Dear friends February 20, 2009
Posted by elizabethwong in Current Affairs, Democracy, Human Rights, Politics, Women.29 comments
Dear friends,
I have departed today.
Despite having tendered my resignation from all posts, the media and websites continue to intrude into my private life and privacy. I have been informed by several media that they will continue to publish even more lewd graphical, sensational stories of my private life. I have also been told there will be a fresh assault, with more photographs and videos released and circulated in order to completely degrade and bury me.
This is the darkest episode in my life. I have never felt so alone, vulnerable and humiliated. I need to rest and to search for peace of mind to get away from the stormy events surrounding me.
I appreciate the overwhelming support from all quarters, especially my voters, women in particular and party comrades. Words cannot express my gratitude for your gentle kindness.
I have informed my party leaders that I am determined to relinquish all my positions, as a Selangor State Exco Member as well as the State Assemblywoman for Bukit Lanjan. I am thankful for the party leadership’s concern and encouragement. I seek their understanding for my predicament.
My commitment to the ideals of the Parti Keadilan Rakyat remains unwavering. I shall retain my party membership and continue to struggle for a just society with the party.
The nation is at a crisis facing a serious economic recession. Unemployment is rising, while corruption remains rampant. I wish public discussions would concentrate on these important issues rather than analysing my private life. My principle remains the same – I will not answer any questions pertaining to my private life. My private life is not for public scrutiny as I have not broken any law or caused harm to anyone.
I plead to the media as well as my supporters to allow me some peace of mind, and to give me space. I urge the media to leave my family, friends and I alone. Please do not continue to shame my family and I, so that we have a chance to lead a normal life as ordinary citizens.
Lastly, I wish to thank the support from the public that has been pouring in ceaselessly. I am very moved and eternally grateful to my friends and colleagues who stand by me. There is nothing in this world that can repay your kindness.
ELIZABETH WONG
亲爱的朋友们，
我将会在今日出国。
就算我已经辞去所有职位，媒体以及网站仍然侵犯我的隐私权。我已经被数家媒体告知，他们将会继续刊登有关我私生活的画面报道。我预料更多的图片以及短片，将会被发送和流传，以进一步打击我个人的声誉。
目前是我生命中最黑暗的一刻。我不曾如此地感到脆弱及被羞辱。我需要好好地休息，从这一切的风暴中走出来。
我感谢来自各方，尤其是选民特别是妇女们及党同志们的全力支持。谢谢你们对我的支持及关怀。
我已经告诉党领导层，我坚决辞去雪兰莪州行政议员以及武吉兰彰州议员的职位。我感谢党领导层的关怀及鼓励。我希望他们能够谅解我所处于的困境。
我仍然坚持人民公正党所持有的理想主义。我将会继续保留党员的身份，并继续与党在一起，为一个公平的社会而奋斗。
我相信目前我国正陷入严重的经济萧条之中。当失业率不断升高，贪污仍然猖獗之际，我希望所有的讨论应该回归这些重要的课题，多于讨论我的私生活。我没有犯法，也没有伤害任何人，因此我的私生活不应该受到社会的公审。
我卑微地恳求媒体及我的支持者们，让我享有一丁点的空间来平复心情。我也希望媒体能够放过我及我的家人。请不要继续羞辱我及我的家人，让我们可以恢复一个平凡公民所应该享有的正常生活。
最后，我谨此感谢来自四方八面的支持。对于那些一直与我风雨同行的朋友们，我非常感动及感激。你们对我的恩情，让我无以回报。
黄洁冰
Press Release 17 Feb 2009 February 17, 2009
Posted by elizabethwong in Current Affairs, Democracy, Human Rights, Malaysia, Politics, Women.Tags: Press Release
709 comments
PRESS RELEASE
17 Feb 2009The events of the past two days have shown an insidious and underhanded attempt by certain quarters to smear my reputation. My personal life and privacy have been violated.
These people have conspired to undermine my credibility both as a Selangor State Exco Member as well as a Keadilan leader. Although the smear campaign directed towards me has caused me a lot of anguish, I am aware that the real objective is to discredit Parti Keadilan Rakyat.
I have done nothing wrong.
I wish to state that I am not ashamed of my sexuality as a woman and as a single person. I have broken no law. I stand by the fundamental principle in a democracy that everyone has a right to privacy.
Parti KeADILan Rakyat stands for ‘new’ politics that holds justice and human rights as core values which transcend gender, ethnicity and class. ‘New’ politics also means we rise above gutter politics.
It is precisely this that I believe that these attacks will continue with greater intensity, and I have no doubt that Umno and Barisan Nasional will continue to manipulate the situation. Accordingly, I have decided to make a stand, in the interest of the party and its struggle for the people.
I have received overwhelming support from my family, my constituents, Pakatan Rakyat colleagues, friends and the general public. However, in the interest of my party, I have decided to offer my resignation as a Selangor State Exco Member as well as the State Assemblywoman for Bukit Lanjan.
I will discuss with the Menteri Besar to arrange for the proper handover of my responsibilities. I will continue to serve the people and fight for justice in Malaysia.
Last but not least, I am very grateful to the people who have placed their trust in me and my party, and I thank them for the opportunity that they have given me to serve. Words cannot possibly express my eternal gratitude to outstanding staff members and fellow ADUNs, and most of all, my Menteri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim who has given me his unwavering support and the opportunity to work with him.
If I have let anyone down or offended anyone, I offer my sincere apologies.
ELIZABETH WONG
ADUN BUKIT LANJAN
EXCO for Tourism, Consumer Affairs and the Environment
Press Release 16 Feb 2009 February 16, 2009
Posted by elizabethwong in Current Affairs, Democracy, Human Rights, Malaysia, Politics, Women.462 comments
I wish to thank everyone who had called and sent me SMSs, left messages in my email box and blog. I’m sorry for not being able to take all your calls and reply to some of your SMSs in time. I am grateful for your support and kind words of encouragement, especially from my constituents, my party and PR members, Exco members and old friends. This means the world to me.
I also wish to thank some fellow politicians from the other opposite end of the political divide for their encouragement too.
Press Release: 16 Feb 2009
I was informed on Friday 13 February, 2009 by journalists from the Malay Mail that they have in their possession intimate photos of myself and that the newspaper will be publishing a story about these photographs.
I was told that some people are trying to distribute photos/videos showing me asleep in partial nudity and also in intimate positions.
The distribution and publication of these photos/video is a malicious attack on my personality. This constitutes a gross outrage on my modesty, a gross invasion of my privacy, and in particular the sanctity of my personal life. It is being done by unscrupuluous persons to embarrass and discredit me。
I am a victim in this incident.
I have yesterday lodged a police report in relation to this matter and I will fully cooperate with the police in their investigation. I will therefore not speculate publicly about those responsible for this gross invasion of my privacy.
I have received a lot of support from my supporters, friends, colleagues and members of my constituency. I wish to thank them for their concern, support and encouragement.
My family members are standing behind me. I would like to appeal to the media to give me and my family members some breathing space in this trying time so that I can weather this huge challenge.
I will in the meantime continue to carry out my task of serving the people of Selangor faithfully.
新闻文告
我在上周五（2月13日）被《马来邮报》记者告知我，他们拥有我睡觉时半裸，以及发生亲密关系的照片，并将会刊登这些照片。
他们也告诉我，有人尝试流传我睡觉时半裸，以及发生亲密关系的照片或短片。
刊登及流传这些照片或短片，是一项对我的恶意攻击。这已经严重侵犯我的私人隐私权，特别是侵犯了我的私人生活。我相信这些举动是一些无耻的人为了羞辱及破坏我。
在这起事件里，我是一名受害者。
我已经在昨天针对此事向警方报警，并将会全力配合警方的调查。在目前的阶段，我不想猜测究竟是谁拍摄或流传这些照片及短片。
我已经接获许多基层，选民，朋友及同事的支持。我谨此感谢大家的关心、支持和鼓励。
我的家人也给予我全力的支持，我同时要求各媒体给予我和我家人一个喘息的空间，让我可以面对这项艰巨的挑战。
我将会继续执行我的职责，为雪州人民忠诚地服务。
In 1993 … February 13, 2009
Posted by elizabethwong in Current Affairs, Democracy, Human Rights, Malaysia, Note2Self, Politics.Tags: Constitution, Derhaka, Mahathir, Perak, Umno
45 comments
| Penyampai | : | DATO’ SERI DR. MAHATHIR BIN MOHAMAD |
|---|---|---|
| Tajuk | : | SEMASA MEMBENTANGKAN RANG UNDANG-UNDANG AKTA PERLEMBAGAAN (PINDAAN) 1993 |
| Lokasi | : | DEWAN RAKYAT, KUALA LUMPUR |
| Tarikh | : | 18-01-1993 |
Tuan Yang di-Pertua, Saya mohon mencadangkan iaitu Rang Undang-Undang bernama Suatu Akta untuk meminda Perlembagaan dibacakan kali yang kedua sekarang.Tuan Yang di-Pertua, Izinkan saya memperkenal dan mengulas Akta yang telah saya sebutkan tadi.
2. Ketika negara menuntut kemerdekaan, pemimpin-pemimpin negara yang telah mendapat kemenangan besar dan sokongan padu dalam Pilihanraya Umum tahun 1955 telah membuat pilihan supaya sistem pemerintahan di negara ini ialah sistem Demokrasi Berparlimen atau `Parliamentary Democracy` dan Raja Berperlembagaan atau `Constitutional Monarchy`.
3. Sistem ini dipilih kerana semasa negeri-negeri Melayu diperintah melalui sistem feudal dengan kuasa di tangan Raja, negeri-negeri Melayu adalah begitu lemah dan pentadbirannya berada dalam keadaan kucar-kacir. Negeri- negeri ini tidak dapat menentukan keamanan dan menguatkuasakan undang-undang. Akibatnya negeri-negeri ini terpaksa meletakkan diri di bawah naungan kuasa-kuasa asing seperti Cina, Siam dan Barat. Akhirnya semua negeri Melayu ditakluki oleh British dan diperintah sebagai tanah jajahan British melalui perjanjian di antara Raja-Raja yang memerintah dengan pihak Kerajaan British.
4. Selepas Perang Dunia Kedua, Raja-Raja Melayu berharap apabila British mentadbir semula kedudukan mereka sebagai Raja yang berada di bawah nasihat pegawai-pegawai British akan dikembalikan. Negeri-negeri Melayu akan sekali lagi diperintah oleh British walaupun tidak seperti Singapura, Pulau Pinang dan Melaka, di mana British berkuasa penuh.
5. Bagi majoriti rakyat Melayu negeri-negeri Semenanjung, mereka juga bersedia menerima pemerintahan di mana keMelayuan negeri-negeri Melayu diakui oleh British, walaupun pentadbiran dikuasai hampir sepenuhnya oleh British. Namun ada pendapat di kalangan sebilangan orang Melayu bahawa negeri-negeri Melayu sepatutnya dibebaskan daripada pemerintahan kolonial British sama sekali.
6. Orang Melayu hanya sedar akan kemungkinan mereka diketepikan dan menjadi pengemis di negeri mereka sendiri apabila Raja-Raja Melayu tunduk kepada ugutan MacMichael dan menandatangani perjanjian baru dengan British yang menyerahkan negeri-negeri Melayu terus kepada British untuk diperintah sebagai tanah jajahan takluk British sama seperti Singapura, Pulau Pinang dan Melaka.
7. Oleh kerana begitu mudah Raja-Raja menyerahkan Singapura, Pulau Pinang dan Pangkor kepada penjajah dan kemudiannya menyerah pula negeri-negeri Melayu, maka rakyat tidak lagi boleh menerima sistem yang memberi kuasa hanya kepada Raja dan rakyat tidak diberi peranan apa-apa dalam politik negara. Lagi pun selepas Perang Dunia Kedua, Sistem Raja berkuasa penuh sudah menjadi lapok di seluruh dunia. Di merata-rata tempat Sistem Beraja ditamatkan terus. Di mana ia dikekalkan, kuasa Raja dihadkan oleh Perlembagaan atau undang-undang asas negara. Justeru itu, semasa Persekutuan Tanah Melayu menuntut kemerdekaan, pemimpin- pemimpin rakyat telah mengkaji sistem-sistem pemerintahan dengan mengambilkira sejarah negeri-negeri Melayu dan sistem-sistem pemerintahan lain.
Tuan Yang di-Pertua, (more…)
Selangor ready with offers for water players February 13, 2009
Posted by elizabethwong in Current Affairs, Economy, Malaysia.Tags: Gamuda, Puncak Niaga, Selangor, Syabas, water
3 comments
SELANGOR READY WITH OFFERS FOR WATER PLAYERS
By Yong Min Wei, The Edge Daily
In a move to prevent a tariff hike and takeover of water assets by the federal government, the Selangor state government is ready to make formal takeover offers to the four water concessionaires in the state.
According to a statement yesterday, the state executive council (exco) has agreed to issue an offer letter within two days to the four concessionaires — Konsortium ABASS Sdn Bhd, Puncak Niaga (M) Sdn Bhd, Syarikat Pengeluar Air Selangor Holdings Bhd (Splash) and Syarikat Bekalan Air Selangor (Syabas).
Puncak Niaga and Syabas are controlled by Puncak Niaga Holdings Bhd which is listed. ABASS is controlled by Kumpulan Perangsang Selangor Bhd (KPS) while Gamuda is among the shareholders of Splash.
The state government came up with the valuation six months after embarking on a study of a restructuring scheme of all water assets in the state.
“It must be emphasised that the state government, through a special panel formed to study the restructuring process for the Selangor water industry, has made a detailed study into the valuation of all the assets and equities of the companies concerned,” said the statement issued by the media secretariat of the Menteri Besar’s Office.
“The state government feels that the offer to be made to all the concessionaires is fair and took into account the interest of all parties. No party would lose out from the offer. In fact, the profit rate given to the concessionaires is quite reasonable,” the statement added.
The state government said it wanted to ensure that the restructuring exercise would be smoothly implemented with the aim of bringing maximum benefit to its citizens.
“The main priority is to make the best decision in the name of public interest,” the state government pointed out.
It hoped that all parties would agree to the offer so that their restructuring process could be implemented before March 31, as ordered by the Ministry of Energy, Water and Communications.
It also said everyone’s cooperation could help prevent a water tariff hike which would surely be a burden to the public, especially during this time of economic hardship.
Last week, Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim confirmed that he had asked Energy, Water and Communications Minister Datuk Shahziman Abu Mansor to terminate Syabas’ 30-year Selangor water concession agreement as the water distributor had allegedly violated the terms of the concession agreement.
The agreement, from Jan 1, 2005 to Dec 31, 2034, was signed between the federal government, the Selangor government and Syabas. Puncak Niaga has 70% equity in Syabas while the remaining 30% is held by Kumpulan Darul Ehsan Bhd (KDEB).
In an earlier report, Shahziman said the Selangor water service assets were worth RM5.5 billion and included main pipes, water treatment plants and water catchment areas. The assets belonged to the Selangor government and the four water concessionaires concerned, he said.
The minister noted that consumers in Selangor risked paying 37% higher water tariff should the state government fail to hand over its water service assets to Pengurusan Aset Air Bhd (PAAB) by March.
According to the plan, PAAB would take over the assets and lease them back to the concessionaires who would operate the assets.
The handing over by Selangor to PAAB, which is under the Finance Ministry, was aimed at reducing the financial burden of water management in Selangor, which also supplies water to Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya.
As the restructuring of the water assets involves the people, the statement said that the Mentri Besar’s office would hold a briefing for the public so that they understand the issues at hand which required detailed analyses.
“We have to defend our rights” February 10, 2009
Posted by elizabethwong in Current Affairs, Democracy, Human Rights, Malaysia, Politics.Tags: Bkt Lanjan, Constitution, Perak, Tian Chua
6 comments
Tian Chua speaks on the current political situation at CNY DUN Bkt Lanjan Open House at Desa Jaya, Kepong. (BM and Mandarin)
(Perak) Court issues warrants of arrests for Osman February 10, 2009
Posted by elizabethwong in Current Affairs, Democracy, Human Rights, Malaysia, Politics.14 comments
(Correction: Arrest warrant only for Osman)
While all eyes are trained at either the MB’s office or the Perak palace, in Ipoh’s Magistrates Court, warrants of arrests were apparently issued for Jamaluddin and Osman for their the latter’s no-show for their corruption trials which is supposed to commence today.
According to their former lawyers (‘former’ – because they were so disgusted with the antics of the two, that they discharged themselves this morning), the two guys’ new lawyer told the court that they were ‘sick’.
But when asked for MCs, the lawyer couldn’t produce them. (The Star reported that Jamaluddin’s lawyer did give an MC)
So their former lawyers SMS-ed over the news: That the judge issued the arrest warrant.
Which goes to show – one should show better respect to the Courts, whether millionaire, pauper or politician.
PS. Aren’t they both supposed to be at Kuala Kangsar, having tea and scones?
(Perak) Black is back on Tuesday February 9, 2009
Posted by elizabethwong in Current Affairs, Democracy, Human Rights, Malaysia, Politics.Tags: Bukit Gantang, by-election, Constitution, Perak, Roslan Shaharum
7 comments
Wear black on Tuesday. That’s what the SMSs from Ipoh are urging us. Perak-ians are stylish even when they protest.
Tuesday is also the day there will be 2 teams reporting to work at SUK Perak.
On Sunday night, Anil Netto (who is doing an amazing live reporting job there) reported 35,000 people who turned up to hear Anwar Ibrahim, MB Nizar Tan Seng Giaw and Hadi Awang. Others said 10,000. All I know was that the place was jammed-packed. I met Lim Kit Siang in Melaka that evening, who was exiting the memorial for the late Sim Mok Yu just as I was entering.
In the middle of my open house at Desa Jaya Monday morning, I received the sudden and sad news that MP for Bukit Gantang, the late Roslan Shaharum passed away. He was found on the roadside, and was said to have had a heart attack while cycling to the pharmacy. PAS officials said it was likely stress and lack of rest contributed to this.
May he rest in peace and that we honour him by trouncing UMNO-BN during the by-election.
Below is a statement of condolence for the late Sim Mok Yu, sent out on 7 February:- (more…)
(Perak) Chicken didn’t turn up but Anwar in Ipoh on Sunday February 8, 2009
Posted by elizabethwong in Current Affairs, Democracy, Human Rights, Malaysia, Politics.45 comments
Guess who was too chicken to turn up at Yuk Choy School, Ipoh tonight?
Why so scared? Only shoes mah… And didn’t you say you had the majority?
But come Sunday night, Anwar Ibrahim, Lim Kit Siang, Hadi Awang will be in Ipoh at Himpunan Kembalikan Hak Rakyat, 9 pm, MB’s residence.
Perak-ians, ex-Perak-ians and all those who love nga-choy-kai (beansprouts and chicken) from other states, this is your chance to return to your hometown and give your support to the people of Perak who are heading the battle against the great Evil.
A journalist present at the school told us that there were about a thousand people at the function, mainly MCA and Gerakan running dogs; 400 democracy defenders at the candlelight vigil.
The atmosphere at the school, according to the journalist, was ‘cold’.
In the meantime, BN is still fishing. Some got offers of Exco position and RM 3 million. Others only RM 4 million.
We’ve got the name of one of the persons fishing for BN. It’ll be a while before he can walk down the streets without shoes, knives and other things raining on him.
MACC – where are you when you are most wanted? Doing your filing and sniffing for cows? Pah.
(Perak) CNY with Najib, ex-PKR in court Tuesday February 7, 2009
Posted by elizabethwong in Current Affairs, Democracy, Human Rights, Malaysia, Politics.Tags: Constitution, Perak
34 comments
Furious Perak-ians have been sending out this SMS all day Friday:-
Perakians! Let’s boycott the Chinese New Year celebration with Najib Tun Razak in Ipoh tomorrow (7 Feb) as a protest against the corrupt takeover of the Perak govt n rob the people of their elected govt. Pls forward
The 2 ex-PKR chaps are due in court on coming Tuesday morning for the corruption trial. 9 am, Sessions Court 3, Ipoh. Their lawyers certainly want to see them, as do thousands of other people equipped old shoes, without having to hide behind Najib. Dare they turn up in court?
A fellow party member told me yesterday that the two have been asking to meet him. I asked if they plan to fall down on their knees begging forgiveness (which would make it easier for him to kick their faces) or offer him money. He’s not sure.
The ex-DAP still hasn’t reopened her service centre in Jelapang since CNY. Thousands of her constituents await her.
Umno leaders found a new vocabulary “derhaka” in their pocketbook dictionary, but conveniently blacked out the fact that they were the ones who led a major onslaught against the royal houses in the era of big hair and even bigger shoulder pads.
MB Nizar still holds fort in his official residence. Tengku Razaleigh says Nizar is still MB in the Star today.
Journalist Anil Netto stays put in Ipoh to cover the ongoing Perak saga live. I’ve got a dozen meetings and programmes this long weekend.
elizabeth wong 