Cops seek Interpol manhunt for RPK (Raja Petra)

Tuesday May 26, 2009 Malaysia Insider

KUALA LUMPUR, May 26 – Malaysian police are now seeking the help of Interpol to apprehend fugitive blogger Raja Petra Kamarudin, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan said today in the first official acknowledgement that RPK has fled the country.

RPK, as he is popularly known, went on the lam last month when he failed to turn up for his sedition trial. Today a second warrant of arrest was issued against him for failing to turn up for his criminal defamation trial.

Despite being a fugitive, RPK continues to taunt the authorities and remains a thorn in the side of the administration of Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

Both his sedition and criminal defamation trials are related to his allegations that Najib was involved in the murder of Altantuya Shaariibuu, the former mistress of the prime minister’s associate.

RPK continues to write regularly on his Malaysia Today website, giving his take on political developments and criticising the police and the Barisan Nasional (BN) government.

Since skipping trial, the blogger who remains hugely popular has also been engaging in a war with some of his fellow bloggers. He has been attacking several bloggers whom he had once been friendly with, identifying them as pro-Barisan Nasional bloggers.

According to a recent news report, police here believe RPK is now in Brisbane, Australia, together with his wife.

Besides the latest arrest warrant issued today, Sessions Court judge Mohamad Sekeri Mamat also issued a show-cause notice to RPK’s wife, Marina Lee Abdullah, as his bailor for not being in court as well.

Raja Petra, 59, had on July 17 last year claimed trial to three counts of criminal defamation over his statutory declaration on the murder of Altantuya Shaariibuu.

He is alleged to have defamed Najib’s wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor by claiming she was involved in the murder.

RPK has claimed through his website that he would not be attending the trials as he fears being arrested under the Internal Security Act (ISA).

Comment: The news really strikes one's mind as to the role and interest of Interpol. Here are the main functions of this international body taken from the website, http://www.interpol.int/. 1. Tackling the growing problem of drug abuse and trafficking, often linked to other crimes. 2. Tracing fugitives, who threaten public safety and undermine criminal justice systems. 3. Countering terrorism, which threatens public safety and world security. 4. Fighting abuse and exploitation of people, which breach human rights and destroy lives. 5. 'Working together towards a corruption-free world by promoting and defending integrity, justice and the rule of law.’ It is very much doubtful that Interpol is interested in getting RPK after studying his case. The more they study the case, the more they will realise that a different person should be hunted, I'm afraid... I think taking the case to them would only tarnish Malaysia's image as a different picture may emerge. It would be very exciting to see what would unravel if he is taken to court. I wonder if this is only a threat.., pressure,.. or a clumsy choice of action. :)