KKB 13th July 2010

I returned to KKB last week, together with the brave reporter, MK. No one has been allowed to visit the ‘home’ since the story was published as headlines in the Star paper, not even the angelic Sai Baba volunteers. I understand from MK that she had to go through many channels to obtain permission to visit the home, and eventually given the go ahead after a week. She was denied entry the previous week at the entrance. Thankfully I was in the country and had the privilege to accompany her on this occasion.

Entrance of Taman Sinar Harapan, Kuala Kubu Baru

I am delighted to say that the changes have stunned myself, and from the look on MK’s face, she was just as shocked as I was. We were amazed, and left speechless. We were accompanied by the authorities from Jabatan Kebajikan Malaysia, who drove all the way from KL, and had a guided tour of the home by the Pengetua.

The newly decorated corridor

It is difficult to describe what took my breath away. Was it the cleanliness of the place, the well groomed inmates, the beautifully decorated place, the new facilities that are there now, or the hospitality we received? I guess having visited the place last week, I can no longer call them ‘inmates’ but ‘patients’.

‘spotless’ ward

KKB is still a home for the disabled. It is a home for the physical and mentally disabled, aged 15 years and above. We were shown at least 4 rooms, probably consisting about 10-15 patients in each room. The rooms were all clean, re-painted and all had a little ‘water fountain’ in the corner. Even the surroundings outside were extremely clean, well decorated with beautiful orchid plants, swings and seats … almost like a sanctuary. The patients were well groomed, and it was difficult to go unnoticed that they have all had their hair cut, bathed, powdered, and even their finger and toe nails were recently trimmed. All the inmates had fresh clothes on. They were all in ‘new’ uniforms. Even the attendants and nurses were wearing new uniforms! Some even had their make-up on! No one was naked or left naked.

Lunch time !!

I did not see any scars on the patients’ hands or feet. Those who had to be restrained were now restrained appropriately. All the beds / cots have been replaced. There were air beds available for some of the patients who were at risk of bed sores. It was a remarkable change. There are televisions, music in the background and pictures in each room, which were not there previously.

The patients who were classed with severe mental health problems were now guarded/cared for by strong attendants. I had mistaken them for ‘police officers’ in the beginning as they were in sparkling white uniforms! The patients did not look distressed and was handled appropriately when one of them ‘misbehaved’ while we were in the room. There was generally more staff in the home to care for the patients. On my last visit as a volunteer, I had not seen any, not even one! The Pengetua had explained that they have employed more ‘workers’, although it is still insufficient. They now have 6 qualified nursing staff who works round the clock in shifts. The rest of the staff are ‘attendants’ who are trained to look after these patients. There are also training programs available to further train these staff so they are better equipped to treat/handle these patients.

One of the patients receiving therapy in the Sensory Room

We visited a ‘sensory room’ which was beautifully and appropriately set up. Very similar to the ones we have in London hospitals. There were 2 patients receiving therapy, with the supervision of 2 attendees. The equipments were new. I love the set up of the room. The patients can certainly benefit from this therapy, especially the very aggressive ones, and the extremely disabled ones. The staff members could also benefit from the calmness it provides to ease their stressful day.

Physiotherapy room

We also visited the ‘physiotherapy room’. There were 4 patients receiving therapy as we entered. The attendants were gently stretching the contracted limbs of the patients and encouraging ‘normality’. The room was air-conditioned and comfortably laid with mats. Not all patients are able to benefit from this therapy, according to the Pengetua. Some of the patients are sadly admitted at a very late stage, with their limbs permanently contracted, fused and disfigured.

I was told that there is a Multidisciplinary team involved in the home. There are qualified dieticians, physiotherapist, occupational therapist, psychiatrist and other specialists from the local hospital who are making weekly visits to assess the patients. I was concern that one of the patient looked malnourished, hence raised the question on nutrition, however, was reassured that he has been assessed by the dietician. And should any of the patient be ill in the night, the nurse on-call will be available to attend to him/her, and given immediate medical attention.

MK and myself had lots of unanswered questions in our minds as we walked away from KKB. It appears that the home has improved significantly, much to our delight. We left KKB speechless. The horror home is now a sanctuary. The government has made fantastic improvement to the home. I am extremely grateful to MK and her colleague, the two brave reporters who went undercover, and published the story. The news made headlines in The Star paper for many days and have generated huge public interest. As a result, the story has brought about an amazing change to the management of KKB, to the patients, and the future patients admitted to KKB. The impact and changes they have caused • is indescrible and unquantifiable. I understand that the government have since invested RM9 million to refurbish the establishment and to improve the home. And it has certainly improved!

Am I pleased to see the changes? I told MK on our drive back to KL that I was not sure how I was feeling. I was not celebrating with delight. I am puzzled. I have doubts. Was it a beautifully painted picture we were seeing? The first question I had asked the Pengetua was if the Sai Baba volunteers were delighted with the change, and he said YES. I had previous knowledge from the Sai Baba leader that they have not been allowed into the home since the story was published, and none of the team members have seen the place, let alone the changes! That was the first white ‘lie’.

The place was too clean. It smelled of disinfectant. It was virtually spotless compared to my previous visit where I was helping to clean the faeces and urine off the floors. I would like to think that the rooms are routinely cleaned every morning, just like the wards in the hospitals for infection control.

Patients are no longer caged here as they previously were! Its now awaiting to be refurbished

The uniforms, the well groomed patients and staff, even the bed sheets and pillow cases are all clean. Why? Was it because we were visiting and they wanted the photographer to take ‘perfect’ pictures of the home? We probably visited 4 rooms, estimating about 100 or less patients, however, I was told at present, there are 225 patients. Where are the other half? The rooms I visited on my last visit with bars and cages were no longer in use. They are now awaiting to be refurbished.

Why are the equipments so new? We were told the physiotherapy room and the sensory room have been there even before the story was published. If it was, then it has never been used until lately. It all looked ‘new’. Too new to have been used over few years, or few months. There was no signs of wear and tear.

The patients had lunch at midday, and those who were mobile and able to feed themselves gathered in the ‘canteen’ and ate at the table. They had rice, chicken with soup and watermelon. One of the patient was squatting in the corner of the room having her lunch. A JKM fellow told me that if the Star had publish this scene in the paper, it would appear to the public that they are abusing this patient by not insisting she sits on the table and eat with the rest of the others. KKB would immediately receive a negative publicity. My reply must have stunned him as I told him that I would find it abusing to force her to sit on the table. Just look at her, how happy and satisfied she is sitting on the floor, eating her lunch. This is what she is used to, and to change her environment by forcing her to do something she has probably never learned in her life to do can cause more disruption to her. She will learn in her own time as she sees the other patients sitting on the table eating their lunch. She should be encouraged to join them at the table, but NOT forced. She is happily eating her lunch squatting on a clean floor. Absolutely nothing wrong with that. Who are we trying to please? Ourselves or the patient? We are meant to have the patients best interest at heart. And if the Star did publish this scene, the public will see a very happy, contended patient enjoying her lunch undisturbed.. nothing else.

The changes in the home was good. It was excellent. I pray that it is sustainable and that it continues to improve. The home now has great potential. I give credit to the Pengetua who knew all the answers to our queries. He was favored by the patients. He knew most of them by name and he even know their age, conditions and family background.

Talented Jeremy Yap, painting with his toes

There were two patients who had the extraordinary ability and amazing talent to draw with their feet, holding the paint brush between their toes. Every effort was made to ensure they use their talents and develop them. I was immediately drawned to Jeremy, who later gave me one of his art. This treasured piece will be going back to London with me. It will be on my wall, to remind me that given the opportunity and encouragement, the disabled can do more than I am abled, and we should never give up on them. Jeremy had an electric wheelchair which he steered with his feet and little toes. He could go freely up and down the corridor and in the home. Jeremy had the freedom most of the others do not, and he looked sad when we left. He accompanied us right to the gate to say good-bye. I had tears in my eyes … unsure if it was tears of joy or tears of doubt. Has it really changed – permanently? Why is Jabatan Kebajikan Malaysia putting such a tight restriction on visitors and volunteers to return to KKB. Are they hiding something? Shouldn’t it now be an example for similar homes to follow around the country? I told MK that JKM should have invited her to return to KKB to boast about the wonderful changes they have made to the place, and the advance treatment they now have to treat patients with physical and mental disability. Why didn’t they?

I hope to return to KKB again in the near future. Unannounced! Possibly as a volunteer. I hope I would not have to request in writing for permission to visit the home, and go through many difficult applications and channels. If the changes are permanent, there is probably no need for the Sai Baba team to return, as the patients are all well cared for now. What is probably required is giving the attendants a well deserved break for a few hours.

I do love the changes I have seen ☺. I told MK as we drove off, that I hope there isn’t a lorry waiting to transport the lovely equipment we have seen away from KKB!! It would be a house of HORROR if things were back to where they were after MK’s story is published in the paper for the second time! Lets pray that I am wrong. Let me be wrong!

We the undersigned civil society groups hold that the only formula for stability, progress and prosperity in Malaysia is a vigorous and healthy multiparty democracy.

Following the 2008 elections, Malaysia is experiencing a changing style of government, from an authoritarian to a more democratic one. While the public have benefitted from the competition between the BN and PR which brought about some administrative reforms and more inclusive policies, it is still worrying that some quarters may resort to desperate means to influence the election, including the abuse of state apparatus or to change the election outcomes through defection and the deliberate denial of fresh elections when the old mandate is in question.
Come the next general elections, should some political parties refuse to accept “democracy as the only game in town” and attempt to compete for power by rigging elections or rejecting election outcomes, Malaysia may sink into political turmoil.

The role of the Election Commission (EC) in ensuring political stability and democratisation is therefore paramount. Article 114(2) of the Federal Constitution stipulates the expectation of the EC to “[enjoy] public confidence”. This means the Election Commission should conduct elections with integrity and impartiality to ensure universal suffrage, a level playing field for all political parties and candidates, informed choices and facilitation of informed choices and inclusive representation. Bersih 2.0 believes that within the existing provisions of the law, the EC can conduct this important democratic exercise according to the international best-practice standards.

The EC can and must protect multiparty democracy by ensuring clean and fair elections, in their administration and enforcement of relevant laws and also through advocacy of necessary changes to the Constitution, laws and by-laws.

Driven by a common desire for a better tomorrow for Malaysia, we urge the EC bring about the following reforms. We hope the EC will engage us and the larger public for consultation and deliberation. We also call upon the Malaysian public to familiarise themselves with their rights as voters and to advance the reform agenda through their own available channels.

Immediate Concerns:

• Investigation of Election Offences. We hold that it is incumbent upon the EC to perform its public duty to cause an investigation of all election offences committed, particularly in the two recent by-elections, pursuant to the Election Offences Act. It would be a dereliction of duty to ignore the numerous reports filed in relation to election offences committed. In order to maintain its independence, the Election Commission should be given the power to prosecute violators of Election Offences Act.

• Obstruction to voters’ registration. We are alarmed to note the complaints of unreasonable restrictions relating to registration, such as limited forms available to Assistant Registrars in voter registration drives despite the fact that some 4 million eligible voters have yet to be registered. Obstruction of universal suffrage is a cardinal offence against democracy. The EC must immediately remove the resistance to the voter registration drive or risk losing public confidence completely, thus making itself unfit constitutionally. The EC must be seen to be complementing the efforts of all parties towards facilitating (and not obstructing) the efficient registration of voters.

A. Suffrage and Polling

1. Automatic Registration – We hold that all eligible voters should be automatically registered as voters upon eligibility and their status and addresses be updated via the synchronisation of electoral rolls and the national registration database. This would do away with the many flaws in, and complaints relating to, the existing electoral rolls from phantom voters, incomplete addresses, address change to multiple registrations.

We are extremely concerned that the EC has rejected the idea of automatic registration of voters, particularly when this will resolve all complaints about the registration process.

2. Lowering of voting age – We hold that all Malaysians of 18 years old or above have the right to vote and be candidates in parliamentary and state elections. They are mature enough to participate in public life and greatly affected by government policies in education and employment. Nearly 90% of the countries in the world now – including our neighbours Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand and Cambodia – have adopted 18 years or less as the voting age. There is no reason we should be left behind.

3. Absentee Voting for All – We hold that the current separate postal vote list should be abolished but all voters – civilians or members of security forces, whether home or abroad – should be able to opt for absentee voting if they have valid excuses and apply to do so before nomination day. This is perfectly possible with automatic registration and a longer campaign period. The abolition of separate postal voter lists means the police and military voters can now choose to vote like civilians if they are not on duty on polling days. This will eliminate fears and allegations that secrecy and free will are violated in postal voting.

4. Indelible Ink – We hold that indelible ink should be used in all elections to prevent multiple voting. The Cabinet had in fact made the decision to do this in 2007 and the rumour of sabotage that was used to justify its cancellation has been proven to be completely baseless. The EC risks being seen as covertly allowing multiple voting should it insist on opposing the use of indelible ink.

B. Constituency Redelineation

5. Minimising gerrymandering – We hold that constituencies should be delineated based on the communities of interests, amongst others, defined by administrative boundaries. Therefore, no parliamentary and state constituencies should cross the boundary of local authorities or administrative districts. Similarly, no local communities should be partitioned by electoral boundaries. The Thirteenth Schedule of the Federal Constitution stipulates that local ties should be respected.

6. Minimising malapportionment of constituencies – We hold that the EC must faithfully abide the instruction in Section 2, Part 1 Thirteenth Schedule of the Federal Constitution: “the number of electors within each constituency in a State ought to be approximately equal except that, having regards to the greater difficulty of reaching electors in the country districts and the other disadvantages facing rural constituencies, a measure of weightage for area ought to be given to such constituencies.” The rural weightage is not a licence for the EC to manipulate the constituency size. That 17 out of 56 state constituencies in Selangor or 30% have more voters than Selangor’s smallest parliamentary constituency Sabak Bernam in the 2008 elections shows that the EC has blatantly violated the constitutional provision in the last constituency redelineation exercise. We demand that in the coming redelineation exercise, the EC should ensure that in no instance can any state constituency have an electorate larger than the 50% of electorate of the smallest parliamentary constituency in the same State.

C. Contestation and Media

7. Meaningful Campaign Period – We hold that the EC should stipulate a campaign period of not less than 21 days period. A longer campaign period would not only allow voters more time to gather information and deliberate on their choices, it would also reduce the election tension as the parties would have to stretch their resources for a longer period. Twenty-one days is not unreasonable as the British Colonial Government granted a campaign period twice as long, 42 days, in the first national elections in 1955. In the future, the EC should propose for the Elections Act to be amended to such effect.

8. Free and Fair Media Access – We hold that for the next general elections, the EC should press for the national broadcaster, Radio and Television Malaysia (RTM) to allocate airtime proportionately for all political parties that contest more than three seats and organise a televised prime-ministerial debate along the lines of what was held in the United Kingdom in May 2010. The EC should propose for the Elections Act to be amended to compel the state-owned media to provide free and equal coverage for all political parties; and private media to provide fair access.

D. Election Finance

9. Control of party expenses – We hold that the EC must propose for the Election Offences Act to be amended so that expenses such as advertising cost incurred by political parties will be accounted for on pro-rata basis as part of the candidates’ election expenses.

10. Public Finance of Party Expense – We hold that the EC should call upon the Federal and State Governments to financially support all political parties based primarily on vote share in the previous elections.

E. Multiparty democracy

11. Right to Contest Election after Resignation – We hold that the EC should propose to the Federal and State Governments to remove obstacles in the respective constitutions so that elected representatives may re-contest in elections after resignation. Most elected representatives are elected on party tickets. Should they change their party affiliation, they have the duty to resign and seek a new mandate. Removing these obstacles would take away the excuses of party hopping without resignation by elected representatives.

12. Administrative Neutrality – We hold that the EC must propose for the Election Offences Act to be amended such that no major and non-urgent decision including development projects and funding can be made by Federal, State and Local governments concerning the nation, a state or a parliamentary or state constituency after the Parliament/ State Legislature is dissolved or the seat is declared vacant.

13. Restoration of Local Government Elections – We hold that the EC should cooperate with any interested State governments to restore local elections in the spirit of Article 113(4) of the Federal Constitution. The EC must not act in violation of what the Constitution demands of it.

F. Electoral Administration

14. Full Judicial Scrutiny on Election Petitions – We hold that the EC should propose for the Election Offences Act to be amended so that election petitions can be filed on all grounds of electoral manipulation. The Act was amended in 2003 to the effect that the integrity of electoral rolls can no longer be challenged in a court of law.

15. Right to Observe Elections – We hold that the EC must prepare a transparent and inclusive guideline for domestic and international observers to be registered for the coming elections. The EC should also propose for the Election Act to be amended to provide for the right to observe elections.

Issued by:

Dato’ Ambiga Sreenevasan
Chairperson
For and on behalf of BERSIH 2.0 (Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections)

Endorsed by:

1. Aliran
2. Anwar Ibrahim Club (AIC)
3. Amnesty International (Malaysia)
4. All Women’s Action Society (AWAM)
5. Coalition for Good Governance Penang
6. Council of Churches Malaysia (CCM) Youth
7. Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ)
8. Child Development Initiative
9. DEMA (Gerakan Demokratik Belia dan Pelajar Malaysia)
10. Dewan Perhimpunan Cina KL-Selangor (Jawatankuasa Hak Sivil)
11. Educational, Welfare and Research Foundation Malaysia
12. Friends in Conversation (FIC)
13. Federation of Indian Non-Governmental Organisations
14. Group of Concerned Citizens (GCC)
15. Indian Malaysian Active Generation (IMAGE)
16. Independence People Action Committee (IPAC)
17. Islamic Renaissance Front (IRF)
18. Jaringan Rakyat Tertindas (JERIT)
19. Jemaah Islah Malaysia (JIM)
20. Klang Consumer Association
21. Komuniti Masyarakat (KOMAS)
22. Kumpulan Akhbar Independen (KAMI)
23. Labor Resource Centre (LRC)
24. LLG Cultural Development Centre.
25. Majlis Kelab Bell Belia Tamil Malaysia
26. Malaysian Association of Indian University Graduates
27. Malaysian Dravidian Association
28. Malaysian Hindu Youth Council
29. Malaysian Indian Development & Unity Association
30. Malaysian Indian Historical Association
31. Malaysian Tamil Forum
32. Micah Mandate (The)
33. National Institute for Electoral Integrity (NIEI)
34. Oriental Hearts and Mind Study Institute (OHMSI)
35. Penang Independent Schools Educataion Society.
36. Permas
37. Persahabatan Semparuthi
38. Persatuan Alumni Han Chiang, Malaysia.
39. Persatuan Alumni Han Chiang, Pulau Pinang.
40. Persatuan Hak Asasi Manusia (HAKAM)
41. Persatuan Kesedaran Komuniti Selangor (EMPOWER)
42. Research for Social Advancement (REFSA)
43. Rumah Anak Teater (RAT)
44. Sahabat Wanita
45. Saya Anak Bangsa Malaysia (SABM)
46. Sembang-sembang Forum
47. Sisters in Islam (SIS)
48. Solidariti Mahasiswa Malaysia (SMM)
49. Southeast Asian Centre for e-Media
50. Students Reserve Unit (SERU)
51. Suara Rakyat Malaysia (Suaram)
52. Tamil Foundation Malaysia
53. Tenaganita
54. University Malaya Association of New Youth (UMANY)
55. Women’s Aid Organisation (WAO)
56. Women in Disability Association
57. Women Institute for Research Development and Advancement (WIRDA)
58. Writers’ Alliance for Media Independence (WAMI)
59. Youth for Change (Y4C)
60. 528 Media Action Group

Coalition For Clean And Fair Elections (BERSIH 2.0)
13, Lorong 4/48E, 46050 Petaling Jaya
Tel: (03) 77844977 Fax: (03) 77844978
URL: www.bersih.org Email: info@bersih.org

There are very serious implications of such an action and therefore MCCBCHST seeks immediate confirmation from the Selangor Education Department whether this has indeed transpired and if so, a prompt explanation should be given to parents and the Malaysian public at large as to the reason/s for such a directive. If in fact such a directive had indeed been given, MCCBCHST would like to express its disappointment that there was no prior consultation with it over such a serious matter as this.

Owing to the gravity of such an issue, the Ministry of Education too cannot remain silent.

Needless to say, if indeed such a directive to close non-Muslim religious societies in schools or to not permit the setting up of such societies in schools, the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of National Unity should not be in doubt that MCCBCHST shall protest such a policy with the strongest possible vehemence.

MCCBCHST with its member bodies shall, however, be ready to assist the Ministry of Education in any way we can to ensure goodwill and mutual respect amongst all Malaysian students.

Rev. Dr Thomas Philips,
MCCBCHST President,
12 July 2010

———-
Editor: (update) In this report on 13 July 2010, theSun quotes the Education DG as saying that there was no basis for the action and the school societies will be re-established.

BFM Radio interviewed me earlier in the week. The podcast is available here. I spoke about our plans to table the enactment, as well as what the draft roughly contains.

One of the issues was whether or not the Official Secrets Act would interfere with our enactment. The answer (broadly speaking, since there are many technical details that one could write on) is no: Only state-agencies’ information will be made transparently available to the public. Federal agencies’ documents, classified by the Federal Government, are not relevant in this case. However, the Selangor Menteri Besar has the authority under Section 2A of the OSA to declassify certain documents, the power of which he has already exercised numerous times over the past two years (on issues like Bukit Botak etc.).

This is not the final draft yet and there will be several stages to go, like a Select Committee to be formed, public opinion gathered based on the existing document, and then second reading after taking those recommendations and suggestions into account.

Tricia Yeoh maintains a blog at http://egalitaria.wordpress.com/

Islam is associated with the Bosnians, Eastern Orthodox with the Serbs, and Catholicism with the Croatians. Forty (40) percent of the population is Muslim, 31 percent Eastern Orthodox, 15 percent Roman Catholic, and 4 percent Protestant, while about 10 percent of the population identifies with other religions. Most of the population is not particularly observant, but religion is an important aspect of national identity. Primary school students in central BiH are learning lessons about tolerance and understanding by seeing for themselves how people of different faiths can live side by side and respect both different and similar beliefs.

As part of the ‘Peace building through inter-religious understanding’ project, funded by World Vision Malaysia and Australia, sixth graders from Pale visited a mosque and a Roman Catholic Church, which for most of the children was the first time inside a different place of worship other than the Orthodox religion with which they identify. Although the children have had the opportunity to learn about other religions in their religious classes at school, the first real “face-to-face” encounter with other religions and their leaders was a special moment for all who took part.

“We should all be very proud to live in a country such as Bosnia and Herzegovina which is enriched with all main religions and is blessed with a great cultural heritage. As children, we should be very happy to have the opportunity to visit churches, mosques and synagogues and that way learn more about the richness of our cultures and religions,” said Malik Spahić (12), who currently studies in the seventh grade at a primary school in Zenica, central BiH.

“Visits to the religious places are not included in the regular curriculum and many children do not have the opportunity to learn more about other religions. This ignorance can turn into prejudices which does not stimulate inter-religion dialogues and in time can pose a threat to peace and prosperity in the country,” said Sevimka Drinić, Project Officer for World Vision BiH.

Through the ‘Peace building through inter-religious understanding’ project, World Vision aims to enhance peace building through school-based education programmes which advance inter-religious understanding among children and their teachers in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Seminars, visits to religious places and development of communications materials will all play their part in the project.

World Vision hopes the Malaysian government will take a similar stand to initiate inter-religious understanding among school-going children. Observed Liew Tong Ngan, CEO of World Vision Malaysia: “Conflicts and clashes of ideas stem from a lack of understanding and unfamiliarity with that which is ‘different’. Therefore, we should start to educate children as early as possible before they develop prejudices against other religions. We are convinced that this is the best way to reach a level of common understanding and assure peace for future generations.”

From World Vision relief update. Visit the World Vision Malaysia website.

World Council of Churches

It is with great distress that the World Council of Churches received the news that the Israeli naval forces stormed a Gaza-bound vessel carrying humanitarian aid in international waters before dawn on Monday, killing at least 10 civilians and injuring many more. We condemn the assault and killing of innocent people who were attempting to deliver humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza, who have been under a crippling Israeli blockade since 2007. We further condemn the flagrant violation of international law by Israel in attacking and boarding a humanitarian convoy in international waters. We pray for all those who are affected by the attack, especially the bereaved families. Read more here…

Vatican

In written remarks to journalists yesterday, Vatican spokesman Fr. Federico Lombardi condemned the recent “unnecessary loss of human life” in an Israeli raid on a flotilla of Palestinian supporters and reiterated the Vatican’s concern over the situation. Read more here…

Caritas

Caritas aid workers in Gaza have expressed their shock and disappointment over Israel’s attack on a convoy of passenger boats bringing humanitarian aid.

“We really thought they would succeed”, said Ameen Sabbagh, Caritas coordinator in Gaza, still shocked by the news. “The port of Gaza was even repaired to welcome the flotilla”.

… more than material, the ships were bringing hope to the people of Gaza. “We were looking forward to welcoming foreign peace activists. People had prepared events, conferences and visits to hospitals and centres for disabled. This was our chance to show the world the effects of the blockade on 1,5 million people.” said Ameen. Read more here…

Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP)

… The blockade has not had the desired results. Hamas remains in power. Rocket attacks have not completely stopped. Smuggling of goods through tunnels under Gaza’s border with Egypt has become an economy of its own. Paradoxically this underground trade is controlled and taxed by Hamas. President Obama has said that “the continuing humanitarian crisis in Gaza does not serve Israel’s security interests.”

The Gaza flotilla incident also underlines the necessity of pressing without delay for a comprehensive agreement for peace between Israel and the Palestinians, beginning with the indirect talks now being brokered by the United States. Read more here…

On this day which the nation experienced its darkest hours 41 years ago, we the undersigned civil society groups call upon the nation to make May 13 a day to cherish peace, reason and freedom. We hold that

1. The May 13 ethnic riot was the most unfortunate episode in Malaysia’s history in which lives were lost and properties destroyed as politics broke down into violence. We offer our thoughts and prayers to the innocent lives lost and consolation to the victims who survived it.
2. Thankfully, Malaysia has since moved forward as a nation in denouncing political violence. Post-March 8 attempts to trigger ethno-religious tensions and justify authoritarian controls, such as the cow-head protest in August 2009 and the desecration of houses of worship in January 2010, have been resolutely defeated by condemnation coming from Malaysians of all ethno-religious and socio-cultural backgrounds who treasure peace, reason and freedom.
3. Any attempts to mock or trigger another May 13 – whether to subdue citizens or to seize power – may end in complete political destruction of the culprits. The trials of Liberia’s Charles Taylor, Chile’s Penochet and Ex-Yugoslavian warlords for mass violation of human rights should serve as stern reminder to anyone contemplating political violence. A society with zero tolerance for political violence and intimidation of any kind is emerging in Malaysia, especially amongst those of the younger generations. We seek peace and harmony, not in fear, but through dialogues and deliberations in the spirit of mutual respect and openness.
4. While freedom of speech and freedom of assembly for all political persuasions should be celebrated, any attempt to exploit the anniversary of May 13 to glorify political violence or instil fear is disgraceful and should be shunned by the public. In addition, any commemoration of the tragedy involving state funds and resources must be inclusive in both content and target group.

The Undersigned groups:

1. Aliran Kesedaran Negara (Aliran)
2. All Women’s Action Society Malaysia (AWAM)
3. Amnesty International Malaysia (AIM)
4. Annexe Gallery
5. Bahagian Belia, Gabungan Persatuan-persatuan Bekas Penuntut Sekolah China W.P. & Selangor
6. Borneo Research Institute Sarawak (BRIMAS)
7. Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ)
8. Centre for Orang Asli Concerns (COAC)
9. Centre for Policy Initiatives (CPI)
10. Centre of Education. Research and Development (CEDAR)
11. Child Development Initiative
12. Civil Rights Committee, Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall (CRC-KLSCAH)
13. Council of Churches of Malaysia (CCM)
14. Council of Churches of Malaysia Youth (CCM Youth)
15. Editorial board of Horizon e-journal
16. Education and Research Association of Consumer, Malaysia
17. Educational, Welfare and Research Foundation Malaysia
18. Federation of Indian Non-Governmental Organisations
19. Friends in Conversation (FIC)
20. Friends of Kota Damansara
21. Frinjan Collective
22. Gabungan Pertubuhan-pertubuhan Masyarakat India Selangor
23. Group of Concerned Citizens
24. Indian Malaysian Active Generation (IMAGE)
25. Institute for Development of Alternative Living (IDEAL)
26. Institut Kajian Dasar (IKD)
27. Islamic Renaissance Front (IRF)
28. Jaringan Orang Asal SeMalaysia (JOAS)
29. Jaringan Rakyat Tertindas (JERIT)
30. Johor Tamizhar Sangam
31. Klang Consumer Association
32. Kuala Lumpur And Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall Youth Section (KLSCAH-YS)
33. Kuala Lumpur Hindu Youth Organisation (KLHYO)
34. Kuala Lumpur Indian Entrepreneurs and Professionals
35. LLG Cultural Development Centre (LLG)
36. Majlis Kelab Bell Belia Tamil Malaysia
37. Malaysia Hindu Dharma Mamandram
38. Malaysia Indian Progressive Educational Society
39. Malaysia Lekshmi Pooja Meditation Society
40. Malaysia Tamil Artiste Association
41. Malaysia Tamil Neri Kalagam
42. Malaysia Thanavasiya Association
43. Malaysia Youth and Students Democratic Movement (DEMA)
44. Malaysian Archagar Sangam
45. Malaysian Associated Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry
46. Malaysian Association of Indian University Graduates
47. Malaysian Ceylon Saivites Association
48. Malaysian Dravidian Association
49. Malaysian Hindu Youth Council
50. Malaysian Indian Business Association
51. Malaysian Indian Development & Unity Association
52. Malaysian Indian Development Association
53. Malaysian Indian Entrepreneurs and Professionals
54. Malaysian Indian Historical Association
55. Malaysian Indian Youth Development Foundation
56. Malaysian Tamil Forum
57. Melaka Chinese Assembly Hall Youth Section
58. Negeri Sembilan Chinese Assembly Hall Youth Section
59. New Era College Alumni Association
60. New Era College Student Progressive Front
61. New Era College Media Studies Society
62. New Era College Student Union
63. New Millennium Indian Business Association of Malaysia
64. Penang Du Zhong Education Society
65. Penang Indian Entrepreneurs and Professionals
66. Penggerak Belia Zon23 MPSJ
67. People’s Parliament
68. Persahabatan Semparuthi
69. Persatuan Alumni PBTUSM Selangor & KL
70. Persatuan Aruloli Mandram, Malaysia
71. Pertubuhan Jamaah Islah Malaysia (JIM)
72. Persatuan Kebajikan Dan Sosial Kamakshi Wilayah Utara
73. Persatuan Kebajikan MGR
74. Persatuan Kebajikan Namakkal Malaysia
75. Persatuan Kesedaran Komuniti Selangor (EMPOWER)
76. Persatuan Masyarakat Selangor & Wilayah Persekutuan (PERMAS)
77. Persatuan Meditasi Malaysia (Dhyana Ashram)
78. Persatuan Penduduk Taman Muhibbah
79. Persatuan Pergabung Tamil Malaysia
80. Persatuan Seni Rumah Air Panas KL (RAP)
81. Persatuan Silambam Malaysia
82. Pertubuhan Kesedaran Hare Krishna Klang
83. Pusat Komunikasi (KOMAS)
84. Research for Social Advancement (REFSA)
85. Saiva Siddhanta Mandram Malaysia
86. Sarawak Central Region Friendship Association
87. Sarawak Dayak Iban Association (SADIA)
88. Sarawak Native Land Rights Owners (TAHABAS)
89. Sarawakians Access (SACCESS)
90. Saya Anak Bangsa Malaysia (SABM)
91. Selangor Indian Entrepreneurs and Professionals
92. Straten Malaysia
93. Suara Rakyat Malaysia (Suaram)
94. Sundararaja Perumal Devasthanam Klang
95. Tamilar Sangam, Teluk Intan
96. The Micah Mandate (TMM)
97. Thiruvalluvar Nanneri Mayam Cameron Highlands
98. Thiruvarul Thavaneri Mandram Malaysia
99. Women’s Aid Organisation (WAO)
100. World Tamil Federation – Malaysian Chapter
101. Writer Alliance for Media Independence (WAMI)
102. Yayasan Penyelidikan dan Pembangunan Pendidikan Tamil Malaysia (Tamil Foundation)

Endorsing Political Party

1. Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR)

TREAT US WITH RESPECT – MCCBCHST

The Emergency Meeting of the MCCBCHST Executive Committee held on 12 April 2010 wishes to register our displeasure and disappointment at the recent remarks of the Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin referring to the status and members of the recently established Committee on Promoting Interfaith Understanding and Harmony under the Department of Unity and National Integration as “small fry” as quoted in Malaysiakini and Malaysian Insider dated 12 April 2010.

It is unbecoming of a Minister more so the Deputy Prime Minister in the government to look down on leaders of the other religious communities in the country.
The various religious representatives of the MCCBCHST are committed to sincere and frank dialogue between different faiths as equals at the table.

It would be difficult to proceed with the stated goals of the Committee on Promoting Interfaith Understanding and Harmony if this matter is not clarified.
We hope the Minister responsible for the Unity and National Integration will clarify this matter so that the work that the Committee has set before itself can proceed with credibility.

Rev. Dr. Thomas Philips

MCCBCHST President

We are angry that there are some who want to foment enmity and strife among Malaysians for political mileage or for mischief.

These violent acts can divide Malaysians and so we call on all citizens not to fall into such a trap.

We believe that the police will bring swiftly to justice the perpetrators who have done these evil intentioned acts.

Let us be vigilant against all suspicious activities around all our places of worship and report such to the police.

As Christians we continue to pray for the peace and well-being of our nation in these troubled moments.

(signed)

Bishop Ng Moon Hing
Chairman and the Executive Committee
Christian Federation of Malaysia

It is disappointing that such sins continue unabated.

The latest incidents today at the two mosques along Jalan Kelang Lama, Kuala Lumpur demonstrate how sick perpetrators of such acts can be and to what extent they are willing to go to cause hurt and harm to religious communities. Their end is to drive a wedge between religious communities in the country.

We who are law-abiding citizens must not allow them to succeed in their wicked mission.

Let us not speculate about the identities of the culprits until the police and the courts have done their work. Let us stand together and resist such people.

The Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism condoles with Muslims, Christians and Sikhs whose places of worship and prayer have been so rudely desecrated.

May God protect us and the country from evil-doers.

Rev. Dr Thomas Philips,
MCCBCHST President