My open letter to Anwar Ibrahim
Posted: July 5, 2008 | Author: Michelle | Filed under: Politics, Society | Tags: Altantuya, Anwar Ibrahim, Barisan Nasional, Human Rights, Pakatan Rakyat, PKR, Society |29 CommentsDear Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim,
I have been taught that before saying something bad, or criticising a person, first have something good to say. So I have this to say to you. I feel that I am on your side of the battle. I don’t admit to be your biggest fan, nor do I admit to even being a fan of yours, because in my world, I don’t believe in being a fan of individual politicians. But I am a fan of the ideals that you have presented to us. I believe in having a more accountable government in Malaysia. I believe that the current system has gone to the dogs. And I believe that drastic measures have to be taken in order to change this.
Currently, you are waging war, head-on, with the people from Barisan Nasional. You are waging war with the powers-that-be. And because of this, perhaps you have your reasons to be careful with what you reveal, and at what times to do that.
But I ask of you to take a step back from this political war, and look at Malaysia. Look at what has become of her. Don’t just look at how frustrated the people are with the rising prices, and their increasing inability to make a living. Don’t just look at how inept the police force is, how unaccountable the government is, or how shady the judiciary is, though important as they are.
Look, for a moment, at how lost we are. How divided we are.
In the past week or so, there have been allegations after allegations, denials after denials, reports after reports, SDs after SDs. One to cross out the other. One to counter the other. One to discredit the other. But where does that leave us? Us Malaysians? In the dust.
Some people don’t know who to believe anymore. Some have decided to stand firmer on the ground they originally stood on. And supporters from either ends are starting, in my view, to behave in a manner I only know to be atrocious. Name-calling, mud-slinging, conspiracy theories. Malaysians seem to hate each other even more now.
With the most recent developments, especially the first SD revealed by P.Balasubramaniam on the Altantuya murder case, this has become not only about Malaysia anymore. Altantuya may not be here anymore, but her father still is. Her children still are. And they are still waiting for justice to be done.
You have said that there will be more evidence to come. Evidence on the Altantuya case. If you do, I make a request to your conscience to not make it any more political than it already is. For almost 2 years, Mr Shariibuu and his family have waited patiently for a just trial over the brutal murder of his child. If you believe that the larger picture is more important than self, then should it not be that justice should be done before you think of your political career?
And what of the three people currently under detention over the murder case? As someone who has been in prison before, I’m sure you can understand what it is like to be in there. And if there is more evidence that can bring some light into the proceedings of the court case, surely that is important too?
If indeed you have evidence, I call that you release them. I am no politician, so I don’t know what reasons you may have. But I find your reasoning in the Press Conference dated 3 July 2008, likening this to that of a “series of bollywood drama” unacceptable. To see your opponents squirm is one thing, but not on the expense of having the innocent (I refer to the family of Altantuya) suffer for an extra day.
I did not write to offend you, or any other persons. My intentions stem purely from wanting the best for Malaysia.
May justice prevail. And may Malaysia stand strong.
Yours truly,
Michelle
I Am Malaysian 
Ms Michelle,
If you have been accused of a henious crime and mind you for the 2nd time, you wouldn’t have even the time to do anything.
And when the whole government apparatus are being used to put you down Police, AG, Ruling Party, Mass Media, Military Intelligence, one becomes totally helpless.
Ms Michelle and I dare other people would have gone to the cliff and throw themselves down than face this unrelenting onslaught.
Cast away any doubts that you harbour, the trouble with Malaysians they stil harbour doubts …..
never made judgements based on doubt but CERTAINTY of knowledge howver small as an atom it is !
And God is Absolute Certain. And Anwar is clinging to Him for his dear life.
___________
I do not question his strength. Nor do I question his sprituality.
By: Francis on July 4, 2008
at 10:32 am
Few observations though:
Since we are talking about two SD, let’s examine certain points.
1. Yesterday, he was all happy and chatted with every journalist, local and foreign.
Today, he refused to talk or take a single question from anyone.
2. Yesterday, his meeting was announced 24 hrs before it was scheduled.
Today’s meeting was in obscure hotel where few journalists were called in.
3. Yesterday, he was a happy man, vety jovial and chattery.
Today, BN newspaper the Star wrote that he “was visibly perturbed”
4. Yesterday, he has informed the people and the journalists who were the people who have jailed him, harassed him, omitted his evidence and maltreated him.
Today, he didn’t say who has forced him. Who has given instructions. Who has mistreated him. He simply refused to talk but run out of the hall visibly disturbed with deep eyes.
5. Yesterday, he didn’t meet the police before he released his SD in front of world media and local as well,
Today (yesterday’s night) he has spent in BrickFields where he was immediately summoned after he has released his SD and was taken to the station by his former lawyer.
6. Yesterday, he has released a comprehensive SD touching on Najib, Musa Safri, Baginda, Police, Prosecution, Witnesses (etc),
Today, he has released the same SD but the parts that referred to Najib removed. All other people were retained. (Ha ha! I wonder who advises these people.)
7. Yesterday, he was a well combed man, with office shirt- and well prepared
Today, he was wearing a dirty T-Shirt with a cap and a was acrrying a plastic bag (black). As his new lawyer talked, he didn’t talk, chat, look up, greet or handshake anyone unlike yesterday.
……..These are simple observations that any intelligent being can pick and realise what’s going on. Furthermore, it is not Bala or Anwar who is in charge of the Defence, Security, Intelligence, Criminal and Justice system of this country but the 3 men accused of conspiracy and evidence manipulation. (Najib, Musa and Patail). You don’t need a child to know who uses force. It is not Anwar who seeks shelter at Embassies fearing for himself but the men who exercise that power over the said institutions.
PS: The Deputy PM doesn’t need Bala to retract any statement which is a perjury now and a criminal act in the penal code. He only needs to file a defamtion suit. Can’t he? If yo are innocent, why trouble yourself with Bala? Just go to the court and said you were defamed and there you go and get your due. When he was asked yesterday, he refused to file a suit, just like he and Rosmah refused to file a defamation suit against Raja Petra. If people are mudslinging you, insulting, incriminating you, and you are innocent, why not seek justice? It is because he knows in courts evidence will be produced and knowing that the Altantuya case has been pre-arranged (we have followed it as a nation), he hopes that by simply denying SDs and refusing to file suits, things will get cooled and he will move on. Heavenly no. Malaysia’s name is at stake. It is not about him, about Anwar or Badawi. It is about this nation and its people.
NB: If he has no confidence in the judiciary of this country by refusing to seek justice at the courts by filing defamation suits against his accusers, who else will trust the regime? The dead? Oh, I’m sorry…we are alive. Thanks to God!
[…] the letter in full HERE. Posted by Haris Ibrahim Filed in The voice of the […]
Michelle,
Why blame Anwar for the turmoil going on? Is releasing evidence on heinous crimes by the establishment the cause of your rant as it causes more turmoil?
In that case we should all keep quiet, don’t rock the boat and wait for our country to slide peacefully to Zimbabwe standard.
The Zimbabweans got where they are now because they refused to fight Mugabe’s excesses until it was too late.
There can be no change without some turmoil. If you want a better Malaysia, you have to accept it.
As for the evidence on Altantuya, won’t releasing it cause more turmoil which you’re trying to avoid. You contradict yourself.
Frankly, I think you’re barking up the wrong tree when you should be flailing BN for the mess!
___________
I was thinking maybe I should have addressed this as an open letter to all the politicians out there. BN’s responsibility in this mess is not something I have not acknowledged. It is not that I cannot accept turmoil. I just don’t think it right to be playing a political game over someone else’s death.
“I was thinking maybe I should have addressed this as an open letter to all the politicians out there. BN’s responsibility in this mess is not something I have not acknowledged. It is not that I cannot accept turmoil. I just don’t think it right to be playing a political game over someone else’s death.”
Michelle, on that I agree with you. But Anwar may be trying to trap Najib by seeing how he responds to the SD.
If Anwar has evidence that the DPM had met Altantuya, Najib has indeed trapped himself with his renewed bare faced denial that the had ever met her.
OTOH, if Anwar has no further evidence then the political game is uncalled for.
In any case, a short delay doesn’t make any difference to the confinement of the trio. I would say no effect at all.
___________
Kenny, I thank you for your response to this. Indeed, perhaps I’m still young and naive. But what better way to learn than to have open discussions like this. As I’ve said, Anwar may have his own reasons for wanting to wait.
I do not appreciate political games at someone else’s expense. That is where I toe the line. But other than that, I am willing to do what I can to see a better Malaysia.
Dearest Michelle,
I didn’t realize you had blogged here, and only came across your blog from Haris’ here (http://harismibrahim.wordpress.com/2008/07/05/an-open-letter-to-anwar-ibrahim/) after I had posted my comments in Haris’ blog.
My full comment is over there.
I would urge you to observe the bigger picture than just justice to Altantuya.
We need justice for ALL MALAYSIANS.
_________
I will take your advice.
Regards,
Well-written, Michelle Yoon.
Yet the last man standing may turn out to be sleepyhead. That means his SIL down the line.
Whatever it is, i agree with you – a life was gruesomely taken; justice must be done quickly.
Otherwise we can close shop on this pathetic piece of real-estate.
It is easy to shoot blanks but lets be rational. You know we have an utterly immoral and corrupt regime which will eventually bring this country to an inevitable doom.
Now, who else is there in this country with the intelligence, charisma and will to put an end to this misrule?
Yes, Anwar.
He literally rose up from the ashes to represent the will of the people – for a multi racial, just, free and vibrant nation.
Give him a chance ‘cos there is no other to take up this challenge. Stand with him. He is the only hope.
He fails, we fail.
Remember, we are faced with an immoral regime that is using a corrupt police force and AG to remain in power. They are the law.
To fight them, you need brains and tact.
Let Anwar decide how this war is fought. You do not qualify to teach him. Neither do I or anyone of us here.
Stand alongside him and we shall prevail or the nation will fall if left to the ravaging wolves.
Ye, you should address to all politicians. But no other politician have claimed he/she has evidence, and more to come! So i think its right you have specifically addressed to anwar.
Ponder this saying i read but could not remember who said it: “Politics is the conduct of public affairs for private advantage”.
[…] Yours truly, Michelle […]
This Blessed Bumi of Ours {BBO} had inadvertantly , over the last 25 years allowed itself{ we the Rakyaat}to loose perspective & our spirit & soul.
Dazzeld & enthralled by we being hurtled into the 21st.Century, by our leaders, we turned a blind eye – the ends justifies the means!
But the Divine & the Universe presented a cause celibre’ in the form of DSAI.We were shaken out of our complacency beginning 1998.Now in 2008, ten years later, we have all woken up and have the determination & resolve to evolve ourselves into a higher state of social,political & cultural consciousness.
In this process of evolution,the “Dark Forces” who have thus far kept us in the Dark, will definetly react to protect themselves & to attempt to sustain themselves as before!
In this process of evolution, the instances of “misdeeds” will be used as the vaacum cleaners!
There are many many many instances/incidences/matters/cases that are far more horrible than the Mongolian Matter!
There are many thousands of people who have been scared by the people who have run the system.
Its taken ten{10}years for The Renaissance to kick in and it has.So let the carpets be shaken & stirred, vacumed & cleaned – OUT OUT DAMNED SPOT/S!
We need to let the old “NAPOLEANS” be cleansed too even if we have to kick them hard!
So let DSAI do what needs to be done!
We Malaysians are no longer fooled & please give us credit – we are mature enough not to create chaos! Its the Napoleons who create the chaos!
Please further be reminded, the Lady who was murdered placed herself in a position of danger when she got involved . Sympathies & Empathy aside, let the truth come out as it should and time will heal our Nation.
Chiao!
Michelle – the most accountable person to unravel this whole pathetic saga should be the PM !!
What is he doing while the country is torn apart?
Current situation calls for decision and action before the country disintegrates and we the poor rakyats will be the ones to pay the most.
Dear Michelle,
I am glad that you have started to see the reality of politic by politician. But many out there still haven’t. They are easily blinded by promises, rethorics, slogans and idealism of some politician where in reality these are just tools for their lust of power and possession.
Anwar is known to be cunning politician and man of many faces. Today you can see his political game. Unfortunately I have to say that many of the non-Malays do not know much about Malaysian politic and Malay politicians. This is because they have so far been living comfortably, enjoying good job, good pay, good business under the past regime (criticize it in whatever ways you want, but that is the fact and reality).
Today they felt that their possessions under threat of a poor government and opt to seek salvation from an alternative government. Anwar came in and charmed them with his ideals and rethorics. No wonder so many of the non-Malays (I believe including you) are so impressed with him and become his avid supporter. For the Malays, even though many do not believe in his sexual allegation, they are sick of his character and his political game.
What is happening today is not about justice for Altantuya or what so ever. It is about politic. He is using this opportunity to eliminate his competitor (or lest tarnish their image), discredit the police and the judiciary system, making the people to lose confident with all the systems in our country.
Michelle…
I rarely comment unless I feel it is absolutely necessary…
AS THE OLD SAYING GOES… IT IS EASIER SAID THAN DONE!!!
SO BELIEVE ME… IF YOU ARE IN ANWAR SHOES NOW… YOU OR ME OR THE NORMAL LAYMAN… WE WILL HAVE LOST OUR BATTLE BEFORE IT IS STARTED!!!
So my hats to Anwar on his battle for the nation! An d remember the path to victory does not go on a straight path but you have to make the path straight back immediately if it bends away…
_____________
I appreciate the old saying. And I know I cannot fight the battles Anwar is fighting now. But with all due respect, I do not intend to take anything from anyone lying down.
Michelle,
I support you and your post here…
And I want B_rother A_nwar B_in I_brahim to come out with what he called evidence (if any). Don’t play2 aaa Brother Anwar Bin Ibrahim…
A person who places himself or herself above justice and fellow country men and women is not morally fit to be a leader. Indeed, at this time, real leaders are few, no matter where one is. It is good that you do not look at one man or one woman for leadership. You must look at what he or she TRULY stands for. But what he or she chooses to stand for, even if it is good, would not be good enough if it is only to advance his or her own ambition. Once the ambition is achieved, he or she would not hesitate to drop that stand if it threatens his or her position.
Michelle,
Well said and timely.
Michelle,
Yours is a well written letter with good intentions. You speak for most Malaysians, I can safely say (the ordinary rakyat, that is)Politicians have only I thing in mind “Self above service” It is obvious somebody’s brutal and inhuman (perhaps inhuman is inappropriate, for do you know of any animal which would kill its prey in this manner?) death is used for political mileage and anhiliation. Yes, I suppose your letter could have been addressed to all politicians in general. I feel it is in extremely bad taste and an insult to the Mongolian family involved or even to their nation to liken this one of the most horrid incidents in our country’s history to a “series of bollywood drama”. Any other 1st world nation’s people would not bear such an insult to their kind. Ultimately we rakyat are left in the lurch, taken for nothing but fools!
time will tell, we r not the players , just mere spectators,meanwhile the press are propanganda agents for the rulling parties.dear michelle, sont be too anxious, just wait n see.
for the pieces of news, the rakyat gathered , it s not simply to dimiss the dirty tactics of the umnoputras , day by day political events beats any dattime soap operas, it all chess moves , look at bala now, he suddenly disappeared . i think there a need for RCI.if evidence is presented now, it will be deleted , ommited , dissapeared , twisted by the AG and the IGP, pls restrain and be patient, just enjoy the show.
__________
And be patient I shall.
Shut up!!!
It is in extreme bad taste to withhold informations pertaining to an ongoing murder trial for political “sandiwara” from either side of the political divide, with due respect to all Malaysians who are fair minded,individual or group had the obligation to announce informations withheld to the public NOW !!
yes. this is the one that we waiting for. this is the true malaysian voice!
Let’s hope that better sense prevail on all sides. Anwar also suffered a bit due to those allegations and now these new ones.
My,My!
Are we not so judgemental!
To all of us who post comments , I ask:
a] Have any of u taken on any battle for your own rights?
b]Have any of u gone to a police station to ask for clarification on a summons etc?
c]Have any of u experienced the nonsense & bullying tactics of the Police,Local Government Goondas,JPJ,Immigration – where money talks & bulshit walks?
d] Have any of u spent at least 5 hours in a lockup to realize that drugs, food & drink are available for RM….
e]Have any of u been through the magical experience of having evidence against u turned around for RM……
f]Have any of u been through the yet agin majical experience of destroying someone u do not like, by RM……….building evidence against the person.
Well , Michelle,
Christchurch , Wellington & NZ is cozy comfort from afar but here in Malaysia, come & feel the heat & pain of our people.
Do not cry out for others when someone like DSAI is attempting to cause a change!
Unless all u persons believe u can take over & do a better job!
Pls , u do not have the gumption{meaning the wherewithal}!
Do not hide behind your PC’s and take the safe & comfortable path!
Stand with all of us shoulder to shoulder and walk with us to cause a change!
Let the light of the Divine kick out the Darkness that has blighted our land {Blessed Bumi of Ours}
Chiao!
jeyapalantsmahesan.blogspot.com
______________
I do not “hide” by choice. Being far does not exempt me from feeling the pain. As I’ve said, I will do what I can. This is what I can do at present. I will not hesitate to do more should I be home. I cannot now PHYSICALLY stand shoulder to shoulder with the people of Malaysia to bring about change. But I can assure you that my heart and soul is with all people of Malaysia.
Michelle!
My comments were not meant to be directed to u personally.
Its for all those who are actually here in our Blessed Bumi!
Please complete your learning curve {degree etc}
Its is more than enough that u are doing what u can!
Becoz u care, our Bumi/land is more blessed!
Michelle!
Pls do not give up on us!
We/I will keep second chair{lawyers talk!!!} for u!
Take Care & Godspeed,until u return!
Chiao,my young friend!
My land & people depend on your safe return!
jeyapalantsmahesan.blogspot.com
___________
No worries, I have not taken offence, as I consider online discussions like this as a chance to learn more. I have no intention of giving up too!’
You take care too, and God bless.
Dear Michelle,
Nice site…just a few quotes for u to ponder….
Take care.
From Farmer Revert
One has to be a lowbrow, a bit of a murderer, to be a politician, ready and willing to see people sacrificed, slaughtered, for the sake of an idea, whether a good one or a bad one.
Henry Miller
A good politician is quite as unthinkable as an honest burglar.
Henry Louis Mencken
Politics will eventually be replaced by imagery. The politician will be only too happy to abdicate in favor of his image, because the image will be much more powerful than he could ever be.
Marshall McLuhan
I was really too honest a man to be a politician and live.
Socrates
We hang the petty thieves and appoint the great ones to public office.
Aesop
The word ‘politics’ is derived from the word ‘poly’, meaning ‘many’, and the word ‘ticks’, meaning ‘blood sucking parasites’.
Larry Hardiman
A politician is a fellow who will lay down your life for his country.
Texas Guinan
Political language. . . is designed to make lies sound truthful and murder respectable, and to give an appearance of solidity to pure wind.
George Orwell
Among politicians the esteem of religion is profitable; the principles of it are troublesome.
Benjamin Whichcote
Get thee glass eyes;
And like a scurvy politician, seem
To see the things thou dost not.
William Shakespeare
America is just the country that shows how all the written guarantees in the world for freedom are no protection against tyranny and oppression of the worst kind. There the politician has come to be looked upon as the very scum of society.
Peter Kropotkin
The magician and the politician have much in common: they both have to draw our attention away from what they are really doing.
Ben Okri
Politics is the art of looking for trouble, finding it whether it exists or not, diagnosing it incorrectly, and applying the wrong remedy. Ernest Benn
Without precise meanings behind words, politicians and elites can obscure reality and condition people to reflexively associate certain words with positive or negative perceptions. In other words, unpleasant facts can be hidden behind purposely meaningless language.Ron Paul
Suppose you were an idiot. And suppose you were a member of Congress. But I repeat myself. Mark Twain
And some of my all time favourites
Too bad that all the people who really know how to run the country are busy driving taxi cabs and cutting hair.
George Burns
A politician is an arse upon which everyone has sat except a man.
E. E. Cummings
A politician … one that would circumvent God.
William Shakespeare
Hamlet.
Whoever makes two ears of corn, or two blades of grass to grow where only one grew before, deserves better of mankind, and does more essential service to his country than the whole race of politicians put together.
Jonathan Swift
A liberal is a conservative who has been arrested.
Tom Wolfe
From his novel ‘The Bonfire of the Vanities’.
Democracy means simply the bludgeoning of the people by the people for the people.
Oscar Wilde
Democracy means simply the bludgeoning of the people by the people for the people.
Oscar Wilde
Democracy means simply the bludgeoning of the people by the people for the people.
Oscar Wilde………………………
“Like the rest of the Malaysian public, I want to believe in Anwar. I do not trust BN and the mainstream media anymore. But Anwar is an ambitious politician and you know what they say about politicians, let alone the ambitious ones. How then can I get him to say what I want him to say without begging him to be sincere? I know, I’ll use Altantuya’s father and family as an excuse… and pretend to censure him from playing politics”.
So you see, Michelle, you are not as naive as some of us here think you are.
Why not you allow him (Anwar) to bring about the change first,before asking him to be fair to Altantuya’s father and family,or/and to us (malaysian),the rakyat of this nation.He is a politician,neither he is a civil servant nor a member of parliament or for that matter the PM.He need the mandate from the rakyat to perform according to our needs and demands.As for now, it is really unfair on our part to pressure him this way.
correct3….