MCLM to field 30 candidates in 13th GE

The Malaysian Civil Liberties Movement (MCLM) led by self-imposed exile blogger Raja Petra Kamarudin, planned to field 30 candidates to contest in the next general election in Malaysia.

MCLM president Haris Ibrahim (left) said the candidates would contest parliamentary seats as independents because MCLM was a non-political party.

"We have engaged a risk management agency (private investigator) to run background checks including the biodata, assets and financial status, as well as surveillance on the possible candidates," he told an MCLM dialogue with Malaysians residing in Bangkok, last night.


He said MCLM, which was formed in 2004, had yet to get approval from the Registrar of Societies but they had legalised the movement in London, in October last year.

Haris said he would not contest in the general election as he had to campaign for the candidates.

Raja Petra, founder and editor of online news blog Malaysia Today and also the chairman of MCLM, said: "We want to change the government but not to be the government. We want to be part of the movement to change the government."

He said MCLM was in the process to set up its chapters in major cities in the world. Thailand is the movement's third stop after Australia and New Zealand.

Raja Petra (right) fled Malaysia in 2008 after being charged with defaming three people including the prime minister's wife Rosmah Mansor through his statutory declaration in connection with the murder of Mongolian Altantuya Shaariibuu.

During the dialogue, he reiterated his stand that he was wrongly charged as he did not make the allegation against them but against his source, a military colonel who fed him the information.

Raja Petra said the movement was forwarding the Malaysian agenda for the country and it was not a racial agenda.

"For example, MCLM can mobilise anti-ISA (Internal Security Act) demonstrations all over the major cities in the world simultaneously with Kuala Lumpur in future," said Haris.

- Bernama

Haris Ibrahim barred from Sarawak

The MCLM president was told that he is blacklisted and cannot enter the state, with no reason given.
The Malaysian Civil Liberties Movement (MCLM) president Haris Ibrahim today became another civil activist denied entry into Sarawak "on orders from above".

Malaysiakini was first alerted about the matter from a tweet by Fahmi Fadzil, the political secretary to Pantai parliamentarian Nurul Izzah Anwar.

"Urgent: @harisibrahim joins the honored list of @SivarasaRasiah @millemeow and @chinhuatw in being banned from #Sarawak," wrote Fahmi in his tweet.


When contacted, Haris (left) confirmed that he is now stranded at Kuching Airport after being refused entry into the land of the Hornbills.

"I was denied entry into Sarawak, they told me I was blacklisted on orders from above, though they themselves are not aware of why I am banned," he lamented.

Haris, who was travelling alone, said that he insisted on a black-and-white written order of his blacklisting.

"I don't intend to go back without an official confirmation," he said.

The lawyer-turned-activist contends that it is insane for Sarawak not to allow people to come into the state just because an election is going on, particularly without a valid reason.

"This is s blatant abuse of powers, plain and simple."

Pursuant to his request, he was issued a "Notice of refusal for entry".

On the notice was written:

"Pursuant to Section 65 (i)(a) of the Immigration act 1959/63, the state does not allow you to be issued a pass to enter the state of Sarawak."

Again, no reason was stated as to why he was refused entry.

"I can't for the life of me wonder why I would be denied entry, I am a most peaceful man. I even brought my suntan lotion and cap thinking of having a good time," he said snidely.

More seriously, he said that it is common knowledge why activists like him are barred from entering Sarawak, as the powers that be want to stop them from revealing the truth to the rakyat.

The MCLM president said that he will be put on a flight back to KL courtesy of the government of Chief Minister Taib Mahmud, but that will not be end of it.

"I shall go back, consult with my lawyers and decide if there are grounds for legal action. This abuse of power must stop. It had gone on probably because no one had challenged it before," said the lawyer feistily.

Haris was the latest in a long list of activists and opposition politicians banned from the state.

Last week election watchdog Bersih 2.0 representative Wong Chin Huat faced a similar fate, joining activist Steven Ng and Subang MP R Sivarasa.

MCLM meets SAPP

Kota Kinabalu, March 31, 2011: Malaysian Civil Liberties Movement (MCLM) President, Haris Ibrahim said if the federal government was serious about 1Malaysia, then there will not be the concept of 'ketuanan melayu'.

 

"Look at how the government deal with the Al-kitab issue, fundamental rights of any citizen to practise their own faith and freedom of religion were trespassed," he said.

 

"Instead, we should embrace it ... reading of the other religious books will create better understanding likewise on greater understanding of our diverse culture, races, languages.

 

When asked about the 'cow head incident' in Shah Alam on the protest against the Hindu shrine relocation and the burning of churches last year, Haris said it was the work of Umno members.

"Where is the political will and sincerity to see 1Malaysia through? It is no different from Mahathir's Wawasan 2020 and Paklah's ....Tembirang," Haris said.

Recorded radio interview....

MCLM President interview with SabahRTV

Kota Kinabalu: Recorded radio interview with Malaysian Civil Liberties Movement (MCLM) President, Haris Ibrahim on political issues affecting Malaysia and Sabah in particular.... CLICK HERE