Sagaladoola

GE13 and a Questionable Electoral System. Voting is not a Solution

noreply@blogger.com (Sagaladoola) — Thu, 23 May 2013 01:29:00 +0000

It's been a while since my last post (which was Saturday, July 09 2011). There was BERSIH v3.0, which I have participated in but did not post any pictures or updates. With the advent of social media such as Facebook and Twitter, most bloggers have moved their platform to the group, page and tweeting functions provided. News spread faster that way.

Malaysia has come a long way since. Urban Malaysians have chosen to be more proactive in national politics. People are more aware of what is happening in politics and national policies formed. There are more candlelight vigils and himpunan (gatherings) right now compared to 9 years ago when I started this blog.

Can you imagine? It's already 9 years. 2 elections have passed ever since.

Having said that, certain things never change. Racism is still rampant. There are calls by certain quarters to boycott based on race (boycott chinese products). The perceived election fraud is as bad as how it was. Has it actually got worse, one election after another? Urban and rural voters are still divided. Mainstream media is still very much 'controlled' and biased in reporting (more in line with reporting good things about BN and bad things about PR).

The reason that I started blogging again is because of the happenings in the 13th General Election (GE13). I would like to quote some statements from Malaysia Today writer, Raja Petra Kamarudin in his article "It's All About Strategy". http://www.malaysia-today.net/mtcolumns/56931-its-all-about-strategy

QUOTE
I even once, back in 2004, proposed that the opposition boycott the general election. It is pointless to participate in a general election that is fraudulent and in which you are going to get whacked anyway. By participating in something fraudulent you are just giving legitimacy to a corrupt system.

UNQUOTE

After witnessing what transpired before, during and after GE13, I completely agree with what he said. In fact, I have even told my dear friends about this. It is futile to expect change by participating in such a system. By participating, it would be like legitimising a corrupt system. This is certainly bad. A sham democracy. At least, in a communist country, communism is named as it is and no election is necessary to justify the need of having a government.

Barisan Nasional never changes, as expected. Another thing that has never changed is Pakatan Rakyat. Pakatan has not pushed hard for an effective electoral reform and chose to participate in the such an electoral system.

How come I have this feeling that each party (PAS, PKR, DAP) functions on their own in campaigning strategies? How come I have this feeling that all these parties are only interested in becoming state governments and have not the will to push hard to move to Putrajaya, which eventually will create a two-party (or coalition) system in Malaysia?

The Ubah movement proposed by DAP was great and effective in bringing back many overseas voters. However, looking at the results of GE13, I can only envision that many people who paid a substantial sum for air tickets and buses to come back are disappointed. The 2nd Ubah movement in the next election may not be able to draw back the same crowd.

Probably, PAS has greater ambitions to move to federal but not the will. However, by the current state that it has planned its strategy and not to mention working in the existing election system, this will prove to be a futile approach. PKR as well.

Therein, this sets a very bleak outlook for Malaysia. Just like what an urban taxi driver told me, this is a very rare happening in Malaysia when people who long for a change come back to cause the change and if the opportunity has passed no one will know whether the opportunity will reappear.

Expecting for a change in such a fraudulent system is like expecting one day, the pigs will be able to fly. There is even a research that said that with 17% of popular votes, the current ruling coalition can even form a simple majority of seats. If that is true, how preposterous!

With that, I can almost conclusively say I have almost given up on the possibility of inducing change using the Voting process, the Electoral system. I do not think I should legitimise the current and upcoming and governance either until the Electoral system is reformed completely for decency and fair play. Sham democracy is a bad term and supporting it is just as bad.

Note: I will revamp my blog and it will become active again. Will keep on posting writings and articles.

BERSIH v2.0 : The Yellow Electoral Reform Wave (Pics) Part 2

noreply@blogger.com (Sagaladoola) — Sat, 09 Jul 2011 14:14:00 +0000

Malaysiakini reported Bersih 2.0 hails rally as a success
by Kuek Ser Kuang Keng Jul 9, 11, 5:42pm
Bersih 2.0 has hailed its rally as a victory for the movement and the people of Malaysia, claiming that up to 50,000 people had participated, supportting its cause for clean and fair elections.

"We consider this a big success because fighting for clean and fair election is not a one-day walk," Subramaniam Pillay, one of Bersih 2.0's steering committee members, told a press conference after the rally.

Due to the police blockade at Stadium Merdeka, the rally participants walked to KLCC.

Look at the crowd, it is multi-racial and the number of people coming is so big even without counting the overseas participants. The view goes into sublime.

The rally reached KLCC with a helicopter hovering everybody there.

This is the age of technology, smartphones, cameras for recording this historical event are abound.

A rally participant states some of the 8 points for demand on a cardboard which was carried along the rally.

Rally participants sat down to listen to some speech before roughly dispersed by police and FRU

Electoral Reform must happen. The crowd is so large (50,000) that the view went all the way into the sublime. There you go , we are now part of History !

Hidup ! Hidup ! BERSIH, BERSIH !

Malaysians, you have made it !

Posts on BERSIH rally version 2.0:

BERSIH v2.0 : The Yellow Electoral Reform Wave (Pics) Part 1
BERSIH v2.0 : The Yellow Electoral Reform Wave (Pics) Part 2

Posts on BERSIH rally version 1.0:
BERSIH: The Yellow Wave (Pics) Part 1
BERSIH: The Yellow Wave (Pics) Part 2
BERSIH: The Yellow Wave (Pics) Part 3
We have to BERSIH-kan Malaysia
The Yellow Wave: How Come Opposition-Led?

BERSIH v2.0 : The Yellow Electoral Reform Wave (Pics) Part 1

noreply@blogger.com (Sagaladoola) — Sat, 09 Jul 2011 14:00:00 +0000

Malaysiakini reported This is just the beginning, says polls coalition
by Bersih Steering Committee July 09, 2011
Bersih 2.0 is proud that in spite of all the obstacles and hindrances that we were forced to face, Malaysians of all walks of life overcame the oppressive acts of the police to come out peacefully and in incredibly large numbers to show their love for their country and for the principles of justice,” said the movement in a statement.

Today's gathering is not the end, it is but one more step in the long walk for clean and fair elections in Malaysia. The campaign continues, to work for electoral reform, the release of all detainees, and an end to harassment by the authorities. The struggle continues in the courts of law, the corridors of power, and the hearts of all the rakyat.

The eight points demanded by BERSIH for a clean / fair election :
1) Clean the electoral roll
2) Reform postal ballot
3) Use of indelible ink
4) Minimum 21 days campaign period
5) Free and fair access to media
6) Strengthen public institutions
7) Stop corruption
8) Stop dirty politics

There is a large number of people that turned up, more than what was witnessed in Bersih v1.0, about 60,000. Compared to Bersih v1.0, the lockdown was heavier in v2.0. v2.0 is very multiracial. Despite terrible lockdowns, the rain, instigations by some mad people, chinese told to stock up food, broken promises by some authorities, questionable denial to make the rally legal and various preposterous stories made up and thrown onto Bersih despite Bersih being very cooperative, the numbers of people rallying became larger. That will mean, not only BERSIH are making the demands. The Rakyat (citizens) also demands for Electoral Reform.

It is unfathomable on why there is perception that the request for fair and free election is bad and need to be locked down this way.

Isn't fair and free election supposed to be an integral part of democracy?

A big crowd has gathered at Puduraya in the rain. Notice Hentian Puduraya at the background.

Facing the big crowd is a heavy police presence complete with personnels, black marias, tear gas, FRU truck at disposal.

On top of the irritating roadblocks by police, which Bersih opposers easily pass on the blame to Bersih, various LRT and monorail stations are made not operational on this fine day of the rally. Almost the entire KL and some parts of neighbouring Selangor have been locked down although the rally was supposed to be at Stadium Merdeka. The crowd didn't make it there due to massive police blockade. Finally, the rally ended up at 5 spots, of which, the biggest group walked from Puduraya to KLCC.

The chinese text means "Gan Jing".. Clean or Bersih in Mandarin.

Rally participants come from all over Malaysia. These people are from Johor. An activist (Hii Tiong Huat) from Sarawak was caught yesterday while rallying alone at Petaling Street.

Rally participants taking picture with a photo of our Prime Minister, Najib who originally claimed that the rally probably could happen in a Stadium. However, it is said that he had left Malaysia today for some matters (unconfirmed). Notice that part of his government's famous slogan appears in the picture "Rakyat Didahulukan" meaning "Citizens Comes First". One should abide by his promise.

A bus stop with the pictures of Malaysian Prime Minister and Communist China Premier Wen Jiabao. Malaysia welcomed Premier Wen Jiabao to our homeland months back.

Rally is bad for business ? Look at the amount of people going into the Mart. If there is no lockdown and rally declared legal, possibly most business will be great judging by outstation KL-ites coming into KL.

History has been made. The BIGGEST RALLY IN MALAYSIA to date. The multi-racial crowd has spoken ! There must be Electoral Reform !

Posts on BERSIH rally version 2.0:

BERSIH v2.0 : The Yellow Electoral Reform Wave (Pics) Part 1
BERSIH v2.0 : The Yellow Electoral Reform Wave (Pics) Part 2

Malaysiakini and Its Cow-Head Videos

noreply@blogger.com (Sagaladoola) — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 17:22:00 +0000

I am reading this piece : 'Malaysiakini, don't be cowed by MCMC'
http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/112178

It seems that Somebody in Authority told Malaysiakini to take down the videos on the cow-head protest.

Isn't/Is this a form of internet censorship?

I believe there is not much for me to say after reading thist article from Haris Ibrahim :
Malaysiakini stands up to defy the oppressors . The words highlighted here are "with the intent of"

To summarise this, in my personal opinion, Malaysiakini is just doing its work as an online news site, displaying the videos and text in the spirit of journalism and intent of providing news to the public as it has done for many years.

For many years, Malaysiakini has been quite fair, providing news from both sides of the coin.

I, as well as many Malaysians, believe and support Malaysiakini. The videos are of importance to me. As a concerned Malaysian, I need to know what is happening.

On other news, I am not sure about Utusan, NST, sometimes, The Star but well, does MCMC check their "intention" as well? It is not really that hard to use common or cow sense to evaluate the situation, I believe.

Internet Censorship Too ?

noreply@blogger.com (Sagaladoola) — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 17:10:00 +0000

I am really shocked after reading this article :

Malaysian Insider : Malaysia mulls ‘Green Dam’ despite China’s failure

Let's put it simply, filtering is a form of censorship. Censorship violates MSC Bill of Guarantees Article 7 that reads "Ensure no Internet censorship". Whether it is to filter pornography or so-called "undesirable websites", it can't be denied it would be considered as internet censorship. Besides, the term "undesirable" is a very vague and subjective term, similar to phrases like "excite disaffection"

Why do we need to study from India, Pakistan, Australia and Hong Kong when we can learn from Canada, Britain, France, Germany, Japan, South Korea ?

Even as we speak, Hong Kongers have begun a campaign against Internet filtering since last year. I'm really curious about the registration of bloggers part. From what I gather, many bloggers need to register themselves with respective free website providers before beginning their own writing.

Another point to take into context is, how does one define a blogger? One can be writing simple articles or music reviews over the net, does one have to register oneself? How about one that writes about cooking, but not in blogspot.com or wordpress.com? How about the other person that writes about drugs and fashion? How about a fellow that writes his opinions and letters on social matters and publish it all over the net?

Would they be considered bloggers too? Not music reviewer, writer, cooking reviewer, drug writer, fashion reviewer? If that is so, would it happen that perhaps people (including non-Malaysians) all over the internet will have to register with the Malaysian government in order for other Malaysians to view their work?

I am very sure people outside Malaysia will not do that for Malaysians.

This may be a serious deterrent to the growth of ICT industry in Malaysia.

Malaysians should be allowed to exercise their freedom in performing self-censorship. I believe it is not necessary for Malaysians to have a Big Brother / Parent Software deciding on what they should or should not view.

If one has sufficient religious conscience to perceive pornographic elements as negative, one would practise restrain from visiting pornographic sites.

As for other forms of "undesirable" sites, I believe Malaysians are able to read, judge and decide on the viability of the contents in those sites. Most Malaysian internet users have had sufficient education for performing such feat.

Why Do Malaysians Demonstrate and March ?

noreply@blogger.com (Sagaladoola) — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 17:23:00 +0000

Yeo Yang Poh wrote two great articles that reflects what goes on my mind. It is written in the aftermath of the 2009 Anti-ISA March. It was originally said to be Anti and Pro-ISA March but since I do not see any Pro-ISA marchers significantly in any pictures, I will conclude this as an Anti-ISA march instead.

English : Why do Malaysians march?

Bahasa Melayu : Mengapa berdemonstrasi?

Well, put it this way : No one likes to march amidst tear gas, water cannons, Black Marias, under the hot sun with huge amounts of police running around for the sake of fun.

Compared to BERSIH walk or the previous year Anti-ISA march, the presence of police and aggression are heavier this time around. There are more warnings through mainstream media and a higher potential of confrontation with people on the other side of the coin (Pro-ISA).

If Malaysians are willing to risk all that to participate in a march, it becomes an indicator that a certain part of the population are very dissatisfied and they want to make their mind known and find no better way to express.

Malaysians should be given freedom to assemble as provided as a constitutional right in Open Air places (not just stadiums) such as Dataran Merdeka. It should be part of the aim of 1Malaysia that ensure such right is not violated.

Bernama News on Losses Due to Anti-ISA Protests

noreply@blogger.com (Sagaladoola) — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 17:17:00 +0000

Bernama reported : Estimated Losses Of RM100-200 Million Due To Illegal Demo: Raja Nong Chik

1) Can we see the breakdown of the losses in full , albeit OFFICIALLY ?

2) Did all the costs come from Unnecessary Road Blocks, Arrests, Usage of FRU water cannon trucks, Black Marias and Tear Gas?

3) Wouldn't the cost be unnoticeably low if the demonstration is declared legal and allowed to centralise at the front of Istana Negara or Dataran Merdeka? Wouldn't the cost be largely reduced if the items from (2) are not used and the protesters allowed to gather peacefully at Istana Negara or Dataran Merdeka?

4) Why is the demonstration declared illegal? Why is it not allowed? I thought Freedom to assemble is part of the constitutional right of Malaysians?

5) Gerakan Mansuh ISA organised the event. "Mansuh ISA" means "Repeal/Abolish ISA". It does not mean "Review ISA".

6) "Politicised" is a strange word to use considering the fact that only political parties like BN is primarily the chief in deciding on the abolition of ISA.

Malaysiakini pics on the Anti-ISA protests are here.

The Edge Malaysia pics : Scenes of the anti- and pro-ISA rallies in KL

Pictures from joyce-tedoen.com . She went there as a neutral person but managed to catch all these :

Am I not wrong to say that the number of Pro-ISA contestants are almost non-existent? I guess there are no ISA supporters.

The March For and Against ISA !

noreply@blogger.com (Sagaladoola) — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 18:21:00 +0000

Wouldn't it be more interesting if they hold it on 31st August (Independence Day) rather than 1st August?

For more information on ISA, the abbreviation for the draconian law Internal Security Act, one can read this :

CPI Asia : FAQs on ISA

This is a map that I found over the net while searching for information :

Looks like it will be a very big event tomorrow. As usual, whenever such protests happen, police will discourage public to participate, roadblocks will be set in various places in and out of town. The blocks have started even as we speak.

Remember, remember the 10th of November, when the BERSIH yellow wave swept through the streets of KL amidst torrential rain on 10th November 2007?

Perhaps this time around, it will be black (anti) and white (pro).

As far as I can recall, Gerakan Mansuh ISA (anti) had started calling for participation for quite some time. In fact GMI holds annual protests on the ISA matter. I have only heard about Pro-ISA recently. Hmmnnn ...

If there is any truth to the map above, I would say both anti and pro groups will meet somewhere in the middle of the journey.

Who planned to chance upon whom? Whatever that is, I believe everyone should have a chance to voice out.

The biggest opposition party has urged its members to participate, therefore the numbers will be great. I believe human rights activists will be there too.

Somebody said ISA rallies pointless and should not be politicised . I'd say, since only political parties, regardless of which divide, will decide on this matter, the term "politicised" is quite a strange word to apply to this event.

I do not even understand why certain groups are pro-ISA. What is so good about :

1) indefinite imprisonment with periodical internal reviews to release a detainee
2) arrest of any person without the need for trial in certain defined circumstances
3) violation of fundamental human rights
4) having laws of subjective language with terms such as ‘substantial body’, ‘substantial number’, ‘cause to fear’, ‘excite disaffection’, ‘promote feelings of ill-will and hostility’.
5) having potential to abuse the law for certain reasons due to item (4).

I'd ask, "why review? why not totally abolish it?"

It seems that there are more information in jelas.info on the event tomorrow.

Royal Commissions of Inquiry should inquire the Right Thing : Death of Beng Hock !

noreply@blogger.com (Sagaladoola) — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 15:20:00 +0000

This afternoon, I was a just a little relieved thinking that some senses finally came to the ministers, knowing from internet news the formation of a Royal Commission of Inquiry pertaining to Teoh Beng Hock's Death .

Hell, I should have paid attention to details .. !

Yes, it is an RCI of course but according to the few blogs below, possibly only to investigate MACC procedures !

Lim Kit Siang : Teoh Beng Hock’s death – Cabinet decision on Royal Commission of Inquiry falls far short of public expectation, unsatisfactory and unacceptable

Haris Ibrahim : Cabinet oks Royal Commission : Hold the champagne, folks

Nathaniel Tan : Royal Commission established only to investigate “MACC procedures,” NOT Teoh’s death!! >:(

Now, I can imagine how this so-called RCI will be played up in mainstream media.

I believe the public wants a Royal Commission of Inquiry to investigate THE CAUSE OF TEOH BENG HOCK'S DEATH, especially what transpired in MACC not only MACC procedures.

I am disappointed with this decision.

Will this Royal Commission end up like the Royal Commissions on VK Lingam and the IPCMC? We should not be given an orange when we requested for an apple.

Justice for Beng Hock Petition

noreply@blogger.com (Sagaladoola) — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 15:16:00 +0000

There is an online petition going on ... Justice for Beng Hock !

Please sign the petition !!!!

To date : 7968 signatures .. Please tell your friends about it .. Make it 10000 and more !

Teoh Beng Hock's Funeral, Vigil and Public Concerns

noreply@blogger.com (Sagaladoola) — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 17:20:00 +0000

On 21st July 2009, Teoh Beng Hock , the political secretary who went into MACC building alive and came out as a corpse has laid to rest in Semenyih.

His funeral is attended by many Pakatan Rakyat politicians as can be seen here in justiceforbenghock.blogspot.com . Certainly, it is not strange, considering that Teoh Beng Hock is a political secretary to an Exco of Selangor government Ean Yong Hian Wah of Democratic Action Party (DAP). One can't help but wonder if there were any Barisan Nasional politicians present to pay respects.

Sivin Kit posted pictures in his blog : Justice for Beng Hock . Generally, Teoh's mother, in-laws and would-be-wife cried over Teoh's departure. Who wouldn't? The death is so sudden and too mysterious and justice has yet to be seen.

Firstly, it was said that there are several media somewhere pointing out that Pakatan Rakyat is making this a racial issue. This is somehow surprising because I was there at the Kelana Jaya Stadium on 20th of July, listening to speeches from MPs such as Husam Musa (PAS), Xavier Jayakumar (PKR), Lim Kit Siang (DAP), so on and so forth telling the attendees of the Memorial Vigil that Teoh's demise should not be placed in the racial perspective.

I can remember clearly that it was mentioned that regardless if Teoh is a Malay, Chinese or Indian, Malaysians should stand together as one to ensure there is justice served to another Malaysian, Teoh Beng Hock himself. That includes Kugan too. In my honest opinion, perfectly sensible. Shall we say that is what 1Malaysia should be all about?

Secondly, I find it strange that somehow somewhere Somebody described the speculations surrounding Teoh's untimely demise to be motivated by politics. We must be clear about a few things.

Why are people speculating? Probably, there is disbelief among the masses that Teoh had committed suicide. It is hard for the public to stomach the reason that a man with a promising career in politics, a father and husband-to-be (Teoh was supposed to get married soon with his pregnant would be-wife) would be suicidal (bear in mind, that this blog is stating the nature of his death is inconclusive. Hopefully, a Royal Commission of Inquiry would be formed to investigate the nature of his death).

The information given to the public is just too little. Take for example, the public does not even know who were the interviewing officers etc. etc. When there is too little information, people tend to guess using their own version of logic and perspective. I am not in a position to say it is right nor wrong.

Teoh himself was in the political circle, it is not surprising that his colleagues, particularly the Pakatan MPs would speak about him in public. Even blogs write about Teoh, Malaysians talk about Teoh in coffee shops. Therefore, this issue is no longer simply motivated by politics.

It is a serious issue with social concerns. What else is going through the minds of the public concerning MACC and this incident? MACC is a powerful and important commission. Its positive image and public confidence are important. Malaysians are also concerned with bigger alleged corruption scandals. Are Malaysians concerned about their own security as well? What are the SOPs of MACC? In my opinion, it will be terribly unbelievable if SOPs are not clearly in black-and-white, authorised.

Federal and Selangor State MPs, NGOs irregardless of political affiliation (BN or non-BN) should address and discuss these issues in Parliament.

I Must Speak Out for Teoh Beng Hock !!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Sagaladoola) — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 20:25:00 +0000

The Nut Graph : What happened to Teoh Beng Hock?

I have not been blogging for a while, due to tough working conditions. Much has transpired since October 2008.

However, none of it is as shocking as what I have just recently read. The DEATH OF TEOH BENG HOCK !!!!!

The poor 30-year old man , who is a political secretary to one of the n0n-BN parties, getting registered for marriage with his pregnant soon-to-be-wife the next day if he was still alive was found dead near MACC building.

It was reported , Mr. Teoh was being interrogated past one day at the building !

His death is mysterious ... As can be read here :

Jelas.info : Comparing Tan & Teo’s interrogations: Rampant abuse & intimidation; Was Teo really released at 4am? Or actually held overnight like Tan?

Malaysiakini : Last man to see Teoh: MACC

KTemoc : Mysterious death of Teoh Beng Hock - Lil' Napoleons factor

Although the above cannot totally be held as truth, but indeed, Teoh's death is indeed puzzling. And as a Malaysian citizen, I find myself very dissatisfied with the authorities explanation on this issue ...

Haris Ibrahim : Death of Teo Beng Hock : MACC must be held to account

How should anyone know that Teoh jumped out of the building? A marrying man, an expecting father would do that? If Teoh had really jumped, why? How can a man full of hope for a future with a family would want to do that?

On Haris Ibrahim's question "Will you continue to stand on the sidelines and just watch?" .. My answer is a definite NO !

A man had died near MACC building with such a big looming mystery. Reading the blogs and online vox populi at http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/108762 which somehow mirrors a part of the public view and news, such an incident could seriously affect the image of MACC.

I am terribly unhappy, displeased and angry. I feel for Teoh and his family ....

It seems that there is a Justice for Beng Hock Memorial Vigil at Stadium Kelana Jaya, 19 July 2009, Sunday 4.30pm. I would probably be attired in Black.

Condolences, it is 1 black day for Malaysia. We need a Royal Commission of Inquiry to investigate this issue.

Citizens, we must all be concerned with this Terrible Incident !

Paying Tribute to Shamsiah Fakeh, Fighter for Malaysian Independence

noreply@blogger.com (Sagaladoola) — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 17:20:00 +0000

This blog pays tribute to Shamsiah Fakeh, the lady who fought for Malaysian Independence through her own choice of the left wing methods. She died age 84, at her son's residence in Jalan Kuchai Lama on Monday 20th October 2008 9 a.m.

Shamsiah is a heroine in her own right. I have read her memoirs earlier this year. She came from a very tough life since young up to her older days when she worked in exile in factories at China for almost 4 decades before allowed to return to her homeland Malaysia in 1994 after a peace truce between communists and the Malaysian goverment.

Shamsiah was the leader of the 10th Regiment of Malayan Communist Party (PKM), Angkatan Wanita Sedar (AWAS - Female division of PKMM). They struggled against British colonizers.

Putting aside the political ideologies, I personally think Shamsiah is sincere in her efforts to free Malaysia back then.

This blog pays tribute and expresses condolences on the passing of an important person in the pages of Malaysian history.

In the foreword of her book, she states that she does not want to be remembered only as the female leader of CPM. Instead, she said : “I was merely a woman fighting the British for my country's independence and the emancipation of women.”

Rest in Peace, Shamsiah Fakeh.

Sites :
The Star : Veteran communist leader Shamsiah Fakeh, 84, dies
Malaysiakini : Shamsiah Fakeh meninggal dunia
Malaysiakini : Ex-CPM member Shamsiah Fakeh dies
Wikipedia : Shamsiah_Fakeh
Roslan SMS : Shamsiah Fakeh srikandi Malaya
The Star : To exile and back again

On Teresa Kok-initiated Suit, Alhabshee's Statements, Rocky's Bru Opinions and Utusan

noreply@blogger.com (Sagaladoola) — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 01:15:00 +0000

According to Malaysiakini and The Star online, Teresa Kok, who was detained using ISA is planning to sue Utusan and a certain political figure.

Rocky's Bru posted the entry In defence of Utusan Malaysia . Certain people even applauded UMNO Cheras Syed Ali Alhabshee's initiative to aid Utusan. I remain skeptical over Rocky's Bru and Syed Ali's intentions after reading the entry What Is Press Freedom To You? in the blog "Malaysia Says the Darndest Things".

As for my opinion : Revocation of the suit should only be done if Utusan publishes a formal public apology on its front page.

On the previous statements, I'd say Utusan should only offer a public apology if they are reporting a fake news.

I am not optimistic.

Why Teresa should sue? I think Malaysians know who control the media, and it is certainly not DAP, PAS or PKR. So, if there is any truth that the media is controlled and instructed to write something biased (inconclusive assumption) against the enemies of the controller and this may be very disadvantageous in a lopsided "war" against DAP, PAS, PKR and we all know how widespread traditional media is.

Why we can't equate mainstream media with bloggers?
1) Majority bloggers are not controlled by a single party or entity.

2) Blogs are not as widespread as traditional media. Traditional media can thrive in suburban or village areas whereas the penetration of blogs in this area may be exceedingly low.

3) Blogs allow politicians to explain themselves over the net. Does traditional media allow that (in their papers) if they are controlled or instructed?

The subjects above only apply if the traditional media is controlled and instructed by a single party with political propaganda in mind.

However, if the media is not controlled and free to write and allow Teresa to explain herself to dismiss any form of biased propaganda, then only the suit should be revoked.

No double standards.

P.S. On another subject which may or may not be related : Maybe one day, there should be a form of categorisation to differentiate between news (as in whole truth) and propaganda papers (half truth, twisted truth and lies).

Peaceful Anti-ISA Vigil-Turned-March

noreply@blogger.com (Sagaladoola) — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 01:15:00 +0000

The Star reports Almost 2,000 in anti-ISA gathering . The peaceful gathering was on 27 September 2008

Malaysiakini reports Anti-ISA vigil turns into peace march by Andrew Ong and Rahmah Ghazali on Sep 27, 08 8:08pm
updated 11.15pm : A candlelight vigil turned into a 1km march through downtown Kuala Lumpur, which strangely went undisturbed by the police. [VIDEOS INSIDE]
MORE
-> Police presence surprisingly light
-> Crowd dispersed at about 9pm

Malaysiakini also, generously offers some videos :
1) Anti-ISA vigil turns into peace march
2) Incident-free Hindraf Vigil
3) Anti-ISA lantern walk attracts youth

Meanwhile, Haris Ibrahim posted Peaceful birthday, dear Pete. We love you.

"Pete" refers to Raja Petra Kamarudin, who is one of the person arrested using the draconian Internal Security Act (ISA). The walk is primarily an anti-ISA march, with concentration on detained Hindraf leaders and Raja Petra (RPK).

The numbers who turned up is large. It seems that many Malaysians are unhappy with the usage of ISA.

Some participants sang "Happy Birthday to RPK" for his 58th.

Pictures and clips from the Peaceful Vigil-turned-Peaceful March to be posted at in next blog entry. (by this blogger : Sagaladoola, stay tuned...)

In the meantime, Susan Loone posted an entry titled Please join this protest for RPK, HINDRAF & other ISA detainees . It seems she has a proposal for netizens to voice out their concern on this matter.

Arrests and Probes on Malaysian Bloggers

noreply@blogger.com (Sagaladoola) — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 02:41:00 +0000

RPK Sent to Kamunting (ISA), Teresa Kok, Kickdefella Arrested and Freed, Negarakuku Rapper Probed

Malaysiakini reported Raja Petra sent to Kamunting , written by S Pathmawathy on Sep 23, 08 9:09am
Raja Petra Kamarudin was sent to the Kamunting Detention Centre today to begin his two-year detention under ISA. He arrived at the camp at 11.50am. MORE
-> He is held under section 8 of ISA
-> Detention can be renewed indefinitely

Few days back, Blogger Kickdefella of http://kickdefella.wordpress.com/ was taken to Kuala Lumpur from his hometown Kota Bahru. He recounts his experience in his three posts, Three Nights in Paradise, and Tears of Sadness , I found Al Ghazali in Dang Wangi and Sheih Is Back . Allegedly, it was over the national flag and the way it is being flown / displayed online. Sheih has since been released.

Teresa Kok, a Member of Parliament as well as a blogger ( http://www.teresakok.com/ ), was detained few days before Sheih. Teresa recounts her ISA experience and questions “What have I done? What have I said?”. Earlier, a Sin Chew daily reporter (Tan Hoon Cheng) was also arrested and released on a subsequent day.

Cops grill Negarakuku rapper, Wee Meng Chee ( http://namewee.blogspot.com/ ) was asked to translate his popular but controversial 'Negarakuku' Chinese rap song into Bahasa Malaysia. Namewee (his popular name) is purportedly probed under Sedition act.

On the same day, this news came out, the famous social-political blogger Raja Petra Kamarudin of Malaysia Today ( http://mt.m2day.org/ ) is being sent to Kamunting for detention under Internal Security Act. It was said Raja Petra had earlier seen it coming.

I disagree with the usage of Internal Security Act on anyone. I feel very disappointed and unhappy. I do not know what will happen to Raja Petra when he is in Kamunting.

Guardian.co.uk , one of the famous news sites and publications in Britain has posted an article titled In praise of ... Raja Petra Raja Kamarudin .

Hats off to all bloggers and reporter who have been arrested. I mourn and will not be celebrating Merdeka for a few coming years until I can feel the real spirit of it.

Malaysia Day September 16 : Of ISA and Anticipation

noreply@blogger.com (Sagaladoola) — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 16:26:00 +0000

Sin Chew reporter released by Malaysiakini Team on Sep 13, 08 4:19pm
Sin Chew Daily senior reporter Tan Hoon Cheng was released this afternoon and she is now back at home in Bukit Mertajam, Penang.
- Held from 8.30pm to 2.30pm
- 'Detained for her own safety'

I was shocked when I read the news above. I did not know that people could be detained for their own safety. It seems the Detained is the one whose safety is compromised and not the person who caused it. Silly me, this is Malaysia. I should not be too surprised with such a thing. After all, our theme is "Malaysia Boleh". Blogger What A Lulu provides a better opinion on this matter.

There are many candlelight vigils which had been held these past few days, by National Union of Journalists, Pakatan Rakyat, bloggers and Seputeh area residents.

jelas.info : The Blog House Vigil
anilnetto.com : Activists hold candle-light vigil in Penang on a dark day for democracy
Malaysiakini : Short vigil in Bukit Aman

etc. etc.

It seems many are not very pleased with the usage of Internal Security Act. That includes me. According to Malaysiakini Law Minister Zaid 'tenders resignation'. If there is anyone from Barisan Nasional that gets my respect now, that person would be Zaid Ibrahim.

Malaysia Day (Hari Malaysia) is today. It differs from the August 31st Independence Day annual celebration in the sense that Hari Malaysia commemorates the official entry of Eastern Malaysian states, Sabah and Sarawak into the nation.

In short, Sabah and Sarawak became independent on 16th September.

Will Malaysia get a new government for the very first time after more than half-a-century of having the same party (Barisan Nasional) helming the governance?

My friends, family, colleagues are waiting with bated breath. Some of my chinese friends say this is more anticipatory and intersting than the Mooncake festival they were celebrating on Sunday. Whatever the outcome may be, it has been a long wait.

Will we get it? Read Tian Chua's E Contrario : We Are Ready & On Track and judge for yourself.

Note : Visit http://freeteresa.dapmalaysia.org/ for more information on Teresa's current status. Visit http://mt.m2day.org/2008 for more information on Raja Petra Kamarudin, who is one of the ISA detainees.

ISA should be abolished.

Malaysia on International News - ISA, Raja Petra, Teresa Kok and Tan Hoon Cheng

noreply@blogger.com (Sagaladoola) — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 16:03:00 +0000

Malaysia made news all over the world.

The incident is international now.

UK, America, Australia, Netherlands, Qatar, France Philippines, Canada, Singapore among the many nations wrote about the arrest of Raja Petra Kamarudin, Teresa Kok and Sin Chew Daily journalist Tan Hoon Cheng were held using draconian law Internal Security Act.

It is advisable for all to read this entry by Nathaniel Tan of Jelas.info : Malaysia’s Moment to Unite .

As a Malaysian, I would say I do not support the use of ISA on anybody.

Using existing laws to deal with the situation is more advisable than internet censoring. However, existing draconian laws should be removed and other common laws should be opted instead.

This is a sad day in Malaysia, especially during the month of Ramadan.

Malaysians, please pay attention to Haris Ibrahim's advice in his post : Don’t fear a dying beast’s last strike, but don’t fall for its rouse either

I would like to call upon all Malaysians to do these:

1. Remain calm

2. Do not do anything rash

3. Do not take to the street

4. Do not be instigated by people to demonstrate

5. Just voice it out in your blog, your comments to the blogs, and inform your friends and relatives about the situation

6. Call your Aduns or MPs and voice out your objection about these arrests and urge your representatives to voice out

7. Members of political parties, sms your leaders to pressure them to voice out

We shall object to these draconian acts by using civility and do not fall into the traps of giving the big brother a chance to declare emergency rule……

There are many other things that we should heed from the posting above.

Malaysians - Malays, Chinese, Indians, Iban, Kadazan.. etc all should stay calm and united. We should love each other as Malaysians ....
_____________________________________________

International News

Malaysia: Free Journalists and Parliamentarian Human Rights Watch (press release) - The Malaysian government should immediately and unconditionally release two journalists and an opposition politician arrested on September 12, 2008, ...

Leading website editor arrested under Internal Security Act Reporters without borders (press release), France - Reporters Without Borders condemns today’s arrest of online journalist Raja Petra Kamarudin, for posing a threat to “security, peace and public order” under ...

Malaysian opposition lawmaker, 2 journalists held International Herald Tribune, US - Police arrested a Malaysian opposition lawmaker and two journalists on Friday under a law allowing their indefinite detention without trial, sparking fears the government was preparing a major crackdown on dissent. Opposition parties denounced the arrests as a violation of human rights and a setback to democracy......

Blogger's detention sparks fears BBC News, UK - By Robin Brant Late on Tuesday night, I spoke to Raja Petra Kamarudin. We were supposed to meet face-to-face earlier in the day, but Malaysia's most ...

Malaysia blogger's arrest creates dangerous precedent guardian.co.uk, UK - Even before his arrest, Malaysia's most political blogger, Raja Petra Kamarudin, was attracting hundreds of readers to Malaysia Today, a website renowned ...

Amid arrests and threats, Malaysia cracks down CPJ Press Freedom Online, New York -The Committee to Protect Journalists strongly condemns the arrests today of Raja Petra Kamarudin, founder and editor of the ...

Malaysia Internet Ban on Anti-Government Web Site Draws Outcry eWeek, New York - has pulled the plug on a popular news portal often critical of the government, sparking protests from a resurgent opposition. ...

Malaysia‘s top anti-government blogger arrested Ottawa Recorder, Canada - Police arrested Malaysia‘s top anti-government blogger Friday under a law allowing ...

KL nabs 3 in ISA crackdown Straits Times, Singapore - MALAYSIA yesterday embarked on a crackdown, arresting controversial blogger Raja Petra Kamaruddin and a ...

Police arrest Malaysian blogger ABC Online, Australia - A prominent anti-government blogger in Malaysia has been detained under the country's harsh Internal Security ...

Malaysian blogger arrested Aljazeera.net, Qatar - Malaysian authorities have detained a government critic by invoking a colonial-era security law that allows for indefinite detention without trial. ...

Malaysian opposition defers bid for power Gulf Times, Qatar - Malaysia’s opposition alliance has deferred a planned bid to unseat the government, initially set for September 16, although a media crackdown ...

Malaysian bloggers, journalists brace for wider crackdown Inquirer.net, Philippines - AT least two bloggers, a journalist, and one opposition politician were arrested under Malaysia’s Internal Security Act (ISA) on September 12 in what media ...

Malaysian politician, reporters detained under security law Monsters and Critics.com - Malaysian police have detained an opposition lawmaker, a local reporter and a controversial blogger under a draconian law that allows for ...

Malaysia arrests blogger, probes 3 newspapers Reuters India, India - Malaysian police arrested a prominent blogger on Friday while authorities probed three newspapers, including a Chinese daily, ...

Malaysian blogger Raja Petra detained ZDNet Asia, Asia - The Malaysian government Thursday lifted its controversial directive to block access to political portal Malaysia Today but ...

Malaysian Blogger Arrested for Anti-Government Comments Online The Inquisitr, Australia - Authorities in Malaysia arrested editor and founder of Malaysia Today Raja Petra Kamarudin for posting anti-govenment comments on his website. ...

Malaysia locks up journalist Radio Netherlands, Netherlands - Malaysian authorities have arrested Malaysian journalist Raja Petra Kamarudin, two weeks after banning his popular news blog, Malaysia Today. ...

Malaysian Blogger Arrested PoliGazette, Netherlands - Raja Petra Kamarudin, a popular blogger-activist in Malaysia, was arrested by government officials Friday afternoon. The government accuses Kamarudin, ...

As September 16 Grows Near, COINCIDENCE occurences increase

noreply@blogger.com (Sagaladoola) — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 17:00:00 +0000

September 16 is very near. Just one week away from the Big Day. Malaysia will probably witness its most significant event in 51 years, the change of government. As the date draws near, many strange incidents begin to unfold.

Study Trip ( Lawatan Sambil Belajar )
Barisan Nasional (BN) suddenly sends its own Members of Parliament for a study trip, "Lawatan Sambil Belajar" to Taiwan. The congregation is not exactly small, as it was reported in the papers, 50 of them. BN has a total number of 140 members in the Parliament, 50 would account for slightly more than one-third (1/3) of BN MPs.

Now, wouldn't that be a big waste of taxpayers money? BN was smart enough to reply the trip is "self-funded". Hearing that, I am still unhappy. Now, why would it be the case since it is not stated as taxpayers money? Perhaps, I am confused with the term "self-funded". Maybe, I am curious as to where the "self-funded" money would come from if it is not from the taxpayers fund. Perhaps, the money of the individual or party. Now, where did the money of the party come from?

The cost aspect would be the least of the concerns. Reporters were smart enough to question the timing of the massive study trip tour. Was it because of potential party hoppers to Pakatan come September 16? "No, no and no" was the answer.

It is just a COINCIDENCE.

What can I say?

DNA Bill
Not to mention there is a DNA Bill being tabled. Some people regarded the way it is being tabled as quite rushed. Suddenly, the MPs are concerned about solving crime using DNA. I am sure it is not about Anwar although there is a Sodomy charge against him ten years after a different charge back then in 1998. Yes, I am working very hard to convince myself.

Maybe, it is just a COINCIDENCE again.

What can I say?

Ahmad Ismail and "Squatters"
Finally, there is this "classic hero" who purportedly said Chinese are "squatters" during the Permatang Pauh by-election. Perhaps, with other attached statements, I am starting to entertain the idea that this is his way of getting support from the non-Malays for his party candidate. How ironic.

Ahmad is not willing to back off from his statement. Najib apologised and said UMNO is not involved in the matter and it was made of personal capacity. Abdullah keeps on asking Ahmad Ismail to explain the issue although the party has yet to decide to take any harsh action on that person.

Suddenly, the Armed Forces chief said "Racial issues can create chaos" and made some suggestions. It is not common for the Armed Forces Chief to utter such public statements on civilian issues.

Perhaps it is by COINCIDENCE that he wanted to say something on this. Oh, what can I say?

Gerakan, MCA and "Squatters"
Gerakan, which is a Barisan Nasional component party, has become quite vocal on this "squatters" statement. Readers and Malaysians should consider this : Did anyone compare Koh Tsu Koon's reaction on the Hishamuddin keris waving issue pre-12th General Election (pre-PRU12) and the "squatters" statement issue post-12th General Election (post PRU-12)?

Which reaction is bigger? The former or the latter? In my opinion it is the latter. It should be noted that Koh is a Member of Parliament pre-PRU 12 and no longer one post-PRU 12.

Wanita Gerakan issued a statement urging the sacking of Ahmad Ismail. There are recommendations to use the Internal Security Act (ISA). Malaysiakini and The Star has the story.

Malaysians should be reminded that Internal Security Act is a draconian act. Suspects can be imprisoned indefinitely. It is mind-boggling that Wanita Gerakan would make such a proposal. As a Malaysian, I will not support Wanita Gerakan's call to impose ISA although I disagree with Ahmad's words. Why did Gerakan propose the draconian ISA?

As Mind-boggling as it is, perhaps, it is by COINCIDENCE again that somehow they get that idea.

I doubt Gerakan Penang breaking out of Barisan Nasional will have any significant impact on Barisan Nasional. If we are viewing from the Federal Government perspective (after all, September 16 is all about that), the impact is even lesser. Gerakan is completely "wiped out" in Penang during PRU-12. It's other Federal MPs come from other states, therefore severing ties from the Penang state level is not entirely fruitful to wake UMNO up.

Furthermore, since Gerakan Penang has no significant number of MPs, it has nothing much to lose. Is it by COINCIDENCE that this move will probably restore some lost credibility on Gerakan Penang among Penangites? If Gerakan is sincere in making its points known, perhaps it should consider to entirely move out of Barisan Nasional from all areas. After all, severed ties in any state can be easily mended.

As for the party called MCA, which has the representative term "chinese" affixed in the middle of its name, its response to this issue is quite unconvincing. Gathering signatures, press conferences and issuing "warnings of severing ties with Bukit Bendera UMNO" are totally ineffective to improve the party's image, which may be perceived in my opinion, as lack of courage.

Comparatively, although as an overall both are not effectively convincing, the least of all, Gerakan Penang took the drastic move. Gerakan executed from the state level whereas MCA only warns of cutting ties with a tiny constituent, Bukit Bendera. Deeds are better than words and indeed, Gerakan Penang performed as spoken.

Conclusion
September 16 is very near and it seems that COINCIDENCES are abundant. I did not believe Anwar when he initially uttered the potential of getting a new government by September 16. My skepticism prevailed until recently. I mean, with so many COINCIDENCES happening, it must really mean something, right?

Could those be the signs?

Note: If the words "Warganegara Malaysia"appear on your authentic National Registration Identification Card and you are born in Malaysia, then that shows that you are a "Malaysian citizen" and not a "Malaysian squatter / immigrant".

I would like to call for all Malaysians : Malays, Chinese, Indians etc. to respect and refrain from using sensitive labels on each other although we may dislike what others have said.

Why Is It Hard to Accept An Apology In My Personal Capacity?

noreply@blogger.com (Sagaladoola) — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 01:30:00 +0000

Yesterday, Najib, whose job includes the Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia, the chief of Barisan Nasional whip and the Vice-President of UMNO apologised publicly for a racially-slanted statement made on Malaysian Chinese during the Permatang Pauh by-election.

Malaysiakini reported that Ahmad Ismail, division chief of Bukit Bendera UMNO purportedly described minority Chinese as "immigrants squatting" in Malaysia.

1) One must truly notice the irony of the situation. It was Ahmad who was alleged to have uttered such words but the person who apologised is Najib. Why Najib but not Ahmad?

2) Why did a representative apologise only after the Permatang Pauh by-election and not immediately right after the statement was made?

3) Certain leadership within the Party had tried to distance it from the unbecoming statements by attaching the term "personal capacity" on this matter.

Are leaders allowed to make such statements in personal capacity during election or by-election campaigning and get away from any punishments while another party representative apologises?

4) If the answer to the above (2) is a "Yes", then try to imagine this scenario.

Let's say (imagine), if most (take for example, 6 out of 10) leaders campaigning for their own Party in an election/by-election of constituent X tell the voters that certain races are "squatters" in Malaysia, would that still be considered statements made in "personal capacity" and not a party stand?

Wouldn't that be ironic or strange if it is considered of "personal capacity"?

5) If the answer to point (2) is a "No", a necessary question to ask : Will there be any punishment meted on leaders from the party uttering racially-sensitive slanted statements not in line with the stand of Party and causing dissatisfaction within Barisan Nasional components?

Isn't unity an important element within BN?

To date, the person who made the statement in "personal capacity" is standing by his words.

6) What if one of the person who said something like this holds an important position within the ranks?

Isn't Division Chief an important position?

There is something called "leadership by example". Can any leader who possess such sentiment and not apologetic about it be a good example to members? Can such leader still be trusted to represent Malaysians as a Member of Parliament?

7) If a leader said something which is not in the form of good leadership, not setting a good example, not synonymous with the party stand, not in the spirit of the Barisan Nasional coalition, not settling, in fact causing much Malaysians to be dissatisfied, not jiving with the spirit of unity in Malaysia, will the Party hesitate to take any publicly-widely-known action on a leader?

Did the Party advise the person to apologise personally on his statement made on "personal capacity"?

There is a plus point that Najib is willing to come forward to apologise but perhaps these issues should be addressed and the questions answered.

Is Malaysia Totally Screwed Up? BN or PR?

noreply@blogger.com (Sagaladoola) — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 01:40:00 +0000

Blogger Che Det had just posted an entry titled WHY DON'T I DO SOMETHING . I can't help it but notice point number 15 to 18.

It would be something like, if we have Barisan Nasional at the helm of the governance, we are in a bad shape. On the other hand, if we have the current opposition form a new government, the country will also suffer.

Perhaps, we are screwed either way? The particular personal opinion describes the future as all dark and gloomy.

Like it or not, we have to choose.

The citizens can easily identify the methods of the current leadership of BN and predict where it will lead the nation. Malaysians have seen much these few years and I would say many are not pleased.

Whereas, Malaysia has never experienced a change in government. Perhaps, a slightly different way of handling things would suffice. Would Pakatan Rakyat be enough?

I am still waiting for significant improvements on "governance" within Barisan Nasional, especially UMNO. A reform is certainly needed. I do not consider a party that retains a leader who describes non-Malay Malaysian citizens as immigrants and not apologetic for his statements, to be a positive reform plan. Almost all non-Malay Malaysians, especially Malaysian Chinese are born in Malaysia. Second-hand apology is 'unacceptable'.

Barisan Nasional or Pakatan Rakyat? My current choice would still be the latter.

Malaysia Today Address Blocked, What about Blogs ?

noreply@blogger.com (Sagaladoola) — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 06:00:00 +0000

Malaysiakini reported Malaysia Today blocked! Order from MCMC :
Excerpt: In a rare move, Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has ordered all internet service providers (ISPs) to block controversial online portal Malaysia Today.

I was definitely shocked by this piece. Being a blogger and a frequent visitor of http://www.malaysia-today.net/ , to be denied entry is a serious bad news for me. On top of that, if the article is true, that is even more shocking, considering the fact that Malaysia is a free country and its citizens granted freedom of speech by the Constitution.

For the time being , Malaysia Today has re-launched its site at a temporary address ( http://mt.harapanmalaysia.com/2008 ). One can never know how long will this address be sustenable. The one thing certain in Malaysia these days is the assurance of uncertainty. Truly ironic but that is the fact.

Further details on configuring notebooks and laptops can be found here :
http://mt.harapanmalaysia.com/2008/content/view/11912/84/

Is it a coincidence that Malaysia-today.net address is blocked right after Anwar won in Permatang Pauh ? Seriously, I do hope it is a coincidence. If it is politically intentional, then there would be a serious cause of concern. I believe it is not necessary to elaborate further on this.

Meanwhile, Malaysian Insider reports : Somebody to target blogosphere next. Should I only write about cooking and shopping next time... ? Certainly, that is not what I like.

Good luck Malaysians ....... Please inform others of the new Malaysia Today address ....

Updates 07 September 2008 11.59 p.m.
Currently, http://mt.harapanmalaysia.com has been blocked.

The new address is http://mt.m2day.org/2008 .

Anwar : The New Opposition and Pakatan Rakyat Leader ?

noreply@blogger.com (Sagaladoola) — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 05:21:00 +0000

This month has been a very busy month. Other than suffering from work fatigue, I am also suffering from political fatigue. Too much of drama and work. However, I feel that, as a SoPo blogger and commentator since 2004, I should say something about a positive news.

Malaysiakini reports Official: Anwar gets BIGGER majority.

Finally, Anwar Ibrahim can get back into Parliament after 10 years of waiting and working. Anwar won with a big majority of 15500++ votes in Permatang Pauh, a constituency previously held by his wife, Wan Azizah.

Will we see a New Dawn in Malaysia? It is hard to tell yet but expectations are abound, reading what was written in the free edition of reader commentaries in Malaysiakini title 'Khairy, look who got buried!' .

Summarily, the public expects him to be back in the parliament to do these few things :

1) End racial discriminatory policies that are not beneficial to the nation.

2) Combat corruption.

3) Establish better, more efficient systems and governance.

4) Better democracy for Malaysia.

Sounds simple, doesn't it? I do not think those are easy to be done.

I am a person who always reserve a benefit of doubt but his installation as an MP into the Federal Parliament would provide me as well as millions of Malaysians a chance for him to prove his integrity, sincerity and dedication to deliver the above.

Should Anwar be able to form a new government by September 16th, I would not mind that the above are not able to be completely achieved in one term. To rectify problems that lasted for 4 to 5 decades is not easy.

However, the most important thing is the sincerity and the progressive direction in achieving the above.

Happy 4th Anniversary, Online Portal Malaysia Today

noreply@blogger.com (Sagaladoola) — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 01:56:00 +0000

Malaysia Today ( http://www.malaysia-today.net/ ) was incepted 4 years ago. I wasn't there exactly at the same time it appeared but precisely around 13th August 2004.

I recall it was right after the 2004 election, which saw the massive landslide victory of Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's coalition party . It is the biggest win ever in history by Barisan Nasional.

At that time, Malaysia Today was attached to blogger.com . However, around 2005 it had to move into its own domain due to overwhelming traffic and user commentaries.

Malaysia Today even made it into top 10 most visited news site in Malaysia, putting it on par with The Star ( a mainstream media with an online version). The main factor of the success of Malaysia Today lies in the airing of public opinions in the form of comments on articles, letters and blogs.

Other than that, the online portal indirectly inspired and spurred its commenters to set up blogs. With more voice, comes more democracy.

Perhaps, in the past, Malaysia Today was seen as a simple site that brings no effect to governance. The 12th General Election proved otherwise although it should not be dismissed that other factors play a part.

Malaysia Today merely highlights issues.that mainstream media may not publish due to vague reasons. Malaysia has a law called Printing, Publications and Presses Act (PPPA) . In it, a clause subjects all related media to make an annual renewal of their licenses.

Today, on the 4th Anniversary, its founder is faced with much difficulties, facing lawsuits from "left, right and centre". Numerous hacker attacks have tried to bring it down. Perhaps, Malaysia Today is not as not influential as many had previously thought.

Public opinion shall persist from this 4th Anniversary onwards. Memetically, Malaysia Today had propelled the silent majority to evolve from being silent to speaking up. Malaysians are yet to be wholesomely enlightened but the numbers are growing.

With that, this blog would like to thank and congratulate the Malaysia Today team;

First and foremost, Raja Petra Kamarudin for giving us this spendid site, ....

its editors, for constantly extracting news, letters and bringing up the site when its down, ....

its common article contributors, namely Azly Rahman, Bakri Musa, Mohd Sayuti Omar, Hishammuddin Rais, your writings are complimentary ....

and all Malaysia Today readers, commenters, bloggers, e-mail forwarders, word-by-mouth communicators which constitute the concerned citizens of Malaysia.

Malaysia Today is here to stay... !

My Opinion on the Recent Interfaith Dialogue

noreply@blogger.com (Sagaladoola) — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 04:30:00 +0000

Malaysiakini had an entry titled : Bar Council's forum: More shelling for police, protesters . This is the excerpt :

Twelve non-governmental organisations today signed a joint statement, denouncing the high-handed action taken by Muslim protestors and the police to stop an open discussion on legal issues related to the conversion to Islam.

The blogger Kaytee posted some notable comments on the issue ( Who had insulted Islam? ) .

This is not the first time that a public forum revolving around Interfaith dialogue is disrupted with similar protests or rough approach.

As a Malaysian, I am quite disappointed with the outcome although such happening is not really unexpected. This incident makes me think for a while before writing. I was trying to decipher and analyse the implicit cause of such response from particular Muslims.

On the subject at hand, indeed the theme "Conversion to Islam" is sensitive but does that mean it should not be brought up as a public discussion? I think it should, considering the fact that Islam is the official religion of the nation and every citizen would be affected (directly or/and indirectly) by that.

Furthermore, over the years there are unpleasant cases of body-snatching, Lina Joy among others causing confusion and disagreements among Malaysians. The best attempt to iron all these out is to hold discussions for both sides of the party (Muslims and non-Muslims) to table their opinion, questions, priorities and maybe, voice out their dilemmas.

Issues as described above can only be solved when both sides of the parties get to know what each other are thinking. A common understanding can only be formulated if all factors are taken into account. Without discussion, none of these are achievable.

A dialogue does not instantly promise a solution but it does indeed help in getting more minds to think and therefore, the possibility of achieving an agreable amicable solution is higher and perhaps quicker. It is a long journey but more brains create greater synergy.

Why can't Malaysians see the dialogue this way? Why can't Malaysians look further and be far-sighted?

Religion/faith is a sensitive issue to all. It touches the core of one's soul and more often than not emotions run deep. But, in order to sort out related issues emotion has to be temporarily put aside.

Besides, a dialogue should not be literally seen as negatively "challenging" one's religion. It should be viewed in the positive light of promoting inter-religious tolerance, inculcating understanding and sorting out problems.

Reading news like Molotov cocktail scare and No, this 'Babi' will Not 'Balik Cina' are disappointing. Interfaith dialogue has nothing to do with race, animals or China. It absolutely has nothing to do with violence.

Perhaps, all Malaysians should try to comprehend this phrase "I may not agree with what you have said but I will defend your right to say it".

Anyway, Blogger Kickdefella said there could be some other people who is behind this in his latest post. That makes me curious when I think of it ... Could it be? Must really read and analyse....