Enough excuses. The Prime Minister has admitted to not having done enough to put in place the reforms he had promised. Admitting the failure is one thing, doing something about it is another.
April 16th is the anniversary of the astounding disapperance and death of Francis Udayappan. On this day in 2004, he had supposedly fled from police custody. It took a month to locate the body when it was fished out of the Klang river without its head, the identity of the body being confirmed by an inquest about two years later. This inquest returned an open verdict - insufficient evidence to establish cause of death - but ruled out foul play, something Francis' family has insisted took place. A High Court challenge was filed but to date remains unheard.
If the Prime Minister is serious about wanting to make Malaysians believe that his government cares, then an Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC) must be established as a priority. The IPCMC must be the kind of independent and empowered body the 'Royal Commission to Enhance the Operation and Management of the Royal Malaysia Police' recommended to the Prime Minister in 2005. This was after the Commission had heard testimony on amongst other things police brutality and corruption.
Malaysians have heard excuses and distractions but have seen precious little movement. Such inaction only goes to show the continuing disrespect for the memory of Francis Udayappan and all that he represents.
As G Sara Lily commemorates the loss of her son today, her anguish inconsolable and deepening, we cannot lose sight of that fact. Her tears are a reminder of the kind of wrongs and injustices this Government has allowed to occur and continues to through its inaction.
They are a reminder of why we must be vigilant and continue to lead the nation by our hearts and minds. On March 8th, we reclaimed the nation to ourselves. This nation belongs to us, not to the Barisan, not to the Pakatan. We must continue to show those who do not care, who would allow the inflicting of harm on any one of us that that they have no place amongst those who lead us.
A prayer for Francis, a prayer for all who have suffered at the hands of unjust aggressors and continue to do so.
MIS
The Malaysiakini report 'Francis Udayappan remembered' can be read here.
April 16th is the anniversary of the astounding disapperance and death of Francis Udayappan. On this day in 2004, he had supposedly fled from police custody. It took a month to locate the body when it was fished out of the Klang river without its head, the identity of the body being confirmed by an inquest about two years later. This inquest returned an open verdict - insufficient evidence to establish cause of death - but ruled out foul play, something Francis' family has insisted took place. A High Court challenge was filed but to date remains unheard.
If the Prime Minister is serious about wanting to make Malaysians believe that his government cares, then an Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC) must be established as a priority. The IPCMC must be the kind of independent and empowered body the 'Royal Commission to Enhance the Operation and Management of the Royal Malaysia Police' recommended to the Prime Minister in 2005. This was after the Commission had heard testimony on amongst other things police brutality and corruption.
Malaysians have heard excuses and distractions but have seen precious little movement. Such inaction only goes to show the continuing disrespect for the memory of Francis Udayappan and all that he represents.
As G Sara Lily commemorates the loss of her son today, her anguish inconsolable and deepening, we cannot lose sight of that fact. Her tears are a reminder of the kind of wrongs and injustices this Government has allowed to occur and continues to through its inaction.
They are a reminder of why we must be vigilant and continue to lead the nation by our hearts and minds. On March 8th, we reclaimed the nation to ourselves. This nation belongs to us, not to the Barisan, not to the Pakatan. We must continue to show those who do not care, who would allow the inflicting of harm on any one of us that that they have no place amongst those who lead us.
A prayer for Francis, a prayer for all who have suffered at the hands of unjust aggressors and continue to do so.
MIS
The Malaysiakini report 'Francis Udayappan remembered' can be read here.
