Bersih

I didn’t intend to participate in the first Bersih rally until the last 2 days. I hate crowded areas. I would rather pay for something more than to get a good bargain from those sales that departmental stores hold every now and then. I only decided to march when 2 days before the event, our then PM, Pak Lah threaten the marchers with “Saya pantang dicabar”. I was immediately incensed. What the heck. This guy has been sleeping on the job for so long and now suddenly woke up to threaten the rakyat. I just wanted to tell him he has lost all authority to tell us what to do by his non performance as a PM thus far.

The next problem is I need to find an accomplice. I was not so stupid as to go alone. We also have been warned by the organizers not to go alone. The day before, I found my accomplice. We decided to take the LRT from Asia Jaya. I nearly gave up after waiting for him for more than one hour. He, like everyone else on that day was caught in a traffic jam. By the time we reached Pasar Seni it was nearly 3pm. It was probably the last LRT operating before they shut the LRT down.

When we came down from the station, it was very quiet and raining heavily. I thought either the march didn’t materialize or it was all over. Just when I wanted to tell my friend to go back, we heard shouts from not too far away. A group of people was trying to get pass the FRU. So it was not over yet. The meeting point was at Dataran Merdeka. We went across to the Dayabumi building and when we came out from it, we could see that Dataran Merdeka was already cordoned off and no one was inside it. Again with a heavy heart I thought that’s the end.

Just then, we saw wave after wave of people marching above us (Jalan Kinabalu). I stood there with my friend totally amazed. At first I was not too keen to join them as it was still raining heavily and not too far away a few patrol cars were watching. My friend then said, ‘Let’s go’. Well, the rest was history as they said.

What surprised me was to see a group of people in maroon t-shirts directing and controlling the crowd. They were doing an excellent job. Only later that I came to know they were from the PAS Unit Amal. They were not only there to control the crowd but to protect them as well putting themselves between the FRU and the crowd. I also saw them picking up rubbish after the event. My whole perception of PAS changed after that.

Another prejudice that was buried that day, was one against the Malays. I can’t deny that prejudice and resentment has been built up over the years due to the unfair economic and educational policies. But that day when I walked shoulder to shoulder with the crowd who were predominantly Malays, there was this sense of unity that I felt, like we are one. 1 Malaysia was there. No need empty slogans and rhetorics.

I started to chat with one pakcik who was walking beside me. He asked me where I was from and told me that he was from Kedah. He told me they have been cheated by the Government for so long and don’t want to continue to be cheated again. So that was why he was here. Well, now I came to realize that the Malays have also been victimized. The NEP has failed them. It only enriched and continue to enrich a few. Majority of them are still poor and will remained poor if nothing changes.

10/11 was a historical day. It contributed to the awakening of the rakyat and the dismal performance of the ruling party in the following GE. That’s why they are so fearful about Bersih 2.0. I have hoped that we don’t have to do it again. But after more than 3 years, things have become worse. The cheating has become more blatant as evident from the recent Sarawak state elections. We have a Government who is more interested in bringing about the downfall of one person than to govern. The very institutions that are supposed to protect the people are being used to oppress, intimidate and bully the people. I guess we can go on and on with what's wrong.

The present ruling coalition has been in power for 54 years and it’s about time it retires. We should not use any extra constitutional means to topple the government. The answer is in and through the ballot box. But if there is no level playing field, how can this be achieved? Hence, Bersih 2.0.

My dear friends, I have a family too. Two young daughters. If possible, I would want to stay home and be safe. But seriously, what future do you think our next generation has if there is no change. Well, maybe for some of you, you are able to migrate or send your kids overseas. For many of us who don’t have these options, we just have to make sure that things don’t remain the same.

Unggun Bersih

Semakin lara kita didera bara —

kita laungkan juga pesan merdeka:

Demokrasi sebenderang mentari

sehasrat hajat semurni harga diri.

Lama resah kita — demokrasi luka;

lama duka kita — demokrasi lara.

Demokrasi yang angkuh, kita cemuhi;

suara bebas yang utuh, kita idami!

Dua abad lalu Sam Adams berseru:

(di Boston dijirus teh ke laut biru):

Tak diperlu gempita sorak yang gebu,

diperlu hanya unggun api yang syahdu.

Kini menyalalah unggun sakti itu;

kini merebaklah nyala unggun itu.

* A. Samad Said adalah Sasterawan Negara Malaysia

Sayonara to Titthoughts?

I don't think I'll be updating this blog anymore. Actually I've intended to stop blogging 10 months ago but because of what happened to Teoh Beng Hock, I just feel that I cannot keep silent. I think things are getting worse by the day. We can rave and rant all we want in cyberspace and mamak stalls, they the Government could not be bothered because they have an electorate that can be bribed. The people deserve the Government they elected.

I also think the popularity of blogs is waning. Some of the avid bloggers are no longer blogging as often. It's actually pretty time consuming. Sometimes I spent more than an hour just to get one post up. Now people are turning to Facebook and Twitter. I'm a bit addicted to Facebook already. But I think besides following a few people on Twitter, I won't be twitting myself. Twitter like sms, in my opinion kills the English language.

Well, thirdly the original purpose of this blog was to document my reflections on theology, investing and tea, hence tit thoughts. But I changed direction in view of what was happening to our nation in 2007. I've written very little on the three topics. I'm still passionate about theology and in the midst of pursuing a degree on a part time basis. I've more or less stopped investing though I'm still maintaining my stock portfolio. Like Warren Buffet, it doesn't bother me if the stock exchange is going to close for the next one year. I'm still drinking tea though I've stopped buying them. I've enough to last me until I am 80.

So I guess this will be the final post. I'll still comment on the socio-political situation whenever possible in Facebook. As I'm still passionate about theology, I've created another blog and have just made my maiden post. But I don't think I'll be blogging regularly. Time is a luxury now with so many assignments to pass up.

Shalom

Datukships - A reflection

It is generally known that state awards such as Datuk or Dato' can be conferred on someone who has the right connection and money. The rationale for awarding someone with a title is for the contribution that that person has made towards the nation. The contribution can be in any area e.g. public service, sports, arts etc. Well, I guess monetary contribution is still contribution. The problem with this is you will get all sorts of dubious characters who can afford to pay to get such an award. It cheapens the award and puts together those who have really sacrificed for the good of the nation and those who merely contribute to the state coffers.

Now it seems we have a new category of contribution. You can be awarded a Datukship if you have contributed to the fall of a democratically elected government. It's now Datuk Hee Yit Fong. What else did she contribute? O yes, she was also there on that infamous day in May last year in the Legislative Assembly contributing to the shameful and criminal eviction of the rightful State Assembly Speaker. Yes, she was the one with the key chain, no a pepper spray (but it wasn't hers), no she didn't spray only threatened to spray. When I read about her being awarded this morning, I commented in my FB, that the name with the title made me want to vomit.

Later in the day, I came to know that my former school principal, Bro. Vincent Corkery has also been awarded a Datukship by the same ruler. I'm ambivalent about it. I would have been elated if this had happened last year. Certainly, the award has been long overdue. But actually he doesn't need such an award. In fact, in his acceptance statement, he said he is receiving it on behalf of the La Salle brothers and St. Michael's Ipoh as a recognition for their long established role as beacon of excellence.

I don't really know Bro. Vincent quite well. He was my principal for less than 2 years (Lower and Upper Six). He came across as a quiet and somewhat aloof person. But I never doubted his dedication towards his role as an educator and his concern for all the students' welfare under his care. I think to some extent he was overshadowed by his predecessor, the legendary Bro. Ultan Paul. Anyway, no one will deny his contribution towards the realization of the "Michaelian Spirit". I can't help but to think that a recent article on his plight may have played a part in him being conferred the award.

Thank you Bro. Vincent for accepting the award on our behalf. Actually, we don't need such awards and recognition for we know we are great as an institution because of great teachers like yourself who have left an indelible mark (for the good) in our lives as we passed through the hallowed halls of our alma mater.

Same award to one who betrays her conscience and many people and to one who has dedicated his entire life to education of his students and their character formation.

Mr. Guna, please stop working in a brothel

As mentioned in my post almost 2 years ago, I enjoyed reading Guna's column in the The Edge Financial Weekly. Reading the Edge Weekly now without his column is just different and in fact I've decided not to renew my subscription when it expired in April. He writes without fear or favour and I saluted him in one of my posts.

If I'm not mistaken, he moved to on from the Edge to be the Head of Corporate Communications at Sime Darby. Then, his articles started appearing in the BizStar on Saturdays. By then, I have already more or less gave up reading the MSM. I didn't know he has become the Managing Editor for the Star until now.

It seems his piece in the Star on the caning of 3 Muslims women has angered some religious bigots and they have made several police reports against him and demanded that he resign. The Star has since apologized and removed the offending article. Why should they take such an action if the actions of these religious bigots were not sanctioned by the Government. Will a newspaper puts its reputation on the line because a few people didn't like what they wrote? Only if these few people are backed by the very authority that has the power to decide whether a newspaper continue to print.

RPK has rightly pointed out that there is no difference between prostitutes and our media. Although he singled out the Star in this incident, I think by and large the fourth estate (at least the mainstream ones) in this country has degenerated into a big whorehouse. They are ready to perform any "sexual acts" at behest of their client and master, the Government, from stoking religious and racial sentiments to lying about members of the Opposition. If you still read those papers, then you are just watching all these obscenities. It doesn't matter if you are just reading the comic strips or the sports column. You are still contributing to this most vile sexual union.

So, Mr. Guna, please get yourself out from the whorehouse! The same goes for all those workers there who still have a conscience.

Tunku Zain Al-Abidin Muhriz & the NS Royal Family

Tunku Zain the founder of Institute for Democracy and Economic Affaris (Ideas) sounds like Raja Nazrin before the Perak debacle. Someone from the royalty speaking out on matters which is close to the heart of the common people. Read what Tunku Zain has written as he honours the legacy of our first PM Tunku Abdul Rahman.

But alas, one year ago the Perak royalty has forfeited whatever goodwill, respect and dignity they have built up all these years. Will the NS royalty ends up the same way? I hope not. And I'm hopeful they will not. Why am I so optimistic? Well, look at the photo below. It was taken shortly after Tunku Zain's father was installed as the Yang DiPertuan Besar of Negri Sembilan. It was a lovely family photo. What was so special about the photo was in the midst of the family members in their best and finest regalia, there was this boy, their son and brother who was strapped to a wheel chair. It's not difficult to see that he is suffering from quite severe celebral palsy.

Many of those suffering from cerebral palsy are kept locked up in their homes and seldom do we meet them in public because some parents or family members feel ashamed of them. I couldn't help but feel the love that this royal family has for this particular member of their family. They inderstand what it is to be broken and they know how to love the broken. That is why I have the confidence that they will be different from the other royalty. Of course, I may be disappointed. But for now I would be proud if I were from NS.

Tunku Zain (top right in the picture) - All the best. You and your family are indeed a gush of refreshing air in the putrid socio-political environment we found ourselves in. Indeed may the legacy of Tunku, our father of Independence guides this nation back to sanity.

How blatant can they get?

PKR ready to act on Guan Eng. That was the headline on the front page of NST on 3rd Feb 2010. You can read the online version here. I read it during lunch time in a cofeeshop while waiting for my wantan mee. I don't normally read the NST but the copy was on my table and the big bold headline screamed at me. I took the bait. I read and believed what was reported. Ever since what has been happening with Zulkifli Nordin and the Zahrain guy, it seems believable if another PKR fella were to fired another salvo.

I was duped until I read this.

Written by Regina William, The Edge

The attempts by certain parties to bring down the Penang state government will not bear fruit, says Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng.

Commenting on the scathing remarks made against his leadership by two Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) MPs namely Bayan Baru's Datuk Seri Zahrain Mohd Hashim and Nibong Tebal's Tan Tee Beng, Lim said the attempts to discredit him were also desperate attempts by Barisan Nasional (BN) to divert attention from the ongoing trial of PKR leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

"The Penang state government will not fall and they can try all they want as they are attempting to do with all Pakatan Rakyat (PR) states.

"Everything is well and fine between the Pakatan Rakyat leaders in Penang from PKR, DAP and PAS. They are with the state government all the way, in every effort that is being undertaken. It is only one or two who are 'unwell'.

"Their attempts to destabilise the state government won't material as the people know what is happening. These elements in PKR are working with some parties to divert everyone's attention from the trial.

"As PKR leaders, they should be focusing on the trial instead of hitting the PKR worse than they have ever hit out at the BN.

"It is clear that while their bodies are with the PKR, their hearts and souls are already elsewhere and not with the party," Lim said at a press conference after meeting staff of the Penang Development Corporation and its subsidiaries.

He said what was being levelled at him was nothing compared to what Anwar and his family were being put through now, once again, after 10 years, on new sodomy charges.

Saying that the allegations by Zahrain and Tan did not deserve comment, Lim said the state government would not be distracted from its main task of governing the state based on its competency, accountability and transparency (CAT) principles.

He said the attempts to discredit him were the creation of media organisations whom he accused of resorting to printing lies to bring the state government down.

He cited a frontpage media report recently which quoted PKR Secretary-General Saifuddin Nasution saying that PKR would act against him (Lim) which Saifuddin has since denied in a media statement and reiterated PKR's support for Lim and the DAP.

"Is this the standard of responsible reporting? I am beyond disgust and filled with a sense of numbness that some newspapers would resort to such acts.

"Where is your professionalism and integrity as journalists? Journalists are supposed to report facts and let the facts tell the story instead of creating facts," Lim said.

He said certain media also chose to create unrest among the people in Penang by highlighting that only Malays were being targetted during the Penang Island Municipal Council (MPPP) enforcement action, while the facts via statistics showed otherwise.

"In fact, the statistics show that Malays who faced enforcement action under this state government is fewer than during BN's rule," Lim added.

I subsequently confirmed the above after reading Saifudin's press statement

NST MUST CORRECT MISREPRESENTATION

I am shocked with the report of NST today which titled "PKR ready to refer Lim Guan Eng to Pakatan Rakyat".

I deeply regret that NST has maliciously misquoted my statement. Upon reading the news, I called the reporter to seek clarification. Subsequently he admitted over the phone that the line was not written by him and it has been inserted by the editor.

I hereby call on the NST to take immediate action to correct the misrepresentation of PKR's stance on this issue.

In my phone interview, I unequivocally said that YB Dato' Seri Zahrain is wrong to lash out at CM Lim Guan Eng. I stressed that inter-party relations and complaints should be brought up in Leadership Council of Pakatan Rakyat.

I have never said that PKR will refer Zahrin's criticism against Lim Guan Eng into the discussion of Pakatan Rakyat leadership. In fact I maintained that such move is unnecessary and inappropriate.

PKR is fully supportive of CM Lim Guan Eng and our relationship with DAP as coalition partner is strong and solid. We understand that the cooperation and unity of Pakatan Rakyat represnts a great threat to the ruling Barisan Nasional. BN has tried various divisive measures to sow suspicion between partners of Pakatan Rakyat.

I would like to reiterate that PKR's commitment to advance the agenda for democratic reforms is unshakeable. To realise this objective, it is essential to continue strengthen good relationship with DAP and PAS.

SAIFUDDIN NASUTION ISMAIL
Secretary-General

It shows how morally bankrupt this newspaper has become. Have they no shame?

One paper continues to incite racial and religious hatred. Another lied in its frontpage headline. Others may not be so blatant yet but I'm sure much of their journalistic ethics would have been already sacrificed at the altar of fear and greed set up the UMNO led government.

Thank you to my Muslim fellow citizens

I would like to thank all the Muslims fellow country men and women who stood by us and condemned in the strongest term the dastardly acts of arson of church buildings. ( But not those who fanned the hatred and now condemned those acts. Only one word for them. Hypocrites)

Anyway, on one of the darkest day in our nation, some Muslims have shown us why we still need to believe there is hope for us all in this nation. Some like Dr. Rafick has make efforts to raise fund for the church which was the hardest hit. Some like Marina Mahathir tried to canvass for Muslims to come out to strongly condemn the attacks.

I must also congratulate PAS for making a reasoned stand on the whole issue knowing full well it will cost them many votes among the Malay. That't what I call principle. That's the difference between PAS and UMNO despite the claims by both to champion Islam.

Despite my earlier laments, I now rejoice with all the voices of reason within the Muslim community. Your voices and acts have repaired the image of Islam sullied by those whom RPK calls "munafiks".