Harakah

May 8: Marina Mahathir, daughter of former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, has launched a stinging attack on UMNO leaders who accused participants of the Bersih 3.0 rally last month of wanting to topple the government through street protests.

“What is this obsession with us not being Egypt anyway? If we’re not, then why worry? Besides, who needs to worry about the Arab Spring unless they identify themselves with Ben Ali, Mubarak, Gadaffi and Assad?” she wrote in a blog posting, referring to the Arab dictators.

UMNO leaders, including her father, had earlier said that Bersih protesters were imitating the people’s uprising in the Middle East, collectively known as the ‘Arab Spring’, and wanted to replace the current government through street protests and foreign interference.

Marina (pic), who also joined the Bersih 3.0 rally on April 28, defended the right to peaceful assembly and said there was nothing wrong when the Egyptian people assembled at Tahrir Square to press for democratic reforms.

“They want a greater say in the policies of the government. They want an end to corruption. They want proper elections with many candidates to choose from, not just those handpicked by the rulers. They want an end to military interference in politics,” she wrote.

“Aren’t these reasonable? But our government will not acknowledge that these demands are quite normal. Well maybe they’re not in an undemocratic country.”

Marina also took to task those who argued that Malaysians need not protest as their country was “not Egypt.

“If Malaysia is not Egypt and our leaders are not Mubarak, then why are Malaysians who went to Bersih treated like Egyptian protestors?” she asked.

“If anyone had gone down to Dataran on the Sunday after Bersih 3.0, apart from the barbed wire, everything was back to normal… Made our point, now let’s go eat. This is why we are not Egypt. In this we agree with our government. We are NOT Egypt. But then why respond in such Mubarak-like fashion?”

On the recent declaration by the National Fatwa Council that demonstrating against the government was forbidden in Islam, Marina reminded of a similar ruling made by Egypt’s Al-Azhar University Fatwa Committee in the days leading to Mubarak’s resignation on February 11, 2011.

“So getting the NFC ( hmmm…dubious initials…) to issue such a fatwa seems very Mubarak-like, doesn’t it?” she quipped.

Malaysiakini

By Kua Kia Soong

Having had the privilege of looking at some of the Paris Papers on the Scorpene submarine scandal recently, it behoves me to give anxious landlubbers a ‘hitchhiker’s guide’ to this convoluted mesh of payments that have gone on to grease this most expensive (more than RM7 billion) arms purchase in Malaysia’s history.

Since Suaram lodged its complaint with the French courts for a judicial review of the Scorpene contract in November 2009, the French prosecutors have certainly been busy with their investigations.

They have interviewed officials in the French state-owned defence company, DCN, and related companies such as Thales as well as officials in the French Defence Ministry.

They have looked into bank vaults and scrutinised contracts, memoranda of understanding, memoranda of intent, invoices, bank accounts of various people including Abdul Razak Baginda (left in photo), the former close confidant of Prime Minister Najib Razak at the centre of the controversy.

There are also some rather telling internal confidential reports of DCN and the French Defence Ministry.

So far, the Malaysian Defence Ministry has told Parliament that:

• The cost of two Scorpene submarines together with logistic support and training was close to 1 billion euros (RM4 billion).

• Payment to Perimekar, an obscure company owned by Razak Baginda, for “coordination services” was 114 million euros (RM450 million).

Malaysian taxpayers will still need to pay even more for maintenance services, support and test equipment, missiles and torpedoes, infrastructure for the submarine base, training of crew, etc. The total bill for these two submarines will be in excess of RM7 billion.

But are these two the only transactions in a sordid affair that has claimed the life of a fair Mongolian lass named Altantuya Shaariibuu?

Perimeker’s price ‘inflated’

Negotiations on the submarine contract started in 1999. At the time, French defence giant DCN had this view of Perimekar:

“The amount to be paid to Perimekar is overvalued. It is not worth it… They are never more than a travel agency… The price is inflated and their support function is very vague… Yes, that company created unfounded wealth for its shareholders.”

But this system was created by the Malaysian government so DCN had no choice.

Before 2002, when new laws in France and the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) Convention came into force to make bribing of foreign officials a crime, money used to bribe foreign officials was even tax deductible. Such is the nature of arms deals all over the world.

DCN former finance director Gerarde Philippe Maneyas had made a claim for 32 million euros (RM127 million) allegedly used to bribe Malaysian officials for purchase of the Scorpenes.

The budget minister had questioned such a large bribe although he did eventually authorise the tax break.

With the new French law and OECD Convention against corruption in place after 2002, the French arms merchants had to find a way to pay commissions to their foreign clients. The method used was to create ‘service providers’ that could “increase invoices” to take the place of ‘commissions’.

Thus, when DCN terminated its contracts, Thales took over as a private company, not involving the state. Thales International was appointed to coordinate the political connections.

A commercial engineering contract was then signed between DCN and Thales, referred to as “C5″.

It covered 30 million euros (RM120 million) in commercial costs abroad. The companies used in the Malaysian case were Gifen in Malta, Eurolux in Luxemburg and Technomar in Belgium. The travel expenses of Razak Baginda and Altantuya were covered by these.

Another “consulting agreement” was signed in 2000 between Thint Asia and Terasasi for 2.5 million euros (RM10 million).

What role did Terasasi play?

The commissions and dividends for the Scorpene deal were funneled through two companies, Terasasi and Perimekar, both owned by Abdul Razak Baginda. His wife, Mazlinda is a director in Perimekar, while his father is a director in Terasasi.

Malaysians have heard about Perimekar and its “coordinating service” in the submarines deal. But so far there has been no mention of Terasasi.

Could the defence minister please tell the Malaysian public and Parliament the exact role of Terasasi in this Scorpene deal?

From the Paris Papers, we know that at least 32 million euros (RM127 million) were paid by Thales International (Thint) Asia to Terasasi.

There is an invoice by Terasasi dated Oct 1, 2000 for 100,000 euros (RM400,000). There is also an invoice from Terasasi to Thint Asia, dated Aug 28, 2004 for 359,450 euros (RM1.43 million) with a handwritten note saying: “Razak wants it in a hurry.”

A confidential report in the Paris Papers notes:

“It appears that the management of Thint Asia is aware that the amount paid to Terasasi ultimately benefited Najib or his adviser, Baginda.”

Thus, as Suaram’s French lawyer Joseph Breham (far right in photo) has put it:

“Investigations so far have provided sufficient evidence to point our finger at Malaysian officials in this (court) hearing.”

I refer to the publication of fake images and false allegations of an extra-marital liaison in the media and blogs against PKR Deputy President Azmin Ali. The allegations and photographs are fabricated, politically motivated and the lowest kind of gutter journalism. As usual, the photos have been widely published in the BN owned media and pro-UMNO blogs. Utusan Malaysia published the images in a particularly vicious and calculated manner. Images of a pornographic nature implicating the Gombak MP were splashed on the front pages of Utusan Malaysia on 2.5.12. We hold Prime Minister and President of Umno Najib Tun Razak personally responsible for the publication of the photos. It is impossible that character assasination of this scale could be carried out by Utusan Malaysia without the approval and knowledge of Najib, whose UMNO ruling party owns Utusan Malaysia.

Today, Azmin Ali has through his solicitors Messrs Edwin Lim Suren & Soh issued a letter of demand to Utusan Melayu (Malaysia) Berhad which owns Utusan Malaysia and its Editor demanding a withdrawal of the allegations and a public apology to be published in the front page of Utusan Malaysia. In view of the seriousness of the alllegations and the nationwide circulation of the newspaper, Azmin Ali has demanded the sum of RM 100 million in damages. Azmin Ali has commenced these legal proceedings to vindicate his name and reputation as a national leader and politician, and to defend the right of the public to fair and clean journalism.

Issued by,
N SURENDRAN
VICE PRESIDENT
KEADILAN

Merdeka Rakyat
5 & 6 Mei 2012 (Sabtu & Ahad)

5 Mei 2012 (Sabtu)

1) 2.50 ptg – Sidang Media – Lapangan Terbang Kucing

2) 4.30 ptg – Ceramah Perdana 1 – Merdeka Rakyat
Lokasi : No 82, Jalan Datus, Kg Hilir, Sri Aman

3) 6.00 ptg – Pelancaran Jentera Pilihanraya PKR
Cabang Sri Aman / Batang Lupar / Lubuk Antu

4) 6.40 ptg – Solat Maghrib – Masjid Besar Pusa,

5) 7.30 mlm – Ceramah Perdana 2 – Merdeka Rakyat
Lokasi : Kampong Hulu, Pusa , Betong

6) 9.00 mlm – Ceramah Perdana 3 – Merdeka Rakyat
Lokasi : Bandar Saratok
===

6 Mei 2012 (Ahad)

1) 7.00 Pagi- Perjumpaan – JK Pilihanraya PKR Cabang Sibu /
Lanang / Kanowit / Selangau / Julau / Ulu Rejang
Lokasi : Hotel Paramount, Sibu

2) 12.00 tghari – Ceramah Perdana 4 – Merdeka Rakyat
Lokasi : RH Embuas, Batu 17, Bukit Song, Miri

3) 4.30 ptg – Ceramah Perdana 5 – Merdeka Rakyat
Lokasi : Lot 60, Jalan Sungai Kaban, Limbang

4) 6.00 ptg – Pelancaran Bilik Gerakan Pilihanraya Limbang,
Lokasi : Bandar Limbang

5) 6.40 ptg – Solat Maghrib – Masjid Limbang

6) 8.00 mlm – Ceramah Perdana 6 – Merdeka Rakyat
Lokasi : RH Rumpang ak Bali, Ukong, Kg Merasam, Limbang

Malaysiakini

The Selangor government leadership has joined several journalism organisations to condemn the police brutality on journalists during the Bersih 3.0 rally by donning yellow wristbands today.

MB Khalid Ibrahim, senior exco member Teresa Kok, and exco members Ean Yong Hian Wah and Yaakob Sapari, who were at a state government press conference today, donned yellow wristbands at the request of the journalists present.

The members of the press were cutting bands from yellow fabric prior to the press conference and distributing them to colleagues from all media outlets.

“Tomorrow is World Press Freedom Day. We will wear black and tie yellow wristbands to show our solidarity with the assaulted journalists,” said the Selangor Times journalist who promoted the initiative.

Commenting on the police brutality, Khalid said he felt sorry for the journalists but could not agree with the assaults.

He said it is high time for all segments of society to come together “to invoke changes”.

“You (journalists) add value to the knowledge of the society, so that they can make better decisions.

“Without a free press, there would not be an informed society,” he said.

Meanwhile, Khalid denied claims that schools in Selangor are teaching the students to go against the BN-led federal government.

“We can’t even enter schools, how do you think we can issue such a directive?” he said.

He also denied a report in Utusan Malaysia that mosque committee elections in Selangor were tainted with phantom voters to ensure the victory of Pakatan-favoured candidates.

 Harakah

Ketika pimpinan PAS mempertegaskan ahlinya bersih dan berdisiplin, tulisan bekas Setiausaha Umno Bahagian, Zahrin Mohd Yasin bahawa sekurang-kurangnya 2,000 anggota polis memakai baju Bersih Sabtu lalu menarik perhatian ramai.

Dalam tulisannya Sabtu lalu, Zaharin atau Sang Kelembai itu menulis, “polis dah lebih cerdik dari dulu… dia bahagikan anggotanya dua pasukan, satu pakai uniform polis, satu pasukan lagi pakai baju Bersih, tergelak saya jumpa seorang kawan yang masih polis, pegawai lagi dari Pahang, pakai baju kuning dan terpekik ayat reformasi.”

“Saya tak tegur dia pun. Tapi bila tengok kat lengan dia ada getah warna kuning.

“Dan, saya jumpa banyak yang pakai getah yang sama… saya rasa terjaminlah dalam kumpulan pencacai yang tidak tahu apa benda ini,” kata beliau.

Apabila seorang pengunjung menjawab tulisan asal itu dengan berkata, “ramai itu.”

Zaharin terus menulis, “Jika berapa pun dia kata… kena tolak tak kurang dua ribu adalah polis dalam kumpulan Bersih.”

“Yang menafikan mereka pun puak pakai kemeja-T Bersih untuk rempuh sekatan polis, yang baling objek pun saya rasa polis, macam mereka buat latihan demonstrasi kat polis depoh. Hehehe, puak-puak Pas bodoh ini iut nyer,” tambah Zaharin dalam tulisan itu.

Gambar-gambar mula tersebar kini tentang polis yang dikatakan menyamar itu.

Misalnya aksi seorang peserta perhimpunan membuat ‘flying kit’ ke atas seorang polis trafik.

Beliau juga didapati kemudiannya yang menangkap para peserta demonstrasi yang lain.

(Gambar siapakah ini yang menendang polis dengan gelang kuning di tangannya.  Gambar ini kini tersebar luas)

Ada dua tempat peranan agen ‘provokasi’ ini dikesan oleh orang ramai.

Pertama, siapa yang memulakan tindakan melempar kereta polis dengan botol air sehingga pemandunya hilang pertimbangan dan merempuh tiga orang di perkarangan pasaraya Sogo.

Yang kedua adalah tindakan memecahkan tembok penghalang yang dibina oleh DBKL mengelilingi Dataran Merdeka.

Siapakah mereka sehingga kini masih belum dapat dikesan dengan nyata.

Pihak penganjur Bersih 3.0 pula menuntut kerajaan membuat siasatan menyeluruh terhadap perhimpunan kali ini.

Peranan media tradisional yang dikuasai Umno dan BN juga mendapat kecaman dari pemerhati antarabangsa yang datang untuk membuat pemerhatian mereka terhadap perhimpunan kali ini.

Bercakap dalam sidang media mereka  semalam, Senator Nick Xenophon dari Australia berkata, “perhimpunan ini aman sehinggalah mereka diprovok.”

Beliau juga mengkritik laporan dari TV yang jelas melaporkan secara sebelah pihak.

“Mainstream media berat sebelah dan tidak adil. Kami lihat lebih laporan Perdana Menteri Najib (Tun Razak) di Sabah dalam TV dari peristiwa yang lebih besar tentang rakyat Malaysia,” kata Xenophon.

Seorang lagi ahli dari pasukan 7-anggota itu,  India Times editor MJ Akbar, berkata peserta sebenarnya dalam mood berpesta.

“Orang ramai mempunyai masa yang cukup kalau mereka mahu bertindak ganas. Tetapi mereka berpesta sehinggalah berlakunya provokasi,” kata Akbar.

1 Mei 2012 (Selasa)

Pasca Bersih 3.0
1) 9.00 pagi – 6.30 Ptg – Konvensyen Pakatan Rakyat Perak
Lokasi : Dewan Bulan Sabit Merah (Tepi Stadium), Ipoh

Penceramah:
i. YB Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim (Ucapan Penutup – 5.00 ptg)
ii. YBhg Dr Mohd Nur Manuty
iii. YB Dato’ Ngeh Koo Ham
iv. YB Dato’ Seri Nizar Jamaluddin

2) 9.00 – 12.00 mlm – Ceramah Perdana – Pasca Bersih 3.0
Lokasi : Pusat Khidmat Rakyat Tanah Hitam, Chemor

Penceramah:
i. YB Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim
ii. YB Dr Mohd Nur Manuty
iii. YB Lee Boon Chye
iv. YB Kesavan Subramaniam

3) 9.00 – 12.00 mlm – Ceramah Perdana – Pasca Bersih 3.0
Lokasi: Dewan Bulan Sabit Merah (Tepi Stadium), Ipoh

Penceramah :
i. YB Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim
ii. YB Lim Kit Siang
iii. YBhg Mat Sabu
iv. YB Nga Kor Ming
v. YB Sivakumar

Malaysiakini

Ketua umum PKR Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim menegaskan bahawa beliau dan timbalannya Azmin Ali tidak mengeluarkan arahan supaya untuk merempuh pagar kawat duri polis yang dipasang di sekeliling Dataran Merdeka pada Sabtu.
Anwar bagaimanapun berkata, beliau akan mempertahan tindakan mengalihkan sekatan berkenaan yang disifatkannya bukan satu kesalahan.

Dengan sinis, beliau bertanya sekiranya memasuki Dataran merupakan satu kesalahan besar berbanding perbuatan menipu dalam pilihan raya.

KEADILAN akan mengadakan sidang media esok, jam 11.30 pagi, hari Isnin, 30hb April 2012 di Ibu Pejabat Parti Keadilan Rakyat berkaitan perhimpunan aman BERSIH. Sidang media tersebut akan dihadiri YB Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim dan YB Azmin Ali.

29 April 2012 (Ahad)

9.00 – 12.00 mlm – Ceramah Perdana – Selepas Bersih 3.0 ?

Lokasi: Padang Bola Taman Dato’ Senu, Sentul

Penceramah:

i.                    YB Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim

ii.                  YB Tian Chua

iii.                YB Manikavasagam

iv.               YBhg Cik Gu Isyak Surin

v.                 YBhg Dayang Ku Intan & Fadiah