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Sarawak govt criticises High Court judgments

Anil Netto
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The Sarawak state government has found fault with two landmark High Court judgments that upheld native rights towards their customary land – and says it will appeal.

Borneo Post report on 4 Feb 2010

In both cases – Agi Ak Bungkong & Others v Ladang Sawit Bintulu Sdn Bhd and Mohd Rambli Kawi v Superintendent of Lands & Surveys Kuching Division and Another – Justice Datuk David Wong had ruled on 21 January that the respective communities had proven that they have native customary rights over the disputed land. He awarded them damages and costs.

The Sarawak state government’s decision to appeal was not unexpected. But what raised eye-brows was the language the government used in a press statement announcing its decision.

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Live – Anwar trial; Demo in Penang

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And so the Anwar trial continues – while over in Penang, demonstrators protest at what they perceive to be selective enforcement action against illegal Malay hawkers and food-stall operators, an allegation the local government denies.

Sivin Kit on ‘Allah’ and inter-religious ties

Anil Netto
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Lutheran pastor Sivin Kit is interviewed about the recent Allah controversy, the attacks on religious sites and what ordinary people are doing to improve inter-religious relations.

Live – Anwar’s trial continues

Anil Netto
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The Anwar trial continues with testimony by key prosecution witness Saiful Bukhari in camera, a visit to a condo and the screening of a video clip in court.

Live – Anwar on trial, yet again

Anil Netto
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If “irrelevant” was the buzzword from the first sodomy trial, today’s testimony by key prosecution witness Saiful Bukhari provides a new, if off-colour, catch phrase.


Anwar is mobbed as he leaves court – Photo by Tian Chua

Najib and Rosmah at Batu Caves

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Fresh from his trip to India, Najib continued his charm offensive with a visit to Batu Caves on the eve of Thaipusam.

You judge the response from the crowd.

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Penang land reclamation: Socialisation of costs?

Anil Netto
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Another case of “privatisation of profits, socialisation of costs/losses”?

While certain firm(s) are making huge profits from land reclamation for their project(s) in Penang, the government, whether federal or state, may have to use public funds – that’s our money – to alleviate the damaging effects of land reclamation and mud-dumping.

A marine study commissioned by the state indicates that reclamation work has brought about significant siltation which affects the natural hydro-flow of Penang, theSun newspaper has revealed.

Reclamation may have caused changes in tidal currents
Himanshu Bhatt

GEORGE TOWN (Feb 1, 2010): Abnormal sedimentation in the wake of reclamation along Penang’s coastlines may have contributed to drastic changes in tidal currents in the Penang Channel and sea around the state.

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Live – Anwar goes to court

Anil Netto
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Anwar is back in court for yet another trial widely referred to as Sodomy II, a decade after his first sodomy trial.


Saiful gives a press conference outside the courtroom – Photos by Tian Chua


The crowd outside the courtroom

Aliran launches ‘Thinking Allowed online’

Anil Netto
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The folks at Aliran are revamping their website and today, they have launched a regular column “Thinking Allowed online,” featuring almost daily commentaries on current issues.

The idea is to look at the story behind the news and analyse the issues behind the headlines from a perspective of justice, human rights, multi-ethnic politics and universal spiritual values – all that Aliran stands for.

For this endeavour, Aliran has assembled a team of more than two dozen columnists – a blend of veteran activists, renowned scholars and seasoned commentators.

Kicking off the new section is Aliran president P Ramakrishnan with a piece “Traitors and treachery!”

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Howard Zinn 1922-2010: American legend

Anil Netto
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The legendary American ‘people’s historian’ and anti-war activist Howard Zinn, author of the classic ‘A People’s History of the United States’, has passed away.

“You cannot depend on presidents; you cannot depend on elections and voting to solve your problems,” said Zinn.

One of his central themes was that ordinary people – through countless small acts of organising, struggling and clamouring for reforms – are the only ones who can turn the tide and push elected reps to make meaningful change. This a message that should resonate with many Malaysians disappointed with the antics of certain elected reps who are supposed to be furthering the reform agenda but instead end up betraying the people’s aspirations. Do not lose hope!

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