text:
23 December 1998
Original: ENGLISH
Report of the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and the protection of
the right to freedom of opinion and expression, Mr. Abid Hussain,
submitted in accordance with Commission on
Human Rights resolution 1998/42
Introduction 1 - 7
A. Legal framework 13 - 28
B. Principal observations and concerns 29 - 64
Annex: Persons with whom the Special Rapporteur met during his visit
1. This report has been prepared pursuant to resolution 1998/42 of the Commission on Human Rights. It presents and analyses information received by the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, Mr. Abid Hussain, during his visit to Malaysia from 20 to 24 October 1998, as well as information received earlier from individuals and non-governmental organizations concerning allegations of violations of the right to freedom of opinion and expression.
2. By letter dated 27 May 1998 addressed to the Permanent Mission of Malaysia to the United Nations Office at Geneva, the Special Rapporteur sought the agreement of the Government for a visit to Malaysia. On 9 June 1998, the Government of Malaysia granted this request and the dates of the visit were confirmed by letter dated 9 September 1998.
3. The Special Rapporteur would like to express his gratitude for the cooperation extended to him by the Government of Malaysia in discharging his mandate.
4. The Special Rapporteur would also like to express his appreciation to the Resident Representative and staff of the United Nations Development Programme in Kuala Lumpur for their efficient organization of his visit.
5. The visit took place mainly in Kuala Lumpur, except for one day in Penang to attend the Commonwealth Editors' Forum and to meet with editors-in-chief of the main Malaysian newspapers. During his visit, the Special Rapporteur met with representatives of the Government, members of Parliament and the judiciary, as well as with representatives of non-governmental organizations active in the field of human rights, academics, press professionals, witnesses and victims of alleged violations and other members of civil society who were of interest to his mandate.
6. A list of persons with whom the Special Rapporteur met during the visit is contained in the annex to this report. The Special Rapporteur would like to take this opportunity to thank those he met for their generous efforts to assist him during his visit to Malaysia.
7. It should be noted that the Special Rapporteur had also requested to visit some of the detainees but could not do so due to the Government's extreme preoccupation with certain emerging situations that developed during the period of his visit. As it was short notice, the inability of the Government to respond positively may be understood.
8. Malaysia is a federation of 13 states with a parliamentary system of government based on periodic multiparty elections in which the ruling coalition of political parties - the Barisan Nasional - has held power since the independence of Malaysia in 1957.
9. In 1981 Dr. Mahathir Mohamad became the fourth Prime Minister of Malaysia since independence. He contributed to the economic growth of Malaysia by initiating a bold policy of heavy industrialization and a foreign policy asserting the interests of the undeveloped South versus those of the developed nations of the North. Dr. Mahathir became the spokesman for the "New Asia", upholding certain values by which the human rights and fundamental freedoms of individuals may be limited in due regard of the need to achieve or sustain what are essentially described as "Asian values". Malaysia is indeed among the countries which have argued, over the past few years, that the universal values, principles and rights set out in, inter alia, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights may be subject to cultural, historical, social, religious and/or political interpretation and constructs.
10. Like other countries in south-east Asia, Malaysia has been experiencing economic and environmental crises in 1997 which have had considerable implications. Some of the policies of the Mahathir Government were progressively called into question. The ruling coalition of parties in the Barisan Nasional continues to dominate the political arena, but a number of developments, particularly within the United Malay National Organization (UMNO - principal party of the ruling coalition) party, including the coming of age of a new generation of voters, tend to suggest that the traditional pattern of Malaysian politics is changing.
11. On 2 September 1998, Prime Minister Mahathir dropped Deputy Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim from the Cabinet on alleged grounds of immoral and corrupt conduct. According to Mr. Anwar, his ouster was actually due to political differences and led to a series of demonstrations advocating political reforms. In September 1998, the Government detained Mr. Anwar and many of his supporters without trial under the Internal Security Act (ISA). Ibrahim Anwar and most of his associates were later released from ISA detention though Mr. Anwar remained imprisoned pending trial on criminal charges. These developments could have an important impact on UMNO party elections scheduled for 1999 and Malaysia's general elections, which must be held before April 2000.
12. As regards the information sector, the political crisis had implications for the quality and the objectivity of the information made public as well as for the Government's attitude towards the exercise of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, which became more restrictive. The role played by the media after the ouster of Anwar Ibrahim was very strongly criticized in certain quarters, resulting in a loss of credibility in the Malaysian media. Indeed, allegations made in affidavits which were not subjected to the judicial process were allegedly manipulated by the media and used against Mr. Anwar. Furthermore, and despite the plethora of national as well as foreign newspapers and private television and radio services, the current climate, described as a "climate of fear" by the civil society, inhibits independent or investigative journalism and results in self-censorship of issues that government authorities might consider sensitive.
13. In this section, the Special Rapporteur will briefly consider some aspects of the international and national legal framework governing the protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression in Malaysia.
14. Malaysia is a member of the United Nations and is thus bound to respect the rights and guarantees set out in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, of which article 19 enshrines the right to freedom of opinion and expression.
15. Malaysia is a party to five international instruments: the Convention on the Rights of the Child (although with several reservations, in particular to article 13 which provides the right to freedom of expression of the child), the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and the Convention on the Nationality of Married Women, also with reservations.
16. Malaysia has not acceded to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, nor to three other major conventions, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination and the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.
(a) The Constitution
17. Although article 10 of the Federal Constitution of Malaysia provides for the right to freedom of speech and expression, as well as the right to peaceful assembly "without arms", restrictions may be imposed by Parliament on these rights in the interests of the security of the Federation, friendly relations with other countries, public order or morality, in order to protect the privileges of members of Parliament or to provide against contempt of court, defamation or incitement to any offence.
18. Article 149 of the Constitution allows laws to be passed by Parliament that could restrict the right to freedom of speech as well as the rights to due process, freedom of assembly and association merely by stating, in the law itself, that "action has been taken or threatened by any substantial body of persons whether inside or outside the Federation to cause a substantial number of citizens to fear organized violence against persons and property". This can be done without a declaration of emergency. Today, article 149 provides the constitutional basis for two laws which provide for indefinite detention without trial - the Internal Security Act (ISA) 1960 and the Dangerous Drugs Act (DDA) 1985.
19. In addition, the Constitution's guarantee of freedom of expression is qualified to the extent that it can be restricted by a simple act of Parliament.
(b) The law on the press and other mass media
20. Following the mass detentions under the ISA in 1987 and the judicial crisis of 1988 when three independent judges were removed, a number of existing laws were amended to increase the power of the executive.
21. The Printing Press and Publication Act 1984 proscribes in section 8A (1) the malicious publishing of false news defined as "not taking reasonable measures to verify the truth". Section 8A (1) of the Printing Press and Publications Act 1984 reads as follows: "Where in any publication there is maliciously published any false news, the printer, publisher, editor and the writer thereof shall, on conviction, be liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years or to a fine not exceeding 20,000 ringgits or to both". Under the Act, the Government may ban the publication, import and circulation of any manuscript or publication deemed prejudicial to bilateral relations, public morality, security, public order, national interests, or which may alarm public opinion.
22. The Broadcasting Act of 1987 empowers the Minister of Information to control and monitor all radio and television broadcasts and to revoke the licence of any private company broadcasting material conflicting with "Malaysian values".
23. The Control of Imported Publications Act regulates foreign publications circulating in the country and gives the Government absolute discretion to ban any foreign publications deemed prejudicial to public order, morality or the security of Malaysia.
24. The 1967 Bernama Act - which established the Government-controlled news agency, Bernama - was amended in June 1990 in order to give Bernama exclusive rights to distribute news photographs, economic and financial data and other material. The amendment also allowed Bernama to cease being guided by the international conventions protecting freedom of information.
(c) Other legislation with a direct impact on the exercise of the right to freedom of opinion and expression
25. In recent years, a number of laws were amended including the Societies Act and the Police Act. These laws, along with the Sedition Act, could be used to suppress or repress expression and to curb peaceful assembly.
26. The Sedition Act 1948 prohibits public comment on issues defined as sensitive, such as citizenship rights for non-Malays, the special position of ethnic Malays in society, and certain aspects of religion. Section 4 (1b) of the Sedition Act reads as follows: "Any person who utters seditious words shall be guilty of an offence and shall, on conviction, be liable for a first offence to a fine not exceeding 5,000 ringgits or imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years or to both, and for a subsequent offence, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years."
27. The Official Secrets Act was amended in 1986 to extend the classification of government documents and places the onus on journalists to prove that the information is not secret before it is published. This Act also provides for a minimum one-year custodial sentence on those found guilty of an offence under the Act.
28. The ISA allows for detention by the police for up to 60 days for interrogation of any person suspected of acting or being about to act in a manner prejudicial to the security of Malaysia or any part of the country; following the initial 60 days, further detention for up to two years may be authorized in writing by the Minister of Home Affairs. Moreover, the right of detainees to challenge the legality of their detention is limited to procedural matters.
(a) The print media
29. The Special Rapporteur was informed that the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984 contains important limitations on press freedom. First of all, domestic and foreign publications must apply annually to the Government for a licence. The Act was further amended in December 1987 to make the publication of "malicious news" a punishable offence, to expand the Government's power to ban or restrict publications and to prohibit court challenges to the Government's actions. According to some NGOs in Malaysia that produce licensed periodicals which have critical views on government policies, the requirement to renew their licences annually exerts pressure on these publications with respect to their content and obliges the editors-in-chief to remain close to the Government. Some examples of newspapers affected by this Act are The Star, Watan and Sin Chew Jit Poh, three daily local newspapers whose licences were reportedly suspended for several months during 1987 and 1988 following allegations of publications of ethnic issues.
30. In addition, the Special Rapporteur's attention was drawn to the fact that all major daily newspapers are very closely tied to companies connected to political parties in the ruling Government, which makes the Malaysian press dependent upon the Government. Consequently, the newspapers provide uncritical coverage of government officials and give only limited and selective coverage to political views of the opposition or political rivals. Editorial opinion frequently reflects government positions on domestic and international issues. However, on some issues there is sometimes criticism of government policies, such as some environmental and social programmes and the functioning of government services. In addition Chinese and Indian newspapers are generally more free in reporting and commenting on sensitive political and social issues.
31. It is also alleged that newspapers and editors who are close to the opposition parties or supporters of former Deputy Prime Minister Anwar can expect to be censored or subjected to pressure. In this regard, the Special Rapporteur was informed that before Mr. Anwar's arrest, two editors of Malaysia's leading national Malay-language newspapers, Johan Jaafar from Utusan Malaysia and Ahmad Nazri Abdullah from Berita Harian, were pressured to resign by UMNO after having published reports and editorials highlighting views expressed by Ibrahim Anwar. According to the information received, the newspapers are perceived to have sided with Mr. Anwar in its coverage of intra-party struggles over political and economic reform.
32. The Special Rapporteur was furthermore informed that owing to political pressure, the Malaysian press practises self-censorship in order to follow the government line. This phenomenon was particularly visible during the financial crisis and the environmental problems in 1997. Whereas pertinent information on the two issues appeared in the press of neighbouring countries and in the international press, much of this information went unreported in Malaysia. Specific instructions were allegedly given not to report too much about these problems as it might adversely affect the country's image as well as tourism. Some of the justifications given by the Government to limit freedom of the press and which were conveyed to the Special Rapporteur during the visit were the necessity of avoiding any ethnic minority problems and, more generally, sensitive reports that would undermine "national peace and harmony".
33. The Special Rapporteur's attention was also drawn to the fact that the Government uses the Printing Presses and Publications Act to limit the freedom of expression of certain human rights activists. The Special Rapporteur met with Irene Fernandez, Director of Tenanganita, a women's non-governmental organization, who was arrested on 18 March 1996 and charged under section 8a of the Act with publishing "false news" in a report on alleged human rights violations in camps for detained migrants. Ms. Fernandez is free pending trial. As of the beginning of 1998, her trial was not yet completed and her case is reportedly the longest one in Malaysian history. If convicted, she faces up to three years' imprisonment or a fine, or both.
34. With regard to the foreign press, it was alleged that the Government has periodically chastised foreigners for exaggerating Malaysia's problems. According to certain sources, the Information Ministry announced on 9 August 1998 that it plans to impose new rules and restrictions that would allow the Government to monitor more closely the movements of foreign journalists in the country.
35. The Special Rapporteur had already been made aware of this problem since he had transmitted an allegation to the Government of Malaysia, in the framework of his mandate, on the deportation to the Philippines of Ms. Leah Palma Makabenta, Kuala Lumpur correspondent for Iter Press service and a national of the Philippines. Allegedly, her press pass was revoked on 1 April 1994 and she was ordered to leave the country within 48 hours because of an article she had written on the mistreatment of migrant labourers from neighbouring countries, which the Government said threatened national security. Reportedly, the Deputy Home Minister announced on 6 March 1994 that all foreign journalists who published what the Government considered to be negative reports about Malaysia should be banned from working in the country. The Special Rapporteur brought up this allegation again when he met with the Deputy Home Minister, since no reply from the Government had yet been received.
36. At the same time, the Special Rapporteur remains hopeful at the emerging openness that can be observed. On 3 May 1998, World Press Freedom Day was organized in Kuala Lumpur by the Asian Institute for Development Communication (AIDCOM) in collaboration with UNESCO, during which a panel discussion on press freedom was held between journalists and editors. Along the same lines, the Special Rapporteur welcomes the organization of the Commonwealth Editors Forum from 21 to 23 October 1998 in Penang which he had the opportunity to attend for a day. This event, which gathered editors from 35 different countries, shows a certain will to encourage debate on the press within Malaysian society.
(b) The broadcast media and the new technologies
37. Broadcasting is completely regulated by the 1988 Broadcasting Act which requires licensing for the operation of radio and television stations. The Act confers wide competence on the Ministry of Information. The Malaysian electronic media are either Government controlled or run by companies close to the ruling political parties. The content of private channels is closely monitored by the authorities. The Special Rapporteur's attention was drawn to the fact that the broadcast of CNN programmes is, according to some sources, delayed by one hour and that a voice-over summarizes the content of the journalist's presentation. However, the opinion has been expressed that the voice-over happens exceptionally rather than routinely. The Special Rapporteur is of the view that this practice could be assimilated to censorship and deserves examination.
38. The major newspapers and most of the broadcast media - RTM, TV3, Mega TV, MetroVision, NTV7 and Astro - are owned and controlled by Barisan parties or those closely associated with them. This economic control of the media is reinforced by a code of conduct for the attribution of terrestrial and satellite frequencies to which hertz and satellite connections are also bound. Thus, a programme is classified "18-PA" - only for persons over 18 years old - if it contains anti-cultural, political or religious elements.
39. It has been brought to the Special Rapporteur's attention that the various political parties have unequal access to the electronic media. UMNO, the ruling party, has full and free access to the media whereas the opposition parties have some difficulties of access. In a meeting with Lim Kit Siang, who has been the leader of the opposition for 20 years, the Special Rapporteur was informed that Mr. Lim has not had even one minute on television at any time during that period. However, he has a home page on the Internet which is accessible to everyone in Malaysia and outside the country.
40. As in the print media, self-censorship of the electronic media is also visible. In this regard, it was reported to the Special Rapporteur that local cable television companies frequently eliminate foreign press reports on Malaysia.
41. Furthermore, the Special Rapporteur was informed that broadcast of the Malaysian demonstrations on 21 September 1998 by several television stations, including the British Broadcasting Corporation, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation and TV New Zealand, was jammed for several hours. Three days later, the Minister of Information announced that foreign television organizations would not be allowed to use the State broadcaster's facilities, which were meant for covering a specific event and were not meant for general use.
42. At the same time, the country is open to information from outside, owing mainly to the economic forces of globalization: on 11 June 1997, the Minister of Information announced that Bernama would no longer have a monopoly on the transmission of foreign news in the country, which it had enjoyed since 1990.
43. Regarding the new technology, and in particular the Internet, the number of Internet users is growing increasingly in Malaysia and the Malaysian authorities encourage citizens to equip themselves for the Internet. Although access to the Internet is widespread in the country, sensitive sites are nevertheless still closely controlled and intimidation of Internet users has been alleged and reported to the Special Rapporteur. In August 1998, two individuals were detained under the Internal Security Act for having allegedly used the Internet to start rumours that the 200,000 Indonesian migrant workers scheduled to be deported before the start of the Commonwealth Games were hoarding knives and machetes and intending to riot.
44. The Special Rapporteur is of the view that while the use of the Internet should be allowed fullest scope, it should not be abused to spread false news or for rumour-mongering. However, the Special Rapporteur wishes to encourage the use of the Internet, which shows that Malaysians are seeking alternative viewpoints using new modes of communication.
2. The legal restrictions on freedom of opinion and expression
45. During his visit, the Special Rapporteur noted with concern that Malaysia has a range of laws which can be used to control and limit the exercise of the right to freedom of opinion and expression (see paras. 21 and 26 to 28).
46. The ISA was passed more than 30 years ago, when there was an active Communist insurgency. The Special Rapporteur notes with concern that, under the Act, any police officer may arrest without a warrant and detain for up to 60 days any person suspected of acting in "any manner prejudicial to the security of Malaysia". Furthermore, these detainees can be held incommunicado, without access to legal representation or doctors, and often at risk of ill-treatment.
47. According to the Government, the object of the ISA is to control internal subversion threatening the security of the State. The Special Rapporteur was informed, however, that the Act in practice was not limited to its original purpose but was also being used to arrest and detain activists and leaders of a number of political parties as well as social and religious organizations. In early 1996, the Government indicated its intention to review the ISA; however, the use of the Act by the police has increased. It is time for the Act to be reviewed.
48. The Special Rapporteur notes with concern that during the weekend of 20 September 1998, more than 50 demonstrators were reported to have been arrested and 17 were detained under the ISA between 20 and 29 September; 13 had been released by 10 October but 4 remain in detention. According to the Government, there are no more political detainees under the ISA.
49. Unable to visit Mr. Anwar in detention, the Special Rapporteur nevertheless had the opportunity to meet with one of his lawyers, Raja Aziz Adruce, as well as with Mr. Anwar's wife, Dr. Wan Aziza. She herself was investigated under the Sedition Act, and on 23 September 1998 she also was served an order under the ISA prohibiting her from holding gatherings at their home, speaking in public and carrying out any political activities.
50. The Sedition Act is another legal restriction on the right to freedom of expression and opinion. This legislation contains very broad definitions of so-called "seditious tendencies", which include a tendency to bring into hatred or contempt or to excite "disaffection" against any ruler, the Government or the administration of justice. This Act was used as part of the case against Lim Guang Eng, a member of Parliament and Deputy Secretary-General of the Democratic Action Party (see para. 54).
51. Furthermore, access to public information or information relating to public interest issues is severely restricted by the Official Secrets Act 1972, which was amended extensively in 1983. Under this Act, departmental heads have broad powers to classify documents as "secret" and therefore inaccessible to the public. As this classification is completely subjective and not subject to any independent scrutiny, the Special Rapporteur notes that the Official Secrets Act can also potentially restrict freedom of the press. Any public officer can declare any material an official secret - a certification which cannot be questioned in court. This Act also obliges journalists who have used classified documents to reveal their sources. It has been brought to the Special Rapporteur's attention that in 1995, two journalists working for the newspaper Harian Metro were arrested and detained for alleged contravention of the Act. However, they were not charged and were subsequently released.
52. In view of the above considerations, the Special Rapporteur wishes to recall that under international human rights law, the right to freedom of expression can be restricted only in the most serious cases of threats to national security. He refers in this regard to the Johannesburg Principles on National Security, Freedom of Expression and Access to Information, which offer some guidance on this matter (E/CN.4/1996/39, annex), as well as to paragraphs 46 to 48 of his last report (E/CN.4/1998/40).
3. The judiciary
53. The Malaysian Constitution provides for an independent judiciary and in the eyes of the Constitution it is the judiciary that remains the best custodian of fundamental freedoms. It is for the courts to ensure that restrictions are not such as to render these freedoms illusory.
54. The case of Lim Guan Eng was mentioned to the Special Rapporteur as an example of selective prosecution based on political motivations, as well as a violation of the right to freedom of expression. Member of Parliament and Deputy Secretary-General of the opposition, Mr. Lim Guan Eng went on trial in January 1996 after publicly criticizing the judiciary and in particular the Government's handling of allegations of statutory rape against the former Chief Minister of Malacca. After having lost an appeal before the Federal Court in April 1998, Lim Guan Eng is now serving two concurrent 18-month prison terms for sedition and malicious publishing of false news.
55. The Special Rapporteur requested by letter dated 21 October 1998 to meet with Lim Guan Eng, but did not receive any reply. During a meeting with the Deputy Home Minister, the Special Rapporteur expressed his concern about Lim Guan Eng's case and drew attention to the fact that as a member of Parliament, he should be able to attend the Parliament's sessions. The Special Rapporteur also met with Lim Guan Eng's father, Lim Kit Siang, who provided him with updated information on his son.
56. During his visit, the Special Rapporteur met with Murray Hiebert, a Canadian correspondent for the Far Eastern Economic Review who was found guilty of contempt of court and sentenced to three months in jail on 4 September 1997. Since then, Mr. Hiebert has had to surrender his passport to the authorities and is not able to travel or to go back to his country to visit his family. The Special Rapporteur asked for the Government's special consideration in this case.
57. In addition, it was brought to the Special Rapporteur's attention that defamation laws have at times been used to stifle freedom of expression. The Special Rapporteur learned that in recent years civil suits have been brought alleging defamation and requesting damages of up to millions of ringgit. This is a phenomenon which appears to be having a very chilling effect on freedom of expression and needs to be curbed. In this regard, the Special Rapporteur is deeply concerned about the case of Dato' Param Cumaraswamy, Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers, who faces four defamation suits (seeking damages totalling $108 million) brought by several prominent individuals and Malaysian corporations for a 1995 interview with the London-based magazine International Commercial Litigation, in which he commented on his investigations into allegations of corporate interference with the Malaysian judiciary. Since the Malaysian Government did not recognize the immunity granted to him by the United Nations Secretary-General in his capacity as Special Rapporteur, the case was referred to the International Court of Justice. The Special Rapporteur anxiously awaits the final judgement in the matter.
4. Restrictions on the right of assembly
58. In view of the nature of his mandate, the Special Rapporteur does not wish to address questions relating uniquely or mainly to freedom of assembly. Nevertheless, in view of the fact that the right to freedom of assembly is an intrinsic part of the right to freedom of expression, he would like to offer some observations on this matter.
59. The right to freedom of assembly is guaranteed by the Malaysian Constitution with certain restrictions "in the interest of security and public order". The Police Act 1967 requires a police permit 14 days before any public assembly is held. This Act was further amended in 1989 to allow the police to disperse large gatherings on private premises if they were of the opinion that there was a threat to public order, or a breach of the peace could occur.
60. Whereas spontaneous demonstrations occur periodically, albeit limited in scope and generally with the tacit consent of the police, public rallies as part of electoral campaigning have been banned by the Government since 1978. Opposition parties are therefore forced to apply for permits to hold small meetings and often complain that they are denied permits for such gatherings. The Special Rapporteur's attention was drawn to alleged actions by the police to cancel a public meeting organized by the opposition Democratic Action Party on 31 May 1998 and a meeting of political parties on 2 June, which were intended to discuss the administration of justice and a miscarriage of justice against a member of Parliament. The police asserted that both gatherings were a threat to national security.
61. Since the removal of Mr. Anwar, although police permits were often refused, several demonstrations took place during the month of September 1998 to support Mr. Anwar and his call for reform. In October 1998, public rallies became more frequent while remaining spontaneous and peaceful.
62. The Special Rapporteur is deeply concerned about the way the police sometimes dispersed the demonstrators who were peacefully expressing their opinion and their right of assembly. According to the information transmitted to the Special Rapporteur, at least 126 persons were arrested on 20 and 21 September 1998. Though most of them were later released on bail, they are still being charged with participating in an illegal assembly, which carries a maximum penalty of up to six months in prison.
63. In the course of a meeting with the leader of the opposition, Lim Kit Siang, the Special Rapporteur was informed that at the 17 October demonstration, 127 people were arrested and appeared in the magistrate's court charged with participating in an illegal gathering. During the Special Rapporteur's mission, a large rally was held on the occasion of the presentation of the 1999 budget by Prime Minister Mahathir on 23 October 1998. According to the information received, the crowd was dispersed and six people arrested, including a journalist working for an Australian news agency, for illegal assembly and obstructing the police from discharging their duties.
64. The Special Rapporteur wishes to express his concern over this unfortunate development. According to several NGOs, academics and political leaders, these recent demonstrations, which are without precedent, highlight the need for more democracy in the country.
65. Freedom of opinion and expression is the basis of all freedoms upon which the edifice of democracy rests. No nation can progress unless freedom of speech is secured for every individual and protected by law. Malaysia of late has made great progress in the economic and social fields. Nevertheless, steps should be taken to strengthen the protection of human rights, and in particular the right to freedom of opinion and expression.
66. The Special Rapporteur is concerned at the extent of the limitations on the right to freedom of opinion and expression in the national legislation of Malaysia. With regard to the use of laws to protect the security and the integrity of the State, the Special Rapporteur is compelled to conclude that certain wording in and the implementation of these laws, in particular the Internal Security Act, the Sedition Act and the Printing Presses and Publication Act, fail to offer adequate protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression as provided for by applicable international human rights law, including article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The Special Rapporteur wishes to emphasize that only in highly exceptional cases can a nation's security be directly threatened by a person capable of and intending to cause actions to be taken to that end, in particular by advocating or inciting to the use of violence. In no instance may the exercise of the right to freedom of expression be punished on the mere ground that it might possibly jeopardize national security. It is for the State to establish what consequences would ensue from a specific action and why it would constitute a direct threat to national security.
67. Freedom of the media in Malaysia has been often hindered by exerting political and legal pressure on journalists, which has led to widespread self-censorship in their daily work. The Special Rapporteur considers the dependence of the mass media on the State through State ownership or economic control by the ruling party to be undesirable. The Special Rapporteur is particularly concerned at the limited access of opposition politicians to the electronic media. In this regard, the Special Rapporteur emphasizes that the most important functions of the media - to inform, investigate, expose abuse and educate - are of crucial importance to society, and can only be fulfilled by media that are free from unnecessary constraints.
68. The Special Rapporteur expresses his distress concerning the alleged obstacles to the free exercise of foreign media, in particular the prosecution of foreign journalists and governmental measures to restrict the broadcasting of foreign electronic media. The Special Rapporteur observes that the Malaysian public's effective exercise of their right to receive complete and reliable information should not be limited and that the population should not be prevented from having full access to a multitude of opinions and critical views.
69. Furthermore, the Special Rapporteur notes that the Malaysian public would like to see more transparency and accountability in its own media so that there is more spontaneity in reporting and analysing important issues. Additional efforts should be made, through adequate training of journalists, to be more balanced and objective in order to regain some credibility in the eyes of the public.
70. The Special Rapporteur wishes to express his view that freedom of expression would be enhanced if a more liberal view were taken with respect to demonstrations. Democracy, in fact, thrives on them.
71. With regard to the judicial system, the Special Rapporteur considers that the executive should not be permitted to use the judiciary in such a manner that would be seen by the people as an attempt to restrict their rights. The impartiality of the judiciary should not be called into question.
72. On the basis of the principal observations and concerns set out in the previous section, the Special Rapporteur would like to offer the following recommendations to the Government for its consideration. In view of the open and constructive exchanges of views that took place during his visit, the Special Rapporteur is convinced that these recommendations will be received in a spirit of shared commitment to strengthening the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression.
73. The Government is strongly encouraged to consider taking further steps to fully guarantee the protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression. These steps should include the repeal of the Internal Security Act and the consideration of other means, in accordance with international standards, to protect its national security. It should furthermore include amendments to some of the current national legislation, in particular the Printing Presses and Publication Act, the Sedition Act and the Official Secrets Act, to facilitate the exercise of the right to freedom of opinion and expression in a more transparent and judicious manner.
74. It is recommended that the Government review cases of persons who are being held for having exercised their right to freedom of opinion and expression with a view to releasing them. The cases of all persons who have been tried in court and convicted in application of laws or regulations incompatible with the protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, as affirmed in the Universal Declaration on Human Rights, should also be reviewed.
75. The Special Rapporteur urges the Government of Malaysia to repeal the regulations on annual licensing of newspapers in order to ensure that any registration requirements serve an administrative purpose only and are not used to impose restrictions on the media outside the scope of article 19 of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights.
76. The Special Rapporteur strongly encourages the Government to take all necessary steps to ensure the independence of the media, including safeguards against any interference by political interests. The establishment of an independent media council could be a first step. Initiatives on the part of media professionals to establish independent and voluntary professional associations should also be encouraged, in particular with regard to developing methods and systems of voluntary self-regulation such as codes of ethics for the profession, training programmes which address the rights and responsibilities of the media and the Government, as well as monitoring the implementation of the right to freedom of expression and freedom of the media in accordance with international standards.
77. The Special Rapporteur urges the Government to respect the right of Malaysians to hold peaceful demonstrations and assemblies and to adhere to international standards on the use of force against demonstrators.
78. The Government is encouraged to align its national law with the provisions of international law relating to freedom of opinion and expression, in particular by introducing more explicit national legislation to facilitate the attainment of a proper balance in the judiciary's efforts to protect human rights in general and the right to freedom of opinion and expression in particular.
79. The Special Rapporteur strongly encourages the Government of Malaysia to take all necessary steps to sign and ratify the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, as well as its Optional Protocols.
80. Finally, the Special Rapporteur recommends that the Government give serious consideration to the establishment of an ombudsman's office and of a special commission for human rights or a separate ministry for human rights.
Government of Malaysia
Datuk Seri Abdullah Badawi, Minister for Foreign Affairs
Datuk Seri Mohamad Rahmat, Minister of Information
Datuk Tajol Rosli Mohd. Ghazali, Deputy Home Minister, Ministry of Home Affairs
Professionals in the information sectors
Datuk A. Kadir Jasin, Editor-in-Chief, New Straits Times
Ms. Aisha Ali, Features Editor, New Straits Times
Mr. Raphael Pura, Southern Asia correspondent, The Asian Wall Street Journal
Mr. Murray Hiebert, correspondent, Far Eastern Economic Review
Non-governmental organizations
Professor Chandra Muzaffar, President, International Movement for a Just World
P. Ramakrishnan, Aliran Kesedaran Rakyat (ALIRAN)
Mr. Gan, ALIRAN
Raja Aziz Adruce, HAKAM
Ramdas Tikamdas, HAKAM
Sivarasa Rasiah, Suara Rakyat Malaysia (SUARAM)
Irene Fernandez, Director, TENAGANITA
Tunku Abdul Aziz, Coordinator for Malaysia, Transparency International
Other individuals
Dato' Param Cumaraswamy, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers
Lim Kit Siang, Parliamentary Opposition Leader
Professor Jomo Kwame Sundaram, Faculty of Economics and Administration, University of Malaya
Khairul Bashar, Executive Director, Asian Institute for Development Communication (AIDCOM)
Abdul Razak Baginda, Executive Director, Malaysian Strategic Research Centre (MSRC)
Dr. Wan Aziza, wife of the former Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, Ibrahim Anwar


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WAYNESBORO - Police are searching for a man who tried to pick up a juvenile girl by posing as a school district official.
A girl, name withheld by police, was walking on West Sixth Street to school at 6:07 p.m. on Friday when she was approached by a man, according to Waynesboro Police. The man asked if she needed a ride to school, which she declined.
The man tried to entice her into the vehicle by stating he worked for the school district and it would be OK, police said. The girl again declined and continued walking, police said. The man then left the area.
He is described is a white male, bald with a round face driving a small tan car, police said.

subset: commoncrawl


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Morgan Klunk thinks that having been there, done that, will help she and her teammates when they take the floor on Friday for the PIAA State Class AA Girls' Basketball Championship Game.
The contest is set for noon at the Giant Center in Hershey.
"We're more comfortable because we were in the game last year," the York Catholic senior said on Wednesday evening before the start of practice. "That's always nice (to have the experience)."
The venue will be new this year (last year's game was played at Penn State's Bryce Jordan Center), but the big-floor, big-arena effect will still be present.
York Catholic fell to a talented Seton LaSalle team, 71-47, in the 2012 championship game. Klunk was the Fighting Irish's leading scorer in that game with 12 points.
York Catholic's opponent this year is another Catholic school from Pittsburgh, Bishop Canevin.
Canevin and Seton LaSalle met four times this season, and each team won twice. Canevin prevailed, 56-47, in the District 7 (WPIAL) title game and 41-36 in the state semifinals.
"All their players are good, so that's obviously intimidating, but we know we can prepare for them," Klunk said of Canevin. "We have two practices, and we're going to use them to our advantage."
Canevin features two players, Erin Waskowiak and Carly Forse, who have scored more than 1,000 career points. Waskowiak is an NCAA Division I college recruit (Duquesne University).
"They're the best team we've seen, and we've seen some pretty good teams," York Catholic head coach Kevin Bankos said. "They're good, for sure, but we're obviously good to be there, too."
Klunk, who will play college basketball at Bloomsburg University next season, is York Catholic's only senior starter. She's joined in the starting lineup by three juniors, Zaenna Echevarria, Deanna Chesko and Amelia York, and sophomore Hannah Laslo. The 6-foot Laslo scored nine points, and Echevarria, six, in last season's title game.
Klunk, a member of the 1,000-career-points club, is averaging 17.0 a game, and Laslo is contributing 10.9.
"Morgan's our senior starter who's a cornerstone of our entire team," Bankos said. "But, our other kids know their roles, and that's why we're difficult to beat. We can't rely on just one or two players. We need everyone making contributions to be successful."
Bankos would love to get what the players delivered on Tuesday night in the semifinal against St. Basil Academy. Klunk scored 14 points, Echevarria had 10, and Laslo and Marissa Ressler contributed nine points apiece.
Of course, the task will be much more difficult on Friday for York Catholic, which will be appearing in its seventh state final in the past eight seasons. The Fighting Irish won three straight state crowns (2006-08) before finishing second in 2009, 2010 and 2012.
"Someone asked me am I going to be concerned if we lose our fourth straight," Bankos said. "I looked at him and said, 'there will be absolute zero concern on my face.' This (playing in the championship game) is a reward for all the work these kids put in during the summer hours and the winter hours. We're one of the last two teams playing. How can there be a negative in that?"
The game will be the final one for Klunk and York Catholic's other senior, Kathryn McNamara.
"The time flew," Klunk said. "I remember when I came in here so nervous as a sophomore, and now I'm a senior. I've been close with all the girls, and I confide in our other senior, Katie Mac."
Klunk will always remember the example that the seniors of two years ago set for the younger players.
"Leading by their play instead of by criticism," she said. "You're supposed to praise twice as much as you criticize. Just being encouraging, that's what I learned from those girls."
Bankos, who's in his seventh season, will enter Friday's game with an outstanding career record of 211-19.
Bishop Canevin head coach Tim Joyce has 206 career victories.
The Crusaders score 54.8 points a game and allow 32.9. York Catholic generates 59.1 points a contest and yields 38.2.


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Mario Badescu Drying Lotion Kicks Pimples to the Curb!
As you girls know, due to my pregnancy, my skin has been acting up badly. (Recently i finally got it in control, I'll reveal how, soon.)
Anyway, last week, a pimple erupted on my face that looked like it belonged in the Guiness Book of World Records.
I'd heard great things about Mario Badescu products from many people, and decided to give one of their most popular products-Mario Badescu Dying lotion a try.
It's a pink color, very runny, -looks a lot like calamine lotion but when I looked at the ingredients it said that it included sulfur which I know is great for skin care.
Anyway, I applied it Monday night, by Tuesday morning, my pinple wasn't gone, but man, it was a lot smaller than it had been the night before.
The next night I applied again, and next morning, it was barely there.
Words can't express how impressed I am with this.
My only problem with this is the scent.
It reminds me a lot of Vick's Vapo Rub.
Other than that, this will be my secret weapon against pimples.
No wonder it has a cult following.
This get's beautylogic's stamp of approval.
It's even featured on Mario Badescu's Pregnancy Page here.
Have you tried Mario Badescu's products?
What are your favorites?
**this product was provided to beautylogic for editorial review**
6 comments:
- dailypolish said...
i must admit this product is USELESS for my skin. i tried it for 16 weeks over a variety of breakouts and it never helped them in any way. it didn't make them worse...but it didn't help. i've found all mario badescu products (and i've sampled about 15) do nothing for my skin, they don't hurt it, they don't help it...i've just abandoned the brand altogether. it sucks because i heard such great things about them :(
- June 1, 2010 at 10:14 AM
- beautylogicblog said...
@dailypolish so sorry to hear that hon. Last week, I had the biggest white head known to man, and it knocked it out within 2 days. I was so happy. (Whiteheads gross me out, i'm always tempted to pop them.) I hope you find something that works for you. Hugs,
- June 1, 2010 at 11:33 AM
- GG said...
It's crazy how a product can work wonders on one person and be completely ineffective (or even detrimental) on another. I love Mario Badescu's products. Between Mario Badescu and the Clarisonic, my erupted, greasy pregnant skin has cleared UP! I still get occasional pimples but they go away within a couple days. I like the drying cream, drying lotion and buffering lotion.
- June 2, 2010 at 9:28 AM
- Future Mama said...
I can't believe you only have a WEEK left!!! I'm so excited for you!!!
I'm going to have to try this stuff, my skin has gotten A LOT better as pregnancy has gone on but it's nice to have stuff for any skin emergencies!!
- June 2, 2010 at 10:20 PM
- taylo292 said...
This is the only Mario Badescu product ive tried and it was recommended to me by another beauty addict and I love it! 2 nights of this on a huge pimple and its gone!!
- June 3, 2010 at 7:03 AM
- taylo292 said...
This is the only Mario Badescu product Ive tried... but I love it! It was recommended to me by another beauty lover and I love it!!
- June 3, 2010 at 7:50 AM


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I already knew this version of the book because I've played for a long time with this version. I finaly decided to buy some book because I started to be a Master.Published on Nov. 20 2013 by Tommy Bouchard
Même avec certe version les changements sont très important par rapport a la quatrième version. Au moin les images belle...Published on June 26 2008 by Charels le Loyal
While I used to play 2nd edition AD&D a lot, there was always the problem of lack of balance in most of the rules. Read morePublished on July 17 2004 by Rafael Lopes Vivian
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My gaming group has switched to edition 3.5 mainly becuase we started adding new players, and the 3.0 books were no longer available. Also, I'd been rough on my 3. Read morePublished on June 3 2004 by M. Spielman
I have been a D&D player for 15 years. TSR made some great products. I was disappointed when Wizards bought them out, but I must say the 3.0 rule book they made was great. Read morePublished on May 31 2004 by K. McCormick
I actually bought this to help me with my Neverwinter Nights module. I needed better race/class descriptions, and I was curious about the changes. Read morePublished on May 15 2004 by Ted


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By Ch2 Sports Director Ed Kilgore
Every successful team has a leader to depend on, to look to when times are tough and when things aren't going well, or to stay grounded when things are going almost too smoothly. It's a tough and thankless job, but consider this: who does the leader look to when he or she needs a pat on the back or sharp word to get them back on track?
Bills Hall of Famer Jim Kelly never looked past big #67, center Kent Hull, who sadly is gone way before his time at way too early an age. Hull was a 3-time Pro Bowl player for the Bills in his 10 seasons here, but he was a lot more than a successful football player.
Here's one interesting factoid that lets you know how highly Kelly regarded one of his closest friends both on and off the field. One of Jim's cell phone numbers (since changed) had the following four digits; 1267. The 12, obviously JK, and you don't even need to guess to know why the 67 was a part of it.
Kelly told me several times over the years that Hull was his "rock". After a tough hit in a game, when Jim might stumble back to the huddle a little woozy, it would be Hull who would tell the team, including Jim, what play to run. Hull knew virtually all the line positions and also knew what to run or not run with the complex K-Gun no huddle attack. The team, especially Kelly, totally respected Hull as it's leader, and Hull always wore the responsibility with pride and humility.
Hull could get in your face too, and that included his star quarterback, who sometimes needed reminding about fundamentals or attitude, and Kelly heeded his words. Always. Kent was also the guy that helped calm Jim down after an interception or mistake, and got him refocused on the task as hand. It's my fervent hope that Hull will some day join his other Super Bowl teammates in Canton in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He was that good.
Kent Hull was also one of the most down to earth people I've ever known. He was a big ol' farm boy from Mississippi with an endearing southern drawl and always upbeat attitude. Kent also had a wonderful, low key sense of humor.
When Hurricane Katrina ravaged Louisiana and Mississippi a few years ago, Kent told me a couple years ago at a function in Niagara Falls that the heavy winds blew down a lot of the fencing that kept several hundred head of beef cattle on his property. We used to enjoy talking about Herefords and Black Angus, because I grew up around cattle as a young guy out in Oregon. Kent said that eventually they rounded up all their cattle - it took several days - and repaired the fencing. Then they counted the herd, and guess what? "We had about 50 head more than we had when the storm hit", drawled Hull, "I thought I was going to be arrested for cattle rustling' ".
I also remember many years ago when the Bills soundly beat the Atlanta Falcons in a game at then Rich Stadium, and Deion Sanders picked Kelly and ran it back for a touchdown, doing his now famous dance with one hand behind his helmet. After the game, Kent put his arm around Sanders, and didn't say a word. He just pointed to the scoreboard.
We're sad that he is gone too soon, but happy to remember what he meant to anybody who knew him; a LOT.


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The Limited Shelf Life Of Hartford's Political FidelityFriday, March 14, 2014
When the legislature passed a law last year that shielded from public view the crime scene photos from the 12/14 shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School, lawmakers were standing in line to express their solidarity with the people of Newtown. They wanted to stand with us in our grief and our resolve to resist sensationalist exploitation of the horrific tragedy that shook this town and shocked the world. Now we are seeing signs that political fidelity in Hartford has a limited shelf life.


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I let my bouncy black curls cover my shadowed eyes. Nobody would notice. The teacher had her back towards us. I rolled my eyes at how ridiculously low Miss April's dress was. I had seen her at lunch time cuddling up to the new English teacher, Mr Sims. How pathetic. I remembered there had been a time where I had actually like Miss April. I thought she was the only pal I had in this horrible school, but she was just like the rest of them. Judgemental and mocking. I had remembered that cold day I had told Miss April's about my dream of becoming a writer.
"Class is dismissed" Miss April beamed as the bell rang, causing my eardrums to bleed. Why did the school bell have to be so loud, and in our classroom? Chairs scarped across the dirty grey floor and students had rushed out ready for the weekend. I took my time, it's not like I had anywhere to be rushing to, especially not home. "C'mon Ivy, " Miss April called from her desk. She seemed ready to leave; she had let her hair out and was applying lip-gloss. I envied her for being so young and pretty, she even had a place to go. "Miss you can go, I'm not rushing for anybody" Miss April put her lip gloss down and went back to teacher mood. "What's wrong Ivy?" Why would she care? "Nothing, look I'm going. You don't have to worry" I banged my leg onto a table "shoot!" my bag fell and all the contents of it were across the floor. I hid my flushed face as pads and my writing book fell out the bag. I hastily scrambled for the pads; Miss April grabbed my writing pad. "Oi! Miss Can you put that down?" I was still on the floor; Miss was perching on her desk. "Why do you have this?" Miss asked completely ignoring my useless protests. I stood up and swung my bag across my shoulder "One day I want to become a famous author, I think that Authors are amazing" Miss was frowning slightly "well, Ivy you're not going to get anywhere with this!" she was scrutinizing my work. I snatched the book from her "Excuse me?" I asked feeling my face flame up. Miss didn't even apologize "well, that opening line isn't powerful at all, do you listen in my English classes?" I stood there shell shocked. I felt tears rush towards my dark eyes, "WHAT WOULD YOU KNOW?!" I screamed and ran out the classroom "YOU'RE JUST LIKE ALL THE OTHERS!" I slammed the door. To hell with her. But I could feel my tears rolling down my cheeks.
Ever since then I hated Miss April and purposely fell asleep in her class. All the other ignored me, but that wasn't usual.
"IVY!" Miss April shouted my name with venomance. I raised my head and rolled my eyes. "What!" I asked and the rest of the class turned to face me, all of them glaring at me. Boys giving me the middle finger. All the girls wanted to be just like Miss April and all the boys just stared at her massive bum. If Miss April noticed she completely ignored them or gave a radiant smile. Fools. "What have I just done to this sentence on the board?" she asked giving me daggers. I read the sentence and laughed "made it worse by the looks of it" Everybody gasped, some of them said some words, that was just really childish so I won't bother telling you. "Detention Ivy" Miss April turned towards the board and the boys carried on goggling at her massive bum.
I ran home from detention, Mum was going to be so annoyed. I almost got run over twice! I burst through my front door and leaned against it huffing and puffing. Charlie was sitting on the stairs; she was rubbing her eyes which meant she had been crying. "Charlie! What's wrong?" If Mum had laid one hand on her, I was going to punch her. "You promised you would come early! You said we could go to the park today!" Charlie rubbed her eyes again. I sighed softly running a hand through my dirty hair. "Sorry Charlie, did you ask Mum?" I didn't even know why I even asked. "Yes, she told me to go away and stop bothering her" Charlie ran up the stairs and slammed the door to her bedroom. I dropped onto the stairs, kicking my bag away from me. Where was Mum? I walked down the dark damp smelly hallway. I could see the puffs of smoke before I even entered the room. "Mum, smoking might affect Charlie" I muttered as I walked into the room to find glass bottles and stumped out cigarettes on the floor. Mum looked away from the small TV "do you see Charlie in here?" Mum replied in a gruff voice. She was flicking the ash on the floor and her already grey clothes. Her blond hair looked even dirtier than mine. "Charlie was banging on about the park" I picked up the last glass bottle" well I got detention from Miss April, you could've taken her" Mum snorted "why am I going park, am I Charlie's age?" I shook my head and found a plastic bag and put all the crap in it. Mum carried on watching TV "all these stupid adverts" she muttered. I faced the TV. There was a peppy looking man on the screen "if you want to be a writer; then come down to the Born Writers camp for teens!" I froze and dropped the rubbish. I went over to the TV and turned it up. "Born Writers camp, where you can follow your dreams" It was a really cheesy advert, but it had grabbed my attention. The advert had put an website at the bottom and I ran out the damp living and went towards my school bag and got out a pen from my pencil case. I wrote the website down furiously.
"Charlie! Dinner!" I yelled from the kitchen, where dinner consumed of beans on toast once again. There was no noise from the house apart from Mum's annoying snores from the living room. "Charlie!" I stamped my foot on the floor. She was completely ignoring me. I slammed the plate down on the counter. I was fed up of being responsible for anything around this house. Where was Dad anyway? He was late from work, but he could blame him. I wouldn't be rushing here if I didn't have a choice. I fell down on of the chairs around the cheap dining table. My older brother Luke used to help me around the house, cleaning up Mum's crap and sorting out dinner, also helping me clothe Charlie. But I guess he melted from the pressure as well. He whispered to Dad one night that he wanted to move, travel the world, get away from here. My Dad ruffled his hair like he did when he was little and patted his back. "Follow your dreams kid" and with that Luke disappeared. Literally. Well until I caught him. It had been late a week after I heard Dad's and Luke's conversation. Dad and Mum had a little argument and Dad went out for some air, but that meant he would be staying round a friend's house. Mum had sloped off to bed and Charlie fast asleep in her bedroom. I was wide awake. I couldn't fall asleep though. I decided to watch TV. When I had got downstairs I saw bags by the front door. Luke was rushing around in the kitchen. "What are you doing?" I ask worriedly as I had jogged to the kitchen. Luke nodded when I had pointed to the bags "I'm sorry Iz, come with me!" my heart jumped with excitement "g-go with you?!" Luke nodded smiling "come!"
I had run upstairs, packed my bags. I was ready to go. I peeked into Charlie's room. Her beautiful hair splashed around her pillow. Her little thumb stuck in her mouth. She was smiling a little, must be dreaming about something magical. I decided there that there was no way I could leave Charlie here, with Mum. Dad could look after her, but who would play with her when she was bored, feed her when she was hungry. Read her bedtime stories. Dad worked late. There was no way I could do this to her.
Luke frowned when I came downstairs empty handed.
"Bye little sis" He hugged me tightly and I cried, and wouldn't stop
"Come visit me, were ever I end up" I sniffed
"Bye big bro"
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In Game 1 of the South Penn Baseball League quarterfinals, Brushtown was able to push more runs across against Cashtown than it had in four combined regular season matchups, all Cashtown wins.
However, it wasn't enough, as the teams ended in a 7-7 draw Thursday when the game at the Cashtown Fire Department was called due to darkness after seven innings. It will be replayed in its entirety today at Cashtown at 6 p.m.
Cashtown held a 5-4 lead going into the seventh, but a single by Brushtown's Tyler Meckley scored Darren Groft, and Brett Smith's two-run single scored Meckley and Cooper Ayres to put the seventh-seeded Bulldogs in front, 7-5.
In the bottom of the seventh, Cashtown loaded the bases with no outs for Nick Bertino, but he bounced into a fielder's choice that didn't score a run.
A pair of wild pitches allowed Chris Schachle and Bertino to score, the second coming on ball four of an Eric Ketterman walk. With the score tied, Casey Kline grounded out to end the inning, and the game was called.
"We feel like we let one get away tonight," Cashtown manager Matt Rebert said. "But we did do a nice job to tie it up there at the end, after we lost the lead."
Brushtown got to Pirates starter Chase King in the top of the third when Darren Groft singled home Brett Smith with the game's first run.
The Bulldogs followed up with three runs in the fourth. Seth Bullers' two-run single bumped the Bulldogs' advantage to 3-0, then Bryan Lippy drove home Bullers with a single to make it 4-0.
After being held to just one hit through the first three frames, Cashtown struck for three runs in its half of the fourth to get back in the game. Ketterman's double scored Justin Martin for Cashtown's first run of the game.
"Ketterman is an emotional team leader for us," Rebert said of his 37-year old first baseman. "He's a veteran, and he had a big hit there to get us going."
Following Kline's walk, Brandon Roser came through with a two-run single that chased home Ketterman and Kline to cut the deficit to 4-3.
King was done after four innings, in which he gave up four runs and 11 hits with eight strikeouts and no walks. Chad Jones replaced him on the mound and set the Bulldogs down in order in the fifth and sixth innings, setting the table for Cashtown to take a late lead.
In the sixth, Martin led off with a walk, Bertino pinch ran for Martin and Ketterman came through with his third hit of the game. Kline drove in both runners with a single and ended up on second with no outs.
Brushtown then went to the bullpen and brought in southpaw Taylor Clabaugh, and he retired the next three hitters with strikeouts to keep the game at 5-4.
"We've played very well down the stretch this season," said Brushtown player-manager Chris Staub, whose team won its final five regular season games. "We're now a team, the guys have gelled together well and they pick each other up."
Groft led Brushtown with three hits, while Smith, Lippy and Meckley each had two.


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hi does anyone know how to open the bonnet without using the key as mine wont open i cant get to it either unless i break the grill which i dont want to do
Bonnet Wont Open
Started by terry arnold, Oct 08 2010 01:54 PM
2 replies to this topic
Posted 08 October 2010 - 01:54 PM
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Posted 09 October 2010 - 06:10 AM
it may be you need a new key if you can,t turn the lock to the left if you can turn to the left and nothing happens its the plastic link rod which connects the barrel to the latch split. if you still need to open the bonnet drill a series of holes behind the badge finishing off with a hacksaw blade and yoy will see 2 shearbolts you need to undo these to remove barrel [not easy] once barrel is removed pull out broken link with pliers and open bonnet with flat bladed screwdriver. if you need a new barrel kit there are two types get the right one hope this helps,colin
Posted 09 October 2010 - 06:52 PM
Hi I had this about a month ago and it turned out to be the barrel itself. I think it was about £50 plus 20 to have it put together to fit my key. But I will say drilling the lock could be hard as the snap bolts are steal and the lock housing is alu so if the drill drifts you could shag the old one but as for the grill that's a must I found one on eBay but the Chrome one don't come up very often.
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Posted by Chip Patterson
The list of undefeated teams continues to shrink as conference play delivers another weekend of upsets and memorable finishes. Adam Aizer and J. Darin Darst run down the biggest stories from the week that was in the Week Nine Review.
It was a wild weekend in the Big 12, with Oklahoma State putting up video game numbers (again) and Missouri pulling off a road upset in overtime. Speaking of overtime, Andrew Luck needed three of them to lead the Cardinal to victory against USC in the Coliseum. Adam and Darin discuss what we can take away from watching how Stanford responded to the challenge from the Trojans. They also break down some of the more surprising one loss teams in college football - as in, how have these teams not lost a second game. Tune in to hear if your favorite team made the list. Catch up on all the action you missed in this edition of the CBSSports.com College Football Podcast.
Your emails could be read on the next edition of the CBSSports.com College Football Podcast, so send them in to podcast[at]cbsinteractive [dot] com.
Remember, all of the CBSSports.com College Football Podcasts can be downloaded for FREE from the iTunes Store.
You can listen to the podcast in the player below, pop out a player to keep browsing, or download the MP3 right to your computer.
Keep up with the latest college football news from around the country. From the regular season all the way through the bowl games, CBSSports.com has you covered with this daily newsletter. | Preview


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New Zealand Embassy Warsaw, Poland
A New Zealander & planning to travel to or transit the USA?
Thursday, 15/1/09
The United States has introduced a new electronic visa waiver system that will come into force on 12 January 2009. From this date, all New Zealand passport holders travelling to the US under the "visa waiver programme" must obtain an electronic travel authorisation (ESTA) prior to boarding a US-bound air or sea carrier. This can be done via an automated online system which determines whether visitors are eligible to travle to the US under the visa waiver programme. Passengers transiting the US en route to another destination will also require either an ESTA or a visa.
For further information about the new travel authorisation for the United States see https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/ Follow the instructions to submit an on-line application for an automatic travel authorisation. If the application fails, travellers will need to contact their nearest US Consulate to obtain a visa.
Of interest
United Nations Handbook
The UN Handbook is a comprehensive guide to the UN system and how it works. Read more
New Zealand wins Security Council seat
New Zealand has secured a place on the UN Security Council for 2015-16. Read the Prime Minister's media release
Registering your overseas travel made easier
New Zealanders travelling or living overseas, registering your travel online now made easier. Read more
The Christchurch Earthquake Appeal
News about how the donations are contributing to the rebuild, ways to donate and more.


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At Glen Rock, the host Susquehannock Warriors defeated Dover in a York-Adams League Division I girls' volleyball match, 25-11, 25-23, 25-16 on Tuesday.
Rachel Moltz led the home team with 28 assists, six kills, six digs. Teammates Abigail Bentz had 10 digs, eight kills, Leah Deter had eight kills, six digs, five blocks, while Caroline Savin had 10 kills.
For the Eagles, Bayleigh Hoffman had eight kills, 10 digs, three blocks, while teammates Lauryn Mesner had 10 assists and Karsyn Blanser had three blocks.
Susquehannock won the JV match, 25-13, 25-13.
YORK TECH 3, STEEL-HIGH 0: At Steel-High, the Spartans swept the Rollers in a non-league match, 25-6, 25-19, 25-22. Amber Miller delivered six kills, two aces, one block and two aces for the winners, and Cheyenne Fulcher filled the statistics sheet with four aces, one assist, one kill, one block and two digs. Fawn Luckenbaugh (three assists, five aces, two kills, two blocks), Antonia Robinson (one ace, one kill, three blocks), Lauren Bupp (five aces, two assists, two kills) and Savannah Grimes (two assists, one ace, three kills) also played roles in the York Tech victory. The Spartans won the JV match, 26-24, 25-17.
DELONE CATHOLIC 3, YORK CATHOLIC 0: In a matchup of the two top teams in York-Adams League Division III, the host Squires won in three games, 25-9, 25-8, 25-7. The Squires stayed undefeated at 6-0 in league play while dropping York Catholic to 5-1. Delone was led by Hannah Lawrence (12 digs, seven aces, two assists) and Allie Mondorff (14 assists, six digs, three kills, one ace, one block). Zandria Zielinksi (six digs, four aces, one block, one kill).
KENNARD-DALE 3, YORK HIGH 0: At Fawn Grove, Jess Myers pounded 13 kills and served five aces to help power the Rams past the Bearcats, 25-9, 25-17, 25-11. Kennard-Dale's Olivia Becker and Mariaina McConville teamed for 13 kills, and Anna Clements and Taylor Davis combined for 17 assists. Jasmine Berry (two kills, three digs, two blocks), Pamela Angeles (two kills, three blocks) and Anastacia Howard (two kills, one block and one ace) led York High. Kennard-Dale won the JV match, 25-18, 25-15.
LITTLESTOWN 3, BERMUDIAN SPRINGS 2: Littlestown won in five games, 25-21, 20-25, 25-15, 13-25, 16-14. The Thunderbolts were led by Taylor Nicol (nine kills, six digs, four blocks, two aces) and Lauren Slater (24 assists, 12 digs, two aces). Shianne Fisher (30 assists) and Lauren Shearer (16 kills) paced Bermudian Springs.
HANOVER 3, FAIRFIELD 0: At Hanover, the Hawkettes won the York-Adams League Division III match, 25-6, 25-6, 25-1. Shelby Barnes led the home team with 11 kills, three aces, while teammate Renee Drawbaugh had 19 assists, four aces. No Fairfield statistics were available. Hanover won the JV match, 25-14, 25-19.
SOUTH WESTERN 3, DALLASTOWN 0: At Dallastown, the Mustangs won the York-Adams League Division I match, 25-12, 25-15, 27-25. Mariah Krumrine led the visitors with 21 assists, 10 kills, four digs. Teammate Erin Harman had 14 digs, six kills, three aces. For the Wildcats, Katie Pennewill had 12 digs, while teammates Becca Flinchbaugh had seven digs, five kills, three blocks and Ashley Koller had five kills, four blocks. Dallastown won the JV match, 25-22, 20-25, 15-6.
NORTHEASTERN 3, NEW OXFORD 1: At New Oxford, the Bobcats won the York-Adams League Division II duel. Cory Cook led the visitors with nine kills and three blocks. Teammates Holly Shoemaker had 16 assists, eight blocks, Bayle Sowers had five kills, 12 digs and Kylie Cotroneo had 14 digs. No New Oxford statistics were available. Northeastern won the JV match, 25-18, 25-18.


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Politics Counts
Foreign Policy
It would be foolish to celebrate a victory if the Democrats pass this legislation against the wishes of their constituents. What would considered to be the 'win'? Destruction of the Democratic party for future elections? Guarantee of consitutional challenges? Already 38 states are legislating to maintain their state's right to control health care and remind Federal reps of their limited role in our constitution.
When the Chicago Olympics happens?
When our country is rid of the scourge of Socialism
When we drive even this vestigial remnant of communism into the sea.
If the house passes the Senate bill, then republicans would be hypocritical if they voted against the fix-it addendum. They'd be voting to preserve cornhusker kickback, etc. all these items they were so vehemently against!
One other point: why are republicans so against spending for health care, but have no qualms about spending trillions to kill arabs? And don't say it's to make America safer. We lose more people to health issues than we do to terrorism.
jp keep talking please do, it is why the democrats are on the verge of extinction. I wonder which lyre Barry will play in celebration?
It is quite evident this bill cannot pass a majority vote anywhere. It cannot pass on the merit of it's content. The only hope of passage, is a simple, 50% vote that has been bought. Congressmen have been pressured against their convictions in an attempt to justify the dems wasting a year on an overwritten tax increase on the middle class. November can't get here soon enough.
4 years of paying in advance and you think you are going to get a return on your investment? I've got a bridge...
What a bunch of bull@#$%. $569.2 billion in tax increases; $523.5 billion in Medicare cuts and $48 billion more for medicaid.
This is a job killing government takeover of health care that will result in new taxes, penalties, lower wages and less employment with employers targeted by even higher taxes. More subsidies, the power to tax our health care, taxpayer-funded abortion coverage, etc.
This is health care reform? How can anyone sleep at night knowing the crap they are trying to pull on us. My fellow Americans, please, please, please contact your representative...tell them no to this.
((How can anyone sleep at night knowing the crap they are trying to pull on us.))
People are reacting emotionally and irrationally. The Republicans have become a party of Jesus freak Bible thumpers hell bent on replacing the constitution with the biblical law found in the book of Leviticus.
Right now the Republicans could have the cure for cancer, but it is far too dangerous to give the zealots anything resembling influence over the rest of the nation. Even though the polls read that the nation is supposedly a Christian majority, there are more folks that fear living in a nation of willful ignorance.
It's 2010! We used to have dreams of flying cars, living on other planets, and Artificial Intelligence. Now we are back to debating whether or not the Earth is over 6000 years old.
To 7:56 a.m. Folks are aware of what the democrats's final government takeover of health care entails and polls show that the majority of Americans DO NOT WANT IT. You write that Republicans are hell bent on replacing the Constitution while I see the Democrats ignoring the Constituion. Apparently you dislike the opinions of people of faith but that is what makes our nation so wonderful. We can agree to disagree but still respect one another. Do not be so angry.
12:06 hahahahahaha. dream on.
Alot has been made about some imaginary, overwhelming majority against this health care reform legislation. However, the NBC/Wall Street Journal poll released just this week said this:
46% in favor of passing the bill
45% opposed to passing the bill
Where's that huge majority in opposition that the Republicans keep bragging about? Looks like a split decision to me. The desperate tactics the Republicans are now using prove they know the bill is going to pass and they're powerless to stop it, which will infuriate their wingnut, reactionary base who thought Scott Brown's fluke election in January (we'll easily take him out in 2012) would spell doom for hopes for health care reform. WRONG. We'll run on these reforms in November and force the Republicans to defend their support for the status quo and the health insurance industry. Can't wait.
I am one hell of a happy citizen to see that the Congress for once is about to do something historic passing the health care bill. I also applaud President Obama forr standing up to the Republicans who have shown themeselves to be a bunch of losers and clueless about how to run the country. The party of No is soon going to be a party of Morons. This is a Greatr day for America and I am happy to be alive to witness this historic vote...I am partying already and we all in our family are going to stay glued to the TV on Sunday.
This is a good news that the Health care bill will pass after all this years and Obama will go down in history as the President that made it happen. I only wish the Bill was universal health care for all and all this sad Obama haters would have been hiding in shame. I am sure this will be achieved in the near future. Not sure what all this Republicans are crying about...for 8 yrs Bush and his cronies ruined this country (took us to a dumb war and ruin the economy) and none of you guys could say anything. Obama is God sent.
There going to get this bill passed?
I'll quit my job and have my own business next year. Maybe you health care bill haters are all rich people who don't care about your medical expenses, but I don't know what I will do with my pre-existing condition after I'm self-employed. I'm actually very glad that it is finally getting done.
yal is sorry
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Well it's been quite a long time since I posted.
School is just one of those time sucks, stressful, and some times awkward. Well really nothing to report I've done nothing but school. I need stories to post about so feel free to email me or text me them.
Rock your Diabetes,


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The Federated Franklin Woman's Club Annual Flea Market will be held on Saturday, Aug. 18, at the First Presbyterian Church on Church Street.
The doors open at 8:30 a.m. with a variety of items for sale such as household decorations, a clothing boutique, kitchenware, bed and bath items, novels and recipe books, jewelry, furniture, Christmas decorations, and home baked goods.
The FFWC's mission to help children has supported KIDS Place, elementary schools, scholarships, Shop with a Cop, The Children in Trauma Program by the Sheriffs's Department, Toys for Tots, Art Saturday and children in need. Donations are welcome.
Pictured are (L-R) Joyce Sammet, Valerie Eldred, Ana Lamas, Linda Ellison, Chairman, and Barbara Trueblood. For questions on the flea market or ways to support the Federated Franklin Woman's Club, call Linda Ellison at (828)369-5216.


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2001 Holden Vectra • 4 cylinder FWD Manual • 104,000 miles
CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR (position and how to replace on Holden Vectra 2001 Model)
January 31, 2011.
January 31, 2011.
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This month's featured teacher from Jackson Local Schools has been teaching with the district for 16 years and at Lake Cable Elementary for two years, but she has been at Jackson Local Schools since she started elementary school.
This month's featured teacher from Jackson Local Schools has been teaching with the district for 16 years and at Lake Cable Elementary for two years, but she has been at Jackson Local Schools since she started elementary school.
Lori Morton attended kindergarten through 12th grade at Jackson and is a graduate of the district. She attended 1st grade at the very school she teaches at today, where the late Marilyn Jones was her teacher. All of her children also went to Jackson Schools, and her three adult children are graduates of Jackson High School.
"My entire family has purple and gold blood," Morton said. "I love this school and this is the perfect job for me," she said.
Home: Morton was born, raised and continues to live in Jackson Township.
Family: She is married to Jack, a marketing director for Eagle Manufacturing and Harvest Barn in Sugarcreek. She has three adult children, three grandchildren and three dogs: Frazer, Niles and Parker. Her parents and grandfather also live in the township.
Teaching position: Morton teaches 4th grade technology classes at Lake Cable Elementary in the mornings and works with program development for the gifted program in the afternoons.
Credentials: She has a bachelor's degree in elementary education with a reading endorsement from the University of Akron and a gifted endorsement from Kent State University. Morton also has a master's degree in literacy from the University of Akron.
Likes to quote: "I don't really have a quote, but I am a stickler for good manners," Morton said. "I like my students to say 'please' and 'thank you.' Good manners go a long way in life."
Memorable book: Morton loves reading the Harry Potter series. She said that her students got her interested in the books.
Role model: "My parents are my role models because they support one another in everything. They are amazing people down to the bone — they are really good people."
Favorite time of the year: Christmas. She loves to decorate and give gifts.
"My dad's mother loved to decorate, and my mother loves to bake, two favorite activities for the Christmas season."
Favorite color: Pink because it makes her feel good
Music: Country. "My two favorites are Rascal Flatts and Lady Antebellum."
Watches on TV: "Modern Family" and "The Office"
Favorite food: Anything chocolate or Chick-fil-A.
Three things to do in this lifetime:
1. Visit all 50 states
2. Visit Europe
3. Learn to play the piano
Three words she would use to describe herself:
1. Happy
2. Energetic
3. Organized
Most creative when: Under pressure and surrounded by good people. She said that she has worked with really great teams while at Jackson.
Page 2 of 2 - I really wish I knew how to: Sing
Secret talent: She can sew.
A take-your-breath-away moment: "Being a grandma is really nice. You can play with the kids and spoil them. You look at grandchildren differently. You can see how you raised your own kids through your grandchildren." Morton has three grandchildren: Addie, 5; Owen, 3; and Mia, 2.
"A-ha" moment that changed her life: "Meeting my husband was life-changing. He is such a good person with a big heart. We've been married for two years. My daughter-in-law actually fixed us up. We went to a Cleveland Indians game on our first date."
Special comment: "I didn't go to college until I was an adult with three children. JoAnne Mascaro was the principal at the time at Amherst Elementary when my children were attending there. I was the PTO president and she encouraged me to go to college for my teaching degree. I loved being around the kids then and still do today."
What others are saying: "Mrs. Morton provides valuable leadership at our building and district levels," said Lake Cable Elementary Principal John Reindel. "Our students and staff appreciate her knowledge of curriculum, technology and differentiation strategies."
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Location, ST | website.com


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It was such a pleasure, mostly, to have my two little guys home on an enforced mini-holiday. Felix used the opportunity to ask some of the Big Questions like "Mom, where is Heaven?"
I try to answer more or less what I think might be true, although the truest answer would be, "I don't know." But I spoke about the fact that a body dies but that everything that's not the person's body is what people think goes to Heaven. And some people think Heaven is in the sky, but that Heaven could probably be God and souls all around us.
Touch talk for a four-year-old. But so we broached the concept of a soul, at least.
We found a dead bird in the garden which worried Felix. First it was:
"Mom, I have a brilliant idea. Let's put a scarecrow in the garden, then the dogs won't be able to catch birds."
And later...
"Mom, how do people become alive?"
I always struggle to limit the information. It's also hard to separate out exactly what the child means. So I said that a baby grows from a seed in his mom's tummy until he's ready to be alive outside. Then I thought that was really missing something essential about "being alive". I tried to convey something about the essence of a person, their soul being blown into their body at some stage. Try to put that into language appropriate for a four-year-old. I said, "Some people think God makes the soul and puts it into the body."
Then I quit. I turned the tables in the time-honoured way of a parent who's been painted into a corner.
"How do YOU think people come alive?"
Silence. Mulling.
Felix: "I don't know, but I think it's a job for God."
Felix was showing off his iPad skills to Grandpa John. Grandpa was telling him that when he was young, he didn't even have a TV, never mind an iPad. I also chimed in, we didn't have a TV when I was Felix age either. Felix looks at us.
"Oh. So nobody of you ever got a break?"
Nope. It was just play, play, play all day long back in the dinosaur days. Not even one teeny tiny break. I do love a four-year-old.


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Once Kodak E6 stocks are completely gone from dealer warehouses (a matter of days for some films), Fuji will jack up the price of their abbreviated E6 films, and then follow suit by discontinuing their E6 films altogether a la Kodak. This is not from any official announcement, but based on a long recent history of Agfa, Kodak, Fuji, etc.
As for the C-41 films, Kodak just signed a contract with the motion picture industry to manufacture color films for them to the year 2015 - but Kodak included a clause stating that Kodak can discontinue making film any time before then... Kodak Portra 160 is almost $40 for a 10 sheet box of 4x5. Fuji doesn't even make color negative sheet film anymore.
Right after I bought most of Adorama's stock of 120 format Fuji Reala 100, they raised the price overnight of their remaining stock by about 15%. I couldn't believe my eyes, so I checked my invoice. Yes it's true.
The writing is on the wall, and with a braille plaque beside it.