Yeoh Yen Kee (19) who performed excellently in SPM, scoring 11As was forced to give up her dreams to pursue medicine in Czech Republic after being diagnosed to have Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) on 14th May 2008. On 14th April 2009, she completed her chemotherapy course in Penang’s General Hospital but was later told that it had relapsed in mid of May 2009.
Efforts are being made to help Yen Kee. More information on http://helpyenkee.co.cc
Please help spread the word around. Many thanks.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Why shouldn't Lim Guan Eng debate with Koh Tsu Koon?
While Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng has committed to a national-televised debate with Koh Tsu Koon without any buts anytime anywhere, I do not agree that he debate with Koh.
Why?
It must be understood that the current strategy of PR must be focused on winning the middle ground, as Guan Eng's own strategist Liew Chin Tong has so aptly written in his latest piece "Middle ground is battle ground".
A national-televised debate on Kampung Buah Pala will not help in any way to change the electorate of middle ground. In fact, it might have a higher risk of irking certain voters who will think that Guan Eng still has the "opposition tendency" in him.
Definitely, the Kampung Buah Pala issue is not the misdeed of the current state government and Guan Eng and his team have just been placed in the unenviable position of dealing with the aftermath.
What the Penang state government needs urgently are solid policies that will prove them to be a truly viable state government that is different from the previous Gerakan-led state government.
Asset declaration, enacting the Freedom of Information Act and working towards local elections are more important and urgent matters than a televised debate. These policies are more likely to help win voters of middle ground while a televised debate only serves to entertain the die hard supporters.
One and a half year after the March 8 General Election, with a new Prime Minister whom even Guan Eng himself has claimed to be difficult to displace, Guan Eng and team must realise that anti-BN sentiments are not here to stay forever to act as their winning strategies. The internal squabbles among PR component parties, the various administrative crises experienced by the Penang state government have caused PR to risk losing, if not already, electorates.
Tsunami does not happen all the time. The opportunity to administrate, once lost, is unlikely to be regained easily. Middle ground is battle ground, a battle ground that can be won comfortably only by effective governance, not merely street politics.
Why?
It must be understood that the current strategy of PR must be focused on winning the middle ground, as Guan Eng's own strategist Liew Chin Tong has so aptly written in his latest piece "Middle ground is battle ground".
A national-televised debate on Kampung Buah Pala will not help in any way to change the electorate of middle ground. In fact, it might have a higher risk of irking certain voters who will think that Guan Eng still has the "opposition tendency" in him.
Definitely, the Kampung Buah Pala issue is not the misdeed of the current state government and Guan Eng and his team have just been placed in the unenviable position of dealing with the aftermath.
What the Penang state government needs urgently are solid policies that will prove them to be a truly viable state government that is different from the previous Gerakan-led state government.
Asset declaration, enacting the Freedom of Information Act and working towards local elections are more important and urgent matters than a televised debate. These policies are more likely to help win voters of middle ground while a televised debate only serves to entertain the die hard supporters.
One and a half year after the March 8 General Election, with a new Prime Minister whom even Guan Eng himself has claimed to be difficult to displace, Guan Eng and team must realise that anti-BN sentiments are not here to stay forever to act as their winning strategies. The internal squabbles among PR component parties, the various administrative crises experienced by the Penang state government have caused PR to risk losing, if not already, electorates.
Tsunami does not happen all the time. The opportunity to administrate, once lost, is unlikely to be regained easily. Middle ground is battle ground, a battle ground that can be won comfortably only by effective governance, not merely street politics.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
UMNO, what has changed?
The selection of Isa Samad as the BN candidate for the upcoming Bagan Pinang by-election indicates just how little UMNO has changed even after the March 8 General Election.
Bagan Pinang, a stronghold of UMNO, could have been the ideal opportunity for Najib to prove his political determination in actualizing the change that he has been calling. Definitely, Isa Samad, the former Negri Sembilan MB, will be able to warrant a victory for UMNO and to break the winning streak of Pakatan Rakyat in the Peninsula. However, with Isa's running for Bagan Pinang, it seems that UMNO and BN are more likely to win the battle, but lose the war.
Why is Isa not the best candidate? What are the implications of his appointment?
It is obvious that Isa's political baggage of being guilty of money politics will inevitably be a point to be attacked by the Opposition. Even prior to official campaigning, it doesn't help that the Opposition has already been talking about Hishammudin's "good guilt and bad guilt" theory that has been used to defend Isa. To Hishamuddin's justice, the "good guilt and bad guilt" were only terms coined by the Malaysian Insider but made popular by the numerous Twitters of PR leaders.
But two points can be made here - first, it shows that the denial mindset is still very much in UMNO. Second, how can Najib claim to fight against corruption effectively when Isa, a former UMNO member who was guilty of money politics, is defended as the ideal candidate for a by-election?
UMNO could have allowed a fresher or younger face who has no political baggage to run for Bagan Pinang. Given that the Bagan Pinang electorate is an UMNO stronghold, it is, therefore, not necessary for UMNO to worry about the backlashing from the Isa's faction and could have still comfortably won with a good margin.
But what's more important is the fact that a younger and fresher candidate will not only prove Najib's political will to launch his agenda of change within UMNO, but more importantly, it will help to appeal to the younger electorate that the BN is already losing to the Opposition. In fact, earlier on, Dato Saifuddin Abdullah, Deputy Minister of Higher Education, has also expressed his wish for a younger and fresher candidate for Bagan Pinang.
As for PR, it will be almost impossible for PAS Zulkefly Omar to win, even by a small margin. Nevertheless, even if DAP Secretary-General Lim Guan Eng has himself suggested that Isa will be a difficult candidate, it does not mean that all hope is lost.
The PR strategy should aim at two purposes - one, to reduce the victory margin of UMNO; two, to prove cohesiveness within the coalition that can be a viable alternative government in the long run.
What can be done?
Firstly, attack on Isa's political baggage, especially his involvement in money politics and his tenure as MB for Negri Sembilan for 22 years.
Secondly, from Isa's money politics, project it further as UMNO's ineffectiveness and lack of determination in fighting corruption. Attack on the futility of the MACC as the vehicle to fight corruption. I presume that the death of Teoh Beng Hock will come into play. While this might have little effect on the electorate of Bagan Pinang, it will have impact on Najib's agenda to win over hearts and minds in the long run.
Thirdly, resolve all internal disagreements and let not the electorate, as well as the people at large, to see a PR that is experiencing in-fighting.
Last but not least, this by-election will be a good opportunity for PR to develop the "DAP Approach" to New Media and subsequently to develop a New Media stratregy that can be used in future.
Isa Samad's appointment by the UMNO has shown just how far the journey of change in the BN is yet to go. While Najib has been strategic in his economic policies, his determination to appeal to the younger electorate and his will to change to win the war are yet to be seen.
Bagan Pinang, a stronghold of UMNO, could have been the ideal opportunity for Najib to prove his political determination in actualizing the change that he has been calling. Definitely, Isa Samad, the former Negri Sembilan MB, will be able to warrant a victory for UMNO and to break the winning streak of Pakatan Rakyat in the Peninsula. However, with Isa's running for Bagan Pinang, it seems that UMNO and BN are more likely to win the battle, but lose the war.
Why is Isa not the best candidate? What are the implications of his appointment?
It is obvious that Isa's political baggage of being guilty of money politics will inevitably be a point to be attacked by the Opposition. Even prior to official campaigning, it doesn't help that the Opposition has already been talking about Hishammudin's "good guilt and bad guilt" theory that has been used to defend Isa. To Hishamuddin's justice, the "good guilt and bad guilt" were only terms coined by the Malaysian Insider but made popular by the numerous Twitters of PR leaders.
But two points can be made here - first, it shows that the denial mindset is still very much in UMNO. Second, how can Najib claim to fight against corruption effectively when Isa, a former UMNO member who was guilty of money politics, is defended as the ideal candidate for a by-election?
UMNO could have allowed a fresher or younger face who has no political baggage to run for Bagan Pinang. Given that the Bagan Pinang electorate is an UMNO stronghold, it is, therefore, not necessary for UMNO to worry about the backlashing from the Isa's faction and could have still comfortably won with a good margin.
But what's more important is the fact that a younger and fresher candidate will not only prove Najib's political will to launch his agenda of change within UMNO, but more importantly, it will help to appeal to the younger electorate that the BN is already losing to the Opposition. In fact, earlier on, Dato Saifuddin Abdullah, Deputy Minister of Higher Education, has also expressed his wish for a younger and fresher candidate for Bagan Pinang.
As for PR, it will be almost impossible for PAS Zulkefly Omar to win, even by a small margin. Nevertheless, even if DAP Secretary-General Lim Guan Eng has himself suggested that Isa will be a difficult candidate, it does not mean that all hope is lost.
The PR strategy should aim at two purposes - one, to reduce the victory margin of UMNO; two, to prove cohesiveness within the coalition that can be a viable alternative government in the long run.
What can be done?
Firstly, attack on Isa's political baggage, especially his involvement in money politics and his tenure as MB for Negri Sembilan for 22 years.
Secondly, from Isa's money politics, project it further as UMNO's ineffectiveness and lack of determination in fighting corruption. Attack on the futility of the MACC as the vehicle to fight corruption. I presume that the death of Teoh Beng Hock will come into play. While this might have little effect on the electorate of Bagan Pinang, it will have impact on Najib's agenda to win over hearts and minds in the long run.
Thirdly, resolve all internal disagreements and let not the electorate, as well as the people at large, to see a PR that is experiencing in-fighting.
Last but not least, this by-election will be a good opportunity for PR to develop the "DAP Approach" to New Media and subsequently to develop a New Media stratregy that can be used in future.
Isa Samad's appointment by the UMNO has shown just how far the journey of change in the BN is yet to go. While Najib has been strategic in his economic policies, his determination to appeal to the younger electorate and his will to change to win the war are yet to be seen.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
The MCA Extraordinary General Meeting - what will it really decide?
Coming this 10 October 2009, the MCA will be having its EGM, termed by certain political analysts to be another form of "presidential election".
The political careers of Ong Tee Keat and Chua Soi Lek will be very much determined. A victory for Ong will largely seal his position as the President of MCA and he shall go unchallenged and even strengthened for the rest of his term. It will also indicate the termination for Chua's political career.
It is highly impossible for both to remain, probably even undesired by the delegates, who, if not wanting for a change in the situation, will not give sufficient signatures for the EGM to take place. Moreover, given the tension that has been going on for nearly a year, it is really better for both sides to either "win all" or "lose all". Otherwise, their continued co-habitation will only lead to more issues and more upheavals that the MCA, still reeling from its March 8 effect, will not want to have.
Due to the possible scenarios, the significance of this EGM has been said to go as far as a battle between the old and new MCA.
But is it really so?
I am reluctant to agree.
In MCA, the determinants of victory have always been political and material rewards. As such, the winner on 10 October will most likely be the one with the most to offer the delegates, rather than the one who is most capable and deserving to be the President.
As far as we can see for now, MCA politicians who have thrown their back behind Chua, including Ong Ka Chuan and Ling Liong Sik, are politicians who have the most to gain from Chua's winning.
It will not be a matter of who will be able to bring MCA towards making changes. The winner, be it Ong, who is often claimed to be a vocal politician, or Chua, the former Minister who was caught having illicit sex with his illegal lover but is said to have proved his prowess in leadership and administration, will not automatically determined the fate of MCA.
Whoever the winner, the EGM will not change anything in the MCA, unless and until real changes are made:
This EGM better be the platform for the clashes to be solved once and for all. Otherwise, the MCA will have to risk becoming obsolete.
The political careers of Ong Tee Keat and Chua Soi Lek will be very much determined. A victory for Ong will largely seal his position as the President of MCA and he shall go unchallenged and even strengthened for the rest of his term. It will also indicate the termination for Chua's political career.
It is highly impossible for both to remain, probably even undesired by the delegates, who, if not wanting for a change in the situation, will not give sufficient signatures for the EGM to take place. Moreover, given the tension that has been going on for nearly a year, it is really better for both sides to either "win all" or "lose all". Otherwise, their continued co-habitation will only lead to more issues and more upheavals that the MCA, still reeling from its March 8 effect, will not want to have.
Due to the possible scenarios, the significance of this EGM has been said to go as far as a battle between the old and new MCA.
But is it really so?
I am reluctant to agree.
In MCA, the determinants of victory have always been political and material rewards. As such, the winner on 10 October will most likely be the one with the most to offer the delegates, rather than the one who is most capable and deserving to be the President.
As far as we can see for now, MCA politicians who have thrown their back behind Chua, including Ong Ka Chuan and Ling Liong Sik, are politicians who have the most to gain from Chua's winning.
It will not be a matter of who will be able to bring MCA towards making changes. The winner, be it Ong, who is often claimed to be a vocal politician, or Chua, the former Minister who was caught having illicit sex with his illegal lover but is said to have proved his prowess in leadership and administration, will not automatically determined the fate of MCA.
Whoever the winner, the EGM will not change anything in the MCA, unless and until real changes are made:
- How will the MCA influence young electorate?
- What is MCA's stand on issues such as the ISA, freedom of press and anti-corruption?
- BN and UMNO strategies - how will the MCA deal with its image of being suppressed by UMNO?
- How to prevent MCA from becoming obsolete? How to ensure dynamism in MCA? How to expand its political activism?
This EGM better be the platform for the clashes to be solved once and for all. Otherwise, the MCA will have to risk becoming obsolete.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Fast for the Nation, Peace for Malaysia 2009
Message from Sivin Kit of Fast for the Nation, Peace for Malaysia 2009 Core Group:Dear friends,
A few friends met up some days ago and in talking about events that have happened in the country in the past year, came up with this idea: what if on Malaysia Day we all fast for peace for our nation? The idea grew into a plan and now, it has become a nationwide call for action.
"Fast for the Nation, Peace for Malaysia" is our response to this call. Please read below and join us:
Malaysia is a peaceful country and it should remain that way forever. Acts of Violence and inciting hatred must have no place in our public life.
Unfortunately, too many cruelties and injustices have happened since the nation’s last birthday.
It is tempting to slip into despair or become revengeful. Let us turn our anger and sadness into a positive force for change.
This September 16, let us all combine our efforts to present a meaningful gift for Malaysia on her 46th birthday.
Let us be united in one single action. Let us all fast from dawn to dusk for peace in this blessed land. Let the Muslims amongst us fast with a specific prayer for peace for the nation. Let the Bahais, Buddhists, Christians, Hindus, Sikhs, Taoists, followers of other spiritual traditions and atheists amongst us fast in solidarity and the same determination for peace.
Let our common experience of hunger and human weakness humble, strengthen and unite us.
Let us offer a hospitable smile to people we know and especially to those we don’t.
Let us perform one extra act of kindness while fasting on this Malaysia day.
Let us show our love and compassion for each other.
Let Malaysia be a better country on her 46th birthday and every day after.
Let Malaysia be truly happy and peaceful this September 16.
And so we fast.
. . . . . . to make room for peace!
Things you can do and How do you join?:
1. Sign up.
- e-mail your pledge to fast on Sept 16, 2009, to: peace4malaysia09@gmail.com.
or SMS to 016-9707966
or leave a comment at http://peace4msia.blogspot.com/
(If you want, you may include your age and location)
or sign the petition here http://www.petitionspot.com/petitions/peace4msia/
2. Forward this e-mail to your circle of friends, family and colleagues. Please try to get your friends and family from outside the Klang Valley to sign up as well
3. Come to the press conference to announce this initiative: Friday, 11am, Sept 11, 2009, at the Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall
4. Break fast (or have the pre-fast meal) together wherever your location is and send pics and caption to: peace4malaysia09@gmail.com
Here are the standard recommendations which you may modify according to your preferences, medical conditions and other circumstances.
• Get a group of at least three people.
• Have your pre-fast meal together before dawn (e.g. before 5.35am for Muslims*). The meal is preferably vegetarian to be inclusive to all.
• Carry out your daily duties and tasks as usual.
• Smile and do an extra act of kindness to people around you or afar.
• Share your message of peace with every curious person.
• Break your fast together after dusk(e.g. after 7.25 pm for Muslims*). The meal is preferably vegetarian to be inclusive to all.
• Share your experience, feeling and thought in this national fasting exercise with more people, in every possible way.
Plotting goodness with friends,
Sivin Kit
On behalf of
"Fast for the Nation, Peace for the Nation 2009" Core Group
Monday, August 31, 2009
Joint Merdeka Message by 54 NGOs - The Cow-Head Lesson for Merdeka: Deligitimize Violence and Hatred
I am reproducing below a joint Merdeka message issued by 54 NGOs:
Civil Society Joint Merdeka Message
2009-08-30
The Cow-Head Lesson for Merdeka: Deligitimize Violence and Hatred
We, the undersigned civil society organizations are shocked, angered
and saddened by the “Cow-Head protest” in Shah Alam last Friday, 28
August 09, against a proposed Hindu temple in Section 23 of the city.
The carrying of the head of a freshly slaughtered cow, a sacred animal to
the Hindus, and the unveiled threat of blood shed on the eve of
Merdeka celebration suggest that all Malaysians need to reflect deeply
about our 52 years of nationhood, and the clarion call of 1Malaysia
From the outset, these heinous acts of crime perpetrated by the irresponsible
few must NEVER be seen as a conflict between the two faiths or the
two faith communities. All major spiritual traditions, Islam and
Hinduism included, uphold peace and human dignity as their common and
core values. Our spirituality and love for humanity mandates us for
the perpetual quest for peace and abhorrence of all forms of hatred
and civil disorder.
The Shah Alam incident sadly reveals that violence and hatred are
still inadequately delegitimized in our society. We exhort all
Malaysians to unite in our joint efforts to decry and delegitimize
violence and hatred to prevent any individual or grouping from
resorting to intimidation or provocation when faced with any
town-planning disputes or rows of similar nature.
We the undersigned, taking cognizance of the above, do hereby :
1. URGE that all disputes in civil society must be resolved through
peaceful means such as peaceful demonstrations, rational dialogues,
extensive consultations and legal suits. The Selangor State
Government’s plan to hold a town hall meeting to facilitate
communication and engagement with all stakeholders is highly
commendable.
2. CONDEMN in the strongest possible language any act to humiliate and
intimidate any ethno-religious community, in this case the irreligious
and irresponsible display of a cow head. In the Shah Alam incident,
not only the Hindus are humiliated and hurt but also all thinking
Malaysians – Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu, Christian, Sikh, those of other
spiritual traditions and atheist. We particularly share the pain and
anguish of the Shah Alam Hindu community.
3. URGE all religious authorities, community leaders and political
parties to unreservedly condemn the perpetrators of the reprehensible
“Cow-Head” act. Every racial and religious bigot should be shamed
and distanced by the general public especially by their
ethno-religious community which they seek to represent. Political parties must also take disciplinary action against members involved in inciting hatred. This would deprive them the pleasure and gratification of self-righteousness and
heroism. Legal punishment alone may prove inadequate because it may instead grant the offenders the self-perceived honour of martyrdom
4. SUPPORT a thorough investigation of those responsible for the
“Cow-Head” protest for threatening violence (not sedition) on both the local Hindu community and the elected State Government of Selangor.
Threats of violence, for whatever reason, has no place in a civilized
society. Violence must be condemned and can only be completely
delegitimized when society has zero tolerance for it and every
offender is appropriately punished.
5. EXPRESS shock and dismay at the failure of the police force to
stop the protestors from issuing their threats of bloodshed. An
independent investigation on professional negligence should be
immediately initiated to examine these policing failures of a
potentially fulminating racial and religious crisis. This incident among others further highlights the dire importance and urgent need for an Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC). The IPCMC is a must if the Najib Administration is genuinely committed to peace in Malaysia.
6. CALL on all Malaysians to heed our plea to completely delegitimize
violence and hatred and to strive towards its elimination from our
public life. Let this be our joint resolution for our nation’s
forthcoming Merdeka anniversary. Let us usher in a Malaysia which
cherishes the values of peace, reason, justice, freedom, equity and inclusion for all Malaysians.
The undersigned groups:
1. All Women’s Action Society Malaysia (AWAM)
2. Centre for Policy Initiatives (CPI)
3. Civil Rights Committee, Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall (CRC-KLSCAH)
4. Civil Society Committee, LLG Cultural Development Centre (LLGCSC)
5. Civil Society Initiative for Parliamentary Reform (CSI@Parliament)
6. Coalition of Malaysian NGOs Against Persecution of Palestinians (COMPLETE)
7. Coalition of Selangor Indian NGOs
8. Consumer Association of Klang
9. Council of Churches of Malaysia (CCM) Youth
10. Council of Malaysia Indian Trustee
11. Friends in Conversation (FIC)
12. Group of Concerned Citizens (GCC)
13. Hindu Youth Organization, Port Klang
14. Human Development and Research Centre
15. Islamic Medical Association of Malaysia (IMAM)
16. Islamic Renaissance Front (IRF)
17. Jemaah Islah Malaysia (JIM)
18. Justice for Beng Hock Facebook Group
19. Kelab Sukan Depot Port Klang
20. Klang Vellarun Kalai Pannai
21. Letchumi Pooja Dhana Manbran Klang
22. Majlis Kelab Bell Tamil Selangor
23. Malaysia Belia Hindu Negeri Selangor
24. Malaysia Hindu Sangam Klang Council
25. Malaysia Hindu Sangam Selangor state council
26. Malaysia Indian Youth Council Selangor
27. Malaysian Hindu Dharma Mamandram Selangor
28. Muslim Professionals Forum (MPF)
29. Nadaraikia Sangam Selangor
30. Pamban Swami Maha Teja Mandala Sabai
31. Persatuan Alumni PBTUSM (Lihua) Selangor and Kuala Lumpur
32. Persatuan Kebajikan Bharathana Selangor
33. Persatuan Kebajikan cahaya wawasan Selangor
34. Persatuan Kebajikan Nammakkal
35. Persatuan Kebajikan Vanniar
36. Persatuan Kemajuan Pendidikan Malaysia
37. Persatuan Pembaca Tamil Klang
38. Persatuan Peniaga little India Klang
39. Persatuan Penyelidikan Astronomi Selangor
40. Persatuan Prihatin Belia Malaysia
41. Persatuan Thiruvallavar
42. Persatuan Wawasan India Selangor
43. Pertubuhan Kebudayaan dan Kesenian India Selangor
44. Pertubuhan Kesedaran Hara Krishna Klang
45. Research for Social Advancement (REFSA)
46. Selangor Indian Video graphers Association
47. Sri Vadivelu Culture and Welfare Association Selangor
48. Sri Vaishnava Paribalana Saba
49. Suara Raykat Malaysia (SUARAM)
50. The Divine Life Society Port Klang
51. The Micah Mandate
52. Vishnu Periyaval Sabai
53. Writer Alliance for Media Independence (WAMI)
54. 1BLACKMalaysia Facebook Group
Please help spread this statement as it is unlikely to be done so by the mainstream media.
Civil Society Joint Merdeka Message
2009-08-30
The Cow-Head Lesson for Merdeka: Deligitimize Violence and Hatred
We, the undersigned civil society organizations are shocked, angered
and saddened by the “Cow-Head protest” in Shah Alam last Friday, 28
August 09, against a proposed Hindu temple in Section 23 of the city.
The carrying of the head of a freshly slaughtered cow, a sacred animal to
the Hindus, and the unveiled threat of blood shed on the eve of
Merdeka celebration suggest that all Malaysians need to reflect deeply
about our 52 years of nationhood, and the clarion call of 1Malaysia
From the outset, these heinous acts of crime perpetrated by the irresponsible
few must NEVER be seen as a conflict between the two faiths or the
two faith communities. All major spiritual traditions, Islam and
Hinduism included, uphold peace and human dignity as their common and
core values. Our spirituality and love for humanity mandates us for
the perpetual quest for peace and abhorrence of all forms of hatred
and civil disorder.
The Shah Alam incident sadly reveals that violence and hatred are
still inadequately delegitimized in our society. We exhort all
Malaysians to unite in our joint efforts to decry and delegitimize
violence and hatred to prevent any individual or grouping from
resorting to intimidation or provocation when faced with any
town-planning disputes or rows of similar nature.
We the undersigned, taking cognizance of the above, do hereby :
1. URGE that all disputes in civil society must be resolved through
peaceful means such as peaceful demonstrations, rational dialogues,
extensive consultations and legal suits. The Selangor State
Government’s plan to hold a town hall meeting to facilitate
communication and engagement with all stakeholders is highly
commendable.
2. CONDEMN in the strongest possible language any act to humiliate and
intimidate any ethno-religious community, in this case the irreligious
and irresponsible display of a cow head. In the Shah Alam incident,
not only the Hindus are humiliated and hurt but also all thinking
Malaysians – Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu, Christian, Sikh, those of other
spiritual traditions and atheist. We particularly share the pain and
anguish of the Shah Alam Hindu community.
3. URGE all religious authorities, community leaders and political
parties to unreservedly condemn the perpetrators of the reprehensible
“Cow-Head” act. Every racial and religious bigot should be shamed
and distanced by the general public especially by their
ethno-religious community which they seek to represent. Political parties must also take disciplinary action against members involved in inciting hatred. This would deprive them the pleasure and gratification of self-righteousness and
heroism. Legal punishment alone may prove inadequate because it may instead grant the offenders the self-perceived honour of martyrdom
4. SUPPORT a thorough investigation of those responsible for the
“Cow-Head” protest for threatening violence (not sedition) on both the local Hindu community and the elected State Government of Selangor.
Threats of violence, for whatever reason, has no place in a civilized
society. Violence must be condemned and can only be completely
delegitimized when society has zero tolerance for it and every
offender is appropriately punished.
5. EXPRESS shock and dismay at the failure of the police force to
stop the protestors from issuing their threats of bloodshed. An
independent investigation on professional negligence should be
immediately initiated to examine these policing failures of a
potentially fulminating racial and religious crisis. This incident among others further highlights the dire importance and urgent need for an Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC). The IPCMC is a must if the Najib Administration is genuinely committed to peace in Malaysia.
6. CALL on all Malaysians to heed our plea to completely delegitimize
violence and hatred and to strive towards its elimination from our
public life. Let this be our joint resolution for our nation’s
forthcoming Merdeka anniversary. Let us usher in a Malaysia which
cherishes the values of peace, reason, justice, freedom, equity and inclusion for all Malaysians.
The undersigned groups:
1. All Women’s Action Society Malaysia (AWAM)
2. Centre for Policy Initiatives (CPI)
3. Civil Rights Committee, Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall (CRC-KLSCAH)
4. Civil Society Committee, LLG Cultural Development Centre (LLGCSC)
5. Civil Society Initiative for Parliamentary Reform (CSI@Parliament)
6. Coalition of Malaysian NGOs Against Persecution of Palestinians (COMPLETE)
7. Coalition of Selangor Indian NGOs
8. Consumer Association of Klang
9. Council of Churches of Malaysia (CCM) Youth
10. Council of Malaysia Indian Trustee
11. Friends in Conversation (FIC)
12. Group of Concerned Citizens (GCC)
13. Hindu Youth Organization, Port Klang
14. Human Development and Research Centre
15. Islamic Medical Association of Malaysia (IMAM)
16. Islamic Renaissance Front (IRF)
17. Jemaah Islah Malaysia (JIM)
18. Justice for Beng Hock Facebook Group
19. Kelab Sukan Depot Port Klang
20. Klang Vellarun Kalai Pannai
21. Letchumi Pooja Dhana Manbran Klang
22. Majlis Kelab Bell Tamil Selangor
23. Malaysia Belia Hindu Negeri Selangor
24. Malaysia Hindu Sangam Klang Council
25. Malaysia Hindu Sangam Selangor state council
26. Malaysia Indian Youth Council Selangor
27. Malaysian Hindu Dharma Mamandram Selangor
28. Muslim Professionals Forum (MPF)
29. Nadaraikia Sangam Selangor
30. Pamban Swami Maha Teja Mandala Sabai
31. Persatuan Alumni PBTUSM (Lihua) Selangor and Kuala Lumpur
32. Persatuan Kebajikan Bharathana Selangor
33. Persatuan Kebajikan cahaya wawasan Selangor
34. Persatuan Kebajikan Nammakkal
35. Persatuan Kebajikan Vanniar
36. Persatuan Kemajuan Pendidikan Malaysia
37. Persatuan Pembaca Tamil Klang
38. Persatuan Peniaga little India Klang
39. Persatuan Penyelidikan Astronomi Selangor
40. Persatuan Prihatin Belia Malaysia
41. Persatuan Thiruvallavar
42. Persatuan Wawasan India Selangor
43. Pertubuhan Kebudayaan dan Kesenian India Selangor
44. Pertubuhan Kesedaran Hara Krishna Klang
45. Research for Social Advancement (REFSA)
46. Selangor Indian Video graphers Association
47. Sri Vadivelu Culture and Welfare Association Selangor
48. Sri Vaishnava Paribalana Saba
49. Suara Raykat Malaysia (SUARAM)
50. The Divine Life Society Port Klang
51. The Micah Mandate
52. Vishnu Periyaval Sabai
53. Writer Alliance for Media Independence (WAMI)
54. 1BLACKMalaysia Facebook Group
Please help spread this statement as it is unlikely to be done so by the mainstream media.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
My Merdeka Wish List
Courtesy of JJ1. Freedom in our education institutions
Universities and schools are sacred institutions where students should be granted the highest freedom to express and develop. No political interference or political pressure should be in play in these education institutions to restrain the space allowed for students to grow.
To start with, abolish the Universities and University Colleges Act (UUCA) to facilitate the growth of student activism.
2. Freedom of press
We need the press to be unbiased and professional. We need them to report without fear and without vested interest. We need them to be the government's watchdog and to help facilitate the people's healthy skepticism towards the state.
To start with, abolish the Printing Press and Publication Acts (PPPA) and Sedition Act. Unless and until these acts are abolished, journalists will have to work with the Sword of Damarcles hanging on top of them.
3. Freedom of speech
Allow discourse and debates to take their places in society. We need the diversity of ideas to improvise and move forward. A society that supprsses differences will never be able to see its weakness. We need dissent to help facilitate a society that will make thinking and reasoning habits.
4. Freedom of assembly
The right to assemble is an element of a democracy. So long as the people maintain peace and do not incite violence or hatred, assemblies and peaceful protests are our rightful ways to unite the people's power for a certain cause.
5. Fresh, clean elections in Perak
Despite the lapse in time, the coup in Perak is still unacceptable. It is only right that fresh elections be held in the state of Perak to determine the legitimate state government. We reject a government that claims its right to govern by force. We reject a government that does not respect the people's voice and democracy.
6. Abolish the ISA
Civil liberalization will not be complete, as long as the ISA continue to exist. A democracy that seeks to uphold the rights of its citizens will not permit arbitrary arrest that does not have to be justified by valid reasons.
7. Leaders who can lead in terms of thought developments, not merely by populism actions
We want our leaders to be role models who can lead by their actions and thoughts, leaders who compete based on clean governance ethics and values, not only by populist actions.
8. The people to learn to take charge of the country
If we are to call this nation a true democracy that is of the people, by the people and for the people, then the people must also learn to take charge of the country. If we are to call ourselves the bosses of this nation, then we must also assume the responsibilities of questioning the ruling power, their policies and decisions. We need to normalize politics and make it part of our lives.
There should be more activism "bottom up", not directions "top down". If we want true change in Malaysia, each and everyone of us will all need to play the roles of agents of change. The responsibility lies not just on the shoulders of our elected representatives.
9. To look beyond economic development into democratic developments
For too many years, we have been pursuing economic developments, neglecting democratic developments. The consequence is an electorate that is still not quite mature, easily satisfied by economic achievements and infrastructure developments, yet do not think far in terms of personal values, as well as democratic liberalisation for the nation as a whole.
10. Youth to have less apathy and learn to be more initiative
Last but not least, I hope Malaysian youths, myself included, will learn to have less apathy towards the state of our nation. We are the transition generation. Let us be more initiative in fighting for the causes and idealism that we believe in. We should learn to maneuver through the various challenges ahead of us and not give excuses to achieve the changes that we hope to see.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
