MMA - Where art thou???

HAPPY MALAYSIA DAY!!
History Of Malaysia
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“And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD,
choose you this day whom ye will serve; .....”
- Joshua 24:15

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'The physician's role is always a political one,
whether physicians recognise it or not.
Even a decision to try to be "apolitical" is a political act; it permits others in society to make the decisions that profoundly affect
the health of the society without appropriate physician input. Since the doctor cannot claim to be apolitical,
the only question is what political role he or she will play. Will it be a role centred around short-run, self-serving demands or will it be a role centred around the health needs of the people and efforts to move society
and medicine in directions that will meet those needs?'
- Victor Siedel

"Doctors need to understand both the science of medicine and the societal context in which it is practised. Every aspect of health and health care has a political component. One must not confuse generic politics with partisan politics. While it would be wrong for the MMA to participate in partisan politics, it would also be morally wrong for the MMA to avert its eyes and not address government policies that affect the health and welfare of the community."
- Ronald McCoy
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The following is from an earlier post on 02/11/07:


Political emasculation of a people is a very potent tool towards creation of an "orderly society", and "peaceful transition" of the power structure in a nation state.
One way or other, every nation with its own twists and turn in the constitution/ laws uses it for political expediency. Some are very open about it, some are more discrete and sophisticated.
The following is an article that I came across in the Malaysia Today archives, by sheer chance. I believe, the website was then called "Loony Malaysia" which was the predecessor to what it is today.
Speaking of "political double talk", not much has changed as far as all known politicians are concerned, local or foreign - everything is said and done for the sake of political expediency & convenience for the "man of the day".

I somehow believe that many more politicians (in many more nations), would in due time create the need for such a convenience, to help them enforce and "maintain law & order for the sake of greater security and progress of the nation".

Anyway, here it goes with regard to the much dreaded "ISA" of Malaysia ,(Article 149 of the 1957 Constitution (Merdeka Constitution) has a clause that such laws would automatically lapsed upon the expiration of one year from the date on which they came into operation. However the sunset provision was removed in the Constitution Amendment Act 1960 and the position now is such laws would continue to exist indefinitely, unless both Houses of Parliament passed resolutions annulling them.) as in this case.

(For those who aren't aware of what is stands for, please click here. And to compare it with the Patriot Act of the great US of A, click here.
For an interesting discussion and comparison on the two, click here & click here .)

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What follows is from Aliran:

Aliran's ISA Watch
List of known detainees as at 13 September 2008

Date of arrest	Current Status Current Status
Yazid Sufaat	Businessman, Kedah; alleged JI member	9 Dec 2001	Sent to KDC on 30 Jan 2002. Detention order extended in Jan 2004
Suhaimi Mokhtar	Businessman, Kuala Lumpur; alleged JI	29 Dec 2001	Sent to KDC on 22 Feb 2002. Detention order extended by two years in Feb 2004.
Dr Abdullah Daud	Geo-info Lecturer, UTM Johor; alleged JI member	3 Jan 2002	Sent to KDC on 28 Feb 2002. Detention order extended by another two years in Feb 2006.
Shamsuddin Sulaiman	Asst. Accountant, Health Ministry; former ITM student; alleged JI member	17 April 2002	Sent to KDC on 13 June 2002; Habeas corpus rejected on 17 Feb 2004; transferred to an undisclosed police remand centre in KL on 11 June 2004; detention order renewed on 12 June 2004
Mat Shah Mohd Satray	Technician, Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka, originally alleged to be KMM member, later alleged to be JI member	18 April 2002	Sent to KDC on 13 June 2002; transferred to an undisclosed police remand centre in KL on 11 June 2004; detention order renewed on 12 June 2004; Federal Court rejects habeas corpus appeal on 2 Feb 2005: files habeas corpus application in Aug 2006. Detention order extended again in June 2006 and yet again in June 2008.
Abdul Murad Sudin	Trader (rental of agricultural equipment), Teluk Intan, Perak; alleged JI member	16 Oct 2002	Sent to KDC on 2 Dec 2002; Federal Court rejects habeas corpus appeal on 2 Feb 2005; files habeas corpus application in Aug 2006.
Zaini Zakaria	Electrical engineer, ex-TNB and Malaysia Airports; helped set up Luqmanul Hakim religious school in Tanah Merah, Kelantan; alleged JI member	8 Dec 2002	Sent to Kamunting on 6 Feb 2003 - Detention no. 2580/03
Zainun Rashid	Foreign national; Alleged JI member	mid Dec 2002	Sent to Kamunting on 6 Feb 2003
Wan Amin Wan Hamat	Alleged JI member	2003	Sent to KDC effective 20 Mar 2003
Sulaiman Suramin	Businessman, Sandakan; Alleged JI member	5 June 2003	Alleged that he was stripped naked and mocked; Sent to KDC on 1 August 2003
Sufian Salih	Foreign national; alleged JI involvement	2003-2004	Sent to KDC on 28 Feb 2004; Filed habeas corpus application in Aug 2006
Mohd Khaider Kadran	Businessman, 38, allegedly "a leader of JI"	11 Jan 2004	Sent to KDC on 28 Feb 2004
Hasim Talib	Foreign national; alleged JI involvement	Dec 2003 - Jan 2004	Sent to KDC on 28 Feb 2004
Zakaria bin Samad	Alleged JI member; Indonesian national	2004	Sent to KDC on 30 Jan 2004
Ahmad Zakaria	Alleged JI member; Indonesian national	2004	Sent to KDC on 30 Jan 2004
Terhamid bin Dahalan	Alleged JI member; Indonesian national	2004	Sent to KDC on 30 Jan 2004
Abdul Rahman Ahmad @ Deraman Koteh	Alleged militant separatist of Thailand	5 Jan 2005	Sent to KDC on 4 Feb 2005
Mahfudi Saifuddin	Alleged JI member; Indonesian national	2005	Sent to KDC on 2 Aug 2005
Mulyadi	Alleged JI member; Indonesian national	2005	Sent to KDC on 2 Aug 2005
Arifin	Alleged JI member; Indonesian national	2005	Sent to KDC on 2 Aug 2005
Mat Tarmizi Zakaria	Foreign national; Alleged Thai separatist	2005	Sent to KDC on 9 Sept 2005
A Artas A Burhanuddin	Alleged member of "Darul Islam Sabah" from Tawau	16 Mar - 3 Apr 2006	Sent to KDC on 16 May 2006
Francis Indanan	Alleged member of "Darul Islam Sabah" from Tawau	16 Mar - 3 Apr 2006	Sent to KDC on 16 May 2006
Mohd Nazri Dollah	Alleged member of "Darul Islam Sabah" from Tawau	16 Mar - 3 Apr 2006	Sent to KDC on 11 May 2006
Mohd Arasad Patangari	Alleged member of "Darul Islam Sabah" from Tawau	16 Mar - 3 Apr 2006	Sent to KDC on 16 May 2006
Adzmi Pindatun	Alleged member of "Darul Islam Sabah" from Tawau	16 Mar - 3 Apr 2006	Sent to KDC on 16 May 2006
Idris Lanama	Alleged member of "Darul Islam Sabah" from Klang	16 Mar - 3 Apr 2006	Sent to KDC on 16 May 2006
Aboud Ghafar Shahril	Indonesian; Alleged member of "Darul Islam Sabah"	16 Mar - 3 Apr 2006	Sent to KDC on 16 May 2006
Jeknal Adil	Filipino; Alleged member of "Darul Islam Sabah"	16 Mar - 3 Apr 2006	Sent to KDC on 11 May 2006
Binsali Omar	Filipino (Malaysian PR); Alleged member of "Darul Islam Sabah"	16 Mar -3 Apr 2006	Sent to KDC on 11 May 2006
Husin Alih	Foreign national; Alleged member of "Darul Islam Sabah"	2006	Sent to KDC on 28 July 2006
Yussof Mohd Salam	Foreign national; Alleged member of "Darul Islam Sabah"	2006	Sent to KDC on 23 Aug 2006
Abd Jamal Azahari	Foreign national; Alleged member of "Darul Islam Sabah"	2006	Sent to KDC on 23 Aug 2006
Pakana Selama	PR status; Alleged member of "Darul Islam Sabah"	2006	Sent to KDC on 28 Sept 2006
Kasem Dayana	Foreign national; Alleged foreign agent	2006	Sent to KDC on 19 Oct 2006
Shaykinar Guat	Foreign national; Alleged member of Darul Islam	2006	Sent to KDC on 19 Oct 2006
Argadi Andoyok	Foreign national; Alleged member of Darul Islam	2006	Sent to KDC on 19 Oct 2006
Ng How Chuang	Alleged document falsification	2006	Sent to KDC on 30 Nov 2006
Ng Keat Seng	Alleged document falsification	2006	Sent to KDC on 30 Nov 2006
Mohd Azuan b Aniffa	Alleged foreign agent	2006	Sent to KDC on 18 Dec 2006
Mohd Faizol Shamsudin	Alleged foreign agent	2007	Sent to KDC on 20 March 2007
Zulfikli Abu Bakar	Alleged foreign agent	2007	Sent to KDC on 20 March 2007
Zulfikli Marzuki	Alleged JI involvement	2007	Sent to KDC on 20 March 2007
Amir Hussain	Foreign national; Alleged document falsification	2007	Sent to KDC on 28 April 2007
Mohd Nasir Ismail	Alleged JI involvement	2007	Sent to KDC on 30 May 2007
Ahmad Kamil Hanafiah	Alleged JI involvement	2007	Sent to KDC on 30 May 2007
Muh Amir Hanafiah	Alleged JI involvement	2007	Sent to KDC on 30 May 2007
Tan Choon Chin	Alleged document falsification	2007	Sent to KDC on 12 Sept 2007
Mavalavan	Alleged foreign agent	2007	Sent to KDC on 22 Sept 2007
Lian Kok Heng	Alleged foreign agent	2007	Sent to KDC on 22 Sept 2007
Sundaraj Vijay	Foreign national; Alleged document falsification	2007	Sent to KDC on 18 Oct 2007
San Khaing	Foreign national; Alleged document falsification	2007	Sent to KDC on 18 Oct 2007
P Uthayakumar	Hindraf legal advisor; lawyer	13 Dec 2007	Sent to Kamunting Detention Centre on 13 Dec under two-year detention order
M Manoharan	Hindraf leader; lawyer	13 Dec 2007	Sent to Kamunting Detention Centre on 13 Dec under two-year detention order
R Kenghadharan	Hindraf leader; lawyer	13 Dec 2007	Sent to Kamunting Detention Centre on 13 Dec under two-year detention order
V Ganabatirau	Hindraf leader; lawyer	13 Dec 2007	Sent to Kamunting Detention Centre on 13 Dec under two-year detention order
T Vasanthakumar	Hindraf organising secretary; lawyer	13 Dec 2007	Sent to Kamunting Detention Centre on 13 Dec under two-year detention order
Shadul Islam	Not known	July 2008	Sent to Kamunting Detention Centre (ATP 2698/2008)
Abdul Sathar Mohammad Sarjoon	Not known	July 2008	Sent to Kamunting Detention Centre (ATP 2699/2008)
Faycal Mamdouh	Not known	July 2008	Sent to Kamunting Detention Centre (ATP 2700/2008)
Mahamad Nakhrakhel	Not known	July 2008	Sent to Kamunting Detention Centre (ATP 2701/2008)
Muhammad Shuaib Hazrat Bilal	Not known	July 2008	Sent to Kamunting Detention Centre (ATP 2702/2008)
Muhammad Zahid Haji Zahir Shah	Not known	July 2008	Sent to Kamunting Detention Centre (ATP 2703/2008)
Raja Petra Kamaruddin	Blogger	12 September 2008	Not known
Teresa Kok	Selangor state exco member	12 September 2008	Not known

Disclaimer: We believe the above information reflects the current status of ISA detainees to the best of our knowledge in the absence of latest official confirmation.

ISA Facts

• Enacted in 1960

• Targets any person who "has acted, is about to act, or is likely to act in any manner prejudicial to the security of Malaysia"

• Police can detain anyone for up to 60 days without trial

• No access to lawyer during this period

• Further detention up to 2 years on approval of Home Affairs Minister

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Related:

• -Malaysia's Internal Security Act and Suppression of Political Dissent

• -Internal Security Act Should Be Repealed

• -Internal Security Act (Malaysia)

• -Bases of Power and Subordinates’ Satisfaction with Supervision

- The Contingent Effect of Educational Orientation

UPDATES.......

NST
PUTRAJAYA, MON:
Datuk Zaid Ibrahim’s resignation letter was not accepted by the prime minister.

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MalaysiaKini:

• De facto Law Minister Zaid Ibrahim tenders his resignation over the government's use of ISA, which allows detention without trial, against three individuals last week

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• Home Minister Syed Hamid Albar has made a U-turn on a remark that he was not involved in the detention of three individuals under the Internal Security Act (ISA) last Friday

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Star Online

• SHAH ALAM: The trial of the 66 Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) supporters charged for illegal assembly and causing mischief was postponed to next year by the Sessions Court here on Monday.

• PUTRAJAYA: Education Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein said he personally felt that the Internal Security Act (ISA) should not have been used against Sin Chew Daily reporter Tan Hoon Cheng, and would be raising the matter at the next Cabinet meeting.

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Utusan Malaysia Online:

• Menteri Dalam Negeri, Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar memberi peringatan itu sebagai reaksinya kepada kenyataan Zaid di Kota Bharu hari ini bahawa kerajaan tidak sewajarnya menggunakan ISA untuk menahan mereka sebaliknya perlu diadili mengikut sistem perundangan negara.

Menurut beliau, tindakannya meluluskan penahanan di bawah ISA itu adalah bagi pihak kerajaan yang memerintah, selaras dengan kedudukannya sebagai menteri Kabinet, bukannya ‘orang di luar kerajaan’.

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• KUALA LUMPUR 14 Sept. – Setiausaha Pergerakan Pemuda UMNO, Datuk Abdul Rahman Dahalan menyifatkan penahanan mengikut Akta Keselamatan Dalam Negeri (ISA) terhadap wartawan Tan Hoon Cheng sebagai tidak tepat dan boleh menjejaskan imej kerajaan.

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The Contrast in a "H".

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"..... those detained had only themselves to blame, because ......."
“What can Anwar give me?
Is he willing to offer me the post of Deputy Prime Minister?”
“I am grateful at being made a minister .............
I am now satisfied ...."
- Zahid Hamidi, The Star [NATION 14-Sep-2008]

“I can’t see how a journalist doing her duty or even Raja Petra can be seen as a national threat." “I don’t want to make it difficult for him (Abdullah).
If my views are inconsistent or unsuitable (to that of the cabinet’s),
I can leave the government."
- Zaid Ibrahim, De-Facto Law Minister
(as of now, rumour/speculation is rife that he has indeed quit)
============================================
The Real Zaid.
The above two are very different people as one can see from the above quotes - one unwittingly implies to the media that he seeks office, and the other seeks Justice based on sound principles.
=>Zahid (left) with the "H" -as in "Hoe".
In print though, their first names differ in only the "H" (as in "Hoe") in between, for Zahid Hamidi. (One who's into conspiracy theories may wonder if it was deliberate!)
There has been quite a "confusion" of sorts lately in the media (Non-MSM) and in the minds of some readers lately.

When I first logged on to Malaysiakini, I saw the article 'Zaid, the only decent man in gov't' written as ''Zahid, the only decent man in gov't' (No offence to Malaysiakini, okay, I write the truth here - but I don't have a snapshot, though).
For a moment, I was horrified that anyone in Malaysiakini should consider this self-confessed 'watchamacallit'- "Decent"! Upon refreshing the page (twice over), it miraculously appeared as what I'd say was, the real thing - an innocent 'mistake', I presume (nowhere near the 'mistake' of the Land office, in the "Semi Value" land scam in Bandar Utama), which was corrected a.s.a.p.

They were confused between two very different people
- Zahid (with a "H", as in "Hoe") and Zaid (without a 'H').
This same confusion can be noted in certain comments on MT - yes they really thought it was one and the same person, when their opinions differ greatly.
Nevertheless, it was "small" mistake, with a big difference - like night and day.

Right Said, Zaid - Just Do It!

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"It is as sudden as death.
The only thing different is that you do not have to walk into a funeral home,
peek into the box and say, 'Well, he was a nice guy'.
It is like the phases of death.
You have loss, anger, sadness, and then you come to accept it."
- a defeated Liberal politician.
=================================
***************************************************
Law Minister threatens to quit over ISA
Beh Lih Yi | September 14, 2908

De facto Law Minister Zaid Ibrahim today threatened to resign if the government continued to use the Internal Security Act, which he described as ‘unjust’.

MCPX

The outspoken Barisan Nasional politician also called for the immediate release of DAP MP Teresa Kok and controversial blogger Raja Petra Kamaruddin who were held under the security law which provides for detention without trial.

“We have a government that commits to laws and reforms, we can’t be using old-style politics or resort to creating fear. We have laws and they (the detainees) can be charged in court.

“I am trying to meet with Prime Minister (Abdullah Ahmad Badawi) this week to convey to him my position. If (he considers) my position untenable, I will leave,” he told Malaysiakini in a telephone interview from Kota Baru, Kelantan.

The minister, who is a lawyer by training, held a press conference in Kota Baru earlier, where he also spoke on the same matter.

Use ISA to fight terror

Zaid, who is the minister in the Prime Minister’s Department overseeing legal matters, said his position on the ISA is that the law should only be used to curb terrorism, the reason why it was enacted.

“The problem with the ISA now is that it is used against certain people, it is a very unjust law,” he added.

The ISA is a relic from the British which used the law to battle the communist insurgency. The Act earned notoriety after it was invoked by the government to stifle dissent, leading many to call for its abolition.

However, the government has continued to defend the relevance of the law on the grounds of national security.

Commenting further, Zaid said: “I am very sad that people like Teresa (right), who I know personally, can be seen as a threat. I can’t see how a journalist doing her duty or even Raja Petra can be seen as a national threat.

“If their statements upset certain people, let the police investigate,” the minister said, adding that he did not see the need for the government to use such a “strong-arm tactic.”Zaid, who is the former Kota Baru MP, was made a senator and named as minister in charge of legal affairs during the cabinet reshuffle by premier Abdullah in March.

His appointment was lauded by many quarters, especially within the legal fraternity, as it was seen as a gesture by the prime minister to honour his pledge for judiciary reforms.

‘A setback to judiciary reforms’

However, Zaid lamented that the latest ISA arrests dealt a blow to his six-month-long task of trying to regenerate the judiciary.

In relation to the concept of collective responsibility, the minister acknowledged that his views on certain matters do not go down well with his cabinet colleagues.

“I don’t want to make it difficult for him (Abdullah). If my views are inconsistent or unsuitable (to that of the cabinet’s), I can leave the government.

“It is a setback (on my work). The government wanted to change certain things otherwise they don’t need me (to be in the cabinet),” he said.

Friday’s ISA crackdown began with Raja Petra, who has targeted government figures on his website Malaysia Today. He was detained at 1.10pm.

Tan Hoon Cheng, a journalist for the Chinese language Sin Chew Daily, was later arrested at about 8.30pm.

She was detained in connection with her report regarding the derogatory remarks made by an Umno leader against the Chinese community which led to a national uproar.

Close to midnight, DAP MP and Selangor senior state exco Teresa Kok was detained outside her condominium.

The arrests elicited a round of strong protests from all quarters, including those within the BN component parties.

Journalist Tan was released yesterday after being held for less than 24 hours and Home Minister Syed Hamid Albar explained that her detention was “to ensure her safety.”

www.malaysiakini.com

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Note: The following related posts are to be read
within the context of relevance/reference.

The Spirit of Merdeka - The Hartal.
The nationwide hartal of 1947
Crouching Monkey, Wounded Tiger - Ep. III

Crouching Tigers and Crazy Monkeys.

RPK's Interview with BBC prior to arrest

DinMerican says:
I have been told by qualified sources that I me be included in the next round of ISA arrests. I am not afraid of what this government might do to stifle dissent and squash the hopes of people for change.......

When I joined this movement I knew that this day would certainly come. When I learned how to blog at the ripe age of 68, I felt I was born again - and I had a chance to say many things which I had kept inside for my entire life. I have been honest and forthcoming with you, my readers.

God willing this will just be a minor detour on our march to Putrajaya.

Dear Din,
It breaks my heart to see such tyranny and cruelty unleashed upon the people by tyrants.
We all know who the next ones will be, should there be a “follow-up” …. we also know who the real target is.

God Bless you and all those who fight for the people, truth, justice and harmony.
Be strong, Din - The people pray for you
….. and the truth shall prevail!

Hidup Barisan Rakyat!
Daulat Tuanku!
===========================

From MT:
P.Waytha Moorthy writes:
All methods and acts against human right and civil liberty issues by installing fear and intimidation can only lead to the maestro,

Dr Mahathir and his warlords. ………………… repressive actions against utterance of truth in a purported democracy is being engineered and navigated by the non other than the infamous Dr Mahathir and his “warlords” within UMNO and their allies.
This is a typical coup d’état whereby, Mahathir’s warlords have slowly usurped and having consolidated their position to create the bureaucratic elite that would make sure that UMNO and it’s allies stays in power and continue the regime that started fifty one years ago.

written by FTFoong, September 13, 2008 09:13:03
They will probably go after DSAI, Guan Eng, Karpal, Kit Siang, Musa Huram, Siravasa and even the Bar chairperson Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan.

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Miss Teresa Kok and Miss Tan have been hauled up as well.
It appears that efforts are being made to paint a picture that Islam & the Malay Race is under seige, and RPK is a "threat to national security".
Just as MM2007 (the blogger) was arrested along with RPK for "insulting Islam", this time it is Miss Tan & Miss Kok - only this time "Race" is added as a factor - to what one acquantance of mine (he was a Malay, mind you) percieves as attempts towards "incitement", by the "you-know-who" parties.

All these happens when the perpetrators of conflict, are actually running around justifying their actions - and mocking the people and their sense of justice.

There is a very real reason for this schizophrenia, this pathology ... the "return of the stalwart", is just one factor in the big picture - he is simply the most convenient instrument (and the only one with some grey matter - although in its final days).
(Anyway, there isn't much he can do - at the most, he'll last one year. How long can he do "damage control". I wouldn't be surprised should he drop dead anytime soon. The numerous bypasses have already long passed their expiry date anyways ...)

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

In the coming days, I'll be putting up a few articles that were posted some time back.
It starts with the "purely academic" abstracts of papers which were first posted here on 06042008 - as a prelude to the assessment of the state of affairs, a month after the "tsunami" (post 0803 Tsunami scenario). It was also meant to try to understand the psyche of the many political warlords who tasted the "sweetness of defeat" at the elections then.

It comes in three parts, and this are the first and second- my apologies, should you find it "boring".

It is entitled:
Crouching Monkey, Wounded Tiger Pt. I

=======================
"It is as sudden as death. The only thing different is that you do not have to walk into a funeral home, peek into the box and say, 'Well, he was a nice guy'.
It is like the phases of death.
You have loss, anger, sadness, and then you come to accept it."
- a defeated Liberal politician.
==========================

Brownlee, Jason. "Ruling Parties and Regime Persistence: Durable Electoral Authoritarianism in Egypt and Malaysia" Paper presented at the annual meeting of the American Political Science Association, Philadelphia Marriott Hotel, Philadelphia, PA, Aug 27, 2003

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: This paper demonstrates why electoral authoritarian systems benefit from party institutions that prevent leadership rifts by accommodating dissent and managing elite interests. I present Egypt and Malaysia’s experiences with ruling parties and regime persistence, the contrast outcome to incumbent defeat. By regulating leadership politics, the NDP in Egypt and UMNO in Malaysia have held together a dominant cadre and repeatedly blocked opposition forces from winning control of government.

Barclay, Pascael. "Do Authoritarian Elections Matter? Political Business Cycles in Electoral Authoritarian Regimes" Paper presented at the annual meeting of the ISA's 49th ANNUAL CONVENTION, BRIDGING MULTIPLE DIVIDES, Mar 26, 2008

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: Do elections in authoritarian regimes matter? It is often assumed that they are mere window dressing. Yet it is also possible that these elections have independent effects, which make authoritarian leaders care about the elections, despite their ability to manipulate the results through fraud and repression. One way to discover whether authoritarian elections matter is to examine political business cycles (PBCs) in electoral authoritarian (EA) regimes. This study shows that PBCs occur cross-nationally in authoritarian regimes that hold regular elections, but only when the incumbent faces a challenger. In fact, government consumption increases by .43% in election years in competitive elections. Although this number is small, elections have the largest impact on government spending of the variables included in the model. Also, evidence from case studies portray PBCs in authoritarian regimes as targeted and informal. Therefore, in the case of informal spending, much pre-electoral spending may not be captured by overall government consumption or, in the case of targeted spending, the magnitude of the increase for certain groups will similarly not be captured by this aggregate variable. From the evidence presented in this study, we can conclude that PBCs occur in competitive authoritarian settings, indicating that dictators care about electoral returns.

Thompson, Mark. and Kuntz, Philipp. "To Steal or not to Steal: Authoritarian Regime Behavior after Electoral Defeat" Paper presented at the annual meeting of the American Political Science Association, Hilton Chicago and the Palmer House Hilton, Chicago, IL, Sep 02, 2004

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: The terrain that authoritarian regimes enter after electoral defeats has been roughly surveyed but not yet well mapped. We show that there are other outcomes than the two options of stealing an election and retaining office or accepting defeat and surrendering power. There is also the possibility of regimes stealing elections but losing power after failing to effectively repress popular protest. In other cases, non-democratic rulers have accepted defeat but still maintained ultimate political power. We then offer a few explanations for these different paths. We coin the term “electoral sultanism” to stress the importance of personalistic interests in explaining electoral theft. Parallel to this was the argument that regimes with stronger institutional interests are more likely to concede that the opposition has won because regime members are better able to defend vital interests outside of power. Whether regimes hold onto power after accepting defeat depends basically upon the scope of the election. Conceding defeat in polls that are constitutionally limited because they are local, or only referenda, or constrained in their impact due to “dual power” in the state does not lead to the loss of power and can even contribute to authoritarian consolidation. Only conceding defeat in national elections for the highest office makes a withdrawal from power inevitable. Limited polls have been stolen nonetheless because autocrats estimated the costs in acknowledging defeat - a loss of reputation or the creation of “oppositional islands” - as too high.

Crouching monkey, Wounded Tiger Pt. II

Political life is also exhilarating.

Immersed within its subculture, politicians readily believe that they are affecting change in a needed direction. As they are socialized into this subculture, they become convinced that they are becoming better at doing what they are supposed to do.
Initial feelings of uncertainty and confusion are replaced by confidence and determination. In the process, their status as politician becomes their master status, overtaking the various other statuses they occupy. However, while self-assured at this point, they are particularly vulnerable. It is within this context that political defeat at the polls is experienced as death.

The imagery of death rings true for yet another reason. The defeat generates a series of sympathetic telephone calls and visits from family members, friends and constituents offering words of solace and comfort.
As incapacitating as defeat may be, the defeated member must make sense of it. Expressions of mourning and grief are not experienced to the exclusion of other lines of thought, notably those helping to make the loss more understandable and palatable. In time, and with the assistance of others, a series of explanations for the loss -- rationalizations -- are embraced which serve to reduce the individual's culpability.

We now turn to the types of accounts employed by the defeated politicians to assuage their bruised egos. In short, they rely upon a variety of rationalizations which, whether recognized or not, serve to deflect responsibility for the outcome. These are presented as justifications for their defeat and situate the outcome of the election as being outside of the politician's control.

The Party and the Leader

In terms of party dynamics, ex-politicians may also blame their loss on their leader, the organization of the party, unpopular political decisions, or the calling of an election at an inopportune time. In this way, when the entire party is "swept" during an election, it supports the sentiment that the defeat was the result of the party platform or leadership issues rather than anything the politician could control or be responsible for.

In the process, ex-politicians distance themselves from responsibility for the loss and attempt to shield themselves from the negative repercussions accompanying the political defeat. In looking at party dynamics to explain their defeat, some politicians argue that the party did not have a sufficiently sound infrastructure in place to support its members. For instance, some maintain that proper educational mechanisms were unavailable.

In comparing their party to other parties during the election campaign, the competition, in their view, was better organized, thereby disadvantaging them in their quest for victory. Tied to the issue of party organization is a belief that the party leader can either make or break one's own political campaign.
Therefore, in an attempt to distance oneself from the defeat, ex-politicians also look to place some of the blame on the leader of their party.
Once again, cues from the public often supply the ex-politician with the ammunition necessary to re-direct the blame for the loss. While believing ahead of time that a loss was imminent may bring some consolation by providing the politician some time to plan and prepare for the defeat, there are still accompanying feelings of anger and possibly sorrow and guilt that need to be dealt with. However, if these emotions can be displaced onto something external to the politician, it helps to dampen the assault on one's ego.

By developing a rationalization which situates blame on a variety of seemingly external factors, the ex-politician if offered a more convincing justification as to why he or she was unsuccessful. At the same time, it allows the ex-politician to save face and deal with negative feelings experienced as the result of the defeat.
Having people encourage the belief that the loss had to do with the government as a whole and not the individual, allows the ex-politician to accept this rationalization. In the next example, we see that having friends indicate that the defeat was the result of her party affiliation rather than anything which she could have controlled, helps the individual come to terms with the defeat.



** IMPORTANT NOTE:
Please refer to earlier post Crouching Monkey, Wounded Tiger Pt I.
The above are comments from the article "Trauma of political defeat." It was written in 2002.
For those who wish to give Political Defeat Gifts to Grieving Parties please click here.
"Crouching Monkey, Wounded Tiger Pt III" will be coming to this blog soon .....

Raja Petra’s Last Article before ISA

UPDATE:
Sin Chew Daily journalist Tan Hoon Cheng has been arrested today at 8.30pm at her home at 8.30pm in Bukit Mertajam, Penang.

The Following was taken from Din Merican
It was really sad reading this ......
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Raja Petra’s Last Article before ISA

16 September 2008. That is Malaysia Day. That is also the day Anwar Ibrahim is supposed to take over the government. Today, some well-known personalities are joining Parti Keadilan Rakyat. From thereon, more are expected to follow, culminating in the final exodus of Barisan Nasional Members of Parliament.
Stay tuned for the announcements to follow.

Many just can’t believe that Anwar will really take over on 16 September 2008. Some just wish it were true. Some say it’s too good to be true. Others say Anwar is just playing poker. The sceptics say Anwar is laying the ground for a self-fulfilling prophecy. What is foremost in everyone’s mind is: is Anwar playing a high-stakes poker game or will this be a gunfight at the OK Corral?

At this point of time, Anwar can no longer just play poker. No one asked him to take over the government. No one set 16 September 2008 as the deadline. This was entirely Anwar’s own choice with no pressure or cohesion whatsoever on anyone’s part. It was Anwar who ‘volunteered’ the entire exercise. No one forced him into the situation.

Taking all this into consideration, there is no way Anwar can renege on his ‘promise’. To do so would result in a serious erosion of credibility. If Anwar fails to deliver his 16 September 2008 promise, he might as well disappear from the scene. If 16 September 2008 comes and goes as a non-event, Anwar too will become a non-event and will have to throw in the towel and call it quits.

Anwar is no novice. He is not an amateur politician. He is as seasoned as they come. And no seasoned politician like Anwar will commit Hara Kiri. And Hara Kiri it will be if Anwar turns around on 16 September 2008 and say, “I was just joking lah.”

So my money is on 16 September 2008 happening. Not happening would mean the death knell of Anwar Ibrahim. And Anwar is not ready to die just yet. If Anwar fails to deliver, that would trigger the beginning of the end for Parti Keadilan Rakyat.

Parti Gerakan Rakyat is on the verge of leaving the ruling coalition. No, it is not going to join Pakatan Rakyat. It is going to remain as an ‘independent’ party. And from there it is going to re-build its lost fortunes and revert to what it used to be when it was first launched 40 years ago in 1968.

Gerakan is going to be a most attractive party once it leaves Barisan Nasional and it launches its ‘remaking’ exercise. Hell, even I might get attracted to it once it transforms into what it started out in 1968. Gerakan will of course need to attract not only many professionals but from amongst all the races as well. And if Anwar falls short on 16 September 2008, Gerakan will be there with open arms to receive all the disappointed ex-Anwaristas who no longer have any confidence that Anwar is true to his word.

So, the stakes are too high not to succeed. This is not a game. It is not even a high-stakes poker game. It is a fight to the finish. It is a winner-takes-all situation. It is a last-man-standing duel. It is a gunfight at the OK Corral. And only one walks away from such a fight. And that one will be Anwar. My money is on that happening. Hell, my freedom is on that as well.

Today, I received many phone calls from concerned friends who told me that the government is considering detaining me under the Internal Security Act ‘very soon’. If that does happen, then this could probably be the last article I write, at least until 16 September 2008. So I too need Anwar to succeed. If not I will be in Kamunting for quite some time to come and you will not hear from me over the next couple of years.

Yes, I too have placed, not only my money, but also my freedom on Anwar. And if Anwar fails to deliver his promise on 16 September 2008, not only he but I as well am headed for a fall. But I have confidence he will do it. And I have confidence that my stay in Kamunting will not be for two years but for a mere two weeks.

But if I am wrong…..well, then see you maybe in six or seven years time, because for sure Najib Tun Razak will not release me in 2010 when he becomes Prime Minister. What he would do, instead, would be to rollover my two-year detention another two years, and another two years, and another two years, until I am too old to think and write anymore.

Till we meet again, if we do meet again, take care and keep the flame burning. There is still a long fight ahead of us in bringing reforms to this beloved country of ours.

RPK arrested under ISA !!

RPK arrested under ISA!!!!!
Star Online
Friday September 12, 2008 MYT 2:05:37 PM

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia Today editor Raja Petra Kamaruddin was arrested Friday afternoon under the Internal Security Act.

Three Malaysian newspapers - Sin Chew Daily, The Sun , and Suara Keadilan - were also issued show cause letters by the Home Ministry.

Raja Petra’s arrest comes a day after the Cabinet ordered the Multimedia and Communications Commission (MCMC) to re­instate access to all blocked websites, including the controversial Malaysia Today.

Energy, Water and Com­mu­nications Minister Datuk Shaziman Abu Mansor said on Thursday the order was made because there were other “harsher” laws in the country, under which authorities could take action against the owners of blogs and websites, instead of blocking it.

“The Cabinet has asked the ministry to direct MCMC to reinstate access to any blocked website with immediate effect.

“At the same time, it is asking MCMC to closely cooperate with the police, the Attorney-General’s Office and the Home Minister to monitor any website or blog to ensure that this does not contain seditious, racist or religiously insensitive remarks.

“Instead of blocking access to offensive websites, the Cabinet wants authorities to investigate and act quickly against the owners of these sites,” he said in Putrajaya.
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NOTE:
Sad attempt at "using our existing laws to bring about Justice"
- ISA was the best that could be done?
Maybe they'll think up something to actually bring up a real charge .....