Exchange Student

AFS is an international, voluntary, non-governmental; non-profit that provides intercultural opportunities to help people develop the knowledge, skills and understanding needed to create a more just peaceful world.

I am given to understand AFS is in Malaysia for over 50 years. Over the years hundreds of students have come and stayed with host parents under the supervision of its Malaysian sister organization known as AFS Antarabudaya Malaysia.

We hosted a student by the name of Ann-Kaathrin Preifer from Germany at our home in Ipoh for nearly a year. Yesterday a Farwell gathering was organized by the AFS to say sort of goodbye to all the host students.

This is what I wrote about my host child to AFS.

A few lines about ANN
Dear Sir,
Some time back I was given to understand that AFS arranges for foreign students to be placed in host homes in Malaysia. My family was always keen to host a student and finally we accepted a student in 2008.

The student named Ann Katherine Pfefier arrived at our home in the month of July 2008.
First i had problems admitting her to our local school as the necessary approval has not been obtained from the relevant authorities. I took it upon myself to sort out this matter by calling and speaking to the ministry and had it sorted out. Well on the first day of school assembly, she had a red carpet welcome and she didn’t miss to say a few words in Malay, made everyone applauses.

She enjoyed the curries at home. Sometimes she cooks German favourite for us. She loves to meet new people as well new places. Quite friendly, I would say! When i attend dinners i took her along to meetings an interact with the locals. Once in a while I take out with me to witness NGO’s, local council and political meetings and its deliberations. I will at all times ask her if she feels comfortable in these meetings before i take her along. Ann had the privileges to go and witness the proceedings of the Malaysian Parliament. She not only met many MP’s but also Ministers. The proceedings of the parliament were even translated into English for her.

We have 2 grown up Rottweiler and a German shepherd dog. But Ann still jumps over our main gate when she has forgotten to take the keys or when we failed to open the gate in time! Our 2 dogs are just too friendly to her, they invite her with full of excitement. They are going to miss her when she leaves our country for home.

Initially we felt a bit funny when she at all times was dressed in full in the sense long sleeves and long pants and she does not wear shorts or swim suite while swimming. When we asked her why she was “fully” dressed she said she was told before leaving to Malaysia that host parents expect her to be fully dressed. We then told her the dress code is casual and one need not be “fully” covered she was so, so relieved.

We took her to an orang asli settlement (Gopeng) to see how our natives live. She was happy but she forgot that as we were proceeding up the hill to check RAFFLESIA flower the largest flower in the world she has to entertain the leeches too. Oh my god.. she was hopping, jumping, screaming.. and checking her body if there were any had got on to her. Lucky for her only less than 10 poor leeches were given a treat by her!

She was enjoying school. But initially we had difficulties in sending her to her many other activities. We got her a bicycle and she was able to go for her piano and swimming lessons and other of her activities without a hitch.

We enjoyed her company. Although we have travelled to Germany before but we have to go there again as we now have a “daughter” there. She is always jovial and in happy mood and importantly she has an adjustable character.. At all times we never treated her as somebody’s child but as one of our own. She was also a good sister to our 3 years old child. Sometimes when we’re away, she takes good care of our child Tanisha without any fuss until the baby can notice her absence in house sometimes as she has to attend AFS programmes and activities outside and inside Perak.

Now the reality. She will be leaving to her country soon. We are going to miss our child. She was so much a part of our family. We will miss her laughs and jokes and in particular my little daughter Tanisha will have to get on without Ann akka.

PDRM’s 3 minutes to disperse….. 1,2,3 Catch, Catch, Catch!

by Augustine Anthony
29.5.09

It is now clear that the assurance given by Justice Syed Ahmad Idid to Anthony Clement Skinner (who is now the Kota Kinabalu High Court Judge) in the case of Datuk Yong Teck Lee v PP & Anor 1993 1mlj 295 has travelled through the intestinal passages of abuses of constitutional protection of citizens and now awaits it’s final moment. To be flushed down in the toilet bowl.

Skinner’s (as he then was and whom I know as a judge blessed with enviable judicial temperament) fears were well founded as he provided an illustration of the extensive powers of the police under the Police Act 1967 and the likely abuses by the police.

“‘If three school boys decide to go to the cinema for a film show, they cannot do so. It is illegal to do so unless they have a licence from the OCPD to do so. Any steps taken in furtherance of the intention (without a licence) would render the meeting or assembly illegal and any person taking part thereto shall be guilty of an offence.”

Justice Syed Ahmad Idid then confidently provided words of comfort and assurance when he went on to say:-

“I am unable to accept this contention or illustration in the face of the fact that thousands of patrons, without any licence, frequent the cinemas and other functions every day and night in Malaysia and the police do not charge them under the Act or the Code………….. But assuming for one moment that the three school boys entered the cinema hall and are met by 100 other people whom they do not know, and who are bent on having an illegal meeting and not watching the film. The authorities charged with the responsibility of maintaining law and order and public peace rush in. The school boys………. have a defence in two other instances: firstly, when they follow the route and/or time set by the police for the assembly or meetings; or secondly, they disperse when the police so order”

Very nice, all of it, in papers and court judgments but the reality is far from what is described in judgments like this.

Must ordinary citizens need to go through the hardship of an unnecessary and unwarranted arrest in the first place? Why should they be subjected to a charge in court that would require engaging a lawyer that would be a costly affair and not to mention the waste of public funds to prosecute such trivial offences?

Take for example the recent arrest made by the police of the 7 Perak Legislative Assembly Members and a Member of Parliament and some others seen attired in black in Ipoh on the 26.05.2008.

Did the police provide a clear route or time for people to disperse? I need not explain or write further. Suffice for me to say that Malaysiakini, YouTube and many other press reports had revealed enough for people to judge the conduct of the police.

This is one ugly episode that could have been wholly avoided if the police had only displayed some restraint particularly so in view of the fact that the prevailing atmosphere at the time of the arrest was peaceful and orderly.

It baffles me as to why the police need to deal with peace loving Malaysians like as though they are some dangerous criminals who threaten the peace and security of our country.

It baffles me even more simply because as a lawyer I come across many police officers in my day to day job be it in court or elsewhere and I find many of them, when met personally, have polite and pleasant dispositions with hopes and aspirations just like many of us but I cannot understand why collectively as a police force their conduct invites such disparagement.

I simply do not think that they enjoy doing what they are ordered to but perhaps more compelling will be the reason that insubordination will lead to loss of career prospect or even loss of job.

It is for this reason a minister or senior police officer should not simply give orders to their subordinates, the very orders that they themselves will find it hard to execute.

Remember! People in power can delegate their authority but not their responsibilities. As such I will not blame the ordinary policemen who carry out these orders but their superiors who gave such ridiculous orders to be executed.

The persistence of the Police in the application of S27 of the Police Act 1967 liberally, especially against members of political parties that have opposing views than of the ruling government, I am afraid is creating unnecessary and undue anxiety in people.

If M. Kulasegaran a hugely popular elected Member of Parliament for Ipoh Barat constituency (where the arrest took place) and V. Sivakumar also an elected representative who is equally popular among the Perakians (or perhaps Malaysians) could not walk freely in public and mingle around with voters without fear of arrests by the police then why bother having elected representatives.

The police must understand that these are elected representatives. Surely their presence in public places will invariably invite some well wishers, some seeking help or even some for casual banter and it is the duty of the police to protect these elected representatives during these occasions and simultaneously promote such healthy assemblies and not otherwise impede or obstruct them thus creating unnecessary anxiety amongst the public.

The word “pemimpin berjiwa rakyat” was not coined simply for the sake of lip service. It has a deeper meaning. It creates a necessity for leaders to be always close to people. And it is for this reason that a true leader is judged by his grassroot support that drives home the point that he had touched base.

The Prime Minister knows this more than other political leaders for the simple reason that the Malays loved his father as a true people’s leader. The prime minister’s regular meet-the-people session is certainly to replicate the glory days of his father during his time.

So why should there be double standards? People ask.

Just as much as the leaders of the component parties of the ruling federal government, the leaders of the opposition parties also have their sworn duties as elected representatives to regularly meet the people and share the problems faced by them.

Why is their attempt to be close to the people made difficult by the constant harassment from PDRM and its liberal use of the Police Act 1967 to arrest people who gather peacefully?

Right thinking people are already questioning if elected representatives, who had shown no hostility and no violence towards any person especially to the police, could be publicly humiliated by such unpleasant arrests, how could ordinary people expect the police to be their guardian for peace and security.

There are other nagging thoughts that need to be addressed too. Are the arrests of these elected representatives done deliberately to put fear in people to such an extent that it is hoped by those in power that a climate of fear will be designed in such a way that it will prevent ordinary people from assembling peacefully in the future.

Whichever way one sees it; one thing is clear and that is, the ruling government is promoting a hate culture that is unhealthy in the long run.

While the current prime minister is making the needed efforts to win the trust of the people, perhaps if he can only caution the police to be more undemonstrative against peaceful assemblers and offer more breathing space for people who are opposed to the views of the ruling federal government then it may very well go a long way in soothing the people’s anger.

Without going into the overdrive of religious zeal, I can safely say that all teachings of religions drive home the point that respecting human rights is respecting divine laws and none can go wrong by respecting the wisdoms imbued in laws that govern nature.

So can we Malaysians get some respect before we return the same to people in authority?

UMNO Boleh!

I got this piece by email from a friend of mine.

UMNO BN want Oppress student academic capability !!! Stupid DPM should just resign !!!

Another crazy policy from Boleh_land !!! And we are talking about national progress, academic excellent & Vision2020 ???

UMNO BN now putting a cap for what a school could achieve academically !!!We are not suppose to be too smart !!! too capable !!! our ability should be limited !!!

I really do not see any future for Malaysia under UMNO BN !!!

Want to fast?

Dear comrades and friends,

Some of us are fasting for 24-30 hours in solidarity with Pakatan Rakyat in Perak. We would like you to pledge to do the same. Choose when you want to start as long as you finish the fast by 8pm, Thursday, 28 May 2009. Do let us know by replying to:

Sdri.Medaline Chang (Coordinator)
H/p: 012-219 2010
E-mail: medster@gmail.com

Sdr.Lim Swee Kuan
H/p: 016-6266 848
E-mail: limsweekuan@gmail.com

Thank you!
Regards,
Medaline Chang

14 arrested by police

I got an early phone call to come to the DAP HQ at 7.30am as the police had prevented our workers form putting up canapoy , hot ballon and related items. By the time i arrived at the HQ 5 staffs of the event manager were arrested by the police. From the inquiries we made, it is learnt that the necessary permission was not obtained to put up the Canapoy from the local authority.

But one canopy was already up late Monday and it was not dismantled by the authorities. When the local authority (MBI) officer came at about 10 am and after some discussion the officers agreed we can proceed with our function at least until 12pm.

After the formal speeches we started to leave for the High Court as proceedings were being filed for those village heads who were sacked by the BN government. We were just outside the DAP Headquarters when police officers suddenly arrested 14 of us.

The following news is from on line news: Since 5 May, police have made a total of 146 arrests mainly for what the police say are illegal gatherings related to protests against political developments in Perak. Today’s incident raises the total number of arrests to 165 in just three weeks.

Police arrested 14 people at 11.30am including Ipoh Barat Member of Parliament M Kulasegaran, assemblypersons V Sivakumar (Tronoh-DAP), Leong Mee Meng (Jalong-DAP), Lim Pek Har (Menglembu-DAP), Keshvinder Singh (Malim Nawar-DAP), Su Keong Seng (Pasir Pinji-DAP), Chang Lih Kang (Teja-PKR), and Chan Ming Kai (Simpang Pulai-PKR), while they were walking towards the Ipoh High Court today. The 14 were later released on police bail.

Earlier at 7am, the police also arrested five employees from an event management company that PR hired to help organise the "Mogok Lapar Bubar DUN" at the Perak DAP headquarters. The arrested were brought to the Ipoh district police station.

The three-day hunger strike was organised by Perak PR to pressure for the dissolution of the Perak assembly.

Hunger Strike in Ipoh - Twitter updates

Latest: Hunger Strike Updates :10.45am YAB DSNJ giving speechless

Hunger Strike Updates : 10.37am - Dato Ngeh said " Zamry is not man of word"

Hunger Strike Updates : 10.37am - Dato Ngeh said " Zamry is not man of word"

mkulaHunger Strike Updates : 10.37am - Dato Ngeh said " Zamry is not man of word"

mkulaHunger Strike Update : 10.35am Dato Ngeh giving speech now

mkulaHunger Strike Updates : Sivakumar said "Police Raja Di-Malaysia"

mkulaHunger Strike Updates : 10.30am Hunger Strike launched by YAB DSNJ & Speaker V.Sivakumar

mkulaHunger Strike Updates : 10.12am A.OCPD Glen stopped YAB DSNJ to shake hand with other police personnels.

mkulaHunger Strike Updates : 10.10am - YAB DSNJ arrived with supporters.

mkulaHunger Strike Updates : 10.00 am MBI Enforcement wanted to remove the fixed canopy.

mkulaHunger Strike Updates : 10.00 am - Hunger Strike launching and PC

Candle vigil stopped by police

Last night the Sg. Buloh DAP branch organized a Candle light vigil out sit its office.

When I arrived at the center I notice an unusual high number of police officers numbering nearly 30 of them. I was then wondering why such a huge presence of police personal.

We started the programme at about 8.30pm. Dr. Michael JayaKumar MP Sg.Siput was the first to start speaking and then was followed by the assemblyman of Teja.

Thereafter I was invited to speak. I informed the crowd present that this vigil was to remind the people the necessity to dissolve the state assembly of Perak. Also that the seizing of power in Perak was planned by DS Najib (PM). That the 3 assemblyman who left the Pakataan government as they were bought over. Although for the time being they have declared themselves as independents. As the 3 stood on party symbols they should morally resign their seats and elections be called to ascertain the real voter’s intention in these 3 constituencies.

As I continued to speak, suddenly I heard the siren sound of the police. The police started to speak in loud speakers and inform all that, this meeting is an illegal one and they need to disperse immediately. I was asked to stop speaking by a police office.

The OCPD came an instructed all to disperse failing which we would be arrested. As the OCPD was speaking to us over 100 policeman and FRU were seen gathering near the center. At the same time I saw 3 huge police trucks stared to be parked opposite the office which was rather intimidating to all of us. I suppose these trucks were brought to pick all of us)

I told the OCPD that the Assemblyperson YB Leong Mei Meng(Jalong) had applied for a police permit some 3 days ago and her application was not rejected. The OCPD responded that according to the law we need to give 14days notice. But we retorted that in urgent case the OCPD can give oral permission and further we are not a nuisance. In any case the way the police are behaving it resembles as though we are operating under a police state!
We are just articulating out rights according to the Federal Constitution and he should not prevent us from discharging our duties as elected representatives. He was least bothered by our appeal.
We informed the crowd we have to cease immediately on the police instructions but will pursue our candle vigil soon elsewhere.

Perak - the epicentre of Umno fault-line

by Augustine Anthony -

(This article was written in anticipation of the Court of Appeal judgment in Nizar vs Zambry)

The judgment of Justice Abdul Aziz Abd. Rahim in the case of Nizar vs Zambry has attained clairvoyance status.

It had positioned the institution of rulers above politics, dignified the sultans and preserved the revered constitutional monarchy for generations to come.

In the ancient times the announcement of gestation or birth of crown prince will usually send sages and spiritual leaders into solitude in meditation and prayers in the harsh wilderness with the hope that the ruler to come will be benevolent to the subjects. History bears testimony of such adoration with monuments and poems of virtues and valour of such kings.

Today more than a billion souls, Hindus, Christians and Muslims all in India salute the great emperor Asoka knowingly or unknowingly when they rise in veneration of the majestic Indian national flag, the centre of it bears the wheel of Asoka.

But not all Rulers invite admiration. Scorn and disdain of the people witnessed the extinction of absolute monarchy in many parts of the world and replaced with power to the people by new systems of constitutional monarchy or an outright republic of a nation.

Power is placed in the hands of people’s representatives but authority is given not to deny the will and wishes of the people.

But the hearts of men are so easily corrupted.

Neither constitutional monarchy nor the presidency of a republic could remove the abuse of power and expansion of corrupt playing fields of those in whose hands the people have placed their power and authority that were removed systematically from the absolute monarchs.
Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely, so the saying goes.

The creation of constitutional monarchy and a system of parliamentary democracy with people’s power concentrated in the hands of UMNO in the last 52 years only goes to show that indeed UMNO enjoys the goodwill of the people of Malaysia.

But all that is about to change.

The epicentre of UMNO’s power shattering phenomenon is hidden deep in the emotions of the Perakians. It may well be UMNO’s fault line that may trigger the next and decisive Tsunami. A sea of people with their emotion translated into tidal waves of anger may well bring about permanent destruction to the once invincible fortress that now lies damaged at the shoreline built by UMNO painstakingly for more than 50 years led by many of their visionary leaders of the past.

But wait! Alas, those political leaders opposed to UMNO who now ride these tidal waves of anger (except for some notable veterans), are poor surfers unable to comprehend the deep current and direction of the waves. Tidal waves are fast and furious. Either you surf it or sink in it.

Many of these surfers are amateur opposition new kids on the bloc with the new found fame of Yang Berhormat. They try very hard to impress the undecided and uncertain people who had swung to the opposition in anger during the 2008 general election.

These YB’s must bear in mind that it takes more to continue winning the hearts and minds of the people than apple distribution in parliament house or bicycle paddling to the parliament entrance or constant holding of candle light in vigils and screaming “Saya YB, Saya YB” when apprehended by the law enforcement officers or even offering prayers to the ghost of unknown Ghengis Khan descendant who was blown to smithereens.

Many of these meaningless publicity stunts exhibited by these poor surfers are not only amusing but alarmingly annoying.

Internal squabbles aplenty, in short the Opposition’s value to people is fast descending to junk bond status.

While the surfers struggle at the high sea, close to shoreline the current Chief Architect surveys the damaged fortress and the coming of the tidal waves. Both he must confront and contain swiftly.

This Chief Architect is formidable, commanding an army of bureaucrat’s allegiance. His monumental fortitude sends uncluttered vibrations that he is determined to stay for more than one term as the commander in chief of the government of Malaysia.

The RAHMAN theory must die or UMNO will die. Die UMNO, this, the Chief Architect cannot and will not allow.

Najib Razak is a bangsawan pedigree. A Razak creation. Born and bred in the ways of leadership. As the son who enjoys the unseen goodwill left behind by the then chief architect of NEP in the 1970’s, he now enjoys the ancient cryptic command of the universe; the Vedas call it positive karma.

His reading of people’s anger is correct. He knows that he needs time to waft like gentle breeze to soothe the angry and humid emotion of the people. His weekly meet the people sessions is just about the right antidote in times like these. Just like his father.

His less than one hundred days in the seat of power shows that he is moving in the right direction.

Will Najib initiate the correct moves to dissolve the Perak State Legislative Assembly? Every thought is pointing to the inevitable. Dissolution of the Perak State Legislative Assembly is imminent.

To save UMNO or to squander the goodwill of the Malaysians?

It is your turn to think, YAB Dato’ Sri Najib Tun Razak

Hunger Strike Launched

Today the Pakaatan Rakyat component parties announced that a 3 day Hunger Strike would be launched beginning at the DAP Perak HQ and finally ending at the PAS HQ at Taman Istana Ipoh.

We have been planning this strike for some time and finally last night during the Perak Pakaatan Rakyat leaders meeting we decided to commence it this Tuesday and it will end on this Thursday.

Many people for various reasons have in their struggles carried out “hunger strike”. For example the Gandhi had fasted to near death a number of times for the sake of India’s unity. Many more have died due to hunger strike all over the world. One place where there are evidences of death by reason of hunger strike is if one visit sees the Cellular Jail in the Andaman Islands, India where hundreds have died while fighting against the British. In recent time I get reminded the death of Bobby Sands while agitating against British rule in Northern Ireland.

For us in the present scenario in the Perak political crisis this “hunger strike” is one of the many programes to push for dissolving of the state assembly of Perak. People may ask why only 3 days? But why not?

Yesterday the Court of Appeal decision to allow the appeal by Zambry is not surprising. I differ from the views of the Pakaatan leaders. I am of the view the present constitutional crisis is not for the courts to give a solution. But rather the politicians should get to the people and agitate for a final outcome.

Yesterday’s decision by the court of Appeal may have been a damper. But this is only a small dent. While in the wet market in Tawas today I met many lay people who are dismayed by the courts decision. The encouraging words from all of them are keep on the struggle and you will make it great in the nest elections.

Barisan has won in the courts but the Pakaatan Rakyat will win the hearts and minds of the people. We just lost a battle but end of the day we will win the war!

Courts are least equipped to settle political matters!

On 13thFebruary, DS Nizar filed an application for judicial review and at sought a declaration from the courts that he was at all material times the Menteri Besar (MB) of Perak. He also sought a declaration that Zambry had no right to hold the office of MB. After hearing relevant witness on 11thMay , the High Court Judge Datuk Abdul Aziz in Kuala Lumpur ruled that Nizar was the rightful MB.

Yesterday the Court Of Appeal heard the arguments of all sides in this appeal. Later today at 3.30pm the Court of Appeal will deliver its decision on Zambry’s appeal.

It’s my personal and firm view that the decision of the Court will not bring about a finality of the on going constitutional crisis in Perak. I have said it before, that Courts are and cannot be the deciders or arbitrators of who should be the rightful MB of Perak. Politics is best left to politicians! The people elected assemblyman and it is they who should decide as who is best to lead the state.

Whatever the decision of the Court today it will just drag the political crisis further without any definite conclusion.
The whole issue is whether the 3 assemblyman ( Cangkat Jaring, Behrang and Jelapang) have resigned? According to the Speaker V.SivaKumar they have resigned or have become independents as according to Barisan National?

One school of thought says if the Perak State Assembly cannot be allowed to be dissolved then at least ask or demand the 3 assemblyman to “officially” resign their seats and by-elections be called. This may in one way settle the issue as to whether the voters in the 3 constituencies voted for a PR or BN Government.

Finally the man who singularly executed the collapse of the PR government in Perak in early February2009 is none other then Prime Minister (PM) Najib. He should realize that the political crisis has failed to enhance his image as the PM of Malaysia. Is he PM for all or only for Barisan National(BN)? PM Najib should rise above politics, over the impasse now and demand for the dissolution of the State Assembly of Perak. Failing which the present stalemate will eventually result in his own down fall.

An old Imam...

- An old kampung imam had a teenage son, and it was getting time the boy should give some thought to choosing a profession.

Like many young men his age, the boy didn't really know what he wanted to do, and he didn't seem too concerned about it. One day, while the boy was away at school, his father decided to try an experiment.

He went into the boy's room and placed on his study table four objects.

1. The Holy Qoran.

2. A fifty ringgit note.

3. A bottle of whiskey.

4. And a Playboy magazine. '

I'll just hide behind the door," the old imam said to himself. "When he comes home from school today, I'll see which object he picks up." "If it's the holy book, he's going to be an imam like me, and what a blessing that would be!" "If he picks up the fifty ringgit note, he's going to be a business man, and that would be okay, too."

"But if he picks up the bottle, he's going to be a no-good drunken bum, and God, what a shame that would be." "And worst of all if he picks up that magazine he's going to be a skirt-chasing womanizer." The old man waited anxiously, and soon heard his son's foot-steps as he entered the house whistling and heading for his room.. The boy tossed his books on the bed, and as he turned to leave the room he spotted the objects on the table.

With curiosity in his eye, he walked over to inspect them. Finally, he picked up the Holy Book and placed it under his arm. He picked up the fifty ringgit note and dropped into his pocket. He uncorked the bottle and took a big drink, while he admired the magazine's centerfold. "God have mercy," the old imam disgustedly whispered. "He's going to be an Umno Policitian!"

Court of Appeal delays hearing of Nizars case. Why?

The Court of Appeal was supposed to hear the Appeal by MB DS Nizar today to revoke the stay order granted by a single Judge of the appellate court . It is baffling to know that the court of appeal has postponed the scheduled hearing on the appeal by DS Nizar to Thursday.

I hope the Judges who sit and hear the case on Thursday can give acceptable and convincesing reasons as to why the case was postponed in the first place. As requested by DS Nizar it is hoped the case would be heard by a panel of 5 Judges. Will this happen?

Finally the Court of Appeal must give written grounds when a decision is made. I am still puzzle as to why the Federal Court Judges have not provided written grounds on matters they have decided in relation to the Perak case which came up for haring in the Federal Court.

In this respect i will raise this matter when i have the earliest opportunity when Parliament sits next month. May be action should be taken the Judges who refuse to give written grounds?

An interesting read

Sultan pokes his nose beyond legal limit Monday, May 18, 2009 11:28 AM From: "Imdaone Malaysia" To: lumut1957@yahoo.com

http://patik-mohon-sembah-derhaka.blogspot.com/2009/05/sultan-pokes-his-nose-beyond-legal.html -- **************************** http://patik-mohon-sembah-derhaka.blogspot.com

Brainstorming

The DAP annual retreat was held over the weekend. All state assemblyman and Members of Parliament attended the event. The retreat was supposed to take place in the beginning of January but it had to be postponed twice by reason of the Kuala Terengganu and Bukit Gantang bye elections.

We were briefed on the latest political situation by our party leaders. Even outside experts came and spoke to the audience. Notable entrepreneurs also gave they views as to how to achieve certain goals within a certain time.

We were also told the number of new members have increased by nearly 30% since the last general elections. In all aspect the gathering was a success.

DS Anuar spoke to us over lunch. He announced that Pakatan Rakyat(PR) has now agreed to form a number of committees to specifically address issues were members of the PR differ from one another. In particular a committee has now been established to look into and to take a common stand on conversion. Yes, in PR we have differences but we are willing to sit down on equal terms to sort out matters.

Many of the attendees felt very recharged with the event. I hope we will all “turun padang” and get the election machinery working as we expect the Perak state elections will take place soon.

Solo,Silent , Protest

A concerned guy was inspired to carry out a one man silent protest at the back entrance of Perak State secretariat(SUK). The guy got to his preferred location at 12.30noon, just wearing short pants and white colour round neck t-shirt standing coolly without wearing any shoes and sleepers under the hot weather.

On being alerted by concerned citizens i immediately summon my Political Sec P.Sugumaran to proceed to the place where the solo protest was taking place. He was in time to take a few shots of photographs. At 1.10pm, 2 police personnel’s approached the protester to go away. But this solo protester did not budge.

In his short written note to my Political Sec in a piece of paper, he wrote “People 1st, Performance Later” and also “I don’t support any party, Just as Perak Citizen, all I want his my my state to be at peace. Just make the people who can do something, do it now”

10 reasons for Najib for wanting a discussion with PR

In the last few days invariably the head lines of all news is nothing other then the on going Perak political crisis.

Prime Minister DS Najib has now agreed to discuss the impasse with the Pakatan Rakyat(PR) leaders.

Why Najib wants to talk now? At least 10 reasons for him to do so.
1) Najib may be willing to discuss because the support for BN is so weak that that a discussion of this nature may enhance Barisan National(BN) status.

2) Najib masterminded the take over of BN in Perak when he was the DPM. Little did he realize this coup d’etat could boomerang to such intensity that it is hurting his public image now? He may never recover and this may soon politically seal his future.

3) In just about 10months the PR government of Perak was able to win the heart and minds of its people. The polices on freehold, the openness on awarding of contacts, the transparent manner of running the state government, appointing NGO’s as councilors, giving lands to schools, Exco members and the MB who are easily approachable nd many more.

4) Rumors are that there are some BN elected assemblyman who may jump ship and this is one way to contain them

5) The present situation is untenable. Perak has 2 Mentri Besar’s (MB), 2 Speakers and 2 secretaries to the House (clerk) The situation is unsettling the BN as much as the PR thus the necessity for discussion.

6) Investors are filling jittery and may continue to refuse to invest in Perak. This will hurt all. But in this drawback, BN elected representatives will suffer most as dishing out contracts by them will dry up. In the process BN will fail to get the continuous support from the people.

7) Who is the legal MB or the ex-MB? Both the MB’s are in that situation. People are confused and the continuous indecision will damage all but the BN will still suffer more. Reading the blog’s and articles one see’s a bashing of the BN. Some how the BN cannot and seems not able to get public opinion on their side

8) Ejecting Speaker V.Sivakumar and the video footage clearly show the ruthless ness of BN. To make matters worse the unprecedented entrance of policeman into the meeting hall has aroused a feeling that the BN had planned this event. In fact we hear over 100 policemen from all over the country was asked to report to Ipoh police who were used to implement this eviction of V.Sivakumar. Local police was apparently not encouraged as they may be familiar to many elected representatives and they may be reluctant to implement BN’s modus operandi

9) When BN took over Perak government immorally they failed to see the importance of the Speakers post, the Committee of Privileges and the Public Accounts Committee. The majority of the members of these committees are from the PR. All these were overlooked. Thus the jig saw puzzle is not complete unless all these posts revert back to BN.

10) The courts decisions are of little help. One day Nizar wins the next day the ex-BN MB is back in power. It all looks like the circus is in town for all to have fun. But it is the Perikians who eventually suffer.

The PR leaders must be cautious on the invitation for discussion with Najib. Najib must win at what ever the cost in this proposed meet. But how will the PR fair?

Remember the fatal mistake Chin Peng made when he agreed to meet Tuanku at Baling in 1956?

Indra's conversion case at the High Court of Ipoh

Background on Indira's case “ Indria was married to Patmanathan at the civil registry of Ipoh on 10thApril 1993. And they have 3 children. They are all Hindus and the children were brought up as Hindus too. On 11thMarch09 Patmanathan converted to Islam. On 2nd April09 he converted his children into Islam.
Court Proceedings to day

To day the conversion case of Indira Gandhi came up for Hearing at the Ipoh High Court. The case was supposed to start at 10.30am but it only took off at nearly 12pm.
From early morning both sides of the lawyers met to discuss and agree on certain terms for the Children of the family pending a formal decision by the court.

The lawyers were called into the Chambers of the Judge Dato Wan Afrah who sounded very displeased that no settlement has been reached otherwise the case could have been proceeded in the morning at 10.30am. The Judge, correctly disallowed an application for an adjournment to the afternoon. She insisted either, parties settle or the case is to proceed. Indria’s lawyers had earlier agreed to the proposal for arrangement of the children of the family. Unfortunately the husband’s lawyers were unable to get instructions and we were not able to agree to present our agreement to the Judge. She gave us 15 minutes to come up with proposals failing which we are to proceed.

Finally the husband’s lawyers were able to get their clients to agree to the terms and we duly informed the Judge.
The agreement contains basically among other matters to maintain the status quo and the children of the family shall attend school.

Cabinet Directive on conversion matter

Prime Minister DS Najib’s cabinet made a directive that children should be raised in the religion at the time of their parent’ marriage, even if one later converted to another religion.

The above directive is nothing more then an advice with no legal force. The directive by the cabinet was made on an ad hoc basis without out ling a long term solution to the conversion cases.
In the Indria’s type of conversion cases the cabinets decision has not been taken into account or considered as it’s just an advice.
What is needed is the political will of those who are administrating the country to synchronize and coordinate all laws to conform in line with the cabinet directive.

I spoke to the Law Minister last week asking him to table the necessary amendments to comply with the Cabinets decision in the coming June sitting of Parliament. He said it may not be possible in view of constrain of time.

But I am given to understand that the Attorney General Chambers have done a lot of work on this matter and they have got a draft way back 3 years ago. But shear inertia and lack of a political will have only resulted in dust been collected on the work done by the AG chambers.

Apathy of the majority?

The Apathy of the MajorityRaja Petra in his recent 'No Holds Barred' column commented on the apathy of Perakians in the standoff against the authorities concerning Perak’s Constitutional Crisis.
He said that if protesters could come all the way from Kelantan and Kuala Lumpur, Perakians have no excuse not to be there.I wholly concur with RPK.The few I called to join in the protest had ready- made excuses why they could not. I wasn’t surprised; just angry.But this is nothing new about Malaysians in general. We have a ‘not in my backyard’ attitude on everything from the location of incinerators and telephone relay discs, to human rights abuse and even the simple matter of littering – as long as it is ‘not in my backyard’ and does not affect me directly, it does not concern me. Ergo, I do nothing about it – let someone else protest.What is wrong with Malaysians? Is it because of our feudal mentality that we don’t challenge our government? Is it cowardice? Or selfishness? Or are we too busy ‘cari makan’ that we cannot spare a little time to protest against any injustices.
Go to Indonesia and you can engage the-man- on-the-street in political discussions and you will be surprised how clued on he is . . . and how prepared he is to defend his rights.Koreans would have demanded that their prime minister step down in the same situation that our prime minister is in. They would never accept a prime minister with the kind of question marks hanging over ours.And it must be said, a Korean politician in office would probably have resigned or stepped down until the matter is resolved. They have a tradition of honour which our politicians lack. The same code of honour binds the Japanese and British.The Thais would never countenance the kind of power-grab that BN is guilty of. Nor would they expect interference from their monarch in the politics of the state like what the ......... of Perak has done.In Malaysia we are only just seeing signs of political activism by the populace. But still it’s largely centered in the Klang Valley and to a lesser degree in Penang.
And it must be said, it’s always the same people who storm the Bastille so to speak. Where are the others?While this is generally a Malaysian malaise; on the matter of the Perak Constitutional Crisis Perakians should be ashamed of themselves for their apathy. Do we expect the Kelantanese, Penangites or KLites to fight our battle? In a way it’s their battle too it must be said, but it is foremost our battle.
No one is asking Perakians to break the law but at least if they had turned up in numbers and stood silently in the prescribed mourning black, it would have sent a powerful message to the powers-that-be.This is not a matter of taking sides – it’s not a case of PR vs BN.
This is a matter of the rape of our Constitution. It should concern all Perakians whichever side of the political divide they are on. This is a case of the 'rakyat' having the final say in who they want to govern their state. Not who the .... wants? And if that cannot be resolved in the State Assembly then we should go back to the ballot box.Sometimes we have to act, because silence only encourages the tormentor. If we don’t speak up when others are being unfairly persecuted our turn will come and who will speak up for us then?
To paraphrase Dr Martin Luther King - the greatest sin is not perpetrated by those who have destroyed the Constitution or who have used force against peaceful protests, but the vast majority who have sat idly by.
Yin Ee Kiong A Proud Perakian

அசட்டு குணம்

இன்று காலை முன்னாள் பேராகின் மந்திரி புசார் ஸம்ரி தனது அலுவழகத்தில் போலீஸ் அதிகாரியின் தலைமையில் பேராக் மாநில செயலகத்தில் நுழைந்தார். இவரியின் நுழைவு பலரை அதிர்ச்சியில் தள்ளியது காரணம் இவர் பெற்றதோ தடைவுதரவு அங்கிகாரம் அல்ல.


ஆகவே, இவர் இன்று என்ன அசட்டு குணத்தில் நுழைந்தார் என்பது மக்களுக்கு குழப்பமாக உள்ளது.

எது எப்படியாகினும், குழப்பம் தீர வேண்டும் என்ற எண்ணம் இருந்தால், சட்டமன்றத்தை கலைத்து மறு தேர்தலை நடத்துவதே சிறந்த ஒன்றாகும் என்ற மக்களின் எண்ணம் நிறைவேறுமா என்ற கேள்விக்கு பதில் இன்னும் உறங்கிக்கொண்டே இருக்கிறது.

Pakatan's Policy

Malaysiakini.

Meanwhile, Pakatan excos swung into action in the first few hours after resuming control of the state government.Senior exco Ngeh Koo Ham announced that councillors would be sworn in by tomorrow so that the 14 local councils can function properly.

"Also 817 village chiefs have been issued letters to carry out their duties. The Land Office has also been instructed to issue freehold (land) titles," he told a press conference at 11.15am at the state secretariat building.Ngeh said the Ipoh central bus project would proceed as planned while parking fees would be reduced to 30 sen with immediate effect.

The DAP state chief also announced that the 2009 Sukan Perak had been cancelled, while allocations would be channeled towards sports at the district levels."We'll redeem the three months wasted during the Perak crisis," he said.

Entering into Perak SUK

Yesterday night after the Pakatan Exco meeting, the State Secretary and State Legal Adviser been suspended immediately. The two officials, who have been key allies of Barisan Nasional in the ongoing Perak political crisis, were suspended with immediate effect during an emergency state executive council (exco) meeting last night.

Nizar, his wife Fatimah Taad, and his eight exco members arrived at the building about 7.30am, but were not allowed immediate entry.

Nizar however did not protest against the treatment or the denial of entry to journalists, who were kept out. Just before entering the premises, Nizar and the exco members said prayers by the roadside.

Court Rules, FRU Mobilize

After Kuala Lumpur High Court declared Nizar as the legitimate MB of Perak the Police and FRU started to mobilize to SUK Perak at 5.30 pm.

The FRU vehicles rushed to SUK Perak with loud siren with their personnel’s in wearing riot helmet with batons patrolled the street.

Also seen some of the Special Branch Officer stood at DAP Perak and as well as the side street.

Once again the roads are being partially closed and expect to close fully by today night.

Reported by : P.Sugumaran (Political Sec for YB M.Kula Segaran)

507 - Perak Assembly Video Clips

Royal speech by Raja Nazrin

The Raja Muda of Perak was delayed from delivering his speech by nearly over 5 hours at the Perak state Assembly on 7thMay09. For over 5 hours the house was in total commotion.

When he finally entered the house he called both DS Nizar and Ngeh and he had whispered to them as follows” I don’t want to get involved in this. I just want to give my speech, so respect my speech, when i am giving it . You understand? If you want to work with me in future respect my speech. Understand? So go and tell that ( to the PakatanRakyat assemblyman who had stood together in front of the Royal dais to take their seats) as reported in the NST fridayMay8

Some say when the Raja Muda was giving his advise he should have been asked why the Monarch has refused to dissolve the State Assembly of Perak and fresh elections to follow?

Perintah mahkamah tidak sah - Karpal

UTUSAN MALAYSIA NEWS:-

IPOH 8 Mei - Pengerusi DAP, Karpal Singh mendakwa perintah mahkamah yang diperoleh polis untuk melarang sesiapa menghampiri 500 meter dari Bangunan Setiausaha Kerajaan Negeri (SUK) semasa sidang Dewan Undangan Negeri (DUN) Perak berlangsung semalam adalah tidak sah.

Beliau mendakwa, perintah mengikut Seksyen 98 Kanun Acara Jenayah itu bukan sahaja dibuat atas pertimbangan politik malah atas arahan parti politik.

''Notis yang ditampal oleh polis di seluruh bandar raya ini juga merupakan salinan permohonan dan bukannya perintah dari Mahkamah Majistret dan dengan itu keseluruhan proses ini tidak sah,'' katanya kepada pemberita di Mahkamah Tinggi Ipoh di sini hari ini.

Menurut Karpal, sekiranya perintah itu ditarik balik, tindakan polis menahan 69 individu termasuk pemimpin pembangkang semalam juga tidak sah dan mereka tidak boleh didakwa di mahkamah.

''Mereka juga boleh mengambil tindakan undang-undang menyaman polis kerana menahan mereka secara tidak sah,'' katanya.

Mahkamah sepatutnya mendengar dan membuat keputusan berhubung permohonan Setiausaha Politik Ahli Parlimen Ipoh Barat, P. Sugumaran yang turut ditahan mengikut Seksyen 98 Kanun Acara Jenayah semalam.

Bagaimanapun, Karpal yang mewakili Sugumaran menarik balik permohonan itu hari ini kerana ingin memfailkan permohonan baru yang lebih teratur dan mengikut prosiding.

Karpal memberitahu, permohonan semalam tidak lengkap dan tidak teratur kerana dibuat secara tergesa-gesa.
Namun kata beliau, pihaknya mempunyai masa untuk memfailkan permohonan baru yang lengkap dengan afidavit sokongan kerana sidang DUN telah ditangguhkan.

''Permohonan baru akan difailkan seberapa cepat yang boleh, seawal-awalnya Isnin ini,'' katanya.

Battleground Ipoh; No explanation, arrest him first

The Star

9:00am Police detain P. Sugumaran, political secretary to Ipoh Barat Member of Parliament M. Kulasegaran, for trying to force his way through the barricades surrounding the state secretariat building. To read more click here.

Malaysianinsider.com

At 9.50am, Ipoh Timur MP Lim Kit Siang and Ipoh Barat MP M. Kulasegaran were stopped by the police and asked to drive away. Both MPs and Kulasegaran's political secretary P. Sugumaran got out of the car and began arguing with the officers.

"I received an official invitation from the Speaker... I have a right to be here. This is my constituency," Kulasegaran argued.

A shouting match began between Sugumaran and the police. It finally ended when Sugumaran was arrested. Both Lim and Kulasegaran then decided to leave. To read more click here.

DAP's Ipoh Timor member of parliament Lim Kit Siang, under whose area the state secretariat is located, is turned away from the building. Also with Lim are DAP's MPs for Ipoh Barat M Kulasegaran and Teluk Intan MP M Manogaran.

The three MPs had official invitations to attend the sitting from assembly speaker.

In an ensuing shouting match with the police, Kulasegaran's aide was arrested.

Cops get court injunction against tomorrow's gathering

Police have today obtained a court injunction which will empower them to arrest on sight any member of the public seen within the vicinity of Perak state secretariat building.

The court injunction bars all supporters of political parties from gathering within 500 meters of the building, where the controversial state assembly sitting will be held tomorrow.

Supporters from both Pakatan Rakyat and Barisan Nasional are expected to turn up to support their respective sides in the on-going power struggle to control the state.

Indera gandhi's case hearing in Ipoh High Court

Back to square one for Indira
By CLARA CHOOI

IPOH: The High Court has temporarily stayed a decision handed down by another court giving interim custody of three children to their mother M. Indira Gandhi.

Justice Wan Afrah Wan Ibrahim yesterday granted an ad-interim stay on the order, pending the court’s decision on May 14 on contempt proceedings initiated by Indira Gandhi’s lawyers against her husband, K. Patmanathan.

Indira Gandhi’s counsel Augustine Anthony said the proceedings came about as Patmanathan had allegedly failed to comply with the previous court order and did not surrender his youngest daughter, one-year-old Prasana Diksa, to his wife.

The matter, heard in chambers, was raised as a preliminary objection in the hearing of Patmanathan’s application to set aside the custody order.

The husband, who was not present but was represented by counsel Mohamed Haniff Khatri Abdullah, had also applied for a stay of execution on the order.

Mohamed Haniff maintained that his client did not commit contempt of court.

On April 24, High Court judicial commissioner Ridwan Ibrahim granted interim custody of Tevi Darsiny, 12, Karan Dinish, 11, and Prasana to Indira Gandhi.

Despite this, the 34-year-old Indira Gandhi, who is currently staying with her two older children, had been unable to locate her husband to retrieve her youngest child.

She has since been seeking help from the police and the public, by distributing some 5,000 posters of her husband and Prasana across the state.

Malaysiakini News

The custody battle in the latest conversion case has gone back to square one as the Ipoh High Court today granted a stay on the ex-parte order which gave the custody of three children, who were forcibly converted to Islam by their father, to their mother M Indira Ghandi.

Indira’s husband, K Patmanathan, acting through his lawyer, obtained an order in chambers today to halt the order on April 24 which gave Indira full custody of their children until the custody hearing.Currently two of the children Tevi Darsiny, 12, and Karan Dinesh, 11, are with Indira while the youngest child, one-year-old Prasana Diksa, is with her husband Patmanathan, who has since assumed the name Mohd Redzuan Abdullah.

The court had also instructed Mohd Redzuan to return Prasana, whom he had gone into hiding with, to his wife and ordered the police to provide assistance to Indira with regards to this.The court which had initially set May 12 to hear the case, postponed the trial to May 14.

Indira's lawyer, M Kulasegaran, told Malaysiakini today that they had also filed for contempt of court against Mohd Redzuan, as he was “evading service of the injunction and other orders that were granted on April 24, as he still has not returned the baby”. Judge Wan Afrah Wan Ibrahim granted an ad-interim stay on the order pending the court’s decision on May 14 on the contempt-of-court application initiated by Indira's counsels.'Directive is not enforceable'Commenting further, Kulasegaran said: “The cabinet directive had once more come to a nought”.

Earlier, Indira who was in danger of losing her children after discovering that her husband had converted to Islam last month and also converted their children without her knowledge, had approached various parties to sort out her dilemma. In an exclusive interview with Malaysiakini last month, she also claimed that her husband had converted their three children without their presence and by only using their birth certificates.

Indira has since sought refuge with a relative in fear that Islamic officials would take the two children away since Mohd Redzuan had obtained a Syariah Court order giving him custody of the children.However, Indira has refused to accept the Syariah Court’s order.“The (cabinet) advice which came from the committee headed by Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Koh Tsu Koon, is ineffective and unenforceable,” said Kulasegaran.

Kulasegaran, who is also the Ipoh Barat DAP parliamentarian, also urged Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Nazri Abdul Aziz (Law and Parliament) to speedily bring about amendments to the laws to bring the directive into effect.“They should set up a special family court to decide on these matters for easier and earlier disposals,” he added, as the court had postponed the case until May 14.

Last week, Mohd Redzuan filed an application through his lawyer Mohamed Haniff Khatri Abdullah, challenging the cabinet decision to ban parents from secretly converting children to keep the peace and maintain race relations.

The cabinet had announced on April 23 that the law would be changed so that children's conversions would not be allowed without both parents' consent, and children should be raised in the religion of their parents at the time of marriage. Under Syariah law a non-Muslim parent cannot share custody of converted children.

தமிழ் அரசியல் மாலை ( Tamil Political Forum)

"பூவிழந்த நேரத்தை வண்டறியும்

போழுதிலந்த நேரத்தை புல்லரியும்

சேய் பிறந்த நேரத்தை தாய் அறிவால்

செந்தமிழே உன் பிறப்பை யார் அறிவார்"

என்று துவங்கிய "தமிழ் அரசியல் மாலை" மிகவும் சிறப்பான முறையில் நடைபெற்று முடிந்தது. அனைத்து பேச்சாளர்ககும் தமக்குரிய பாணியிலே பேசி மக்களுக்கு சேர வேண்டிய செய்திகளை மிகவும் தெளிவாகவும் துல்லியமாகவும் தெரிவித்தனர்.

கிட்டதட்ட சுமார் 500 கும் மேற்பட்ட தமிழ் அரசியல் ஆர்வாளர்கள் இந்த நிகழ்வில் கழுந்து கொண்டனர்.

இந்த அரசியல் மாலையில் தமிழன் மு.குலசேகரன், தமிழன் முனைவர் டாக்டர் ராமசாமி, தமிழன் சிவநேசன், தமிழன் சிவகுமார், தமிழன் டாக்டர் ஜெயபாலன் தமிழச்சி காமாட்சி துரைராஜூ மற்றும் கல்வி சுடர் டத்தோ ஹாஜி தஸ்லீம் அனைவரும் வேவ்வேறு தலைப்பினில் பேசி வந்தவர்களை கவர்ந்தனர்.

தொடக்க உரை நிகழ்த்திய இரும்பு மனிதன் என்று போற்றப்படும் ஜ.சே.க வின் மூத்த அரசியல்வாதியான சகோதரர் லிம் கிட் சியாங் அவர்கள் ஒரு மலேசியா வின் உட்கருதுக்களை பற்றி பேசினார்.

இந்த நிகழ்வில் சிறப்பு பார்வையாளராக வந்திருந்த மனித உரிமை மீறல் வழக்கறிஞர் சகோதரர் அகுஸ்தின் அந்தோணி அவர்கள் சில நிமிடங்கள் மத மாற்ற பிரச்சனைகளை பற்றி விளக்கம் தந்தார்.

எக்செல்சியர் தங்கும் விடுதியில் நடத்தப்பட இந்த நிகழ்வு, சுமார் இரவு மணி 11.30 க்கு முடிவுற்றது.

State Secreatay of Perak has abused his power?

The question is who has powers to decide the workings inside the State Legislative Assembly of Perak? We have the Standing Orders of the House. The only person who interprets and make decisions on any matters in the house is the Speaker alone.

But alas, apparently the State Secretary of Perak (SUK) has last week issued a statement to permit only certain newspapers and TV to cover the proceedings of the assembly. Newspapers like the Sun, Makkal Ossai, Sinaran Harian and many Chinese news papers were barred from covering the proceedings of the House scheduled on the 7thMay09. Why the select certain dailies only? SUK Head Dato Abdul Rahman must answer. Who gave him the powers to decide? Or he acted on his violation? If so he has clearly misuse his power and a clear abuse of power.

I urge SivaKumar the Speaker to clarify the situation. Who gave directions to Abdul Rahman and if the need be to suspend Rahman from his duties. As he attends the State Assembly meeting as an EX-Office member the Speaker could openly ask him on this deliration of duties on the 7thmay09 when the House is in session.

In the last two sittings of the State Assembly in 2008 there was live courage of the session. The expenses for the live coverage was provided for by the MB's office. But the we are now given to understand that that there would not be direct live telecast through the net as Zamri's office has failed to allocate funds for this. Why is BN so worried of the truth to be made known to the public!

Documents served to set aside interim custody order

Yesterday my law firm was served with court documents to set aside the interim order we had obtained for Indria Gandghi last Friday. We would soon file affidavits to resist the attempt by Indira's husband. Aoung the reasons he wants to set aside the order are 1) the civil court has no jurisdiction 2) that he has a Syariah court order 3) that Cabinet directive on conversion issues is irrelevant 4) He also refuses to disclose his address in the affidavit on the grounds his own safety is being threataned.


In todays Star
Indira’s hubby seeks custody of children

IPOH: Kindergarten teacher M. Indira Gandhi’s husband, a Muslim convert who wants custody of his three children, has filed an application to set aside a High Court order that gave the mother interim custody of the children.

Her counsel M. Kulasegaran said lawyers for K. Patmanathan, now known by his Muslim name Mohd Ridzuan Abdullah, served the papers at his office here yesterday morning.

Kulasegaran said the application, which also sought to challenge an injunction preventing Patmanathan from entering the couple’s home, was filed at the High Court here on Wednesday.

“The matter will be heard before the High Court on May 5,” he added.

Last Friday, High Court Judicial Commissioner Ridwan Ibrahim had given interim custody of Tevi Darsiny, 12, Karan Dinish, 11, and Prasana Diksa, one, to their mother.

He had also set May 12 for an inter parte hearing of the matter to allow Patmanathan, 40, to give his side of the story.

In her supporting affidavit, Indira Gandhi had claimed that on April 4, Patmanathan stormed into their house in First Garden here and used force against her and the children before taking off with the youngest daughter and the three children’s birth certificates.

She later discovered that her husband had converted to Islam on March 11 and further claimed that her children’s schools were notified by the Syariah Department that they had been converted and now had Muslim names.

The interim custody was the first victory for 34-year-old Indira Gandhi, who is battling to get custody of the children and to ensure they remained Hindus.

A week has since passed and Indira Gandhi has yet to track down Patmanathan to get her baby back.

When asked if Patmanathan had gone to the Perak Islamic Religious Department for help, its director Datuk Sheikh Mohamah Nor Mansor Al-Hafiz said he would reserve comments until he had consulted Raja Muda Raja Dr Nazrin Shah.

“I do not want to comment as it has gone to the courts; not until I have met the Raja Muda,” he said when met at a Fatwa convention here.