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Loong Thye explains why he wanted to stop book launch

Ethnic and inter-religious relations, M'sian politics, Media 12 Responses »

Aug 012008

Chia Loong Thye has responded to the launch of the book on Gerakan, explaining why he wanted to stop the event. He says he is all for non-sectarian politics “but why is it not possible to discuss this issue without the need to slander another person? My complaint against the authors is just that.”

Here is his statement in full:

My action to sue the authors of the book, Non-Sectarian Politics in Malaysia: The Case of Parti Gerakan Rakyat Malaysia, (“the Book”) for defamation may have caused some uneasiness amongst friends and those who are actively contributing to the political writings in this country.

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Last-minute lawyer’s letter fails to block book launch

M'sian politics, Malaysian elections 12 Responses »

Jul 312008

The forum on non-sectarian politics at the book launch

A last-minute letter from Gerakan politician Chia Loong Thye’s lawyers failed to stop the launch of a controversial new book on Gerakan by authors Neil Khor and Khoo Kay Peng at the E & O Hotel.

The letter was sent to the authors during the book launch at the hotel. Issued by the legal firm Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill, it put the authors on notice that Chia would “claim for any aggravated damages that will arise from the launch of the book….”

The book “Non-sectarian politics in Malaysia: The case of Parti Gerakan Rakyat Malaysia” had already ruffled the feathers of certain quarters within Gerakan even before the launch.

Book on Gerakan stirs controversy – even before launch

M'sian politics, Malaysian history 16 Responses »

Jul 302008

A book on Gerakan by Neil Khor and Khoo Kay Peng has stirred controversy – even before it can be launched.

“Non-sectarian politics in Malaysia: The case of Parti Gerakan Rakyat Malaysia” has already ruffled the feathers of certain quarters.

Respected Gerakan stalwart Toh Kin Woon, a life member of the party and currently director of Seri, penned the foreword to the book.

Writes Kin Woon:

…the authors of the book, explain how since joining the Barisan Nasional (BN), Gerakan has increasingly lost its multi-ethnic character. It is increasingly perceived by many outside the party to be just another Chinese-based party. This book describes that slow but near fatal process both for the party and for non-sectarian politics in the country.

The grave-vine has it that the book has already upset certain quarters within Gerakan, which is due to hold party elections in October. From what I hear, there have been attempts to throw a spanner in the works ahead of the book launch. Continue reading »