Malaysia

According to Parti Sosialis Malaysia secretary general S.Arutchelvan, despite police warnings to stay away from what was branded an "illegal" rally, thousands attended the July 6 all-day rally against the fuel price hike. There were around 10,000 through most of the day but up to 35,000 at night, he said.

Kulala Lumpur: In the wake of new "sodomy" allegations against him, Malaysian Peoples Front (Pakatan Rakyat) leader Anwar Ibrahim July 3 claimed there was a conspiracy to cover up "shocking evidence" showing alleged ties between deputy prime minister Najib Razak and a Mongolian woman who was brutally murdered two years ago.
The case of 28-year old Mongolian Altantuya Shaariibuu grabbed the headlines after police arrested and charged prominent political analyst Abdul Razak Baginda - who has close ties with Najib - with her gory murder.

Opposition People's Front (Pakatan Rakyat) leader Anwar Ibrahim told a rally of between 7000 and 10,000 supporters on July 1 how he had planned to announce his political comeback in office through a by-election this very week. However is deferring this to a later date because the "information was leaked from his office" to the Barisan Nasional government which then fabricated new allegations of "sodomy" (a crime in Malaysia) against him.

Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim emerged on June 30 from the Turkish embassy in Kuala Lumpur , where he took refuge on June 29 saying his life was in danger. This followed new allegations of "sodomy" that he says were orchestrated by the Barisan Nasional government in a desperate bid to keep its grip on power.

Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) statement 29 June 2008:
Mobilise Peoples' Power to Defend Democracy!
Post March 2008 [general elections] is a period of great promise. Now both fronts, the Barisan Nasional [ruling National Front] and the Pakatan Rakyat [opposition People's Front], have to compete to prove themselves to the people of Malaysia. There is no doubt that the breaking of the 2/3 majority in Parliament as well as the conquest of 5 states by the Pakatan Rakyat has propelled Malaysian politics into a new era.
However it is an era that has great risks as well. UMNO [United Malays National Organisation, the main party in the BN] is now akin to an injured tiger. Still strong because it is still the largest single party in the country and it practically controls the levers of government at the Federal level. However it faces the hitherto unthought of possibility of losing control of the Federal Government either at the next elections or even sooner if Anwar and the PR can induce enough BN MPs to cross over.

Interview by by Premesh Chandran, Malaysiakini
Prof Jomo Kwame Sundaram is the Assistant Secretary General for Economic Development in the United Nation's Department of Economics and Social Affairs.
Before joining the UN, Prof Jomo was Professor in the Applied Economics Department, Faculty of Economics and administration, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, until August 2004.

The next protest against fuel price hike in Malaysia is a MILLION-STRONG RALLY called for Sunday July 6, 2008 at KLCC ("Twin Towers", Kuala Lumpur), 3pm. Everyone is urged to wear red clothing. Organised by Gabungan Membantah Kenaikan Harga Minyak (Coalition Against Fuel Price Hikes) - PROTES.

Malaysiakini: The government has given a rare green light to the creation of a new political party, with the Socialist Party of Malaysia (PSM) winning recognition after a decade-long battle.
Home Minister Syed Hamid Albar said he last week gave his approval to the party, which was once deemed a threat to national security and had to fight through the courts for legal registration.
"We consider it is appropriate that it be given an opportunity," Syed Hamid told reporters, adding it must now show it can comply with registration requirements.

KUALA LUMPUR, June 13, 2008: Thousands gathered in front of the Kampung Baru mosque after Friday prayers to protest against the recent fuel price hike. The group, led by Parti Islam (PAS) Youth chief Salahuddin Ayub, walked from the mosque at about 2pm towards the junction of Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman and Jalan Dang Wangi in front of the Sogo shopping complex while chanting slogans and carrying banners.