Raja Petra sedition trial starts
UPDATED
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 6 — The editor of Malaysia’s best-known anti-government news portal went on trial today for sedition for allegedly implying the deputy prime minister was involved in the murder of a young Mongolian woman.
Raja Petra Kamarudin, 58, who denies the allegation, is already in jail in a separate case under the Internal Security Act, a law that allows indefinite detention without trial.
The two cases against Raja Petra, who runs the popular Malaysia Today news site on his blog, have provoked an outcry against the government, with detractors accusing it of misusing the judiciary to crack down on critics and suppress freedom of speech.
"They are penalising him twice ... It's double jeopardy. But his spirits are up," said Raja Petra's wife, Marina, at a district court where the frail-looking activist, wearing flip-flops and sporting stubble, was brought in handcuffs in a police van for the trial.
If convicted, Raja Petra, popularly known as RPK, faces up to three years in jail.
About three dozen supporters gathered outside the court, wearing T-shirts bearing slogans such as "I am with RPK," "Free RPK," and "No to ISA."
The sedition charge stems from an April 25 article titled "Let's send the Altantuya murderers to hell" that Raja Petra posted on his website. It allegedly implied that Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and his wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, were involved in the 2006 killing in Malaysia of Altantuya Shaariibuu, a 28-year-old Mongolian interpreter. Both have denied involvement.
Two policemen have been accused of killing her and destroying her body with explosives in a jungle clearing. Abdul Razak Baginda, a close associate of Najib, is charged with abetting the murder. The trial of the three men is under way.
The prosecution contends that Abdul Razak had the woman killed because she pestered him for money after he ended an affair.
Five months after Raja Petra was charged with sedition, he was arrested on Sept 12 under the Internal Security Act for publishing articles that the government says created racial tension in this multiethnic nation. He is being held at the Kamunting detention camp.
Some of Malaysia's most popular blogs offer strongly anti-government commentaries and present themselves as a substitute for mainstream media, which are controlled by political parties or closely linked to them.
The government estimates there are more than 700 Malaysians who blog on social and political issues. — AP
Inspiring sense of one-ness outside RPK’s hearing
Raja Petra arrives in court for his sedition trial this morning
Rakyat@Work sends us this eye-witness account from court:
Folks, keep supporting Raja and be there tomorrow? It was a fantastic experience. I got to shake hands with great people such as Marina, Din Merican, Lim Kit Siang, Ronnie and some famous bloggers. You wanna feel what justice is all about? Be there.
There were really generous people too, who gave out free T-shirts, drinks, and cakes. Of course, stocks of T-shirts for sales were also available. A feeling of one-ness was there: people of different races who share the same sadness but carry the same hope and resolve to see this through. It’s difficult to express in words.
I felt sad but at the same time couldn’t help but admire and be inspired by the rest. Many ladies, husband and wife teams, were there too. Thanks to everyone for showing good conduct; it was peaceful and the police had an easy day.
I’ll be there again tomorrow. If you are lucky - and there is enough space in court - you can also listen to the proceedings - in English! Not bad, ya? Come, brothers and sisters of One Bangsa. See you there!
Monday, October 6, 2008
GEE, I FELT GOOD TODAY.
I arrived at the PJ Sessions Court at 8:15am and was thrilled to see RPK's supporters congregating in batches outside the courthouse and in the courtyard of the courthouse. I thanked as many as possible, for their support. MOST were clad in the now-familiar T-Shirt.
But my day got better as I saw my dear friends Gerry and Christine came through the gates. It was a good surprise. I grew up with Gerard Rozells in the mid 50's, schooled together in St.Xaviers, coached football together in Selangor, and now live in the same condominium. Gerry and Chris had come to lend support to Pete in his sedition trial.
Before Sessions Court Judge Justice Rozina Ayod came in from her chambers we were able to see Pete. I was able give him a hug and stiffled a sob. He looked gaunt, lost some weight, and his sugar level is at 5 from 8. But let me just say this. If the authorities tried to smother Pete, they have failed miserably.He is still gutsy, combative, indestructable (yet) and as sharp as ever.
I came out of the first days hearing, elated. Chandra, Pete's lead counsel was just BRILLIANT! He summarised the days proceedings with questions at the Government's expert IT witness, Harme Mohamad, Deputy Director, International Affairs Department, MCMC:
It went like this, after establishing the fact that Harme does read Malaysia Today.
Chandra: Do you agree that since his incarceration in Kamunting, three or four postings were allegedly posted by Raja Petra?
Harme: Yes.
Chandra: So anybody can put up a post under the name of Raja Petra. You agree.
Harme: Yes.
Chandra: Do you think he wrote against corruption?
Harme: Yes.
Chandra: He also championed transparency?
Harme: Yes.
Chandra: Did he abhor money politics?
Harme: Yes
Chandra: Did he write against ethnic polarisation?
Harme: Yes.
Go here and here for my lawyer/farmer's take on the proceedings:
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Justice Rozina Ayob is pretty/beautiful. She came into courst although she wa on medical leave. She was sharp. She was perky. She came across as firm but fair. Is she God-sent. I fervently hope so.
See you guys tomorrow, 9:00am, same place and thanks so much for showing up this morning.
News Asia-Pacific
Malaysia blogger goes on trial
Raja Petra is one of the government's most prominent critics [File: Reuters]
One of Malaysia's most prominent bloggers and a high-profile critic of the government has gone on trial for sedition.
Raja Petra Kamarudin, who is already being held under Malaysia's Internal Security Act (ISA), could be sentenced to three years in jail if he is convicted.
In an entry on his Web site - Malaysia Today - he allegedly implied that Malaysia's deputy prime minister, Najib Tun Razak, was involved in the high-profile murder of a young Mongolian woman.
Raja Petra denies the allegation and supporters have criticised what they say is a government attempt to gag critics and suppress freedom of speech.
He was brought to court in Kuala Lumpur on Monday in handcuffs, unshaven and wearing flipflops.
Supporters said he appeared frail as he was escorted into the hearing by police.
The charge stems from an article published on Malaysia Today in late April related to the killing of a 28-year-old Mongolian interpreter.
Two policemen have been accused of killing her and destroying her body with explosives in a jungle clearing.
A third man, Abdul Razak Baginda, a close associate of Malaysia's deputy prime minister, is charged with abetting the murder.
The trial of the three men is on going.
Detained without trial
Malaysian officials have already said Raja Petra will be detained for at least two years without trial under the ISA – a colonial-era law that allows for indefinite detention at the discretion of the country's home minister.
He was arrested last month after allegedly publishing articles that the government said insulted Islam, inflamed racial tensions and tarnished the country's leadership.
Critics have called for the ISA to be scrapped, saying a law that was introduced when communist fighters threatened national security is now being used to suppress legitimate political opposition.
Raja Petra's detention comes amid escalating political tensions in Malaysia, with the government's popularity at an all time low after suffering its worst ever result in March general elections.
The opposition, led by former deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim, has said it plans to oust the current leadership by orchestrating the defection of more than 30 government MPs.
The People’s Parliament
We are here, not because we are law-breakers; we are here in our efforts to become law-makers - Emmeline Pankhurst
Day 2 of RPK sedition trial tomorrow
October 6, 2008
I fear that my friend will be driven to court tomorrow only to see dwindling numbers of friends there to greet him.
I fear that this will break his heart and break his spirit.
Over the next few days, please make time to come out to the PJ courts and give back a little to this man who has given so much for us.
I am begging.
Posted by Haris Ibrahim
Filed in People Power
5 Comments »
Yes, Malaysia Today denounces corruption, money politics and ethnic polarisation…
October 6, 2008
UPDATE : James has done it again. Got this photo in the mail. Says this was taken at the end of proceedings today.
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…and yes, Malaysia Today advocates transparency and accountability.
This was the response of Harme Mohamed, the prosecution’s first witness, to RPK’s counsel, Chandra’s, last question during cross-examination this evening.
No, cross-examination of this witness has not concluded as yet.
Proceedings today ended at about 4pm after Chandra informed the court that he would need some time to prepare for further cross-examination of Harme on the technical aspects of this witness’s testimony relating to the workings of the internet.
Judge was displeased with the prosecution’s late disclosure of documents to the defence and secured the confirmation of the prosecution that all documents intended for use at the trial have been disclosed.
Upon inquiry by the court, the prosecution confirmed that they would be marshalling up 6 witnesses.
The hearing resumes tomorrow at 9am.
Would be good if those who were not in court today would make the effort to attend tomorrow. This will enable those who were in court today to perhaps attend to work.
Let’s carry this together people.
Posted by Haris Ibrahim
Filed in People Power
28 Comments »
RPK’s sedition trial gets off the ground
October 6, 2008
The trial’s just recessed for lunch at 1.30pm and is due to resume at 2.30pm.
Started sharp at 9am, much to my surprise, presided over by Sessions Court Judge Justice Rozina Ayob.
Amarjit and Chandra are appearing for RPK.
The prosecution’s first witness, Harme Mohamed, the deputy director, international affairs, Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission, was offered as an expert witness on the A-Z of internet. He continues his evidence-in-chief in the afternoon.
The trial is expected to continue for the next few days, unless postponements are sought.
Will give you a follow-up report at the end of proceedings this evening.
Meanwhile I leave you with the photos taken at the court this morning.
In particular, I want to dedicate this post to the many beautiful people who were there this morning to lend love and support to RPK, Marina and the family.
You people are the absolute best that Malaysia has to offer.
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The early ‘a little past 8′ birds.
Fellow Malaysians, this is what we are up against, hired writers/apologists for a discredited regime
Posted by: dinobeano on: October 7, 2008
In: Media No Comments
This sort of writing or writer/blogger should not surprise us. They litter the media landscape in our country. It reminds me of the heydays of the Cold War when the CIA used novelists, academics and journalists to spread the word. Stalin and Hitler too did the same thing when they temporarily held the reins of power. It is happening now in our country under a discredited UMNO-led Barisan Nasional Government.
The difference, as I see it, between these guys and their hired hands, and our propagandists or so-called psy-war specialists/experts is that the latter are less sophisticated and subtle. We can identify their motives the moment we finish reading just a few words since what they put out in the public domain comes through as clearly loud and blatantly insulting.
What surprises a naive guy like me, though, is that there are people who are willing to sell their integrity for money and promise of favors, like someone I know as an acquaintance who desperately harbours dreams of returning to a major newspapers as its chief group editor, if Najib Tun Razak becomes Prime Minister.
It is, therefore, important that we read views and reviews with a critical eye, use our ability to think and reason, and exchange information among ourselves, exercising utmost care. There is so much gubberish, like this one for example, out in cyberspace, print media and the air waves, that we need to be careful. —Din Merican
Unraveling the RPK Mystique
Much has been said about the ISA detention of Raja Petra Kamarudin. Over the past decade, the 58 year old has emerged from obscurity to become a sort of cult figure for some Malaysians, and his detention has become a cause célèbre for “the quest for justice and inequality.” RPK is also perceived by many to be some sort of figurehead and rallying point in their opposition to the UMNO-led Barisan Nasional coalition that has governed the country since Merdeka 51 years ago.
Who are these RPK supporters?
Do they truly represent the Malaysian social milieu? Well, they themselves certainly feel that way. A browse through RPK’s Malaysia Today portal would give that impression. The lively postings allude to a sense of inevitability in the socio-political evolution of this country, where some sort of People’s Power movement, indeed an alternative irresistible political force, would sweep through Putrajaya to obliterate and replace the current ruling oligarchs with an “enlightened” administration driven by the mantra of Ketuanan Rakyat.
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Is this really an accurate sketch in the complex Malaysian socio-political canvas? Do these people — the posters, lurkers, trolls and bots inhabiting the Malaysia Today cyber-habitat — really represent the conscience and aspirations and, indeed, the essence of the Malaysian people, a compelling sampling of the changing socio-dynamics permeating our nation?
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Not really.
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Who are these people then?
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Malaysia Today is a typical SoPo portal, an aggregator of third party newsfeeds and blog postings, spiced with some original articles by RPK himself prior to his ISA detention. The Malaysia Today Webmaster (RPK in the past, and now his close associates since his detention) would “moderate” incoming readers’ comments to ensure congruence to the portal’s political sentiment. RPK himself said that daily he had to delete 500-600 comments sent by Malays, which he termed the “UMNO Cyber Troopers.” This effectively skewed Malaysia Today into a supra cyber platform for non-Malays to spew their bigotry and chauvinism while sheltered from Malay reactions.
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Typical of other SoPo blogs and portals, the site is frequented by the usual suspects, namely political gossip junkies in need of their daily “fix” of sensational revelations and maladies of the ongoing Malaysian political telenovela. The human tendency to revel in a schadenfreude orgy was satiated by RPK’s rich pipeline of sensational “scoops” as well as his series of “True Stories” of our historical past, including a revisionist portrayal of the May 13 Incident, a version much more palatable to his predominantly non-Malay audience.
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Visitors to his portal may not necessarily share RPK’s ideology or the anti-Malay, anti BN/UMNO flavour of the content. Many just want to read alternative viewpoints to supplement the less-than-credible spin spewed by the mainstream media. Some visitors may, indeed, be RPK’s many enemies, wanting to check out his latest antics. Yet others are just curious.
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Out of this pool, a smallish group ultimately immersed themselves into the Malaysia Today cyber-habitat, became hyperactive posters, and evolved into “MT junkies,” glued to the site for hours on end, alienating themselves from the realities of Main Street Malaysia and oblivious to the constantly shifting socio-political undercurrents that define Malaysian politics. These MT junkies — overwhelmingly non-Malay — actually believed their own postings, facilitated by the total lack of competing Malay viewpoints as these were “moderated away” by Malaysia Today’s Webmasters. The MT junkies reinforce this make-believe empowerment by incessantly regurgitating the same points of view, essentially preaching-to-the-converted, in their comments to every new Malaysia Today story.
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The propensity of Malaysia Today to block comments from Malays (RPK’s “UMNO Cyber Troopers”) that would countervail the bigoted viewpoints of the Chinese chauvinists and Hindraf sympathizers contributed to this false sense of empowerment among the non-Malays.
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The unbridled spiral of prejudice and contempt — in a make-believe cocoon devoid of the voice of the Malay majority — fueled an irrational exuberance among the MT junkies over a perceived “inevitable” change in the Malaysian political landscape, where the non-Malays (in the guise of DAP’s Malaysian Malaysia stance shrouded by the Ketuanan Rakyat mantra of the Pakatan Rakyat coalition) would have the major grip on political power in this country while the UMNO-led Barisan Nasional coalition would collapse and dissipate into thin air.
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This RPK chap, a likable personality with a free-spirited, bohemian streak, was gradually emboldened by the ceaseless cheerleadings and promptings of the MT junkies. Ever more sensational stories were churned but these could not satiate the hungry hordes. RPK then did the ultimate – he himself became the story, starring in his own improbable sinetron radiating from the keyboard of his PC.
With RPK in the starring role, who needs third party revelations? He is the story! He can craft his own play and act in his own drama. He has reached the nirvana of SoPo blogging. Quite predictably, hits on Malaysia Today hit the roof, giving chedet.com a run for its money. RPK was now on par with Dr. Mahathir Mohamad! Nobody gets larger than that in Malaysia. Pak Lah, Najib Razak and even Anwar Ibrahim were reduced to supporting cast and bit players in the eyes of the MT junkies. A sense of invulnerability descended upon the Malaysia Today cyber-habitat and the mystique of RPK’s infallibility permeated his congregation.
But again, who are this flock of adherents that contributed to the deification of RPK in the cyber universe?
Here’s a quick and dirty classification:-
Groupie Gang I: The Idealists
These are the believers of a new, utopian Malaysia devoid of racial, religious and class conflict; a land of plenty for all; a just, corrupt-free nation of civil, law abiding citizens united in a celebration of cosmopolitan multiculturalism. The thought leaders of this small but influential group include fellow bloggers Dr. Azly Rahman, Malik Imtiaz Sarwar, Din Merican, Farish Noor, Dr. Bakri Musa, Harris Ibrahim, as well as writers Karim Raslan, Wan Hamidi Hamid and politicians, Zaid Ibrahim and Tunku Aziz Ibrahim. The Idealists, albeit for different reasons and motivations, advocate either the abolishment or a revamp of the NEP, demonise Ketuanan Melayu, and view BN/UMNO as an obsolete post-Colonial relic quivering through the final vestiges of its existence. The elegant intellectual discourse spewed by the Idealists, usually revolving around the need for social justice, meritocracy and more “progressive” Malay attitudes are well received by the predominantly non-Malay MT junkies as this would entail the dismantling of perceived Malay-centric policy legacies built over the years by BN/UMNO. The non-Malay MT junkies usually refer to this group in their comment postings as the “good Malays.” Articles and blog postings by these “good Malays” are prominently displayed in Malaysia Today and their Chinese and Indian-friendly comments are approved by the gatekeeper, giving the casual Malaysia Today reader the false impression of a softening Malay stance amidst the perceived newfound political clout of the non-Malays in this “new” post-318 Tsunami political landscape.
Groupie Gang II: The Anwaristas
This collection of visitors and posters view Malaysia Today as a convenient platform to spew their venom against anything that had to do with BN/UMNO, more so the likes of Pak Lah, Najib Razak and Hamid Albar. The nucleus of the Anwaristas’ gene pool can be traced back to Anwar’s ABIM and Reformasi days. Many are ex-hardcore UMNO cadres purged from the party in the aftermath of Anwar Ibrahim’s battle royale with Dr. M. These are essentially closet UMNO people – in attitude and mindset – the “have nots” in the intra-Malay competition for patronage and privileges. Beyond a common enemy in a Pak Lah/Najib-led UMNO, they have no affinities to Groupie Gangs I, IV and V and do not partake in commenting except to glorify Anwar Ibrahim and to ridicule the key UMNO personalities.
Groupie Gang III: The PAS Malays
These are predominantly PAS members, with some PKR supporters among the lot. They view UMNO as their ideological foes and tolerate the other RPK Groupies (for now) in their bigger quest to win the Hearts and Minds of the Malay masses. This group makes up a small minority in the English-centric Malaysia Today Cyber Habitat and many have filtered away amidst the strident criticisms on Islam by the portal and the comments sent by the anti-Malay MT junkies.
Groupie Gang IV: The Rabid Anti-Malay Racists
These are the bread-and-butter of Malaysia Today and form the majority of the posters. Their posts and comments say it all. Everything in Malaysia is linked back to their hatred of the Malays. These are the ethnic-Chinese chauvinists, Hindraf sympathizers and assorted hangers-on who suffer from an overwhelming sense of alienation in this country. They equate every symbol and instrument of Malaysian statehood – from Bahasa Malaysia to the Negaraku to the Rukunegara to the Songkok to the Jalur Gemilang and, of course, the Keris – to the Malays and hence not worthy of their respect and deference. This attitude spawned a deep-seated hollowness permeating their souls as they languish in a land whose essence run contrary to their aspirations. Hence, every post emanating from this Group would revolve around their revulsion of and paranoiac vengeance towards the Malays. Of course, when like-minded posts coalesced in the Malaysia Today cyber-habitat, an explosion of Malayphobia saturates the portal. And with the Malay voice effectively moderated-away by the Webmaster, this racist mania continues unchecked and unchallenged. The venom and ferocity of the attacks are matched only by the “spin” applied to various issues by authors and articles allied to their non-Malay agenda. Of course, to appease the Anwaristas and the PAS and PKR Malays, these Rabid Racists would replace “Malay” with the term UMNOputra or Mat Rempit or just plain beruks, but the message to the casual reader is clear: They hate Malays, and all the maladies of this country can be traced back to the Malays. Their own kind – the “repressed, smart hard working people” – are portrayed as a Superlative group, held in check only by the smothering political grasp of the Malays (oops, no … by the “UMNO people”) crawling in their subsidised tongkats and crutches.
Groupie Gang V: The RPK Cultists
To this group — mostly young, impressionable non-Malays with their first intoxicating taste of politics – RPK is a demigod, a messiah sent by the Gods to rid Malaysia of the bad guys, to single-handedly rescue Malaysia from all the maladies caused by these people. Yes, all these and then some in one fell swoop of his …. errrr ….. keyboard! The cultists elevate RPK to a Supreme Being-like persona, a larger than life sage whose every word is the gospel truth, who’s every action is holy, and whose every pronouncement must be followed. Utterances of “my RPK,” “our RPK,” “I love RPK,” “RPK our hero,” “RPK wants” and “RPK says” began to percolate in readers’ postings and comments on Malaysia Today. I get blurry images of Jim Jones, Idi Amin and Kim Il Sung as I forage through the thick undergrowth of readers’ homage to RPK in Malaysia Today. And you know what? I think RPK actually gradually believed in this burgeoning personality cult and began to suffer lapses of self-grandiosity as manifested in his later posts and articles.
So what happened when RPK got banished to Kamunting? What happened to his hordes of supporters, the people who would join him arm-in-arm in a fight to the death with the ruling oligarchs? Where are the untold millions that would march to Kamunting to tear down the walls and hand-pluck RPK from the grasp of the baddies? Where? A hundred people in Anti-ISA and Free RPK t-shirts assembling at the entrance of the Kamunting camp or a couple of hundred people holding a candlelight vigil at Dataran Merdeka just don’t cut it.
Is this the real Malaysia? Is this group of affluent predominantly non-Malay urbanites a true sampling of the Malaysian population, representing the sentiment of the rakyat? These people may be nothing more than a like-minded interest-group with deep-rooted animosity towards the Malays, egged on by partisan politicians naturally at loggerheads with their BN/UMNO rivals.
What about the on-line petition drive to free RPK? How many actually signed up?
A sampling of the Free RPK Petition
Does this list represent Malaysia’s demographic mix, a necessary condition to “transform the nation” from Perlis to Johor to Kelantan to Sabah into a different Ketuanan Rakyat paradigm? After discounting the meaningless prank names such as “Father of Najis,” “Death 666,” “Johnny Doe” (in the above sample), as well as the non-citizen residents and foreigners signing from afar, how many people actually signed up? How many legitimate citizens actually walked the talk and signed the petition? 10,000? 30,000? 100,000? These are peanuts compared to the purported millions of hits charted daily by Malaysia Today.
Assuming 100,000 Malaysians actually signed the petition, this would represent less than four-tenth of one percent or 0.0036 of Malaysia’s 27.5 million people, or one out of every 275 Malaysians. It means, 274 out of 275 Malaysians don’t really care. Is this four-tenth of one percent the Critical Mass sufficient to revolutionise the Malaysian political landscape, the people with the mandate to dismantle this country’s socio-economic-political equilibrium?
No.These people are just a smallish cyber-community not at all representative of the Malaysian ethno-cultural milieu. But isn’t Malaysia Today the voice of the people?
What people? Any blogger will admit that the number of “hits” do not translate into number of people. A Malaysia Today junkie might reload the portal 20-30 times a day just to access the stories. Also, not more than 30 hard core junkies post 90% of the comments. Go check the site. It’s obvious that a small group of hyperactive adherents account for a large amount of postings, hence, essentially preaching their political gospel to themselves in an affliction which may be termed “inbred blog postings syndrome.”
Again, where are the Malays? Where is Mainstream Malaysiana that would change the country? The writings on the banners allude to a predominantly ethnic-Chinese grouping. What does this say? Why are the Malay majority not taken in to RPK and the ideals of Malaysia Today?
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The vast majority of RPK’s supporters are just armchair quarterbacks and fair weather cheerleaders and people with nothing better to do who essentially outsourced and sub-con their political activism to this poor chap from the airconditioned comfort of their homes and offices, from their cosy beds and plush sofas, cybercafés and chic gourmet coffee joints. They are not even representative of the country, in terms of demographics, dispersion and political inclination. These junkies are more akin to the lunatic fringe than to the mainstream of Malaysian society. Who are these people? The content and nature of their postings revealed an English-literate motley crew of private college kids, bored pensioners, the unemployed, the under-employed white collar salarymen, the disenfranchised and a handful of professionals — all with chips on their shoulders. There is also a good sprinkling of expats and foreigners posting from faraway places (146 countries according to RPK in the clip above). Plus a fair bit of ex-Malaysians with axes to grind and some kiasu Singaporeans.
Hardly forming the vanguard of the Malaysian Rakyat.
Yes, RPK (and poor Marina and kids) were conned by these people. These cyber-opportunists outsourced and sub-con their politicking to him while they cheer him from the comfort of their cosy homes and plush offices. Many seemed to ignore that RPK is a real human being, a late middle-aged man with a wife and many children. A man with responsibilities, hopes, fears, aspirations and vulnerabilities like the rest of us. These parasites and blood suckers ruined his life and unnecessarily estranged his family from mainstream Malaysia.
RPK himself is not really a grave threat to national security. His incoherent rantings and pathological animosity towards BN/UMNO and prominent UMNO personalities are old news. RPK is a known loud-mouth, a prickly irritant with a penchant for the dramatic. For many, his revelations and cyber activism are no more than pure entertainment, melodramatic political gossip on par with TV3’s obnoxious Melodi and a much needed comic relief from the socio-political quagmire of the past 3-4 years under Pak Lah’s disastrous watch.
But RPK’s real fault lies in his propagation of Malaysia Today as a cyber platform for assorted bigoted and racist characters to spew their venom against the Malays and, in more than one instance, to ridicule Islam. His personal vendetta against the UMNO Cyber Troopers (purportedly led by Azalina Othman Said and Norza Zakaria according to RPK in the clip above) degenerated into an almost blanket deletion of pro-Malay comments, hence rendering the portal into a one-sided anti-Malay arena in the uniquely Malaysian game of race-tinged politics.
Indeed, MT Junkies (the Rabid Anti-Malay Racists and RPK Cultists mentioned above) are the bigger threats to national security. These racists, bigots and cyber-misfits hide behind their anonymity to flood Malaysia Today with venomous racist postings, instigating hatred for the Malay majority, ridiculing Islam, and spewing seditious spins to various national issues.
This was the real threat and his refusal to curtail this threat finally nailed RPK.
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My advice to RPK, Marina Lee and family: take a few steps back and view the bigger picture, the real landscape out there. What exactly is your struggle? Justice? For whom and where? The Penans, Dusuns, Senois and Semangs deep in our rainforests? Kedah paddy farmers? Trengganu fisherfolk? The ordinary civil servant or private sector clerk? The hardworking Pasar Malam vendors? The labourers in our plantations? The trishaw/beca man (yes, we still have them)? The hard core urban poor? Who? Where? Why aren’t they outraged by your ISA detention? We don’t see them take to the streets in Kota Bharu or Sarikei or Lahad Datu to demand your release. Most have never heard of you! Aung San Su Kyi you are not. Nor are you a Nelson Mandela or a Xanana Gusmão.
You are just a political tool for some selfish interests, for the elitists far removed from the grassroots and the ordinary man.
RPK doesn’t really speak for the real Malaysians out there, for the 27.5 million people from Langkawi to Besut to Batu Pahat to Kemaman to Santubong to Miri to Ranau to Semporna. RPK hardly exists in the consciousness of these masses. No, RPK speak only for the small lunatic fringe of our society — the affluent, private art school on daddy’s-money set (bottom below) and the rabid anti-Malay Chinese chauvinist (with Marina, top below) and Hindraf Indian racists languishing in the deep murky crevasses of the cyber world. RPK and his ideals do not represent the sentiment of the vast majority of Malaysians.
Pics: delCapo.wordpress
RPK, Marina Lee and their kids were used by the nameless parasites lurking in cyberspace These anonymous characters embody the worst of human traits; they got something for nothing. Oh yes, they got their schadenfreude fix all right when the going was good. They have chewed the sweet fruits plucked by RPK, and spit out the pits to be picked up by Marina and her kids. The long lonely trips to Kamunting, the endless court dates, the deprivation of a husband and father, the despair and helplessness – will all be borne by Marina Lee and family.
Finally, where is Anwar Ibrahim? What is his stand on RPK’s detention? RPK gave his life, metaphorically speaking, to uphold Anwar’s “ideals.” RPK bet the ranch on Anwar becoming PM on 916 and came out a loser, a pathetic flat broke loser. Has Anwar and gang even addressed the RPK ISA issue? Indeed, his silence is deafening. What about Lim Kit Siang? Once Teresa Kok and the Sin Chew reporter got out, Unker Kit Siang has disappeared as well. What about PAS? Do you think either the old ulamas or the younger Islamist cadres have anything in common with RPK? Do you think they like RPK? Did RPK and his MT junkies pushed for the release of Nik Adli, Tuan Guru Nik Aziz’s son, who was under ISA detention for many years? I don’t recall any Ah Sohs, Ah Mois, Leng Chais and Uncles bearing “Free Nik Adli” t-shirts in front of the Kamunting camp. Actually, you MT junkies would not recognize Nik Adli even if he walked right past your smug faces. And you expect PAS to sympathise with RPK? You expect PAS to fight for RPK amidst Malaysia Today’s anti-Islamic postings and its readers’ rabid rantings against Islam?
In a nutshell, do you think the Pakatan Rakyat gives a hoot about RPK? No. He was a useful tool. But he was also a disposable tool. RPK is no use to them now. Indeed, he is now a distraction . They want to govern the nation. They have no time for this old chap. To them, RPK is just a lost soul who threw too many dices in his own little crapshoot. Their focus is on 27.5 million men and women. Not one guy who spoke and wrote too much. And they won’t glorify, deify or make a martyr out of RPK either. That’s already reserved for one man.
Marina, you owe it to RPK to close down Malaysia Today. Your “struggle” is for nothing. These sly political opportunists and selfish cyber-parasites don’t deserve your sacrifice. There are hardly a few thousand legitimate signatures in your Free RPK petition. Only a few hundred turned up in candlelight vigils and at the Hari Raya assembly at the gate of Kamunting. What does that tell you? There is no avalanche of support for RPK. There never was. The “millions of supporters” are just but a mirage spawned by delusions of grandiosity that snowballed in the Malaysia Today cyber-habitat over the years.
Let this be a lesson to other bloggers. Do not get caught in your own demagoguery, in a propensity to over-fantasize your relevance to the political process and role as some sort of a “peoples’ hero” based on the digits of your blog’s Hit Counter and a bucketful of readers’ comments.
source: deminegara.blogspot.(October 3, 2008)
RPK Trial Day 1: Update
Posted by: dinobeano on: October 6, 2008
In: Democracy 4 Comments
Yes, Malaysia Today denounces corruption, money politics and ethnic polarisation…
October 6, 2008
UPDATE : James has done it again. Got this photo in the mail. Says this was taken at the end of proceedings today.
…and yes, Malaysia Today advocates transparency and accountability.
This was the response of Harme Mohamed, the prosecution’s first witness, to RPK’s counsel Chandra’s, last question during cross-examination this evening.
No, cross-examination of this witness has not concluded as yet.
Proceedings today ended at about 4pm after Chandra informed the court that he would need some time to prepare for further cross-examination of Harme on the technical aspects of this witness’s testimony relating to the workings of the Internet.
Judge was displeased with the prosecution’s late disclosure of documents to the defence and secured the confirmation of the prosecution that all documents intended for use at the trial have been disclosed.
Upon inquiry by the court, the prosecution confirmed that they would be marshalling up 6 witnesses.
The hearing resumes tomorrow at 9am.
It would be good if those who were not in court today would make the effort to attend tomorrow. This will enable those who were in court today to perhaps attend to work.
Let’s carry this together people.
Haris Ibrahim’s Report on RPK’s Trial: Day 1
Posted by: dinobeano on: October 6, 2008
In: Democracy 1 Comment
October 6, 2008
Raja Petra Kamaruddin, the doyen of Malaysian blogger,in Court (picture) : He lost some weight, but he was in good spirits and the epitome of grace under fire. I talked to him briefly, conveyed the good wishes of Anwar Ibrahim and Wan Azizah and colleagues in Pakatan Rakyat, and then gave him a book of articles by Christopher Hutchins. He told me to pass the book to one of the Police Officers who escorted him to the court. It must be vetted by officials in Bukit Aman before it can be passed to him. I did that and was assured by the Police Officer that the book will be given to Raja Petra once his bosses have reviewed and cleared it.
In court with me were YB Lim Kit Siang, YB Ronnie Liu, Haris Ibrahim, Bernard Khoo, Bangsar Bala, Marina and the Petra girls and Dato Soh Chee Wen and many supporters. A number of local and foreign journalists were also in the courtroom. The moral support he received from all present in and outside the court was a source of encouragement to him, Marina Petra-Abdullah and their lovely daughters.
Today, he was man in excellent poise and dignity, and we, Malaysians who stand for freedom of speech and expression and human dignity should be justifiably proud of the special Malaysian. Yes, as someone said loudly as Raja Petra disembarked from the umarked van, “the wrong man is on trial today“.
I hope all RPK supporters in their turns will be there throughout the period of his trial. I will be in Kota Bharu, Kelantan tomorrow (October 7, 2008) and will only be back on October 8. It is my intention to be at the Sessions Court to urge him on when I get back.—Din Merican
…and yes, Malaysia Today advocates transparency and accountability. This was the response of Harme Mohamed, the prosecution’s first witness, to RPK’s counsel, Chandra’s, last question during cross-examination this evening. No, cross-examination of this witness has not concluded as yet.
Proceedings today ended at about 4pm after Chandra informed the court that he would need some time to prepare for further cross-examination of Harme on the technical aspects of this witness’s testimony relating to the workings of the internet.
Judge was displeased with the prosecution’s late disclosure of documents to the defence and secured the confirmation of the prosecution that all documents intended for use at the trial have been disclosed.
Upon inquiry by the court, the prosecution confirmed that they would be marshalling up 6 witnesses.
The hearing resumes tomorrow (October 7) at 9a.m.
Would be good if those who were not in court today would make the effort to attend tomorrow. This will enable those who were in court today to perhaps attend to work. Let’s carry this together people.
Posted by Haris Ibrahim
RPK’s sedition trial gets off the ground
October 6, 2008
The trial’s just recessed for lunch at 1.30pm and is due to resume at 2.30pm.
Started sharp at 9am, much to my surprise, presided over by Sessions Court Judge Justice Rozina Ayob. Amarjit and Chandra are appearing for RPK.
The prosecution’s first witness, Harme Mohamed, the deputy director, international affairs, Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission, was offered as an expert witness on the A-Z of internet. He continues his evidence-in-chief in the afternoon.
The trial is expected to continue for the next few days, unless postponements are sought. Will give you a follow-up report at the end of proceedings this evening.Meanwhile I leave you with the photos taken at the court this morning.
In particular, I want to dedicate this post to the many beautiful people who were there this morning to lend love and support to RPK, Marina and the family. You people are the absolute best that Malaysia has to offer.
________________________________________
The early ‘a little past 8′ birds.
Around 8.30am, Goh Keat Peng sounds the alarm that an unmarked van has pulled in and it might be that our hero is in the vehcle. A crowd gathers close to the vehicle in anticipation.
RPK alights from the van amidst cheers of ‘Daulat Tuanku’ and remonstrations that ‘you’ve got the wrong man inside’.Shortly after, RPK’s lawyers, Amarjit and Chandra arrived. James e-mailed me this photo of RPK in court. Thanks, James.
The many beautiful people who came. If you were at the court but are not featured here, I’m sorry. Ran out of space on my camera memory card.
RPK at Sessions Court, Petaling Jaya—October 6, 2008
Posted by: dinobeano on: October 5, 2008
In: Democracy 5 Comments
PUBLIC INTEREST ANNOUNCEMENT
Please turn up early and show your support for Raja Petra Kamaruddin (RPK). Our gathering at the PJ Sessions Court should be peaceful and orderly, yet it must send a clear message to the authorities that we as Malaysians cannot tolerate the mistreatment of a Malaysian citizen whose right of dissent has been denied. The use of the draconian ISA cannot be condoned by all Malaysians of conscience and common decency. We must continue to campaign for the freedom of all ISA detainees and the end of ISA.—Din Merican
source: www.malaysia-today.net (October 3, 2008)
You want to help give RPK a boost to his morale?
You want to be able to show him you care?
RPK will be brought to the Sessions Court, Petaling Jaya on 6th October for the commencement of his sedition trial. Proceedings are scheduled to start at 9am, which means RPK can be expected to be brought in earlier.
Come with your family and friends to the court house in full force and reassure RPK and Marina that they’re not facing this ordeal alone. Would be nice if he is greeted by a huge gathering of friends and supporters when he is brought into the court precinct. That’s the least we can do for this Malaysian.
Directions to the pj sessions court
SLEEPLESS IN MALAYSIA
Posted by ongohing under Perspective
[3] Comments
It was an honour to join many other concerned Malaysians to greet RPK and show support for him when he arrived at the Petaling Jaya Sessions Court in the morning of October 6. As he alighted from the unmarked and heavily tinted police van, it was good to see the man who through his writings have been voicing the concerns of many Malaysians and to be satisfied that despite the gross injustice mounted against him, he was reasonably healthy and composed.
But seeing him, I had three concerns which weighed heavily on me through the entire day and night. So, being unable to shake off this heaviness and not succeeding in my attempts to sleep, I sit instead to write this, commencing at 1.20 and finishing at 3.35AM, still SLEEPLESS IN MALAYSIA.
MY FIRST CONCERN arose from my observation (a visual image) of a husband and wife, a couple, forcibly separated from each other by the infernal Internal Security Act effected by the decree of just one man who had no need to justify or argue or defend the reason why RPK should be detained without trial. By the mere act of affixing his signature on the detention order, a Malaysian family was separated from their father, and a Malaysian wife was separated from her husband. This separation was graphically enacted by Marina the brave wife, with the rest of their sympathisers, on one side, and RPK the detained husband on the other side of the line formed by the police (who were performing their duty).
My SECOND CONCERN arose from the irony of the situation being enacted at the PJ Sessions Court on the morning of October 6. All of us Malaysians who have joined our voices against the wicked ISA have always been saying that if the authorities had any issues to take against anyone, the proper thing to do would be to proffer charges against him or her and try him or her in court.
RPK was charged with committing sedition at the PJ Sessions Court on May 6 at which time the trial date was set for October 6. (The sedition charges are in relation to a statutory declaration he had made implying that certain individuals of high standing were present at the scene of the killing of a Mongolian woman.)
So there we were on the morning of October 6 at the PJ Sessions Court for the start of this sedition trial. But the air was thick with Malaysian irony. Because on September 12, RPK was arrested under the ISA and on September 22 the order for his two-year detention without trial was signed which saw his despatch to the detention camp in Kamunting (in my hometown of Taiping). So on the morning of October 6 we who were present witnessed the merging of two legal opposites involving the one and the same person: RPK the ISA detainee without trial was brought to court so that the RPK who was being charged with sedition could be tried in court where he would have the chance to defend himself.
I want all Malaysians to think and chew over this. This cruel paradox which renders those of us with conscience SLEEPLESS IN MALAYSIA while those who were responsible for all ISA detainees’ immoral detention are seamlessly sleeping through the nights (as well as the days).
MY THIRD CONCERN which so consumes my never resting mind is the fact that in effect the person who was to stand trial on October 6 was detained under the vicious ISA twenty-four days before he was to appear in court. Again I want all Malaysians to think and chew over this fact and sleepless we should all be. Think of the injustice of it all.
Let me put it in relevant graphic easy-to-understand way. Your young son or daughter is forcibly removed from home and freedom and then twenty-four days later after sleeping on the most uncomfortable room he or she has ever experienced in all of life and feeding on the most unsavoury meals ever compared to mother’s cooking, he or she is brought under heavy guard to sit for his or her SPM or STPM or University exams. Do you think your son or daughter will do well under the circumstances? Do you think this would be fair to your dear one for such an important test?
So it is with RPK. Forcibly removed from home, from loved ones and subjected thoroughly to all kinds of interrogation, without freedom of when and where to sleep and what to eat. Removed from his own dining room. Removed from free access to his lawyers, not being able to pick his own time when he could consult with his lawyers and for how long he wished to spend with them. And then, twenty-four days later, to be brought to the court to commence his defence against the charge levelled at him.
Is this fair? Can this be fair? This is Malaysian justice? A grave injustice has been committed. Always a disadvantage is intentionally placed in the way of those who dare to make their voices heard. The odds are always against them. There is no fairness. The playing field is never level.
How can I or any of us sleep who care about such fundamental issues of freedom?
I want all Malaysian MPs to think and chew over this. HOW DID MALAYSIA COME TO THIS? HOW CAN THOSE WHO SIT IN PARLIAMENT ALLOW THIS TO HAPPEN? WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT THIS? You owe your constituents who elected you an answer. Now.
The truth must and shall prevail.
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