Saturday, January 14, 2012
SIGN OF THE TIMES...
Labels:
2012,
omens,
oracles,
This Is It,
waiting for a sign
Friday, January 13, 2012
Pirates & Parasites: Don't let them bring you down, folks! (reprise)
An old friend named Patrick with whom I recently reconnected after a long break sent me an email which concluded with the following sentiment:
Since Patrick happens to be someone I genuinely like, he deserves a thoughtful, well-considered response rather than a flippant brush-off. So I'm going to share my formal reply to Patrick with all of you through this post.
Dear Patrick,
I can understand where you're coming from. In fact, most of my friends and relatives who have, through their own efforts and resources, attained a comfortable position in the food chain will probably echo your views on the apparent immutability of the status quo. And by "status quo" I refer not only to Malaysia but to all of humanity on this fair earth. You might as well have asked:
"Do you really think that this planet will soon be rid of pirates and parasites?"
And my response to that would be an unequivocal YES. The reason I can state this with absolute confidence is simply because I have spent the last 45 years monitoring the frequency shifts in the human psychosphere and the dramatic increase in Schumann Resonance of the planetary electromagnetic field. In plain language, the planet is a living cosmic organism and it is evolving along multidimensional Fibonacci spirals of expanding awareness, carrying along the morphogenetic fields of all lifeforms - mineral, vegetable, animal, human, and elemental - embedded within its being.
Between 1952 and 1979 the Schumann Resonance (SR) of the Earth was measured at 7.8 Hertz. It began to rise up the scale and is currently between 12 and 13 Hz. Cutting edge visionary scientists like Gregg Braden say they expect the SR to peak at 13 Hz between 2011 and 2013.
What will happen to the botanical and biological lifeforms on the planet's surface?
Some plant and animal species will vanish from the third dimension while a few new ones will spontaneously appear. As for humans, a great many will be unable to recalibrate and realign their energy fields; these will succumb and descend into various forms of psychosis and pathology. The news will be full of deadly epidemics and outbreaks of irrational violence camouflaged as interracial and interreligious conflict.
For millennia the warlords have ruled this planet and they will be resisting their own imminent extinction by attempting to drag millions of other lives with them as they go the way of the dinosaurs.
Those who have learnt to trust their heart wisdom will have little trouble accepting the incoming frequencies, thereby accelerating their own awakening on the cellular, molecular, atomic and nuclear levels. Within the next few months (that's right, I said months, not years, not decades), even as the 3D Matrix begins to get more and more unreal, the ones who can maintain their emotional equilibrium and trust completely in the Unknown will find life becoming simpler and more exquisite. They will consciously acknowledge their own integral roles in the evolutionary passion play that will take us from micro to macro perspectives, and gladly celebrate their initiation as galactic citizens.
Institutions that have enslaved the human imagination for untold generations will crumble like stale bread, even as their adherents become discombobulated and turn upon each other in desperation and panic. Armies will exhaust themselves and disintegrate through meaningless combat even as deserters begin to outnumber combatants.
Congenital liars, hypocrites and deceivers will end up their own victims. Those that persist in assigning blame and scapegoating others will find themselves devoid of a following. Empire builders will weep as grandiose monuments to their own megalomania are reduced to rubble.
The status quo is static - and reality is dynamic. In a dynamic universe, status has no value or significance. However, humble virtues such as compassion, empathy, humility, and goodwill towards others will become the only accepted currency.
Creativity rather than destructivity will regain the upper hand.
The planet has been ruled by criminal syndicates for countless millennia. This was only possible during the Kali yuga, which has just about run its course. Only inertia and long-ingrained habit are keeping oppressive social systems in apparent operation. Secret police, spy agencies, covert programs designed to keep power in the hands of a plutocratic elite will be exposed as more and more whistleblowers begin to break free from their indoctrination and implants.
Evil cannot withstand the light of publicity and will evaporate under the burning sun of an enlightened humanity.
As the democratization of human communities begins to spread like wildfire, centralized government and ancient power cabals will weaken and die. The Anunnaki bloodlines that constitute all monarchies will either transmute themselves into a force for universal good - or be forever terminated.
Don't worry about Umno. Or the Rockefeller-Rothschilds. From a macro perspective they are merely small-time street gangs that will soon become fascinating exhibits in cosmoanthropological museums. So fear them not.
Above all, FEAR NOT.
And love, love, love with a heart made whole.
All this and more will come to pass. I kid you not, my dear Patrick.
[First posted 3 March 2009]
Do you really think that this country will soon be rid of pirates and parasites? I think UMNO/BN is so entrenched that any alternative would be quashed before they get time to settle. I always say that this country has so much going for it, but it’s screwed up by politics. I should be careful with what I write for fear of getting a knock on the door by some unwelcome visitors...It saddened me that Patrick is probably not the only one infected with this pessimistic view of the political situation. No doubt he thinks of it as "being realistic." The social circle within which Patrick moves is quite likely to share his cynicism as regards the possibility of genuine change. After all, they are mostly entrepreneurs, socialites, aristocrats and technocrats who have worked around the planet for decades as expatriates, getting paid in US dollars or euros. Whether they be based in Nigeria, Somalia, Zimbabwe, Burma, Dubai, Qatar, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Sri Lanka or Thailand, they are unlikely to be affected by the squalid conditions on the ground. Should massive trouble erupt at any point, they have the wherewithal to swiftly airlift themselves to safety.
Since Patrick happens to be someone I genuinely like, he deserves a thoughtful, well-considered response rather than a flippant brush-off. So I'm going to share my formal reply to Patrick with all of you through this post.
Dear Patrick,
I can understand where you're coming from. In fact, most of my friends and relatives who have, through their own efforts and resources, attained a comfortable position in the food chain will probably echo your views on the apparent immutability of the status quo. And by "status quo" I refer not only to Malaysia but to all of humanity on this fair earth. You might as well have asked:
"Do you really think that this planet will soon be rid of pirates and parasites?"
And my response to that would be an unequivocal YES. The reason I can state this with absolute confidence is simply because I have spent the last 45 years monitoring the frequency shifts in the human psychosphere and the dramatic increase in Schumann Resonance of the planetary electromagnetic field. In plain language, the planet is a living cosmic organism and it is evolving along multidimensional Fibonacci spirals of expanding awareness, carrying along the morphogenetic fields of all lifeforms - mineral, vegetable, animal, human, and elemental - embedded within its being.
Between 1952 and 1979 the Schumann Resonance (SR) of the Earth was measured at 7.8 Hertz. It began to rise up the scale and is currently between 12 and 13 Hz. Cutting edge visionary scientists like Gregg Braden say they expect the SR to peak at 13 Hz between 2011 and 2013.
What will happen to the botanical and biological lifeforms on the planet's surface?
Some plant and animal species will vanish from the third dimension while a few new ones will spontaneously appear. As for humans, a great many will be unable to recalibrate and realign their energy fields; these will succumb and descend into various forms of psychosis and pathology. The news will be full of deadly epidemics and outbreaks of irrational violence camouflaged as interracial and interreligious conflict.
For millennia the warlords have ruled this planet and they will be resisting their own imminent extinction by attempting to drag millions of other lives with them as they go the way of the dinosaurs.
Those who have learnt to trust their heart wisdom will have little trouble accepting the incoming frequencies, thereby accelerating their own awakening on the cellular, molecular, atomic and nuclear levels. Within the next few months (that's right, I said months, not years, not decades), even as the 3D Matrix begins to get more and more unreal, the ones who can maintain their emotional equilibrium and trust completely in the Unknown will find life becoming simpler and more exquisite. They will consciously acknowledge their own integral roles in the evolutionary passion play that will take us from micro to macro perspectives, and gladly celebrate their initiation as galactic citizens.
Institutions that have enslaved the human imagination for untold generations will crumble like stale bread, even as their adherents become discombobulated and turn upon each other in desperation and panic. Armies will exhaust themselves and disintegrate through meaningless combat even as deserters begin to outnumber combatants.
Congenital liars, hypocrites and deceivers will end up their own victims. Those that persist in assigning blame and scapegoating others will find themselves devoid of a following. Empire builders will weep as grandiose monuments to their own megalomania are reduced to rubble.
The status quo is static - and reality is dynamic. In a dynamic universe, status has no value or significance. However, humble virtues such as compassion, empathy, humility, and goodwill towards others will become the only accepted currency.
Creativity rather than destructivity will regain the upper hand.
The planet has been ruled by criminal syndicates for countless millennia. This was only possible during the Kali yuga, which has just about run its course. Only inertia and long-ingrained habit are keeping oppressive social systems in apparent operation. Secret police, spy agencies, covert programs designed to keep power in the hands of a plutocratic elite will be exposed as more and more whistleblowers begin to break free from their indoctrination and implants.
Evil cannot withstand the light of publicity and will evaporate under the burning sun of an enlightened humanity.
As the democratization of human communities begins to spread like wildfire, centralized government and ancient power cabals will weaken and die. The Anunnaki bloodlines that constitute all monarchies will either transmute themselves into a force for universal good - or be forever terminated.
Don't worry about Umno. Or the Rockefeller-Rothschilds. From a macro perspective they are merely small-time street gangs that will soon become fascinating exhibits in cosmoanthropological museums. So fear them not.
Above all, FEAR NOT.
And love, love, love with a heart made whole.
All this and more will come to pass. I kid you not, my dear Patrick.
[First posted 3 March 2009]
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Post-Mortem on Sodomy II ~ by M. Bakri Musa
Anwar interviewed after his acquittal on 9 January 2012 (The Malaysian Insider) |
Hold The Accolades!
M. Bakri Musa
Zabidin Mohd Diah: Malaysian justice on trial |
Hold the accolades! This sordid trial reveals everything that is rotten with the Malaysian system of justice. This case should never have been prosecuted in the first place. That it was reflected the level or more precisely lack of professionalism on the part of these career prosecutors. As for the trial, there were many instances where the judge could have thrown the case out, as when the physical evidence was introduced. Now the learned judge used that as the reason for acquittal.
As for Anwar Ibrahim, he and his family are rightfully grateful for the verdict, but hold on to your apology. Forgiveness, yes, as he said recently; that is always praiseworthy. He rightly cautioned that one court decision does not a judicial spring make. Besides, there is still the monumental task ahead to clear up the mess, and not just in the system of justice. Najib’s much-ballyhooed “transformation” is a charade concocted by his exorbitantly-paid consultants.
Doing Away With Anwar
The decision to do away with Anwar was made a long time ago. In opting for this particular route, they had hoped that whatever the outcome Anwar would be irreparably damaged by the smear. How they misjudged! The public remains convinced that the charge was politically motivated, and crassly at that, right from the very beginning.
The tragedy here, apart from the agony and humiliation Anwar and his family had endured, is that a delayed-adolescent college flunkey desperate for his 15 minutes of fame was being exploited. They used the poor boy as a battering rod, pardon my metaphor, to do in Anwar.
There is only one possible redeeming value to Judge Zabidin continuing this trial in its squalid entirety, and that is to expose the pathetic lack of professionalism of not just the prosecuting team but also the other professionals involved. This included the police officers and crime investigators to the forensic scientists tasked with the crucial DNA analysis and the senior specialists who examined Anwar’s accuser.
Hospital Kuala Lumpur's Dr S Jeyaindran: happy to help his buddy, PM Najib |
Those specialists were based at the General Hospital Kuala Lumpur, an apex institution in the government’s healthcare system; thus presumably they must be the best. They should also have known that this was a very high-profile case and that their performance would come under global scrutiny. It should have been an opportunity for them to showcase their talent and professionalism. Instead the judge singled out the inadequacy of the physical evidence, as reflected in their reports and testimonies, as the reason for acquittal.
[Read the full incisive essay here...]
Monday, January 9, 2012
901: a significant turning point in Malaysian history....
Anwar pledges to topple BN after acquittal
January 09, 2012
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 9 — Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said today that “justice has been served” after his acquittal in a politically-charged sodomy trial and pledged to topple the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) in the next elections.
“Thank God, justice has been served. I feel vindicated but we still have a struggle. We have to now focus on the general election,” he told reporters after the High Court here acquitted and discharged him of a charged of sodomising his former male aide Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan in 2008.
Wan Azizah hugs her hubby Anwar Ibrahim immediately after the judge acquitted him (photo tweeted by Nurul Izzah Anwar) |
Anwar the Unstoppable!
Anwar Ibrahim personifies the people's intensifying desire to see an end to criminal misrule under the incurable Dr M, the ruthless Daim Zainuddin, and their vile Umno Baru legacy of arrogant, cynical, corrupt cronyism and despotism.
Anwar Ibrahim, Malaysia's 7th prime minister, is destined to usher in a new era of democracy in Malaysia, with fresh faces, new blood and renewed dedication. More power to Pakatan Rakyat!
[First posted 29 March 2011]
Sunday, January 8, 2012
A special message from Princess Kaoru Nakamaru of Japan
The granddaughter of the Meiji Emperor, Princess Kaoru Nakamaru spent her early childhood in the Forbidden Castle in China. While at Columbia University and in graduate school, she furthered her research into international politics and since 1970, as a journalist, has interviewed kings and presidents, prime ministers and business people from many countries, and has given speeches, written books, and appeared on television as a commentator on international political affairs. In 1973, she was acclaimed in the U.S. magazine, Newsweek, as the “World’s No.1 interviewer,” and the Washington Post described her as “one of those rare women in the world with an outstanding international sensitivity.”
Later, she was producer, director, and interviewer of her own Japan/U.S. talk show, for which she traveled to war-torn areas around the world and carried out positive discussions with the heads of state of those countries. Among those were Colonel Gadhafi of Libya and then-president of Iraq, Saddam Hussein - figures that were considered hostile by the West. Nakamaru even covered the frontlines during the Iran-Iraq War (1980-88) and video taken of it was shown to President Hussein who suggested that the war be immediately halted. The images of her broadcast on TV pressing President Hussein with the question “Why is this war being continued?” and asking Colonel Gadhafi, “Are you really a terrorist?” drew strong reactions. From those experiences, she exerted her energy into “personal diplomacy,” serving as a go-between among warring countries, using her own funds.
In order to finance her “personal diplomacy,” she bears all expenses. Kaoru’s network of contacts include many “big names” of whom the staff at TV stations say “Even with our connections, there is no way we can approach these people,” and this is linked to the fact that Kaoru, who is not affiliated with any organization, travels the world at her own expense and as a private citizen. Saddam Hussein, Moammar Gadhafi, top North Korean leaders, and other important figures that western journalists are unable to meet, talk with her-- the main reason being “Princess Nakamaru is not a person who is moved by personal motives and so we considered a meeting with her.”
In response to her personal diplomacy Kaoru established the “International Affairs Institute for World Peace” in New York in 1985, and in 1991, the “Following the Sun Association” was organized for people aspiring toward peace. In doing so, royalty and presidents from various countries as well as cultural figures signed their names to the statement, “I endorse all of your activities,” and these people have been welcomed as advisers and special members. Accordingly, this began in earnest a movement of enlightenment in which the realization of a “one world” policy where the “path of life” is based on mutual understanding and trust, and not on a “one world” policy where the “path of power” is based on military power and tension. Since her days as an interviewer, she has so far traveled to as many as 186 countries.
Nakamaru’s aim is for a “world peace through human renaissance. Wealth, fame, power do not make humans happy, as true happiness is borne from a heart filled with love, harmony, and peace. When there is peace within the hearts of each person, from VIPs to average citizens, then world peace is realized. The phrase ”one world” mistakenly conjures up a religious movement, but Nakamaru has absolutely no religion ties. Nakamaru believes in a religion of her own, but does not belong to any group, saying that “The world transcends all the many religions, races, ideologies so there cannot be just one."
As for her personal life, in 1966 she married Tadao Nakamaru, an actor who worked with Toshiro Mifune. She has a son and a daughter.
In addition, she has maintained a close friendship with South Korea through its former prime minister, Kim Jong-Pil, and with North Korea through the late Kim Il Sung as well as Kim Yong Sun the Secretary of North Korea’s Worker Party (who died in 2003 in a car accident), and has strived to improve relations between Japan and both Koreas as a bridge between the Japanese and Korean governments by bringing about the temporary return of a Japanese woman while at the same time acting as a mediator in bringing about a summit meeting between South and North Korea.
“I always say I'm 64 but I feel 46. I’m quite macho.” ~ Anwar
This is for the benefit of those who can't access Malaysiakini, a subscription news portal...
How does one prepare for 20 years behind bars? If you are PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim, you would “go through the minutest details” over what to expect, and brace for the worst. Speaking to Malaysiakini about tomorrow’s verdict for his sodomy trial, Anwar said he is “psychologically prepared” to return to jail. “People say I’m crazy. I thought of it. I know. I know what to expect in the minutest detail. Nobody wants to go through it, frankly,” he said in an interview on Thursday. “People say you want to be a martyr, a hero. Absolute nonsense. When one comes to this age, and going through that... people think they know (how it is).” Having spent six years at the Sungai Buloh prison previously, Anwar believes staunchly that prison guards and police officers are “exceedingly kind” and that he will be fine under their care.
His family, however, does not share his views. In a “session” to discuss the possibly outcomes of the trial, he said his children and sons-in-law expressed concern that there would be assault and mistreatment, as in 1998. Dismissing this, the father of six said his only concern is whether his bad back, a result of a police assault then, could withstand the jail cell conditions. “I always say I am 64 but I feel 46... I’m quite macho,” he said with a laugh.
In the following excerpt of Malaysiakini's interview, Anwar also speaks of how his likely incarceration could affect his political career and its effect on the opposition's battle for Malay votes. Content has been edited for language, brevity and clarity.
Malaysiakini: Looking at Monday, what is your expectation? Are you hopeful?
Anwar Ibrahim: I am hopeful, because unlike before they did not adduce evidence... This case they realised and used forensic evidence. They thought they were smart and we demolished (the evidence). So, how can they ignore facts from law? I therefore feel there is no option but to acquit me. (But) knowing the system and the realities... I wouldn’t be surprised if the judge convicts me. So there would be two options. I go to jail straight, or they grant me bail pending appeal. It is also difficult for them to deny bail, as they just had in the (former Selangor MB Mohd) Khir Toyo case, and all cases for that matter. But as you know, Anwar is always the exception.
It happened to you in the first sodomy trial.
Yes, in the first case. But I think the important thing is about whether I am mentally prepared and the family is prepared. I had a session with the family. We went through all the options and allowed my children and sons-in-law to speak up and express their concerns. Alhamdulillah, they’re prepared. Even for (wife and PKR president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail) it is difficult. She went through that, she knows, with my back condition and my age - I always say I feel 46 but I’m 64. (laughs) - it’s not easy.
Their main concern is security, my personal safety. I said, ‘No,’ but they said, ‘Yeah, that’s what we said in 1998 and it happened’. (The authorities) said it will never happen (again), but how I was treated in 2008 was a repetition. It was short of being assaulted, but the rest were completely inhumane. The consideration for my back condition, my age, nothing. I’m not talking about the stripping. But I’m talking about putting me on the cement. And you know there was excruciating pain following that. I had to get a jab after that... But I think I will manage.
Are you psychologically prepared for it?
Yeah, fortunately. People say I’m quite crazy. I thought of it. I know I know what to expect in the minutest detail. Nobody wants to go through it, frankly. People say you want to be a martyr, a hero. Absolute nonsense, when one comes to this age, and going through that. People assume they know (how it is). That's why (self-exiled blogger) Raja Petra (Kamarudin) did not want to go to jail, I understand and I sympathise with him on that part although I don’t necessarily agree to the extent that (he) went to sell (his) soul. People can say lots of things, but after going through it before and taking the risk. Okay, they say they won’t do it (assault you). But if it’s done, it’s done.
Do you think you will survive? Your health is presumably not as good as before?
Just the back. The rest is okay. Compared to 1998, the back is the worst place. The only problem is excruciating pain and they don’t give me enough (assistance) you know... They say we have to ask the doctor, the doctor says must ask the consultant, then consultant must ask the minister... and if they send the same (Dr S) Jeyaindran, I will have a hell of a lot of trouble. That was the only doctor who (then PM Dr) Mahathir (Mohamad) allowed and you can see his performance in court. Once I got this baseline pneumonia, and normally I’m the type who would refuse to go to hospital. I’m not the type to demand to be taken to hospital and all that. That night I couldn’t breathe. So they called the hospital and were referred to (Jeyaindran).
He said, “Okay, okay give him this medication, okay, okay.” Then I was getting angry. I said, “I cannot breathe. You come and see me”, and he said, “Okay, I’ll come tomorrow morning” so I had to wait until tomorrow morning. That’s the only thing... Will I manage? Yes. Can I? Yes. Will I get baseline pneumonia? No, I don’t think so.
I'm quite macho (laughs). The prison officers, even the police officers, are not cruel. The problem is instructions. In the Bukit Aman lock-up, the police officers were exceedingly kind. So I have difficulty hearing ceramah knocking the police (bantai polis). Similarly in prison, in my six years there, probably only one of them was the Umno-Perkasa type. Sometimes they cannot (do much), but they’re kind. If I’m not feeling well, at least they give a Panadol, they cannot consult an expert but they will still do it or give me medication to rub on the back.
Do you think you’ll come back to a strong Pakatan?
Of course. This is a major issue, what happens to the manifesto, interim leadership, who will be coordinating, and so on. But don’t forget, we have been dealing with this thing for the past three years. The moment I was charged, the thinking was sure that I will be implicated. No matter what.
So Pakatan will emerge stronger?
Yes, in fact someone jokingly said it’s better (if I am convicted). Azizah didn’t like it. It's an issue which is quite emotive for the Malays. Umno has given up on the Chinese. I personally think that there is no credible voice for the Chinese (in BN). So the battleground is clearly in the Malay (community). They consider Anwar in jail. There are still many among the Malays who are still reviewing it. The support will probably not be the same as in 1999, but even among the Umno guys, they say, ‘Why the need to put him in jail?’
Unlike the previous case, this case has been debated, discussed, medical records, pamphlets spread all around the country. (Now) they bring these frogs and Perkasa types, they did not use this in their campaign in ’99. People resent that.
So your going to jail will gain more sympathy from the Malays, compared with the Chinese and Indians?
No, we can safely say a large majority of the Chinese are with Pakatan Rakyat, so the battleground is with the Malays. The Chinese totally reject this whole issue, outright condemnation of the charge. The general view of Pakatan leaders is that putting me in jail would strengthen our case, would bring more support to us. I think Umno does concede this. I met quite a number (of them).
So they may go for the second option? Let you out?
Yeah, grant bail.
You said the Malays are listening to both sides. Would your conviction convince them that Umno is right?
You see in 1998, 1999, Malays generally accepted the Judiciary as independent. And now, after years of talking of Teoh Beng Hock, PKFZ, and all these cases... people know. I don’t think we should underestimate the masses. Except maybe the rural heartlands, where the people have no access to information, where there are not that many ceramah. I mean even Umno division chiefs they say: “Ya lah, but not like this. Kita tak setuju sebab you baik dengan DAP.” ("Yes, but not like this. We disagree with you because you’re good friends with DAP.")
That is common. Even in Penang, some of my old Umno guys say this. I counter them: “Tanah you yang mana Guan Eng ambil?” They say,“Tak ada lah tapi...” I ask: “You nak Ketua Menteri Melayu? Dulu pun tidak.” (“Which land of yours did Guan Eng take?” They say: “Oh no, but...”. I ask: “So you want a Malay Chief Minister? There wasn’t one before either.”) We can argue. But that’s the only point (of contention for the Malays).
But you have to admit, they’re flinging lots of mud on you, some of it might stick. Not just this case, the sex video, etc. How can you reverse that effect?
Yeah, today pluralism again, Utusan Malaysia. One argument is that if there are 100 charges against Anwar, five may be true. But there are also a group that says it is not possible for a man to be charged with 100 things, it’s an overkill. Some people read (the newspapers) and are sold on this idea of pro-Christian, starting with the Allah issue. Now pluralism. But even the rural heartlands, the religious scholars are with us. That is their difficulty. They have Utusan, TV3 daily, some say yeah, but you go to the ground, if they believe it I don’t think they would come. If they portray you with sodomy, prostitution, Jewish agent, CIA, World Bank, they won’t come.
Are you convinced that most Malaysians, or most Malays, believe that the charges preferred against you are fabricated?
In ’99 they were quite convinced, majority of Malays supported (me). In 2008, we were still good. Since then, in our states we have worked harder. I’m quite confident that in Penang, Selangor, Kedah, the penetration of rural areas is very high.
There was once lots of people waiting for you in front of court throughout the first sodomy trial but not so this time around. Do you think support has waned?
Then I was in jail, you see. There is a difference. For this one, I finish with court at 4pm and by 6pm I’m already in Ipoh. So I appear, and people say, it’s okay, he appears. I was in Malacca, and someone said: “I’ll see you in court tomorrow”. The next day there he was. I was in Sungai Petani last week and people tell me they’re coming (for the verdict). People from Terengganu and Kelantan will come. But with the incessant attack since then, probably there has been a slight dip (in support).
If the worst scenario happens, what is your message to Malaysians?
Work, fight this corrupt, unjust system. But use all your resources, and focus on the elections because the election will determine the winner. That is my message. Elections.
Interview conducted by Steven Gan, Aidila Razak and Salhan K Ahmad.
Karpal confident Anwar will be acquitted
Referring to Anwar Ibrahim as prime minister-in-waiting, DAP national chairperson Karpal Singh expressed confidence today that the PKR de facto leader will be acquitted on the sodomy charge against him.
“There is no doubt in my mind that tomorrow, Anwar will be acquitted. He is entitled to the acquittal,” declared Karpal. The verdict in the long-running Sodomy II trial will be delivered tomorrow.
The fact that Anwar had testified from the dock instead of taking the witness stand does not mean the defence cannot secure an acquittal, added Karpal (right).
“The solitary witness is Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan. Look at his evidence, a man who says he was ravished but for two days he did nothing.
“The complainant had an affair with a deputy public prosecutor and showed signs of having access to the investigating officer. But the prosecution did not call him to deny the allegation.
“These are sufficient for an acquittal,” he said at the party’s national delegates conference in Shah Alam today.
For these reasons, Karpal added, an interim prime minister is not needed because Anwar would helm the country’s leadership when Pakatan Rakyat captures federal power.
[Read the rest here]
His family, however, does not share his views. In a “session” to discuss the possibly outcomes of the trial, he said his children and sons-in-law expressed concern that there would be assault and mistreatment, as in 1998. Dismissing this, the father of six said his only concern is whether his bad back, a result of a police assault then, could withstand the jail cell conditions. “I always say I am 64 but I feel 46... I’m quite macho,” he said with a laugh.
In the following excerpt of Malaysiakini's interview, Anwar also speaks of how his likely incarceration could affect his political career and its effect on the opposition's battle for Malay votes. Content has been edited for language, brevity and clarity.
Malaysiakini: Looking at Monday, what is your expectation? Are you hopeful?
Anwar Ibrahim: I am hopeful, because unlike before they did not adduce evidence... This case they realised and used forensic evidence. They thought they were smart and we demolished (the evidence). So, how can they ignore facts from law? I therefore feel there is no option but to acquit me. (But) knowing the system and the realities... I wouldn’t be surprised if the judge convicts me. So there would be two options. I go to jail straight, or they grant me bail pending appeal. It is also difficult for them to deny bail, as they just had in the (former Selangor MB Mohd) Khir Toyo case, and all cases for that matter. But as you know, Anwar is always the exception.
It happened to you in the first sodomy trial.
Yes, in the first case. But I think the important thing is about whether I am mentally prepared and the family is prepared. I had a session with the family. We went through all the options and allowed my children and sons-in-law to speak up and express their concerns. Alhamdulillah, they’re prepared. Even for (wife and PKR president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail) it is difficult. She went through that, she knows, with my back condition and my age - I always say I feel 46 but I’m 64. (laughs) - it’s not easy.
Their main concern is security, my personal safety. I said, ‘No,’ but they said, ‘Yeah, that’s what we said in 1998 and it happened’. (The authorities) said it will never happen (again), but how I was treated in 2008 was a repetition. It was short of being assaulted, but the rest were completely inhumane. The consideration for my back condition, my age, nothing. I’m not talking about the stripping. But I’m talking about putting me on the cement. And you know there was excruciating pain following that. I had to get a jab after that... But I think I will manage.
Are you psychologically prepared for it?
Yeah, fortunately. People say I’m quite crazy. I thought of it. I know I know what to expect in the minutest detail. Nobody wants to go through it, frankly. People say you want to be a martyr, a hero. Absolute nonsense, when one comes to this age, and going through that. People assume they know (how it is). That's why (self-exiled blogger) Raja Petra (Kamarudin) did not want to go to jail, I understand and I sympathise with him on that part although I don’t necessarily agree to the extent that (he) went to sell (his) soul. People can say lots of things, but after going through it before and taking the risk. Okay, they say they won’t do it (assault you). But if it’s done, it’s done.
Do you think you will survive? Your health is presumably not as good as before?
Just the back. The rest is okay. Compared to 1998, the back is the worst place. The only problem is excruciating pain and they don’t give me enough (assistance) you know... They say we have to ask the doctor, the doctor says must ask the consultant, then consultant must ask the minister... and if they send the same (Dr S) Jeyaindran, I will have a hell of a lot of trouble. That was the only doctor who (then PM Dr) Mahathir (Mohamad) allowed and you can see his performance in court. Once I got this baseline pneumonia, and normally I’m the type who would refuse to go to hospital. I’m not the type to demand to be taken to hospital and all that. That night I couldn’t breathe. So they called the hospital and were referred to (Jeyaindran).
He said, “Okay, okay give him this medication, okay, okay.” Then I was getting angry. I said, “I cannot breathe. You come and see me”, and he said, “Okay, I’ll come tomorrow morning” so I had to wait until tomorrow morning. That’s the only thing... Will I manage? Yes. Can I? Yes. Will I get baseline pneumonia? No, I don’t think so.
I'm quite macho (laughs). The prison officers, even the police officers, are not cruel. The problem is instructions. In the Bukit Aman lock-up, the police officers were exceedingly kind. So I have difficulty hearing ceramah knocking the police (bantai polis). Similarly in prison, in my six years there, probably only one of them was the Umno-Perkasa type. Sometimes they cannot (do much), but they’re kind. If I’m not feeling well, at least they give a Panadol, they cannot consult an expert but they will still do it or give me medication to rub on the back.
Do you think you’ll come back to a strong Pakatan?
Of course. This is a major issue, what happens to the manifesto, interim leadership, who will be coordinating, and so on. But don’t forget, we have been dealing with this thing for the past three years. The moment I was charged, the thinking was sure that I will be implicated. No matter what.
So Pakatan will emerge stronger?
Yes, in fact someone jokingly said it’s better (if I am convicted). Azizah didn’t like it. It's an issue which is quite emotive for the Malays. Umno has given up on the Chinese. I personally think that there is no credible voice for the Chinese (in BN). So the battleground is clearly in the Malay (community). They consider Anwar in jail. There are still many among the Malays who are still reviewing it. The support will probably not be the same as in 1999, but even among the Umno guys, they say, ‘Why the need to put him in jail?’
Unlike the previous case, this case has been debated, discussed, medical records, pamphlets spread all around the country. (Now) they bring these frogs and Perkasa types, they did not use this in their campaign in ’99. People resent that.
So your going to jail will gain more sympathy from the Malays, compared with the Chinese and Indians?
No, we can safely say a large majority of the Chinese are with Pakatan Rakyat, so the battleground is with the Malays. The Chinese totally reject this whole issue, outright condemnation of the charge. The general view of Pakatan leaders is that putting me in jail would strengthen our case, would bring more support to us. I think Umno does concede this. I met quite a number (of them).
So they may go for the second option? Let you out?
Yeah, grant bail.
You said the Malays are listening to both sides. Would your conviction convince them that Umno is right?
You see in 1998, 1999, Malays generally accepted the Judiciary as independent. And now, after years of talking of Teoh Beng Hock, PKFZ, and all these cases... people know. I don’t think we should underestimate the masses. Except maybe the rural heartlands, where the people have no access to information, where there are not that many ceramah. I mean even Umno division chiefs they say: “Ya lah, but not like this. Kita tak setuju sebab you baik dengan DAP.” ("Yes, but not like this. We disagree with you because you’re good friends with DAP.")
That is common. Even in Penang, some of my old Umno guys say this. I counter them: “Tanah you yang mana Guan Eng ambil?” They say,“Tak ada lah tapi...” I ask: “You nak Ketua Menteri Melayu? Dulu pun tidak.” (“Which land of yours did Guan Eng take?” They say: “Oh no, but...”. I ask: “So you want a Malay Chief Minister? There wasn’t one before either.”) We can argue. But that’s the only point (of contention for the Malays).
But you have to admit, they’re flinging lots of mud on you, some of it might stick. Not just this case, the sex video, etc. How can you reverse that effect?
Yeah, today pluralism again, Utusan Malaysia. One argument is that if there are 100 charges against Anwar, five may be true. But there are also a group that says it is not possible for a man to be charged with 100 things, it’s an overkill. Some people read (the newspapers) and are sold on this idea of pro-Christian, starting with the Allah issue. Now pluralism. But even the rural heartlands, the religious scholars are with us. That is their difficulty. They have Utusan, TV3 daily, some say yeah, but you go to the ground, if they believe it I don’t think they would come. If they portray you with sodomy, prostitution, Jewish agent, CIA, World Bank, they won’t come.
Are you convinced that most Malaysians, or most Malays, believe that the charges preferred against you are fabricated?
In ’99 they were quite convinced, majority of Malays supported (me). In 2008, we were still good. Since then, in our states we have worked harder. I’m quite confident that in Penang, Selangor, Kedah, the penetration of rural areas is very high.
There was once lots of people waiting for you in front of court throughout the first sodomy trial but not so this time around. Do you think support has waned?
Then I was in jail, you see. There is a difference. For this one, I finish with court at 4pm and by 6pm I’m already in Ipoh. So I appear, and people say, it’s okay, he appears. I was in Malacca, and someone said: “I’ll see you in court tomorrow”. The next day there he was. I was in Sungai Petani last week and people tell me they’re coming (for the verdict). People from Terengganu and Kelantan will come. But with the incessant attack since then, probably there has been a slight dip (in support).
If the worst scenario happens, what is your message to Malaysians?
Work, fight this corrupt, unjust system. But use all your resources, and focus on the elections because the election will determine the winner. That is my message. Elections.
Interview conducted by Steven Gan, Aidila Razak and Salhan K Ahmad.
Karpal confident Anwar will be acquitted
Referring to Anwar Ibrahim as prime minister-in-waiting, DAP national chairperson Karpal Singh expressed confidence today that the PKR de facto leader will be acquitted on the sodomy charge against him.
“There is no doubt in my mind that tomorrow, Anwar will be acquitted. He is entitled to the acquittal,” declared Karpal. The verdict in the long-running Sodomy II trial will be delivered tomorrow.
The fact that Anwar had testified from the dock instead of taking the witness stand does not mean the defence cannot secure an acquittal, added Karpal (right).
“The solitary witness is Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan. Look at his evidence, a man who says he was ravished but for two days he did nothing.
“The complainant had an affair with a deputy public prosecutor and showed signs of having access to the investigating officer. But the prosecution did not call him to deny the allegation.
“These are sufficient for an acquittal,” he said at the party’s national delegates conference in Shah Alam today.
For these reasons, Karpal added, an interim prime minister is not needed because Anwar would helm the country’s leadership when Pakatan Rakyat captures federal power.
[Read the rest here]
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The Greatest Magician of Them All ~ by Leunig
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