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Thursday, July 23, 2015

On conspiracy, overthrowing governments and evidence

This reader comments on how the words “conspiracy”, “overthrow” and “evidence” have each taken on a new dimension in meaning in Malaysia
COMMENT
1mdb
By TK Chua
Let’s begin exploring the conventional or ordinary meaning of these words. First, the word “conspiracy”; it is a noun, defined as a secret plan by a group to do something unlawful. So the elements include a plan hatched by a group to do something that is unlawful and harmful.
Second, the word “overthrow”; it is a verb, meaning to depose, to put an end to by force, for example, to overthrow a legally constituted government.
Third, the word “evidence”; it is a noun, meaning the available body of facts or information indicating whether a belief or proposition is true or valid.
Now, let’s look how these words are applied in Malaysia today.
Mahathir has openly, not covertly, declared that he wanted the current prime minister to resign due to debacles in 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB). There is no secrecy there. Other politicians (mainly from the Opposition and some within Umno), NGOs and activists have criticised 1MDB, the prime minister and the manner in which the authorities have handled the investigations. The mass media, whistleblower websites, social media and many Malaysians in general have also asked questions and expressed their concerns over the increasing imbroglio in 1MDB.
But was there a deliberate plan hatched by all these different parties? If indeed there was a plan, was the plan secret? Was the plan trying to do something unlawful?
I think these are the questions the authorities must first answer before they start accusing others of conspiracy. As far as I know, Mahathir, the opposition politicians, the NGOs, the whistleblowers, the mass media, social media and ordinary Malaysians did not cause the problems in1MDB. They did not borrow and invest massive amounts, incur excessive debts, transfer money in and out of the country or in and out of bank accounts. So where is the conspiracy? Where is the unlawfulness?
Then we have the accusation that those who criticise the PM and 1MDB are in effect aiming to overthrow the government. To overthrow is to depose by force. Where is the evidence of that? Where are the means to overthrow the government by force? To criticise, to highlight malfeasance, to point out the possibility of abuse and corruption is not overthrowing by force. These are part and parcel of the democratic process. To overthrow a government is certainly different from forcing an incumbent to explain or account for his/her actions, failing which his/her position is no longer tenable. No, I don’t think Malaysians in general want to overthrow the government by force or by unconstitutional means.
Finally, some have claimed that there is now sufficient “evidence” to indicate that there was a conspiracy to overthrow the government. The evidence being tossed around is the disclosure by former PetroSaudi International (PSI) executive Xavier Andre Justo to the Thai police and ex-journalist Lester Melanyi’s statement against the information provided in the Sarawak Report website. Both apparently claimed that information used to criticise 1MDB were doctored or tampered with earlier by the “conspirators”.
But where is the available body of facts or information to support the belief that whatever was disclosed by Justo (through the Thai Police) or Lester (through a pre-recorded video) are true and valid.
As much as the information provided by the Sarawak Report needs corroboration and substantiation, those provided by Justo and Melanyi also need confirmation and proof. The best way to find the truth is for the investigating authorities to “match” the information provided by both parties against actual events occurring in 1MDB and its dealings with PSI and various other parties.
The earlier the investigating authorities do this, the better it is for Malaysia.
TK Chua is an FMT reader.

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