ferevently wished RPK the same pleasure - how he must look forward to living a normal life as a free man among his beautiful and affectionate family and friends. I can’t see Umno abolishing the ISA or even releasing the detainees - it would be too great “a loss of face” for these thick-skinned jingoists. No, the only way is for Pakatan Rakyat to take over the government - let’s all pray that it’s SOON!!!
Well said Antares
Those chauvinistic & arrogant UMNO #@%$@^#@ must pay!
Hope to see you next Monday morning. I usually pop in for the afternoon sessions, but seing how they have ended early the last 2 days, better pop in in the morning before going back to work.
Free RPK!
21st Oct 2008
JUDICIAL INDEPDENCE - BRIBERTY, CORRUPTION
AND ACCOUNTABILITY
I forward herewith Press briefing by Tan Sri Ramon Navaratnam, President of Transparency International Malaysia (TI-Malaysia), on the judicial independence survey done in Malaysia.
Transparency International Malaysia (TI-M) is an independent, non-governmental and non-partisan organisation committed to the fight against corruption. The organisation is committed to the achievement of a socially just and equitable society within a sustainable, plural democracy that is free of corruption. TI-M will, as the lead national anti-corruption organisation, promote the culture of zero corruption in public service, the private sector and civil society through advocacy, education, information and research.
INTRODUCTION
A RECENT survey by Transparency International Malaysia (TI-Malaysia) conducted among the members of the Malaysian Bar Council revealed that the Malaysian judiciary has yet to see the beginning of the end to the popularly-held opinion that influence from outside plays a key role in the operations and decisions of the Courts.
The survey found that the overall perception is quite negative and unforgiving.
The Malaysian judiciary came under harsh criticism from among the 339 respondents, with only 1% of the interviewees holding the judiciary in high esteem. The majority of between 209 and 317 (between 62% and 96%) held a very low opinion of the judiciary.
The survey was done between March and April 2008. A questionnaire was prepared and distributed to the Malaysian Bar Council members via e-mail. The members printed out the questionnaire, answered it and sent it back to TI-Malaysia.
Below are the 10 questions asked during the survey to gauge the current situation in the Malaysian judiciary.
JUDICIAL INDEPENDENCE
Q: In your opinion, is the judicial process in the High Courts, the Court of Appeal and the Federal Court in Malaysia (the superior courts) free from influence from the executive or legislative branches of government?
The Report on JUDICIAL INDEPENDENCE referred to two Judicial sectors: (i) the Superior Courts comprising the High Court, Court of Appeals and the Federal Court; and (ii) the Inferior Courts or the Sessions Courts and Magistrates’ Courts.
The Superior Courts were, according to survey participants, often subjected to undue influence (48%); mostly subjected to undue influence (25%); or always subjected to undue influence (18%) from the Government or any other sources.
The respondents seemed to have a better opinion of the Inferior Courts. (i) 40% - often subjected to undue influence; (ii) 20% - mostly subjected to undue influence; and (iii) 14% - always subjected to undue influence.
91% of the respondents rated that the Superior Courts were subjected to “undue influence”, whereas only 74% were of the same opinion about the Inferior Courts.
What could have held back the 17% in the Inferior Courts from succumbing to the undue influence?
Perhaps many of the respondents, being young and still instilled by honour and enthusiasm to do their duty to King and Country, have resisted, or that they had not tasted the fruits of undue influence.
BRIBERY and CORRUPTION
Q: In your opinion, is the judicial process in the subordinate courts in Malaysia free from undue influence?
The perception on BRIBERY and CORRUPTION, according to the poll, was that many opined that the Courts (both Superior and Inferior) were susceptible to bribes that could secure favourable judgments.
46% thought the judiciary was:
(i) often subjected to such influence; while
(ii) 33% thought it was mostly subjected to such influence; and
(iii) another 15% thought the judiciary was always subjected to such influence.
1% and 5% of the respondents felt that the judiciary was being very free and being mostly free from such influence, respectively.
With regards to clients asking if judges would accept bribes, the response was as follows:
26% of the respondents had never been asked such a question by their clients.
Those who were asked: (i) very rarely, 12%; (ii) sometimes, 40% (iii) often, 14%.
8% said the majority of their clients asked such a question.
ACCOUNTABILITY AND DISCIPLINE
Q: In your view, is there effective accountability and oversight of the judiciary?
Concerning ACCOUNTABILITY AND DISCIPLINE, one can feel rather uncomfortable as there was no indication whether both were conjunctive or disjunctive.
(i) Are there systems in place for judges to be accountable for their conduct?
(ii) Are there mechanisms to deal with judiciary misconduct?
1% (4 respondents) believed there were effective mechanisms and 3% (9 respondents) thought adequate mechanisms were in place.
27% (93 respondents) of those who responded said the mechanisms needed improvement.
2%, or 6 respondents, held no opinion.
But 67%, or 227 respondents, felt that there was a serious problem which should be addressed.
Still, the answers could not be taken literally that judges were accountable for their (mis)conduct. Reforms are suggested for this part on accountability and discipline.
Q: The final question was asked to further gauge the perception on the Malaysian judiciary, especially when compared with other countries.
The judiciary was further put in bad light when it was compared with better judiciaries in other countries.
There was the 1% (4 respondents), who believed our judiciary was comparable with the best in other countries.
They were supported by 11 persons (slightly more than 3% of respondents), who thought our judiciary was ‘sufficiently qualified given our state of development’.
2 respondents held no opinion.
96 people (28%) considered that the judiciary was in need of improvement.
A huge majority of 226 respondents (67%) said the judiciary was facing serious problems, which need to be addressed.
APPOINTMENT OF JUDGES
Q: Do you feel there are effective mechanisms in place to deal with judicial misconduct?
Roughly 1% (3 respondents) was of the view that the APPOINTMENT OF JUDGES was very independent, while 3% (9 respondents) believed that the appointment of judges was mostly independent.
The others, comprising 70 (20%) and 93 (28%) respondents, differed in their opinion that the process was: (i) often subjected to undue influence; and (ii) mostly subjected to undue influence.
In addition, there were 162 (48%) who held the view that the process was always influenced and, therefore, not independent.
It can be assumed that perception(s) may or may not be real and those who responded may or may not have had direct contacts with the judges.
It can also be assumed that many could have obtained their information from the Main Stream Media (MSM) and the Alternative Media (AM) and, therefore, could have been influenced by the blogs or complaints published in the newspapers.
CONCLUSION
The results of the survey clearly reflect the negative view of the legal fraternity on the integrity of the judiciary. Therefore, to eliminate any weaknesses and restore confidence in the judiciary, significant measures to reform the judiciary need to be carried out, and TI-Malaysia welcomes the Prime Minister’s commitment to reform the judiciary before he leaves office in March 2009 and calls on civil society to also support the PM on this measure.
These findings will also encourage further research into the impact of corruption on the Malaysian judiciary.
** Analysis done based on the premised statistics supplied.
** The survey was facilitated by the Malaysian Bar Council.
Dr. Hamid Ibrahim
xxx
see also: JUDGES AND JUDICIAL ACCUNTABILITY - Edited by Dr.
Cyrus Dass and K Chandra
Published by Printworks: email: zimolen@yahoo.com