MALAYSIA
Obama believes Najib a moderate, but Umno, others a hindrance, says Bar Council
Malaysian police and Secret Service vehicles escorting United States President Barack Obama's motorcade after a town-hall meeting with Asean youth at the University of Malaya in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. Representatives from Malaysian civil rights groups also met the American president where they raised human rights issues. – The Malaysian Insider pic by Najjua Zulkefli, April 28, 2014.United States President Barack Obama recognises that Datuk Seri Najib Razak has the instinct for moderation and unity but elements outside and within Umno are the stumbling block, says the Malaysian Bar.Its president, Christopher Leong, agreed with Obama that the Malaysian prime minister's effort was a difficult task.
The US president's three-day visit to Kuala Lumpur came 48 years after his predecessor Lyndon B. Johnson's visit in 1966.
Leong replied to questions by The Malaysian Insider by text messages last night following his meeting with Obama together with nine other representatives from local civil rights groups.
He said the Bar which represents 13,000 lawyers would support Najib in his effort for moderation, unity and harmony.
"This is also important for Malaysia's trade and economic development," Leong added.
He said the US president, who was once a civil rights lawyer, was attentive on issues pertaining to the rule of law.
Leong said they also raised the reintroduction of detention without trial under the Prevention of Crime Act, the abuse of the Sedition Act against civil society and opposition political leaders to stifle the freedom of speech and expression.
"We also brought to his attention the use of the Printing, Presses and Publications Act to control the traditional media."
Leong said Obama recognised the concerns raised and also supported the work put in by the civil rights groups, including the Bar.
He also said Obama agreed that Malaysia and the United States worked towards moderation, elimination of discrimination and promote the adherence to the rule of law.
"Obama also acknowledged that the US did not have 100% record on these issues but must continue to work and advocate improvement," he said.
Obama left for the Philippines, the final stop of his Asian tour, this morning. – April 28, 2014.
COMMENTS (19)
Did Obama say anything else ? So far, nothing seriously affects our country integrity (that is that critical on our current system and rule of law). He only talks on do what is needed to improve for the future. Everything looks positive to me and therefore, we are doing a good job. I for one am glad for that instead of hearing preposterous nonsense from people like Maria Chin, Ambiga, etc
You know we are a great country still, just look at the whole world. Just some of you people dont realize it.
I concur that we do live in a great nation, but it is hampered by a bunch of incompetent ninnies at the helm increasing our national debt annually and causing unnecessary burdens upon its citizens. They are NOT doing a good job at all. You must be so well off in life to be so completely ignorant on the stress being constantly stacked upon every common Malaysian on a daily basis.
FYI, Obama has met with BERSIH and people like Maria Chin and Ambiga as well in this trip, so yes he is well aware of the threat of electoral accountability here. Now go back into hiding, rational my foot.
with their reports to the president.
Its the Bar Council that should refute the cases brought forth
by whoever that have been manipulating the president.
Once bitten twice shy , twice dikelentong thrice dicapati.
If a leader cannot command its leadership respect:
Leader has failed no confidence or insurbodination requires sacking.
Make a choice mr president and mr leong.
Having KNOWN of the Fact is one thing but Putting the Minority ethnic People of Malaysia in Jeopardy is the other ............... according to Mr President's view, Najib has a BIG problem in this regard......So are we the Minority group going to suffer because of Najib and his devil Umno.......????
So......Can Malaysia Progress without the Minority which forms the backbone Financially, Commercially and Intellectually of Malaysia ......???
Hence, there is no difference what Najib is with umno and rest of racist group.
Don't fall for the "Good Cop, Bad Cop" ploy.
ABU is the only answer.