Large turn-out at Bersih gatherings in Sabah, Sarawak

By Luke Rintod of FMT

KOTA KINABALU: About 1,500 people from all walks of life converged at the historic Padang Merdeka in the city today, only to be turned away by hundreds of policemen barricading the field.

They, however, managed to conduct their Bersih 3.0 sit-in – for free and fair elections – around the field which on normal days is open to the public either for sport or recreation.

Star denies flogging the 'politics of 2nd Chance'

KOTA KINABALU: Star deputy chairman Daniel John Jambun has denied flogging the "politics of 2nd Chance" as charged by Sabah Chief Minister Musa Aman during a party function on Thurs at the Umno building in Kota Kinabalu.

He was referring to Musa alleging that opposition leaders had done nothing for the people during their "glory days in power" and were now striving to get a second chance on the comeback trail. Musa had also added, in his caustic remarks, that such leaders would not be able to "make a difference" in future if they couldn't do so in the past.

Musa Aman tells of the prime minister’s success in three short years

Najib Razak

They came by the thousands and by word of mouth. And they listened attentively to Sabah Chief Minister Musa Aman talk of Prime Minister Najib Razak’s success in governing Malaysia since he took office three years ago. Village chiefs and community leaders, said Musa, are still important “eyes and ears” of the government despite the speed and reach of the internet in delivering information to the people.

 “There are still those who do not get their news through radio, television and the newspapers,” he told a meeting with them in Kudat, 131km (82 miles) northeast of Kota Kinabalu, on April 25.

Musa said community leaders have a duty to inform and explain to the people of all the good that the Barisan Nasional (National Front) government has done for them.

If the law is bad, break it

I got a call from a reporter a little while ago to ask my thoughts on the court order obtained by the authorities, banning the Duduk Bantah Bersih 3.0 taking place at Dataran Merdeka.

To explain my point to her, I shared this little episode that took place whilst in I was in London in the 80′s.

Following the Falklands war, information had leaked out that greatly embarrassed the Thatcher administration.

The leaked information was finally traced back to a member of the British civil service, one Clive Ponting.

Ponting was charged with an offence under the Official Secrets Act.

At the end of the trial, the judge DIRECTED the jury, that on the evidence, they must enter a finding of guilt.

Bersih 3.0: Fight For the Future!

KOTA KINABALU: BERSIH Sabah 3.0 will go on as planned today at Padang Merdeka at 2pm – 4pm in spite of resistances put up by various parties as reported in the media.

“We are members of the public; therefore we are entitled to attend the programme if we wish to. Too much has been put at stake for fellow Malaysians. Civil liberties are being threatened, we must act now!” says BERSIH Sabah spokesperson Andrew Ambrose, also known as Atama.