R.A.H.M.A.N

NIEI DEMANDS THE IMMEDIATE RELEASE OF MS. SONG MIN-YOUNG
by National Institute for Democracy and Electoral Integrity (NIEI) on Tuesday, June 28, 2011 at 2:01am.

National Institute for Democracy & Electoral Integrity (NIEI) would like to counter the allegations made by main stream media, Utusan Malaysia about NIEI and our visiting intern Ms. Song Min-Young. NIEI is a non-profit, impartial, independent and neutral non-government organization (NGO) where we work closely with government agencies, NGOs, political parties and the public at large.

Ms. Song is a South Korean student and also involved in volunteer work in The May 18 Memorial Foundation. She is currently helping NIEI to help our research work on electoral system and is not in any way a foreign spy; observing the roadshow is part of NIEI work. We deplore the action taken against her by the Royal Police Force and demand for her immediate release.

NIEI was informed on 25th June, 2011 on the arrest and detention of our visiting intern Ms. Song Min-young at Ledang, Johor for participating in BERSIH but was released the following morning along with others who were detained.

On 27th June, 2011 evening, Ms. Song was re-arrested in Bangsar and detained at Bukit Jalil police station and has been charged for violating the Immigration Act. She has also been accused by mainstream media of threatening national security with communism via BERSIH.

NIEI strongly dismisses these accusations as baseless and totally incorrect. Ms. Song Min-young, a student at Chonnam National University, South Korea and interested in election and democracy. She has been helping NIEI and our research entitled “Election in Malaysia: Comparison studies between Malaysia and South Korea” . Her work required her to communicate with government agencies, non-governmental organizations as well as political parties. During her arrest in Ledang, Johor, Ms. Song was observing the work of Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) in line with her duties at NIEI.

As a matter of fact, NIEI is working closely with the Election Comission (EC) to improve the electoral system of the country and was not a part of BERSIH 2.0 coalition.

We are disappointed and sad with the accusation made by the police and Utusan Malaysia that Ms. Song is a foreign agent to disturb peace in Malaysia. We demand that Ms. Song be released and charges dropped immediately and that the Malaysian Police Force and Utusan Malaysia issue a public apology for this unlawful act.

Background of NIEI

National Institute for Democracy and Electoral Integrity (NIEI) of Malaysia began in 1999 as an informal group of like-minded activists for genuine democracy. On 4th July 2007, NIEI was officially registered.

NIEI works to enhance development of democracy in Malaysia, especially areas related to election issues and problems. Thus, NIEI is active in monitoring election processes and conducting programs on voters’ awareness.

In 2007 and 2008, NIEI was involved in voters’ education program for natives in the states of Sabah and Sarawak. This activity was about bringing awareness on the rights of voters and on making informed choices/decisions.

Since 2004, under the umbrella of ANFREL, NIEI has also participated in monitoring numerous elections in other Asian countries as observers. Among countries where NIEI has sent its observers to are Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Nepal, Thailand, Cambodia, Singapore, Indonesia, South Korea, Aceh and the Philippines.

A substantial proportion of young population of Malaysia do not register as voters and many more do not participate in election, NIEI now is working among youth for their active participation in processes of Malaysian democracy

Further Information, please call:

NIEI Secretariat
02-2282-4105
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Somewhere along the line something indeed has really gone wrong and mad. In Malaysia politic is about creating a comic strip good enough for politicians's self ego but does not make sense to the people. This is the trend to be expected when the ruling Government knows that they are standing on thin ice.

But the outcome of all this stupid creative claims from the Home Ministry and Police,will create a surprising ending for someone considered gone and without hope.

Yes, Khairy is playing a duel poker game with UMNO and PKR.

Mahathir thinks he is smart, Najib rather Rosmah thinks she is smart and the Opposition with Azmin Ali holding the whip thinks he is smart. But Khairy says he is smarter now.

The Malays believe in THE MAGIC of R.A.H.M.A.N BUT WHO DOES ALL MALAYSIANS WANT?