Utusan compares Anwar to Strauss-Kahn
Changeagent: Utusan Malaysia shouldn't confuse Anwar Ibrahim to Dominique Strauss-Kahn as the differences between their alleged sexual misdemeanours are like chalk and cheese.
For instance, the hotel maid who was assaulted did not wait for two days to report the matter to the authorities. She reported it right after the incident. The IMF chief also does not have to contend with bizarre evidences like the unanimous findings of no sexual penetration by several doctors, the victim not washing or defecating for days just to preserve the semen, high-level political interferences by the PM and his wife, and the discovery of half a dozen DNAs in the alleged offender's semen.
Lakia: This shows how desperate Umno, BN and Utusan Malaysia are. For years now, the whole government resources and institutions have been used against Anwar to make sure he will be 'politically dead'.
If we apply the same logic used by Utusan, then what about the allegations against those involved in the murder of Altantuya Shaariibuu, those allegedly involved in receiving the RM500 million commission from our purchase of the Scorpene submarines, the alleged rape of the Indonesian maid, the alleged corruption against Sarawak Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud, etc?
GI Joe: There was also a Umno leader accused of rape. Why doesn't he stepped down?
Justice Seeker: Is there any video recording such as the CCTV involving Dominique Strauss-Khan, which shows the victim running frightened from the IMF boss' room? If Saiful Bukhari Azlan is telling the truth, why didn't he also run away from Anwar Ibrahim?
He claimed he was forcefully sodomised many times, but he continued working for Anwar until he met the conspirators. As for the sex video, why hasn't the police revealed the identity of the man in the video?
Abil: Utusan Malaysia has lost all moral ground to advise anyone since it had blatantly lied in claiming that the Christians were planning to make Christianity the official religion of the federation in order to create racial tensions.
When the press loses its bearing in society, it is best to refrain from commenting. Principles are more important than one person. It is imperative that people vote for the opposition, even if Anwar were not in Pakatan Rakyat.
Anonymous_418f: When a sitting prime minister's bodyguards and close friend are implicated in the murder by C4 case, why did not Najib Razak resign?
On your toes: Anwar has bad morals? Never mind, Anwar is acceptable to us. Even if it is true, it is a moral crime, unlike pilferage, stealing, abuse of power, murder, illegal imprisonment, torture, breach of trust, etc.
The only difference is that those guilty of the latter crimes are not caught, investigated or charged.
Artchan: What about a senior minister caught romping with a woman in Port Dickson? Awang Selamat, takkan you tak tahu?
Poppyie: If Najib, the PM implicated in the murder of Altantuya, resigns, I would call personally on Anwar and advise him that he has reached the end of the road and that he too has no choice but to resign from all public posts. This is the deal.
Keturunan Malaysia: I don't really care as much about Strauss Khan as I care about my fellow Malaysians. I am very worried for those who can see a fly moving on the other side of the outer surface of a cup of tea but can't see an elephant right in front of their nose.
NUJ chief: Shut down Utusan Malaysia
Cala: NUJ president Hata Wahari, thank you. I am both moved and impressed by Hata's enlightened words, which are fair, truthful, and certainly the correct panacea for a 'troubled nation' infested with insane religious zealotry. I salute you, sir. Of course, we know who are behind Utusan Malaysia - a political party who is fearful of its own demise come 13th GE.
Why are the masters of Utusan behaving the way they do, allowing the newspaper to fan religious conflicts? By right, for the sake of national unity, peace, and prosperity, such acts of Utusan should be punished, right?
Knowing the true nature of politicians however, 'historical institutionalism' justifies their irrational act as they choose to interpret, and re-interpret laws to their own advantage. James Buchanan has shown how foolish Americans were for placing their trust onto their politicians and in the process, paid expensive lessons.
On this note, it is perhaps high time the people learn to do their own thinking and reasoning.
Faz: A wishful thinking, Hata. Still, it's a good way to hit it at the most painful position to open their closed eyes and minds. But then, even if the editors are normal people like any Malaysian, they are handicapped by the bare fact that Umno owns the paper and everyone in Utusan must toe the party line.
It's easier to vote Umno-BN out of power than to discipline the editors, as it is the same Umno power that regulates the newspapers and directs the Utusan.
David Dass: Utusan should not be closed down. It is enough if the paper is suspended for a few weeks and if that is not possible, then at least remove the editorial board. We should protect the right of newspapers to publish facts and opinions even if the facts are unpleasant and we disagree with their opinions. Malaysians should become accustomed to vigorous debate in the public space.
What was wrong with Utusan was the deliberate publication of falsehood which because it was inflammatory in nature could have created tension between Muslims and Christians. Minister Nazri Abdul Aziz was right in one respect. The Internet has made censorship all but impossible.
At the same time, everything should be done to encourage responsible reporting and comment. No one should be allowed to provoke racial or religious tension by the publication of falsehoods.
We Can Live: It is difficult to imagine Utusan being shut down. The logical thing to do is perhaps to take Utusan to court as a test case. And if Utusan loses, then they have to pay for the consequences. A defamation suit will suffice. Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Vincent Tan have done it before.
Bujang Senang: I wonder why the people are so worked up over the Utusan issue. The paper has every right to publish what it wants, and face the music if it has exceeded the boundary. If you are not happy, then boycott the paper.
Lam Seng Chow: The point is, why the double standards by the authorities? If there's no stern action by them, then don't accuse the public of the misperception that this is all cook-up by Utusan's masters.
Multi Racial: What Hata suggested is something the government should do but did not. Who is to be blamed? I believe majority will agreed with me on the following:
1) Obviously, Utusan is wrong and action should be taken against the newspaper and its management.
2) If the minister responsible for the matter did not take action, then the minister himself is a party to this wrongdoing and therefore action should be taken against him. In this case, he should resign.
3) The home minister has power over this matter as it threatens the security of the country. But if he does nothing it means he is also a party to it. Therefore, action should be taken against him too.
4) If the PM does not take any action, then it means PM endorses this. So action should be taken against the PM by the cabinet.
5) If cabinet does nothing, then Malaysians should do something about it at the next general election.
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