In the past she has paid lip service in opposing child brides but refused to act to take corrective measures. However lately she has even failed to condemn those who lie about innocent children or use innocent children as their object of fun to score political points.

Sharizat’s failure to reproach or condemn UMNO Youth President Khairy Jamaluddin for perpetuating a lie that my 16 year old son had sexually outraged the modesty of his classmate shows that Sharizat has failed in her Ministerial duty to protect the basic fundamental rights of a child to live with dignity and safety.

Amongst some UMNO leaders who highligted this shameful episode in the blogs is Bukit Gelugor(Penang) UMNO Division vice-chairman Dr Novandri Hasan Basri. He was then followed by many UMNO leaders rehashing the lies. Sadly even UMNO Youth chief Khairy Jamaludin joined in these shameful lies by poking fun at my son with this tweet:-

@Khairykj Khairy Jamaluddin
@PapaGomo Mungkin dia roboh Kampung Buah Pala sebab nak ganti dengan Kampung Buah Dada.

http://twitter.com/#!/Khairykj/status/125841671102529536

Even though the alleged victim had come out with a statement denying the lies, there is no remorse or apology as yet from Khairy or UMNO leaders.

The Child Act 2001 stipulates that every child is entitled to protection and assistance in all circumstances. No protection was afforded to my child when his photo was plastered all over the blogs and some media outlets. Furthermore, this contravenes Article 16 (Protection of Privacy) of the United Nations Convention of the Rights of the Child to which Malaysia is a signatory. No child should be subjected to libel or slander.

What has Sharizat done to protect not just my child but also any child subject to such lies and slander? Violence against children whether physically, emotionally or mentally cuts across all sectors and violates their rights to protection and a safe environment.

I speak for every parent when I say we live for our children. We work to provide a better life for them. We struggle to ensure their world is better than ours. We strive to protect them from the evils of the world, especially when they are still young.

As a father, there is no pain worse than the helplessness you feel when you are unable to defend your innocent child against brutal, inconsiderate and appalling abuse. If you want to finish me off, do your worst but leave my innocent children alone.

Sharizat had said that as a mother, she constantly fears for her child safety. The question now is how is she going to act when the emotional security and mental well-being of a child is being violated by lies and slander?

In Malaysia, the Child Act 2001 [Act 611] was enacted to fulfil our obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. In the preamble, it is stated that every child is entitled to protection and assistance in all circumstances without regard to any status. The provisions of this act are based on four core principles, namely: non-discrimination, best interest of the child, right to life, and respect for the views of the child.

What has she done to act against those responsible, including holding high political office, who have violated the spirit of these laws? Why has she chose to remain silent and passive when failure to act will only encourage more of similar mental and emotional abuse of children in future. Today my child may be the victim but will your or another child be the victim tomorrow.

Let’s act now to ensure that the needless trauma that my son had to go through because of such lies is not repeated on another or any innocent child.
LIM GUAN ENG

—— Mandarin Translation —–

民主行动党秘书长兼槟州首席部长林冠英于2011年10月22日在吉隆坡发表声明：

拿督斯里莎丽扎应该更加积极主动捍卫2001年儿童法令及联合国儿童权利公约，以保障孩子们在物质上、情感及精神上的安稳。

趁我国庆祝儿童节之际，妇女、家庭及社会发展部长拿督斯里莎丽扎应该履行她身为部长的职责，更加积极主动捍卫2001年儿童法令及联合国儿童权利公约，给予孩子们在物质上、情感及精神上安稳的保障。

过去她曾经口是心非，口说反对童婚，结果却不愿采取任何纠正措施。最近，她也没有谴责那些为了政治私利，对无辜孩子撒谎或利用无辜孩子成为他们的取乐对象的人士。

莎丽扎无法斥责或谴责巫青团团长凯里加玛鲁丁，他谎称我的16岁儿子非礼女同学，显示了莎丽扎没有尽到其部长的责任，保护儿童的基本权利，让他们活得有尊严及安全。

在部落格中突显这宗荒唐事件的巫统领袖包括：槟城牛汝莪区部副主席诺万迪里哈山，许多巫统领袖也闻鸡起舞，一起散布谎言。令人遗憾的是，就连巫青团团长凯里加玛鲁丁也加入他们无耻的行列，在他的推特上拿我的儿子开玩笑：
@Khairykj Khairy Jamaluddin
@PapaGomo Mungkin dia roboh Kampung Buah Pala sebab nak ganti dengan Kampung Buah Dada（译：可能他拆豆蔻村是为了要用胸部村取代之）.

http://twitter.com/#!/Khairykj/status/125841671102529536

虽然受害的女生已经站出来郑重否认上述谎言，但是凯里或其它巫统领袖却毫无悔意，也没有道歉。

2001年儿童法令阐明，无论在什么情况下每一名孩子都应该受到保护及协助。我儿子的照片被张贴在各个部落格及媒体时，他并没有受到保护。此外，这与马来西亚为签署国的联合国儿童权利公约相违。任何一名儿童都不应该遭受诽谤或污蔑。

莎丽扎做了什么来保护所有的儿童，不只让我孩子、也让其他孩子不必遭受诽谤或污蔑？各个领域都经常发生孩子在生理上、情感上或情绪上遭受暴力对待，他们生活在安全环境的权利也常遭侵蚀。

当我说我们为了孩子而活，我想我说出了每位父母的心里话。我们工作是为了让他们生活得更好。我们斗争是为了让他们未来的世界变得比我们更好。我们致力保护他们不让他们受到伤害，特别是在他们还小的时候。
身为父亲，在孩子面对残暴的、恶意及可怕的遭遇时，没有什么比起自己感觉无法保护无辜的孩子时更无助痛苦。如果你们要除掉我，尽管使出你们最恶毒的诡计，但是别碰我的孩子。

莎丽扎也说过，身为一名母亲，她时刻担心自己孩子的安全。问题是，针对一个心灵安稳及身心健康的孩子遭受谎言及流言时，她采取什么行动？

在马来西来，国会修正2001年儿童法令，以履行我们在联合国儿童权利公约里签署国的义务。在导言里，它说明每一名儿童都应该被保护及获得援助。这项法令制定依据四个立法原则：无歧视、以孩子的利益为依归、生存的权利及尊重孩子的意见。

针对那些身居重要官职、违反上述法律精神的人士，她采取了什么行动？为什么她选择沉默及被动、不采取行动？她这么做只会让更多孩子在未来遭受精神及情感上的伤害。今天我的孩子是受害者，但是明天你的孩子或其他人的孩子也可能是下一个受害者。

现在就行动起来，确保我儿子因谎言而经历的不必要创伤，不会在另一个无辜的孩子身上重演。

林冠英

As a Malaysian, I am very grateful for this collaboration and hope we can strengthen ties between Monash and Malaysia further. On a personal level, as many of your know I received my economics and accounting degree here and was quite active in student politics. I was never an outstanding student but what little I gleaned has helped me to formulate new economic and industrial policies in Penang that is now acknowledged as the best run state in Malaysia with strong growth, record budget surpluses and record FDIs coupled with a labour shortage.

In short, Monash helped me to evolve as a leader and politician and this university will always have a special place in my heart for which I am eternally grateful. Not only did I learn the importance of studying and working hard, but the need to forge relationships and centrality of principles. I am sure Monash will train future Malaysian leaders and I look forward to many of you helping to chart our future and being the change you want to see.

It is these principles that I would like to speak of today in my speech entitled Human Rights and Transparency in Malaysia. The timing and location of this topic is quite fortuitous, given Prime Minister’s announcement late last week to review the Internal Security Act (known as the ISA) and Emergency Ordinance (EO), as well as other laws that violated the principle of due process. These draconian measures have long been issues we in the opposition have raised and are only a handful of many laws that violate basic human rights standards. The discussion of human rights also comes at a time where Malaysia’s human rights record has been considered by no less than Australia’s High Court with regard to the issue of asylum, as legitimate concerns have been raised about the condition of facilities and treatment of individuals in line with international standards for the treatment of refugees. In my view the Court made the right decision, and hope that careful thought will be given to reevaluate this initiative and further steps will be taken in Malaysia to improve the conditions in detention facilities.

I would like to draw attention, however, to specific challenges facing Malaysian citizens in the area of human rights and transparency. These issues have been at the core of my political party, the Democratic Action Party (DAP), and central to the multi-ethnic opposition coalition Pakatan Rakyat. I will describe the four arenas where problems have persisted, and lay out the steps that I as Chief Minister of the state government of Penang and a leader in Pakatan Rakyat have taken to address them. As Chief Minister there have been limits to what can be accomplished at the state level and the role we can play as the opposition at the national level. What is important to appreciate, however, is the fact that in winning over one-third in parliament, breaking the dominant party United Malays National Organization (UMNO) and its partners in the National Front’s hold of two-thirds of the seats, we are serving as a major check on abuses in the system. They no longer have a walkover on legislation and as a result the debate on issues and public accountability has improved. We hope to build on our record of strengthening representation and good governance in the next general elections, and deepening democracy in Malaysia.

Activist Malaysia

Ladies and gentlemen, let me begin by highlighting the major problems we face in human rights and over transparency in Malaysia. Before I do so, however, I would like to stress that the direction on human rights in Malaysia has been a positive one, especially since March 2008. While we in Pakatan Rakyat and in the DAP would like to take some credit for this, and we collectively should be acknowledged for placing these issues on the agenda, raising these issues in parliament, and been willing to stand for our principles despite personal costs, most of the credit of the new climate on human rights rests with ordinary Malaysians. I cannot emphasize enough the profound transformation that has taken root in Malaysia. The brave determination of ordinary citizens in the July Bersih 2.0 rally is the most obvious example. The anti-ISA measure is another. This activism and principled political engagement that represents the true spirit of Malaysia, often obscured by the reports of simplistic and hurtful racial diatribes and character assassinations, has become the core of a drive for change, a drive for a better Malaysia where every Malaysia – no matter where they were born or their heritage – can play their part. As we evolve in our political transformation, in our fight for a better Malaysia, we as leaders and Malaysian citizens are anchored in our faith and respect for our fellow countrymen and the spirit of activism that is rooted in principles and our common future. I continue to be humbled by this true Malaysian spirit of hope and stand tall knowing that what we do in Pakatan Rakyat and in government in Penang is for all of the Malaysian people.

However a note of caution, whether the Malaysian BN government is undertaking a cosmetic electoral exercise to rebrand the ISA in another form, especially when the ISA will not be repealed in the coming parliamentary sitting this year, but the next. Is the Malaysian government merely pouring old wine in new bottles? There is public concern at the announcement that the ISA will be replaced not by one but two preventive security laws. Will there now be two ISAs instead of one?

First Generation Rights

Ladies and gentlemen, let me move to the first arena of concern for human rights in Malaysia, namely civil liberties. Touted as the first generation of rights associated with the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights, concerns from due process and free speech extend to religious freedom and the right of assembly. Najib Tun Razak’s speech last week on the ISA and EO dealt with some of the long-standing concerns about the use of arrest for political purposes and unfair implementation of the rule of law. I would like to draw attention to four other rights that continue to need protection. Foremost has been the right of free speech. More often than not, comments that are critical are deemed “seditious”. We have yet to have a political climate that allows criticism, with many an issue including most recently the discussion of history, deemed as “sensitive”.

The question of the application of the laws for political purposes has long haunted Malaysia. This was showcased internationally in the first political trial against Anwar Ibrahim in 1999 and continues today in the 2011 proceedings that have failed to follow basic legal standards in the handling of evidence, recusal of judges and more. I would like to thank the Australian parliamentarians who have stood on principles on this issue, calling a spade a spade, recognizing a political trial for what it is.

In the past few months attention has centered on freedom of assembly in Malaysia, in a record level of over 2000 arrests before and during the July 2.0 rally that featured tear gas and water cannons. People were arrested for wearing the color yellow in what was clearly an over the top reaction. The calls at the rally were simple. Allow me to share:

“As the coals that molest us rage higher
we shout still the message of Merdeka (independence)
for democracy as bright as the sun
as pure as dignity our purpose is one.

Deep is our worry – as democracy’s wounds
long is our sadness – as democracy’s woes
at arrogant democracy we scorn
for a strong free voice we dream”

Unggun Bersih
A Samad Said

Semakin lara kita didera bara -
kita laungkan juga pesan merdeka:
Demokrasi sebenderang mentari
sehasrat hajat semurni harga diri.

Lama resah kita – demokrasi luka;
lama duka kita – demokrasi lara.
Demokrasi yang angkuh, kita cemuhi;
suara bebas yang utuh, kita idami!

Dua abad lalu Sam Adams berseru:
(di Boston dijirus teh ke laut biru):
Tak diperlu gempita sorak yang gebu,
diperlu hanya unggun api yang syahdu.

Kini menyalalah unggun sakti itu;
kini merebaklah nyala unggun itu.

June 2011

These are the first two stanza of Malaysia’s poet Laureate Samad Said’s “Bersih Fire” who was arrested for this “seditious poem” in his call to come out and rally for electoral reform and clean government .

The rally highlighted yet another human rights problem in Malaysia, free and fair elections. While elections in Malaysia are largely fair, they are not free. Bersih 2.0’s demands in areas such as indelible ink and clean politics bring attention to the need for greater accountability in elections and checks on abuses of the system. In Penang in the past few months we are worried about the new voters that have mysteriously been added to the electoral roll. The issue of electoral reform is crucial in that it is about the right of people to control their own destiny, the right of Malaysians to make their own political choices and the system to respect those choices. Integrity in the electoral process is essential. We are engaging the parliamentary select committee on electoral reform, but worry deeply about the implementation of reforms, namely the independence of the electoral commission and checks on the system. The reforms cannot tinker with the system, they must address the heart of the problems by building in professionalism and autonomy in the administration of elections, while simultaneously allowing observers of polls and proper avenues for disputes. Malaysians deserve a fair system, in which every vote is respected and counted.

Ladies and gentlemen, the most difficult issue that has opened wounds in Malaysia in the last few years has been religious freedom. This issue has opened wounds and touched the hearts of communities. We have seen churches bombed, protestors feel the need to defend their religion, and intractable cases reach our highest courts as part of an intense constitutional debate on the role of religion. Time does not allow me to delve fully into the complexities of this emotive issue, but at the core are real differences on the role of religion in political life, different perceptions of the ability to practice religion and often sadly mischaracterizations of different religions and communities. We in Malaysia are all Malaysians no matter what faith we practice. We are brothers and sisters in our national community. We in Pakatan Rakyat remain committed to accepting difference and importantly instilling the values in governance that are central to all religions – tolerance, decency and humanity. Many have asked us in the Democratic Action Party – often mistakenly labeled as a Chinese majority party – how we can work with the country’s Islamic party, Parti Islam Se-Malaysia or PAS. What few really appreciate is that the values and principles of good governance cut across religions. We have shared goals – clean government and justice – and share a similar deep-seated commitment to a better fairer Malaysia for all. While we do acknowledge some differences, it is important to embrace difference and engage in respectful dialogue. Through the recognition of difference we appreciate the strength of Malaysia, its rich diversity.

Second Generation Rights

While most of the press on human rights focuses on these hot button issues, there is another important arena for contemporary human rights; that is the second generation of human rights, economic, social and cultural rights. These were laid out in the 1968 UN Covenant. Historically, Malaysia has had a good record on reducing poverty. From 1970 to 2010, according to the World Bank Monitor report on Inclusive Growth released last year and based on government data, poverty levels have dropped to 4% from an estimated 50 in 1970. Yet, what is worrying is that this poverty in concentrated in East Malaysia, with 42% of it in Sabah alone. Fortunately, Penang has relatively low levels of poverty. We are working to address even these pockets, however.

The most worrying trend that stands out is economic inequality. After the 1997 financial crisis the gap between the rich and poor has widened, with the trend widening further. The World Bank 2010 report pointed out that “40 percent of households only make 14.3% of total income, and the top 20 percent of households control 50% of total income.” This gap is a real challenge, as economic growth is lacking the same distributive quality that Malaysia had in the past. What is important to realize that unlike the past where wealth and poverty was tied to specific ethnic communities, the divides within ethnic communities, within Malays, Chinese, Indians, Iban, Kadazans and more, are sharp and wider than between the different communities. Regional disparities in wealth, with some parts of the country facing more inequality, especially East Malaysia, are now even more pronounced. In the past there was

a sharp rural urban divide. Now we find people relatively poorer in the urban cities, and in the more remote long houses. Certain groups face steeper challenges, be it the elderly or single-headed households, usually headed by single mothers.

I often ask when will we reach a stage when we will understand that as a nation we need to work together, that we are a family, a family of all Malaysians. When will we understand that in order to move forward we need to embrace the future rather than be tied down to a forty year old policy that is holding us back? Moving forward requires bold leadership and principled leadership. As Chief Minister in Penang, I struggle with assuring all communities that the important principles of the past – inclusion and the need to address inequality – will continue to resonate and need a new approach to be effective. When we think of human rights in Malaysia we need to be cognizant of discrimination and simultaneously appreciate the need for new initiatives to bring about more equality and opportunity.

This issue of opportunity has been the cornerstone of my approach to govern Penang. Opportunity is also connected to the problem of inequality. One has to ask what are the reasons that the system of governance in Malaysia is not equal? The answer is starkly there – corruption. Malaysia continues to be ranked poorly by markers of corruption. Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index or CPI has shown a decline in Malaysia’s standing since 2007, as it has fallen from 43rd in the world to 56th, from 5.1 to 4.4, where lower scores showcase worse performance. Penang has bucked this trend, with our absolute no tolerance of any practices of corruption. This has shown in our steady investment levels that have topped investment in the country for multiple years. The sad fact is that there is too much leakage in the system, and the cronies that are feeding off the contract coffers are sucking Malaysia dry; they are stealing the opportunities for others who in a more competitive and transparent system would create a more advantageous environment for growth and genuine social equality.

Third Generation Rights

Ladies and gentlemen, concerns with inequality and opportunity will continue to define the Malaysian political landscape. This is one of the greatest challenges leaders in the country face in a highly divisive polity. As leaders in Malaysia we grapple with how to bring about a fairer system that will both address the problems and move us toward a better future.

I would be remiss however if I did not highlight the third generation of human rights, namely the concerns with specific communities. The different agreements from the 1970s onwards have highlighted the conditions for children, women and most recently migrant labor. Malaysia has been especially been criticized for our treatment of domestic workers, some of which has spilled over to concerns about detention centers and refugee policy which Australians have learned about in recent debates over asylum. Human trafficking is a problem in Malaysia as we are a transshipment point. I would, however, like to give Najib Tun Razak’s government some credit here in working to tighten legislation and offer more protection of victims, although much more needs to be done.

It is in this spirit of positive successes that I would like to highlight the story of Malaysian women. The adage runs, behind every man there is a great women. It is true. I would like to recognize my dear wife Betty, whose support has been instrumental in my efforts to bring about a better Malaysia. Malaysia’s success as a country has very much been the product of its women. Over the last few years, nearly half of Malaysian women, 46 percent, participate in the formal work force. They make up the majority of university graduates. They also serve as the main caregivers and take care of our children. Their contributions have been invaluable to Malaysia. Despite these contributions, across the board, women make lower wages, from clerical workers to senior managers. A new report by Penangite scholar Cecelia Ng shows that the wage differentials are higher at higher levels, with men making approximately a third more than women at higher levels.

The political gains for Malaysian women are more promising, with Malaysian women comprising 28.8 percent if Senate, Parliament and State assemblies. The majority of these women are in Pakatan Rakyat and the DAP has benefitted tremendously by fielding women candidates. The greater participation of women has enhanced our political representation and deepened our engagement, making this success a win not only for our legislative bodies, but also policy and governance. We believe that the steps forward are making progress in other areas such as domestic violence and health. Malaysia has become one of the leading countries in Asia for political representation, tied closely to the expanding role of Pakatan Rakyat.

The fourth arena where critical changes have to be made is transparency. This practice in international circles has been tied to basic elements of good governance. The link between transparency and corruption is serious, as the failure to allow for open information and access to government undercuts the economy and basic right of the public who pay taxes and make national sacrifices. Malaysians deserve the right to review how their money is being spent. They also should have the opportunity to bid in an open tender system. Too much continues to happen behind closed doors, without proper checks on abuse and accountability.

Penang’s Record

With the March 2008 election, we have moved from the opposition into government. We are now in control of four state governments, two of which Selangor and my state Penang comprise 50 percent of the economy in Malaysia. From the onset in Penang, I have remained committed to improving human rights across the board. Allow me to highlight some of the modest successes we have had at the state level, as we have served as a role model within Malaysia.

We began our government with the core principles “Competency, Accountability and Transparency” or CAT. The main area where we have been able to bring about changes involves the allocation of state funding. Our open bidding process has saved millions and attracted record levels of investment. This core has served to rebuild Penang’s reputation in the international community. By standing firm on no corruption we have made a difference for all Penangites.

In the arena of civil liberties, we opened a speaker’s corner and have been extremely tolerant of protests, who often come directly outside of our offices. With the only Speaker’s Corner in Malaysia we have proven that Penang enjoys not just freedom of speech but also freedom after speech, ensuring no one will be penalized for their criticisms of either PR or BN. No other state government has had to face the same level of open protest. While in some cases many of these protests are politically motivated and provoked, we do listen to concerns and importantly allow the grievances to be raised.

Along with our Pakatan Rakyat partners we have called for local elections, and stated that we believe in the need for more accountability in local government. We are working to make sure that the electoral process in Penang is fair and the votes of Penangites are properly accounted for.

We have introduced a freedom of Information bill into the state assembly and hope that we can overstep the legal obstacles for its passage and implementation.

With regard to religious rights we have distributed record amounts of funding to religious schools, especially Muslim schools, as a recognition of the important role that these schools play in Malaysia. We work to protect religious institutions. Penang features one of the most diverse and richest range of religious institutions, where people of different faiths practice alongside of each other in harmony.

On poverty we are engaging in a series of studies to assess poverty and inequality in Penang to enhance the targeting of assistance and opportunity creation. We are widening our microfinance schemes, especially for single headed households. Our social safety net programs at the state level have increased assistance to the elderly in the Warga Emas or Senior Citizens Appreciation program. We have increased funding to support students who enter public university and recently introduced a baby bonus scheme to help new parents. Our social safety net policies are modest, but targeted toward individuals in need and at critical points when families face increased costs. Targeted policies in the areas of the birth rate and education are steps at the state level that provide short term support but simultaneously have long term goals for the overall prosperity of Penang. After all, education and wellbeing underscore Malaysia’s future.

In building opportunity we have centered in on small and medium enterprises or SMEs as the backbone of our economy. We have adopted a three prong approach of an free advisory service that provides guidance and expertise, SME Smart Center that provides lots at low-rental rates for 2 years to technological start-ups who can then graduate to a SME Park to build their own factories . We have identified niche areas such as halal foods.

This public private partnership aims to build synergy to create jobs and ultimately address the economic inequalities. I remain confident in the ability of Malaysian entrepreneurs and know they are competitive. I urge you to come to Penang to forge partnerships. Our SMEs are selling durian to China, and halal foods to Turkey, among many of the new successes.

This focus on building the value chain in the economy has been reinforced by state-led programs on job creation and talent hunt in our newly formed CAT Centre. Penang has a labor shortage, especially among skilled workers and professionals, and we welcome human talent wherever they may be whoever they are in our aspiration to be an international and intelligent city.

A last, but not final success, I would like to showcase involves women. I have appointed a record number of women to office in local government, making Penang the leader in promoting greater equality in gender representation. . For the first time in history, both local governments are headed by women. We have also created a Women’s Council at the state level to highlight issues and engage the state government over policy.

Our Common Future

In Penang as the government we understand that it is not enough to make promises on human rights or to raise the problems. It is necessary to actually implement changes, to translate the problems into solutions and real change. Real changes are being made. Our approach has been one of implementation and initiative tied to a fundamental appreciation that what we do is for our people. Respecting human rights and safeguarding transparency are critical steps not just for Malaysia, but for assuring that the fight for human rights expands globally.

One of the most difficult struggles we now face is working with the institutions that are to protect the rule of law, the police and judiciary, and assure accountability, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission or the Election Commission. We want our legacy to be building institutions and making Penang a green state with more green spaces. We want Penang to be known as a location of choice where one does not need to go through a middle men or third party to get things done, you need not know anyone, just know the law. There are real concerns about the political independence and professionalism of these bodies. We need the international community to join us in our efforts to protect rights and transparency. Australia has always stood for these principles and we thank you.

Ladies and gentlemen, Malaysia is moving forward. It has not been an easy path and I expect there will be obstacles ahead. Now is the time to translate the agenda and promises of political reform into real changes. Pakatan Rakyat has long upheld the reform agenda that has been embraced by our premier and we will continue to press on for substantive changes no matter what the cost. We believe that in fighting for human rights and calling for greater transparency we are protecting our country from abuses of power and securing a more prosperous, harmonious and safe environment for our children. Penangites, Malaysians and Australians deserve no less.

Penang is the only state in Malaysian history to be praised by Transparency International for implementing open tenders and fighting corruption. American investor Warren Buffet’s once said, “ In looking for people to hire, you look for three qualities: integrity, intelligence, and energy. And if they don’t have the first, the other two will kill you.” Rest assured that you will not be killed by a lack of integrity in Penang.

Thank you very much for your time and please come to Penang. You are most welcome.

Speech by YAB Lim Guan Eng, Chief Minister of Penang at Monash University, Melbourne, Australia on 19th September 2011:

—— Mandarin Translation ——

槟州首席部长林冠英于2011年9月19日在澳洲墨尔本莫纳斯大学主讲“马来西亚的人权与透明度”，重点如下：

首相于上个星期宣布废除内安法令和结束三项紧急状态令，并检讨其它违反人权的法令。当我们还是在野党时，这些恶法的存在已经是老问题，它们只是众多违反人权恶法的冰山一角。

最近澳洲法庭针对难民案件的判决，提及马来西亚的人权记录时，再度让这个课题浮现，人们关注我国对个人的待遇及设施是否符合国际社会对待难民的标准。我认为，澳洲法庭做了正确的判决，并希望有关当局能够仔细考虑并重估这项计划，而马来西亚也会采取行动，提升扣留营的设备。

我也希望大家关注马来西亚公民在人权及透明度面对的挑战。这些课题一直是民主行动党（也是多元民族联盟- 民联的成员党）所关注的课题。一个首长在一个州内所能做的事拥有局限，同时我们也在国家扮演在野党的角色。我们在国会已经否决巫统和国阵成员党的三分之二多数议席，这让我们可以监督制度滥权。他们再也不能轻易地立法，国会辩论及公众透明度也大大地进步。我们希望下一届大选可以强化马来西亚的良好施政和民主制度。

活跃分子在马来西亚

自2008年3月，马来西亚人权的发展方向其实是相当积极的。我们在民联当中， 行动党功不可没，人权课题一直是我们的议程里、我们一直在国会提起、甚至牺牲个人的利益，当然，人权发展出现新的气象，最大的功劳还是普通老百姓。最近人民勇敢地参与709净选明2.0大集会是最明显的例子。反对内安法令运动也是另一个例子。如此活跃及有原则的政治参与真正反映了马来西亚的真正精神，它经常因简单化、伤人的种族性恶骂及人格谋杀而被模糊，但是它已经成为让马来西亚变得更好的推动力。

我们也要小心，这是不是国阵政府大选前的宣传花招，用另一种方式让内安法令继续阴魂不散。因为他们不是在今年的国会提呈废除内安法令，而是要等到明年。马来西亚政府会不会旧酒装新瓶？人们关心内安法令将被两条防范性法令取代，届时会不会变成有两种内安法令？

第一代的权利

马来西亚首要的人权问题就是公民自由。其中最重要的是言论自由。一些重要的批评言论往往被视为“煽动”。我们的政治气候还不允许批评，很多课题，包括最近关于历史的讨论课题，都被看成“敏感”课题。

另一个人权问题就是自由和公平选举的自由。马来西亚的选举基本上算公平，但是不自由。净选盟2.0要求采用不褪色墨水及干净政治，让人们关注选举需要更高的透明度，以及选举制度的滥权问题。在槟城，我们担心选民册上神秘增加的选民。选举改革一直是关键问题，这是人民决定自己命运的权利，人民对于选出本身的政治及一人尊重其选择的政府的权利。选举过程必须廉洁及公正。我们答应参与选举改革国会遴选委员会，但是我们担心改革的执行单位，那就是选委会的独立性及制度监督。改革不能和制度一起进行修修补补，他们必须以专业自主的方式，来对症下药，同时允许投票监督及适当的争论机制。马来西亚人要有一个公平的机制，每一张票都必须受尊重。

过去几年，另一个让很多人受伤的课题就是宗教自由。这个课题的伤害让很多社群感同身受。我们看见教堂爆炸、示威者要捍卫他们的宗教、一些难以处理的案子被带上高庭，引发针对宗教角色的宪制辩论。我无法深谈这个情绪化课题的复杂性，但是，问题的核心是政治生活上不同宗教的差异、对宗教习俗奉行能力的不同看法，以及不同宗教、不同社群不幸地被误解。无论我们奉行什么宗教，我们都是马来西亚人。民联将秉持接受差异，并且在施政方面灌输各宗教的核心价值- 容忍、庄重及人道。很多人问行动党如何与回教党合作？很少人能够看到那些跨宗教的价值以及良好施政的原则。我们拥有共同的目标，就是立志建立一个廉洁以及公正的政府。我们认同两党的差异，接受彼此的差异并采取互相尊重的对话方式是非常重要的。通过认识彼此的差异，我们进而珍惜马来西亚丰富多元的优点。

第二代权利

最令人担忧的是经济不平等。2010年世界银行报告指出，40%的家庭收入只占总收入的14.3%，收入顶层20%的家庭占总收入的50%。我国经济成长的分配素质比以前还糟。如今贫富不均不再是特定族群的问题，也是在个别族群内部的问题，如马来人、华人、印度人、伊班人、卡达山人等本身族群的贫富悬殊问题更加严重。区域上的贫富悬殊问题也很严重，特别是东马更加显著。从前，城乡之间的贫富悬殊问题很严重，现在，城市内出现相对贫穷的城市贫民，还是偏僻的长屋内。一些群体也面对巨大的挑战，包括年老人士、或是大部分由单亲妈妈身为一家之主的单亲家庭。

第三代权利

我国常常因我们对待女佣的方式而被批评，一些人也关注我们的扣留所及难民政策。贩卖人口也是我国的问题，我们也是转运中心。我想在此赞扬纳吉政府，制订严格的法律，为受害者提供保护。

过去几年，马来西亚有46%的女性加入生产大军。他们大部分是大学毕业生。他们也负起照顾孩子的责任。他们对国家的贡献是无以衡量的。尽管如此，女性整体上的工资偏低，从文书工作到高级经理。一份研究报告指出，主管级的薪酬差异更大，通常，男性的薪酬比同级女性高出三分之一。

槟城的记录

我们秉持能干、公信及透明的施政原则。公开招标让我们省下数千万令吉，在招商引资方面也破记录。我们肃贪的坚定立场让我们可以为槟城人带来改变。

在公民自由方面，我们建立演说者角落，并极度容忍前来我们办公室门前的示威人士。这个全马唯一的演说者角落证明槟城不只拥有言论自由，也拥有发表言论后的自由，确保没有人会因为批评民联和国阵而被处罚。其它州政府并没有面对同等级的示威。虽然很多次示威活动是受到政治鼓动及煽动，但是我们也关注他们的声音，重要的是让他们的愤怒得以宣泄。

我们也与民联成员党一起促进地方议会选举，因为我们相信地方政府需承担更多责任。

我们也推介资讯自由法案，希望可以摒除法律的障碍，顺利在州议会过关。

在宗教权利方面，我们拨款也宗教学校，特别是回教学校，以认同这些学校的重要角色。

我们的社会保护网提供乐龄人士回馈金、支持进入国立大学就读的学生、最近也推介宝贝计划。我们的社会保护网涉及的数目不大，但是我们协助有需要的个人及家庭，在他们生活的关键时刻提供援助。

在创造机会方面，我们将中小型企业视为经济的支柱。我们三管齐下，提供免费咨询服务，中小型企业SMART 中心提供两年的低廉租金给那些起步的科技资讯中心，之后可以转移阵地到中小型企业园去建立自己的工厂。我们也确认了清真食品的市场。

我们也成立了槟州妇女理事会以关注妇女课题及在政策方面协助州政府。

我们共同的未来

作为槟城州政府我们明白对人权做出承诺或指出问题所在是不足够的。我们有必要做的是改变，我们要去解决所指出的问题，让它获得实质的改变。我们所做的根本原因只有一个，就是为了人民。尊重人权与维护透明不只在马来西亚是艰巨的，我们还要确保人权斗争是概括全球的。

其中一个艰巨的斗争是我们目前要面对的是，必须在立法、执法及司法的体制下运作，以确保诸如反贪委员会及选举委员会的公信。我们要立法建立体制，我们要让槟城成为第一个绿洲，我们要建立一个没有中间人或第三者，只要认识法律程序就可办事的地方。

Malaysian Institute of Corporate Governance President Tan Sri Megat Najmuddin Megat Khas said that such a law would allow equal chances to all and develop sustainable economic policies. Increasingly many Malays are also leaving, just look at Dubai. The terrible cost we are paying can be seen by the failure to realize our full economic potential causing Malaysia to lose out to other countries that were far behind us previously.

For instance, Gross national income (GNI) per capita of South Korea in 1970 was below that of Malaysia (US$260 versus US$380), but by 2009, South Korea’s was three times larger than Malaysia’s ($21,530 versus $6,760). By 2020 Malaysia’s targeted GNI per capita of USD 15,000 would not even exceed South Korea’s GNI per capita now.

In 2010 Singapore overtook Malaysia as South-East Asia’s third-largest economy, after Indonesia and Thailand. Singapore’s gross domestic product (GDP) in 2010 was US$210 billion as compared to Malaysia’s US$ 205billion.

We have failed as a country to grow the size of our economy and lost out in the race towards economic competitiveness. Singapore is significantly smaller in size and in terms of population, compared with Malaysia. Malaysia is 478 times the size of Singapore and our population, at 27 million, much larger than its tiny neighbour’s 4.8 million.

In addition, Singapore is not blessed with as much natural resources as Malaysia. And yet, Singapore has been actively transforming its economy over the years and it now stands as the easiest place to do business in the world and an important regional financial hub. Can Malaysia catch up when last year, Singapore’s GDP per capita was US$36,537 (up from US$512 in 1965) compared with Malaysia’s US$ 6,975 (US$ 335 in 1965)?

How Can Malaysia Reform Itself Into A High-income Economy With Per Capita Income Of USD 15,000 By 2020 If The NEM Is Determined Not By Learned Economists But By Ignorant Racists Such As Perkasa.

Datuk Dr Zainal Aznam revealed that a performance based system and EOC was dropped after the Federal Government caved in to extremist groups such Perkasa, meant that the cabinet had failed the test on reforms. How can Malayisa reform itself into a high-income economy with a GNI per capita of USD15,000 by 2020 if the NEM is determined not by learned economists such as Datuk Dr Zainal Aznam but by ignorant racists such as Perkasa?

Datuk Dr Zainal also said that the appointment of former Negri Sembilan Menteri Besar Tan Sri Mohd Isa Abdul Samad as Felda chairperson sends the wrong signals in reference to Mohd Isa’s track record of graft. UMNO had barred Isa from contesting in the UMNO elections in 2005 for being involved in money politics.

For Malaysia not to be left further behind by other countries, the time has come to ensure that appointments to top positions are based on competency and integrity. No political crony should be appointed just because he is well-connected or by ignoring his corrupt background. There is no point having the most competent person if he is corrupt. Similarly there is no point having the cleanest person if he is not competent.

There are many Malaysians who possess both qualities of competency and integrity but many have left because they do not enjoy equal opportunity. If the government does not want another 2 million Malaysians to leave, quick action must be taken to ensure that the content of our character and our level of expertise is more important than the colour of our skin and our political connections.
LIM GUAN ENG

Welcome to Penang, the state of free speech with the first Speaker’s Square in the country where in the immortal words of Voltaire, “We may disagree with you but we will defend to the death your right to disagree with me”. It gives me great honour to be invited to celebrate this day with all you heroes and heroines of those who were deprived, dispossessed and denied of their basic human rights.

Acting alone or in groups within their communities, every day human rights defenders work to end discrimination by campaigning for equitable and effective laws, reporting and investigating human rights violations and supporting victims. While some human rights defenders are internationally renowned, many remain anonymous and undertake their work often at great personal risk to themselves and their families.

Amnesty International is one of the organisations who work hard to protect the rights of the people and especially for the human rights defenders. Letter Writing Marathon is Amnesty International’s Global Initiative to mobilise the public to speak up about various human rights violations which happens worldwide in a form of personal letters. This also fosters international solidarity in which to end human rights violation beyond one’s own country. Amnesty International believes that, sending letters is one of the most effective ways for individuals to communicate their concerns to people who are responsible for violating human rights and to those in position to influence their actions.

In 1997, I was convicted on sedition charges and sentenced to 18 months prison sentence for trying to defend an underaged girl who was detained even though she was a rape victim. It was appalling that she was detained whilst her rapists got off scot-free. I have used this incident as an example of my dedication to social justice, especially female sex victims. During the time of my detention, Amnesty International categorised me as a ‘Prisoner of Conscience’. They campaigned tirelessly for my release. Its members petitioned for my release and I received letters of solidarity when I was detained. The letters of solidarity that I received brightened my days whilst in prison. I am very thankful to Amnesty International for their support and aid during my bleak times in prison. Let me reiterate again how important it is to write letters of solidarity to all prisoners of conscience as it does save lives!

These letters remind us that we are not alone in our struggles for human dignity. When one is incarcerated in a dinghy and lonely cell, we are so cut off from civilisation that we feel alone and disconnected as if no one cares. These letters uplifts our spirits, gives us hope and even courage to continue and past by another tortuous day in our cell. Getting letters from places far away and other continents lends a certain charm and fills us with wonderment that people from exotic places remember a prisoner of conscience languishing in cells that our own citizens have forgotten. Thank you for nourishing my spirit and renewing my faith in all things good that good shall come to those who do good.

Nowadays, human rights abuse still happen in our country. One of the major scenes is Deaths in Custody. In Malaysia, it happens and many a time, these deaths could have been avoided if there was sufficient monitoring and better health care of prisoners or detainees in the places of detention. “A total of 279 suspects have been shot dead by the police between 2000 and 2009, while 147 died in police lockups during the same period.” ( Malaysiakini , 28 June 2010, 426 deaths at hands of the police since 2000).

Beside of these, one of the key campaigns of Amnesty International is the Demand Dignity Campaign, which Amnesty International believes that the people who live in poverty facing the human rights abuse as their basic need were not fulfilled. The new PR Penang State Government had given priority to eradicate hard-core poverty and had succeeded in doing in one year what could not be done in the previous 51 years.

Penang has eradicated hard core poverty by running a state led program to assist hard core poor families with income below RM500 to be topped up to that level so that they can move out of that category. This program has indeed helped many poor families in Penang to be able to receive some form of financial aid.

We are now focusing on our long-term goal of wiping out poverty per se, Just as we were the first to wipe out hard-core poverty in Malaysia, we hope to be first to wipe out poverty in Malaysia.

Apart from trying to become the first hard-core poverty-free state in Malaysia, Penang will also be the first state not to give out free plastic bags beginning 1 January 2011. These measures together with other environmental measures will assist in our long-term goal of becoming the first green state in Malaysia.

At last, I would like to congratulate Amnesty International and all the Penang Local NGOS for working hard to promote and protect the human rights. On this note, it is with great pleasure that I declare the Human Rights Day Celebration 2010 officially launched.

Speech by Chief Minister of Penang, Lim Guan Eng at the Human Rights Day Celebration 2010 in George Town on 12.12.2010:

How can Perkasa claim not to be racist and only fighting to uphold Article 153 of the Federal Constitution when they support racist statements that Chinese should go back to China and their women sell their bodies whereas Indians are beggars and dogs. I have checked and rechecked through Article 153 of the Federal Constitution and there is nothing stated in Article 153 that gives any one special rights to describe Chinese whose women sell their bodies and should go back to China, Indians as beggars or are dogs.

The statement by UMNO MP for Sri Gading that both UMNO and Perkasa have the same ideology only proves UMNO has all along being behind Perkasa. What is surprising however is that this support and the Perkasa mentality is prevalent even amongst all component parties of BN as explained by Tengku Adnan in the Malaysian Insider on Perkasa,
“When we had a meeting with BN secretaries-general, we never talked even a little bit that we wanted to distance ourselves from anybody,”

Clearly all the BN component parties like MCA are just playing a big “sandiwara” opposing Perkasa outside when inside meetings, they keep silent and submissively support UMNO’s pro-Perkasa position. BN component parties should explain why they keep silent inside BN meetings and dare not demand BN oppose Perkasa, yet talk big outside.

This Perkasa mentality in BN is dangerous as it has permitted public and open denigration of non-Malays. School principals who are supposed to teach good values, healthy respect of each other differences and harmonious living are now preaching intolerance, contempt of other races and even hate. Worse there escape unpunished! How do you teach good if you do not punish bad?

How can Perkasa not be racist and Ibrahim Ali claim to have Indian and Malay friends when they do not condemn but openly support racist statements calling Indians beggars and dogs, Chinese women sell their bodies and to go back to China. More serious is that UMNO and BN continues to support Perkasa despite such racist and extremist positions taken by Perkasa.

Dehumanizing Malaysians with contemptuous language and hate is extremely dangerous. This is what Hitler and Pol Pot has done to pursue their political agenda by dehumanizing the minorities within their population. If Perkasa, supported by UMNO and BN, succeeds in dehumanizing Malaysians, it is but a small step from preaching and even justifying mass violence. That is why Malaysians must stand up for peace and respect by uniting against the racism and extremism of hate as embodied not only by Perkasa but also against those that support Perkasa.

1. I wish to thank all of you for being here to witness the historic launching ceremony of the first Speakers’ Corner in Malaysia today. This auspicious day marks an important history in George Town’s colorful chapter of political change since March 2008 where the Speakers’ Corner represents the platform of democracy for all Malaysians, the aspirations to enjoy the right to freedom of expression and the hopes of all Malaysians for a civil society.

2. With the Speakers’ Corner, the rakyat will have the opportunity to express their views and opinions freely whilst ensuring that their rights are being protected. Speakers’ Corner should be an avenue to allow the citizens and individuals to have gatherings and candle vigil peaceful demonstrations, press conference, various other forms of peaceful and artistic forms of expression and to demonstrate their citizens’ rights.

3. It is time for Penang to show the rest of Malaysia that the thrust of participatory democracy is alive and well in this state and it embraces the value of freedom and human rights. Let’s not consider the Speakers’ Corner as just another platform like Hyde Park in London but an important milestone for democracy and free speech in Penang and Malaysia.

Ladies and Gentlemen:

4. Penang PR’s people-centric state government is based on 3E’s of Empowering the people, Enriching the rakyat and Enabling the people. The Speakers’ Corner fulfills the aspirations of empowering the people by encouraging citizens to exercise their constitutional rights under Article 10 (1)(a) of the Federal Constitution of freedom of speech and expression and Article 10 (1)(b) where all citizens have the right to assemble peaceably.

5. Penang State Government entrust the citizens of Penang will make use of this Speakers’ Corner responsibly to demonstrate their views, exercise their rights by giving them the voice to speak. They should be mindful that the police can take action because the police have said that they are unable to provide any legal immunity from prosecution. I wish to urge the police to exercise judicious discretion and allow views to be freely expressed.

6. The Speakers’s Square may result in unfair criticisms, including of the state government. I believe that we are all mature enough to listen to different views and allow people the freedom to express them freely. We hope this will give us the most important freedom of all, which is the freedom from fear.

7. I have always said that a good government must do three things:- listen to the people, do the people’s work and give hope to the people. The Speakers’ Corner serves as a catalyst to the growing spirit of democracy throughout Penang and the willingness of the state government to listen to the people to be a good government.

8. As Voltaire was reputed to have said on free speech, “I may not agree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it”. Last but not least, I wish to thank the Police, the Local Authority and the NGOs that have worked together to establish a Speakers’ Square in George Town.

I would like to express concern over the federal government’s proposed amendments to Malaysia’s major labour laws that could affect the rights and livelihood of our workers.

The proposed amendments to the Industrial Relations Act 1967, Trade Union Act 1959 and Employment Act 1955 have been described by the Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) as the worst plan conceived against Malaysian workers.

According to MTUC, if the amendment to the Industrial Relations Act is approved, it could take away employees’ right to bring up any case of wrongful dismissal to the Industrial Court.

The proposal to amend the Trade Union Act would allow employers to question representation of trade unions every five years. This could lead to intimidation against trade unionism and the protection of workers in the country.

Under the proposal to amend the Employment Act, it is meant to allow employers to change employees’ working hours.

As Chief Minister of Penang, I understand the need to foster closer cooperation between employers and employers, as well as to cater to the needs of investors. But to achieve this, it must never be done at the expense of any party, in particular the workers.

Arresting brain drain

We know that brain drain is Malaysia’s serious problem that must be resolved if we are to become a high-income economy. We also know that this acute problem will only worsen if the government continues to treat our best and brightest with indifference.

We must focus on merit and higher productivity. This is equally as important in ensuring protection for our workers.

When the government is not serious in handling the issue, we have a bad situation where there are actually jobs available for those who possess high skills and knowledge but there is not enough supply of such local employees. Yet we have a serious problem of unemployment in “rich” states such as Terengganu, Sabah and Sarawak.

In Sarawak, for example, despite its oil, gas and timber production, the state is still rife with problems, making poverty, displacement and unemployment among the major issues that have yet to be resolved despite many promises made by those in power.

Say no to GST

At the same time, it is also important for the government not to bring in additional burden to the economic well-being of Malaysian workers. In the proposal to introduce the Goods and Services Tax (GST), although the government had shelved its implementation, it never abolishes the plan.

When Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, in an interview with Bernama last month (April), was asked whether the government had caved in to political pressure, he replied in the negative, saying that the (implementation of) GST required a bit more time for the public to support and buy in.

This means, the government could at any time force the GST upon us, burdening the poor and the middle class. As we know, there are only 1.8 million individuals with an income of more than RM3,000 a month pay tax for their salary, and GST would force the entire 12 million to pay tax.

If the government is facing problem of raising funds, the solution is not to introduce new taxes. The government should instead focus on fighting corruption and putting a stop to wastages, which I believe we could save at least RM28 billion annually.

Selamat Hari Pekerja!

DAP salutes the courage of more than 50,000 people who gathered peacefully in Kuala Lumpur to demand the abolition of the ISA which allows detention without trial and is abused as a political weapon against opponents of BN. The arrests of 589 people by police yesterday constitute a Malaysian historic record for the largest number of arrests for one single event.

DAP congratulates Gerakan Mansuh ISA(GMI) and its co-ordinator Syed Ibrahim Syed Nor, for successfully focusing world attention on ordinary Malaysians’ yearning for freedom, basic human rights and justice by demanding an immediate repeal of the ISA. The BN must take heed of the repugnance of the people towards ISA and that arresting more people would not deter or diminish the people’s cry to end such an unjust law.

DAP condemns the harsh police action meted by IGP Tan Sri Musa Hasan that was not only unwarranted, excessive and inhumane including arresting 13 year old and 16 year old boys. Something is very wrong with our IGP when the police arrest and even remand 13 year old boys instead of criminals.

If BN is sincere about holding discussions on the ISA, then it must first agree to discuss with GMI and the opposition parties about abolishing the ISA. BN must also disassociate itself from IGP Tan Sri Musa Hasan’s excessive, unwarranted and inhumane actions against those participating in the peaceful “Abolish ISA Gathering” by unconditionally and immediately releasing without charges, the 589 people arrested.

But now every Malaysian who reads will know who is Teoh Beng Hock – his open pleasant face, his distraught fiancé and his twisted body lying grotesquely on the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) building imprinted indelibly in our minds.

I vaguely remembered meeting him once. He was one of the many idealistic, bright and young Malaysians who joined the DAP after the political tsunami on 8 March 2008 that transformed our political landscape.

Teoh wanted to participate in the flowering of democracy and forge the real changes that promised equal opportunity, good governance and justice. Teoh wanted to be part of this amazing transformation shaping his country and future. He wanted to serve the public, through his position as a personal assistant to a Selangor State EXCO member.

This wish to serve has tragically cost Teoh his life, taking him away from his loved ones. Denying his parents of a son, his fiancé of her husband and his unborn child of a father.

Teoh is not the only one. Before him there were many others, Indians Malays and Chinese but he was the first DAP member to die so cruelly.

I am still in a state of shock and am terribly upset at the MACC for allowing this to happen when Teoh was under their custody. Much as we know the evil that lurks within our security agencies, we are still shocked at such acts of depravity. Whilst the many officers are decent human beings, it is always the few criminal elements that shatter any belief that our security forces can protect us or genuinely fight corruption.

We can ask the police why they are wasting public resources to arresting PR leaders and members but not focusing their energies on criminals threatening our safety. We can ask the MACC why they are interrogating hapless personal assistants over a few thousand ringgit for 11 hours till 3.45 am(who are not even suspects) but not applying the same harsh approach on those named in the RM 12.5 billion Port Klang Free Trade Zone scandal. We can also ask why the police and MACC allow themselves to be used as political weapons of BN.

But I choose to ask what wrong has Teoh done to deserve this? He did not steal or kill, he was only trying to do his job to serve and change Malaysia.

Which is perhaps why I cry but there are no tears!

Nothing said or done would ever wipe out the tears of Teoh’s loved ones. But if there is one duty we can do is to stop the deaths. To make sure that there are no more bright, young and idealistic Malaysians like Teoh dying in the hands of police or MACC.

This is one duty that all Malaysians whether fathers or mothers, sons or daughters must undertake. That we must clean up the police force and the MACC to make Malaysia safe for our children.

I still see Teoh’s crooked body lying there so helplessly in the MACC building. Like all Malaysians, we feel sad that we got to know Teoh Beng Hock after his death. But the memory of his ultimate sacrifice shall reside in our minds for the rest of our lives. And his dreams of a better Malaysia shall live in our hearts as long as we breathe.

Teoh Beng Hock Rest In Peace!

Up to RM 200,000 per family was offered by the developer to the residents which was accepted by many families but not by those remaining in Kampung Buah Pala. The state government respected the decision of those remaining in Kampung Buah Pala to reject any compensation offer and to fight it out in courts.

If the state government had not been sympathetic to the plight of the residents, then the developer would have evicted the residents in the middle of last year when a court order was obtained. Only the determined preventive efforts by Penang DCM2 Professor P Ramasamy and Penang State EXCO Abdul Malik stopped the developer from entering the village with bulldozers several times last year.

All parties must therefore realise that it is only because of the efforts of the present Pakatan Rakyat state government that the Kampung Buah Pala residents are still living there.

Koh Tsu Koon Owes The Public A Full Explanation Why He Sold The Kampung Buah Pala At A Cheap Price Of Only RM 10 Per Square Feet In 2007 And Without consulting the residents.

The state government land of Kampung Buah Pala was approved to Koperasi Pegawai Kerajaan Pulau Pinang twice by the BN Penang state EXCO led by Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon on 18.8.2004 and 8.6.2005 with a premium of RM 6.42 million or RM 20 per square feet. I can not understand neither the rationale of approving this project without consulting the residents nor selling it at such a low price.

Worse Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon’s EXCO reduced the premium further by 50% to RM 3.21 million or only RM 10 per square feet on the recommendation of the UMNO Deputy Chief Minister. Koh Tsu Koon owes the public a full explanation why he sold Kampung Buah Pala at a cheap price of only RM 10 per square feet in 2007 when the market price in this prime area is many times over and without consulting the residents.

The Penang State Government Should Not Be Unfairly Victimised And Targeted By Hindraf For Helping The Kampung Buah Pala Residents.

It is BN, Gerakan, MIC, UMNO & MCA that are the main culprits for causing, abandoning and even selling out Kampung Buah Pala residents.

The Penang state government regrets the highly irresponsible and irrational actions of Hindraf in targeting the Penang state government over the actions taken by the developer to evict residents in Kampung Buah Pala. Hindraf wants the state government to act against the court order obtained by the developer to evict the residents. This the state government can not do as Pakatan Rakyat governs under the rule of law and is compelled to respect any court order issued.

On the other hand, there have been suggestions that the Penang state government forcibly acquires the land under for a public purpose under the Land Acquisition Act. Doing so would play into the hands into the developer who would be able to reap enormous profits without putting in a single cent. Much as the Penang state government would wish to do, cancelling the project and forcibly acquiring the land would incur costs beyond the financial capability of the state government. We are NOT talking about millions of ringgit or tens of millions of ringgit here!

Clearly Hindraf is unable to distinguish who its friends are by likening such actions to UMNO’s tearing down of Hindu temple. And yet Hindraf does not organise nation-wide protests for the recent tearing down Hindu temples in Kuala Lumpur. The Penang state government should not be unfairly victimised or targeted by Hindraf when we have assisted the residents and also not involved with the tearing down of any Hindu temple in Penang.

Why is Hindraf not demonstrating against UMNO or Gerakan or MCA or even MIC who are the main culprits and perpetrators behind Kampung Buah Pala? This begs the question whether Hindraf has now been infiltrated by collaborators of MIC and BN when it should be demonstrating against those who demolish temples and not the Penang state government seeking a fair deal for the Kampung Buah Pala villagers.

Hindraf should realise what the Penang state government has done for the Indian community, temples and Tamil primary schools. Not only was the first Indian Deputy Chief Minister II of Penang appointed but the 28 Tamil primary schools were given a yearly allocation of RM 1.5 million along with other Chinese primary, Sekolah Agama Rakyat, missionary schools and Chinese independent secondary schools. Further Penang put up the FIRST Tamil road signs in the country alongside with Arabic, Chinese and English bilingual road signs in Georgetown. Even Hindraf never even raised the issue of Tamil road signs.

By going against the Penang state government, Hindraf is indirectly helping UMNO and BN and putting all the achievements made by the Penang state government at risk. There will be no Indian DCM2, no yearly allocation of funds to Tamil primary schools and no more Tamil road signs or bilingual road signs. Hindraf should use reason not emotions of rage or anger and think again who are the real opponents and the real friends of the Indian community.

Most important of all, the Penang state government treats all Indians together with Chinese and Malays as Malaysian citizens, where a Chinese leader can look after Malays a Malay leader can look after Chinese and an Indian leader can look after all citizens. DAP and the Pakatan Rakyat government will not back down or be cowed by BN, UMNO or Hindraf who continues to look at problems from a narrow racial spectrum of Chinese, Indian or Malays. DAP and the Penang Pakatan Rakyat government believes that the issues of Indians are not Indian problems, the issues of Chinese are not Chinese problems nor the issues of Malays not Malay problems but a Malaysian issue.

We should be uniting together as Malaysians around the principles of justice, truth, freedom, democracy and welfare of the people to ensure that we fight corruption to both generate growth and prosperity as well as ensure that everyone shares equitably.

However despite regretting the unwarranted targeting of the Penang state government, Hindraf leaders have the right to exercise the basic human rights of peaceful assembly by demonstrating no matter how unreasonable they are. I have instructed my officials to respect their rights and accept any memorandum submitted in line with non-violent principles of Mahatma Gandhi that, “violence begets violence, an eye for any eye would leave everyone blind.” I also urge the police not to take any action that would lead to untoward actions.

The state government will also not be affected by the actions of the residents in suddenly turning against the state government despite all the assistance offered. The state government will continue to assist the remaining residents of Kampung Buah Pala, including if the residents so wish, that the developer of Kampung Buah Pala continues with its offer of up to RM 200,000 compensation per registered family to the residents. The state government has also not given any consent or agreement to the developer to demolish any buildings as the developer is acting on his own under the court order from the High Court and Federal Court.

DAP welcomes the comments made by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak during an interview with Singapore’s Straits Times on his intention to dismantle the National Economic Policy (NEP) because ethnic quotas had damaged Malaysia’s competitiveness and ran counter to global trends. Najib had clearly come around to DAP’s contention over the past 40 years that the long-term benefits of ending the scheme would outweigh the “pain” involved.

Even though such comments had come 40 years too late, it is a case of better late than never. This clearly shows the impact and effectiveness of people’s power during the political tsunami of the 2008 general elections that can force the spring and bring about change towards democratic and good governance.

Just like Najib’s “One Malaysia, People First, Performance Now”, DAP has no objections to Najib copying from DAP’s handbook of ideas, ideals and principles of nation-building and Malaysian Malaysia. Instead of helping the poor and marginalised sections of society, especially the Malays, the NEP has become a huge gravy train of cronyism, corruption and nepotism where public interests are sacrificed for private benefit.

Instead of wiping out poverty and hard-core poverty amongst the masses, the NEP has created millionaires out of UMNO politicians and several other lucky non-UMNO BN politicians. The NEP should be replaced by a Malaysian First Economic Policy that guarantees equal economic opportunity and socio-economic justice based on merit and needs.

The time has come to create wealth by developing and retaining our human talents instead of the continuous brain drain to Singapore as well as distribute wealth equitably from the huge Petronas oil revenues. Giving RM 35 billion annually which allows each middle-income family earning less than RM 6,000 monthly to receive RM 6,000 annually would only come up to 1/3 of Petronas annual profits.

DAP hopes that Najib is committed to dismantling the NEP as he had described his move in combative terms, describing himself as a “warlord” who would face down opposition from smaller chiefs in his party. For the sake of our country’s future, DAP is willing to set aside political interests and ignore partisan differences to save the nation from the excesses, inefficiencies and malpractices endemic in the NEP.

Using Police State Mentality To Arrest Those Holding Candles As A Threat To National Security Is Detrimental To Democracy, Basic Human Rights And Freedom.

DAP unreservedly condemns Selangor police for continuing to arrest peaceful and law-abiding citizens exercising their democratic rights in candlelight vigils demanding fresh elections in Perak to allow the people to determine the government of their choice. The latest Ampang Jaya police action, where sixteen people including DAP Teratai state assemblywoman Jenice Lee were remanded for two days for allegedly holding a candlelight vigil, makes a mockery of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak’s calls for greater freedom and democracy.

Using police state mentality to arrest those holding candles as a threat to national security is not only making Malaysia an international laughing stock but also grossly detrimental to democracy, basic human rights and freedom. It is ridiculous that the 16 were arrested when they were also for lighting candles celebrating the birthday of Lim Swee Kuan who is DAP leader Lim Kit Siang’s assistant..

Home Minister Datuk Hishamuddin Tun Hussein Onn should intervene immediately and instruct the police to focus on its job of fighting crime by stopping the arrests of law-abiding and peaceful demonstrators. No wonder crime is getting worse every day when the police is not doing what they are paid for.

LIM GUAN ENG

If the person who brought in the gun was found of to be a policeman, stern action must be taken immediately. No one is allowed to bring firearms in any state assembly or the Parliament.

Barisan Nasional Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Zambry Abd Kadir was given full protection by the police when he returned to the Perak state secretariat yesterday. But when the legitimate Menteri Besar Datuk Mohd Nizar Jamaluddin were back at work after the High Court on May 11 declared him the rightful Menteri Besar, according to Malaysikini.com, there were “a large contingent of riot police. At least five Federal Reserve Unit trucks, one water cannon and about 50 uniformed policemen were seen milling around the compound.”

I want to remind the IGP that the police are the servants of the people. Their salaries are paid by the taxpayers, not Barisan Nasional. Therefore I would like to see a more professional approach from the police in handling the Perak issue.

The country had already been embarrassed by the mass arrests around the Perak state assembly building on May 7 was also shocked to see police personnel behaving as if they were the bodyguards for Umno and BN. The police have shamed themselves by openly supporting Zambry, the man who claimed to be the Perak Menteri Besar.

Zambry may want to continue pretending to be Menteri Besar but it is wrong for him to resume the position of Menteri Besar after the High Court made its decision on May 11.

Even after the Court of Appeal’s decision on May 12 to grant a stay of execution on the High Court’s ruling that declared the popularly elected Mohd Nizar as the legitimate Menteri Besar, Zambry has no right to take over the Menteri Besar post.

Since the High Court has decided that Mohd Nizar was the rightful Menteri Besar, Zambry is nothing but a usurper of power.

In a case involving death penalty, a stay of execution does not mean the accused would be freed. It simply means to person have to wait until the final judgement is made.

In this case, Zambry cannot become the Menteri Besar. If there’s a need for anyone to take over at this moment, it should be Mohd Nizar because he was the one elected by the people.

The only way to resolve this embarrassing musical chairs is to dissolve the Perak State Assembly immediately to make way for a fresh election to allow the rakyat the right to choose their own government. Only by returning power to the people, honour can be restored in Perak and Malaysia.

Unfortunately BN and the police appears not to have heeded such calls for changes and continue such abuses of power with the decision to charge a total of 21 people in the Petaling Jaya Sessions Court on 23 January 2009 with taking part in an illegal assembly and failing to disperse when ordered to do so.

Petaling Jaya Utara MP Tony Pua, Selangor state executive council member Ronnie Liu, Kampong Tunku assemblyman Lau Weng San, Reverend Father Paulino Francesco Miranda of the Church of Divine Mercy and the rest were charged under the Police Act when they were protesting against the ISA in front of the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) building on Nov 9 last year. By charging elected representatives who were peacefully meeting with their constituents to protest against a draconian law that has been condemned by international human rights bodies is a travesty of justice and a mockery of human rights.

The DAP unreservedly condemns the Selangor police and the BN government for practicing vindictive and vengeance politics after the loss of the KT by-election loss by charging PR elected representatives and supporters. The DAP calls on the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to intervene by immediately dropping all charges to prove his commitment to democratic reforms and human rights.

Another sad human tragedy that highlights continued abuses of power and violation of basic human rights by the Selangor Police is the death under police custody of Kugan Ananthan at the Taipan police station in Subang Jaya. Whilst we welcome Attorney-General Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail decision to classify the death as murder, there is no confidence in the credibility and integrity of the Selangor police to conduct an impartial and independent investigation.

There should be an independent investigation to ensure that there is no cover-up and a second post-mortem conducted to determine not only the cause of death BUT ALSO other injuries he had suffered. This is to ensure that there is a full accounting of other injuries to show that even though may not have been the cause of death but is evidence of torture by the police. DAP condemns the Selangor police for such unprofessional behaviour and urges the government to amend the procedures for post-mortem to include all other injuries that may not have led to death to determine whether a person was tortured or not.

The Penang State Government wishes to reaffirm our state’s policy of maintaining our investor friendly policies and sound relationship with all the Multinational Companies (MNCs) in the state, especially those from USA. We value such investments which have benefited both parties in the form of profits and employment opportunities.

The recent presence of the Penang Chief Minister of Penang at the demonstration at Kapitan Keling Mosque is to reaffirm the state government’s stand against the Israeli aggression on the Palestinian in Gaza. Also, the state government hopes that the American government will not continue to give blind support to the Israeli Government to oppress the Palestinians and will use its influence to get Israel to comply the UN Security Council resolution of a immediate ceasefire and withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza.

In condemning the American government’s complicity in asserting Israeli aggression, the Penang state government stresses that we are not against the American people. There are Americans who are opposed to the Israeli aggression and the American Government’s foreign policies under George Bush. Dissatisfaction with such policies has resulted in Barak Obama winning the last Presidential Elections and Obama gives the hope to the world for a just , balanced and peaceful settlement of the Middle East crisis.

The Penang state government is not involved in any boycott of US goods or companies and have no intention of doing so. Any Malaysian who wishes to conduct any boycott of any products is within his rights, in consonant with democratic principles of right to choose or not to choose.

The Penang state government will continue to welcome all investors into Penang, including American companies. We repeat that the Penang state government has not endorsed any boycott of American made products whether or not they are manufactured in Penang.

Today is a special occasion where the global community celebrates the 60th anniversary of the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Unfortunately for us in Malaysia, despite claiming to be a progressive and advanced society, we are still lagging behind in protecting and upholding human rights. After more than 50 years of independence, human rights are mere lip service offered by the Barisan Nasional government.

Recent events, particularly after the historic political tsunami of March 8, have shown that the authorities lack of respect for human rights. Selective prosecutions and persecutions are still being enforced despite the end of Mahathir era.

For us in DAP, we have seen our Member of Parliament Teresa Kok detained under the draconian Internal Security Act recently. Despite her release, it shows a symptom of blatant human rights abuse. Many more DAP leaders have paid the price for speaking the truth. I too have been the victim of the BN government, detained under the ISA and sent to jail with a politically motivated charge.

We have seen a journalist – Sin Chew Daily’s Tan Hoon Cheng – detained under the ISA for doing her job as a reporter, a well-known blogger – Raja Petra Kamaruddin – who was also detained for expressing his views. Both of them have been released too but again, it was abuse of power by the authorities. Many more are still suffering under the ISA – the HINDRAF Five and many others including Muslims who are deemed to be against the government, and until today, no one has been put to trial.

The Penans in Sarawak too have suffered gross human rights abuse. I congratulate Suaram for their efforts in highlighting the plight of the Penans as well as exposing abuses by the authorities against Malaysians in general. But more have to be done in our struggle to promote human rights and freedom.

The mass media are still under the thumb of the government, and some newspapers and TV news which are blatantly promoting racism are allowed to tarnish the good image of concerned citizens. We in DAP have suffered much due to this racial slurs without any proper protection under the laws that were supposed to defend human rights.

Besides controlling the media through repressive laws and curbing press freedom, the BN government is also guilty of book banning, without ever stating the reasons for such anti-freedom act. In the 21st century, our federal government is still fearful of its own people enjoying freedom.

Even the government-initiated Human Rights Commission or Suhakam’s views have been ignored by the BN government. What more we can say for those who are not aligned to the BN government.

As recent as a few days ago, some members of the Jaringan Rakyat Tertindas (JERIT) and Sungai Siput MP Dr D Jeyakumar were arrested by the police while campaigning to promote human rights. JERIT members were merely cycling around the peninsular to hand over memorandum to state leaders including myself as Penang Chief Minister. Yet the police acted against them. Where is protection of human rights in this country?

Sixty years of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and 50 years of Merdeka, we still see the abuses of human rights in this country.

It is sad to note that the BN government is still using the excuse of having to include the phrase “Asian values” to dilute the true meaning of human rights and freedom. Do Asian values mean we can arrest and detain anyone without trial? Do Asian values mean the BN government and its backbone party UMNO can hurl racial slurs?

We will not give up. Some may say that we are repeating the same demand. Yes, we do. Until and unless the ISA and other laws that allow detention without trial are abolished, we will continue to make the same call, over and over again.

Until the people feel safe that there will no abuse of powers by the authorities and there will be a serious enforcement of laws that promote human rights and freedom, we will continue to speak up our mind. In more than 40 years of existence, DAP has always and will continue to fight against abuses of human rights. Many of our leaders have suffered a great deal but we will never give up.

The March 8 mandate was meant for abuses of human rights to end. It also means that the BN government must do away with its autocratic past or else, face the wrath of the people in the next elections. Malaysian of all races and religions should unite in this fight for freedom to ensure protection from abuses.

With this year’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights’ theme dignity and justice for all of us, our message to the BN government is simple – for a start, abolish ISA now!