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DAP tells federal govt to stop interfering in police probe on Karpal

Posted by kasee

Monday, 12 May 2008 00:46

Humayun Kabir, Kimberly Lau and Llew-Ann Phang, The Sun

TAIPING (May 11, 2008): The federal government should not interfere in police investigations into reports lodged against DAP chairman Karpal Singh for allegedly committing sedition by questioning the powers of the Perak Sultan.

DAP's Ipoh Timor MP Lim Kit Siang said: "Do not interfere in the legal procedure, let the Attorney-General (A-G) and police investigate the matter."

Lim urged Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to withdraw the police report against Karpal Singh as Karpal Singh had spoken purely on a legal point of law. He said Umno should not politicise the issue for its own benefit."

The DAP strongman spoke in a dialogue with the people to address their problems in the Kwang Tong Association here last night. About 1,000 people attended the dialogue which saw the people voicing their grievances on several issues.

Since last Monday, several police reports were lodged in Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh, Port Dickson, Muar and George Town, calling for action against Karpal Singh.

Karpal Singh was reported to have said the Perak Sultan did not have the power to reinstate the Perak Religious Department director Datuk Jamry Sury who was transferred by the Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin.

He was also reported to have said in Parliament on Monday that state governments had the right to move civil servants without consulting heads of state.

He maintains that he did not question the prerogative of the Sultan and has not committed any offence. Karpal Singh quoted a legal case in Pengarah Pelajaran Wilayah Persekutuan & Others vs Loot Ting Yee where the Federal Court had decided that a civil servant did not have a right to be heard as transfer does not amount to dismissal or reduction in rank. He had said the principles in the decision apply equally to state civil servants.

"I fail to understand why there was such an uproar over what is purely a legal issue backed by the Privy Council in London, which, until 1985, was the highest court in Malaysia," said Lim.

Karpal Singh has also threatened legal action against those who continued to make defamatory remarks against him regarding the issue.

He also reportedly warned the Prime Minister and his deputy, saying he will not hesitate to take legal action against them if they persist in making defamatory remarks against him.

On Saturday, he was quoted as saying that he fears for his safety after the Prime Minister’s call to the A-G to decide quickly whether to charge him for questioning the powers of the Perak Sultan.

It was also reported that DAP secretary-general and Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said Karpal Singh was merely stating a case in law and had done nothing wrong.

Lim also accused Barisan Nasional leaders of taking a selective approach and practising double standards.

Umno Youth chief Datuk Seri Hishamuddin Hussein said the party will not retreat from defending the rights of royalties.

"Defending the rights of our raja is something we will not compromise. Karpal Singh touched on two things that Malays feel are off-limits. Our religion and the royalties' rights. What he said angers not only the Malays but also normal people and the royalties."

Gerakan president Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon said Karpal Singh's statement has caused a lot of misunderstandings."He must be careful and know how to respect the role of the raja in religious matters."

Wanita Umno chief Datuk Seri Rafidah Aziz felt the Opposition parties' arrogance was the cause for Karpal Singh's outburst.

"I regret that the Opposition party feels that they are so big that they can test this right. They feel they have the right to disturb because they won in so many states."

A court of law must determine if Karpal Singh's statement is one of sedition, of a crime of "lese majeste (insulting the monarchy), said former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

"First you have to know what a seditious statement is and why it is regarded as sedition. You have to get a court of law to determine whether it is seditious or not but if it is seditious, then we should make clear that if you say these things against the King, it is a crime.

"However, Malaysia does not have such a provision," Mahathir told reporters after his address at a Look East Policy forum today.

Comments (28) Add Comment

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written by chanatak, May 12, 2008 00:50:13

But the AG is himself a lackey and a slave is UMNO already! Don't we all know that?

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written by fireduck, May 12, 2008 00:58:43

Dear All,

Who is the aggrieved party? Is it UMNO? Is it the Federal Govt? Or is it His Highness, the Sultan of Perak?

If it is the Sultan, I wonder if His Highness has an opinion to give in relation to this whole shebang? I mean, the Sultan of Perak, being the former Lord President himself, would surely be a better person to decide whether what Karpal said can be construed as seditous or not? And if he thinks it is seditious, then the govt can by all means, proceed. But if the Sultan does not think so, or he, in his royal wisdom, does not see this as being a big deal, then would it be proper for the Govt to persecute in His Royal Highness' name?

I am no good in all this palace protocol business, but as a lay person, I would think that perhaps the aggrieved party would have a say in the matter.

Can simply anyone lodge a police report against anyone, and the poice WILL have to act? Then our poor police must be very very busy indeed just investigating all these unnecessary reports. In my opinion, most of these 'politically motivated' reports are frivilous and self-serving. Total waste of our taxpayers' money.

And we wonder why the police is understaffed in curbing crime. And I mean the real types of crime, i.e. robbery, murder, rape, snatch theft, etc.

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written by Wakeupmsia, May 12, 2008 01:08:34

During the constitutional crisis, one Umno big GUN made a seditious statement like " Sign or no-sign, it will be passed as law within two weeks". Isn't this disrespectful to the Monarchy? Isn't this tantamount to "sedition". What happened? No Umno protested! So, what's the big fuss when YB Kapal Singh voiced his opinion from the legality point of view.
Someone wrote earlier "beware the double-edge sword". Very appropriate.

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written by Spear Bing, May 12, 2008 01:10:50

The crystal ball from the divine forces says there is no case against Karpal.

AG will be shooting his own feet if he presses charges against Karpal for sedition.

All the police reports made by the UMNO-led coalition leaders are politically motivated for obvious intentions - to undermine the integrity and credibility of PR government.

The Sedition Act, 1948 will not stand up in the court of law. AG is now scratching his head under which sections that are relevant to charge Karpal.

AG..AG... Waiting for your next move. There will ample legal brains to checkmate you.

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written by fireduck, May 12, 2008 01:11:45

Umno Youth chief Datuk Seri Hishamuddin Hussein said the party will not retreat from defending the rights of royalties.

"Defending the rights of our raja is something we will not compromise. Karpal Singh touched on two things that Malays feel are off-limits. Our religion and the royalties' rights.

BRAVO! Well said. What a great leader, Mr Hishamuddin!

Ok, now, don't cakap kosong. Here is the information you need :

http://www.nst.com.my/Current_...index_html

When the palace announced Ahmad’s appointment yesterday evening, it was immediately met with a threat to boycott the swearing-in ceremony by the 23 BN assemblymen, including Idris.

Rosol insisted that Ahmad’s appointment was invalid and hoped that those involved would take a serious view on the matter as it involved the interest of the people in the state.

When met by reporters, Rosol said the letter, among other things, stated that all the 22 BN elected representatives fully supported the re-appointment of Idris as the Menteri Besar and rejected Ahmad’s appointment as the new MB. “Our support for Datuk Seri Idris is unanimous,” he said. “There is no other person qualified to hold the Menteri Besar’s post apart from him (Idris).”

And since you talk tough, if you need more information, please check with DYMM Yang DiPertuan Agong.

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written by InspectorSahab, May 12, 2008 01:29:43

The government dogs doesn't ave any other things to do. In a normal internationally political world, it's "a dog eat dog world", but in Malaysia it's a dog covering other dogs. These dogs always waiting for a chance to pounce not only against the weak cats but also chasing for the mice.

What a shame, just now (about half an hour ago since my writing time) I was stopped by a partner of two (govt dogs motorbike patrol) in front of a 7Eleven store. He queried whether my motorbike (a high c.c superbike with an original xenon headlighgt) is having a complete roadtax and whether I have a valid driving license. But what makes my temper shot up high is the way he approach me!

The bastard son of a bitch:
Hei, you punya motor ada roadtax dan lesen memandu ada ka?
(Hei, does your motorcycle have the valid roadtax and your driving license?)

I replied: Ya, kenapa? (Yes, why?)

He added: Senangnya jawab? (So easy for you to answer me back?) Does your headlight is originally installed by the manufacturer?

I answer back: Yes, anyway it's still within the stipulated specs agreed between the distributor and m'sia road transport act (As the xenon nor HID headlight law or acts / ban in the road transport act has yet to be gazetted in the parliament) Then what else do you wanna ask for? (while I'm standing within quite a distance from him, as I'm about to enter the 24hr store to buy a can of Milo) He seems to be dissatisfied by the way I'm answering him back without stopping nor approaching him closely.

At the time I exited the 7-11 store, he stares at me with the face full of grudge. I start my bike and fleed off with the anger still within my heart by the way he questioning me! What the f*ck is he trying to do? Maybe he's trying me whether it's easy to find any fault on me. But if he's trying to make a serious fuss on me just now, HE'S REALLY LOOKING INTO TROUBLE AS I'M DEAD COOK WITH ALL THE KANGAROO LAWS AND HAS GOT THE FULL OF EXPERIENCE IN THEIR CORRUPTED CUSTODY for quite a number of cases......

Even not all the dogs are really maddogs (As they were few good appples in between the rotten one) but on a second thought, it's a normal tradition that the senior taught the junior how to do their tasks. Even I'm one of amongst thousand of law practitioner in m'sia, it's rather a shame feeling if I'm trying to uphold something which is already a mess!

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written by RumahPanjai, May 12, 2008 01:37:02

Seems like after the election, there are just too many self made chiefs in UMNO and no foot soldiers. Won't be long before the chiefs go for each others throat. PAS will eventually have the last laugh when UMNO floats into oblivion.

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written by Baronshah, May 12, 2008 01:40:01

Quote Krismuddin
"Umno Youth chief Datuk Seri Hishamuddin Hussein said the party will not retreat from defending the rights of royalties."

Hey dummy I have a dumb question for you and your dumb goons...

In the 1980s when Mahatick was amending the constitution to curtail the powers/rights of the Monarchy where were you bloody hypocrites. None of you made any objection but supported the amendment. Now you bloody hypocrites want to saber rattle to gain malay support. What cheap tactic.

DAULAT TUANKU X 3

best regards to all

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written by benjamin, May 12, 2008 01:43:42

come on lah, WHO IS THE BIGGEST CROOK? IS IT UMNO OR PR GORVERNMENT? please be a man stop all the bullshit. If is white is always white can never be black. Please don't make these into big issue, spend more time in helping our country and the citizen. Change for the good of our country, hey, come on we got alot of BETTER things to do. don't divert attention to other issue. We are all grown ups and resposible to our children's future and plese make malaysia a better place to live and show the whole world that we malaysian BOLEH. dON'T JUST TALK AND TALK wasting time. rESULTS IS BEING SHOWN IN THE 8TH ELECTION. GET IT RIGHT FROM THERE AND CHANGE FOR THE BETTER OF EVERYBODY. PM please wake up, very serious now, do somthing about it before your beloved ummo died off. God Save Malaysia. Cheers to RPK, KEEP UP YOUR GOOD WORK. MAY GOD CONTINUED TO BLESSED YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.

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written by Ninja, May 12, 2008 02:25:27

I feel it is timely for the royalties to speak out than to remain silent on all the illdoings of UMNOputras. They had shown so much disrespect for the royalties; curtailing the power/rights of the monarchy, refusal to accept the candidate selected by his majesty and creating and threathening racial harmony.

Your subjects the rakyat will be too pleased to see that justice is done with the royalties taking an active role to remove these leeches from governing the nation.

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written by petestop, May 12, 2008 03:45:02

Err... isn't it the AG and Pak Lah himself who is accusing the Terengganu Sultan of unconstitutional, when he rejected their choice of MB ??

Who is attacking the Sultan's rights then ?

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written by doggone, May 12, 2008 04:58:55

Umno Youth chief Datuk Seri Hishamuddin Hussein said the party will not retreat from defending the rights of royalties.
-------------------

"The old parties are husks, with no real soul within either, divided on artificial lines, boss-ridden and privilege-controlled, each a jumble of incongruous elements, and neither daring to speak out wisely and fearlessly on what should be said on the vital issues of the day."

Theodore Roosevelt (1858-1919)

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written by bunian, May 12, 2008 05:29:52

Hishamuddin said, "... Our religion and the royalties' rights." If this is true, take note: he said royalties'. He didn't say, royals'. Money talks, in his words.

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written by mei yen, May 12, 2008 06:08:39

I think the Sultan himself should make a statement on this, Whether it was sedition and Karpal Singh should be charged. The Sultan was formally a lawyer, judge and should know Karpal Singh pretty well - sensationalism and his sometimes talk without thinking antics.

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written by jchew, May 12, 2008 09:07:46

Royals have become the tool and puppets for UMNO!

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written by allmenarebrothers, May 12, 2008 09:51:18

Rafidah Aziz She still talks like a Queen although she was overthrown by AAB. She was the undisputed AP Queen for many many years. Who benefitted from the dishing out of APs by the Great AP Queen?

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written by khongja, May 12, 2008 10:16:40

The government should stop hounding Karpal.Instead go after the racist Najib who wanted to bathe his kris in chinese blood.Go after TDM who cornered the Royalties! Umno smacks of double standards.
Tell us what was seditious? Stating the Sultan may be wrong in his actions is a CRIME is hope lost for the country.All of a sudden we have people playing judges and showing more loyalty.Doe nt the umno idiots realised they are the biggest snakes

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written by Wisdom above, May 12, 2008 12:06:47

To, MP YB Lim Kit Siang ,

Can you post 'ratio' of "decision made by the Federal Court in 1982 in the case of the Federal Territory Education Director and Others vs Loot Ting Yee" for all to read ?

" is purely a legal issue backed by the Privy Council in London, which, until 1985, was the highest court in Malaysia".

It will be a wisdom for all to appreciate & uphold .

Syabas. Barisan rakyat.

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written by 98PercentPrimate, May 12, 2008 13:25:58

The PM's called to expedite the seditious case against Karpal may be the catalyst that could trigger actual violence.

In this case, Karpal definitely has the right to express what he want to say from the legal and individual standpoint.

However, since Karpal is one of the top leader of a political party and the PR coalition, he must take into account pragmatic considerations instead to being too focused as an individual.
It is inevitable that whatever a leader of a political party or coalition say in public, it will have far reaching implications. Thus one must be careful to ensure there are no negative implications that will erode the goodwill of the party and coalitions.

The PR coalition should come to a consensus that no top leader or members make public statement that could be construed negatively by the public. 'Sensitive' statement should be consulted and agreed by all the members of the PR coalition before they are issued to the public and qualified as such.

I am sure our politicians are matured (else they would not have been selected) enough to know what is 'sensitive'.

If anyone MUST or insist on making any 'sensitive' statement without consultation and consensus, then they must qualify clearly that they are making a personal statement which has nothing to do with his party of the PR coalition.

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written by hemlock, May 12, 2008 14:11:01

Umno Youth chief Datuk Seri Hishamuddin Hussein said the party will not retreat from defending the rights of royalties. "Defending the rights of our raja is something we will not compromise. What he said angers not only the Malays but also normal people and the royalties."

********************************************

I don't wish to sound racist, but does this mean Malays are not "normal people" like us mere mortals? Another unthinking, insensitive remark from the so-called Education Minister of this country. For shame!!

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written by Rainbowseahorse, May 12, 2008 15:11:13

Like pointted out by other bloggers elsewhere in this vast blog, the key question should be: "What does his Royal Highness, the Sultan of Perak has to say about all this?? Does he feel insulted or annoyed by old KP statement??". Surely if he had felt that old KP was being or had committed sedition, his Royal Highness should voice his Royal objection. If not, then he should voice out his Royal voice to put a stop to all this big hola-about-nothing.

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written by steviewonger, May 12, 2008 15:49:44

If YB Karpal is found guilty of sedition act against the Sultan of Perak, then AAB and all cronies that goes against the DYMM SPY Di Pertuan Agong(Terengganu) during the installation of MB Terengganu, be chopped off their heads. These UMNO bastards have already belittled the DYMM. Mr. AAB, please look into the mirror before you press the trigger.

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written by steviewonger, May 12, 2008 15:53:46

Isn't it a bigger crime to offend the DYMM, which is the head of the country, rather than to offend the Sultan of Perak, head of a state.???

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written by IbnAbdHalim, May 12, 2008 15:57:07

The Titanic is sinkin' so the captain is taking all precautions and measures to save it. Alas! All his efforts becoming useless for it's sinkin' and sinkin'.

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written by DezMalaysia, May 12, 2008 16:25:25

Seems like it's getting more and more incompetant leaders in UMNO / BN. They all fight in favour for PM BodohWi, what I see, rather than fighting for the Perak monarchy. I think it's time we report police & the AG charge BodohWi with high treason & sedition for tooling the Malay rulers for political mileage extension to plunder our belove country. The 'Natang' case should be nail at UMNO / BN at whole, make the court deregister such f*cked-up party.

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written by mykantree, May 12, 2008 16:53:45

Even a fool would know that those who suggested Mr Kapal Singh be charged for sedition is playing up the sentiments of not only the malays, but also that of the Royalties. It is pretty obvious that they are trying to make political capital out of this, and trying to divert the attention of the people of their own problems and insecurities.

Perhaps Mr Kapal Singh should make his own police reports against these people, instead of just threatening to do so.

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written by teohpg, May 12, 2008 21:54:53

seditious, sedition .... Dustbin Act.

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written by Areyaar, May 12, 2008 23:38:54

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