Disclaimer: This has nothing to do with Imperial College Malaysia Society and Malaysia Night.
We are a group of concerned Malaysian citizens. We understand that most Malaysian here are probably non-partisan, we respect that.
But, please be a Malaysian that is aware with surrounding issues back in our beloved country. Malaysia always needs your attention, to help her to become a better place to live.
As an overseas student, sometimes probably we ask these questions to ourselves:
• Why can’t I have better salary, job opportunity and career future back in Malaysia? Why do I still have to struggle for living, even though I am UK graduate?
• Why does our country’s security against crimes have been so poor these days?
• Why does our country’s interracial relationship have been tense at times and not so harmony as before? What is the root cause of this?
Maybe extra questions to think about:
• Is what I read in the mainstream media a truth? Why is there sometimes so many differences when we compare to the reports and writings from International media or the online independent news media? How does it affect my understandings about situation in Malaysia?
• What has democracy anything to do with the good governance? How politics could affect us in every aspect of life?
• How could I contribute to the solutions of many problems in Malaysia, even without taking part in partisan politics?
It is never too late to find out why. Now this is a good starting point for your critical thinking –
For balance views and uncensored credible independent news, please visit:
http://www.malaysiakini.com/ - Free (in Malay) but available in English, Chinese
and Tamil
http://www.malaysia-today.net/ - Free
http://www.merdekareview.com/ - Free (in Mandarin only)
Monday, March 03, 2008
Drama continues...
Yesterday i claimed a victory. I was encouraged and inspired by my fellow comrades, suggesting to go inside the campus for many obvious reasons we could do that (try to link all of the reasons together) :
1) Public University is a public place
2) I am an Imperial College Student
3) Union Constituency has empowered individuals/ students to have freedom of expression - freedom to air any particular political views (without inciting hatred against particular religion or race).
4) Our existence there cannot be proven causing any disruption to the show on the stage.
5) Therefore i have every right to be there, and Malaysian Society cannot claim that space (which is not the venue) to be theirs, unless they show black-and-white written proofs to prove otherwise.
6) Everytime we encounter people, we made it clear by clarifying what we did has nothing to do with Malaysian Society (by saying out or showing the placard we created)
7) People have their rights not to accept our flyers or even throw it away in their free will. We do not and cannot force people.
In that way, we started our operation with a group of 8 people backing, including my German coursemate around 6.30pm (which is our bad Malaysian timing, as we scheduled to be there by 6pm). 10 minutes later, that Hazwan Hadian which i mentioned that day, came alone to confront me. He shouted: " This is MY malaysian society! This is MY Malaysia Night! YOU guys cannot do this here, YOU don't have MY APPROVAL!"
I don't know whether it was because of psychology reason with a stronger backing behind me, i firmly stressed that the reasons above, sounded no compromising. Just at the end of my last note, he was seen clearly pissed off, and left the ground without lashing out any word again.
It is what my friends said to me, reason by reason, has awaken me from defending my rights and not letting people easily taking away from me. My friends, one of them is lawyer-to-be, and another is an experienced student activist. I feel very grateful to them, for giving me another lesson. I am always glad to have friends who are lawyers, and they often remind me how to argue on the grounds of rights i have. I just don't know how and why i overlooked the situation, and be nice to people who become more aggressive. The day before was putting just the two of us purely psychologically inferior to that guy. Maybe i was lack of experience, or i did not know how to handle the stress and fear created by intimidation and aggression. That was my weakness. Now i learned.
That night, we all finished distributing the leaflets we had printed. Some of us (like me) went into the hall just to sit down and watch the show. The mission is considered accomplished, despite the fact that we lost more than 50% of audience before we arrived.
Consciously i know why am i doing what i did. I could not bear the general attitude of students , which many of them are scholarship holders, do not bother to care about the issues back in our homeland, and become political apathetic. Do they know why are they sent here, by using taxpayers' money? Even though you may not want to be at the front line for the activity, it does not mean you should avoid that altogether. We all share equal burden for building a better country! Whatever your political belief is, it is better than you have none!!! We are now overseas higher educated students, we shall be the one that our society highly regards and put hopes upon us to contribute better ideas about how the country should run and in which direction it should be going. We shall show more quality and do better than the self-belief that if we cannot change anything so let it be.
1) Public University is a public place
2) I am an Imperial College Student
3) Union Constituency has empowered individuals/ students to have freedom of expression - freedom to air any particular political views (without inciting hatred against particular religion or race).
4) Our existence there cannot be proven causing any disruption to the show on the stage.
5) Therefore i have every right to be there, and Malaysian Society cannot claim that space (which is not the venue) to be theirs, unless they show black-and-white written proofs to prove otherwise.
6) Everytime we encounter people, we made it clear by clarifying what we did has nothing to do with Malaysian Society (by saying out or showing the placard we created)
7) People have their rights not to accept our flyers or even throw it away in their free will. We do not and cannot force people.
In that way, we started our operation with a group of 8 people backing, including my German coursemate around 6.30pm (which is our bad Malaysian timing, as we scheduled to be there by 6pm). 10 minutes later, that Hazwan Hadian which i mentioned that day, came alone to confront me. He shouted: " This is MY malaysian society! This is MY Malaysia Night! YOU guys cannot do this here, YOU don't have MY APPROVAL!"
I don't know whether it was because of psychology reason with a stronger backing behind me, i firmly stressed that the reasons above, sounded no compromising. Just at the end of my last note, he was seen clearly pissed off, and left the ground without lashing out any word again.
It is what my friends said to me, reason by reason, has awaken me from defending my rights and not letting people easily taking away from me. My friends, one of them is lawyer-to-be, and another is an experienced student activist. I feel very grateful to them, for giving me another lesson. I am always glad to have friends who are lawyers, and they often remind me how to argue on the grounds of rights i have. I just don't know how and why i overlooked the situation, and be nice to people who become more aggressive. The day before was putting just the two of us purely psychologically inferior to that guy. Maybe i was lack of experience, or i did not know how to handle the stress and fear created by intimidation and aggression. That was my weakness. Now i learned.
That night, we all finished distributing the leaflets we had printed. Some of us (like me) went into the hall just to sit down and watch the show. The mission is considered accomplished, despite the fact that we lost more than 50% of audience before we arrived.
Consciously i know why am i doing what i did. I could not bear the general attitude of students , which many of them are scholarship holders, do not bother to care about the issues back in our homeland, and become political apathetic. Do they know why are they sent here, by using taxpayers' money? Even though you may not want to be at the front line for the activity, it does not mean you should avoid that altogether. We all share equal burden for building a better country! Whatever your political belief is, it is better than you have none!!! We are now overseas higher educated students, we shall be the one that our society highly regards and put hopes upon us to contribute better ideas about how the country should run and in which direction it should be going. We shall show more quality and do better than the self-belief that if we cannot change anything so let it be.
Saturday, March 01, 2008
So much for the first lesson to be an activist
Yesterday, i decided to walk the talk, to become an activist for the good cause. At the same time, i learned so much after the postmortem when i was telling my housemate what was happening. I've got scold badly by her... damn right, i shall well deserve it. I wonder why am i so ill-preparing the activity.
The objective of my activity yesterday, was to raise as many political awareness from the crowd attending Malaysia Night, especially about the upcoming General Election. We want to persuade the people by distributing to them two flyers, showing videos and do some talking, about how bad BN handles the country and it's time for change.
As my initial research and try to book an official space in Imperial College to do that campaign. First, from the Conference office, states that we could not go on with any activity in the vicinity of venue , but could allow to do it outside the Sherfield building. For what i got heavily criticized by my housemate later is, i failed / did not get a black-and-white permission for us to do the activity outside too. I also did not study the Union Constitution, to defend my every right to be in that area for doing my activity. When i was confronted badly by the President of current Malaysian Society, he was so rude and bad into swearing , at the same time, telling me whatever i do here and there needs his approval. He said Union gave him authorization to do this and that, and every attendee is his guest, claiming that we have no rights to pull the crowd away. At some point, he threaten us with calling security (which he said he did call but no one actually comes). Even though i believe that his arguments were quite poor and what he was telling big might not have any proofs behind, strangely i did not defend my rights to be there and ask him to show proofs.
Event was reached into a climax after hearing enough of swearing from a president, i said out loud that 'you are a shame to Malaysian Society'. He responsed aggressively with a swear sign and shouted 'screw you' - that was the Kelab UMNO member a.k.a Msoc President i was dealing with. REMEMBER THIS NAME - Hazwan Hadian. I wish the future leader of Malaysia could never be like him (He reminds me of Khairy, the PM's son-in-law). Two of his colleagues hold him and calm him down, and pleading us not to incite him. (We did not say a single bad mouth word to him, i must clarify)
Later the drama went on, he finally calm down his emotions and offered us a 'gentlemen' talk. At first he did apologize to us for his rude attitude. We asked him about how was things going with M night as well. He wanted us to understand something about the nature of non-political of the society, and he was afraid to associate with the things we were doing. We of course knew that, and told him we did clarify that we were not related to M night or M soc, but not effective enough as too large crowd coming in the direction. Finally we reached a 'gentlemen' agreement that tomorrow we will do that outside the campus (at the gate entrance of college). After knewing this , my housemate scold me stupid enough to take that humiliating compromise. She said (and i also believe) that our activity is no way could have anyhow affect the event in the great hall. She told me how could easily done to remove the tag of association with the society, but we didn't do it.
She actually like lecturing me about how much preparation we must do to face every situation, so that opponents could not find any single fault in every step we take. The way we have written the flyers also stir the controversy. She said, even if i want to achieve the goal or objective i set, i could have written them properly , with proper quotes and references. In one flyer i wrote about the comparison of policies between Barisan Rakyat and Barisan National, she said it was not convincing enough, as i did not actually do reference for BN side. A clearly bias argument is harder to persuade or convince people to buy it (how true is the extend, i don't know -- cause previously i thought neutral argument is a waste of time). She went on to say, it needs not to be neutral, but if i have written it smartly, by comparing the solid facts (which are quoted) sometimes could reach the same argument more convincingly.
I am not sure if Malaysian all work this way, but maybe psychologically true -- the fact is, i rarely receive a flyer like what she said. It's still a good critic from her though, made me inspired by her thoughts. That was the first time when she scold me, and i don't hate her but thankful to her.
To some extent, i have a afterthought that if i wish to achieve the same objective next time (how to raise people's awareness and persuade them into your arguments), the way you (and your words - in text or spoken) approach them is crucial. This leads me thinking about how past demonstrations did not effectively convert more people into your support (but served the purpose of grabbing people's attention). Political Education is a long way to run, but essential to lay a foundation to shape people's mind and beliefs. Strong arguments come from good reason/ strong point which have strong backing. I shall not take it for granted next time.
Next time, i shall take all these advises into my calculation should if encounter similar situation. I am so regret now that i was not well-prepared. No more next time. I shall rehearse everything in my mind.
So much for my first lesson to learn to be an activist!!! Please apply this to other real-life situations too , such as what could you do if you were arrested by Police in Malaysia unjustly or without good reason. You must know what are your rights, how to defend them reasonably and showing them you actually know how things go, so that then police could not bully you for your ignorance.
The objective of my activity yesterday, was to raise as many political awareness from the crowd attending Malaysia Night, especially about the upcoming General Election. We want to persuade the people by distributing to them two flyers, showing videos and do some talking, about how bad BN handles the country and it's time for change.
As my initial research and try to book an official space in Imperial College to do that campaign. First, from the Conference office, states that we could not go on with any activity in the vicinity of venue , but could allow to do it outside the Sherfield building. For what i got heavily criticized by my housemate later is, i failed / did not get a black-and-white permission for us to do the activity outside too. I also did not study the Union Constitution, to defend my every right to be in that area for doing my activity. When i was confronted badly by the President of current Malaysian Society, he was so rude and bad into swearing , at the same time, telling me whatever i do here and there needs his approval. He said Union gave him authorization to do this and that, and every attendee is his guest, claiming that we have no rights to pull the crowd away. At some point, he threaten us with calling security (which he said he did call but no one actually comes). Even though i believe that his arguments were quite poor and what he was telling big might not have any proofs behind, strangely i did not defend my rights to be there and ask him to show proofs.
Event was reached into a climax after hearing enough of swearing from a president, i said out loud that 'you are a shame to Malaysian Society'. He responsed aggressively with a swear sign and shouted 'screw you' - that was the Kelab UMNO member a.k.a Msoc President i was dealing with. REMEMBER THIS NAME - Hazwan Hadian. I wish the future leader of Malaysia could never be like him (He reminds me of Khairy, the PM's son-in-law). Two of his colleagues hold him and calm him down, and pleading us not to incite him. (We did not say a single bad mouth word to him, i must clarify)
Later the drama went on, he finally calm down his emotions and offered us a 'gentlemen' talk. At first he did apologize to us for his rude attitude. We asked him about how was things going with M night as well. He wanted us to understand something about the nature of non-political of the society, and he was afraid to associate with the things we were doing. We of course knew that, and told him we did clarify that we were not related to M night or M soc, but not effective enough as too large crowd coming in the direction. Finally we reached a 'gentlemen' agreement that tomorrow we will do that outside the campus (at the gate entrance of college). After knewing this , my housemate scold me stupid enough to take that humiliating compromise. She said (and i also believe) that our activity is no way could have anyhow affect the event in the great hall. She told me how could easily done to remove the tag of association with the society, but we didn't do it.
She actually like lecturing me about how much preparation we must do to face every situation, so that opponents could not find any single fault in every step we take. The way we have written the flyers also stir the controversy. She said, even if i want to achieve the goal or objective i set, i could have written them properly , with proper quotes and references. In one flyer i wrote about the comparison of policies between Barisan Rakyat and Barisan National, she said it was not convincing enough, as i did not actually do reference for BN side. A clearly bias argument is harder to persuade or convince people to buy it (how true is the extend, i don't know -- cause previously i thought neutral argument is a waste of time). She went on to say, it needs not to be neutral, but if i have written it smartly, by comparing the solid facts (which are quoted) sometimes could reach the same argument more convincingly.
I am not sure if Malaysian all work this way, but maybe psychologically true -- the fact is, i rarely receive a flyer like what she said. It's still a good critic from her though, made me inspired by her thoughts. That was the first time when she scold me, and i don't hate her but thankful to her.
To some extent, i have a afterthought that if i wish to achieve the same objective next time (how to raise people's awareness and persuade them into your arguments), the way you (and your words - in text or spoken) approach them is crucial. This leads me thinking about how past demonstrations did not effectively convert more people into your support (but served the purpose of grabbing people's attention). Political Education is a long way to run, but essential to lay a foundation to shape people's mind and beliefs. Strong arguments come from good reason/ strong point which have strong backing. I shall not take it for granted next time.
Next time, i shall take all these advises into my calculation should if encounter similar situation. I am so regret now that i was not well-prepared. No more next time. I shall rehearse everything in my mind.
So much for my first lesson to learn to be an activist!!! Please apply this to other real-life situations too , such as what could you do if you were arrested by Police in Malaysia unjustly or without good reason. You must know what are your rights, how to defend them reasonably and showing them you actually know how things go, so that then police could not bully you for your ignorance.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
No Free Media, no Free Election = no true democracy
As now everyone can see and read from the Mainstream News Media (MNM), it fully covers BN’s propaganda especially during election period. I hope someone would give me the figure about the proportion or airtime of reports for BN and opposition, how do they locate the news in the priority and how many negative, neutral and positive reports for both side of camps.
It is worth to point out that all MNM (in all languages) fell into Ruling party’s (BN) and their associated cronies’ hand. No kidding… previously relatively free Chinese language news media have been bought and gathered under one (Tiong Hiew King’s) belt.
Just like what is said in People’s Voice:
7. the control of media houses through subjective issuance of permits and the imposition of conditions, and the selective presentation of news and viewpoints that this approach creates, have by denying access to varied viewpoints and news further interfered with the ability of the rakyat to form coherent and comprehensive views on matters of national interest. This has not only skewed the processes of democracy but have also resulted in a significant part of the Malaysian community being incapable of the critical analysis that is essential for a growing democracy and a fast developing nation competing on the global stage. The rakyat have a right to information;
The point made here is, when there is no free and fair media, the General Election cannot be free and fair. Democracy must be demonstrated in a way that an informed decision is made. With current MNM’s reporting style, it is clearly bias towards BN, to blow the coverage of BN’s campaign out of proportion, and do not give the same amount of space and attention to opposition parties for balance views. When there is no enough discussion or debate or cross-talk to compare and contrast each others’ policies, the dominant voice is formed only due to media’s creation. People could not judge opposition parties fairly, because they are not given opportunity to rebut other party’s allegation and to defend their policy. People also cannot form a complete picture of what is opposition parties’ vision and what do they offer, if just base on MNM.
Just like how Nazi propaganda minister Joseph Goebbels’ work – if you tell a lie big enough thousand times go unopposed, people will eventually come to believe it. That is why BN using all ‘their’ MNM to suppress the dissident’s views. Otherwise they just let small amount of incoherent selective views published (it is better if they could be carried out in negative ways), trying to create an image of a weaker side of opponents. Once done enough with the cover-up and allegation, they just wait for people to buy it and harvest the result. In Malaysia, it is often the reports from internet (of course from the credible independent news agent) are more accurate and closer to the truth than any MNM is… just look at the record of BERSIH gathering you could tell. The sad reality is, there will be a good number of people would believe what is reported in MNM is all truth, wholeheartedly, without blinking their eyes and pause to think critically for a second. This is because, according to statistics there is only a small number of citizen out of the population actually has internet access. There is nowhere else they could get alternative news to shape their political awareness.
This is so dangerous, if all really dance into BN’s racial sentiments and lies. If the media itself cannot check and balance the government, what is the meaning of People’s paper (the Star’s motto)? People cannot even express their concern adequately and do not receive the (true, fair and unbias) professional & high quality news that they deserve to get (for the money they paid).
People do not give consent to Internal Security Ministry to order us what we shall read. They do so to undermine our people’s judgment and mature, critical thinking.
This long-standing problem is partly due to the Printing Act, Sedition Act and the trouble for news media owner to renew the printing permit annually, barring the MNM far from reporting what is truth (but disfavor to the ruling party). It’s only ‘partly’ I mean, because what is worse is, there are also some editors or senior reporters/writers not only do not want to show good examples for their profession and motivate their juniors, but willing to cooperate with and offer helps to those who rape the dignity of a journalist. Submission to authority is a sign of weakness.
The People’s paper and many other MNM forgot that People are the BOSS, Government should be afraid of People, not the other way round. So, encourage your friends and family to read MNM with cautions and read more independent news online to compare the facts. This is for your own good!!!
It is worth to point out that all MNM (in all languages) fell into Ruling party’s (BN) and their associated cronies’ hand. No kidding… previously relatively free Chinese language news media have been bought and gathered under one (Tiong Hiew King’s) belt.
Just like what is said in People’s Voice:
7. the control of media houses through subjective issuance of permits and the imposition of conditions, and the selective presentation of news and viewpoints that this approach creates, have by denying access to varied viewpoints and news further interfered with the ability of the rakyat to form coherent and comprehensive views on matters of national interest. This has not only skewed the processes of democracy but have also resulted in a significant part of the Malaysian community being incapable of the critical analysis that is essential for a growing democracy and a fast developing nation competing on the global stage. The rakyat have a right to information;
The point made here is, when there is no free and fair media, the General Election cannot be free and fair. Democracy must be demonstrated in a way that an informed decision is made. With current MNM’s reporting style, it is clearly bias towards BN, to blow the coverage of BN’s campaign out of proportion, and do not give the same amount of space and attention to opposition parties for balance views. When there is no enough discussion or debate or cross-talk to compare and contrast each others’ policies, the dominant voice is formed only due to media’s creation. People could not judge opposition parties fairly, because they are not given opportunity to rebut other party’s allegation and to defend their policy. People also cannot form a complete picture of what is opposition parties’ vision and what do they offer, if just base on MNM.
Just like how Nazi propaganda minister Joseph Goebbels’ work – if you tell a lie big enough thousand times go unopposed, people will eventually come to believe it. That is why BN using all ‘their’ MNM to suppress the dissident’s views. Otherwise they just let small amount of incoherent selective views published (it is better if they could be carried out in negative ways), trying to create an image of a weaker side of opponents. Once done enough with the cover-up and allegation, they just wait for people to buy it and harvest the result. In Malaysia, it is often the reports from internet (of course from the credible independent news agent) are more accurate and closer to the truth than any MNM is… just look at the record of BERSIH gathering you could tell. The sad reality is, there will be a good number of people would believe what is reported in MNM is all truth, wholeheartedly, without blinking their eyes and pause to think critically for a second. This is because, according to statistics there is only a small number of citizen out of the population actually has internet access. There is nowhere else they could get alternative news to shape their political awareness.
This is so dangerous, if all really dance into BN’s racial sentiments and lies. If the media itself cannot check and balance the government, what is the meaning of People’s paper (the Star’s motto)? People cannot even express their concern adequately and do not receive the (true, fair and unbias) professional & high quality news that they deserve to get (for the money they paid).
People do not give consent to Internal Security Ministry to order us what we shall read. They do so to undermine our people’s judgment and mature, critical thinking.
This long-standing problem is partly due to the Printing Act, Sedition Act and the trouble for news media owner to renew the printing permit annually, barring the MNM far from reporting what is truth (but disfavor to the ruling party). It’s only ‘partly’ I mean, because what is worse is, there are also some editors or senior reporters/writers not only do not want to show good examples for their profession and motivate their juniors, but willing to cooperate with and offer helps to those who rape the dignity of a journalist. Submission to authority is a sign of weakness.
The People’s paper and many other MNM forgot that People are the BOSS, Government should be afraid of People, not the other way round. So, encourage your friends and family to read MNM with cautions and read more independent news online to compare the facts. This is for your own good!!!
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
10 reasons why you should not vote for Barisan Nasional (BN) on 8th March – tell your family and friends
1) For your future career and salary – Incompetency of BN government in Economy Management – inflation rate’s up, petrol and toll price’s up, living cost increases but salary couldn’t catch up. Local job market is losing out to neighbor countries such as Singapore and Thailand.
2) For your personal, family’s and friends’ safety – Crime rate’s up. The number of crime cases has risen exponentially over the years. From 156,455 cases in 2004, the crime index figures released last year shocked the nation revealing that 224,298 cases had been recorded in 2007 (12.93% increase). .It was also reported last year that there was a dramatic 13.4% increase in violent crimes, of which rape cases were up by about 30% and gang robbery by a whopping 160%. Clearly, Police force is incompetent and failing to protect and guarantee the community safety. The proposed Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC) has yet to be set up after recommendation from the Royal Police Commission in May 2005. Since then, BN government has abandoned the proposal.
3) For people’s benefits – BN = rampant corruption to core. BN is reluctant to endorse People’s Declaration, acts no interest on people’s welfare. BN and its cronies stole all from us!
4) For the freedom of mind and expression – BN’s owned mainstream media are often feeding people with lies and propaganda, suppress dissident’s views, fooling and corrupting people’s mind, in their interest. BN suppress rights of citizen to assembly and to express themselves freely through various means (for example, cracking down peaceful demonstration and prosecution of bloggers)
5) For the stability and harmony of the multiethnic society – BN component parties like to play racial card and incite hatred and distrust against other ethnic group, in order to champion themselves as the savior and protector of their respective race. Therefore they are creating more and more divisive tension in interracial relationship. For example, BN like to use May 13 incident to create fear among Malaysians. (However, from Dr. Kua Kia Soong’s studies, it suggests that it was actually a coup planned by UMNO)
6) For the continuity and tolerance of diversity of cultures and religion practices -
Under BN’s governance, more Hindu temples are demolished than built, less Churches and Chinese temples and no Chinese and no Tamil schools are included in BN’s development plan (except Election goodies). All this clearly shows that BN does not respect and appreciate the unique diversity of our lovely multicultural country and our rights to practice any religion.
7) For the good image and reputation of our nation –
BN’s members of Parliament are notorious for giving sexist and racist remarks in Parliaments. More corruption scandals are emerging and yet we saw no one is responsible for it and resign. An outdated and inhuman draconian law such as ISA is still applied to ordinary citizen. Our public universities’ standard are seriously compromised and plunged into new low when UUCA and Surat Aku Janji are in place to curb the creativity and the diversity of thoughts and to suppress the voice of conscience and integrity from students and academic staffs.
8) For better governance and transparency – BN does not promote an open tender system to allow competition from the best, but only offer to cronies. Too much bureaucracy for business and public services. No local council election and hence no heed to local community’s needs and demands. A seperation of power must be uphold - no more corrupted judiciary system, no more judge-brokering. Justice is not for sale, and no interference from executive arm of government is allowed!
9) For the future of our next generations – In the event of overexploitation of natural resources (petroleum, natural gas, forest trees, etc.) by BN’s current policy, our next generations have every right to live in a peaceful, harmony and economically sustainable nation and healthy environment. Our natural resources and lands are for all present and future Malaysian, not for sale to certain quarters of cronies. Our green lung should not be compromised in the name of development. The nation’s wealth shall be equally distributed to all. Positive affirmative action bases on class not race!
10) For the love of your country – Love our country by demanding for a government that truly cares for us, a system that is fair, equal and justice for all!!! No more discrimination, no more intimidation, no more covering up and fooling people. Say ‘NO’ to BN.
Please tell your family and friends to come out and vote on 8th March, Vote for any parties except BN. Show that you care for the future of Malaysia!!!
2) For your personal, family’s and friends’ safety – Crime rate’s up. The number of crime cases has risen exponentially over the years. From 156,455 cases in 2004, the crime index figures released last year shocked the nation revealing that 224,298 cases had been recorded in 2007 (12.93% increase). .It was also reported last year that there was a dramatic 13.4% increase in violent crimes, of which rape cases were up by about 30% and gang robbery by a whopping 160%. Clearly, Police force is incompetent and failing to protect and guarantee the community safety. The proposed Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC) has yet to be set up after recommendation from the Royal Police Commission in May 2005. Since then, BN government has abandoned the proposal.
3) For people’s benefits – BN = rampant corruption to core. BN is reluctant to endorse People’s Declaration, acts no interest on people’s welfare. BN and its cronies stole all from us!
4) For the freedom of mind and expression – BN’s owned mainstream media are often feeding people with lies and propaganda, suppress dissident’s views, fooling and corrupting people’s mind, in their interest. BN suppress rights of citizen to assembly and to express themselves freely through various means (for example, cracking down peaceful demonstration and prosecution of bloggers)
5) For the stability and harmony of the multiethnic society – BN component parties like to play racial card and incite hatred and distrust against other ethnic group, in order to champion themselves as the savior and protector of their respective race. Therefore they are creating more and more divisive tension in interracial relationship. For example, BN like to use May 13 incident to create fear among Malaysians. (However, from Dr. Kua Kia Soong’s studies, it suggests that it was actually a coup planned by UMNO)
6) For the continuity and tolerance of diversity of cultures and religion practices -
Under BN’s governance, more Hindu temples are demolished than built, less Churches and Chinese temples and no Chinese and no Tamil schools are included in BN’s development plan (except Election goodies). All this clearly shows that BN does not respect and appreciate the unique diversity of our lovely multicultural country and our rights to practice any religion.
7) For the good image and reputation of our nation –
BN’s members of Parliament are notorious for giving sexist and racist remarks in Parliaments. More corruption scandals are emerging and yet we saw no one is responsible for it and resign. An outdated and inhuman draconian law such as ISA is still applied to ordinary citizen. Our public universities’ standard are seriously compromised and plunged into new low when UUCA and Surat Aku Janji are in place to curb the creativity and the diversity of thoughts and to suppress the voice of conscience and integrity from students and academic staffs.
8) For better governance and transparency – BN does not promote an open tender system to allow competition from the best, but only offer to cronies. Too much bureaucracy for business and public services. No local council election and hence no heed to local community’s needs and demands. A seperation of power must be uphold - no more corrupted judiciary system, no more judge-brokering. Justice is not for sale, and no interference from executive arm of government is allowed!
9) For the future of our next generations – In the event of overexploitation of natural resources (petroleum, natural gas, forest trees, etc.) by BN’s current policy, our next generations have every right to live in a peaceful, harmony and economically sustainable nation and healthy environment. Our natural resources and lands are for all present and future Malaysian, not for sale to certain quarters of cronies. Our green lung should not be compromised in the name of development. The nation’s wealth shall be equally distributed to all. Positive affirmative action bases on class not race!
10) For the love of your country – Love our country by demanding for a government that truly cares for us, a system that is fair, equal and justice for all!!! No more discrimination, no more intimidation, no more covering up and fooling people. Say ‘NO’ to BN.
Please tell your family and friends to come out and vote on 8th March, Vote for any parties except BN. Show that you care for the future of Malaysia!!!
Talking about my contribution in this General election this time
In the heat of upcoming General Election, I have one week free to help to do some online campaigning. With the bid to create political awareness and urging those who are still in Malaysia to come out and vote for the right party, it’s not an easy task to do. Later I’ll be explaining my political view.
The good news is, this time I have a number of my friends participate politics on the front line – they are now nominated as candidate for different seats at different place.
My friends whom I know since college years from a student organization called DEMA, they are now contesting under Parti KeADILan Rakyat for their respective state seats. I still remember the last time, they were my direct senior, still have not yet graduated from local public University. They are real student activists, which have their ideology and principles shaped. They know (and I know) what they are fighting for… for democracy, freedom, justice and better Malaysia!!! They are no armchair critics who only speak or write but take no action in the part of change. They earn all my respect and my blessing.
They are
Ginie Lim 林秀凌 – PKR candidate for Machap state seat in Melaka
http://ginielim.wordpress.com/
Gan Pei Nei 颜贝倪 – PKR candidate for Rawang state seat in Selangor
http://peinei-rawang.blogspot.com/
Chang Lih Kang 郑立慷 – PKR candidate for Teja state seat in Perak
http://www.lihkang.com/cn/
(read the recommendation about Lih Kang in 小芳’s blog, quite funny)
http://fannychew.blogspot.com/2008/02/blog-post_21.html
Another of my PKR comrade, who is now Anwar’s personal aide secretary, he is a King’s college graduate who studied in Law.
He is now contesting in Seri Setia state seat in Selangor, just next to Subang Jaya state seat where my constituency is. He is bright and full of vision, a progressive moderate modern Malay. He worths all my support.
http://www.niknazmi.com/wordpress/
I also heard from my elder brother that DAP candidate (a young girl which is an Australian graduate) in our state constituency is SMKSU (my secondary school) alumni.
I wish I were back there in Malaysia now to provide the help that my friends desperately need. I could do lots more for them. But right now, I could only be contented about spreading words by the mean of cyberspace.
I also registered as a postal voter not long ago, but I am in great doubt if my status will be confirmed by Election Committee in time. Or will my ballot paper eventually arrive here in London and manage to get back there for vote-counting in time, I don’t have much hope. What I can do, is not just about my one vote. I could do lots more to persuade and influence my friends to come out and vote for the right party. That could, in the end convert more votes into the final result.
I’m still doing my part in London, please join me if you are interested. More plan details will be revealed later. ;-)
The good news is, this time I have a number of my friends participate politics on the front line – they are now nominated as candidate for different seats at different place.
My friends whom I know since college years from a student organization called DEMA, they are now contesting under Parti KeADILan Rakyat for their respective state seats. I still remember the last time, they were my direct senior, still have not yet graduated from local public University. They are real student activists, which have their ideology and principles shaped. They know (and I know) what they are fighting for… for democracy, freedom, justice and better Malaysia!!! They are no armchair critics who only speak or write but take no action in the part of change. They earn all my respect and my blessing.
They are
Ginie Lim 林秀凌 – PKR candidate for Machap state seat in Melaka
http://ginielim.wordpress.com/
Gan Pei Nei 颜贝倪 – PKR candidate for Rawang state seat in Selangor
http://peinei-rawang.blogspot.com/
Chang Lih Kang 郑立慷 – PKR candidate for Teja state seat in Perak
http://www.lihkang.com/cn/
(read the recommendation about Lih Kang in 小芳’s blog, quite funny)
http://fannychew.blogspot.com/2008/02/blog-post_21.html
Another of my PKR comrade, who is now Anwar’s personal aide secretary, he is a King’s college graduate who studied in Law.
He is now contesting in Seri Setia state seat in Selangor, just next to Subang Jaya state seat where my constituency is. He is bright and full of vision, a progressive moderate modern Malay. He worths all my support.
http://www.niknazmi.com/wordpress/
I also heard from my elder brother that DAP candidate (a young girl which is an Australian graduate) in our state constituency is SMKSU (my secondary school) alumni.
I wish I were back there in Malaysia now to provide the help that my friends desperately need. I could do lots more for them. But right now, I could only be contented about spreading words by the mean of cyberspace.
I also registered as a postal voter not long ago, but I am in great doubt if my status will be confirmed by Election Committee in time. Or will my ballot paper eventually arrive here in London and manage to get back there for vote-counting in time, I don’t have much hope. What I can do, is not just about my one vote. I could do lots more to persuade and influence my friends to come out and vote for the right party. That could, in the end convert more votes into the final result.
I’m still doing my part in London, please join me if you are interested. More plan details will be revealed later. ;-)
Update from me
Now it’s time to revamp and reactivate my blog for good reason – first, it’s certainly because my final exam is over!!! Yahoooo… maybe no more academic written exam for lifetime. Very good, isn’t it? Second, it’s my time to contribute for my beloved country during this election period. I have a week to do something about it, working towards the fall of BN and reconstitute a better and fair system for Malaysia!
Next Monday I’ll be going to take the next challenge --- I’ve got my first choice of the project selection. I’ll be staying most of the time in the lab in Chelsea & Westminster Hospital until September. It’s not a normal lab but a HIV lab, which is categorized risk level 3. I’ll be undergoing intensive training at first, in order to qualify myself to pass the Cat 3 test before I could deal with any HIV positive sample in Cat 3 lab.
I know my family, my dear gf, and my friends are worrying. But trust me, I don’t want to associate with any risk too. I’ll be extremely careful and discipline. It’s the time I gotta show the professional side of me, get serious and committed myself in scientific research which I like.
What makes me happy about it, is that the hospital is closer to my house than the Hammersmith Hospital which I spent all last 5 months attending lectures and practicals.
I’ll be cycling to the new hospital. I’m gonna save more transportation money and training myself to be more fit… what a good idea, muahahaha. Another thing is, finally I leave the sad place in Hammersmith hospital where you could only dine in their canteen or café… I’m bored to those repetitive menu and taste… now I’ll be in Chelsea (yeah!) everyday, and be spoilt of food choices (if I have time to do so to eat at different places)
Now, I’ll take the opportunity to apply phD position, since I am relatively free in this given one-week-holiday. I’m considering two applications in Germany, one’s in Heidelberg (German Cancer Research Center) and one’s in Berlin (Max-Planck Institute).
The phD research will be all conducted in English. Both institutes guarantee me grants and stipend if I am recruited. This saves me a lot of troubles to look for both funding and position in UK ( it is especially hard to obtain funding here for non-EU citizen in UK)
I’ve been thinking about doing a postgraduate degree in German-speaking country long time ago, now it seems like a good time to realize it and put it in action. I would like to face the new challenge and change the environment (after I’m getting so used to UK, especially London).
For those who are not in touch with me for long, what I’ve written above is an update from myself for you all. I would like to hear from you too. So, keep in touch!
;-)
(妙仪，你看懂吗？）
Next Monday I’ll be going to take the next challenge --- I’ve got my first choice of the project selection. I’ll be staying most of the time in the lab in Chelsea & Westminster Hospital until September. It’s not a normal lab but a HIV lab, which is categorized risk level 3. I’ll be undergoing intensive training at first, in order to qualify myself to pass the Cat 3 test before I could deal with any HIV positive sample in Cat 3 lab.
I know my family, my dear gf, and my friends are worrying. But trust me, I don’t want to associate with any risk too. I’ll be extremely careful and discipline. It’s the time I gotta show the professional side of me, get serious and committed myself in scientific research which I like.
What makes me happy about it, is that the hospital is closer to my house than the Hammersmith Hospital which I spent all last 5 months attending lectures and practicals.
I’ll be cycling to the new hospital. I’m gonna save more transportation money and training myself to be more fit… what a good idea, muahahaha. Another thing is, finally I leave the sad place in Hammersmith hospital where you could only dine in their canteen or café… I’m bored to those repetitive menu and taste… now I’ll be in Chelsea (yeah!) everyday, and be spoilt of food choices (if I have time to do so to eat at different places)
Now, I’ll take the opportunity to apply phD position, since I am relatively free in this given one-week-holiday. I’m considering two applications in Germany, one’s in Heidelberg (German Cancer Research Center) and one’s in Berlin (Max-Planck Institute).
The phD research will be all conducted in English. Both institutes guarantee me grants and stipend if I am recruited. This saves me a lot of troubles to look for both funding and position in UK ( it is especially hard to obtain funding here for non-EU citizen in UK)
I’ve been thinking about doing a postgraduate degree in German-speaking country long time ago, now it seems like a good time to realize it and put it in action. I would like to face the new challenge and change the environment (after I’m getting so used to UK, especially London).
For those who are not in touch with me for long, what I’ve written above is an update from myself for you all. I would like to hear from you too. So, keep in touch!
;-)
(妙仪，你看懂吗？）
Saturday, January 19, 2008
My birthday thoughts
Thank you everyone for your sincere b'day wishes! I'm so glad that you guys took an effort to do it, appreciate me as your friend!
I just finished replying to each and every b'day wishes to me this year, it took me more than 1 and a half hour. This year is a record year for the number of wishes i received electronically. =) To show my sincerity, i did my best to reply to thank you guys. While i'm doing that, i felt bad for myself seldom take a move to wish my friends happy b'day besides those who are closer/ the closest to me. It might be a simple message but it is not easy to do it when the time comes (once a year), you will remember to do so... (yes, even it's with various birthday reminders from many social networking websites)
I would say birthday is like lover's anniversary day, Mum's day or Dad's day, to show you do care about your friends (even though you didn't contact with them for a long time).
Sorry to those who i didn't keep their birthday in my mind. I will try to be more 'birthday-sensitive' from now onwards. =)
I just finished replying to each and every b'day wishes to me this year, it took me more than 1 and a half hour. This year is a record year for the number of wishes i received electronically. =) To show my sincerity, i did my best to reply to thank you guys. While i'm doing that, i felt bad for myself seldom take a move to wish my friends happy b'day besides those who are closer/ the closest to me. It might be a simple message but it is not easy to do it when the time comes (once a year), you will remember to do so... (yes, even it's with various birthday reminders from many social networking websites)
I would say birthday is like lover's anniversary day, Mum's day or Dad's day, to show you do care about your friends (even though you didn't contact with them for a long time).
Sorry to those who i didn't keep their birthday in my mind. I will try to be more 'birthday-sensitive' from now onwards. =)
Thursday, January 03, 2008
Happy New Year 2008
I might be busy at times, might not write something on the blog at times, it does not mean that my brain is taking rest. I'm thinking about stuffs around me, and particularly on things or person who really matter to me. I'm still living and thriving for my dreams to come.
Happy New Year 2008 to all!!! Welcome to the new challenges ahead.
Happy New Year 2008 to all!!! Welcome to the new challenges ahead.
Posted on Malaysiakini (Mandarin) and Merdekareview
那天，我也穿上黄衣，站在伦敦街头
滾滾黃潮文章系列 | 1月2日 中午12点24分
作者：林志翰（英国帝国理科大学免疫学硕士生）
2007 年11月10日那天早上起来，做的第一件事就是跟进《当今大马》和其他网上独立媒体的报道。一些网站显示拥挤的状态，进入报道网页有点难度，但值得庆幸的是，我得到的是好消息—干净及公平选举联盟（净选盟）基本上顺利完成任务。更值得一提的是民众的高度纪律和自制力，缔造了近十年来的第一个万人和平集会。
这消息对接下来几小时后我召集在伦敦大马学生事务局(Malaysian Students Department) 面前的净选盟海外集会来说，犹如注入了一支兴奋剂。在英国，我没有理由会害怕参与和平集会。警察会是我们的朋友，多过会特地与我们对峙，在政治淫威下逮捕我们的执行员。
致电申请警方准证，比买演唱会票容易
申请准证这回事是在集会三天前进行的。当初我与几位志同道合的朋友合作举行这集会时，本来没思考过这问题。我不大清楚英国的法律，在英国集会准证是否是个必要呢？我想，以防万一还是致电过去吧！英国的地方警察感谢我与他们合作，主动的通知他们关于这集会的举行。他们也向我要了一些基本资料如：举办的目的，集会地点，时间和人数，举办人的联络方式，和集会对周围的影响有多大（比如交通）。没有多迟疑，警方就给我一组号码，说是集会编号，要我再致电给交通警察要求维持当地交通秩序。就这样不到十分钟，就把问题解决了。
新媒体、新时代、新青年
当天的集会出席人数大约有30人，达到了我合理的预期。由于只有相当短期的筹备和宣传，我选择了用网络这管道招兵买马。原因很简单，在英国几乎家家户户都上网。我应用了目前全球最红的联谊网站Facebook开了一个活动看板小空间宣传及发出邀请函，希望它可以从而扩散下去。结果出席者多数为年青人。我们在一起交流和讨论国家的政治社会课题时，种族语言不是界限。还真有一些人是因为在网上看到了这消息才远道而来的。在一个网络普及的国度，网络的影响力是巨大的。网络更是许多年青人熟悉不过的工具。看到有更多的大马年青人在海外仍关心祖国的时事状态，甚至选择勇敢地站出来对自由民主运动表达支持，毋须怀疑，他们就是最爱国的了！有了一股新力量，这国家可以看到了希望。集会就提供了一个场合可以凝聚一切可以团结的支持力量，汇合所有志同道合的朋友，在这长征的道路上你我都不觉得孤单。
伪民主：你“民”我“主”
目前百孔千疮的选举制度，我真的不晓得还会有多少人会真的认为它是自由，民主和独立的制度。在选举中投票是人民的权利和公民义务，但是如果投选的过程不干净，结果会是公平和民主的吗？选举不能反映民意，我们还要选举干嘛？选举岂能当游戏？在一个真正民主的国家，执政党要政敌输得心服口服，就应该体现在公平，干净和自由的选举——没有偏袒，大家都有平等的机会来表达政见，要以政见来说服选民，不私底下耍弄肮脏手段来操纵选举制度以制造选举中的胜利！操纵选举是对民主的最大讽刺，是民主的耻辱。这样做，就有如窃国盗民，将“民主”两个字挟持为人质，然后再公告让全世界看看我国有“民主”。
选举结果不民主，选出来的代表自然也不代表人民的利益（我说得客气了，有些代表猖狂地夺走人民的利益喂饱自己的当儿，还好心办观光团去参观他的皇宫，宴请上等佳肴呢！只差人民没叩头谢皇恩）。我们就像回到了封建时代，他们为“主”，你为“民”。你不能过问“主”，不能质疑“主”，只有等着“主”的施舍和他的大恩大德。若没有得到，不仅还得继续等，还需多多涂脂抹粉和歌功颂德来博“主”一欢——这样才能增加施舍的机会。君不见一些奉行如此“民主”制度的政党正在做着如此的工作吗？我国的民主怎么可以任由它沦落到此地步？
若作了亏心事还要人不知，除非己莫为。敢作，就敢当——这是有风度的成熟政党作为。若没不可告人的秘密，就以干净公平的选举来与敌对政党决一胜负吧！哪有作了亏心事还不给别人揭丑这回事？没办法了，走上街吧，我们人民告诉你什么是真正的民主——人民才是主人！！
新的一年到了，来给大马的选举制度大扫除，洗干净它！
后记：这次的黄潮集会，是个逆流而上的自由民主运动，展现了人民的政治醒觉和成熟度。人民欲解放长久以来思想的束缚，还是绑不住他们的脚。即使做到（逮捕他们），还是绑不住他们的心。“千里之行，始于足下”这句话真的没错！这场运动要继续下去！
编按：滾滾黃潮文章系列是由维护媒体独立撰稿人联盟 (WAMI)組稿
滾滾黃潮文章系列 | 1月2日 中午12点24分
作者：林志翰（英国帝国理科大学免疫学硕士生）
2007 年11月10日那天早上起来，做的第一件事就是跟进《当今大马》和其他网上独立媒体的报道。一些网站显示拥挤的状态，进入报道网页有点难度，但值得庆幸的是，我得到的是好消息—干净及公平选举联盟（净选盟）基本上顺利完成任务。更值得一提的是民众的高度纪律和自制力，缔造了近十年来的第一个万人和平集会。
这消息对接下来几小时后我召集在伦敦大马学生事务局(Malaysian Students Department) 面前的净选盟海外集会来说，犹如注入了一支兴奋剂。在英国，我没有理由会害怕参与和平集会。警察会是我们的朋友，多过会特地与我们对峙，在政治淫威下逮捕我们的执行员。
致电申请警方准证，比买演唱会票容易
申请准证这回事是在集会三天前进行的。当初我与几位志同道合的朋友合作举行这集会时，本来没思考过这问题。我不大清楚英国的法律，在英国集会准证是否是个必要呢？我想，以防万一还是致电过去吧！英国的地方警察感谢我与他们合作，主动的通知他们关于这集会的举行。他们也向我要了一些基本资料如：举办的目的，集会地点，时间和人数，举办人的联络方式，和集会对周围的影响有多大（比如交通）。没有多迟疑，警方就给我一组号码，说是集会编号，要我再致电给交通警察要求维持当地交通秩序。就这样不到十分钟，就把问题解决了。
新媒体、新时代、新青年
当天的集会出席人数大约有30人，达到了我合理的预期。由于只有相当短期的筹备和宣传，我选择了用网络这管道招兵买马。原因很简单，在英国几乎家家户户都上网。我应用了目前全球最红的联谊网站Facebook开了一个活动看板小空间宣传及发出邀请函，希望它可以从而扩散下去。结果出席者多数为年青人。我们在一起交流和讨论国家的政治社会课题时，种族语言不是界限。还真有一些人是因为在网上看到了这消息才远道而来的。在一个网络普及的国度，网络的影响力是巨大的。网络更是许多年青人熟悉不过的工具。看到有更多的大马年青人在海外仍关心祖国的时事状态，甚至选择勇敢地站出来对自由民主运动表达支持，毋须怀疑，他们就是最爱国的了！有了一股新力量，这国家可以看到了希望。集会就提供了一个场合可以凝聚一切可以团结的支持力量，汇合所有志同道合的朋友，在这长征的道路上你我都不觉得孤单。
伪民主：你“民”我“主”
目前百孔千疮的选举制度，我真的不晓得还会有多少人会真的认为它是自由，民主和独立的制度。在选举中投票是人民的权利和公民义务，但是如果投选的过程不干净，结果会是公平和民主的吗？选举不能反映民意，我们还要选举干嘛？选举岂能当游戏？在一个真正民主的国家，执政党要政敌输得心服口服，就应该体现在公平，干净和自由的选举——没有偏袒，大家都有平等的机会来表达政见，要以政见来说服选民，不私底下耍弄肮脏手段来操纵选举制度以制造选举中的胜利！操纵选举是对民主的最大讽刺，是民主的耻辱。这样做，就有如窃国盗民，将“民主”两个字挟持为人质，然后再公告让全世界看看我国有“民主”。
选举结果不民主，选出来的代表自然也不代表人民的利益（我说得客气了，有些代表猖狂地夺走人民的利益喂饱自己的当儿，还好心办观光团去参观他的皇宫，宴请上等佳肴呢！只差人民没叩头谢皇恩）。我们就像回到了封建时代，他们为“主”，你为“民”。你不能过问“主”，不能质疑“主”，只有等着“主”的施舍和他的大恩大德。若没有得到，不仅还得继续等，还需多多涂脂抹粉和歌功颂德来博“主”一欢——这样才能增加施舍的机会。君不见一些奉行如此“民主”制度的政党正在做着如此的工作吗？我国的民主怎么可以任由它沦落到此地步？
若作了亏心事还要人不知，除非己莫为。敢作，就敢当——这是有风度的成熟政党作为。若没不可告人的秘密，就以干净公平的选举来与敌对政党决一胜负吧！哪有作了亏心事还不给别人揭丑这回事？没办法了，走上街吧，我们人民告诉你什么是真正的民主——人民才是主人！！
新的一年到了，来给大马的选举制度大扫除，洗干净它！
后记：这次的黄潮集会，是个逆流而上的自由民主运动，展现了人民的政治醒觉和成熟度。人民欲解放长久以来思想的束缚，还是绑不住他们的脚。即使做到（逮捕他们），还是绑不住他们的心。“千里之行，始于足下”这句话真的没错！这场运动要继续下去！
编按：滾滾黃潮文章系列是由维护媒体独立撰稿人联盟 (WAMI)組稿
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