BERSIH Gathering is Street Democracy Challenges Country’s Law – PM Abdullah; Excuses – Improper, Irrelevant, Outdated; Traffic congestion

UPDATE Note: Nov 11 07, 9.40am
Check back for More updates (pics & Video) in the next two post, coming in an other hr or two
also transcript of ZAM's rebuttal (radio interview) to Al Jazeera's accusation of "force use on Participants"
ABOVE & BELOW: Anwar, Khlaid, Lim K S, Hadi & others waiting patiently to submit the Memo at the Palace grounds
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ABOVE & BELOW: The FRU van came asking the crowd to disappear= = == = == == = == = == == = == = =
ABOVE:Then the water Canon was released and BELOW: the chemically laced one


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ABOVE: Pas President spotted with his supporters & BELOW with DAP Sec Gen Lim Guan Eng
The latest reports indicate Bersih rally has successfully presented an electoral reform memo to the King. An estimated crowd of over 20,000 marched to Istana Negara
ABOVE: Bersih Participants finally marched to the Istana
BELOW: On the way back

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ABOVE & BELOW: Graphic Accounts from Malaysiakini

UPDATE: Live images of Dataran Merdeka

ABOVE: at 4.41pm
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BELOW: Image at 4.17 pm (Malaysian Time) and ABOVE at 4.25pm (more FRU & Police Trucks were seen on the bottom left. Dataran Merdeka is Empty. All were prevented from entering. The participants congregated at different locations and circumvented the police and then congregate near the Istana and march on.

for the latest view Go H E R E to see for yourself any changes, refresh page and image changes
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ABOVE & BELOW: Blockage into Dataran Jalan Raja

= == = == = == =BELOW: Satellite Image of Surrounding areas & roads
UPDATE: from Reuters

Protestors came from all over the country.

By Jalil Hamid

KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) - Police in the Malaysian capital used water cannon on Saturday to disperse crowds gathering for a banned opposition rally demanding changes to the electoral system, witnesses said. Police had effectively shut down the city centre to try and foil the rally, with hundreds of policemen, including riot police equipped with shields and batons, standing guard at Kuala Lumpur's landmark Merdeka (Freedom) Square. "Police sprayed water cannons twice to disperse a crowd of about 500 protesters chanting slogans," said a Reuters witness who watched the incident outside a mosque guarded by about 50 riot police, while helicopters hovered overhead. The crowds were among the tens of thousands of people who had planned to gather in the capital's city square in one of Malaysia's biggest anti-government rallies since 1998. At another mosque nearby, a second group of around 500 protesters, mostly teenagers in yellow T-shirts emblazoned with the slogan "Bersih", or "Clean" in Malay, marched in heavy rain towards the city's colonial-era railway station.

The demonstrators chanted "Allahu akbar" (God is greatest) and carried banners reading "Save Malaysia" and "Abolish postal voting". Police had mounted roadblocks along the main roads to the city centre and erected barricades nearby, checking on cars and turning away protesters, witnesses said.

"We will not hesitate to take action against those who defied our orders," state news agency Bernama quoted Kuala Lumpur police chief Zul Hasnan Najib as saying. The police had refused to grant a permit for the rally. Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, who oversees the police, said on Friday the government would not tolerate street demonstrations. "They are challenging the patience of the people who want the country to be peaceful and stable. That is what they are challenging, not me," he told a meeting of his ruling party. Opposition parties and rights groups have vowed to defy the police ban on the rally, which is expected to be led by opposition icon Anwar Ibrahim. It could be one of Malaysia's biggest demonstrations since unprecedented anti-government protests in 1998 that led to Anwar's arrest and jailing. The protest is being organized by Bersih, a loose coalition of 26 opposition parties and non-governmental organizations demanding reforms in the electoral process that they say heavily favors Abdullah's ruling coalition. Abdullah, who won a record victory in a 2004 election, is widely expected to call snap polls in early 2008. In September, police opened fire to disperse rioters at a Bersih rally in the northeastern state of Terengganu, seriously injuring two people.Saturday's rally was due to culminate in a march to the nearby National Palace to present a written appeal to the King calling for electoral reform, Anwar's Keadilan party said. "Our appeals to the government for reforms of the electoral system have fallen on deaf ears and as such it has abdicated its responsibility to safeguard the democratic institutions of the nation," Anwar told reporters on Thursday.

(Additional reporting by Jahabar Sadiq; Writing by Clarence Fernandez; Editing by Alex Richardson)

= = == = =Original post Below
This is the life you are facing and living in Malaysia. You have chosen to be born here. You make and create your own reality - wherever you go.

"My Life is Mine, and I Form It"

Tell yourself this often. Create your own life with your beliefs as an artist uses colour. You are given the gift of the gods and there are no limitations to the self except to those you believe in.

Do not place the words of the Prime Minister & the Police higher than the feelings of your own being for self-understanding and growth and answers to overall life situations and the injustices you see around you.
There is nothing more stimulating, more worthy of actualization, than the desire to change the world for the better. That is indeed each person's mission. When you fulfill your own abilities, when you express your personal idealism through acting it out to the best of your ability in your daily life, then you are changing the world for the better.
Use your creative abilities with understanding abandon, honor yourself and move through the godliness of your being.
Trust no person who tells you that you are evil or guilty by reason of your nature or your physical existence. Trust no one who leads you away from the reality of yourself.

Come to the Bersih Gathering
There is nothing within you to fear. The purpose behind all life lessons is learning how to overcome our fears, for doing so is the only way that we can let go and move on with our evolution as conscious beings.

All consciousness has within it the deep abiding impetus to use its abilities FULLY, to expand its capacities, to venture joy­fully beyond the seeming barriers of its own experience. The very consciousnesses within the smallest molecules cry out against any ideas of limitation. They yearn toward new forms and experiences (and this Bersih Gathering may never come again). Even atoms, then, constantly seek to join in new organizations of structure and meaning. They do this "instinctively

Malaysiakini latest On
PM vows to crack down on Bersih rally
and backed by Malaysiakini.tv ON Pak Lah: "There's never been peaceful gatherings"

“The police have said no, yet they still want to proceed. In that case, surely something bad is going to happen,” warned Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi”

November 09, 2007 21:44 PM

Saturday's Illegal Assembly Challenges Country's Laws – Abdullah

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 9 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said initiators of tomorrow's illegal assembly here are actually challenging the nation's laws rather than the government or its leadership. Abdullah, who is also Internal Security Minister, said he was saddened by the attitude of the organisers who claimed that they were hosting the assembly under the guise of democracy whilst their actions constituted a blatant disregard for the law that could only lead to chaos and hardship for the people. He said the group was also challenging the people who wanted to see continued peace, security and stability in the country.

"The police have informed me about the planned gathering, that no permit has been issued. But based on reports that I'm hearing from various sources, the organisers are going ahead with their plans," said Abdullah, who is also Umno president, in his winding-up speech at the conclusion of the Umno General Assembly here today. Abdullah ticked off the group for their stubbornness, saying that they were indulging in "street democracy" and not genuine democracy practised by the people who respected the rule of law and cherished their rights to participate in elections. "I'm saddened (by this turn of events). Do they want to challenge the government and the leadership? They're actually brushing the law aside.

They're challenging the law as well as the people who want to see peace, security and stability prevail in the country. "That's what they're challenging, not me, but I never refuse a challenge," he said to applause from Umno delegates who packed the Merdeka Hall at the Putra World Trade Centre. The prime minister said he and the Barisan Nasional (BN) government were not afraid to face the general election and that it would be held when the time was right. The assembly organisers, who identified themselves as "Bersih" or "Clean", planned to hold the gathering at the Merdeka Square purportedly to ask the government to hold a fair and transparent election. Abdullah expressed concern that such a gathering could trigger chaos as seen in Terengganu recently when hundreds of people believed to be opposition party supporters rioted after being told to disperse from an illegal gathering in Batu Burok.

"Usually, when the police say no but people still want to proceed (with their plans), something bad is bound to happen. Look at what happened in Terengganu recently, you're aware of it and so do I. So there's no need for me to remind you again (of the incident). "It was an unacceptable episode, an uncivilised incident. It was not our way, not the Malaysian way. It wasn't how democracy is practised in Malaysia. We're totally against street democracy. It's not the way to institute changes," he said. Abdullah said that police would have to act against those who break the law and this may lead to chaotic scenes, with the police having to shoulder the blame in the end. "When the police ask them to stop, untoward incidents may occur. They'll run helter skelter, budging into shops and so on. Things can happen... they'll become angry with the police, (saying that) the police are to blame and (in the process) arouse people's anger towards policemen. "But they are the ones who (usually) trigger such incidents, not the police," said Abdullah. The prime minister said that those who wanted to introduce changes in the country should do so through the proper channel, namely the electoral process.

"But what kind of changes are they talking about? Let's wait for the election, we’ll see who'll emerge victorious. What's there to be scared about?" he said. Abdullah said if it was true that previous elections had been unfair and controlled by the government, then the opposition parties would not have won a single seat, but this was not the case. He said those who questioned the fairness of the Election Commission (EC) should realise that the opposition parties too had won seats in previous elections. "They have won many times in Kelantan as well as in Terengganu and Sabah. They're capable of winning. If we control everything, their chances of winning may be slim," said Abdullah. The prime minister said that BN's electoral fortunes showed that Umno and the ruling government coalition believed that it was the people who should decide who were to be their leaders. "The people of Kelantan have rejected us (BN) for so many years. What are we to do? We respect the outcome of elections.

The same Election Commission has been conducting our elections all this time," he said. Abdullah said Umno and the BN respected the people's decision but the opposition parties had the tendency to blame the EC when they felt that their chances of winning were slim. The prime minister said Umno and the BN were always prepared to face elections and had never made excuses not to hold election. He asked the people to reject those who championed street democracy by not attending tomorrow's planned gathering. Abdullah later told a press conference that police would know what to do should the organisers proceed with the planned illegal gathering tomorrow. "Of course, if there's a clash, people will not be very happy. That's the thing that we're trying to avoid. That's why we say if you want to have a gathering, get a police permit [but it would be issued]," he added. He also said that Malaysia should not be likened to Myanmar as any crackdown on demonstrations here would not be that extreme. To a question, Abdullah said the people were free to say things about him. "There're so many `mosquito' newspapers, there are other publications, books, and I never stop them (from writing about me)," he said. Meanwhile, Umno Youth chief Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein said the movement would expose those behind the gathering to enable the people to know individuals who were out to create chaos in the country.

= == = = == = == = == using propaganda spin, quoting people
November 09, 2007 20:32 PM
Many Believe Assembly Not Proper
KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 9 (Bernama) -- Many cityfolks, especially businessmen, hope that the assembly planned for tomorrow by the group "Bersih" will not be held as it could have a negative impact. Several of them interviewed today said they were concerned because it could cause traffic congestion and disrupt public order. Federal Territory Bumiputera Traders Association president Rosli Sulaiman said the illegal assembly could cause losses to the business community. "We need peace. We do not want a repetition of the `reformasi' movement which had caused losses to traders," he said. Taxi Drivers and Operators Association of Malaysia deputy president Mohd Syahril Abdul Aziz said the assembly was not relevant because elections had been held many times before without problems.

He said the fear that the election would not be conducted fairly was merely a speculation by the opposition. He asked taxi drivers not to involve themselves in the assembly. A restaurant operator at Jalan Tun H.S. Lee here, R. Suresh, 48, said he was unaware that the assembly would be held but was certain it would not result in anything beneficial. He said it was not necessary to hold an assembly because conditions in Malaysia had improved greatly. "Our leaders have developed the country enormously. I advise the people not to involve themselves in the assembly," he said. A local social activist, Tan Kim Wong, (who is he? anyone heard of him? an imaginary name} also said that the assembly should not be held because it could result in riots. "Problems should be voiced through the proper channels," he said and asked the opposition parties to abort the assembly. A retiree, Yassin Kasim, said dissatisfaction should be voiced through the proper channel and not by holding assemblies which could trigger riots as happened before. IT company Cosmo Infolink Sdn Bhd Chairman, Tunku Azmil Tunku Abdul Razak said assemblies or demonstrations were not the best way to voice an opinion. "The method is outdated ... It is not the proper way and it is not our culture," he added.

= == = == == = Background & aims

BERSIH’s campaign for electoral reform is endorsed by 66 NGOs and 5 political parties. Our immediate demands are:
1. The use of indelible ink
2. A cleanup of the electoral roll
3. The abolition of domestic postal voting
4. Fair access to the media

Guidelines for the Gathering:
1. Participants are encouraged to wear YELLOW (clothing, headband, armband, ribbon, etc).
2. This is a PEACEFUL gathering so please do not bring anything which, if deemed to pose a danger to other participants, can be confiscated by our security personnel.
3. Participants are NOT ENCOURAGED to drive directly to the venue. The underground carpark at Putra Place is closed. Park your car elsehwere and walk to the venue or take public transport such as the LRT.
4. Please DO NOT LITTER at the venue. Take all your rubbish with you.
5. Please BEHAVE PROPERLY at all times.
6. Participants are encouraged to bring placards with the words: “Clean & Fair Elections Now”, “Restore Our Rights”, “Save Malaysia”, “Fair Access to Media”, Clean up Electoral Roll”, “Abolish Postal Voting” in all languages.
= == = == = =

A few updates :
If Merdeka Square is cordoned off or blocked tomorrow, participants are asked to gather at the following areas pending further instructions :

* SOGO Shopping Complex
* Masjid Jamek, KL
* National Mosque
* Central Market

FREE Publicity for Kit’s “goblok” Blog –Sensational comments published;Bersih sabotage by “irresponsible & undesired elements”?

Malaysiakini fully supports Bersih and highlighted

International rights group: Let M’sians rally Nov 9, 07 12:23pm and

Bersih gives point-by-point rebuttal to police Fauwaz Abdul Aziz | Nov 9, 07 1:32pm

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Zam is till seething with anger and wants to further embarrass the DAP leader. DAP leader has taken pains to highlight the Mat Rempits issue in Parliament and he has taken a light view of the matter – so the comment was to highlight further the issue to the Minister that unless he is a victim, he would not realized the seriousness of the problem. And he has taken offence to this.

Now that Bersih has been denied the permit for "fear that there are irresponsible groups and undesired elements who will take the opportunity to create disorder through provocations which would eventually lead to street demonstrations and rioting"

And if the police are aware of these people, they can use the 4000 personnel against this small group, peace will be assured and prevail in the peaceful gathering. But they dare not because who are these people? They are from the unruly crowd most probably under the control of that SIL. We have seen this scenario all too often; the article 11 meeting disruptions

“The police have said no, yet they still want to proceed. In that case, surely something bad is going to happen,” warned Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi” - at the UMNO Closing address
Yes if his SIL is also going with his gang to cause trouble & disturbance
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UPDATE:
November 09, 2007 21:44 PM
Saturday's Illegal Assembly Challenges Country's Laws – Abdullah

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 9 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said initiators of tomorrow's illegal assembly here are actually challenging the nation's laws rather than the government or its leadership. Abdullah, who is also Internal Security Minister, said he was saddened by the attitude of the organisers who claimed that they were hosting the assembly under the guise of democracy whilst their actions constituted a blatant disregard for the law that could only lead to chaos and hardship for the people. He said the group was also challenging the people who wanted to see continued peace, security and stability in the country.

"The police have informed me about the planned gathering, that no permit has been issued. But based on reports that I'm hearing from various sources, the organisers are going ahead with their plans," said Abdullah, who is also Umno president, in his winding-up speech at the conclusion of the Umno General Assembly here today. Abdullah ticked off the group for their stubbornness, saying that they were indulging in "street democracy" and not genuine democracy practised by the people who respected the rule of law and cherished their rights to participate in elections. "I'm saddened (by this turn of events). Do they want to challenge the government and the leadership? They're actually brushing the law aside. They're challenging the law as well as the people who want to see peace, security and stability prevail in the country. "That's what they're challenging, not me, but I never refuse a challenge," he said to applause from Umno delegates who packed the Merdeka Hall at the Putra World Trade Centre.

The prime minister said he and the Barisan Nasional (BN) government were not afraid to face the general election and that it would be held when the time was right. The assembly organisers, who identified themselves as "Bersih" or "Clean", planned to hold the gathering at the Merdeka Square purportedly to ask the government to hold a fair and transparent election. Abdullah expressed concern that such a gathering could trigger chaos as seen in Terengganu recently when hundreds of people believed to be opposition party supporters rioted after being told to disperse from an illegal gathering in Batu Burok. "Usually, when the police say no but people still want to proceed (with their plans), something bad is bound to happen. Look at what happened in Terengganu recently, you're aware of it and so do I.

So there's no need for me to remind you again (of the incident). "It was an unacceptable episode, an uncivilised incident. It was not our way, not the Malaysian way. It wasn't how democracy is practised in Malaysia. We're totally against street democracy. It's not the way to institute changes," he said. Abdullah said that police would have to act against those who break the law and this may lead to chaotic scenes, with the police having to shoulder the blame in the end. "When the police ask them to stop, untoward incidents may occur. They'll run helter skelter, budging into shops and so on. Things can happen... they'll become angry with the police, (saying that) the police are to blame and (in the process) arouse people's anger towards policemen. "But they are the ones who (usually) trigger such incidents, not the police," said Abdullah. The prime minister said that those who wanted to introduce changes in the country should do so through the proper channel, namely the electoral process. "But what kind of changes are they talking about?

Let's wait for the election, we’ll see who'll emerge victorious. What's there to be scared about?" he said. Abdullah said if it was true that previous elections had been unfair and controlled by the government, then the opposition parties would not have won a single seat, but this was not the case. He said those who questioned the fairness of the Election Commission (EC) should realise that the opposition parties too had won seats in previous elections. "They have won many times in Kelantan as well as in Terengganu and Sabah. They're capable of winning. If we control everything, their chances of winning may be slim," said Abdullah. The prime minister said that BN's electoral fortunes showed that Umno and the ruling government coalition believed that it was the people who should decide who were to be their leaders. "The people of Kelantan have rejected us (BN) for so many years. What are we to do? We respect the outcome of elections. The same Election Commission has been conducting our elections all this time," he said. Abdullah said Umno and the BN respected the people's decision but the opposition parties had the tendency to blame the EC when they felt that their chances of winning were slim. The prime minister said Umno and the BN were always prepared to face elections and had never made excuses not to hold election.

He asked the people to reject those who championed street democracy by not attending tomorrow's planned gathering. Abdullah later told a press conference that police would know what to do should the organisers proceed with the planned illegal gathering tomorrow. "Of course, if there's a clash, people will not be very happy. That's the thing that we're trying to avoid. That's why we say if you want to have a gathering, get a police permit [but it would be issued]," he added. He also said that Malaysia should not be likened to Myanmar as any crackdown on demonstrations here would not be that extreme. To a question, Abdullah said the people were free to say things about him. "There're so many `mosquito' newspapers, there are other publications, books, and I never stop them (from writing about me)," he said. Meanwhile, Umno Youth chief Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein said the movement would expose those behind the gathering to enable the people to know individuals who were out to create chaos in the country.

= == = == == = == = == = =Original post
November 09, 2007 16:10 PM

Info Ministry Will Publish Kit Siang's Sensational Comments - Zam

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 9 (Bernama) -- The Information Ministry will publish sensational comments posted on Lim Kit Siang's blog through the website of the ministry and its agencies for the people to evaluate them. Information Minister Datuk Seri Zainuddin Maidin (ABOVE) wants the people to assess whether the parliamentary opposition leader's blog adhered to genuine journalism ethics.

The ministry's official website www.kempen.gov.my can be surfed through www.rtm.net.my. "This will enable the people to evaluate Kit Siang's comments whether they are suitable for publication by any media in line with the free, transparent and liberal press as announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. "Having access to the comments, the people can conclude whether is this the kind of freedom they wanted, especially in a plural society like in Malaysia," he told reporters on the sidelines of the Umno General Assembly at the Putra World Trade Centre. Zainuddin said the people's evaluation would determine whether Kit Siang, who is also Member of Parliament for Ipoh Timur, was part of the group whom the minister called "goblok" blog writers. "Goblok" means stupid in Indonesian language.

He said the DAP adviser, a former journalist, had brought down the level of press freedom in the country. The minister said recently Kit Siang's blog carried a reader's comment that he (Zainuddin) and Umno Youth deputy chief Khairy Jamaluddin should be killed by Mat Rempit (illegal road racers). Zainuddin said such comments can be forgiven if the blog was operated by ordinary individuals as they are not professionals and did not have journalism ethics. "But what was posted on the opposition leader's blog was the voice and policy of a political party. "Kit Siang's blog must be more responsible on the prevailing social harmony among the people and political stability in the country," he added.

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November 08, 2007 19:38 PM
Don't Attend Saturday's Assembly, Warns IGP

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 8 (Bernama) -- Inspector-General of Police (ABOVE)Tan Sri Musa Hassan reminded members of the public not to attend the gathering planned for Saturday at the Dataran Merdeka here as it is capable of creating chaos and disturbing public order. He said as the proposed gathering did not have a permit; police would not hesitate to take stern action to break up the assembly. Musa said although some claimed that it would be a peaceful gathering, police were doubtful of its real objective. "This is because they (the organisers) are found to have announced the gathering widely, whether at ceramah functions, forums, via SMSes, websites, through the distribution of handbills and so on for the past few months," he said in a statement Thursday. At the same time, he said, they had also issued tips to members of the public on how to face the police in the websites.

The group, who identified themselves as "Bersih" or `Clean', planned to hold the gathering participated by 100,000 people at 3pm on Saturday before moving in a procession to the Istana Negara. Musa said that the group's intention to proceed with the mammoth gathering and procession could cause massive traffic congestion not only in the vicinity of the Dataran Merdeka but the whole of the federal capital. "It is not impossible for such a massive gathering and procession to become unruly and jeopardise public order. "The police fear that there are irresponsible groups and undesired elements who will take the opportunity to create disorder through provocations which would eventually lead to street demonstrations and rioting," he said. He pointed out that such a situation would create fear among the people and could affect business activities and lead to destruction of public properties.

"Public cooperation in complying with the reminder is most appreciated to ensure that public order is maintained," he said. Meanwhile, Kuala Lumpur Police Chief Datuk Zul Hasnan Najib Baharuddin said the gathering had been banned by the Dang Wangi District Police Chief ACP Zulkarnain Abdul Rahman (ABOVE) on Nov 6. He said the request to hold the gathering was made on Nov 3 but it was rejected yesterday. "The association concerned can file an appeal, however, no appeal had been made as of yesterday. The proposed gathering is illegal," he said at a press conference at his office at the Kuala Lumpur Contingent Police Headquarters, here today.

"Members of the public found in the area to attend the gathering are committing an offence and legal action will be taken against them," he said. Zul Hasnan said roadblocks would be mounted at several points and members of the public and vehicles from outside the federal capital would be checked. He said about 4,000 police personnel would be deployed to the area to "disperse the crowd and detain those committing offences such as riotings and fights".
= = == = == = == = == = == = another threat

November 09, 2007 21:15 PM

Those Present At Illegal Gatheri ng Can Be Arrested
KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 9 (Bernama) -- Those present at a proposed illegal gathering planned by certain quarters at Dataran Merdeka here tomorrow would be considered to have committed an offence and could be arrested, City Police Chief Datuk Zulhasnan Najib Baharuddin said. As such, he advised the public against attending the proposed rally as it would be held without a police permit.

"The public is also advised against wearing yellow because the organisers of the gathering have told the demonstrators to wear yellow. "This is to differentiate members of the public from the demonstrators," he told Radio24 today. The organisers of the gathering, Coalition for Free and Fair Elections (BERSIH), have called on the public to gather at 3pm, and to wear yellow, after which they will march to Istana Negara. Yesterday, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan advised the public not to participate in the illegal gathering for fear that it might turn unruly and threaten public order.

= === = = = = == using propaganda spin, quoting people

November 09, 2007 20:32 PM
Many Believe Assembly Not Proper
KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 9 (Bernama) -- Many cityfolks, especially businessmen, hope that the assembly planned for tomorrow by the group "Bersih" will not be held as it could have a negative impact. Several of them interviewed today said they were concerned because it could cause traffic congestion and disrupt public order. Federal Territory Bumiputera Traders Association president Rosli Sulaiman said the illegal assembly could cause losses to the business community. "We need peace. We do not want a repetition of the `reformasi' movement which had caused losses to traders," he said. Taxi Drivers and Operators Association of Malaysia deputy president Mohd Syahril Abdul Aziz said the assembly was not relevant because elections had been held many times before without problems. He said the fear that the election would not be conducted fairly was merely a speculation by the opposition. He asked taxi drivers not to involve themselves in the assembly. A restaurant operator at Jalan Tun H.S. Lee here, R. Suresh, 48, said he was unaware that the assembly would be held but was certain it would not result in anything beneficial. He said it was not necessary to hold an assembly because conditions in Malaysia had improved greatly. "Our leaders have developed the country enormously. I advise the people not to involve themselves in the assembly," he said.

A local social activist, Tan Kim Wong, (who is he? anyone heard of him? an imaginary name} also said that the assembly should not be held because it could result in riots. "Problems should be voiced through the proper channels," he said and asked the opposition parties to abort the assembly. A retiree, Yassin Kasim, said dissatisfaction should be voiced through the proper channel and not by holding assemblies which could trigger riots as happened before. IT company Cosmo Infolink Sdn Bhd Chairman, Tunku Azmil Tunku Abdul Razak said assemblies or demonstrations were not the best way to voice an opinion. "The method is outdated ... It is not the proper way and it is not our culture," he added.

= = =Go H E R E On

WIPE out All Malaysian U’s in TOP 200 World University Ranking 2007 – Britain THES; 27 New universities - 4 Different countries Enter List; NUS 33; NTU 69

Malaysian Premier U’s Ranking Records
======== 2004 2005 2006 2007
UM ========== 89 == 69 == 192 == 246
USM =========== 326 == 277== 307
UKM ========== 289 === 185== 309

WIPE Out Malaysian U’s in TOP 200 World University Ranking 2007 – Britain THES; 27 New universities - 4 Different countries in List; NUS 33; NTU 69

Malaysiakini has not many educators contributing to it in the educational field. Occasionally reports popped up and there are many Letters written about the state of affairs in the Universities over th years. Its main concern is the news that matter and the latest focus is on

Anwar reveals more footage of Lingam tape Fauwaz Abdul Aziz | Nov 8, 07 12:33pm and

Bersih to proceed, appeals to the police Fauwaz Abdul Aziz and Chua Sue-Ann | Nov 8, 07 7:24pm with

Malaysiakini.tv On Main story Anwar reveals more footage of Lingam tape

WIPE out Malaysian U’s in TOP 200 World University Ranking 2007 – Britain THES; 27 New universities - 4 Different countries Enter List; NUS 33; NTU 69

ABOVE: STAR Report today, Note: the credit "UMNO has built .." emphasis.. so now can we say "UMNO has destroyed the Malalaysian Universities rankings...?"
Look at the top Nations, they have at least one or two top universities. What a shame for Malaysia!? Will another Space tourist redeem the loss in face among the "top Nations"?

As predicted in last year’s post “GOING, Going GONE Soon UM World UNIVERSITY RANKING in Top 200”, details H E R E , University Malaya finally and ignominiously exited the list from position 192 to 246. UKM which managed to crawl up to 185 (2006) & tasted glory for just a year and fell to 309. Its VC - Datuk Dr Sharifah Hapsah should do an “ostrich” and eat her words:
"We do not consider this a success until and unless we reach the No 1 position".
Be humble in life and not be too boastful for some Malaysia Bolih success.

Malaysian Premier U’s Ranking Records

----------------2004 2005 2006 2007

UM --------89 ----169---192 ---246

USM - - - --------326 ---277---307

UKM - - - --------289---185--- 309

The Higher Education Strategic Plan was only launched on 27 August 2007. The Plan forms the basis for the development of higher education until 2020. It is suppose to make Malaysia the centre of regional excellence in the field of higher education and using higher education the instrument of national integration. It will remain as an idealistic Plan in the transformation of higher education because the foundation stones are weak as for years the erosion has taken place when meritocracy is thrown to the winds for the sake of correcting the imbalances in the numbers. With the lack of meritocracy, systematic intense discrimination and racial profiling in our universities - not giving promotions to qualified lecturers besides a discriminative student admission policy. And the latest THES listing confirms a domino effect with the quality of these universities deteriorating every year.

When passing marks are lowered in pushing out the numbers, standards would naturally be compromised. And we have seen the “means used” justified the ends. A great many places and in many fields of endeavors they only “look & feel good” with all the money pumped in to shore them up. MSC is just a glaring example; the birth of PKFZ and so will be all these “corridors” now being opened north, south, east & west. The situation will become - too many corridors that open to nowhere. If these isolated places are slated to prosper, they would have taken place naturally. All these are excellent business plans with no fruitful results. Learn to walk first before running & rushing to the Stars in space.

How many academic promotions were based on merits or academic citations of faculty members? Only very recently we have seen “outsiders” from within being appointed and promoted to head important academic positions and these are just drops in an ocean and they would not have much significance on the prevailing mindsets. Change can only take place in mass dreams where everyone is involved.
And it will be a lofty dream and a wish of Government if existing institutions of higher education can create an atmosphere that is competitive, based on performance and meritocracy. The rot has set in a long long time ago and the majority of the academic staff is so well entrenched in their positions they would not budge from their well protected and privileged appointments. Where will they be dumped or go and where do you find replacements for the non–performing ones?. They will go nowhere and the status quo remains. Of course it is a noble aim to churn out graduates that will attract employers in the global marketplace but the input must be of the right quality materials.
The public institutions might fare better from their established years of experience with proper annual funding.

The worries are the private colleges and universities mushrooming over recent years where the bottom line is they are set up solely to make profits and satisfy their shareholders. For them, every Tom, Dick or Mat would eventually graduate after attending the prescribed period AND paying up all outstanding fees. Throw a stone and you can be sure to hit someone with a basic BSC or BA.

= = = == = ==and the local reactions, more excuses & they want more FUNDS (money)

2007/11/09
Malaysian varsities fail to make top 200 ranking
By : Chok Suat Ling and June Ramli, NST
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian universities are on a slippery slope. None of them made it to the top 200 placing in the Times Higher Education Supplement (THES)-Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings this year. This poor showing comes on the back of a recent government survey of local public universities which found that none deserved a place in the outstanding category. Last year,
[…]
UKM and UM vice-chancellors attributed their fall to the new methodology used to calculate rankings this year. "Even the National University of Singapore (NUS) has dropped to the 33rd spot when it was always within the top 10 (not true Rafiah, your facts are also slipping} " Universiti Malaya vice-chancellor Datuk Rafiah Salim said. "The way I look at it, smaller countries like Malaysia are bound to lose out as THES has introduced new criteria which is peer review and has changed the citation and list of publications."
Rafiah said with more than 3,000 universities getting ranked by THES annually, Malaysian universities had to improve if they wanted to remain on top of the list.
"If we want to compete with some of the top universities in the world, first we have to be in the same league.”Right now, we are not. One way to overcome that is through adequate funding."

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In the 2007 Top 200 List, it seems there is a shift to a new method of compilation and higher scoring is given to “staff-to-student ratio” and less to “percentage of international faculty”. Even Singapore NUS registered a fall to 33 from 19 and NTU to 69 from 61 and both are still in the TOP 100.

In the Top 10, the UK and USA still dominate - Harvard University, Cambridge, Oxford and Yale retain the top four positions for the second year. University College London and Chicago join the top 10 for the first time.

In the Top 50: The addition of the Netherlands sees 12 countries featured in the top 50 compared to 11 in 2006 . New entrants include; Brown University, Bristol, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Osaka, Boston, Amsterdam.

In the Top 100: The top 100 sees the number of Asian universities increase to 13 (12 in 2006) but the number of European Universities dropped to 35 (41 in 2006). North America strengthened to 43 Universities (37 in 2006). Top 200: Universities from 28 different countries represented in the top 200. Increases in International Faculty: 143 of the top 200 Universities reported an increase in their percentage of international faculty to total faculty. Increases in International Students: 137 of the top 200 Universities reported an increase in their percentage of international students to total students.

Some country highlights from the 2007 results:

UK: University College London joins Universities of Oxford and Cambridge and Imperial College in the world’s elite Top 10 and is the highest riser (from 25 in 2006) among the leading institutions.
USA: Princeton University’s continued domestic success is reflected in an improved international ranking, featuring in the top 10 for the first time, whilst, Pennsylvania, John Hopkins and Carnegie-Mellon join the top 20 for the first time.
Asia: Universities of Tokyo, Hong Kong, Kyoto, National University of Singapore, Peking, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Tsinghua and Osaka lead Asian higher education, all featuring in the top 50.
China: Fudan University joins Peking and Tsinghua Universities in world’s Top 100.
Canada: Stronger performance with 11 universities (up from 7 in 2006) in top 200
Latin America: In Latin American 3 universities make world’s top 200
Ireland: University College Dublin joins Trinity College Dublin in world’s Top 200
Scandinavia: Stronger as Uppsala and Helsinki Universities join Copenhagen University in the top 100
Africa: Cape Town at 200 is first ever African institution in the Rankings.

According to Martin Ince, of the Times Higher Education Supplement “The 2007 THES-QS World University Rankings are the most rigorous and complete so far. They show that the US and UK model of independent universities supported with significant state funding produces great results, but they also prove that academic excellence is found on every continent.” Nunzio Quacquarelli, Managing Director of QS, says: “The THES-QS World University Rankings has met an important need amongst universities, employers and young candidates to be able to compare and benchmark institutions across borders.

They have generated intense interest in recent years – this year, over one million unique visitors have checked out the results and methodology on www.topuniversities.com. The 2007 results are likely to generate even greater interest. Reflecting this, QS has received detailed survey responses from a record-breaking number of academics and employers to underpin these results. The QS website will have profiles of all ranked institutions available at a click and detailed information on this year's enhancements to the research methodology".

= == == = and from down under Singapore
Nov 8, 2007
NUS drops from 19 to 33 in global rankings

But shift is due to new method of compilation, NUS' low staff-to-student ratio By Sandra Davie, Education Correspondent THE National University of Singapore (NUS) took a tumble, from 19th spot to No. 33 this year, in the ranking of the world's top 200 universities published by The Times of London Higher Education Supplement on Thursday. However, this is due to a new way of scoring, said QS, the careers and education group that compiled the much-followed ranking. It said, with the change, NUS' previously high scores in certain categories such as the percentage of international faculty, did not give it much overall advantage this year.

On the other hand, NUS' low score on staff- to-student ratio affected its ranking. Mr Nunzio Quacquarelli, managing director of London-based QS, said NUS continues to do well in all other categories. US improved its score this year for the number of academic citations faculty members notched up. It scored 84 out of 100 here. 'There is no doubt it is one of the elite universities of the world,' said Mr Quacquarelli.
'NUS and NTU's placing in the top 100 are recognition of the quality of education that Singapore's universities offer.' Nanyang Technological University (NTU) ranked No. 69 this year, down from its 61st spot last year. Singapore Management University is not ranked because of its specialisation in business.
There are six categories.
Forty per cent of the total score depends on what academics from around the world think of the universities; while global employers' keenness to recruit their graduates counts for 10 per cent. The numbers of foreign students and staff a university attracts are worth 5 per cent each; and the ratios of students to staff and academic citations to staff count for 20 per cent each. NUS president Shih Choon Fong said: 'NUS still has good standing' as one of the top 50 universities and as one of the top five in Asia. He said NUS will continue to 'enhance students' experience and push for world class research'. He pointed out that NUS' effort in improving research is already showing in the citation score. On the staff-student ratio, he said many universities in the United States have significantly higher budgets and endowments and can thus afford to keep their enrolments low and faculty counts high. He added: 'We don't want to go and hire more faculties just to boost the numbers.

We want to ensure they are top quality in their field.' NUS currently have a 1,944-strong faculty, of which 52 per cent are from overseas. Harvard, Cambridge, Oxford and Yale universities maintained their top four positions for the second year. University College London and the University of Chicago join the top 10 for the first time. Apart from NUS, the London School of Economics was also affected by the scoring changes, dropping from 17th last year to 59th this year. Stanford fell from sixth to 19th.

The universities of Tokyo, Hong Kong, Kyoto, Beijing, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Tsinghua and Osaka were other Asian institutions in this year's top 50. Mr Martin Ince, contributing editor of The Times Higher Education Supplement, noted: 'The 2007 rankings show that the US and UK model of independent universities supported with significant state funding, produces great results, but they also prove that academic excellence is found on every continent.'

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The THES-QS World Univer sity Rankings 2007 will reveal some dramatic changes compared with 2006. Now in it s fourth year, the research isconducted by QS Quacquar elli Symonds and the rankings compiled by andPublished in the Times Higher Education Supplement on 8th November 2007. The increasing internationalisation of universities is one of the emerging themes of recent years, through strategic global partnerships, joint teaching and research initiatives and increased international student recruitment activities. The THES-QS World Univ ersity Rankings 2007 reflects the internationalisation of higher education around the world, with 27 universities from 14 different countries entering the top 200 for the first time

=======and read UMNO great problem solver
November 08, 2007 23:37 PM
50 MIIM Students Evicted From College Building Complain To Umno Youth

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 8 (Bernama) -- Fifty students of the Malaysian Institute of Integrative Media (MIIM), who were evicted from their college building yesterday, have taken their complaints to the Umno Youth Education Bureau, blaming SAL College, which manages the MIIM, for their problem. The students, led by Student Council's president Nabilah Saleh and final-semester student Kumaran Rajamooney, voiced their concerns to bureau chairman Ahmad Ikmal Ismail at the Umno Youth headquarters in Menara Datuk Onn here today. "We were running the induction programme yesterday, which was supposed to finish at 5pm, but at 4pm we were told to stop. We did not know what to do when we saw people taking things away. The management has not informed us anything," Kumaran told Ahmad.

The parents' representative, Zulkifli Zainuddin, said the parents were also unhappy with what happened. "We've asked to see the top management of SAL College three times but to no avail. Instead, they kept sending a management representative. We are always in the dark as to what is really going on," said Nabilah. A representative of the college's lecturers and staff, Rahmahtunnisah Sailin, said they were also not getting the answers as to what was going on. The students also alleged poor maintenance of the MIIM building and lack of equipment for their studies. "We pay a fee of RM18,000, which should be enough to replace or repair the missing or broken equipment and to maintain the building," said Kumaran. "We've never had enough lecturers. For some strange reason, the lecturers at the college kept changing." Ahmad Ikmal then promised the students, and the accompanying lecturers and parents that Umno Youth would get to the bottom of the matter.

He said he would also talk to Higher Education Minister Datuk Mustapa Mohamed, the Private Education Department and SAL College board of directors. The student body, which planned to hold a picket tomorrow, was advised against it by Ahmad Ikmal who said that picketing would not solve anything. The MIIM, formerly known as Akademi TV3, was sold to SAL Group of Colleges in July 2003. SAL then rented the premises from TV3 until TV3 sold it to Zetro Aerospace Corporation, which refused to allow SAL College to continue renting the premises resulting in yesterday's eviction