“Nothing short of a comprehensive investigation and inquiry by independent experts and whose findings if found to contain recklessness, criminal breach and a lack of duty of care must result in action against those who are vicariously responsible no matter how high the chain of command!”

CASSA CALLS FOR AN INDEPENDENT INQUIRY INTO THE DEATH OF RESCUERS!

CASSA refers to the reports that – ‘Six firemen killed in mining pool tragedy complied with SOP’

The six fire and rescue personnel who drowned during a search and rescue (SAR) mission for a missing teenager in a disused mining pond in Taman Putra Perdana, Puchong, recently had complied with the stipulated standard operating procedures (SOP), so says Fire and Rescue Department (FRD) director-general Mohammad Hamdan Wahid!

And are all Malaysians expected to accept that version as it stands or are we allowed to challenge in the public interest that narrative?

Seriously there are many terminologies used interchangeably but what is the truth?

Was this a rescue effort as presented in all media blitz?

Based on the narrative it is CASSA’s belief based on CASSA rescue experts that this was never by the stretch of any ones wild imagination a rescue operation.

Why do CASSA experts take this stand?

If the boy fell in at 5pm as reported and his friends did not see him surfacing anywhere, the common presumption and fact remains that by all reasons and means he was already dead by 5.05, before they called 999, and the arrival of the rescue team.

The fact then remains that this was a recovery operation from the get-go.

When one audits critically the process it is questionable whether whosoever the person in charge was did not have enough knowledge, experience or common sense to make a good decision.

This allegation is supported by a fact!

And that fact is that the victim’s body was found 800m downriver the next day, which meant that whosoever was in charge of the operations did not even bother to ascertain that they were looking in the right place!

It was already 9pm when the water rescue team started searching.

At that stage the deceased boy had already been dead for a full 4 hours.

So can someone please explain to us in the public interests and sphere, how could Mohammad Hamdan Wahid, the Director-General, with a straight face go on record stating this as possibly a rescue?

Does he not know that the common person cannot survive for more than 5 minutes underwater unless they are specially trained security and rescue professionals?

Then there is there another inexplicable fact that the men formed a human chain hoping to bump into the corpse with their legs which gives the perception, rightly or wrongly, that this was a recovery operation.

So once again, the statements of the DG were at best misleading!

Why?

If whosoever made that decision knew that the boy was already dead and that this was a recovery, it was totally negligent and super reckless of him to send in a team for something that could well have waited till the morning.

To make matters worse and add to the confusion, there are allegations that the men did not have the right equipment, were unsure of the right technique, and were not even looking in the right place!

What we have as a result of what some independent experts consider reckless and criminal blunder was six good men died a premature death!

If that was not enough, we have reported statements and allegations made in alleged self-preservation whose actions can be deduced as closing ranks?

It is hilarious to state that the dead rescuers were sent in because there was a chance of rescue.

Seriously is that the narrative?

What is further inexplicable is the outburst of the deputy Minister of Law, who comes into the narrative telling the world at large to stop pointing fingers and what happened was beyond anybody’s control, even without any well-established and comprehensive investigation by an independent body along the lines of a coroner’s investigation.

If that is not enough there are other ingenious statements that can only survive in a context such as Malaysia and in any other global capital, will result in an outcry, a fast tracked public hearing and the dismissal of those responsible and others alleged to have tried to play down or cover up what is considered as a travesty of justice!

In those jurisdictions, may I remind our policymakers there can also be calls for manslaughter charges and of conspiracy to cover up!

For the record, it is sad and hurting that six unquestionably heroes, young men, between the ages of 24 and 34 years lost their lives in what is bizarre!

Indeed, what a tragedy, and what a loss.

To the families, they have that small consolation that their sons, husbands, or brothers gave their lives in carrying out their duties to the nation!

But we ask that there be more!

Nothing short of a comprehensive investigation and inquiry by independent experts and whose findings if found to contain recklessness, criminal breach and a lack of duty of care must result in action against those who are vicariously responsible no matter how high the chain of command!

“Now who are these shenanigans behind the arms trade?
Prominent are the industry players from the UK, USA, France, Italy, the Netherlands and Spain!– Dr Jacob George”

MALAYSIA, ASEAN/APEC LEAD CONSUMERIST HUMAN RIGHTS CZAR DR JACOB GEORGE – ON YEMEN’S FORGOTTEN WAR?

This is super sickening and the super heights of moral and spiritual decay and the world’s hypocrisy!

And why do I scream such?

Are you aware that the world has turned its back over the past years on a growing humanitarian crisis?

Are you aware that on 25 March 2015, an international coalition led by Saudi Arabia launched air strikes against the Huthi armed group in Yemen sparking a full-blown armed conflict?

And over the following year, the conflict has spread and fighting has engulfed the entire country.

As is the result of such tragedies, there are horrific human rights abuses, as well as war crimes, being committed throughout the country and the victims and collateral damage of such heinous crimes are again innocent suffering civilians.

I am advised that the strategy of this illegal war is by two fronts namely – relentless bombardment by coalition forces from the air, and a battle being fought on the ground between rival factions.

And who are the players here?

We have the Huthis on one side, an armed group whose members belong to a branch of Shi’a Islam known as Zayidism.

They are aligned with supporters of Yemen’s former President Ali Abdullah Saleh.

And of course, the opponents are the anti-Huthi forces that are allied with the current President Abd Rabbu Mansour Hadi and the Saudi Arabian-led coalition.

And in the middle caught between these warring factions’ innocent, helpless, exposed, vulnerable civilians and noncombatants!

The DNA of all wars fought throughout history!
As I write this piece, with information from friends and international NGOs, like Amnesty International another aerial bombing has taken place killing children and civilians in a hospital!

You read right – a hospital!

It is sheer hypocrisy and religious apartheid that the worlds puritans and selective breeders of foreign affairs deliberations, have remained in comatose as thousands of civilians are trapped in the middle – thousands killed and injured and a humanitarian crisis has spiraled.

These are the bastards of politics and in high political office!

Are you aware – that over a year, stakeholders of the world has ignored this raging conflict and heard little about its devastating consequences?

Is it because there is no oil here to manipulate?

Is it because Yemen is an extremely poor country?

Is it because, we have vested interests and politicians sucking up and kissing the asses of Saudi Arabia’s bourgeoisie, for various strategic interests of certain pariah nations preaching something but practicing another?

War is one thing, but, when various invading forces impose a partial aerial and naval blockade on areas under Huthi control to cut off supplies, it is creating a situation of genocide, by severely limiting the import and provision of fuel and other essentials, obstructing access to food, water, humanitarian assistance and medical supplies and causing food prices to soar, creating a desperate situation for millions of people.

That is not all, as there is widespread damage and destruction to key logistical infrastructure, including bridges, airports and seaports, has also severely hampered the movement of crucial humanitarian supplies.

I am not partial to any group here, and I acknowledge receiving information and data that even the Huthi armed group and allied forces have endangered the lives of thousands of civilians in the southern city of Ta’iz by blocking the entry of crucial medical supplies and food in recent months.

And the result is the same; we have seen in all conflict territories throughout the world, the last being in Syria!

With no medical supplies, no resources – hospitals just shut down, or being targets of attacks, creating a platform where civilians and others face death!

Hospitals, that still are open, if any, – very vulnerable due to a lack of supplies.

And similar, to all conflict territories – there are growing human rights abuses by all sides!

I am advised, that dedicated and committed friends at Amnesty International, have gathered evidence revealing that all the parties to this conflict have committed violations of human rights and international humanitarian law.

For the record, there is comprehensive data of more than 30 air strikes across six different governorates (Sana’a, Sa’da, Hajjah, Hodeidah, Ta’iz and Lahj) by the Saudi Arabia-led coalition, that appear to have violated international humanitarian law – the rules that apply during a conflict, which are sometimes known as the “laws of war” – resulting in 366 civilian deaths (more than half of whom were women and children) and 272 civilian injuries.

I must reiterate here as an attorney and expert in International law, that these included attacks, that appear to have deliberately targeted civilians and civilian objects, such as hospitals, schools, markets and mosques, which may amount to war crimes.

My embarrassing and disgust is, that despite these war crimes, many countries and their merchants of war, have continued to sell and transfer weapons to Saudi Arabia and its coalition members, for use in the conflict.

And yes, these arms have also been diverted into the hands of Huthi and other armed groups fighting in Yemen.

Now who are these shenanigans behind the arms trade?
Prominent are the industry players from the UK, USA, France, Italy, the Netherlands and Spain!

A reported licenses and sales to Saudi Arabia worth more than $25bn in 2015 including drones, bombs, torpedoes, rockets and missiles.

The hypocrisy and irony here is these states are parties to the Arms Trade Treaty, which has the aim of “reducing human suffering” and which makes it unlawful to transfer weapons where there is a high risk they could be used to commit serious violations of international law.

From this part of the emerging world voices, I lend my voice to Amnesty International and OXFAM, who are appealing to all states, to ensure that no party to the conflict in Yemen is supplied – directly or indirectly – with weapons, ammunition, military equipment or technology that could be used in the conflict, until they end such serious violations.

This certainly, also applies to logistical and financial support for such transfers.

I appeal to the decision makers and stakeholders of conscience, if there are any left in these jurisdictions of UK, USA, France, Italy, the Netherlands and Spain, please intervene, to stop the unraveling tragedy!

And to other governments and political pretenders without backbone or spine, whose governments always are racially and religiously selective, in addressing war crimes and carnage, in line with the silos based religious interpretations and political interest, please do get off your backsides, and lend your voice to end, yet another international tragedy without fear of favor!

‘I am sure with the new ‘breakthrough’ and ‘Intel’ last week, thanks to the dedication, contribution and sacrifice of certain individuals from 7 countries, we will now depart from the disinformation/communication/spin coup of certain players, media practitioners and their attempted trial by media and blame game’ to finally find the resting place of what used to be MH370 (9M-MRO)!’

FINDING MH370 (9M-MRO) – CLOSURE IN SIGHT?

Today it’s September 30 and it will be more than four years since Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 disappeared.

Four years since, I was alerted that several of my very close friends and others, had not come home.
And four years, my life is still upside down.

Four years of roller-coaster mysteries, myths, claims, counter-claims, projections, counter-projections and worst of all, super-bickering, vulgarities and all things unpleasant.

In these four years, so many actors and actresses all claimed to serve the cause.

In these four years, some have started running unregistered NGOs and making speeches in Malaysia over MH370.

In these four years, some had set up twitter and Facebook accounts just to defame and attack me using vulgarities, presuppositions and superlatives of the worst kind!

They are now being also monitored by the security apparatus!

In the four years, debris collectors and planters have not handed over all that was acquired under various pretenses.

Some were handed over to the Malaysian authorities and others still retained illegally by these groups and individuals who do not have the legal right to withhold information.

These individuals, alleged to be Australians and this, if true, we hold the Australian government responsible to see that the alleged debris – MH370 passengers’ possessions and items – are returned to us so that we can address and attempt to piece together what really happened.

I also raise the need to question those claiming to have found these items and ask them to make affidavits as to how, where, why and by what means they were acquired.

There seem to be far too many secrets here.

For far too long, we have allowed these third parties to run wild managing this narrative instead of us Malaysians doing it.

Also, for some strange reason, during these high dramas – we Malaysians were told that a site in Perth will honor the 239 people on board when the plane went missing in 2014 and recognize Australia’s role in the failed recovery mission?

Seriously, Australia decides?

Is Australia the epicenter of this tragedy or are they, basically busybodies?

Relatives have condemned the idea of a memorial, for the fear that it may be more of a tourist attraction or a curse.

There were 14 country representations on the flight and more than two-thirds of those on board were from China which lies more than 5,000km (3,100 miles) from Perth!

There are allegations that the Chinese relatives only found out about the memorial from media reports.

And responded by writing an open letter to the Australian government in January calling for the plans to be scrapped!

They have not received a response.

I cannot understand why Australia in the past was attempting to be the decision maker in such Malaysian state matters?

The missing aircraft belongs to Malaysia, the crew is ours, legally and otherwise and even international law points that it is our responsibility – not Australia’s.

So in the interest of all concerned and common decency Australia, please stop.

I am certain Malaysia will initiate in this matter, in due course, as the last search came to an end in June.

I am sure with the new breakthrough and ‘Intel’ last week, thanks to the dedication, contribution and sacrifice of certain individuals from 7 countries, we will now depart from the disinformation/communication/spin coup of certain players, media practitioners and their attempted trial by media and blame game’ to finally find the resting place of what used to be MH370 (9M-MRO)!

Yes, you read correct – what is believed to be the resting place of 9M-MRO!

We will update our Prime Minister on his return from abroad and seek his instructions in all going forward measures!

I am certain our Ministry of Transport, Defense and certain stakeholders will play a critical role in attempting to solve what was once considered an aviation mystery, once the instructions is given from the highest level in the Malaysian political and decision making hierarchy!

We have spent huge personal funds of our own in these four years in this breakthrough – and seek among others – three requests:

1. Once the wreckage is identified conclusively, salvage operations commence accordingly and the next of kin are updated.

2. Preparations are made for the religious ceremonies and a memorial be built after consultation with representatives from the 14 countries, perhaps at KLIA in Malaysia?

3. Finally, those who made this possible from 7 countries, be not forgotten but be duly compensated by the Malaysian government, especially, the team of eye witnesses to this aviation tragedy!