Saiful Bukhairy appears as the super star on the screen (right) in front of UMNO Permatang Pauh centre.

Did Saiful lie when he said that he did not want to politicse the matter of his sodomy case by Anwar Ibrahim?

It was a private matter between him and his employer, he added, and he will not be campaigning in the constituency, which has Anwar pitted against UMNO's Arif Shah.

I was around UMNO Permatang Pauh centre last night when I spotted Saiful. He "appeared" on a big screen, which daily show 'movies' such as who are 'traitors of Islam and the Malay race". The Inter Faith Council was their first target after campaign period kicked off on Saturday, nomination day.

It seems UMNO is really capitalising on his presence to capture whatever failing support they have.

But their opponent, Anwar is as exuberant as ever as he spoke at the crowded Mini Stadium in Bandar Perda in Permatang Rawa last night. Will he and Saiful bump into each other?

Others have "seen" Saiful, too, like Joceline Tan from the STAR: 'Saiful appears to garner votes';

But the Umno camp has grabbed attention along the street with the nightly appearance of Saiful Bukhari Azlan, or rather, the nightly screening of Saiful Bukhari Azlan swearing on the Quran that he was sodomised by Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The video has been played over and over again on the screen through the night.

By now, most people in the vicinity would probably have memorised the actual words recited by Saiful, including the highly-explicit phrase of how Anwar had put his **** into Saiful’s ****.

Some found the explicit part in bad taste, others thought it was plain vulgar. A few thought the 23-year-old boy was trying to further sensationalise the issue.

Still, Saiful looked earnest and even more handsome on the big screen. The camera, as they say, loves him.

Joceline can "fall in love" with Saiful, but I don't think we can.

The others who might have sighted Saiful were two well-known bloggers who are from ALIRAN:

Anil Netto, who paid for my teh tarik. Thank you. And the other, extremly shy, Mustafa K Annuar:

You can't hide forever, Mus!

PAS spiritual leader Nik Aziz Nik Mat was rather tired when he arrived at the nomination centre to show his support for PAKATAN RAKYAT's Permatang Pauh candidate Anwar Ibrahim on Aug 18.

In fact, he did not want to field questions by reporters but when we told him we wanted to ask about Saiful Bukhairy's recent act of swearing on the Quran that he was sodomised by Anwar, he agreed to say a few things.

He said Saiful's act of taking an oath on the holy book was Islamic but it was not according to the Muslim culture.

"In Islam, there is no need to place your hands on the Quran when you swear. Placing one's hands on the Quran is an act of copying the Christians.

"When the Christians swear they put their hands on the Bible, right?" quipped Nik Aziz.

He stressed that the Malays have copied other cultures in placing their hands on the Quran when swearing.

"Other people's cultures have entered the head of the Malays," he said.

But his act of declaration about the sodomy act is between him and Allah, added Nik Aziz.

The title of this post is just a gimmick. Following the campaign trail of what is dubbed the mother of all by-elections, one learns very fast.

It was a gloomy day in Permatang Pauh today.  The rain spoilt most of the fun, which included, field visits by both the candidates for the P44 battle field.

Till yet, I have not attended any of Anwar Ibrahim's or Parti Keadilan's ceramah (I only attended one ceramah by UMNO with Ezam Mohd Nor as the superstar).

Ceramahs can be boring with the speakers recycling their issues day after day.  Keadilan's or PAKATAN's message to the people is quite clear: You are voting for the next Prime Minister. It is now or never.

And by voting for the next PM, you can bet there will be lots of miracles, like this one:

Do you believe him?

"Lets give him a chance and see if he can do it," said some hopefuls.

Barisan Nasional or UMNO's message is exactly the opposite, as they try to capitalise on the Malay ground, thinking they have captured the Chinese voters by presenting Arif Shah, a candidate who can speak Mandarin well.

Arif looks very much older than Anwar, his opponent, though the former is only in his 50s, while Anwar is 61. Not a big deal, huh?

But the ability to speak Chinese? I wonder if that is the only thing in the minds of Malaysian Chinese these days?

What my aunty said could be shared by many others, too, and explains the reason why BN/UMNO continues to win some gounds in all elections.

"If we vote in Keadilan, there will be Malays in the party, unlike MCA," she added. I was rather speechless, at the 'wisdom' of my 70 year old aunt. 

But I was around Yayasan Aman today, waiting for a group of sacked workers from a multi-national company bring their case to the Permatang Pauh candidate.

I noticed Keadilan was very well equipped with a wifi connected media centre for journalists this time. This centre dishes out information about Anwar's whereabout every day.

"I must salute them. The BN isn't well prepared at all this time. I called them up for information on Arif Shah's whereabouts and they told me to call them back at 1am. Can you imagine that?" said a senior female journalist from The STAR.

For me, I was only too happy to find a spot for blogger(s) with my blog's URL pasted in one corner. If you are a blogger and you tell them u need a spot, they'll do the same for you :)

Then I met Anwar and his wife Wan Azizah.

Anwar looked weary after making several rounds of home visits, which was cut short by a heavy downpour at noon today, but was still his cheerful self. Azizah was talkactive.

Anwar wanted to know what was the current response on the ground, he was told that it was hard to tell. There is word going around that Anwar is losing support.

Could it be due to Saiful Bukhairy latest stunt of swearing on the Quran that he was indeed sodomised by Anwar, and it was without his consent?

Could it be due to Ezam's incessant 'expose' about Anwar's 'deep and wild' secrets, forever taunting his former friend and colleague to answer all this allegations?

Could it be the bad image Keadilan had earned after several reports of violence against journalists/photographers lodged against the party?

(The question that goes around the fraternity these days include: why those journalists and not one of us?)

Perhaps Anwar is losing support due to Najib Tun Razak's excellent election strategy in Permatang Pauh? (Which does not include a really huge poster of Altantuya hanging hauntingly in Seberang Jaya - promise to snap a shot tomorrow).

Whichever it was, we wanted to know what was Anwar's response to all the allegations made by Ezam, his former political aide, ever since the latter joined UMNO.

But Anwar refused to be dragged into any prolonged conversation regarding Ezam.

"I do not want to entertain him," said Anwar.

What about the six boxes of secrets which he said was in your safekeeping, we asked.

"All this while, he said he had them. Now suddenly, they are with me. How come?" he asked innocently.

And the RM1billion each to 15 crony companies under a special contractor scheme while he was finance minister?

"If he has evidence, ask him to make a police report," Anwar added.

The answers were crisp and concise. He wasn't even angry when confronted with the questions. There was naught a trace of bitterness in his voice. Anwar looks like he is well over Ezam.

But can he put up a good fight against Arif Shah? He has confidently said he can beat Anwar. Well, with all the BN machineries behind him, I am not surprised that he will.

"I have nothing against him. But he represents UMNO and racial politics," says Anwar, who mostly takes an offensive, sometimes defensive approach in his campaign, fighting off all the allegations against him.

Do the fence sitters still want to dabble in racial politics while their friends and relatives shift, cross and jump over to a new beginning?

That is a grave challenge to Permatang Pauh voters,and truth be told, for all Malaysians as well.

Would Permatang Pauh voters set the pace for the possible change of the Malaysian political scenario or would they cave in and choose to die another day with the 'devil they know'?

If ever I had faith in politics, it is to believe that voters are not stupid, only too practical, and sometimes not really for their own good.

But whether their practicality, good sense or calculated risks, translate into votes that count for Keadilan and PAKATAN, depends very much on whether the Election Commission is free and fair.

We await reports from MAFREL, Malaysia's very own free and fair election monitoring outfit which has set up office at 1508, Tingkat 1, Arowana Road, Taman Arowana, in Seberang Jaya.

Click on the website and see some 'lucah' pixs of BN supporters immitating a sodomy act. Utterly disgusting indeed.

I promised to blog about this for the sake of the workers. I happened to be there at the right time and the right place.

Representatives of workers from Nikko based in Prai sought the help of Anwar Ibrahim, the Permatang Pauh candidate, today, at one of Keadilan's operations centre in Yayasan Aman, Penanti.

They were accompanied by Malaysian Trade Union Council (Penang branch) representative V. Vijaya.

The workers complaint that about 1,200 workers were given a 24 hours notice to pack up and leave the company on June 30.

Up till today, about 400 of them have not received their compensation money, which totals to about RM7.3 million.

Most of the workers were old timers, who had served the company for 15 years or so. As they were mostly between the ages of 35-40 years, they found it an uphill task to find for new jobs.

Many were middle-aged women and single mothers who lamented that they needed the money soon as they were running out of patience.

"Everything has gone up in price and hari raya is approaching," they cried.

Anwar Ibrahim, who was present at the meeting said that he would look into the plight of the workers. He added that this situation cannot be condoned as it would set a precedent for other companies to follow suit.

He was accompanied by Perak chief minister, PAS' Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin, who came to throw  his support behind Anwar's candidacy.

Mohammad Nizar was asked to attend the meeting as many of the workers hail from Perak. He assured them that there were schemes available to help them tie through this difficult times.

He also condemn the action of the company which retrenched the workers at short notice but added that the reason why the former ended up with a situation like this was due to Barisan Nasional's government recent increase of fuel prices and other essential goods.

He echoed Anwar's concerns that if action were not taken against wrongful dismissals, it would become a habit with companies out to cheat workers.

I felt the workers were indeed very wise to take opportunity of the current campaign period and by-election to voice out their grievances.

Hope they would indeed be paid their rightfulcompensation soon, hopefully before Merdeka or Ramadhan which would most probably begin on September 1.

According to PKR information chief, Tian Chua, ex-Gerakan's MP and Penang state ex-co Toh Kin Woon visited the Permatang Pauh operations centre yesterday at 6.30pm.

He expressed his support for Pakatan and Anwar Ibrahim.

He urged Permatang Pauh voters to support Anwar.

He also said that for those who support multi-racial politics, Barisan Nasional is already out of fashion.

Are we seeing another cross over soon?

Whatever it is, welcome on board to multi-racial politics, Dr. Toh!

Below, a carnival of flags. Feast for the eyes:

Today also, PKR launched their hotline for problems and feedback:

PKR information chief and MP for Batu Tian Chua expressed concern over the recent violence against journalists on Permatang Pauh nomination day, last Saturday.

Tian said PKR will not tolerate such violence and will work with the police to resolve the case.

He added that any party member or supporter who were identified with the violence will be dealt with accordingly.

"There are photos ad we can easily identify who the culprits are," said Tian.

He called for the police to be professiona in the matter.

At the same time, PKR strategist Saifuddin Nasution reminded journalists not to forget UMNO's culture of violence.

"Remember 1986 in Padang Merbok. UMNO supporters killed a PAS supporter Osman Talib aged 33, who came from Pendang".

I visited the Police HQ in Bukit Mertajam today with my 'mainstream' reporter friends. Looks like the police force has joined the battle for Permatang Pauh. Whose side are they on? You can definitely tell, in the coming days.

Their press conference was about two things: police permit for ceramahs (political talks) and the violence against photographers allegedly by PAKATAN RAKYAT supporters.

It goes like this:

Police will be taking action on the parties that do not apply for permits for ceramahs in Permatang Pauh.

SUPT Shaharon Anuar Abdul Latif, who is media relations officer for the Seberang Perai Tengah Police HQ said that out of 8 ceramahs during the P44 campaign period, only 5 were legal, and all of them were BN ceramahs.

PKR has yet to apply, let alone have permits for their ceramahs, and the police will be investigating the matter under section 27 of the Police Act for illegal gathering.

The police seem very involved in this campaign, with the media relations department, organising briefing every day at 11.30am at the HQ.

It seems they are putting that RM4 mil to good use (expenditure on this by-election alone from the police side), with lots of FRU trucks stationed at strategic places around the P44 area.

Shaharon also brief the reporters about yesterday's aggression by PKR supporters towards two reporters, one from NST, and the other from French news agency, BHL press news.

He said no arrest had been made yet, and tried his best to sound professional by not naming which party supporters were involved in the attack.

'Police are currently trying to identify the attackers," said Shaharon, adding that they were investigating the case under section 148 of the Police Act, using the photographs taken by the complainant during the scuffle at the nomination centre (Tengku Bainun) yesterday. 

In an immediate response today, PP candidate and PKR supremo Anwar Ibrahim accused the mainstream media (RTM) for immediately apportioning the blame on the party.

"I say let us investigate and punish those perpetrators irrespective of whether they are from PAKATAN RAKYAT or BARISAN NASIONAL," he said at a press conference today.

"My point is the mainstreatm media is at fault for presenting a biased case, not only that, but malicious attack (against PKR)".

A reporter asked if gangsterism is prevalent in PKR.

"Where are you from? Berita Harian says that gangsterism is prevalent in PKR. When Khairy Jamaluddin and gang threw bottles (at us in Ijok), it is not wrong.

"This Berita Harian culture must be corrected. This is slander and traitorous. We oppose corruption and cruelty. This must be corrected. If there is evidence that it is PKR or Pakatan person(s), they won't be left off the hook," added Anwar.

"When he was finance minister, he gave away RM1 billion each to 15 crony companies, without tenders and negotiations - all under the Skim Kontraktor Wibawa" - said Ezam Mohd Nor on Anwar Ibrahim at UMNO's ceramah.

I met Anwar Ibrahim's arch enemy last night in Tanah Liat - the 'incorruptible' (according to Aliran) Ezam Mohd Noor. He was at UMNo Permatang Pauh, getting ready to expose his great secrets.

I spoke to him and he gave me his card - he is currently based in Jakarta, has an NGO called The New Generation of Nusantara, which works on Malaysia-Indonesia relations.

Before that, his side kick, who used to be a strong PKR supporter Abdul Ghani, met me too and asked "So, you don't want to see Ezam these days?".

I said "Come on, then why am I here? But I would like to know his secrets". We both laughed.

By the way, outside the UMNO centre is a big screen showing examples of those who 'menghina Islam" (or those who insult Islam), for example, activities of the Inter-Faith Council.

The overt message was of course: Anwar supports those who insult Islam. Below, pamphlets going around accusing Anwar of being a traitor to Islam, and the Malay race.

The crowd was quite happy when Ezam criticised his former boss.

Anyway,  Ezam did try to expose those 'secrets' in his speech last night. But he tried to convince himself, more than anything or anyone else, of why he deserted Anwar.

He said it was a very difficult decision but at the end it came down to choosing between an individual and race, religion and country. So he chose UMNO!

He added that Anwar had betrayed his race, religion and country by opposing the New Economic Policy.

"Anwar is the first leader, among the Malays and non-Malays to have criticised and opposed the NEP," he stressed.

He later talked about the six boxes which were supposedly under his safe keeping.

"I only said I knew about the boxes. I don't have it. Anwar Ibrahim has it".

Ezam also openly chided Anwar and his wife for having gone overboard (melampau) for accusing Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi for conspiring against Anwar in the sodomy II case.

He revealed that in those days, Azizah had begged Abdullah for help when Anwar was in prison, and it was he who arranged a meeting between Azizah and Abdullah.

At that time, Azizah asked for 3 things:

1. Release Anwar and let him seek medical treatement in the hospital;

2. Seek medical treatment overseas and

3. Do not interfere in the court process.

"Pak Lah kept to his commitment. He did not interfere in the court process and Anwar was finally freed".

"Pak Lah had even said he was a Muslim, and he had never been cruel to anyone, what more to Anwar and Azizah".

Ezam sang Abdullah's praises through out his speech. According to him, no leader had ever been so committed to fighting corruption as Pak Lah.

Then he ended his speech by asking Permatang Pauh folks to vote for BN/UMNO or Arif Shah (image), who was also present at the ceramah.

Truth is, at the end of the speech, I wonder if Ezam had managed to convince himself.

I was at Permatang Pauh this morning - to see Anwar Ibrahim and Arif Shah file their nomination papers at Tengku Bainun's - it turned out to be a 3 corner fight. Read it all in Malaysiakini.

 Met Anwar's entourage. His wife Wan Azizah was close by his side, with Penang CM Lim Guan Eng, on his other side:

 Later, PAS spiritual leader Nik Aziz Nik Mat came by...and he was greeted 'lovingly' by DAP supremo Lim Kit Siang:

I was there as early at 7.30am, and the vicinity was already full with Keadilan supporters. But we were greeted first of all by FRU trucks and their personnel ready with batons and head gears:

There was a carnival like feeling in the air. Keadilan supporters were in high spirits. They out numbered BN/UMNO supporters like 5 times. Except for the haze...I was amazed at the numbers. There was a time when supporters were scarce, but this...

Here's the BN/UMNO side - I took photos in parts, of the entire area where the BN/UMNO supporters were gathering:

There were times when they teased the BN/UMNO supporters who tried to enter the area - by booing them like these poor Wanita UMNO Jihad, but they still went through the crowd with heads held high...

The Wanita MIC did not have it any better but there were still courageous to walk pass the jeering crowd:

  and blocking their cars. "Who says we are blocking them?" cried a female Keadilan supporter.

"Even Altantuya had managed to go in. Who says we are blocking them?" she queried. Altantuya is of course Najib Tun Razak, who is leading this by-election.

Najib was looking very cheerful, like he's got something up his sleeves. With him were other high profile UMNO/BN leaders too - Tan Sri Koh Tsu Koon, Muhyiddin Yassin, Muhammad Muhammad Taib, Sharizat Abdul Jalil, etc...

And guess who I saw at the BN/UMNO side of the fence:

It was truly like a carnival, with lots of kids around as well, and Chinese drummers:

Don't let them fool you, these Anwar Ibrahim look alikes:

The other Opposition personalities around:

DAP supporters were there in big numbers - MP for Bukit Mertajam Chong Eng came with her 'veterans'.

It was really fun...how you could feel the excitement by just looking at these pixs...now let the campaign begin...!

If we believe in this business of swearing on the Quran or any holy book just to prove our innocence, then we allow a very dangerous precedence to take place in our quest for justice.

Can guilt or innocence be proven by mere words on a Holy Book, and not facts, evidence and solid proof?

I've also heard that only the guilty who is desperate to prove his or her innocence will turn to the Holy Book. Is this the case for Saiful?

And there are Ulamaks who do not think it is necessary to swaer on the Quran to proof your innocence.

But perhaps Saiful wants to do it to relieve himself?

I've taken this oath to prove that my allegations are completely true. This is the best way for me to attain justice in the world and the hereafter and for me to redeem my pride and dignity as Allah is the only place where I can complain to. (Saiful).

Attain justice in the world by way of swearing on the Quran? Then lets shut down the Palace of Justice and leave this country in the hands of gangsters and triads.

Believe me, even thieves, robbers and murderers have a code of honour.

Malays and Muslims may be easily swayed by this action, but Malaysians will find it hard to swallow, especially when it came in the wake and eve of the Permatang Pauh nominations, where Saiful's alleged sodomiser, Anwar Ibrahim is a candidate.

Saiful also claimed that this is between Anwar and him, so why make this a public gallery?

By the way, what happens to Anwar's charge now that Saiful says he did not consent to the sexual act?

I think people are more interested to see if Anwar can even make it through with his nomination papers tomorrow as there are rumours all around that the alleged 'bias and government controlled' Election Commission would be pretty strict to him when he files his documents.

Will we have a by-election or a walk-over?

Lets take out all our Holy Books and pray for justice to prevail.

This King blogger is also king of sedition. They simply love to slap it on him. Worst still, now they want all his secrets.

Will he reveal his sources? And the IDs of his commentators? Come on, why do they need all that?

"I have not seen anything more defamatory than what this man has written. None of what he said is true," lawyer Shafee Abdullah.

Today also happens to be Malaysia Today's anniversary - 4 years old. Happy Birthday, MT!

And today, there's another lawsuit against King blogger Raja Petra Kamaruddin. How many more? I am fast losing track.

The Kuala Lumpur High Court today directed RPK to reveal his sources for allegations in three online articles against Shafee, who filed a defamation suit against RPK.

One of the articles is: Shafee Abdullah - sodomologist extraordinaire.

Shafee had also made an ex-parte application for an order that compelled RPK to reveal the identities of visitors to his web portal who had left comments and messages below the articles.

RPK had accused Shafee in three articles dated Aug 6, 7, and 11 of masterminding the fresh sodomy accusations against opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Go and read more @ The Malaysian Insider.

I got the answer to my earlier posts which asked the question "Calls for ISA from Dap deputy chieft too?

Dap supremo Lim Kit Siang said in his blog today that '...Gunasekaran denies...'

I have checked with Gunasekaren and he has denied that he had made the remark about the ISA detention attributed to him.  DAP stand for the repeal of the nefarious detention-without-trial Internal Security Act is clear. All ISA detainees should be released immediately or be charged in court to avail them of an opportunity to defend themselves in an open trial. We disagree with the demonstrators though we respect their right to protest against the Bar Council forum, which must be done peacefully and civilly.

Earlier I blogged that PAS Youth chief Salahuddin Ayub had not asked for the Bar Council (Conversion to Islam) Forum organisers to be ISA-ed. He denied so in Malaysiakini. He said he was not in favour of anyone being ISA-ed.

So why did Malaysiakini report it like this on 11 August?

Today, various leaders of Islamic NGOs, Malacca Chief Minister Mohd Ali Rustam, Umno Puteri information chief Shahaniza Shamsuddin and PAS Youth chief Salahuddin Ayub were among those who have suggested that Ambiga and the Bar Council be cited under the ISA and Sedition Act for Saturday's incident. (Malaysiakini).

Then on 12 August, the same online paper said that "a local daily" mentioned Salahuddin as one of the leaders who called for the organisers to be incarcerated under that draconian law:

The PAS leader was quoted in a local daily as being in favour of the Act being used against the Bar Council and it's leaders. (Malaysiakini)

But at least Malaysiakini tried to correct the perception, but it has to be more careful, and do tell exactly which local daily carried the news. 

I can't find the "local daily" which had featured Salahuddin's alleged statement, though. Maybe someone can enlighten me?

What did we say about taking everything in the newspaper with a shovel of salt - whether mainstream, government owned or alternative?

Anyway, it appears that another Pakatan Rakyat MP had also suggested that the demonstrators be ISA-ed.

Its state deputy chief [DAP Negri Sembilan State] and Senawang asemblyman P. Gunasekaren said police should have arrested the demonstrators rather than allowed three of them to enter the Bar Council office, which was private property.

“It is sad that the police allowed them to dictate terms. The demonstrators should be arrested and detained under the Internal Security Act for stoking racial sentiments,” he said when met at the district police station in Seremban 2. (STAR, via Charles Hector's blog)

Isn't that shocking too?  But can we believe the newspapers now after the Salahuddin Ayub's blunder, no matter what our personal opinions be about PAS or even the DAP?

I am awaiting P Gunasekaran's denial, and so he has.

I am not sure who's lying. We either have PAKATAN MPs who are two-faced or newspapers who have breached journalistic ethics and the readers' trust.

IF and WHEN Anwar Ibrahim becomes Prime Minister on 16 September (mSTAR); his former boss, Mahathir Mohammad plans to migrate.

Mahathir will be joining the ranks of thousands of Malaysians who migrate every year. Poor Malaysia.

One thinks that Mahathir loathes being in a country ruled by his former deputy, whom he tried so hard to eliminate, as far back as 1998 (aka sodomy I).

But alas, I believe he plans to leave the country for fear that the current repressive laws - from ISA to OSA, Sedition, Sodomy, Emergency, etc - would be used against him instead.

Dictators never learn that the same laws that put them in power may some day become the noose around their necks.

Laws which they summon at their whims and fancies to send political dissidents and social activists behind bars. They forget they may become the Opposition one day, too, like Mahathir.

Mahathir also says he does not want a man who "stepped him in the back" while being his deputy to run the country. We respect his opinion, but this is getting too personal.

It appears now that Mahathir had been 'sodomised' by Anwar, too, in those years when they were at the country's top leadership, both happily in cohorts, while screwing away the various public institutions .

But it is uncertain, whether the act (sodomy) was consensual or otherwise.

The former PM's statement was reported in Malay daily Mingguan Malaysia last night, where he also predicted that Anwar will not have a chance to be PM come September 16, although he might be able to win Permatang Pauh.

Mahathir is becoming such an oracle these days.

Anwar, on the hand, becomes benevolent and says he has 'forgiven' Mahathir, but still questioned the sodomy charges against him.

The question is whether Anwar would launch his revenge on Mahathir if ever he becomes PM. That I believe is the one and only deciding factor whether Mahathir migrates or not.

It's not really migration that Mahathir is thinking about or plans to seek, but political asylum, when the un-imaginable or (to some) inevitable happens on the much hyped about 1609 (Malaysia Day).

Anwar turns 61 yesterday, and is gearing himself up for the by-election (not bi-erection, ok!) of his life, from 16-26 August 2008.

"On 27 August I enter Parliament, on the 30 August the PM presents the 2008 Budget, then we shake the Parliament and take over the government" (Anwar).

Talk about positive thinking, an impending coup and the father of all brain-drain!

@ 7.18pm update: Police has denied he is detained under the ISA. It was a rumour probably started by "irresponsible" people, said Deputy IGP Tan Sri Ismail Omar (Bernama).

Early this morning, I read over at Jed Yoong's and Rocky Bru's that Zulkifli Noordin was detained by police. According to sms-es that's been going around, Zul is probably detained for his involvement in the protest against the Bar Council's forum on "Conversion to Islam".

Jed thinks that maybe the Penal Code or Police Act may probably have a more suitable charge for someone who "disrupted public order". Look at Mahaguru58's blog to see photos and video clips on the protest.

@ 4.32am, I said that I do not know how much this is true, or whether the cops have gone visiting the Bar Council organisers as well.

Anyway, Zulkifli is the PKR/Kulim-Bandar Bahru MP who wants the Bar Council to be led by a Muslim. Read his blog. He also warned others not to challenge the Muslims as their patience was limited.

Oh, I really forgot to add. That this is the kind of reaction the government/BN/UMNO wants to see to justify their place in power.

With a smirk, they'll say that we are not ready for multi-racial and multi-religious politics.

Look how the Home Minister is already using threats of "face the consequences" on the forum organisers - the Bar Council.

So, don't give them a chance to take us back another 50 years, lah!

Yesterday, under my posting : Conversion to democracy first, then Islam...I said:

Okay. It's easy to condemn the party that looks agressive. But Malaysians need to be converted to ideas of democracy first before we can even speak to them about something as controversial (to some) as "Conversion to Islam" or rather "Opting out of Islam".

Much as we might detest their move, we need to allow the group of 300-odd Muslim protestors to have their say. We do, after all, respect their freedom of speech. And that means, accepting, though very painfully, those hurtful name callings such as "Babi (pig)...pengkhianat (traitor) and balik China (go home to China)".

Yes, the protestors hurled all those labels at the organisers/ participants of the controversial forum.

But they forget that the organisers/participants were made up of Muslims, too. This is NOT the case of Muslims vs Non-Muslims.

Honestly, these labels do not surprise me nor pinch me in the least. Because I know they do not represent the views of many Malays and Muslims breathing in our land, especially my wonderful friends out there (you know who you are!).

About going home to China...please-lah, there are more Muslim Chinese in China, than they are Malaysian Muslims in Malaysia, I think. I laugh to think of this archaic notion, which I hope, is only held by a small sector of the protestors. And honestly, even people like me do not like to go to China. What for?

But if this is the overall mindset in which they judge all non-Muslims, then that is another matter for another day. We can see clearly how the government's effort in nation building had failed in this department.

I am not a big fan of the Bar Council leadership, either,but I guess they are quite bold for wanting to go through this forum, for whatever it is worth, within the four walls of their headquarters in Kuala Lumpur today.

However, their courage was short lived. They had to wrap up the event (after one hour) due to police advice and the cries of angry protestors at their door steps.

Why didn't the police allow the forum to continue and deal with the protestors outside, as they would have, if it involved Opposition supporters, for example, or demonstrations against the government?

Double standard at work? We are not surprised.

Among the protestors are PKR (Anwar Ibrahim's party) and PAS members like its Youth chief Sallehuddin Ayub. It would be interesting to see how both parties supreme councils deal with this matter.

Is Anwar Ibrahim going to deal with this at all?

For example, PKR Kulim-Bandar Baharu, Zulkifli Noordin, the lawyer who opted out of the Altantuya case, was present too, and said he was not representing his party, but some Muslim lawyers assosiation.

No matter what you say Zul, you've come across as a Muslim hardliner, and hardly an advantage to the PKR, which is supposed to be multi-racial and multi-religious.

So, we all learn a lesson that Muslims (these 300-odd protestors, anyway) are not prepared to dialogue about conversion to Islam, as the attempt by Bar Council to provide a platform for the issue is regarded as challenging the sensitivities of the religion itself.

Where they get this notion is questionable. If we trace the source, perhaps we can understand why they are ranting like this?

But can we safely say that "Muslims cannot dialogue" without knowing whether the Bar Council members who organised this event had made any attempts to discuss their plan with Muslim representatives. Haven't they learnt from the Article 11 experience in Penang in 2006?

Is it possible to have a closed door meetings with these group of people first before going so publicly to talk about conversion or opting out of Islam? I am not sure.

Because, it's true that this is a sensitive matter to these Muslims and pushing the boundaries without showing respect (though respect may be involved) nor acknowledging their sensitivities (though this may not have been visible to others) is also something that needs to be looked into.

We need to convince our Muslim brothers and sisters (or rather the people who claim to represent them) that this dialogue is a much needed one, a significant landmark in the exercise of freedom of religion and belief, and that, it is not, and never going to be, one that is Islam bashing.

But what does the forum want to achieve in the end? We may never know now.

Too bad, but we are simply not there yet, to be able to put issues of religion and race on the table and discuss things openly, with a free for all attitude.

We have a long way to go. We've been divided long enough. This is merely a symptom, nay, a disease of years and years of delusion (that we have religious freedoms) and rule by division (based on ethnicity and religion).

But we're getting there, believe me, if we try hard enough to be inclusive than exclusive.

And when that day comes, I am sure going to be glad that I am Malaysian.

This press statement below is by ANWAR IBRAHIM (on Dr Osman Abdul Hamid's SD that he stands firm by his initial findings):

I promise that under a Pakatan Rakyat government Malaysians will never again be subjected to such gross abuse of executive power as we are again witnessing today. Arbitrary arrest and detention, frivolous investigation and malicious prosecutions shall be a thing of the past.

Police officers and prosecutors who launch conspiracies to defame and humiliate the innocent will be severely punished. The use of police powers as well the office of the Attorney General to persecute political opponents will be criminalized so as to ensure a healthy and vibrant democracy where dissent is not only tolerated but nurtured.

In this regard every Malaysian's fundamental liberties will be treated as sacrosanct and safeguarded by a truly independent judiciary guided by principles of utmost integrity and an adherence to the spirit of the federal constitution.

The politically motivated trial launched against me will, Insha'Allah, be the last of its kind. No Malaysian will suffer from this cruel injustice ever again.

Yesterday's events confirm my innocence from the charges that recently surfaced. The medical report and statutory declaration by Dr. Osman Abdul Hamid of the Pusrawi Hospital that surfaced on Thursday shatter lingering doubts as to whether the alleged act ever took place. Dr. Osman's statement also confirms what we have already stated regarding deplorable actions by the police to fabricate evidence in a manner identical to the manipulation of my case in 1998. Anything short of a thorough investigation into the mishandling of this investigation would further tarnish the credibility of the police.

The doctor's personal safety is a matter of deep concern to us. Material witnesses in highprofile cases in Malaysia have gone missing in the past such as the PI Balasubramanian. I applaud those brave individuals who have demonstrated their commitment to freedom and justice by coming forward with important evidence, and call upon the authorities to ensure their protection.

Yesterday in court we learned that the prosecution's case has, in a manner similar to the botched trials of 1998, shape-shifted from a charge of assault to one of a consensual act. The conspiracy launched against me in the final week of June 2008 is falling apart. There is a hasty attempt by some to patch up glaring holes in the complainant's testimony. This will certainly fail given the preponderance of evidence confirming my innocence.

The Prime Minister has actively involved himself in this matter in an attempt to derail the process of transformational change in Malaysia and stave off his own political demise. But in soiling his hands with this sordid matter he has deepened the crisis within his own administration. His most ardent supporters among the Malays have also expressed their disgust with the matter. Furthermore Prime Minister Badawi now faces investigation by the Anti Corruption Agency for his involvement in corruption and money politics.

The shadow of corruption and mismanagement of the economy darkens the legacy of his Premiership. Prime Minister Badawi has still offered no convincing explanation over the huge profits reaped by his family in the Oil For Food scandal at the expense of dying Iraqis.

I advise those around him to leave the sinking ship of his leadership while there is still a chance to do so.

Pakatan Rakyat's reform agenda is firmly back on track and the New Dawn for Malaysia is well within reach. We will mount a unified campaign to win in Permatang Pauh with a solid majority encompassing that constituency's diverse population. I look forward to entering Parliament on August 27th with the support of my friends in the coalition.

 

Nice poster there by Mob's Crib.

Read about the blogger's support for Penarik Beca at Bukit Aman yesterday on Mahaguru's blog. There are some pixs to go with it also.

According to Bernama, Blogger Bakar Haq of Penarik Beca was detained under the Sedition Act for his article about the police force and the inspector-general of police on his blog. This could probably be the BLOG POST as pointed out by Nathaniel Tan @ jelas.info.

"Someone" had lodged a police report against him. Who? Wow, the police are so so so very efficient these days.

He was NOT arrested due to he being a PAS supporter or whatever, or that he had written a post about the PAS-UMNo talks. Instead...

"Commercial Crime Investigation Department cyber crimes unit investigating officer Superintendent Victor Sanjos said the 50-year-old was detained at his home in Taman Koperasi Polis under the Sedition Act 1948".

"He, in his blog, had published an article which showed a modified logo of the Royal Malaysia Police with derogatory comments about IGP Tan Sri Musa Hassan, including claims that he was being controlled by Chinese crime syndicates," he said.

He stayed the night at the Dang Wangi police station lock-up and would be released today. 

Lets watch out for more drama, if any.

BRAVO! The Burmese doctor who examined the alleged sodomy victim made a statutory declaration on August 1, and says he stands firm on his "no sodomy" findings.

Today however, Anwar Ibrahim is charged for having sex according to the order of nature. HAHAHA. If there's really a charge for this, looks like the entire world population would be in jail.

Consensual Sex? This is trying to say that Anwar and Saiful Bukhairy agreed to have carnal sex, both are adults, so why charge only Anwar and not Saiful? Will the police pick up Saiful, too?

I think even my 10 year old niece can ask this silly question. The charge carries a jail sentence of 20 years.

But I guess Anwar is thankful at least for the part where he does not have to fight the Permatang Pauh by-election from 16-26 August, behind bars.

He can have a field day running down the government for sodomy II, where the BN/UMNO is not even sure who their candidate is.

Judge Komathy was quite professional to add:

"A man is innocent until proven guilty. I don't think there's any likelihood that Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will abscond. I will release him on a personal bond. There is no possibility of Datuk Seri absconding or tampering with evidence".

So she lets him off on a personal bond of RM20,000. The case will be mentioned on September 10, and then transferred to High Court.

Here is where Saiful will also get to have his say. Oh, am I sooo looking forward to this.

 Poster by Kickdefella.

THEY ARE ARRESTING BLOGGERS AGAIN?!!! COWARDS...

Got this piece of news from Black the blogger and Nathaniel Tan. Uncle Zorro and Kickdefella has the story too. So does Mahaguru.

Blogger Bakar Haq who operates the 'Penarik Beca' blog has been taken to the Commercial Crime Unit in Bukit Aman, according to blogger Jiwo Kelate who is in touch with the family.

Penarik Baca usually promotes links to daily posts of several political blogs. This blog has been highligted by him, too. Wonder what is so seditious about that? But according to Rocky Bru, this guy is a pro-PAS blogger.

It seems he was arrested last night. According to his wife, four policemen came to his home and took him away, together with his laptop and mobile phone.

According to Nat, at 2pm today (confirmed), there will be a gathering infront of Bukit Aman (near Bank Negara) to support Penarik Beca. Please give him your support if possible. Tell everyone who's interested.

Hanifah Maidin, his lawyer, contacted the police, and confirmed that Bakar was detained under the Sedition Act.

This is a plea to everyone to please give your support to Bakar.

Here's an abstract of Anwar Ibrahim's press statement which he delievered at his 3pm press conference in Kuala Lumpur. He is quite sure he will be charged for sodomy tomorrow.

I have thus far constrained my criticism of the Prime Minister to his failed policies and general incompetence in leading the nation. But now it is clear that his vendetta against those who would seek his early dismissal from office knows no boundaries and will transgress all limits of the rule of law.

I hold the Prime Minister personally responsible for the damage that is about to be done to the nation and to the integrity and dignity of the Malays.

Our international standing, recently lambasted by prominent leaders from around the world, will plummet even further. Overseas investors are already deeply skeptical about Malaysia on account of its reputation for deeply engrained corruption and economic inefficiency.

They will certainly be further dissuaded from any further activity in Malaysia. The continued decline in the economy will lead to greater unemployment and rampant stagflation.

I will fight this with the hope and energy of the people who have supported reformasi in Malaysia. I will not allow this cowardly attack to derail Pakatan Rakyat's agenda for change.

Insha'Allah we will win in Permatang Pauh. Insha'Allah we will win convincingly. I look forward to joining my colleagues in the Parliament to prepare for the historic transition that the country is eagerly awaiting.

Don't believe me? Reporters are all waiting in anticipation outside Anwar's house in Segambut.

Others rumour that it may be on Aug 8, Anwar's birthday? Wow. What a great way to say "Happy Birthday". And Anwar would have a great time celebrating, too, and increasing his share value in the market of mindless political trading.

If he gets arrested before the mother of all by-elections - Permatang Pauh, it would certainly help add more spice to Anwar's election campaign. More sympathy votes for Anwar.  Even fence sitters would shift. Human beings have an inborn soft spot for the underdog, you know.

Who knows, maybe Pak Lah feels that Anwar has to win this time? How else to keep his restless but subdued looking deputy,Najib Tun Razak, on his toes?

According to M(alay) STAR, it is Anwar who tried to pre-empt his arrest by informing the police that he is willing to "meet the police" to answer any querries regarding those sodomy allegations against him. (Thanks to commentator ShahJehan for the heads-up).

Anwar's lawyer, Saiful Izham Ramli said a letter was sent to the IGP so that Anwar can be informed of his "arrest", unlike the ambush that happened on 16 July. A surprise arrest, while he was on the way to the police station to give his statement on the allegations. He was supposed to make it on time for the police deadline, but alas.

"Anwar can go to the police station himself, no need to sent a team of police sporting balaclavas and leather jackets anymore," said Saiful (not the alleged sodomised victim).

Anwar is currently out on police bail last 17 July, after he spent a night in the jail, and would have to report back to the KL Police HQ on 18 August.

If they do not arrest him by then, can we safely say they have nothing on him?

I believe some of those in Anwar Ibrahim's party can be overzealous at times. They go all out to protect their "supreme" leader, at whatever cost. But then, it should not be at the expense of innocent parties.

These people can be quite annoying. I experienced it myself at the party's headquarters in Petaling Jaya. They can be quite rude. They do not know that a little manners can get them quite far.

At a time when the party needs all the support it can get, we hear stories of violence against photograhers?

Embarassing, and only legitimises Home Minister Syed Hamid Albar's claim that we need more police in Permatang Pauh. See earlier post.

On Sunday night, Guang Ming Daily Loh Hoay Hoon, 25, was allegedly kicked, choked and hit on the head by a group of PKR security personnel. She was allegedly assaulted by a group of men who tailed her at the carpark after a ceramah by PKR supreme leader Anwar Ibrahim in Seberang Jaya, Penang (Malaysiakini).

But PKR is saying that the men who allegedly assaulted Loh was not from the PKR camp. Like I said earlier, could this be 'agent provocateurs" at work already in Permatang Pauh?

PKR's Tian Chua has issued a statement saying that the party regrets and condemns the incident.

That the party has investigated the matter and found that the man who allegedly assaulted Loh was not a member of the Security Squad. The party's Chief Security, Mazlan Mohd Zaid, confirmed the matter.

Tian Chua said that it was probably planned by 'certain' parties to create chaos in a gathering which saw about 30,000 participants; and that the party was willing to assist the police invstigation in locating this 'mystery man'.

He furthered said that it was unlikely that it was the party's men who did it, as they had always welcomed the press, to cover their events.

PKR was committed to a peaceful and will ensure the safety of the people, particularly, the press, so that the incident will not repeat.

Party president Wan Azizah Wan Ismail has contacted Loh, and assured her that the incident would not happen again.

I do not know if by now, Loh has accepted the apologies. She has lodged a police report and the Malaysian Association of Chinese Photographers is planning to boycott PKR's campaign. Seems like these incidents have been repeatedly happening?

MCPA deeply regrets that PKR's top leadership has failed to look into their shortcomings and allowed similar acts of violence to be perpetuated. This is highly unprofessional," said the statement.

PKR really has to buck up and be more vigilant when it comes to things like this. All eyes are on Permatang Pauh and their 'supreme leader'.

Extra care must be taken to protect the people who are attending those PKR events, not Anwar Ibrahim.

As any opportunity to show PKR as a violent party is on the top agenda of those who do not wish to see Anwar become MP of Permatang Pauh.

WHAT FOR?

Fear tactics are already being deployed in the upcoming Permatang Pauh by-election. We need a free media, not more police presence at the constituency during campaign time.

We need a free and fair elections. A neutral and unbias election commission. We need independent observers to nab those phantom voters. We need...everything except more police presence!

This is how UMNO abuses power, by mis-using government machineries to have an upper hand : More police personnel to be deployed at Permatang Pauh by-election, says Syed Hamid (the much loathed Home Minister).

We know how the police is often used to create fear among the people. Are they coming with their FRU buddies, too? In which case, there might be convenient agent provocateurs around, then lo and behold, chaos would erupt.

Does BN/UMNO already have something up its sleeves? Or perhaps, it can see the future?

Well, the many by-elections I covered in the past, showed that things will not run so smoothly when BN/UMNO is up against Anwar Ibrahim's party.

There'll be violence, sure. Mud-slinging. Sandiwaras. Exposes of the highest order.

You can say it will be quite fun. For the faint hearted, don't go near the area when the time comes.

What we need is a cool drink (make your pick), pop corn or whatever. Not more police presence, dummy. And we are off to an exciting campaign week.

Watch out for the daily reporting in the government controlled papers.

Geez, Wish I could be home to witness the theaterics.

Image from thewashingtonnote, modified by Wits!

Thanks to MalaysianWaves for this reminder.

Indeed, it is easy to blame Anwar Ibrahim and everyone else who criticises the Malaysian government as "US stooge". It's easy to blame NGOs too for 'working with the US' just because they receive funds from US agencies.

What these accusers do not know and do not bother to find out is that NGOs have other sources, too, from the Netherlands, for example, or from Denmark, or even Japan, an Asian country.

On the other hand, the US is Malaysia's biggest investor. So what do we say to this?

But then I realise why BN/UMNO is very quick to blame others as US stooge, because they are trying desperately to hide the fact that the Malaysian military is very much "in the hands" of the US.

In 2002, Najib Tun Razak admits readily about the clandestine relationship the government has with the US.  His speech is published here on The Heritage Foundation (Leadership for America) website.

I considered titling my talk today: "Malaysia-U.S. Defense Cooperation: The Untold Story."

The reason is that for many years U.S. and Malaysian forces have cooperated on a wide range of missions with virtually no fanfare or public acknowledgement. And in spite of its success, our bilateral defense relationship seems to be an all too well-kept secret.”

There have been more than 75 U.S. military ship visits in the past two and a half years.

Inside,  Najib listed down the on-going relationship with the US Army and Navy, which include training exercises,field exercises, US sponsored military education and training, and many, many more.

Consider this: Malaysians are known in the business as 'Whispering Death?'

• The United States conducts training exercises with the Royal Malaysian Air Force, flying with and against them in mock battles.
• U.S. Navy SEALs conduct training in Malaysia twice a year.
• The U.S. Army does field exercises with the Malaysian army. I might mention here that, for their expertise in jungle warfare, Malaysians are known in the business as "whispering death."
• Finally, 1,500 Malaysian defense personnel have benefited from the U.S.-sponsored IMET (international military education and training) program.

In fact, the US even has access to our Intelligence, and Malaysian forces have been protecting US ships in the Straits, says Najib:

The United States averages more than 1,000 overflights per year. Since September 11, this number has increased dramatically, and all requests have been approved.

The United States has excellent access to Malaysian intelligence.

Malaysia occupies a strategic location along the Strait of Malacca and southern South China Sea, and devotes considerable resources to maintaining safe and free shipping lanes for commercial and military vessels. Since September 11, Malaysian forces have been protecting U.S. ships in the Strait.

Malaysia has a considerable number of troops and military assets on our islands to thwart the threat of Abu Sayyaf terrorists in the Southern Philippines.

In addition, Malaysia is actively identifying assets of terrorists and teaching Indonesia and other ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) countries how to freeze assets.

So come on, who is the US stooge now?

You may also read Ktemoc's Boleh talks "Rule of law by a lawless ruler"?, for the way we throw ourselves at the British.

Over the weekend, Raja Petra Kamaruddin of Malaysia-Today has come up with several revelations in the case of the sodomy allegations against Anwar Ibrahim (forgive this very lazy kind of blogging).

Here's some interesting points, in case you cannot access Malaysia-Today.

Who is Rodwan, and why the secret meeting in Room 619?

According to RPK, Saiful Bukhairy had met a police "conspirator" - Senior Assistant Commissioner (SAC) II Mohd Rodwan Mohd Yusof - before the former lodged a police report against Anwar Ibrahim on 26 June. The secret meeting took place in Room 619 of the Concorde Hotel on 25 June. Both men had spoken about 8 times on the phone.

[Rodwan was the same police officer who was involved in fabricating the 1998 sodomy allegation against Anwar Ibrahim. He was allegedly the man who illegally took Anwar’s specimens, which subsequently mysteriously reappeared as ‘stains’ on a mattress].

What do you tell Malaysians who are impatiently waiting for the outcome of these allegations?

There's more kinky sex during the trial which will put Astro out of business. That Malaysians will eventually come to know who Mumtaz Jaafar is and what her ‘special’ links with Rosmah are. Further to that, Malaysians will be told about the relationship between Najib’s Special Officer, Khairul Anas, and Saiful -- "and the less than manly reputation these two buggers had while still in school. Yes, the excitement and kinky sex that is going to spill over from this trial will cause Astro to lose a lot of business".

Will Anwar be arrested within these few days and why?

RPK claims that Abdullah Ahmad Badawi wants to charge Anwar because this would invariably dragged Najib Tun Razak and his wife Rosmah Mansor, aka Dotty, into the whole mess. The police have recorded both Najib’s and his wife’s statements under Section 112. So that means Najib and Rosmah would both have to take the witness stand to testify during the course of the trial.

So, this is not about Anwar but Najib?

No, this is not a case of Anwar being set up for a fall under false allegations of sodomy. It is about Najib being dragged into the mess and being fingered as the dalang behind the conspiracy to set Anwar up. Sure, Anwar will face a temporary setback. He will spend five to six years in jail and then will be declared not guilty. But Najib will be sent into retirement for good.

"This is not about Anwar. This is about Najib. And Najib has not awoken to this fact yet. Poor thing" (says RPK).

Poor thing. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! (just a weekend joke).

Aiyo. Such a coward-lah. Fight hasn't even happened yet. Wanna back out already. This is UMNO's way it seems. Belum apa-apa lagi, nak boycott-lah, nak strike-lah. Fed-up lah. Sick-lah. A bit like MCA's way, too [read Wong Chun Wai].

(Bernama) Kelantan Umno Liaison Committee chairman Tan Sri Annuar Musa Friday suggested that the Barisan Nasional (BN) boycott the by-election to be held in the Permatang Pauh parliamentary constituency following the resignation of its Member of Parliament and Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) president Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail Thursday.

He described the resignation of Dr Wan Azizah as a PKR political strategy to steer public focus away from the sodomy accusation against her husband and PKR advisor Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Hey, here's UMNO's chance to steer the public back to Anwar's sodomy accusation!

Speaking to reporters here (Kota Bahru), he said fielding a candidate would result in a waste of public funds and that it was unnecessary for the BN to go along with Anwar's political strategy.

Waste of public funds? UMNO admits it uses the entire government machinaries, including the state media, police, city council, etc, to help it win votes every election. How nice!

Oi, guna duit parti lah, bukan duit rakyat!!!

But oh, we're looking forward to the entertaintment. Don't spoil our fun!

However...

If BN boycotts the by-election that we are all supposed to know by Wednesday, does it mean that Anwar will "menang tanpa betanding?". Oh, nampaknya he is helping the PAKATAN RAKYAT through the "backdoor".

Kekekeh!