REDEMPTION: Ghost of 1988 put to rest - A new dawn for the judiciary and for the country has begun.

R__E__D__E__M__P__T__I__O__N !
JUSTICE - ‘THE events of 1988 were an upheaval of the nation’s judicial system, a time of crisis from which the nation never fully recovered… The judicial must be revitalized to enable it to serve the people. It must be the guardian of the Constitution and sentinel of the people’s rights… I have abided, and will continue to abide, by the principle of the separation of powers, leaving matters of justice to the judiciary… A revitalized and restored judiciary… An independent and credible judiciary… A TRUSTED JUDICIARY…’ – Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi
HONOUR - Tun Salleh Abbas and five other judges, who were victims of the 1988 judicial crisis, awarded goodwill ex gratia payments as a heartfelt gesture to mend the ‘pain and loss’ they suffered…
PM PUTS GHOST OF 1988 TO REST: Announces reforms to revitalize judiciary
Standing ovation for PM's speech at Bar dinner - KUALA LUMPUR: A new chapter for the Malaysian judiciary has begun.
One: A Judicial Appointments Commission will be appointed to nominate, appoint and promote judges in a transparent and representative manner.
Two: The 1988 upheaval of the judicial system is laid to rest with acknowledgement of "the pain and loss" suffered by the late Tan Sri Eusoffe Abdoolcader and Tan Sri Wan Suleiman Pawanteh and their families, Tun Salleh Abas, Tan Sri Azmi Kamaruddin, Tan Sri Wan Hamzah Mohamed Salleh and Datuk George Seah.
Full Story
Full text of PM's speech - SPEECH BY DATUK SERI ABDULLAH AHMAD BADAWI, PRIME MINISTER OF MALAYSIA, AT THE MALAYSIAN BAR COUNCIL DINNER ON APRIL 17, 2008:"DELIVERING JUSTICE, RENEWING TRUST"
Need to rebuild integrity of judiciary - KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia will never again see judges punished and thrown into ignominy and shame for doing their rightful job. This is the hope of Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Zaid Ibrahim. Full Story
Bar Council applauds move - KUALA LUMPUR: The Bar Council was over the moon when the prime minister announced the impending formation of the Judicial Appointment Commission. Full Story
1988 crisis triggered by 'Umno 11' after party polls - THE 1988 crisis can be traced back to the 1987 Umno election when 11 members sought to nullify the party election results after the then Umno president and prime minister, Datuk Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad (now Tun), retained his post. Full Story

JUDICIARY UNDER RESTORATION

JUDICIARY UNDER RESTORATION: Sweeping changes soon
PUTRAJAYA: The prime minister will soon announce sweeping changes in the judiciary, which include the setting up of a commission to appoint and promote judges. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Zaid Ibrahim said details of the reform measures were still being finalised and covered the separation of powers, vesting of judicial powers with the courts and appointment of judges in a transparent manner to restore public confidence. "The prime minister will announce the principles that the government will adopt. It will be unveiled sooner than you think," he told reporters after chairing a post-cabinet meeting here yesterday. Zaid, who is in charge of legal affairs, said some aspects of judicial reform needed further study. "Whatever laws passed towards reform will be done after it is agreed by all the stakeholders in the judiciary," he said. Zaid said he was glad for the support from Regent of Perak Raja Nazrin Shah and Chief Justice Datuk Abdul Hamid Mohamad for the government to undertake reform. Full Story

Government to redeem sacked judges PUTRAJAYA: The government is not in favour of an apology but will try to redeem the judges sacked in 1988, the prime minister said. Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said the question of an apology for the judicial crisis did not arise. "However, there must be ways to restore the position of (the then lord president) Tun Salleh Abbas. We have not gone into details yet but we will be discussing the matter." He was asked whether the government would apologise to the judges. "I do not see why we should apologise but let us decide when a cabinet paper on the matter is presented." Full Story

No offensive comments, Abdul Hamid tells judges PUTRAJAYA: Judges should be careful about making comments on prosecuting officers and the quality of police investigations, Chief Justice Datuk Abdul Hamid Mohamad said. "Judges shouldn't be making unnecessary remarks openly in court. In anything that you do, there's always a way of doing it," he said yesterday. Abdul Hamid said it was important not to "blast out in court". "You have to maintain good relationships," he added, speaking after a closed-door forum involving the judiciary, police, Attorney-General's Chambers and the Anti-Corruption Agency, held as part of the annual Judges' Conference. Abdul Hamid did not elaborate on the type of comments he meant, but it is understood he was referring to past statements by judges on the quality of police investigations, the competency of public prosecutors and the character of litigants, or parties to a case.Full Story

Justice is all, Zaid tells budding lawyers KUALA LUMPUR: Never lose sight of the meaning of justice. "The meaning of the word should be instinctive and as budding lawyers, that is an instinct you should possess," he told the room packed with students hanging on to his every word. Zaid, who turned 57, was invited by the UiTM Law Faculty yesterday to celebrate the recognition of the UiTM Bachelor of Legal Studies honours programme by the government. Full Story

DAP, MCA all for setting up of judicial commission
KUALA LUMPUR: The MCA and DAP have come out in support of the call for the setting up of a commission to handle judicial appointments and promotions of judges. Full Story

Reforms: Raja Nazrin's call for judicial body timely: THE call by the Regent of Perak Raja Dr Nazrin Shah on the formation of an independent judicial commission is urgent and timely. As he points out, the judiciary was at its best 20 years ago, and now it needs what he calls a judicial renaissance. I applaud his call as the judiciary is at its lowest ebb. Many judicial decisions over the past 20 years have been questionable. If indeed this government heeds the call by Raja Nazrin for reforms in the judiciary, it should form a judicial commission on the appointments and promotions of judges.

Once a judge, now in the dock accused of falsifying document It was an awkward situation for Zunaidah Mohd Idris today when she entered the Sessions Court. She was the accused in the court where once she had been the presiding judge. From 2004 to 2005, she sat on the bench as the Sessions judge. But today she had to wait at a seat meant for the accused before being called to stand in the dock. Full Story

JUDICIAL RENAISSANCE

Raja Nazrin: Time for judicial reform

'THE time is right to review the way judicial appointments and promotions are made... The present climate provides an excellent opportunity to press on with the needed changes and the first step must be to ensure that power is once again vested in the judiciary... The judiciary must be restored to the position it had in the Constitution, from the time of Merdeka until 20 years ago. Unless that is done, the doctrine of separation of powers, which underscores Malaysian democracy, will remain effectively muted... The recent general election ushered in a host of changes and new political realities. It sent a clear message that we cannot continue on a course of ‘business-as-usual’... MALAYSIA NEEDS A JUDICIAL RENAISSANCE...’ -- MORE

PM to reveal measures on judicial reform: PUTRAJAYA (April 10, 2008): Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi will announce the steps being taken by the government towards judicial reforms "sooner than most people think", Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Zaid Ibrahim said today. He told a press conference Abdullah is committed to the reforms and there is no need to doubt or question his commitment on the matter. -- MORE

No Need For Govt To Apologise To Salleh Abas, Says Abdullah: PUTRAJAYA, April 10 (Bernama) -- The government need not apologise to former Lord President Tun Salleh Abas, but will look at ways to make up to him, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. "Actually, what is important is for us to have a way to make amends for him," he told reporters after chairing a meeting of the National Council of Islamic Religious Affairs here Thursday. The Prime Minister said this when asked about the government's stand on the suggestion by Minister in the Prime Minister's Department senator Datuk Mohd Zaid Ibrahim that the government apologise to him and two other judges over their sacking during the judiciary crisis of 1988. -- MORE

PM: We will (God willing –ed) step up pace of reforms

PM: We will (God willing –ed) step up pace of reforms
By Shahriman Johari

KUALA LUMPUR: The pace of reforms will be quickened, the prime minister has promised. Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi yesterday acknowledged the unhappiness expressed by Malaysians at the general election and said economic plans would be reviewed.

One of the earliest decisions the government will make is to help the poor deal with rising costs.

"The result of the elections was a strong message that I have not moved fast enough in pushing through with the reforms that I had promised to undertake.

"I thank the Malaysian people for this message. Point made and point taken," he said when opening Invest Malaysia 2008, an investment conference.

Barisan Nasional lost control of four states and failed to regain power in Kelantan. It also did not win a two-thirds majority in parliament.

Abdullah said he was also aware that Malaysians complained they did not benefit from an economy that grew 6.3 per cent last year.

"Unless that is addressed, any reference to the economy's good performance certainly would not go down well."

One of the measures to help low-income earners is softening the impact of rising prices while limiting waste caused by subsidies.

Second, economic gains would be spread to the neediest.

Third, the government would continue to reduce income gaps between and within ethnic groups.

Other priorities include fighting crime, stepping up the battle against corruption, supporting judicial reforms and ensuring a fair number of places of worship.

The government may also fine-tune some projects under the Ninth Malaysia Plan, which runs from 2006 to 2010, so that benefits are spread more evenly.

Abdullah said the federal government would discuss projects in states controlled by DAP, Pas and Parti Keadilan Rakyat with the state governments.

"We will deal with them. There are certain projects slated to be implemented in the states. The government has no problems discussing with them."
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© Copyright 2008 The New Straits Times Press (M) Berhad. All rights reserved.
http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Wednesday/Frontpage/2196236/Article/index_html

Reaction to Prime Minister's pledge: They want to see action

"I think the government should work extra hard this time so that the public will be able to see results from all these reforms that they are promising to make." - Faridah Khalid deputy president, National Council of Women's Organisation Malaysia

"We welcome the prime minister’s intention to improve the situation concerning places of worship. We will do everything possible to facilitate this and co-operate with the federal and state governments to ensure that every race and religion will have their interests looked after. We hope to hear more from the prime minister, preferably in more detail, on his action plan for improving Malaysia’s multi-ethnic and religious situation." - Datuk A. Vaithilingam president, Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism, and Taoism

"I think he has to make sure he can deliver on those promises. The expectations of the people are very high. I think a lot of effort has to be put into crime prevention. The police have to be visible in crime-prone areas. He has to deliver on all those things he promised, including those from the findings of the Royal Commission to Enhance the Operation and Management of the Police. The proposed Independent Police Commission on Misconduct and Complaints (IPCMC) has to be implemented." - Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye, vice-chairman of Malaysia Crime Prevention Foundation

"We believe this was the reason for the appointment of (de facto law minister) Datuk Zaid Ibrahim. His views on the 1988 crisis are well known, as are his views that we must have a judicial appointment commission. The fact that he was appointed shows that the PM is intent on bringing changes. I agree with him that the changes must take place quickly." - Ambiga Sreenevasan president, Malaysian Bar Council

"The PM should be wary of large-scale projects such as the economic corridors which can marginalise the Orang Asli. For example, Orang Asli smallholders planting rubber should be earning an average of RM2,000 to RM3,000 monthly but are only earning RM1,000 a year because their land is managed by big corporations." - Colin Nicholas co-ordinator, Center for Orang Asli Concerns

"I think it is an accurate assessment of the BN’s debacle in the last election, especially in issues such as corruption and crime. One hopes that concrete measures will be taken. One can admit one’s mistakes but deeds speak louder than words. When it comes to places of worship, it is important that the rules be implemented faithfully, with care and compassion. There should also be a willingness to address sensitive religious issues such as conversions and custody of children." - Dr Chandra Muzaffar political scientist and Professor of Global Studies Universiti Sains Malaysia

"We hope that priority will be given to revise the policies, plans and projects under the Ninth Malaysian Plan. We hope that government-linked companies will also begin to recruit and employ talent in a way that complements the racial diversity in the country. To further combat corruption, Transparency International hopes that the Anti-Corruption Agency will be made an independent body reporting directly to parliament." - Tan Sri Ramon V. Navaratnam president, Transparency International
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© Copyright 2008 The New Straits Times Press (M) Berhad. All rights reserved. http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Wednesday/Frontpage/20080326094252Article/index_html

Malaysian PM promises action on economic reforms

Malaysia's Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi on Tuesday pledged to push ahead with economic reforms after disastrous election results, and backed down on looming fuel price hikes.

"The result of the election was a strong message that I have not moved fast enough in pushing through with the reforms that I promised to undertake," he said in a speech to an investment conference.

"I thank the Malaysian people for this message: point well made and point taken."

Abdullah said that despite plans to dismantle energy subsidies that are draining state coffers, he will maintain fuel prices at current levels to protect the interests of the poor.

"Whatever is the present price, we will have to live with it," he said, adding that a policy on subsidies would be announced later.

The ruling Barisan Nasional coalition was delivered a stunning blow in March 8 elections, ceding five states and a third of parliamentary seats to the opposition which campaigned heavily on high inflation.

Malaysia subsidises petrol, diesel and gas as well as 21 food items including milk, salt, wheat flour and rice, but the controls have triggered severe shortages and smuggling across its porous borders and long coastline.

Abdullah said there were limits to what the government could do to keep prices low but promised to assist lower-income groups with special measures and limit wastage caused by subsidies.

The premier also promised to oversee the implementation of the many multi-billion-dollar development projects launched in the run-up to the polls, despite speculation they could be axed.

He said there will not be any cancellation of projects in opposition-held states but said that funding for some projects will be reassessed.

"We need to fine-tune some projects. We have to see what we can do. This involves the need to reassess and estimate the money allocated," he said.

Abdullah unveiled plans to streamline Malaysia's stock exchange, cutting the number of boards from three to two, and the creation of a third credit agency.

"By reducing the number of boards and the amount of listing requirements, we will help to catalyse more high-quality listings to add to the vibrant and dynamic nature of our equities market," he said.

Source: AFP via MSN News - http://news.my.msn.com/regional/article.aspx?cp-documentid=1306630

Freedom and Justice for All

Found this Q&A post on ELECTION & REFORM and related message. It covers a direction we have been wrestling with lately. Sheikh thought it would be a good idea to post here.

daripada David:

If the general election were to be held today, are the oppositions capable to win enough seats to form a majority government? This is because in recent months, we had seen a general feeling of dissatisfaction on many issues towards the current administration, but is that enough to woo voters to have this huge swing towards oppositions?

If the oppositions do form the government, what sort of system will the administration embrace? Apart from PAS which is fighting to form their Islamic state, PKR and DAP generally embrace a non-communal political system. Is Malaysian ready for such new system after living under race-based system for 50 years? Is the oppositions really different from BN, since we have DAP catering for the Chinese and Indians, whereas PKR and PAS cater for mainly malay voters, the eventual outcome will be the same as race-based and communal system?

David,
We are confident, with your support, to deny BN’s two third majority and will endeavor to achieve a simple majority.
KeADILan is multiracial party, working together with DAP and PAS on a clear reform agenda - freedom and justice for all.
Please do not be deluded by an incessant BN propaganda about PAS!

ANWAR IBRAHIM

Thanks a lot!