Horses' Mouths - October 28

Mahathir on human rights While we respect human rights as a universal value, it should be implemented within our capabilities. If we follow the West, which adopts extreme human rights that allows men to get married with (other) men and women getting married with (other) women, (that) should be rejected outright. Dr Mahathir Mohamad, former prime minister Ambiga on ex-IGP It is a view that would only be held by dictators and oppressive regimes who abhor dissent. Ambiga Sreenevasan, Bersih 2.0 chairwoman, on former IGP Abdul Rahim Noor's likening of the rise of the human rights movement to communism Indelible joke Now that the electoral body talked about the indelible ink again and with the backing of the government, so they say... To me it sounds a bit weird when someone in the EC pronounced that they are undertaking a study on that something, which had obviously been thoroughly studied and considered before. What a big joke this is. Abdul Rashid Abdul Rahman, former chairman of Election Commission, saying he was all for the use of the indelible ink Over to you, Noh Omar (Noh) will be explaining the issues raised in Parliament during the winding-up debate next week. Wan Zurina Saaran, spokeswoman of National Feedlot Centre (NFC), a RM73.64 million project described as "a mess" by the Auditor-General's 2010 report AG Report Essentially this is the legacy left behind by (the) Mahathir administration, which preferred a muted monarchy. At the same time we have an executive who could not care less about checks and balances and a monarchy that is unsure of its role. Abdul Aziz Bari, International Islamic University lecturer, saying the unveiling of the Auditor-General's Report to cabinet is one effect of weakened institutions caused by Dr Mahathir Mohamad during his term as prime minister Potential abusers believe that they can enjoy immunity from investigation and prosecution. Coupled with a lack of administrative reforms to strengthen accountability and the clarity of law and regulations, abusers can find it easy to extract economic rent from the state without the fear of being reprimanded. Paul Low, Transparency International Malaysia chairman, on the repetition of mismanagement in the latest Auditor General’s Report 2010 Altantuya The fact that your government does not make positive steps towards the issue raised by Mongolia (may) perhaps adversely impact the interest of hundreds of Mongolians who are studying and living in Malaysia. Despite the fact that the government of Mongolia proposed to discuss the issue by appointing and sending its representatives to Malaysia, it has been one year without any response. Setev Shaariibuu, father of slain Mongolian Altantuya Shaariibuu, appealing to Malaysian courts to hasten the hearing of the RM100 million civil suit he has filed against the government Freedom Ltd (Academics) must provide views in ethically and responsibly and not in an egoistic and emotional manner, and should not be partisan nor cross the bounds of local decorum. Mohd Kamal Hassan, professor at International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilisation, on academic freedom