I lost for words how to describe my feelings for this moment to come - I feel the hope and the new dawn of better Malaysia. I am so touched by the event happened yesterday in my beloved country. This would only be the second greatest thing i want to witness in my entire life - the next one i want to see is the topple of the old and tired, racist corrupted incompetent regime and the system that does not work for the future of Malaysia. Without getting rid of the old regime and system, you can't barely have much hope. I am so excited to look forward a new justice-and-equality-for-all-races system to put in place in near future. This spells the rise of Malaysia to the Global stage as a developed country!!!
What excites me is, my state and parliament constituency are in the hand of Opposition (DAP & PKR), and the state government is fallen to the hand of Opposition too!!! Also, Opposition allies have together denied the two-third majority of BN in Parliament! Wow, i can't believe it... it is just too amazing. No one could actually predicted this would be coming before election. No one knows how the magnitude of the voice of change could be this strong. No one can tell the dissatisfaction among the people with the previous (and this coming) government, could have taken 5 states from the government's iron grip. The ruling parties could throw all their machinery, media, money (3M) to campaign and to cheat, but they could not suppress and cheat to people for too long. All their propaganda just don't work, because truth is truth, cannot be twisted and turned. People's heart cannot simply bought by 3M that BN used. People will wake up and do what is right to defend their rights! People sent a strong signal to BN, if they still continue to be arrogant and refuse to listen to rakyat, this is what you deserve!!! Hope this is a superb good lesson to BN. I wish them good luck and start reforming themselves if they want to be relevant in politics and win back electorate's hearts. I can't say i won't support them in future, if they are heading to a right direction and undergo massive changes. I hope that, one day, BN would discard all their racial doctrine, disband all their component parties and integrate into just one BN party which support for justice and equality for all races (like PKR).
I wish all opposition parties remain sensible and put forward some urgent reform agenda that this country desperately needs in the parliament and the state level. Local council election is one thing they could do, and also the Freedom of Information Act. They could set a good example for other state BN government to follow suit. If the opposition wants to continue to rule or possibly unseat the current govenment, what they just need to do is - Deliver all their promises at best, so that BN couldn't steal their limelight for change. If they manage the states well enough, the next General Election they will have something to show to all the people of Malaysia that Opposition parties are capable to handle the state and hence the nation. This is the best chance ever for opposition to let people see how different is under their model governance to BN governance. Personally, i think the opposition should keep pressuring the federal government into considering amendment or abolishment of draconian undemocratic acts such as ISA, UUCA, Sedition Act, Printing Presses and Publications Act, Official Secrecy Act. Those acts could prove unpopular , and are detrimental to the nation.
So much to hope for, and so much joy i would like to share at this moment!!!
Congrats to my friends who participated the election and won the election - They are Gan Pei Nei, Chang Lih Kang, and Nik Nazmi. Well done!!! They are the role model of the teenagers , who not only concern about politics but involve themselves into action for changes. I felt sorry for Ginie Lim for her defeat.
Today is a day that would be definitely written into the history of new Malaysia! =)
------------
Doesn't these guys' statement strike a chord with you (about the outcome of General Election)?
Dr Farish Noor: The message the voters are sending is a clear one: We, the Malaysian people, have come together united to demand a Malaysia that is plural and democratic, and home to all. Let no single Malaysian ever be marginalised and neglected ever again. We will no longer be patronised, insulted, manipulated by a government that claims to represent us but actually serves only itself.
The fact that so many independent candidates and so many new faces have come to the fore shows that the Malaysian public has grown weary of the old faces, the old discourses and the old mode of politics in the country. We are now a more complex and plural society than before and we need to forge a new politics that reflects this diversity and pluralism.
We need and want a new Malaysian politics where merit, equality, fairness and accountability prevail. The Malaysian people will no longer tolerate empty promises, discredited politicians, bankrupt politics, cronyism, nepotism and abuse of power. The Malaysian nation wants the country back. We will no longer surrender our future to politicians and elites alone.
Wong Chin Huat:
The BN has to do some soul-searching and reinventing. It cannot sideline the Chinese and the Indians.
The results also show that Anwar is relevant. It is certainly a victory for Anwar. It will put an end to speculation that Anwar would go back to Umno. It also shows a strong civil society, and the strong discontent among the Chinese and the Indians. Anwar did not single-handedly do this.
The Opposition needs to find a way to work together, to prove it is a viable alternative. It has to offer a line-up for a shadow Cabinet. Penang has the opportunity to be a model Opposition coalition government. Civil society will keep a watchful eye on the Opposition government to see what it does. Will it introduce the Freedom of Information Act, local government election, and a new socio-economic policy to contrast what we have at the federal level?
Question: Going forward, what needs to be done to strengthen democracy in Malaysia?
Dr Toh Kim Woon: Going forward, the government will have to take cognisance of being more sensitive and responsive towards the people. They will have to do away with the ISA and the other restrictive laws, and provide people with the space to air their views, including through a more balanced media. And what’s this nonsensical argument that demonstrations equal violence? If you keep denying people the space, then it’s going to explode in the ballot box as it has in this elections.
Sunday, March 09, 2008
Thursday, March 06, 2008
Few Days to go...
It's very interesting to hear and summarize the key points threw at the people from Barisan National. These are the few things they keep repeating:
1) Opposition has no experience in governance. They cannot prove competent for the job. Therefore, GOVERNMENT CANNOT BE CHANGED. It is not a game , hence no risk taking or trying is allowed. Or else it will leave the country in chaos or disorder. Stability overrides all.
My opinion: Yes, we do know about the fact that opposition never came to ruling position before. The reason is very obvious - there is never a fair playing ground in General Election, worse still the ruling party is using the whole national machinery to suppress the dissident voice.
Well, indeed very few of them from Opposition have experience in governance. But the qualification and the credibility of the Opposition candidates are undoubted.
Anwar Ibrahim has the portfolio of being Financial Minister - he is the one contributing to the high-flying economic growth until 1997 Economic crisis.
Tony Pua from DAP is an Oxford University graduate , with a degree in Philosophy, Politics and Economics, also a Malaysian former CEO and founder of a public listed IT company.
Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim - former CEO of Guthrie, famous for bringing Sime Darby back to Malaysia in the legendary Dawn Raid at the London Stock Exchange. Sivarasa Rasiah - winner of the prestigious Rhodes scholarship, and prominent lawyer
Lee Boon Chye - leading heart surgeon with a successful Ipoh practice.
and many more Social Activists and Professionals involved in this movement. The common point of all of them is, they have a wide and far-sighted vision for the country, and often spell out what the country needs to change, and determine to put forward their better policies to ask people for support.
Look at BN cabinet now, who really has the credential to lead the country? Our dear Prime Minister even failed his first year undergraduate mathematics, still holding the position of Financial Minister at the same time. Tell me also what do Samy Vellu & Ong Ka Ting ( the head of MIC and MCA respectively )have got to offer? What is so good about them until they are irreplaceable ? If Samy Vellu is so caring and responsible for people, why does he have to hide the the toll agreement signed with Highway Concessions at the expense of public interest? Yes, Mr Koh Tsu Koon was indeed a phD scholar. However, look at Pulau Pinang state now, what has he contributed to the people that we could remember during 18 years tenure under his helm?
2) Vote BN if you want to have economic growth (for your country and in your area).
My Opinion: A government brings economic growth to the country is certainly a responsibility. That is something a government shall deliver, no matter which party is the ruling party now. However, economic growth still has a condition to be attached - 'sustainable' is the key word. 'Transparency' is another crucial things to keep the ruling party accountable for the people.
Economic growth cannot be used as a claim that only BN could deliver. Why shall we still believe in them while they are now handling our national economy like a mess, and leading to nowhere? Is this the best BN can do? What if people vote in BN as government, our economy still continues to drop and become worsen?
As the opposition candidates i mentioned above, why do we still believe that BN candidates are more superior?
3) If opposition were voted in government, race-riot (like May 13) is bound to happen!
My opinion: that is certainly a THREAT, there is no basis of saying that. NO THREAT should be allowed to use in the election campaign. Changing government, needs not to be afraid, it is a norm in many democratic countries. Opposition front coalition would discard all the racism doctrine used and abused by BN. Malaysia is thus given hope to become more tolerant to multiracial and multicultural society. People will live harmony with each other without fanning with racist remarks, if opposition manifesto based on equality is followed.
What opposition has to prepare and beware is, the possibility that certain quarters of BN party would lash out the last resort to save the party from disgrace, if they cannot accept the election result.
4)Bn would do anything to defame the opposition's party leaders using the whole state machinery, without giving space for them to defend themselves. They try to get away with it.
My opinion: That is why i always endorse and advocate Freedom of Press in Malaysia. The whole society will not be mature enough in thinking and make their judgment, if they are not exposed to balance views and debate from both side. NOT THE OTHER WAY ROUND. Maybe many would still be mislead by what the Mainstream Media said, and affect their decision. BN just take the advantage over the inability of average society member to have critical thinking.
What is so bad about opposition's party leaders? Come on and have a televised debate from both side, like how other democratic countries do, see if people are convinced?
Opposition in Malaysia is always doing things out of their conscience, and their real political belief to serve the people. They are already so brave to go out there to face the unknown risk and tantamount pressure and challenge of the whole state machinery. If they are not the real fighter for the country and their people, for what many people supporting them? Maybe opposition is not perfect, but they stand firm in their principles to defend citizen's rights and freedom, having guts to contribute to the change agenda (which they could not be benefited), and show the great love for the country and the people.
So the Malay idiom says, 'Takut kerana salah' - if you don't find anything wrong with yourself and have nothing to worry about, why don't you keep suppressing the freedom of expression? Go face-to-face and prove to them wrong! I'm sure if what you say is true, people know how to judge your arguments fairly and you still have all their support!
5) MCA or MIC would say the same thing: ' Vote for me, to send enough representation of your race-kind to defend your rights! Weaker representation, means weaker voice, eventually leads to more compromise.
My opinions: No use for keeping these BN race based component parties for playing racial cards to trump. Last election both MIC and MCA won the highest number of representation in parliament ever, but do you see they do better jobs to look after their respective races? If MIC does, they would not see the massive HINDRAF rally took place in the Capital City. For MCA, the record is poorer, result is so little to show yet still want to boost it so loud in the media --- i am totally ashamed by their action, what a disgrace to my race identity!!! i never send them any consent to represent me, and many other chinese.
6) A strong government is needed to take place in parliament and form a formidable cabinet. When the ruling party loses too many seats, they are weakened and render them useless to push forward their agenda. So, we (BN) is pleading for stronger mandate from you people
My Opinions: Last election, didn't we (the people) give you the strongest mandate ever in Malaysian electoral history? With 90% of parliament seats (even though it's just about 63% popularity votes), why i do not see the country is going to a better direction and in better shape to solve many longstanding problems, but instead more problems are created? Lack of wills and determination is seen too, in terms of trying to meet the sweet promises in last election manifesto. So, what is the use of stronger mandate if you (BN) cannot even deliver when you had the strongest government ever? How could we trust you again?
A good article from Natheliel Tan on why does Opposition deserve your votes, if you seriously have doubts about the credibility of opposition. The link is here
Go debate with him, if you are disagree on certain parts.
As what i stressed above, i hope i did not make an impression to you that Opposition is perfect. But in any circumstance at this stage, they are clearly the better choice for people, if you ask me. Any weakness of Opposition is still in the process to overcome. They need your contribution and support to keep it going better and better!
So, for my dear friends and fellows in Malaysia, vote for Barisan Rakyat, instead of Barisan National on 8th March! Malaysia deserves a better future.
1) Opposition has no experience in governance. They cannot prove competent for the job. Therefore, GOVERNMENT CANNOT BE CHANGED. It is not a game , hence no risk taking or trying is allowed. Or else it will leave the country in chaos or disorder. Stability overrides all.
My opinion: Yes, we do know about the fact that opposition never came to ruling position before. The reason is very obvious - there is never a fair playing ground in General Election, worse still the ruling party is using the whole national machinery to suppress the dissident voice.
Well, indeed very few of them from Opposition have experience in governance. But the qualification and the credibility of the Opposition candidates are undoubted.
Anwar Ibrahim has the portfolio of being Financial Minister - he is the one contributing to the high-flying economic growth until 1997 Economic crisis.
Tony Pua from DAP is an Oxford University graduate , with a degree in Philosophy, Politics and Economics, also a Malaysian former CEO and founder of a public listed IT company.
Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim - former CEO of Guthrie, famous for bringing Sime Darby back to Malaysia in the legendary Dawn Raid at the London Stock Exchange. Sivarasa Rasiah - winner of the prestigious Rhodes scholarship, and prominent lawyer
Lee Boon Chye - leading heart surgeon with a successful Ipoh practice.
and many more Social Activists and Professionals involved in this movement. The common point of all of them is, they have a wide and far-sighted vision for the country, and often spell out what the country needs to change, and determine to put forward their better policies to ask people for support.
Look at BN cabinet now, who really has the credential to lead the country? Our dear Prime Minister even failed his first year undergraduate mathematics, still holding the position of Financial Minister at the same time. Tell me also what do Samy Vellu & Ong Ka Ting ( the head of MIC and MCA respectively )have got to offer? What is so good about them until they are irreplaceable ? If Samy Vellu is so caring and responsible for people, why does he have to hide the the toll agreement signed with Highway Concessions at the expense of public interest? Yes, Mr Koh Tsu Koon was indeed a phD scholar. However, look at Pulau Pinang state now, what has he contributed to the people that we could remember during 18 years tenure under his helm?
2) Vote BN if you want to have economic growth (for your country and in your area).
My Opinion: A government brings economic growth to the country is certainly a responsibility. That is something a government shall deliver, no matter which party is the ruling party now. However, economic growth still has a condition to be attached - 'sustainable' is the key word. 'Transparency' is another crucial things to keep the ruling party accountable for the people.
Economic growth cannot be used as a claim that only BN could deliver. Why shall we still believe in them while they are now handling our national economy like a mess, and leading to nowhere? Is this the best BN can do? What if people vote in BN as government, our economy still continues to drop and become worsen?
As the opposition candidates i mentioned above, why do we still believe that BN candidates are more superior?
3) If opposition were voted in government, race-riot (like May 13) is bound to happen!
My opinion: that is certainly a THREAT, there is no basis of saying that. NO THREAT should be allowed to use in the election campaign. Changing government, needs not to be afraid, it is a norm in many democratic countries. Opposition front coalition would discard all the racism doctrine used and abused by BN. Malaysia is thus given hope to become more tolerant to multiracial and multicultural society. People will live harmony with each other without fanning with racist remarks, if opposition manifesto based on equality is followed.
What opposition has to prepare and beware is, the possibility that certain quarters of BN party would lash out the last resort to save the party from disgrace, if they cannot accept the election result.
4)Bn would do anything to defame the opposition's party leaders using the whole state machinery, without giving space for them to defend themselves. They try to get away with it.
My opinion: That is why i always endorse and advocate Freedom of Press in Malaysia. The whole society will not be mature enough in thinking and make their judgment, if they are not exposed to balance views and debate from both side. NOT THE OTHER WAY ROUND. Maybe many would still be mislead by what the Mainstream Media said, and affect their decision. BN just take the advantage over the inability of average society member to have critical thinking.
What is so bad about opposition's party leaders? Come on and have a televised debate from both side, like how other democratic countries do, see if people are convinced?
Opposition in Malaysia is always doing things out of their conscience, and their real political belief to serve the people. They are already so brave to go out there to face the unknown risk and tantamount pressure and challenge of the whole state machinery. If they are not the real fighter for the country and their people, for what many people supporting them? Maybe opposition is not perfect, but they stand firm in their principles to defend citizen's rights and freedom, having guts to contribute to the change agenda (which they could not be benefited), and show the great love for the country and the people.
So the Malay idiom says, 'Takut kerana salah' - if you don't find anything wrong with yourself and have nothing to worry about, why don't you keep suppressing the freedom of expression? Go face-to-face and prove to them wrong! I'm sure if what you say is true, people know how to judge your arguments fairly and you still have all their support!
5) MCA or MIC would say the same thing: ' Vote for me, to send enough representation of your race-kind to defend your rights! Weaker representation, means weaker voice, eventually leads to more compromise.
My opinions: No use for keeping these BN race based component parties for playing racial cards to trump. Last election both MIC and MCA won the highest number of representation in parliament ever, but do you see they do better jobs to look after their respective races? If MIC does, they would not see the massive HINDRAF rally took place in the Capital City. For MCA, the record is poorer, result is so little to show yet still want to boost it so loud in the media --- i am totally ashamed by their action, what a disgrace to my race identity!!! i never send them any consent to represent me, and many other chinese.
6) A strong government is needed to take place in parliament and form a formidable cabinet. When the ruling party loses too many seats, they are weakened and render them useless to push forward their agenda. So, we (BN) is pleading for stronger mandate from you people
My Opinions: Last election, didn't we (the people) give you the strongest mandate ever in Malaysian electoral history? With 90% of parliament seats (even though it's just about 63% popularity votes), why i do not see the country is going to a better direction and in better shape to solve many longstanding problems, but instead more problems are created? Lack of wills and determination is seen too, in terms of trying to meet the sweet promises in last election manifesto. So, what is the use of stronger mandate if you (BN) cannot even deliver when you had the strongest government ever? How could we trust you again?
A good article from Natheliel Tan on why does Opposition deserve your votes, if you seriously have doubts about the credibility of opposition. The link is here
Go debate with him, if you are disagree on certain parts.
As what i stressed above, i hope i did not make an impression to you that Opposition is perfect. But in any circumstance at this stage, they are clearly the better choice for people, if you ask me. Any weakness of Opposition is still in the process to overcome. They need your contribution and support to keep it going better and better!
So, for my dear friends and fellows in Malaysia, vote for Barisan Rakyat, instead of Barisan National on 8th March! Malaysia deserves a better future.
London's calling - for democracy in Malaysia
I am not clever at delivering speeches, and i did not prepare at that time. However, my friend still recorded it down. Although i am not a part of Anwar Ibrahim Club (AIC), i would like to dedicate my thanks to them for featuring me in the video, and airing my view.
Monday, March 03, 2008
The original flyer distributed on 2nd M nite day
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)
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)
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？）
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