Call for Help: Malaysian blogger unjustly imprisoned for 2 years without trial

Raja Petra Kamaruddin, a government critic and founder of the Malaysia Today website, has been unjustly detained without trial under the draconian ISA law and sent to the Kamunting detention centre in northern Perak for 2 years, on the order of the Malaysian home minister.




Dear All,

I quote from the following news article:
http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5jiVlHDdaZURcStQa9r3w4SPL1MNg

"Malaysia's most prominent blogger has been ordered to spend two years in detention under internal security laws (ISA) after being accused of insulting Islam, his wife said Tuesday. Raja Petra Kamaruddin, a government critic and founder of the Malaysia Today website, has been sent to the Kamunting detention centre in northern Perak state on the order of the home minister, his wife Marina Lee Abdullah told AFP. His arrest earlier this month was part of a crackdown amid a political crisis in Malaysia, as Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi faces calls to quit from within his cabinet and a mounting challenge by the opposition."

I ask that you please add your influential voice to call for the release of Raja Petra and all ISA detainees in Malaysia, to call for the immediate abolition of the ISA, and to peacefully protest the misuse of the draconian ISA law in Malaysia. Please add your voice to the two following online petitions:

ISA Protest Email Campaign:
http://abolishisa.com/project1/abolishisa_login.php

Anti-ISA Online Petition:
http://www.petitiononline.com/isa1234/petition.html


This news story tells you the kind of man RPK is, and this is exactly why so many Malaysians respect him and want him out of jail:

MAN OF COURAGE MEETS A LADY OF COURAGE

Siew Hoon (holding cane) was at the courthouse to support RPK

RPK had a special visitor today, Siew Hoon, his neighbour from Bt Rahman Putra, Sg Buloh. Siew Hoon suffered from an eye degenerative disease. When she was giving birth to her baby 12 years ago, she had to choose between saving her eyesight or saving her baby. She chose her baby and as a consequence, today she is blind.

Despite her handicap, she came to court to give support to RPK. It really touched us who were privileged to witness them hugging.

Siew Hoon related to us their experience when her family first shifted to BRP to be RPK's neighbours. The housing estate suffered frequent break-ins. So much so that RPK organised a Rukun Tetangga to guard the area. "That's RPK," said Siew Hoon, "He is so caring for his neighbours, always fighting for justice."

Once, when she was alone in the house with her child, a thief climbed on the roof. RPK came out and risked his life to single-handedly chased the thief off. When Siew Hoon called the police, all they asked was: "Did you catch the thief?" The police could not be bothered to help her and it took a civilian to do it.

Another time, about 10 years back, when Anwar Ibrahim was arrested for sodomy. RPK explained to her, Anwar is not like that. He does not have such sexual preferences knowing him in college. RPK set up the Free Anwar Campaign Site to defend Anwar. He was always fighting for the underdog.

He set up Malaysia-Today to fight for us Malaysians. "Now that he is in trouble," Siew Hoon re-iterated, "we must come out and show him support. If I, a blind person, can do it, there is no reason normal people cannot do it."

http://tindakmalaysia.com/tm_forums2008/index.php/topic,12.msg146.html#msg146

http://mt.m2day.org/2008/content/view/13718/84/
===

I quote Malaysia's former de facto Law Minister Datuk Zaid Ibrahim who says that Malaysia needs more people like Raja Petra: "Instead of detaining him, we should encourage more people to speak out. If he has done wrong, then charge him."*

* News source: http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/9/24/nation/2104063&sec=natio

Also pls see Datuk Zaid Ibrahim's recent open letter calling for the abolition of the ISA:
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/9/30/nation/20080930173730&sec=nation

For latest updates on Raja Petra and the other ISA detainees, please visit: http://mt.m2day.org/2008/

Thank you for reading this, please take part in the above petitions as it would help make a big difference for RPK, his family and all the other ISA detainees.

"Be the change that you want to see in the world."
- Mahatma Gandhi​

ian
More photos and news links: http://iwfrpk.blogspot.com/

 

Blogger Whisperer sums up the mood:

Many teary eyes around today. I won’t put it as disappointment. It’s purely sadness. I went into the courtroom to convey my support to Pete. I could sense something was wrong as Pete wasn’t himself today. I suppose he expected the postponement. My heart bled and my tears broke free. I wasn’t alone.

Perhaps you need to be here to understand. There is this special bond… a bond that binds all of us together like a big family. Yeah… a big compassionate family. A new era? Another new beginning? Certainly, a positive one.

Come 10 November, come and be part of this special bond and let this special bond rise and spread across this Nation.

Again, I would like to say this: It’s worth the sacrifice to be here!

Rakyat@Work reports on what was supposed to be Day Four of the RPK trial:

0940: The van finally leaves the compound, much to the sadness and disappointment of those present, who had wanted to spend more time with RPK. Some quickly send out text messages to friends who had plans to come later. Everyone starts dispersing and reminding one another about the next dates: 10-12 November. We will be back! Long live RPK, Long live Marina, Long live the true rakyat of Malaysia. Long live Justice!

0930: People are still walking, oblivious to what’s happening. Well, everyone is reluctant to leave until RPK leaves. So, all of us wait for the familiar van to move out. We have a little more time to see the van ‘cos it is blocked by another car. The van backs up and excitement mounts as some of the crowd knock against the side of the van to let RPK know we are still with him.

“He’s blindfolded, isn’t it?” asks a woman.

The crowd continues to shout in Raja Petra’s direction: “We are with you!”

Then the van stops. What’s happening? “The driver needs to go to the toilet,” someone remarks and everyone bursts out laughing. I suppose RPK is also laughing inside. More pictures below

0900: What? Postponed?! Proceedings will continue on 10-12 November. Apparently, Justice Rozina Ayob is on medical leave, I think. Gobind comes out to confirm it’s postponed. A blogger tells me he expected it because earlier, he had heard something to that effect, and he said RPK’s facial expression was one of sadness. He’ll be going back to Kamunting then. My heart sinks; just thinking about it makes my eyes red. Take a deep breath; it’s okay; God will know what to do.

On a “cruise” to Freedom: RPK supporters waiting outside court

0830: People are still coming in; it’s a clear morning as the sun shines brightly. I talk to a few people about last night’s vigil. There were Special branch people last nght, but they stayed clear of the crowd.

‘Free RPK’ T-shirts fly like hot cakes

0800: Court room all full. At least 25 more are outside in the courtyard. This morning more new faces. T-shirts, hot items. I take a peek inside and see talking to his family and lawyers. Quite noisy inside, can’t get in.

 

So they imprisoned him because he said some truth !?

 

Hi Levampire, yeah well they arrested him and threw him in jail for posting some controversial news on his blog. The thing is, if the controversial news is false, then RPK should have his day in court. Instead of investigating the claims made on his blog, those in power used the ISA law to throw him into jail for 2 years to shut him up.

The ISA is a law in Malaysia that allows the ruling party to detain a person without trial indefinitely, so you can see how this law is being misused. The ISA was originally created to protect Malaysians against armed insurgents, communists and terrorists. It was never meant to be used against civilians, much less a blogger! If RPK has done something wrong, they should charge him in open court and let him defend himself.

If we, the online community, don't protest against these type of laws now, who's to say that in the near future, more governments around the world won't start implementing similar laws to shut up bloggers and online communities? Next time, it might be you or me.

So please, do your part and sign the online petitions mentioned in the original post above, and tell all your friends to do the same.

Thanks, ian

 

He was arrested not because of his goodness. But due to SOME of his writing that were written without fact, used to slander, creating speculation and making accusation. Since he's a well known blogger, he does have lots of readers & followers. So any unethical writing do give some influence to others.

I was once his fan but lately his writing did not please me anymore. Although I also disagree with ISA but his detention, I think is well deserved.

Furthermore "Prevention is better than cure". Many countries have done the same, including US, Singapore & China.. The fact is majority Malaysian do agree with ISA. But you won't notice this as minorities are louder then them.

 

Dynashox, that's not true. The change we want to see in the world begins with us. Many drops make a mighty ocean - hence the political tsunami of March 8, 2008. Malaysians are more educated and politically mature now, thanks to people like RPK who strive to open our eyes.

The petitions do make a difference, however small that difference. It's better than doing nothing at all. ian

 

Bdavid, first of all, you got your facts wrong. The majority of Malaysians do not want the ISA. A recent poll by Merdeka Centre has revealed that 70% of Malaysian poll respondents disagreed with the statement that "it is necessary to detain people without trial to safeguard national security".

http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/index.php/malaysia/9832-how-much-longer-for-abdullah

Furthermore, how do we know whether it's slander or not, if RPK is not given the chance to defend himself in court? If they say it's slander, then release him from ISA and charge him in court. Also, why weren't his claims investigated by the authorities?

How would you feel if you found out your boss was cheating your company, and you reported it on your blog, and the next day you were fired and called a liar? Wouldn't you want to have the right to have your say to defend yourself?

If RPK is full of bull, why is it that even ex-de facto law minister Datuk Zaid Ibrahim says that Malaysia needs more people like him? (see original post above)

To be fair, it may well turn out that RPK's postings may be false and slanderous. So, release him from ISA and charge him in court. Give him the right to defend himself, instead of imprisoning him in a small cell during his birthday and the Hari Raya holidays! If you were his wife and daughters, how would you feel? ian

 

If he has concrete evidence as claimed in his writing, don't be a coward, make a police report. That is how our system works. Instead he just do what ever he thing rights and hoping that his royalty status could keep him above the law. That is not right isn't it..

He will be charged, that's the fact, and sending him to ISA is the best way to control his doing. Remember, "Prevention is better than cure". If he is later found innocent, well he'll be freed to go..

Everyone has his own rights to agree or disagree about anything. Doesn't mean that being part of the government he has to follow every steps that they take.

If I were his wife or daughter I definitely feel sad and angry. But that doesn't means I agree with what my hubby did. Furthermore he should has though of this before writing all those allegation without proof.

 

Bdavid, are you Malaysian? You're forgetting that RPK gave a sworn statutory declaration regarding this issue to the police.

Let's not be confused here. The issue here is that the ISA IS BEING MISUSED by those in power to put away those who have opposing views. How can RPK be found innocent if he is not allowed to defend himself in court? He first has to be released from the ISA and charged in court before his innocence can be determined.

You're absolutely right. Everyone has his own rights to agree or disagree about anything -- including RPK. If he said something slanderous, then release him from ISA and charge him in a court of law.

RPK's wife Marina is not only sad and angry, but she is 100% behind what her hubby did. RPK did realise the risks of what he was doing -- that shows the measure of the man. He was willing to risk his own freedom, just to open the eyes of Malaysians. If only our political leaders were half the man RPK is...

Bdavid, one question -- I noticed that you registered at this forum simply to refute my posting. What's up with that? ian

 

I've checked from Merdeka Center website and found no link to that claimed finding. Anyway I'm arranging an appointment with the director in charged and will share the outcome with you soon

 

At least you were right about this. Your thread has triggered me to register and share my views. Was that wrong? You were no different as you were also registered just to post in this thread..

I've no intention to condemn or even to hijack your thread. Just thought of sharing my views about this issue and readers will then make their own fair judgment.

I may be right and I may even be wrong.. but I always like to think beyond boundaries and to find the ultimate truth. Sometime the truth is hard to swallow but if that's what it takes, we just have to accept it.

God knows best..

 

Bdavid, the link given above is a major Malaysian news portal quoting the Merdeka Centre poll results. Are you saying that the Malaysian Insider news portal is lying? The same info is also quoted in a separate news story on Malaysian Insider:

http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/index.php/malaysia/9494-umno-leaders-clueless-of-malaysians-desires

I quote from the article:
Some 3,600 people were polled (49 per cent Malays, 31 per cent Chinese, 8 per cent Indians, 6 per cent Sabah Bumiputeras and 6 per cent Sarawak Bumiputeras). Seventy-per cent of the respondents disagreed that it is "necessary to detain people without trial to safeguard national security.''

Also, why not just call or email Merdeka Centre and ask about the poll? Do share your findings with us here. For your convenience, here are their contact details:

Merdeka Center 901B, Kompleks Diamond, Bandar Baru Bangi, 43650 Selangor, Malaysia.
Telephone: +6 03 8210 1488
Fax: +6 03 8210 1466
Email: info@merdeka.org
Website: http://www.merdeka.org

I find it strange that if you're meeting the Merdeka Centre director in charge, you're so uninformed regarding all this info? Who are you, really? ian

"All through history the way of truth and love has always won. There have been tyrants and murderers, and for a time they can seem invincible, but in the end they always fall, always." - Mahatma Gandhi

 

The fact is, you're the one with all the wrong facts. You're not giving straight answers to the questions I posed to you. At least do your research before you try and discredit others. ian

 

This is interesting.. can you share the link to that news so everyone else could have a fair view.

 

Bdavid, don't be lazy Do a search on Google and share it with us here. ian

 

Poor RPK, he still didn't have the enough power to win over the ISA...

 

yes murky waters indeed,freedom of speech still has its limits

 

Wilhb81, that's why RPK needs your help. Please sign the petitions above, every vote helps to make a difference. Thanks, ian

 

I said I'm arranging.. I haven't met them yet.. get the fact right

I'm just a simple guy who like to think deep enough before making any conclusion.

Regarding the survey I'm not arguing about the genuine of the finding, did I said so.. again get the fact right.. .. I have done so many survey before and let me tell you something, survey is base on sampling and for a wise person it is not the outcome that ONLY matters but the sampling too..

Since the survey was told to be from Merdeka Center, I just did what is right by calling and checking with them directly and meeting will be arranged.. Furthermore I can't find the survey anywhere mentioned in their site. I don't think that was wrong right.

As I mentioned, I may be right and I may even be wrong.. so why are you so mad about me finding the truth and sharing it with others..