Same bad song, with more gusto

This has my antenna tingling, and i don't like the feel of it.

The NST reports:

ALOR STAR: Kedah's mega RM50 billion oil refinery and pipeline project has become even bigger - with the budget for it soaring to a staggering RM83 billion.

The RM33 billion increase is due to a decision to construct a man-made island for the proposed refinery and storage facilities. Originally, the refinery and storage facilities were to have been built on reclaimed padi fields...

...The project would also be built on its original site of Yan instead of Gurun as suggested by Azizan. Azizan said he agreed to bring the project back to Yan after listening to the counter proposals by the six investors.

"I know I had announced that the refineries would be shifted to Gurun, but after hearing their counter-proposals, I have agreed to bring it back to Yan district, specifically Sungai Limau," he told reporters after the meeting.

This is flip-flopping; exactly the same criticism we leveled on AAB.

Worse, the price tag has leaped by an astounding 66% of the original value. I'd imagine that the original RM50 billion was already bloated to enrich the cronies, and that we'd get to see a major price slash instead after renegotiations. I'd expected public disclosure of the budget, as any ethical govt ought to practice.

Instead we get this: the same BN-style decision-making process which keeps citizens in the dark. And for crying out loud, an increase in the budget. The same questions thrown at BN are now thrown at you, Azizan. Is this the best way to use the billions of ringgit? Have you opened the floodgates? Are you indebted to those six investors now, shackled by them?

You have some serious explaining to do.

He just doesn't get it

The way his points are presented betrays the sorry mindset of AAB. There seems to be a serious decoupling from reality.

From Malaysiakini:

"We certainly lost the Internet war, the cyber-war," Abdullah said in a speech to an investment conference.

"It was a serious misjudgment. We made the biggest mistake in thinking that it was not important," he said.

"We thought that the newspapers, the print media, the television was supposed to be important, but the young people were looking at SMS and blogs."

Young people. Sigh, as if it was so easy. It seems only young people caused BN to lose the 5+1 states. Like, young people weren't a factor during the Reformasi years and 1999 GE. Like, if BN had used the internet better in their campaigns (remember they had already swamped Yahoo! and other search engines), this wouldn't have happened. The impressionable young people fell for the internet smut, while the older voters remained essentially loyal because they watched TV, and read the papers.

What a blur toad.

He forgot about the years and months before, he forgot about Bersih, he forgot about Hindraf, he forgot the prime-movers of the internet campaign were the grey and middle-aged Rakyat... RPK, Haris, Zorro, Chin Huat, Rocky, James Wong etc. Citizens all. And of course, a freer e-media in Malaysiakini.

The analysis is actually quite simple - it revolves around the key words "forgot" and "remember".

He forgot to do his job.

We - young and old - remembered.

A shadow for Komtar

Now here's something constructive for a change: Penang's BN state assemblymen plan to form a shadow cabinet to act as check-and-balance to the Minority govt's exco.

The Star Online reports:

Teluk Bahang assemblyman Datuk Seri Dr Hilmi Yahaya said: “We have enough assemblymen to keep watch on the DAP-led state government.”

He said they would raise issues pertaining to state affairs publicly or at the state assembly.

“We will support the current government if its policies are good,” he told newsmen after meeting Singapore’s St John Chapel Choir group at Pusat Harian Harapan Bakti here yesterday.

This is refreshing; that BN in its role as opposition offers to collaborate with the state govt, to spar with it on issues in an organised manner, for the benefit of Penang.

That's the ideal, of course. It's the action that counts. The integrity of such promises can only be judged in the months to come but it is still a mile more imaginative than the inane discussions by the BN so far. Far better than Shabery Chik wanting to meet bloggers, or the promise to declare assets, or "finding out what went wrong" - i mean, that's the very least they ought to do if they are to remain relevant. There's so much more BN can initiate.

We're awaiting more inspired ideas.

Open Letter to The Star

Dear Editor,

We are very concerned and wary of the countless reckless and negligent reporting in your papers which could incite communal disharmony and civil unrest.

To be fair, you did publish such articles attributed to both the Barisan Nasional and the Opposition, but in this instance, we are obliged to refer to the article: PAS certain it can set up Islamic federal govt soon (The Sunday Star, March 16, 2008).

The fact is that no government can change Malaysia to be an Islamic state unless and until they can command 2/3 support in Parliament to amend the Constitution and support such a bill. So far, no single political party, except Barisan as a coalition of UMNO, MIC, MCA, Gerakan and 10 other minority parties, have had the capacity to garner such support. PAS, even with the claimed additional 30 voices, will still not be able to command the majority needed if no other party supports them.

Besides, a bluff is also obvious in the claim that PAS needs only another 30 seats to seize control of the country. PAS secured 23 parliamentary seats out of 222, the least among the three major “opposition” (though we would rather them be referred to as “minority” henceforth) parties. This is a far cry from the minimum 148 seats needed for a 2/3 majority.

In reading the story closely, you appear to be grossly editorialising the news in your headline and intro. Nobody needs another reminder of the ruckus caused by DAP because of their reluctance to submit to PAS rule.

Besides the need to be truthful and honest, we believe that when you feel or you are compelled to publish any inflamatory or contradictory remarks, regardless of source, you must, in the same breathe, play down the hatred it may sow.

In the instance of the article referred to, you should have done your social obligation and national duty by appending the statements of fact such as the actual number of parliamentary seats PAS has and how such changes can come about.

You can also help to demolish the inordinate fear of Islamic influence by quoting, perhaps, example of Islamisation in the country such as in the banking and financial services sector and the halal food industry for Muslims, both of which have benefited non-Muslims tremendously.

We sincerely pray that if you must really publish any contradictory statement which may or is intended to discredit any party, you would first consider the potential injustice to the innocent majority.

We hope that you will realise that while the people have voiced their displeasure with the Barisan through the ballot box, they may likewise voice their disgust with irresponsible reporting through the newsstand. you would certainly appreciate the commercial value in words of wisdom and the folly otherwise.

Sincerely,
GetAnMP-PJ Utara

*******************

HARTAL MSM

GetAnMP-PJ Utara fully endorses The People's Parliament call to Boycott the Lying Newspapers. Sock it to them till they wake up to their responsibility. At RM15 a month, Malaysiakini is a far superior product.

Enriching PJ

When the GetanMP flyers were first conceived, we inserted the tagline Make Malaysia Home.

Its brevity spurred multiple readings; a little aphorism aimed at different sections of voters. For the middle/upper-middle class contemplating the greener grass of migration, it was a challenge to stay and irrigate our own land. For the apathetic, it was a call of duty to clean up our own house. And yet on another level, it pleaded that we become more inclusive, that we breathe as a family regardless of race, religion and class.

March 8, 2008 is special. Be it the challenge, the call of duty, or the plea - this was collectively answered. It is now entirely up to us to make Home so. If we imagine, we give it life.

***************

(Credit: Mob1900)

We at GetanMP-PJ Utara are embarking on the next step. We're out to make PJ a very fine place to live. Not PJ Utara, not PJ Selatan, not Bukit Lanjan nor Seri Setia, but all Petaling Jaya. We are Anak Bangsa Malaysia-PJ. And if you're a PJ resident we'd like you to join us. We're many different layers - fat, thin, black, yellow brown - yet we're common. As with GetanMP, we're starting an e-group of interested PJ residents. From there we'll work things out together. Commitment is entirely your call. Join us; bring a friend, bring a family. Send us an email and we'll set you up.

Below is a description of what we'd like to do. Can we? If we want it, why not.

***************

This e-group is for the hopeful. It is for all who have been hurt in a relationship - boohoo - but are not afraid of a new one. Yet as we enter this one with the same dizzy feeling, we know we're coming in wiser, stronger and the creative commitment that we'll make it work this time.

We'll allow the dynamics of this group to unfold naturally. Like society itself, it's best left organic. Leaders will emerge, ditto specialists and interest groups within our midst. This is desirable. We're plural. We're mongrel.

Even so, we've identified three broad categories where AnakBangsaMalaysia-PJ will organise itself. Its geographic locus is PJ, yet its societal current is free to spread out to Selangor and Malaysia. It transcends mere politics; it is about Grace and Being. The categories are:

1) Community
PJ folks are diverse. Yet in its diversity it is atomic. We'd like to see bonds form. Ownership. A sense of Belonging. This can come via shared activities and interests. Some will take a long time to germinate, some sooner. Ideas include:

a) Talks/Dialogues: To get experts to talk about topical subjects. eg History of PJ and where we've sidetracked; the Sg Buloh Leprosarium, Bukit Gasing Wildlife and Wild Plans. Venues could vary. This could be in Living Room settings of 20 people; casual, but informative; it could be the auditorium at Sin Chew.
b) People First community-driven projects: This may be about working hand-in-hand with MBPJ, or with private-sector sources. Draw ideas from around the world - there are many - and let these inspire our own. For a very fine example, see Project for Public Spaces.
c) PJ Pengembara: Organise off-the-beaten-track road trips within the state and its neighbours. Orang Asli settlements, Carey Island, rubber estates... you name it.

2) Environment/Development
a) To hold awareness forums on development in PJ.
b) Public transportation and carparking issues - the strategic solutions.
c) To safeguard public parks and green lungs.
Again, the scope and depth is determined by members. It may be in alliance with existing NGO initiatives such as Save Bukit Gasing, or the Save the Valley of Hope program. We assure you that we're keeping a sharp eye on UM's reported 'lease' of its land to high-end developers.
In any case, it would be good that we get to know about the issues within our backyard.

3) Governance
This will be in line with The People's Parliament Representative Watch Committee. Barisan Rakyat happened; it wasn't merely a pretty poster, it actually happened. Now the next step. For more info, read Haris Ibrahim's election pledge. We shall be closely allied to PP on this initiative.
On the DUN and municipal level, a similar auditing/cooperative system will be set in place.

Biting off too much? Perhaps. And perhaps not. We're throwing as wide a net to involve as many PJians-with-a-heart as possible. The grandpa, the restless youth, the SUV man. Each comes with a cord. We'll weave. What we'll weave is what we dare imagine. The PJ we imagine won't happen overnight, we're well aware of that. Ideas will lie buried or kicked, there will be disagreements, bonds may even break. But the idea of an amazing tapestry is just too good to let go. It is our design.

Let's.

Dammit, you politicians

First DAP's Kit. He apologised this morning. Now Syed Husin Ali of PKR... If you don't get your act together, you will face a full boycott by the Rakyat. Not just Perak, but in all three west coast Opposition-controlled states. This is a promise.

You are fast showing that you are not worthy.

Watch it, DAP

Malaysiakini carries a press statement from Kit. In it he says the DAP CEC was shocked and unhappy over the appointment of PAS' Nizar as MB for Perak.

My message to Kit and the DAP is simply this:

You asked: Vote for Change.
We did.
Now how about you yourself?

Work on the commonalities. There is so much to be reaped. Yes, safeguard principles. Lay the ground rules and stick to them with your dear lives. But never, never enter the realm of BNspeak... you're treading on thin ice.

Melaka 2013

GetAnMP will pay extra focus on the State of Melaka in the next General Elections.

Fresh from The Star, after the swearing in ceremony:

MALACCA: Although assuring continued development in Malacca, newly sworn-in Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam said the “drive” to spur development within the city may be disrupted.

Mohd Ali said he would have to “think twice” with regard to new projects coming into the city as hopes of making it a more vibrant one had been dashed owing to DAP’s control of it.

“We wanted to develop it further but the rakyat is not so interested.

If there are new things (projects), maybe I have to think twice,” he said, adding that he would not shift projects which had been previously earmarked.

Classic example of an outdated, outmoded politician. Bet you he still uses floppy disks and thinks he's moderne. They never learn - such Umnospeak isn't going to work any more. The country has moved on. Ali Rustam, you have five years to look for a new day job.

Onwards

For not just cleaning Petaling Jaya of that nasty, arrogant BN coalition, but for putting Selangor back on track. And Perak. And Penang. And Kedah. And Kelantan. And the waves that rode over Negeri Sembilan and Melaka and portions of Pahang and Johor.

Here's to Anak Bangsa Malaysia. You spoke.

Hot

From malaysiakini

Unofficial - Tony Pua wins PJ Utara - 7.45pm

Tony Pua has helped DAP has reclaimed Petaling Jaya Utara.

In praise of Marrow

From the humble kampung in Bukit Bintang, Dr Cheah Wing Yin's character was forged by tender but firm hands. The DAP candidate for DUN Damansara Utama tells GetanMP-PJ Utara about the inspiration and the journey that led him to this platform today



“Thank goodness, he spanked the hell out of me when he did,” Dr Cheah Wing Yin reminisces. “I might have well been a very successful, conniving pirated-DVD lord today!”

The good doctor is talking about his dad, his one great influence in life. He died last year on May 13. The following month in June, he joined the DAP.

“In a way, it begins to complete his lessons.”

Dr Cheah is contesting against BN's Victor Gu for the DUN Damansara Utama seat this elections.

“Dad was a strict disciplinarian. And he lived that role, too. Idealistic, upright, and never swayed to temptations. He arrived from China when he was 16, and not long after was swept in the nationalist tide. He joined the communist movement, but found them too leftist for his liking. He had to flee from the group in Pahang and made his way to in KL.

“Dad worked as a mechanic in Lam Soon factory. He did two shifts to make ends meet. But he made time for us. Weekends at the Weld swimming pool – those are cherished moments; we would have noodles after that, which for us is a special treat. He was strict and he was warm.

“And education – now that he never skimped. Made sure we had tuition in our formative years. He instilled an ethic that I hold dearly today.”

Social Awareness
“Universiti Malaya was a hive of political thought and expression during my student years. There was the socialist movement, student union activism, free speech. Once during the Baling Demonstrations of 1974, the entire medical cohort skipped class to attend speeches at the Speaker's Corner. But professors were more liberal then too. They gave us replacement classes!

“But the key is this – each and every one of us turned out well. We didn't have the UUCA (University and University Colleges Act) to regulate how students should behave for their own future. It's a farce.”

“I was active in school, and very involved in the Varsity Christian Fellowship. Today, these friends are in various positions in society playing constructive roles. Some have become pastors. It is this people who are my network today; they have been very supportive of my decision to run in the elections.”



Rank and File
And yet, Dr Cheah is not one to be seen resting in the aircon comforts of an office. Volunteers have consistently voiced their admiration for the man who's up at the crack of dawn and doing his walkabouts meeting the common folks at the markets and homes. During the conversation, the cellphone repeatedly rings from well-wishers and supporters.

“I'm very comfortable with common people. I am them. I had always been actively involved in NGOs such as Rumah Harapan and the Malaysian Mental Health Association. Then there are other more professional-related bodies. But working with people, being with people – it's a natural occupation.

“If anything, I draw my strength from the rank-and-file. When I decided to join the DAP, it was because of the rank-and-file.”

Dr Cheah plans to keep his practice, at least for now. “I like the job. Plus honestly, I still have mouths to feed. I still have to see a kid through school in New Zealand.”

He laughs when you ask him about life after the campaign: “These days, I'm not sure if my wife still recognises me. I'm up at 6am and only back way past midnight.

“I'd love to do a trip with her and the kids. I've been thinking of hitting North, slowly working our way through the little towns; stay in those wongfeihong hotels or resthouses. That would be nice. To make trips like that, we get to understand a little more of this country each time... a fresher perspective.

“It will certainly help me in my work.”

Yes it will. It will certainly forge your work as a State Assemblyman, Dr Cheah.


Additional info:
DAP for PJ

Brains not Drains

Tony Pua was made Economic Advisor to the DAP Sec-Gen last year. Many acknowledge the ex-CEO and Oxford alumnus brings a mental prowess to national and local politics. Lately, the candidate for P106 PJ Utara has been holding the late night crowd rapt with his own brand of food-for-thought speeches. GetAnMP-PJ Utara catches up with Tony in this third instalment of DAP for PJ candidates











These nights the past two weeks, he's provided supper to the mental-belly of hundreds. He's the one who's been feeding the ceramah crowds with tender, pressure-cooked chunks of microeconomics and public policy, a diet few would recommend to an audience typically more interested by a rah-rah knock-em-down speech. But the crowd laps it up.

“I wanted people to know the 'heavy' issues. The question is packaging it,” says Tony Pua, MP candidate for P106 PJ Utara – how money is wrongly manipulated by the ruling coalition, how policies have been hijacked and abused, and how it is so important to have the right MPs checking these practices in Parliament. Tony Pua is facing MCA's popular incumbent Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun this elections.

There is an incisiveness to the 36-year-old's mind, almost coaxing you to throw at him the toughest problems. Questions are answered rapidly and lucidly – there is no stammer, no b-b-but – you get the impression he's thought through these issues.

The grueling campaign is showing – it's the afternoon intermission between the physically-taxing morning walkabouts and evening ceramahs – and the pace isn't slowing one bit.

“Masochism, sheer masochism,” he flashes his trademark grin, shakes his head, and plonks himself on the sofa at the DAP HQ. Yet he would readily stay in the thick of it. It's for the long-term, the best avenue he knows in ensuring this country is set on a steady path to progress.

“There was no marked turning point. I've always felt it as far as I can remember. In primary school, in Singapore as a student, at Oxford... politics has always been in the picture.

“I was sure at some point I would enter politics. But to hold fast onto the right values, that's the key. It was important to achieve financial stability first, to withstand all knocks and temptations which come with the job. And when it did finally present itself, I took that step. It was natural.”

This election period saw the emergence of a number of social vanguards standing as Opposition candidates. But is Malaysia ready to move into a new brand of politics; from the zoo that happened in the just-dissolved 11th Parliament to one of maturity and healthy discourse?

“There's never knowing when the country is ready. We run the campaign as best we can, and if we're elected, it proves the nation's ready. That's the best endorsement the country can give itself. Then, it's for us to deliver. We can steer Parliament. Cut out the injustices.

“Look, the country doesn't have to be No.1. Definitely not now. It's about running it well, making intelligent laws, economic plans that work, welfare policies... there's so much we can draw from others.

“Singapore is definitely a good source, freedom issues aside. Its people are competent, there is an efficient administration, there is solid law enforcement and corruption is successfully minimised. Same genes, same geography... now who screwed up?

“There is no need to recreate the wheel; we can learn from many countries. The trick is implementation, and BN has shown that it isn't bothered enough to make it happen.

“We need to instill a culture of competition, openness, transparency... a healthy live-work attitude. When that culture seeps in, you'll see the ball rolling... the economics will generate wealth, welfare programs will reach those who need it, our education facilities will be reckoned with, the arts will flourish, new industries we can call our very own.

“But it begins with putting in a government that's genuinely willing.”

The cynics will snigger. In Malaysia ah? With all that dirty politics surrounding the elections – the opacity of postal votes, indelible ink fiasco, counting agents, phantom voters – Malaysia seems to have an insurmountable road ahead.

“Yes, Malaysia. Yes, here. I never considered migrating. I decided long ago to stay – me, my wife, my family. And once that decision is made, you make a stand. And you do all you can to move your people forward. The status quo is not an option. Can we do it? One brick at a time, we'll build a bridge.”

“There is a lot to do over the coming years. Win or lose, I'm already seeing my role in the DAP. There is much where we can improve, and we admit it, unlike BN. I want to help fortify the organisation, improve the bond between branches. We'll actively continue to look for good citizens to join us. We'll find ways to improve finances.

“We want to increase the space and facility to debunk existing government policies which are unfair. These efforts require a lot of resources, and these mechanisms have to be efficiently set up. When our MPs go into Parliament, we want them armed.”

On and on Tony paints the plan, and you can see it shaping. Bit by pragmatic bit. He's calculated in his strategies, a quality you see in his night-time ceramahs, where like a good doctor he prescribes the economic pills to the audience in proper dosage. From these sessions to the DAP's alternative budget last year, Tony's earned the reputation of The Brain among voters.

And if all goes well come March 8 – that's tomorrow – Tony may well be carrying the tag of the Thinking Person's MP into the august house. He vows to punch the living daylights out of silly govt schemes and policies if ushered in.

But for the moment, that decision lies with the PJ Utara voters; the ball is in our court. Brain or Drain?



Additional info:
Personal blog
DAP for PJ

Paint it Rakyat Red, Penang

(Picture by Choo Choy May)
The Malaysian Insider, the latest online news-zine, carries this incredible shot of Thursday's mammoth rally at Han Chiang School field in Penang. The editors quoted that a headcount of 30,000 would be a conservative estimate. The DAP which hosted the event had asked for people to show up in red. For more stories and beautiful pictures, head on over to the Malaysian Insider.

Postscript:
i've been receiving SMSes that a similar mammoth crowd showed up at Anwar's rally in Lembah Pantai. Can't wait to see those pictures, too. The Rakyat awakes.

The better life - for me only?

Malaysiakini reported today that thousands of young Malaysians see no hope in the Elections. In contrast, it is the young Malaysians who are proving to be the new backbone of political parties today, especially the Opposition. Nurul Izzah, Nik Nazmi, Ginie Lim, Hannah Yeoh... they are showing these cynical why-bother youths that being in your 20s matters just as well.
In this second instalment, GetanMP-PJ Utara profiles another young candidate Lau Weng San, who's running for N35 Kampung Tunku in PJ. We ask him 'Why bother?'



“Give me a minute,” says Lau Weng San, upon finishing an errand. “I better go take my medicine. Voice almost gone.”

The past weeks are taking its toll even for the 30-year-old square-shouldered man who's contesting the DUN Kampung Tunku seat. He faces BN's Sheah Kok Fah. If stereotyping was to be taken seriously, Lau Weng San would be bopping his head with friends in a club on any given Saturday. His wallet would be lined with platinum plastic; he'd be dreaming of that sleek car and hedging on stocks which have been rumoured to soar.

Instead, his Chemical Engineering degree – passport to a 'better life' – is tucked away in a folder in his SEA Park home, and Weng San is down in the trenches with the DAP volunteers at No 77. That's what they call the Operations Centre over at Paramount Garden; it sits a stone's throw away from the party's National HQ.

Better Life?
“Sacrifice? Maybe it is. Somehow it doesn't feel that way,” says the man donned in Rocket fatigues, the ubiquitous white shirt. There is no hint of regret nor longing for the plusher life.

“I was working in petrochemicals after I graduated. It's true oil and gas is big, and the petrochemical industry is doing well. But you can't avoid dealing with Petronas when you're in this field. Clearly I would have been a liability to any company if I were to remain active in DAP. So between the two, I chose politics.

“Fairness is too precious.”

Conversations like this affirms that you are listening to a man raised in Confucian values, the moral code among many East-Asian ethnic communities. Loyalty, piety, the Gentleman. And perhaps it comes as no surprise.

Formative Years
Weng San was schooled in one of the nation's best, the Sam Tet School in Ipoh. Started by a Catholic priest in 1934 to arrest illeteracy among the local populace, Sam Tet today boasts of consistently producing some of the best results during the national exams. But studies aside, it was also there when he first became politically aware.

“Just aware, nothing serious. It was more about basic values.

“In varsity, this awareness increased. I was in UM during the Reformasi days. You can't help but be swept by it. It's a matter of degree. I became more active in my second year; kept contact with human rights group, attended meetings and forums on AUKU (College and University College Act). And you realised even within that short period, campus democracy was being eroded. I started writing columns in the Chinese press. More so after graduation.”

It was during that time he came into contact with the DAP and met new friends fighting the same cause of fairness.

“Ronnie Liu was a huge influence. Still is. He brought me to visit people who were oppressed. Kampungs, setinggans, the SOS Damansara campaign. He reinforced that it was never about race. Never about religion.”

Papa and Mama
You broach on another hot Confucian item: Filial piety.

“Yes, it worried my parents. They put me through an education, to get a better life, faster-faster get grandchildren and all that. When I decided to join DAP full-time in 2004, they applied some subtle pressure to not go there. They said 'Go ahead, vote for the opposition all you want. Keep in tune with government abuses. Write about it. But must you join?' They had fears of me getting arrested, beaten up or jailed. It's a very common fear.

“It's true I had my college degree. It was very marketable. And, yes, there was a part where I feel I owe them so much; you know, must return the kindness. But there is a bigger picture. I had to be stubborn in this case. Today they are very supportive.”

Weng San strikes you as pin-sharp focussed. If he ever picks an Anglo name, he should consider Will. Kinda suits the character; driven, cause-internalised, disciplined. There is a meticulous quality to his operations, not necessarily neat, given the hustle-bustle of campaign time.

Take time, for instance. He indicated earlier that he had an hour to spare for the interview after which it's on to a meet-the-people session. His watch beeps at 3pm sharp. Weng San tries to ignore it. He talks a little more, barely a minute or two. His cellphone rings - a field manager is on the line saying: “Oi, time to hit the road.”

“Sorry,” Weng San says. “My general saman me already. These people make sure I keep my word. So at the DUN level I'm sure it will be like this; they will make sure I deliver. People first lah.”



Additional info:
Weng San's blog
DAPforPJ

When seriously threatened, lie through your teeth

Says the caretaker PM: "The Barisan Nasional has never made empty promises. We always deliver our pledges."

It's become pathological. Not what we want from a leader for sure. Jijik. He's been resorting to this so-ooooooooooooo much it's putting people to zzzzz-zleep. If you're so sure about your track record, come for debates lah!

Velvet and Steel

Edward Lee, DAP candidate for DUN Bukit Gasing, takes a breather from his walk-about and speaks with GetanMP-PJU. First of a four-part series profiling the DAP for PJ team



Dream on, says Edward Lee.

Even better, says the 59-year-old citizen activist-turned-politician, is realising these dreams. If it's the right thing, there is always a way, believes the DAP-PJ candidate for DUN Bukit Gasing. It is this dogged nature that has seen a fair number of citizen-initiated programs succeed over the past few years even when the odds were stacked against them.

“When the few of us first decided to fight the Puchong Incinerator project (in 2001), few stepped forward. Activism was an unfamiliar thing for many; it was daunting. I mean, the government is a huge animal and can be threatening. And the project was already in the works...captured in the KL Structure Plan 2020, approved, ready to roll.”

“We could have just watched the Opposition take the case in Parliament, and hoped for the best. Instead right from the start, we strategised, used our resources as wisely as we could... we sought help from good lawyers, got hold of the EIA report and pored through every line. We came out with a comprehensive list of questions and apparent weaknesses, and went for the jugular.”

A tidal wave of support began to grow – citizen groups, NGOs, politicians – allowing the team to be even more creative in carrying the message across. The saga of the 1,500 ton-capacity incinerator finally ended when the government decided to relocate it to Broga, where it met similar resistance and was eventually killed.

Perhaps this was what Malaysia needed in the new century – a new responsibility rooted from the ground described by Aliran as Rakyat Activism. But reaching there required a lot of planning and execution, the kind you won't see on the glossy pages of print – the shrewdness, the prudent deployment of resources, counter-strategies, and the buckets of sweat.

“Logistics is my forte,” says Edward, who once worked in the shipping industry. “You have to develop a smarts for any task. And you just have to delegate; delegate well... not just pass the job off to that somebody, but to instill inside that human being a shared sense of pride in running that task well. That's what I want to bring into the State Assembly and local councils.”

Edward puts you at ease. Call him bro, call him uncle; it fits. Once, during the conversation at the Old Town Coffee at PJ State, a small group of MBPJ officers walked by and they all exchanged greetings. The Opposition in a smiley exchange with Govt folks – it's a refreshing sight, perhaps a sign of things to come.

“I can tell you this much – there are many civil servants who are crying for good governance. They have personally told me so. They have pride in what they do. They want effectiveness, efficiency, all the stuff we want. They see the problem as lying within the local councils... politicians. Always politicians, it seems. Poking their hands into the pot, messing things up, bad policies, favouritism...

“And that's why I'm stepping into politics now. I want to get into the den and do my bit in cleaning up the house. Set a workable structure to it; make it culture.

“It will take time, easily a few years, but it can happen. I'm a believer in reform rather than revolution. Head-on war only draws retaliation – 'face' is so important here. So nothing gets solved. But when there is a way out, when corrupted officials are given space to recant, win them over, convince them, then we're on to something.”

But there has to be impetus for such people to change, no? How is this achieved?



“We need to find ways to seal their doors (to corruption). The first action if I'm elected will be to assemble a team of lawyers. We'll go through all the main Acts in the State of Selangor, scrutinize them, find the weaknesses. We'll highlight the anomalies. Then we take measures to plug them. Work out a human-oriented system. We'll show them: 'Here is the solution.' Redesignate people if we have to, retrain, bring back pride... i know it can happen.

“That's the constructive pressure to reform. Something that works with the psyche rather than subverting it.”

The conversation goes beyond the hour, a very easy hour without gaps nor awkwardness. The humility is captured throughout - he doesn't talk about himself, rather it is about fundamentals, the how-to, the nuts-and-bolts of a Malaysian urban society. In this community, Edward has earned the reputation of one who lets the Walking do the Talking. He isn't your posterboy type forever spilling soundbites. Edward Lee acts, that's common knowledge. But why for; and what drives?

“God,” he says cleanly, and then a pause. “It's about doing a good thing, doing right. I was disturbed by the injustices. The growing injustices happening in the country over the years – you know I came home to Malaysia because I was taken in by Mahathir then? I thought it was the main event. But things just got worse, certainly more under Badawi. The BN is calcified, it can't do much good in its current dynamics. Too many greasy hands... they've lost the plot.

"At some point, I had to stand up. I wanted a good night's sleep every night. And thankfully I've been getting it.”

The bread and kaya is consumed, the creamy white coffee washed down, it's time for the walkabout among the citizenry, and you sit back and wonder about the tasks ahead and what Edward would need to get his plans through in the State Assembly. I asked: If you had a wishlist, who would have on your Dream Team in DUN Selangor?

“Wishlists aren't real. Frankly, I'd prefer to just dream. Then make it happen.”



Additional Info:
Edward Lee's blog
www.dapforpj.com

Common Uncommon

You may have heard them at the ceramahs, shook hands at the morning market walkabout, read their manifestos. But why would anyone do this in the first place i.e. be an Opposition candidate? What is the controlled ember that keeps these people on the go in a field so formidably tilted in favour of the incumbent BN?

Starting today, we at the GetanMP-PJ Utara will be running a series of articles which profile the human beings behind the faces of the DAP Petaling team. Human beings with the resolve of a river, finding a way, always finding a way to reach that goal.

Stay tuned.

p.s. There are many good candidates under the Barisan Rakyat who need to have their story told, beyond the ceramahs, beyond the two-minute hand shake, certainly beyond the leaflets. If you profile them, we'll be happy to run your story in this space.

Make Malaysia Home II

Our latest flyer hit the streets yesterday. It's a two-page version (A4 folded in two) and we hope it gets people out to vote. And to vote with conviction for a respect grossly denied. i'll upload the pdf version on a host so that you can download for your own use. Help spread the word.

Our Choice

We, the GetanMP-PJ Utara, held back as long as we could. We felt Chew Mei Fun deserved a fair listening by the rakyat, and we wanted to provide that fair platform - we offered her a joint forum with her opponent Tony Pua. All this while we never took sides; even refrained from posting anything that skews the favour toward the DAP.

(Like linking Tony's ceramah in SS2 Monday night)
(Like Haris Ibrahim's rock star reception at the same ceramah)

All that changed Wednesday evening. Chew Mei Fun turned down our offer. How is it that a candidate who wishes to represent a constituency in Parliament refuses a forum organised by the very people she hopes to represent? Tak masuk akal.

This makes our choice a no-brainer. It is unequivocal. We, the GetanMP-PJ Utara initiative, wholeheartedly support Tony Pua as Member of Parliament for P106 Petaling Jaya Utara.

We also support his colleagues at the DUN level:

• Edward Lee for N34 Bukit Gasing
• Lau Weng San for N35 Kampung Tunku,
• Dr Cheah Wing Yin for N36 Damansara Utama, and

All come under the DAP, which has endorsed the People's Declaration along with PKR, PAS, PSM, MDP, and Pasok. They are part of the civil society-driven Barisan Rakyat. And as a civil society movement, we shall help them get into the positions to help us.


As the campaign heads into the final week, GetanMP-PJ Utara will channel our resources to ensure this team wins. We'll have BN out of PJ, just you watch.


p.s. But one big request, Tony and gang: When you do eventually take your seats in Parliament and the Selangor State Assembly, we ask that you join us in lobbying for Chew Mei Fun's appointment to Local Councilor in MBPJ. All said, she has done a really fine job in that arena. For to quote Dr Azmi Sharom:

"Issues such as street lighting, land development, road condition, drainage etc are the responsibility of the Local Authority. They are not the responsibility of Members of Parliament and State Assemblymen."

'... this soil which we call Malaysia today is in fact the birthplace of all our collective cultures'

Cyber-journalism is definitely it! Malaysia Votes, run by three former MSM journalists, carries this wonderful interview with Farish Noor. Jacqueline Ann Surin is having a ball of a time. Some stirring lines:

The keris was really the product of a global age when the people of Southeast Asia were globally connected to the cultures of India and China, and when we were the product of a shared Hindu-Buddhist-Muslim heritage, and therefore it is a hybrid object with many meanings.

Much, much more.

Farish, who also runs The Other Malaysia, will be speaking at the Central Market Annexe tomorrow (Saturday), 3pm on this topic. i personally enjoy such insights by solid academics and civil society groups more than any ceramah. It is through this where we are educated. And it is through education that we are free.

We only hope more will stand up. To quote the man again:

One can, and must, be objectively academic and publicly so at a time when history is being politicised. To sit quietly and do nothing: that is being passively partisan and even more dangerous.

PJ Utara Forum Rakyat cancelled

(Bold heading digitally superimposed)


We really wanted this to happen. We wanted this for Democracy.

We believed PJ Utara was ripe and we still do - a sophisticated and discerning voting population, a high literacy rate, well-traveled, internet-enabled - that such a Forum Rakyat, by the people and for the people, could begin to pave the way for more open dialogue nationwide.

Yup, P106 PJ Utara has the perfect setting. MCA's Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun, the popular incumbent sharing the same stage as Oxford-trained Tony Pua of the DAP; sparring ideas, clarifying misconceptions, pitting visions. It's one of the hottest-watched seat this side of the peninsular.

And so as of Nomination Day, we slogged to get the idea of a forum fleshed out. We worked on the format and agenda, and took great pains to ensure it was as fair as possible to all parties; no cheap shots, no mudslinging:

What's the best format?
If it's for the rakyat, why not a Q&A?
How do you prevent freaks from showing up drunk and rowdy?
Make it a by-invitation-only affair. People have to register earlier.
How do you control the quality of the questions?
Get the audience to write down their question rather than an open mike format. Yes, we'll lose some spontaneity but it's more prudent. Get auditors to vet through the questions. Allow both sides to appoint two of their own representatives with powers to veto any unfair question.
What if they keep picking on longkangs and stuff, y'know, dig some dirt?
Look, we'll stay away from the past. The 11th Parliament was a washout, bygones; let's look forward to the 12th. Keep discussions only about the road ahead. What can they offer, where do they stand on certain issues, how will they fight the good fight on our behalf?

Formal invitations were delivered yesterday. Even before that, members of the group had called and met up with both candidates' staffers to explain about the forum. Both sides were very receptive. But when it mattered most:

Tony Pua said Yeah, let's do it! Chew Mei Fun said No, I can't.

An assistant of Tony emailed GetanMP-PJ Utara late last night to express Tony's keenness in participating in the Forum. They requested that it be held on Sunday afternoon, the weekday nights being reserved for ceramahs. Cool, we thought. Real cool.

This morning, a member from the GetanMP-PJUtara group called up the MCA side to get a response. Mr Ch'ng, a key aide to Chew Mei Fun, said the incumbent apologised but could not afford the time for the event. We negotiated, offered them the choice of a best-time slot. Think it over, please discuss, we'll call you back. Called back, the answer was the same. Negative.

Yet another dedicated member decided to plead with Chew Mei Fun directly. He reached her on her cell-phone. The gentle but firm answer was again No.

It's not our business to reveal details of the conversations, but be assured that Chew and her aides were well-mannered and cordial at every interaction. Nevertheless, our road ends here - in disappointment. We had expected more. And fine manners aside, we deserved more.

Given the scenario, we the GetanMP-PJ Utara group will make a common stand on the Candidates in the hours to come. We'll keep you posted.

Addendum: If you're interested in the agenda we formulated for the Forum, we're posting up jpg files for your reference. Want the softcopy? Just email us. i think any other constituency wanting to pursue this further ought to just carry the torch and invite YOUR candidates to a Forum Rakyat. Lembah Pantai? Subang? Pandamaran? Rembau? Kepala Batas? Anywhere! Ask for a People's Forum. Let it spread.

Let the Rakyat's call be heard. Let them know we're not just sitting back on our asses waiting for their speeches. We can take the mantle, and we can set the pace. We hold the votes, we're the boss. They will serve us yet.

PJ Utara seeks a Forum Rakyat

Sorry about the silence. We, the Get An MP-PJ Utara group, have been busy with some rakyat-driven plans.

We're in the process of organising a forum for our PJ Utara MP candidates - MCA's Chew Mei Fun and DAP's Tony Pua - to meet and elaborate on their respective action plans for the coming 12th Parliament.

We believe such a tradition of candidates sharing a common stage addressing issues from the public can only lead to a better democracy. And if RTM refuses to play that role, we will.

Invitation letters, along with the agenda, were delivered to both parties Tuesday afternoon.

This forum is adapted largely from a Town Hall format, ie the Question-and-Answer session will be the main feature of the event. It will be open to the public, although you will have to register beforehand. The actual date and venue have yet to be finalised, but will most likely be held in a private college's auditorium or lecture hall.

More details will be announced as soon as we have confirmation from both parties.

Stay tuned.

Farish and the Keris

This from othermalaysia.org:

Kicking off what we hope will be a semi-regular (well, sort of) series of public lectures, the team at www.othermalaysia.org invites you to a free public lecture by Dr. Farish A. Noor on the theme:

Revisiting the Keris:
How We Betrayed Our Ancestors

To be held at 3.00 pm on 1st March (Saturday)
at the Annexe, Central Market,
Kuala Lumpur.

The talk is free and open to all.

The Other Malaysia wishes to thank the Annexe Gallery for hosting the event.

i like Farish Noor; i actually feel i've learned something after reading his pieces. He actually broadens perspectives by lifting the veils of politics and fear. Want a clearer view of ourselves? - mark that date in your diary.

Yellow Friday, People's Saturday

Read Malaysia Today's Let's Demonstrate Malaysian Solidarity. There is a gelombang swelling like no other and you wouldn't want to miss it.



1) YELLOW FRIDAY: BERSIH will hold a rally in Batu Burok, Kuala Terengganu tomorrow, Friday, 22 Feb 08. That's after all efforts to book a stadium in the Klang Valley failed (what's new?; yet another lie by the snoozer AAB). Those who can't make it there, let's show it by donning yellow. At 3pm, step out, stand up, and show we're against unfair elections.

2) THE PEOPLE'S SATURDAY: The People's Declaration will be formally launched at the Blog House on Saturday, 11am. Your voice has ink. Come by. Blog House is at No 66, Lorong Setiabestari 2, Bukit Damansara.

Lingam's Devil Curry

This is really good. Compliments to comedycourt.

Groan... quit the longkang shots, Madam MP

Story in The Star, Metro Central. Photo credit: The Star



Dear Chew Mei Fun,

Perhaps a refresher course is due. Role of MP101 can be found here, courtesy of Dr Azmi Sharom.

But if you want to hear it from our lips:
No, please do not spend any good time making sure our drains flow. It's NOT your job. We, the people, will hound MBPJ ourselves, thank you. We have bite. We will pound on the doors of our local councilors and make them account for poor maintenance.

Instead, we wanted you to matter in Parliament; to speak for us. We wanted action on the IPCMC. We wanted you to push for accountability in the RM4.6 billion Port Klang Free Zone. We wanted you to check on Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's BN promise of an all-out war on corruption. These, and many other legislative issues, are what should be on your report card. Not the drains. Not the playgrounds. Believe us, we the members of GetAnMP-PJ Utara will grade you in the days to come; and fairly we promise.

And above all else we will ask this: Did you matter as a Member of Parliament?

The People's Alliance

If you haven't yet realised, history was made on Saturday when PAS signed the People's Declaration /Deklarasi Rakyat. They joined DAP, PKR, Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM), PASOK, and the Malaysians Democratic Party (MDP) on this citizens' platform for a better Malaysia.

A new alliance has been formed. Watch for new developments at Malaysia Today and The People's Parliament. For the first time in this country, an allegiance has been pledged among all key opposition parties forged from the heartbeat of the people. The People voiced; they listened, and now they have vowed.

People, we are One.

When One - one heart, one soul, one people - meets the gruff, honkin' Machinery, who do think will win? Me, i smell a once-forgotten fragrance in the air - the smell of Merdeka.

Pearls of wisdom

SV Singam provided a lucid perspective on the history of our nation's governance. In a nutshell: what do you get in a half-century of practically 2/3 majority rule.

The article has been carried widely across the Malaysian so-po internet scene, stirring healthy discussion. SV Singam penned a follow-up today, and it's making its rounds even as this is being written.

If you've not read the two pieces by the gentleman, look to your right, under MUST READS. Indeed, we feel.

In Malaysia, this is a gesture of extremism

So said the Great Leader.


a) Bernama reports
b) Malaysiakini reports (subscription required)


picture credit: http://www.bermuda-online.org

An MP's role - jaga longkang, settle saman?

By Dr Azmi Sharom
Associate Professor
Universiti Malaya


The Role of Members of Parliament and State Assemblymen
Government is divided into three parts. The Legislature which makes law; the Executive; which administers the country according to the law; and the Judiciary which judges any legal conflicts that may arise. The Legislature, Executive and Judiciary are separate from one another so that they can act as a check and balance. By making sure that power is not in the hands of just one body, a dictatorship can be avoided.

The role of Members of Parliament and State Assemblymen are similar to one another. They make up the Legislature at Federal and state level respectively. In other words they are the law makers. Members of Parliament make Federal laws and State Assemblymen make state laws. The areas that Parliament can make laws and the areas that the State Legislative Assemblies can make laws are determined by the Federal Constitution.

In order to fulfill this role, their primary duty therefore is to debate and vote on the proposed laws (known as Bills) that are put to them. The debating of Bills is an essential one because only through intelligent discussions are the best possible laws made. It is important therefore that Members of Parliament and State Assemblymen are well informed about the Bills they are discussing.

Another role that Parliament and the State Legislative Assemblies play is that of a check to the powers of the Cabinet which is the Executive wing of government. They do this by questioning the Ministers about their activities during question time. In this way Ministers are under constant public scrutiny.

Members of Parliament and State Assemblymen should also be critical with the way that government policy is made and implemented. This is important because policy is not law and therefore is made totally within the discretion of the Executive. If they do not check on government policy, then the Executive will be unaccountable and abuse of power a possibility.
Every now and then, Members of Parliament and State Assemblymen may wish to raise a matter which is of concern to their constituency. Such matters can be discussed and legislated for or simply brought to the attention of the Executive. They are after all the main link between the citizens and the decision makers of the country.

Members of Parliament and State Assemblymen have to carry out their duties in a way that befits their position, as representatives of the people. They should not resort to uncouth behaviour and debate ought to be conducted with a degree of civility. They also must remember that in their oath of office, they have sworn to uphold the Constitution.

A Member of Parliament and a State Assemblyman who represents the wishes of his constituents, debates Bills intelligently and courageously questions Executive activities is one who can be said to be doing his job well.

The Role of Local Government Councilors
Local Municipal Councils are the lowest rung of government. They are in charge with the management of districts, towns and cities.

Together with the President of the Council, Local Government Councilors make up the Local Authority. Local Councilors are appointed by the state government. They are not elected.
The job of the Councilors is to assist in the management and the decision-making process of the Local Authority. They do this by making by-laws and by sitting on committees with specified tasks.

The functions of the Local Authority are fundamentally to take care of: local environmental matters, licensing of activities, public health, cleanliness of public areas, public amenities, social services and land use planning.

Issues such as street lighting, land development, road condition, drainage etc are the responsibility of the Local Authority. They are not the responsibility of Members of Parliament and State Assemblymen.

Because Local Councilors are involved in such important matters in the daily lives of citizens, they should be elected so that there can be accountability to the people.

*******************************

The above document is a gem by the good doctor. Dr Azmi kindly agreed when The People's Parliament asked for a simple, clear definition of the scope of an MP, a State Assemblyperson (ADUN) and a Local Councilor.

It is an urgent piece of information which fills the void and confusion about what a Parliamentarian or State Assemblyperson does.

Too many have evaluated an MP based on how well he/she has tackled neighborhood matters like your clogged drains, your quit rent, and your parking summons.

And all this while, these very same MPs sit in shameful silence while bad, oppressive laws are rammed through in the House. They have betrayed the people they truly serve, resigned to the silly notion of a Party Whip. They are rubber-stamps, when they are called to be leaders and thinkers and shapers of culture in this land.

We, the people, need to realise the boundaries of an MP, ADUN this coming elections. We needed a clear criteria. And now you know - when you have a longkang problem, shake your Local Councilors' tree. Your MP has a national-level role to play - he/she makes sure your values are represented in the highest law-making office in the land. He/she is expected to debate, to fight for your cause.

ps And who's Dr Azmi Sharom? Remember this? And this.

Thank you, Dr Azmi. With your permission we'd like to extract the gist of your work here and make flyers for distribution.

Dialogue I

The People's Parliament has written to DAP asking for a meeting on behalf of the various Get An MP initiatives. The copy of the letter can be viewed here.

Needless to say, we're all looking forward to this event as a means to clarify outstanding matters on candidacy etc. Details will be posted here as soon as they are available.

Kota Kronibaru

On January 29, PM Abdullah Ahmad Badawi launched the Sabah Development Corridor (SDC). The program aims to turbo-charge Sabah's economic pulse with a four-fold increase in GDP to RM63.2 billion by 2025. As usual, the hype is rosy and full of promises.

But sift a little; you'll find the foundations of the program sitting on family sewage.

One highlight of the Sabah Development Corridor is the Kota Kinabalu City Waterfront (KKCW). It's a collaboration between Waterfront Urban Development Sdn Bhd (WUD) and the Dewan Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu (DBKK).

Reports the New Sabah Times:

The Kota Kinabalu City Waterfront is an integrated mixed seafront development situated on the waterfront of Kota Kinabalu city centre along Jalan Tun Fuad Stevens. Expected to be completed by 2010, KKCW will feature a key attraction the 2km-long boardwalk, built using eco-friendly materials rising above the sea on stilts. It is set to be a thriving waterfront pedestrian walkway that will seamlessly connect a variety of retail, lifestyle, residential and hotel establishments.

But let's leave the merits of the project for now, and ponder upon this.

WUD's managing director is Reymee Mohamed Hussein. He will be 32 years old this year. He's in the news every so often.



Quite recently he (right in pic) was reported as the chief festival director for the Live & Loud 07 held in late November. Reymee has music in his roots; he is/was a member of the local R&B band Innuendo. His dad was a member of the Strollers, a local band back in the 70s. But for more interesting background, you need to go here.

Some facts:
1) Reymee is the nephew of PM Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
The relationship works this way - Reymee is the son of Noor Asiah Binti Mahmood. Noor Asiah is PM Abdullah's sister-in-law; she was Endon's sister. Even more curious, Asiah's brother, Osman was once married to Jeanne Abdullah, current wife of the PM. Your antenna tingling yet?

2) Remember the Iraq Oil-for-Food Scandal? Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, then Deputy Prime Minister, was shown to have signed letters of recommendation on behalf of a few local companies. One of these companies is Mastek Sdn Bhd.

And who owns Mastek? From Malaysia Today's archives (Title: How to make more than RM11 billion with just one letter):

Mastek Sdn Bhd is owned by Obata-Ambak Holdings Sdn Bhd and Noor Asiah Binti Mahmood (Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi’s sister-in-law). Obata-Ambak Holdings Sdn Bhd is in turn owned by Noor Asiah Binti Mahmood plus three others of the same surname and living at the same address as Noor Asiah. Therefore, Noor Asiah Binti Mahmood owns Mastek Sdn Bhd directly, as well as indirectly through Obata-Ambak Holdings Sdn Bhd.

Mastek has two directors. It is a mother-and-son team: Noor Asiah and yes, Reymee. But please, you read the report for yourself. You join the dots. You decide.

All we know is, there's a RM500 million animal called the Kota Kinabalu City Waterfront that's set for completion by 2010. And by some very strange coincidence, it's bound quite tightly to the inner family circle of the current Prime Minister of Malaysia.

It's become a predictable pattern, don't you think. So how: Five more years?


Picture credit:
Topmost - The Star
Above - NST

Seasons greeting... with a catch

A kind visitor sent this to us. Turns out, we too have our Little Birds! :)

****************

Wow, a greeting card complete with Urusan Seri Paduka Baginda label; that makes it official government business under the Service of the Yang Dipertuan Agong.


It also features the stamp of the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development. Stylo-mylo.



Thoughtful greeting.



And personally too, from Dato' Seri Shahrizat, Minister of Women, Family and Community Development. And then your antenna tingles... the last line begins to give it away.

You get to the last leaf and then... boom!



Mixing up official Urusan Seri Paduka Baginda with your Party agenda, Shahrizat? There is an ethical and legal line, you know. And who footed the bill, Shahrizat? Was it Lembah Pantai's BN funds you used? Or rakyat money allocated to your ministry? Could you explain, please?

While she's the same person, Shahrizat the MP of Lembah Pantai is different from Shahrizat the Minister of Women, Family and Community Development. If she chooses to wear the hat of a Cabinet Minister, she is representing all Malaysians. If she is representing all Malaysians in that capacity, she has no right to toot the BN horn.

And my goodness, certainly no right to abuse the auspices of the Agong.

The People's Declaration

Somebody's been watching, feeling, probing. Somebody has caught your distress signals, distilled your concerns, cogitated, and made a damn potent brew. They call it the People's Declaration. It is made from the marrow of Malaysians.

Raja Petra Kamarudin and Friends have put together this living document as a blueprint to true nationhood. Ours. It's a mammoth endeavour, undertaken with such commitment and creativity; honestly, it could only have been fueled by love. There are no slogans; that is for another time. It is the substance that matters. And if substance is an encapsulation of values, you can sense how much deeper the People's Declaration reaches compared to the flaky 9th Malaysia Plan announced by AAB back in 2005.

Check it out for yourself. Read slowly, deliberately; and before too long you will hear your own voice speaking.

Who's gone overboard?

The Dato' Seri is pushing for punitive action against the few Bersih leaders who tore up pictures of Election Commission chief Abdul Rashid Abdul Rahman.

“We should take action if there are laws that provide for punishment for such an action," said PM Abdullah.

"They’re rude and disrespectful. There are other ways to air their disapproval."

Aiyo, this PM ah.

In the course of his four-year term, thousands of memos have been written addressed to the PM and his working Cabinet. People thought he was serious lah. After all, his sales promo four years ago was "Work with me. Not for me." The courtesy of a reply? Heehaw.

What does this say about the boss? Basically this - he doesn't think you're worth it. Instead he goes around tooting Pemudah, Pemudah, Pemudah. Pemudah will solve our woes. That and a certain Hadhari deal. And errr, by the way: “I have big ears.”

Well, Pemudah ain't working; it's just as complicated getting a licence for anything this side of Planet Bolehwood. And Big Ears is all waxed up.

But never mind. The people will try communicating via other means. There's always the Parliament route, a once-noble institution. Except that just about everytime something of national interest is brought up for debate by the tiny opposition, the Speaker or Deputy Speaker declares: “Not urgent. Motion denied.” Not that Cabinet Ministers and their underlings even care to show up most times. But of course Kinabatangan, Jerai and Jasin are always present in case of fire.

And when backed into a situation, there's always the Official Secrets Act.

Now, failing to get any proper response from those responsible, some folks decide to take their message to the streets. They follow protocol. They apply for police permits. Each time, such permits are denied.

“National security lah. You'll cause bad business, disturb the peace, create traffic jams etc.” Or even worse: “You applied for permit? Where? We have no record.”

And when the rallies take place anyway, tears gas is fired like it was Hari Merdeka, water cannons sprayed. Dozens are arrested; some even with the curious charge of attempted murder dangling over their heads. And next day, the MSM will say: Only 4,000 showed up. And that man Nazri will say: They're the minority. We don't listen to the minority.

Lately, the police have even begun using court orders to keep people away from certain planned events. Then they arrest you even though you are outside the restricted area. Minum teh also kena. Tsk tsk tsk.

Naturally, all this is drawing international attention. Aisey, bad for business; must do something.

In trying to save face, this PM pens an Op-ed in the Asian Wall Street Journal in December last year saying citizens needn't take to the streets.

Dato' Seri wrote: “In the case of two recent demonstrations, the Malaysian police had offered the chance for the organizers to hold their protests in stadiums or other alternative venues. Instead, they chose to take to the streets, disrupting people’s lives and putting themselves and others in harm’s way.”

Oh really ah? Never mind that no such offer was ever made then – PM dan polis mudah lupa – but since this PM now writes to the freeworld telling them stadiums can be used, of course the people won't turn down such an invitation no?

So Bersih tries to get a stadium for a February event. Guess what – go fly a kite was the essential response.

So, Big Ears, how lah?

We write memos, you senyap. We take it to Parliament, you kasi sapu under the carpet. We apply a permit for rally, you deny. People go for the rally, you arrest them. Then you lie to the international audience.

And now when your key ampu's picture gets torn up, you muram.

"There are other ways to air their disapproval".... Like how? Take it to RTM?

Lawyer Jonson Chong on his arrest, Jan 26

This piece was lifted from Malaysiakini's Letters page today. Such action has become the norm in our everyday lives, while rape cases, robbery, and snatch thefts reach epic proportions. Ridiculous, no?


(Pic: Elizabeth Wong)


Why was I arrested?
Jonson Chong | Jan 30, 08 3:51pm

I refer to the Malaysiakini report Two nights in a police lock-up.
I was arrested at 4:30 pm on Jan 26, at a food court in the vicinity of Jalan Yap Kwan Seng, Kuala Lumpur.

I was released unconditionally from Pudu Jail (now known as Balai Polis Jalan Hang Tuah) at approximately 10:30 pm on Jan 27 after a magistrate rejected a remand application by the police to further detain me, a lawyer, and nine other people, including PKR’s Tian Chua and PAS’ Dr Hatta Ramli.

Obviously, I was annoyed that I was arrested whilst I was trying to ask the police why they wanted to arrest Tian Chua and Hatta, especially when they were merely having drinks and talking to journalists at that time. I knew that the over-zealous Special Branch personnel arbitrarily decided to arrest me because I questioned their actions.

I was amazed by how lightly police officers deal with the constitutional liberty of a citizen, not to mention a lawyer, who is otherwise also known as an ‘officer of the court’. I should highlight here also that I was not informed of the grounds of my arrest at any point of time, whether during my arrest, detention and subsequent ‘investigation’.

Luckily, sense, or maybe conscience, prevailed over the magistrate who heard the remand application against the ten of us who had the same investigating officer.

To the amazement of everyone, including the lawyers who defended all of us, the magistrate said that she was releasing us (unconditionally) because she did not find any evidence to show that the ten of us were linked to the Protes assembly that day.

By the time we walked out of Pudu Jail, I was deprived of 30 precious hours of freedom. Why? All because I acted to question the arbitrary arrest of two Malaysian citizens who happened to be leaders in their respective political parties.

Politics aside, it is high time all Malaysians take a good look at what is happening to our country. Do we want to let this go on? When are we going to make a stand and say ‘no more’?