It intensifies the fragmentation and superficiality of our information landscape and hence knowledge.
Posted inJudging the Judges
When a judge is plainly wrong, especially when he claims to interpret the obvious, it is not wrong for any right-thinking member of the public to criticise him
In the New Sunday Times of April 19, 2009 there appears this astonishing remark (because it is erroneous in law) which was attributed to a Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department: KUALA KANGSAR: Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Mohammed Nazri Abdul Aziz has hit out at Perak DAP chairman Datuk Ngeh Koo […]
Posted inBolehland
What is going on in this country?
Someone asked, on an e-group, for an explanation of the recent court decisions in the Perak cases. I replied as follows, and thought I should share it with you (with minor editions), considering also the statements made yesterday by certain leaders of the “ruling” class about the state of our country: All the on-going developments […]
Posted inThe Lobby
Forum: “Krisis BerPerlembagaan Perak”, 25 April 2009
Majlis Peguam akan menganjurkan satu forum berkenaan krisis berPerlembagaan Perak pada 25 April 2009 pukul 12.00 – 2.00 petang di Auditorium Majlis Peguam. Tajuknya Perak Crisis: Constitutional, Legal or Political? Ahli-ahli panel forum ini yang telah dijemput adalah saudara-saudara Dr Subramaniam Pillai, Tommy Thomas dan Dato’ Shafee Abdullah. Semua dijemput hadir. Sila daftarkan diri di […]
Posted inBolehland
Bangkitlah, Anak-anak Malaysia
Bangkitlah, anak-anak Malaysia. Mari kita semua bangkit. Sudah terlalu lama kita semua tidur. Enak dan selesa dibuai janji-janji lemak merdu sekian hari dan masa. Itu semua mimpi-mimpi belaka wahai anak-anak Malaysia. Itu semua angkara tiupan jentera-jentera propaganda yang saban hari, saban jam dan minit, mencandui hidup kita dengan kata-kata kosong dan kiasan syair-syair yang sesungguhnya […]
Posted inJudging the Judges
When the highest court in the land could bring down the Government of the day
The front page of the Star newspaper of Friday, 17 April 2009 carries this startlingly outrageous decision of the Federal Court. The headline proclaims “Court: Siva does not have right to suspend seven”. The report reads: PUTRAJAYA: The Federal Court has unanimously ruled that Perak Assembly Speaker V Sivakumar does not have the power to […]
Posted inTry Me-lah
The ISA and the Rights of the Majority
Malaysia Today published a piece of news from The Daily Express today (16th April 2009). Among others, it reports that “the Home Ministry will ensure that a balance is struck between the individual right and the right of the majority in any changes to laws under it, including the Internal Security Act (ISA).”
Posted inJudging the Judges
When Justice is not administered according to law
The story unfolds with the application of three turncoat members of the Perak Legislative Assembly for a declaration that Speaker Sivakumar’s order, which was made in the Legislative Assembly, that their seats in the Assembly have become vacant because they have resigned was illegal. Here is the report from theSun newspaper, Thursday, April 2, 2009: […]
Posted inBolehland
The People Have Spoken
The results from Bukit Gantang and Bukit Selambau are but definite proof that more than a year after March 8, 2008, the people are still resolved to show their discontentment and complete unhappiness with the ways of the Barisan Nasional in general and UMNO in particular. It is also conversely a display of strengthening support […]
Posted inLB Rants
Balik Mengundi – Go Vote
Lord Bobo bertitah: Balik Kampung, Balik Mengundi. Go home, and VOTE!!! The Giant Jibble Head has arisen. Go forth , O fair citizens of the Three Bs (Bt Gantang, Bt Selambau, Batang Ai). Cast thy ballot, or forever hold thy peace! PS: The by-elections are all on Tuesday, 7th April 2009, in case you were […]
Posted inWhy You Can, I Cannot?
THE SOCIAL CONTRACT – correcting the misconceptions
The in-thing nowadays seems to be the phrase “social contract”. Every Tom Dick, hairy or otherwise, seems to be so well versed with this subject. You make a bit of noise about the Federal Constitution and you would be referred to the “social contract”. You question a teeny wee bit about equality and you would […]
Posted inBolehland
Stimulating The Masses – unpacking the package
Wondering how you will benefit from the recently announced RM60 billion economic stimulus proposals unveiled by the DPM in the mini budget? Art Harun explains.
Posted inTalking about Lawyers
How long will you take, counsel?
says Islam prohibits all forms of malpractices, power abuse and discrimination and propagates peace, equality and mutual help.
Posted inStupid Me!
Maths and Science in English – A rocket which will never take off!
Art Harun analyzes, dissects and critiques in his inimitable style the proposal to teach Science and Maths in the English language and the opposition to it and gives Pakatan Rakyat a deserving spank on its stand on the issue as well.
Posted inLB Rants
What does Coldplay have to say about powerplay…
Received this post from someone who wants to remain anonymous. Its about Coldplay’s “Viva La Vida”. What does it mean? Live Life, Live the Life, Life Lives On. Wiki has something on this song which may be played here. Listen to it while you read this, and before you sleep.
Posted inCase Notes
The Tree Injunction – my thoughts
Raising several questions about the injunction obtained against Perak Assembly Speaker Sivakumar stopping him from convening “unlawful” meetings of the State Assembly. Does it apply to the “tree sitting”?
Posted inTalking about Lawyers
My Note on the Bar Council Human Rights Committee
Since I cannot not make it for the last meeting cum end-of-term dinner this Friday, this is my appreciation note from my past 1 term participating in the Bar Council Human Rights Committee (HRC). I am very glad to be part of the HRC. I still remember that the 1st HRC meeting was held on […]
Posted inBolehland
Lament for the Fall of Saville – an analysis of UMNO’s undoing
Introduction I am writing this because I have not forsaken my friends, some of whom are within the inner circles of power in UMNO. I shall not name them. They know who they are. We have known each other before their UMNO days. To me, they are human beings first and politicians second. We are […]
Posted inCase Notes
Perak Speaker can appoint private lawyers
The restriction in the Government Proceedings Act on “public officers” using private lawyers only with the permission of the Attorney General does not apply to the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Perak defending a suit brought against him in his capacity as Speaker. Thus, the Ipoh High Court decision to bar Tommy Thomas and […]
Posted inCase Notes
Bias, Public Perception and Recusal: Judicial Consistency at LAST?
One certain lesson we learnt at law school was that the law must be certain. The law must apply and be applied across the board fairly. Lawyers should be able to make a good assessment of the case based on the prevailing law, and be able to advise their clients accordingly. Uncertainty in the interpretation […]