Will 'plagiarist judge' Abdul Malik resign honorably?!

Resign, Karpal tells judge accused of plagiarism

Bukit Gelugor MP Karpal Singh has called on Court of Appeal judge Abdul Malik Ishak to tender his resignation following an allegation of plagiarism against him.

Karpal, a senior lawyer said, "This is to save the reputation of the judiciary and country from suffering further embarrassment. The right and honourable thing for him to do is to resign, since Justice Malik did not deny (the allegation) when I asked (in two letters to him) before the motion was brought to Parliament.”

Also, Karpal criticised Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Mohd Nazri Abdul Aziz for shifting the blame to the judiciary, over the absence of action against Justice Malik.

Karpal said he thought Nazri interpreted the law wrongly for, under Article 125 of the federal constitution, the only way to remove a judge was to hold a tribunal - hence, the chief justice could not remove a judge as there was no provision for him to do so.

Abdul Malik, the 'plagiarist judge', recuses self!

Now we know the answer to the question, 

'Which Court of Appeal judge 'plagiarised judgment'?'

Almost a week after submitting a motion in the Dewan Rakyat, seeking a tribunal against a Court of Appeal judge for alleged plagiarism, Karpal Singh came face-to-face with the judge today.

It was an awkward moment as Karpal appeared before a three-member panel headed by Justice Abdul Malik Ishak when the former asked for the recusal of the latter (right) in an appeal and cross-appeal over a drug trafficking matter.

Karpal said, “With regret Your Lordship, I ask for your ... recusal from hearing this case following a motion that I filed under Article 127 for a motion of judicial misconduct and a tribunal be set for allegedly plagiarising a judgment written by a Singapore judge.”

Justice Abdul Malik said he had received a directive from the Court of Appeal president Justice Md Raus Sharif to chair the panel, also comprising Justices Azhar Ma'ah and Justice Mohtaruddin Baki and stressed that he took his oath as a judge to uphold justice.

DPP Kwan Li Sa said the prosecution has faith in the panel but Karpal reminded them that there was a question of perception if Justice Abdul Malik continues to hear the case.

Following this, the judge said calmly: “The case will be heard on Nov 14 before another panel without me.” - hence recusing himself.

Karpal was representing M Kula Segaran, 34, a labourer. He had initially been charged at the Shah Alam High Court with trafficking 12,654.14 grammes of cannabis at a house in Air Hitam, Batu 17½ Puchong about 11.30pm on May 17, 2006.

During the trial, the judge reduced the charge to one of possessing 908 grammes of cannabis at the same place that saw Kula Segaran convicted and sentenced to 12 years' jail and ordered to be caned 10 times.

Karpal is appealing the conviction while the prosecution has filed a cross-appeal to reinstate the trafficking charge that carries the death penalty upon conviction.

Which Court of Appeal judge 'plagiarised judgment'?

Ex-law minister confirms 'plagiarist judge' case exists

Cabinet minister Rais Yatim confirmed that an official complaint was lodged against a high court judge for plagiarism in 2000, when he was de facto law minister and said that it is up to the judicial authorities to follow up on the case.

When asked about the matter in Parliament House today, Rais, who is now information communication and culture minister, said, "Between then and now is a long time, but I was aware of the case."

Rais explained that the matter was referred to the then Chief Justice Eusoff Chin to investigate and take action.

Eusoff retired as chief justice in on Dec 20, 2000 and was replaced by Mohd Dzaiddin Abdullah.

Rais said that after he was transferred to another cabinet portfolio in 2004 - hence he did not follow up on the matter and was no longer able to scrutinise what action was taken afterward.

The high court judge in question is now a serving Court of Appeal judge and can only be removed by means of a tribunal.

The 60 Pakatan MPs which endorsed the motion, which among others, sought the sacking of the judge when the matter was brought up by Bukit Gelugor MP Karpal Singh yesterday, when he sent in a notice to the Speaker's office requesting for a motion to be tabled in the Dewan Rakyat to discuss the issue which has remained unresolved for over a decade.

According to Karpal, the errant judge had, ironically, plagirised a former Singapore judge GP Selvam’s judgment on a copyright issue.

Karpal told reporters yesterday, "I am also told that this created an uproar between the judges of Singapore and Malaysia. I was made to understand the Singapore chief justice has also written to our CJ (chief justice) to complain about the matter.” 

The veteran lawyer added that he wrote to the said judge on Aug 22 and again Sept 29 informing judge of the said allegation but since no reply had been received so far, Karpal argued that this amounted to an admission of misconduct.

Why am I not surprised by this 'revelation'?

Well, if the appointment of judges can be fixed by a  top lawyer, I can see how hopeless Malaysian judges can be!

Correct, correct, correct!

Can we celebrate Malaysia Day when Islam overrides non-Muslims' right?!

5 September 2011 Last updated at 15:23 GMT

Malaysia's parallel judicial systems come up against legal challenges

By Jennifer Pak Kuala Lumpur

 
Tan Cheow Hong: 'If I had tried to stop them they would have arrested me'
 

As a Buddhist, Tan Cheow Hong didn't expect to run up against Malaysia's Islamic laws.

Then last November, his estranged wife showed up at their child's school with a court order from a Sharia judge, who had granted her temporary custody of their 7-year-old.

The wife took their daughter away with the help of Islamic officials and police.

"If I had tried to stop them they would have arrested me," says Mr Tan.

He says he had no idea his wife had become a Muslim. The next day his wife converted their daughter to Islam without Mr Tan's consent. That means both mother and child are now subject to Islamic law, which does not apply to non-Muslims like Mr Tan.

He is now filing for child custody through the civil court while his wife is fighting for the case to be heard in the country's Sharia court.

Blurred lines

The case highlights a growing problem with Malaysia's separate judicial systems and those caught in between. Muslims are bound by Sharia law on personal matters like marriage and custody rights, while members of other faiths follow civil law.

Yet the lines become blurred when cases involve both Muslims and non-Muslims. Analysts say some disgruntled spouses are exploiting the parallel judicial system.

The most high profile case involved an ethnic Indian couple who were married in a Hindu ceremony. The couple separated and the father became a Muslim. Then he secretly converted his two children to Islam and obtained custody through the Sharia court.

The Hindu mother was also granted guardianship, but through the civil courts. After several years the case is still in the courts to determine which court has jurisdiction to hear the matter.

In a desperate bid to escape the Sharia court order, the mother took the two children and fled the country.

Cases such as these have sowed a feeling of distrust among some non-Muslims who feel that the 'quick conversions' of children with the consent of only one parent are being allowed by religious authorities because of a rising tide of Islamisation in the country.

Courts defended

Mr Tan's estranged wife, Fatimah Fong Abdullah, refused to comment on her case to the BBC, but her lawyers confirmed that the child was converted after she returned to her mother. They are fighting to have the case heard in Sharia court.

The Muslim Lawyers Association argues that non-Muslims can submit themselves to the Sharia court jurisdiction.

"It is a fallacy that the Sharia court is religious," vice president Abdul Rahim Sinwan said in a statement to the BBC.

"The court is another system which can be alternative or in fact complement the present civil system."

There is a misguided perception that non-Muslims cannot get justice in the Sharia court but there are plenty of Sharia lawyers willing to give them fair representation, said Mr Rahim.

Law experts say the issue stems back to 1988, when the Constitution was amended to state that civil courts cannot hear matters that fall within the jurisdiction of Sharia courts.

This was meant to prevent Muslims unhappy with a Sharia judge's order from running to civil courts to challenge it, but in practice many claim it has also allowed Sharia courts to expand their remit.

Although government officials have said they will address the problems between Sharia and civil courts, nothing has been translated into law yet.

Alternative representation

In the absence of a remedy, a Christian lawyer is now fighting to practice in Sharia courts to give non-Muslims fairer representation.

 

Victoria Jayaseele Martin has been banned from practicing in Sharia courts in Kuala Lumpur because she is not Muslim

 

Victoria Jayaseele Martin says she is qualified because she holds a diploma in Sharia law from the prestigious International Islamic University Malaysia.

But the religious council in charge of Kuala Lumpur says she cannot practice in Sharia court because she is not a Muslim. Ms Martin is currently appealing against the decision.

Since non-Muslims are being asked to take cases involving Islam to the Sharia court, Ms Martin says they need effective counsel, especially in conversion cases. 

Legal limbo

But even with effective counsel in the Sharia court, non-Muslim Mr Tan says he will not subject himself to Islamic law.

Mr Tan is asking the civil court to decide whether one parent can convert the religion of a child without the consent of the other. He also wants the judge to declare that the Sharia court had overstepped its boundary when it granted his wife custody of the child, who was a non-Muslim when the order was issued.

The case is still stuck in the court process. For now he lives in limbo. Every two weeks he takes a five hour bus journey to Kuala Lumpur to see his daughter. It is part of the temporary custody settlement by the civil court.

"If my wife is in a good mood, then she'll allow me to see our daughter. If not, then she won't," he says.

Mr Tan is prepared to push his case up to the country's highest court.

But he feels the law is helpless.

"This type of case is very difficult to resolve in Malaysia because Islam is supreme."

Federal Court 'Umno' CJs' job is to side with gov't, not to protect the people

A law professor said Chief Justice Zaki Azmi and Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak Justice Richard Malanjum, could have abdicated their oath of office by their refusal to interpret the question of "whether section 5(3) and (4) of the Sarawak Land Code relating to the extinguishment of native customary rights are ultra vires Article 5 (Right to life) and Article 13 (right to property) of the Federal Constitution." that was posed before the court.

Islamic International University professor Abdul Aziz Bari said by refusing to deal with the constitutionality issue, the Federal court had abdicated its duty and failed to fulfill their oath when taking office by saying "I will faithfully discharge my judicial duties in that office to the best ability, that I will bear true faith and allegiance to Malaysia, and will preserve, protect and defend its constitution.

Under the Federal Constitution, the Federal Court which is the highest court of the land is essentially the constitutional court of the country; the main tribunal whose major duty is to take care of the constitution.

The don, Abdul Aziz (left), added that the court is the custodian of justice, so the judges have let the citizens down for the constitution is the supreme law of the land, one that protects them from arbitrariness whether in the form of laws passed by the legislature or through executive decisions.

He said that it was the duty of the judiciary to declare the rights of the citizens, being custodial of justice.

Bar: Probe 5 MACC officers for culpable homicide. Justice for Beng Hock

Unlike the royal commission of inquiry which found that political aide Teoh Beng Hock was driven to suicide, the Bar Council, which took an active role in the RCI, had recommended to the panel that five Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) officers be investigated for culpable homicide.

The recommendation is in contrast to the RCI finding which only implicates three officers namely Hishamuddin, Anuar and Ashraf. The Bar had recommended that the five be investigated under Section 304A of the Penal Code for causing the death of Teoh via negligence.

The five are: Former Selangor MACC deputy chief Hishamuddin Hashim, Selangor MACC investigations chief, Hairul Ilham Hamzah, investigating officer Mohd Anuar Ismail, interrogation officer Mohd Ashraf Mohd Yunus and Klang MACC assistant enforcement officer Zulkefly Aziz.

The Bar Council's recommendation is contained in the 337-page submission to the RCI panel which was finally released to the Malaysian Bar members today after a meeting held last night to discuss the matter.

The submission added that Hairul and Anuar had admitted in hindsight that as the Selangor MACC investigations chief and the investigation officer in charge of the investigations, they would not have supervised the investigations in such a questionable manner as they had, and that they were responsible for witness or suspects under their custody.

The Bar also want the authorities to investigate 10 MACC officers including the five mentioned for criminal conspiracy under section 120A of the Penal Code and also recommended that the 10 officers be investigated for abetment or attempting to abet in Teoh's death or a cover-up to the political aide's death.

Furthermore, the Bar also proposed that the 10 officers be investigated for giving false evidence and fabricating evidence under section 191 and 192 of the Penal Code.

Justice for Beng Hock, Sarbani: Police trying to cover up to protect MACC?

Reveal police probe before calling inquest, says Sarbaini’s family

By Syed Mu’az Syed Putra

June 08, 2011

The late Sarbaini's body being laid to rest at the Kota Damansara Muslim Cemetery April 7, 2011. — Picture by Jack Ooi

KUALA LUMPUR, June 8 — The controversy surrounding Ahmad Sarbaini Mohamed’s death could prove to be even more embarrassing than the death of a DAP aide almost two years ago, with his family questioning the police’s motives for an inquest.

The senior Customs officer’s family oppose an inquest and demand police reveal their investigation findings. They believe there is a cover-up, a claim which has been equally pursued relentlessly by fugitive blogger Raja Petra Kamaruddin.

Raja Petra, in several blog postings on his Malaysia Today website, has claimed that Ahmad Sarbaini’s assets and financial status was checked and cleared by the police.

He’s accused the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) of trying to tarnish Ahmad Sarbaini’s name following his death.

“The family is now confused and do not know what to do...the family is less agreeable for an inquest because it seems like an attempt to delay the case. The family insists that the police reveal the results of the investigation before taking any further action,” said a source close to the family of the deceased.

The source told The Malaysian Insider that Ahmad Sarbaini’s family also did not want the same fate as Teoh Beng Hock’s inquest, with years passing and the case still being investigated via the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI).

“What will happen if there is an inquest? Will there be other witnesses or proof? Reveal this immediately, do not keep quiet like you are hiding something,” the source added.

Sarbaini, 56, was found dead on the badminton court of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) building on Jalan Cochrane on April 6 at about 10.20am, barely two hours after walking in.

His death, which occurred while the Teoh Beng Hock RCI was still ongoing, came as a huge blow to the anti-graft body’s already battered credibility.

Teoh, a DAP aide, fell to his death at the then-Selangor MACC office on July 16, 2009. An 18-month inquest returned an open verdict, ruling out both suicide and homicide in Teoh’s death.

The police have recommended an inquest be held for Ahmad Sarbaini (picture, right), and the Attorney-General has agreed to the idea. Pakatan Rakyat (PR) lawmakers have criticised the idea, citing Teoh’s case as reason to back their doubts.

“At last we have no choice but to rely on politicians to demand justic for Ahmad Sarbaini,” said the family source.

Meanwhile Raja Petra, in his latest posting today alleged that the police had conducted a thorough check on Ahmad Sarbaini’s assets and found no “unusual or extraordinary” wealth.

“He (Ahmad Sarbaini) had only three modest cars — a Perodua Kancil, a second-hand Honda CRV and a Proton Persona — and a Modenas Kriss bike, which he rode to the MACC office on that unfortunate morning of 6th April, the day of his death.

“He owned an apartment in Bukit Tinggi, Klang (RM65,872), an apartment in Puncak Alam (RM68,988), a Semi-D cluster house in Saujana Impian in Sungai Buloh (RM230,000) and RM35,000 in savings in Amanah Saham Bumiputra...All these were duly accounted for,” said the popular blogger.

Delayed tactic? Already delayed for so long. Teoh family only wants justice!

Boycott of Teoh RCI a delay tactic, says Najib

By Adib Zalkapli

February 18, 2011

Just click the title to read.

Obviously, the case has been dragging on and the outcome right from the start has  been obvious - that MACC must be absolved of any blame or wrong doing! The AG has already decided the case must end up with a suicide verdict.

Keadilan untuk A Kugan, Teoh Beng Hock dan Aminulrasyid yang telah mati katak

Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng is shocked at MCA president Dr Chua Soi Lek's view that there is no need for a royal commission to probe Teoh Beng Hock's cause of death.

At a special press conference held at Komtar today together with Teoh's sister Lee Lan, who was in Penang on a drive to collect signatures to press for the setting up of the commission, Lim said he also regretted that Chua may have uttered the words because MCA felt the issue surrounding Teoh's death was unimportant.

Lim urged the rakyat to show BN and its component party, MCA that his death is indeed important enough for the RCI to investigate the cause, saying, "We must show them the rakyat wants the RCI to probe Teoh's death... I am shocked to hear that Chua merely wants to listen to Umno, and not the people." 

After the event, Lim and several others, including Bukit Bendera MP Liew Chin Tong signed the petition to support Teoh's family in their quest to seek justice.

Lim urged Prime Minister Najib Razak to heed the people's voice wanting justice for Teoh, and other mysterious deaths like those of A Kugan and Aminulrasyid Amzah, saying, "If we speak directly... no one should mati katak (have a meaningless death)... so it is time to follow the rule of law and establish the RCI to probe the cause of these deaths."

Najib swore he never knew Altantuya. Dare anak yatim deny he raped not?

Rape allegation: Pressure piles on minister

Rape is a serious offence in any country.

As calls gather momentum for the government to investigate the cabinet minister allegedly responsible for raping his Indonesian maid, elsewhere justice is served.

Former Israeli president Motsave Katsav, 65, has been found guilty of two counts of raping an employee in 1998 when he was Israel's tourism minister and is expected to serve a jail sentence between four to 16 years. The judge rejected Katsav's defence of political witch-hunt and said his version of events was “strewn with lies” and also convicted him of lesser counts of indecent acts: sexual harassment involving two other women who worked for him when he was president from 2000 to 2007, and obstruction of justice.
 

The verdict is a victory for the legal system and democracy in Israel.

In Malaysia, there is urgent need to help rape victims, especially foreign workers who often have to endure insensitive and painful police procedures, not to mention the trauma in court.

An online blog has named the minister who must now sue for defamation or be damned.

Bar Council views seriously the suppression of evidence: Something to hide?

Bar Council chairperson Ragunath Kesavan has joined the chorus of critics in expressing his disappointment over several recent court decisions in the Anwar Ibrahim's sodomy trial which denied the defence access to documents that could be used as evidence.


Ragunath said, "We are of the view it is paramount consideration for the court in determining the truth so justice is, and seen, to be served. It is the responsibility of all parties, including the judge, to ensure that the prosecution complies with full disclosure in terms of the information provided to the parties involved, and produced it in court. In addition, a witness who takes the stand in a trial, whether called by the prosecution or the defence, is under an obligation to be independent and to speak the whole truth."

According to Ragunath, the judge could make an informed decision on the credibility of the witnesses, and the weight to be given to their testimony only after all these elements are present.

No judge, no Tun, no Sultan, no Agong is above the law - Tuanku Ja' afar, the first reigning royalty in Malaysia to have a judgement made against him in a court of law

Karpal tells judge he is not above law

By Shazwan Mustafa Kamal

November 25, 2010

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 25 — Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s lead defence counsel Karpal Singh today cautioned Sodomy II trial judge Datuk Mohd Zabidin Mohd Diah in deciding on the defence’s application to disqualify him, saying that there were laws and rules in place to punish a judge for being “biased”.
Anwar claimed yesterday the presiding judge in his Sodomy II trial had “intimidated” Karpal after he moved to disqualify the judge.
In a written affidavit filed along with a notice of motion to disqualify Mohd Zabidin, Anwar said the judge had “threatened” Karpal earlier this week when the lawyer gave notice of the defence’s intentions to file an application to disqualify him.
In presenting the defence’s oral submission today, Karpal stressed that a judge was by no means above the law, and could face punishment “short of removal” of office.
“A judge can be subjected to disciplinary proceedings if he is found to be biased.
“I’m giving your lordship a gentle reminder, your lordship would have to carefully consider, if your lordship insists on carrying on, with biasness, (then) be prepared for the consequences,” said Karpal (picture).
Karpal explained that a Judges’ Ethics Committee 2010 was set up recently and the committee was empowered to look in possible cases of misconduct by trial judges as well as hand out punishments.
“A judge cannot act as he pleases, he or she is subjected to rules and laws,” he said.
Speaking to reporters outside the court, Karpal added that besides the ethics committee, a judge’s actions in presiding over cases were also under scrutiny in accordance with the judges’ Code of Conduct 2009.
“If a judge rules in a manner deemed biased, the Court of Appeal can also decide whether he has been biased.
“He (Mohd Zabidin) is subject to laws which can result in punishment short of removal,” said Karpal.
The white-haired lawyer had also told the court earlier of the international repercussions of the sodomy trial.
“This trial under close scrutiny. (There have been) calls by the United States Secretary of State, European Union and others for a fair trial. Malaysia’s legal system is also under trial.
“Your honour has no alternative but to recuse,” said Karpal.
The trial is scheduled to continue tomorrow to allow the prosecution to reply to the defence’s submission.
Deputy public prosecutor Mohd Hanafiah Zakaria said the prosecution needed more time as Solicitor-General II Datuk Yusof Zainal Abiden could not make it to court today as he was “unwell”.
It is understood that Yusof had an accident this morning and injured his leg, although his exact condition has yet to be confirmed.
Anwar, the 62-year-old PKR de facto leader, is currently facing sodomy charges for the second time in his life.
The former deputy prime minister is charged with sodomising a former aide, Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan, at Unit 11-5-1 of the Desa Damansara Condominium in Jalan Setiakasih, Bukit Damansara here between 3.01pm and 4.30pm on June 26, 2008.
Anwar has denied the charge, describing it as “evil, frivolous lies by those in power” when the charge was read out to him. He is charged under section 377B of the Penal Code and can be sentenced to a maximum of 20 years’ jail and whipping upon conviction. The trial is taking place 18 months after Anwar was charged in court in August 2008.
He was charged with sodomy and corruption in 1998 after he was sacked from the Cabinet and was later convicted and jailed for both offences. He was freed in September 2004 and later resurrected his political career by winning back his Permatang Pauh parliamentary seat in a by-election in 2008, which had been held in the interim by his wife.
He had two years ago led the opposition coalition, Pakatan Rakyat, to a historic sweep of five states and 82 parliamentary seats in Election 2008.

Judges must uphold justice regardless of faith. Will judges uphold justice?!

Judges must uphold justice regardless of faith
Personal religious sentiments are colouring decisions made in the civil court said a concerned A Vaithilingam, the past president of the Malaysian Consultative Council on Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism & Taoism (MCCBCHST).

Vaithilingam (left) added there was a tendency for judges who are Muslim, to feel that they have a duty to protect their faith. 

Vaithilingam who was also the advisor to the Malaysian Hindu Sangam said  as he understood Islam, after all his years in religious organisations, judges must be unbiased. This was similar to all other religious teachings. He said when Muslim judges and non-Muslim judges gave different judgments in matters involving Islamic tenets, it was confusing for lay people.

Vaithilingam said for example, when the civil High Court judge, in giving joint custody of the two children to husband Dr M Jeyagandesh and wife, Shamala Sathiaseelan but ordered her not to expose her two children to her own religion of Hinduism, the judge did not cite any civil law authority for such a decision.

POLIS KALAH! POLIS KENA BAYAR UTHAYAKUMAR RM145,000

Wrongful arrest: Uthaya awarded RM145,000

Human Rights Party (HRP) pro-tem secretary-general P Uthayakumar was awarded RM145,000 by the High Court in Kuala Lumpur today as compensation and damages stemming from his wrongful arrest and detention by police on Jan 16, 2003, at a magistrate's court in Sepang.

On July 29, judicial commissioner Rosilah Yop in her judgment, ordered Uthayakumar to be paid RM55,000 as aggravated damages,RM50,000 for “wrongful arrest and detention” and RM40,000 for exemplary damages, with an interest of eight percent from a year since the commencement of the case.

Tthe government, the Royal Malaysian Police Force and 11 police officers had been sued by Uthayakumar (right) for malicious conduct for forcing him to strip at the Sepang police station during his detention.

News of the civil suit published in Malaysiakini on Feb 18, 2003.

Human rights lawyer P Uthayakumar today filed a civil suit against the police seeking a court declaration that his arrest and detention last month by two district police units were unconstitutional and done with malicious intent.

During a press conference at the Kuala Lumpur Civil High Court, Uthayakumar told reporters that he had applied for a declaration that the police had abused their powers in arresting and detaining him twice concurrently.

Among others, he asked for the court to find that "the arrest and detention of the plaintiff for 25 hours without a court order has violated Article 5(4) of the Federal Constitution" and that he had been subjected to "malicious prosecution".

In the suit, Uthayakumar named as defendants five police officers, the Royal Malaysian Police, the attorney-general and the government.

The lawyer, who is also the pro tem secretary-general of Parti Reformasi Insan Malaysia (Prim), was first arrested by Sepang police o­n Jan 16 for alleged "criminal intimidation" of a police officer handling an investigation into a death in custody.

He was released briefly the following day but rearrested and detained for several hours by Sentul police o­n similar charges.

Felda kalah! Peneroka menang! Felda to pay RM11 million for cheating! ;-)

(Source: Malayisiakini)

After more than 10 years, 354 Felda Kemahang 3 settlers received some Hari Raya cheer today after the Federal Land Development Authority (Felda) was ordered to pay RM11 million for cheating them over the grade of their oil palm fruit following the Federal Court's decision today in refusing a review of Felda's application to challenge a similar Federal Court decision by another panel which before this dismissed Felda's appeal. More than 150 settlers were present before a packed courtroom to hear the court's final decision while hundreds more were waiting outside after they braved a nine-hour trip from Kelantan.

Monster of S-21 jailed: Khmer Rouge prison chief sentenced to 35 years

Click here to read the epaper @ sun2surf.com

Taking Justice Seriously - Anwar Ibrahim's speech at the 15th Malaysia Law Conference

Now that the 15th Malaysian Law Conference has come to a close, Anwar Ibrahim and the Bar Council organising committee are making light the controversy caused by the opposition leader's presence at the conference. Anwar Ibrahim is the first parliamentary opposition leader to be invited to close the three-day conference.

In his speech, titled “Taking Justice Seriously”, Anwar commended the Bar Council for inviting him despite the repercussions.

“Perhaps that was an understatement,” he laughed. “Really, I should say that words cannot convey my profound appreciation for the ‘slings and arrows of outrageous fortune’ that your organisation had to suffer by inviting me.

“I see it as a mark of conviction and fortitude that you have stood your ground in the face of adversity.

“Therefore, I mean it in the truest sense, when I say that I am greatly honoured to be here to give my humble address to such a distinguished audience,” he added.

Ex-airman N Tharmendran rather go to jail than being abducted by RMAF!!

In yet another dramatic twist in the trial of former RMAF sergeant N Tharmendran, the accused retracted his bail after the PJ Sessions Court refused his application for a protection order from the air force. Lead defence counsel N Surendran said Tharmendran feared he would be picked up by RMAF officers who were waiting outside the courtroom, thus he retracted his bail.

Judge Hayatul Akmal Abd Aziz ruled that the court had no jurisdiction to grant such an order, and could not admit a police report on alleged harassment by the RMAF as evidence, as it was still under investigation. Earlier this morning, Tharmendran filed a police report claiming that four armed forces personnel had gone to his parents' home in Seremban to pick him up. In the police report, he also claimed that at least 10 officers from the air force's intelligence division, all in plainclothes, were waiting around at the courthouse this morning to take him away.

Surendran decried the court's decision not to grant Tharmendran a protection order, accusing the judicial system of failing the cause of justice, saying, "Today is one of the darkest days in this country, when a Malaysian citizen is forced to go to prison to protect himself from the authorities themselves."

O Thamendran, where else can you run to?

Can we trust the police to protect you?

May God protect the innocent one!

Tiger of Jelutong still hungry for justice, defending the poor on pro bono basis

Karpal Singh’s birthday bash in Penang celebrates a lifetime of run-ins with the law worthy of mention in the Guinness Book of Records.

“He never gives up on justice. He had always persevered. Indeed, he stands tallest among all of us,” said Karpal's eldest son, 39-year-old Jagdeep Singh Deo, as he related how Karpal inspired him to pursue law in Australia. Jagdeep also described how his father's struggles –  – has made a lasting impression on his own life.

Later, an elderly guest only known as Cheong, thanked Karpal profusely for helping him resolve his problems many years ago, when he was a taxi-driver in Kuala Lumpur and said, “I do not really know how to thank him; he has given me a new lease of life. He is a man to be respected by everyone.” 

Aug 18: The return of Thai pathologist Dr Pornthip Rojanasunand!

BREAKING NEWS updated 11.20am Azmil Muntapha Abas set the date after Thai pathologist Dr Pornthip Rojanasunand obtained official clearance to testify in the  inquest.

Lawyer Gobind Singh Deo - who is holding a watching brief for Teoh's family and mentioning on behalf of Selangor government counsel Malik Imtiaz Sarwar - withdrew his application for her to testify via video conferencing and applied for Pornthip to testify in the coroner's court, which Azmil allowed this morning.

Throughout the proceedings, Teoh Beng Hock's mother Teng Shuw Hui held a photo of him. Asked why her mother has been holding the photo during the inquest, Teoh Beng Hock's sister Lee Lan said the family wants Teoh to 'witness' the proceedings.