Thousands of Indian Malaysians came out on Sunday 25 November 2007 for a rally organised by Hindraf (Hindu Rights Action Force). The original purpose of the rally was to hand over a petition to the British High Commission for Queen Elizabeth II to protest against Britain's colonial policies in the past. Many people are sceptical of the demands contained in the petition. However, the large number of people turning up for this rally indicates not so much the support for the petition but more the simmering dissatisfaction and anger of the Indians towards the policies of the current government.
Some of the participants in the rally have gathered since the early morning in different parts of Kuala Lumpur despite the warnings issued by the police that protesters could be arrested on sight. The police had obtained an unprecedented court order on Friday to ban the gathering. Initial estimates of the number of people gathering in different areas of the city was 10,000 - the original target of the organisers - but it appears that there could be as many as 30,000 protesters who turned up for the rally.
The response of the police was heavy-handed using tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowd. Numerous protesters were arrested. A video of the news report by Al Jazeera can be viewed here:
Hindraf Rally Report - Al Jazeera
For more details on the rally, please read a first-hand report by Nat Tan and Malaysiankini's report 30,000 Hindraf protesters rally in KLCC.
November 25, 2007
November 19, 2007
Royal Commission of Inquiry must be set up without delay
It is shocking to read about the serious allegations of judicial corruption revealed in the press conference held by Wee Choo Keong, secretary-general of the Malaysian Democratic Party on 18 November 2007.
These allegations have further implicated the lawyer appearing in the "Lingam video". They have now shown that other judges may also be involved in improprieties and the rot in the judiciary may be as extensive as claimed by various people. It is incredulous that the authorities have not taken any action on these allegations even though the police reports have been filed even before the emergence of the Lingam video. It seems like the statements made by various parties in the government about the Lingam video and the emphasis on establishing the authenticity of the video instead of verifying the truth of its contents are deliberate attempts to mislead the public.
These new allegations reinforce the urgent need for the establishment of a royal commission of inquiry which thankfully has now been agreed upon by the government. However, it is of utmost importance that the members of this commission be carefully selected and they must be independent of any political influence and must be well-respected and impeccable for their integrity. The royal commission must also be given the widest possible terms of reference so that a proper and full inquiry into the state of the judiciary can be carried out.
Valuable time has already been lost by setting up the shackled 3-member Haidar panel by the deputy prime minister. For the confidence of Malaysians to be restored, the royal commission of inquiry must now be established without any further delay. Only then will the people believe that there is a sincere wish to investigate the alleged rot in the judiciary and that there will be no cover-up of any sort.
More details on the press conference held by Wee Choo Keong, secretary-general of the Malaysian Democratic Party where these allegations were revealed are available at this blog and in this Malaysiakini report "More allegations of judicial graft emerge".
The following is the video of the press conference.
(courtesy of Malaysiakini)
Quotable Quote:
"When I am asked what I thought, my usual reply is that I wouldn’t like to be tried by today’s judges, if I am innocent." - Former Lord President Tun Suffian
These allegations have further implicated the lawyer appearing in the "Lingam video". They have now shown that other judges may also be involved in improprieties and the rot in the judiciary may be as extensive as claimed by various people. It is incredulous that the authorities have not taken any action on these allegations even though the police reports have been filed even before the emergence of the Lingam video. It seems like the statements made by various parties in the government about the Lingam video and the emphasis on establishing the authenticity of the video instead of verifying the truth of its contents are deliberate attempts to mislead the public.
These new allegations reinforce the urgent need for the establishment of a royal commission of inquiry which thankfully has now been agreed upon by the government. However, it is of utmost importance that the members of this commission be carefully selected and they must be independent of any political influence and must be well-respected and impeccable for their integrity. The royal commission must also be given the widest possible terms of reference so that a proper and full inquiry into the state of the judiciary can be carried out.
Valuable time has already been lost by setting up the shackled 3-member Haidar panel by the deputy prime minister. For the confidence of Malaysians to be restored, the royal commission of inquiry must now be established without any further delay. Only then will the people believe that there is a sincere wish to investigate the alleged rot in the judiciary and that there will be no cover-up of any sort.
More details on the press conference held by Wee Choo Keong, secretary-general of the Malaysian Democratic Party where these allegations were revealed are available at this blog and in this Malaysiakini report "More allegations of judicial graft emerge".
The following is the video of the press conference.
(courtesy of Malaysiakini)
Quotable Quote:
"When I am asked what I thought, my usual reply is that I wouldn’t like to be tried by today’s judges, if I am innocent." - Former Lord President Tun Suffian
November 15, 2007
The True Story of 10-Eleven - Part II
(Updated 17 Nov 2007)
Pathetic attempts have been made by various parties in the government to discredit the BERSIH rally held on 10 November 2007. These misinformation, lies and intimidations were reported and even highlighted in the compliant and politically-controlled mainstream media. In the face of these, one only needs to access the many other sources of information on the BERSIH rally available online to get a true picture of what really happened on 10 November 2007.
To facilitate this, the following is a compilation of a list of detail commentaries which I have found. I am sure there are others. My apologies if your commentary has been left out.
A big thank you to all those who have shared their stories enabling all Malaysians to get the true story of 10-Eleven.
(The following is a continuation of the list from the earlier post The True Story of 10-Eleven )
Rehabilitation for whom? - Farish A. Noor NEW!
"Unable and unwilling to accept the new realities on the ground the political elite of Malaysia has resorted to the same worn out clichés and the call to rehabilitate the younger Malaysians who were present at the demonstration reveals the extent to which this ruling elite is so thoroughly bankrupt of ideas. No, it is not the younger Malaysians who are in need of rehabilitation- In fact the activist in me would say that activism and civic responsibility should begin from our school days and that every young citizen should be made aware of her and his rights and responsibilities as early as possible, as a rite of civic membership.
If anyone is in need of rehabilitation, it is the politicians and ruling elite of Malaysia themselves, who should learn that this diverse and plural society of ours happens to be a complex nation undergoing a slow democratic transformation and that the future of Malaysian politics should reflect this multicultural diversity. So I strongly suggest that the right-wing communitarian leaders of Malaysia sign up for their own rehab courses as soon as possible, for their and our own good,"...
Wake up Malaysia! - KJ John NEW!
"This past weekend more than 40,000 people marched for what seems to be a justified and good cause of freer and fairer elections.
Why should the government even seek to stop such an avowedly stated peaceful march?
Resistance of this mode creates even greater desire for change. If the government is not watchful or careful, the next movement of people may be even bigger and greater; for truth cannot be hidden or kept a secret.
Truth has a life of her own, unprotected or uncontrolled by any human person; she will reveal herself at the right times and in the right ways; as the Lingam tapes have so evidently demonstrated."
A Wake-Up Call for the Government: Malaysians Want Their Country Back - Farish A. Noor NEW!
"That elections should be free, fair and transparent is perhaps one of the most basic requirements of any workingdemocracy, and to demand that elections should be free, fair and transparent is perhaps one of the most fundamentalrights of any society. When citizens demand such things it can and should be seen as an act of civic responsibility andthey should be commended for it. Indeed, it ought to be seen as a test of civic participation and citizenship that allcitizens should demand that their state works and functions properly and accountably, to serve the interest of thenation as a whole and not a select coterie of landed elites and entrenched class interests."
...
"For a nation that has always been cast in a passive light as docile and apathetic, Malaysians defied their own stereotype by coming out in huge numbers and braving the rain from above and the tear gas and batons on the ground. Contrary to the scare-mongering campaign of the government, the rally proved to be ordered and peaceful. What does this say about Malaysia today and where the country is heading?"
...
"There is no telling how the Malaysian government and the UMNO elites will react to this clear demonstration of public disquiet in the once-sleepy streets of Kuala Lumpur. But what is clear is that Malaysia at least is no longer the kingdom of the blind that it was once made out to be."
Observing the Bersih rally - Yeo Yang Poh (former Bar Council chairman)
"Some ministers and politicians have said that there is no need for public assembly in a country that conducts elections. By their argument, it would follow that democracy is complete as long as citizens are allowed to vote once in a few years. Voting in a government would amount to giving it a blank cheque to do as it pleases (since it has “obtained the mandate of the people”). If anyone is dissatisfied, he or she can only wait for the next occasion of voting to express dissatisfaction. The ballot becomes the only permissible means of expression.
The absurdity of that argument is obvious. It is nothing more than a crude political exercise in insulting the people’s intelligence."
...
"In a true democracy, in order for stability and prosperity to last, people must be allowed to express their views freely, and to choose the manner in which they wish to do so, including choosing a public manner by way of peaceful assembly or procession. Allowing the weak to publicly speak out against the powerful is one of the hallmarks of a democracy. Smothering the voice of the minority is the trademark of dictatorship.
In political reality, however, the public expression of views by persons in large numbers, especially if coupled with a free media, is often a real threat, not to public order or security, but to the continuing maintenance of control by those currently in power."
Misinformation reigns on the Nov 10 march - Gayathry Venkiteswaran
"The attempts in the media to brush off the largest public rally in recent years is reflective of the government's lack of respect for the public's freedom of expression and the right to know. By tying the hands of the media with legal and political tools, the government has only tarnished its own reputation as the public sees clearly how information is distorted. The print and broadcast media will lose their relevance because of these controls. As it stands, they are fast overtaken by online and offline technologies like blogs, video sharing sites and mobile phones that disseminate images and text from the scene to thousands of people in real time."
Open letter to Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi - Beth Yahp
(recommended)
"Prime Minister Abdullah, one of the reasons we marchers, men, women, children, and even incapacitated old folks, braved confrontation in the streets of Kuala Lumpur last Saturday was to call for “equal access to the media” as part of BERSIH’s push for electoral reforms, including the use of indelible ink, clean electoral rolls and the abolition of untraceable postal votes."
...
"With all due respect, Prime Minister, your admonition on the eve of the march: “Saya pantang dicabar,” (Utusan Malaysia, 9 November 2007) is rather an odd thing for the leader of a democratic nation to say, given that the basic rule of democracy is the right of all citizens to challenge, and to defend against challenge. Everyone is entitled to this right, whether in their living rooms or in Parliament.
Challenges and debates also constantly take place in the media, whose fundamental role is to provide factual information and objective viewpoints by journalists and editors, as well as to allow equal access to publication and broadcast by proponents from either side of any argument.
Only in this way can we, ordinary citizens, partake in democracy. Only then can we weigh up differing statements and opinions against accountable facts. We may be allowed to vote, yes, but how can we choose effectively without freedom of media access and information?
When this integral pillar of any democratic system is obstructed, and belittled, as it is in Malaysia, we cannot claim to live in a democracy. Our mainstream media then becomes merely a tool of the State, used to hoodwink, brainwash and intimidate the people it should rightly be serving. Instead, we, the people, are spoon-fed, led and expected to go quietly like sheep to any foregone conclusion."
The time for change has begun - Mohd Kamal Abdullah
"The Bersih protest rally on Nov 10 witnessed the awakening of Malaysians from an illusion that only the Barisan Nasional can deliver every time. With more that 40,000 people participating without fear of police brutality and the on-going heavy rain that afternoon, these people had demonstrated the true meaning of democracy.
From now on, people will stand up to this ineffective, inefficient and corrupt Barisan Nasional government. The climate of change has prevailed and it is hoped that this will continue until the welfare of the people and the nation is managed according to the wishes of the people."
...
"The time for change has just began and I hope this ray of light will continue until we can be proud of a Malaysia where the welfare of every citizen and our nation is taken care of."
On Nov 10, the skies wept for the rakyat - JD Lovrenciear
"The Nov 10 rally for justice and democracy by tens of thousands of rakyat was embraced by the weeping skies. The torrential downpour echoed the rakyat's cries for a greater nation through better governance.
Unfortunately, as peace-loving men and women from all races and walks of life marched in fervor, the blockades and extraordinary presence of police only further drove home the widely-held perception that justice and democracy are at high risk in a nation that was often seen as a model nation not too long ago."
Pathetic attempts have been made by various parties in the government to discredit the BERSIH rally held on 10 November 2007. These misinformation, lies and intimidations were reported and even highlighted in the compliant and politically-controlled mainstream media. In the face of these, one only needs to access the many other sources of information on the BERSIH rally available online to get a true picture of what really happened on 10 November 2007.
To facilitate this, the following is a compilation of a list of detail commentaries which I have found. I am sure there are others. My apologies if your commentary has been left out.
A big thank you to all those who have shared their stories enabling all Malaysians to get the true story of 10-Eleven.
(The following is a continuation of the list from the earlier post The True Story of 10-Eleven )
Rehabilitation for whom? - Farish A. Noor NEW!
"Unable and unwilling to accept the new realities on the ground the political elite of Malaysia has resorted to the same worn out clichés and the call to rehabilitate the younger Malaysians who were present at the demonstration reveals the extent to which this ruling elite is so thoroughly bankrupt of ideas. No, it is not the younger Malaysians who are in need of rehabilitation- In fact the activist in me would say that activism and civic responsibility should begin from our school days and that every young citizen should be made aware of her and his rights and responsibilities as early as possible, as a rite of civic membership.
If anyone is in need of rehabilitation, it is the politicians and ruling elite of Malaysia themselves, who should learn that this diverse and plural society of ours happens to be a complex nation undergoing a slow democratic transformation and that the future of Malaysian politics should reflect this multicultural diversity. So I strongly suggest that the right-wing communitarian leaders of Malaysia sign up for their own rehab courses as soon as possible, for their and our own good,"...
Wake up Malaysia! - KJ John NEW!
"This past weekend more than 40,000 people marched for what seems to be a justified and good cause of freer and fairer elections.
Why should the government even seek to stop such an avowedly stated peaceful march?
Resistance of this mode creates even greater desire for change. If the government is not watchful or careful, the next movement of people may be even bigger and greater; for truth cannot be hidden or kept a secret.
Truth has a life of her own, unprotected or uncontrolled by any human person; she will reveal herself at the right times and in the right ways; as the Lingam tapes have so evidently demonstrated."
A Wake-Up Call for the Government: Malaysians Want Their Country Back - Farish A. Noor NEW!
"That elections should be free, fair and transparent is perhaps one of the most basic requirements of any workingdemocracy, and to demand that elections should be free, fair and transparent is perhaps one of the most fundamentalrights of any society. When citizens demand such things it can and should be seen as an act of civic responsibility andthey should be commended for it. Indeed, it ought to be seen as a test of civic participation and citizenship that allcitizens should demand that their state works and functions properly and accountably, to serve the interest of thenation as a whole and not a select coterie of landed elites and entrenched class interests."
...
"For a nation that has always been cast in a passive light as docile and apathetic, Malaysians defied their own stereotype by coming out in huge numbers and braving the rain from above and the tear gas and batons on the ground. Contrary to the scare-mongering campaign of the government, the rally proved to be ordered and peaceful. What does this say about Malaysia today and where the country is heading?"
...
"There is no telling how the Malaysian government and the UMNO elites will react to this clear demonstration of public disquiet in the once-sleepy streets of Kuala Lumpur. But what is clear is that Malaysia at least is no longer the kingdom of the blind that it was once made out to be."
Observing the Bersih rally - Yeo Yang Poh (former Bar Council chairman)
"Some ministers and politicians have said that there is no need for public assembly in a country that conducts elections. By their argument, it would follow that democracy is complete as long as citizens are allowed to vote once in a few years. Voting in a government would amount to giving it a blank cheque to do as it pleases (since it has “obtained the mandate of the people”). If anyone is dissatisfied, he or she can only wait for the next occasion of voting to express dissatisfaction. The ballot becomes the only permissible means of expression.
The absurdity of that argument is obvious. It is nothing more than a crude political exercise in insulting the people’s intelligence."
...
"In a true democracy, in order for stability and prosperity to last, people must be allowed to express their views freely, and to choose the manner in which they wish to do so, including choosing a public manner by way of peaceful assembly or procession. Allowing the weak to publicly speak out against the powerful is one of the hallmarks of a democracy. Smothering the voice of the minority is the trademark of dictatorship.
In political reality, however, the public expression of views by persons in large numbers, especially if coupled with a free media, is often a real threat, not to public order or security, but to the continuing maintenance of control by those currently in power."
Misinformation reigns on the Nov 10 march - Gayathry Venkiteswaran
"The attempts in the media to brush off the largest public rally in recent years is reflective of the government's lack of respect for the public's freedom of expression and the right to know. By tying the hands of the media with legal and political tools, the government has only tarnished its own reputation as the public sees clearly how information is distorted. The print and broadcast media will lose their relevance because of these controls. As it stands, they are fast overtaken by online and offline technologies like blogs, video sharing sites and mobile phones that disseminate images and text from the scene to thousands of people in real time."
Open letter to Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi - Beth Yahp
(recommended)
"Prime Minister Abdullah, one of the reasons we marchers, men, women, children, and even incapacitated old folks, braved confrontation in the streets of Kuala Lumpur last Saturday was to call for “equal access to the media” as part of BERSIH’s push for electoral reforms, including the use of indelible ink, clean electoral rolls and the abolition of untraceable postal votes."
...
"With all due respect, Prime Minister, your admonition on the eve of the march: “Saya pantang dicabar,” (Utusan Malaysia, 9 November 2007) is rather an odd thing for the leader of a democratic nation to say, given that the basic rule of democracy is the right of all citizens to challenge, and to defend against challenge. Everyone is entitled to this right, whether in their living rooms or in Parliament.
Challenges and debates also constantly take place in the media, whose fundamental role is to provide factual information and objective viewpoints by journalists and editors, as well as to allow equal access to publication and broadcast by proponents from either side of any argument.
Only in this way can we, ordinary citizens, partake in democracy. Only then can we weigh up differing statements and opinions against accountable facts. We may be allowed to vote, yes, but how can we choose effectively without freedom of media access and information?
When this integral pillar of any democratic system is obstructed, and belittled, as it is in Malaysia, we cannot claim to live in a democracy. Our mainstream media then becomes merely a tool of the State, used to hoodwink, brainwash and intimidate the people it should rightly be serving. Instead, we, the people, are spoon-fed, led and expected to go quietly like sheep to any foregone conclusion."
The time for change has begun - Mohd Kamal Abdullah
"The Bersih protest rally on Nov 10 witnessed the awakening of Malaysians from an illusion that only the Barisan Nasional can deliver every time. With more that 40,000 people participating without fear of police brutality and the on-going heavy rain that afternoon, these people had demonstrated the true meaning of democracy.
From now on, people will stand up to this ineffective, inefficient and corrupt Barisan Nasional government. The climate of change has prevailed and it is hoped that this will continue until the welfare of the people and the nation is managed according to the wishes of the people."
...
"The time for change has just began and I hope this ray of light will continue until we can be proud of a Malaysia where the welfare of every citizen and our nation is taken care of."
On Nov 10, the skies wept for the rakyat - JD Lovrenciear
"The Nov 10 rally for justice and democracy by tens of thousands of rakyat was embraced by the weeping skies. The torrential downpour echoed the rakyat's cries for a greater nation through better governance.
Unfortunately, as peace-loving men and women from all races and walks of life marched in fervor, the blockades and extraordinary presence of police only further drove home the widely-held perception that justice and democracy are at high risk in a nation that was often seen as a model nation not too long ago."
November 14, 2007
The True Story of 10-Eleven
Pathetic attempts have been made by various parties in the government to discredit the BERSIH rally held on 10 November 2007. These misinformation, lies and intimidations were reported and even highlighted in the compliant and politically-controlled mainstream media. In the face of these, one only needs to access the many other sources of information on the BERSIH rally available online to get a true picture of what really happened on 10 November 2007.
To facilitate this, the following is a compilation of a list of detail commentaries which I have found. I am sure there are others. My apologies if your commentary has been left out.
A big thank you to all those who have shared their stories enabling all Malaysians to get the true story of 10-Eleven.
And soon, you will not be able to breathe - Rashaad Ali
"Now there is something of great importance that I need to stress; in no way, absolutely none, did the demonstrators aim to incite the police. There was lots of chanting, of slogan shouting, of crowd rallying, but there was no hatred or contempt hurled against those in power. In short, we did not merit the treatment we received. One may say, "But it was an illegal gathering anyway." How can the executive issue a decree banning the people in a democracy from voicing their opinion? We are not looking for a riot. We're not looking for impeachment. We're not looking for a revolution. We want clean elections."
...
"Today serves as a landmark for my patriotism. Today serves as a landmark for the nation's patriotism, for in the face of such cruelty and opposition we prevailed and were crowned victors of the day. I also hope, that with the events of today, change shall, God willing, be effected."
The day I helped deliver the memo to the King - Ronald Quay
"It was a sensational feeling. To walk through this human corridor, with every person looking at you and, perhaps wondering who the hell is this Chinaman walking behind a PAS leader?"
...
"It was amazing to see the excellent coordination of the crowds that discipline was not an issue at all. They responded to the call of the leaders, ably marshaled by a disciplined bunch of volunteer wardens in maroon uniforms who made sure no one stepped out of line."
Remember remember, the 10th of November..- KLConfidential
"In my defense, the BERSIH rally did NOT cause the traffic jam all over KL. This was caused by the many roadblocks by the police. Yes, we delayed traffic in front of the palace, but that was all. I apologize to those who were harassed by the police when they had nothing to do with this united stand for justice and fairness."
...
"Don't worry, it's not over. It is far from over. If you love this country, if you call this country your home, don't fret. For those who wanted to be there but couldn't, don't turn the page yet, this chapter is far from finished."
10 November 2007 - Personal Passages
"It seemed as it the FRU fired at random, into groups of BERSIH supporters as well as innocent passersby.
And worst off, there seemed no reason for them to do it. No one was doing anything other than just stand clustered in groups of yellow and otherwise. There were no threats being made, nor were there any signs of imminent violence. The FRU did not even issue an audible warning, other than a badly distorted broadcast over their loudspeakers that I couldn't even hear, much less understand."
...
"But I am proud of it. I am proud of the people who were there, men and women of all ages and races, who stood firm by their beliefs in front of the police and the FRU."
An account of an unrepentant yellow splash - Sophia
"You know you're there because of a long list of dissatisfaction that goes on in the current administration. You know you're there because BERSIH fights for clean elections, is against corruption, and every single thing that's wrong with this country except mutual gluttony in nationwide festivals. You know that if the government truly commits towards good governance, they wouldn't condemn it as they did, in these critical months before the next election. You know that the mainstream news is not relevant anymore, and everything else pales in this moment when your fist punches the air and your voice rings loud in the crowd."
...
"Drivers rolled down their windows and greeted us, encouraging us, telling to us "Stay safe." Some said their thanks for doing our part in helping the people keep their liberties. It doesn't matter who they were; Indian lorry drivers, Malay families, Chinese Merc drivers, rich and poor (at least according to the model of their vehicles), hell, even bread lorry drivers waved at us. Many honked, not for us to get the hell out of the way, but grinning and smiling, giving us the Bagus sign."
Bersih march to Istana Negara: What really happened - Kuala Lumpur is Home
"The blind man who was in the light yellow shirt was holding very tight to the man in the grey shirt as he was bending down to tighten up his shoe lace I presumed.. I asked both of them where they had come from and the man in the grey shirt told me they were from Batu Tiga. In my awe, I thanked them for walking with the rest of the crowds and that it was good that they had played their roles in this effort to ensure clean and fair elections."
...
"I will always remember this day in my life for as long as I live. Malaysiaku Gemilang."
Provocation, Police, Peace - jelas.info
"Not a single untoward incident. 50-100k people spread throughout the city, and not a SINGLE untoward incident."
10:eleven, Daulat Tuanku! The yellow wave. - As I See It.......Can You?
"But i have this to say, never have I seen so many people walked in solidarity for a justified reason. I did not at any point think that this would have ended the way it did. The fact is, its not ended. It has only just begun. Ensure that you take the next step to claim your right to vote. No to corruption. No to illegal mansions. No more cover ups. We want the truth."
We Know What We Want - Pinkpau
"this rally was more than just a demand for fair elections, it was more than just a lobby for indelible ink and abolition of postal voting. it was about the people’s dissatisfaction and their awareness. it was about democracy, it was about justice. it was a call for complete reform. and i hope this call is heeded. it NEEDS to be heeded."
The Yellow Wave - The Ancient Mariner
"It was basically a case of the rakyat exercising their right to free assembly to petition their sovereign and a lame duck prime minister trying his damnedest to stop them."
10-Eleven. - O.B.E.
"It will signify the beginning of civil society’s resolve to restore democracy, good governance and justice for all in this nation."
When we painted KL with yellow - dan-yel
"Just as we crossed the bridge over the river, on our far left, out of nowhere, there were stream of people, yellow masses, crossing the other bridge! Awesome! This is history in the making! There were, how can I say, too many of them, I have never seen such an unbreaking long moving crowd, amazing as it seems that they all wear the same colour, and moving in the same direction."
BERSIH Rally: A report of events - reduced and recycled
"Badawi pantang dicabar? Oh, please. Rakyat pantang dicabar!!"
A Yellow Day to Remember - Euphoria in Misery
"Now, the people have made a point. You can’t ignore the people anymore. To all the scaremongers who said that this rally conveys a bad image of Malaysia internationally, I have this to say; “It didn’t need to happen this way. It did because the authorities are deaf to the people’s needs.”"
To facilitate this, the following is a compilation of a list of detail commentaries which I have found. I am sure there are others. My apologies if your commentary has been left out.
A big thank you to all those who have shared their stories enabling all Malaysians to get the true story of 10-Eleven.
And soon, you will not be able to breathe - Rashaad Ali
"Now there is something of great importance that I need to stress; in no way, absolutely none, did the demonstrators aim to incite the police. There was lots of chanting, of slogan shouting, of crowd rallying, but there was no hatred or contempt hurled against those in power. In short, we did not merit the treatment we received. One may say, "But it was an illegal gathering anyway." How can the executive issue a decree banning the people in a democracy from voicing their opinion? We are not looking for a riot. We're not looking for impeachment. We're not looking for a revolution. We want clean elections."
...
"Today serves as a landmark for my patriotism. Today serves as a landmark for the nation's patriotism, for in the face of such cruelty and opposition we prevailed and were crowned victors of the day. I also hope, that with the events of today, change shall, God willing, be effected."
The day I helped deliver the memo to the King - Ronald Quay
"It was a sensational feeling. To walk through this human corridor, with every person looking at you and, perhaps wondering who the hell is this Chinaman walking behind a PAS leader?"
...
"It was amazing to see the excellent coordination of the crowds that discipline was not an issue at all. They responded to the call of the leaders, ably marshaled by a disciplined bunch of volunteer wardens in maroon uniforms who made sure no one stepped out of line."
Remember remember, the 10th of November..- KLConfidential
"In my defense, the BERSIH rally did NOT cause the traffic jam all over KL. This was caused by the many roadblocks by the police. Yes, we delayed traffic in front of the palace, but that was all. I apologize to those who were harassed by the police when they had nothing to do with this united stand for justice and fairness."
...
"Don't worry, it's not over. It is far from over. If you love this country, if you call this country your home, don't fret. For those who wanted to be there but couldn't, don't turn the page yet, this chapter is far from finished."
10 November 2007 - Personal Passages
"It seemed as it the FRU fired at random, into groups of BERSIH supporters as well as innocent passersby.
And worst off, there seemed no reason for them to do it. No one was doing anything other than just stand clustered in groups of yellow and otherwise. There were no threats being made, nor were there any signs of imminent violence. The FRU did not even issue an audible warning, other than a badly distorted broadcast over their loudspeakers that I couldn't even hear, much less understand."
...
"But I am proud of it. I am proud of the people who were there, men and women of all ages and races, who stood firm by their beliefs in front of the police and the FRU."
An account of an unrepentant yellow splash - Sophia
"You know you're there because of a long list of dissatisfaction that goes on in the current administration. You know you're there because BERSIH fights for clean elections, is against corruption, and every single thing that's wrong with this country except mutual gluttony in nationwide festivals. You know that if the government truly commits towards good governance, they wouldn't condemn it as they did, in these critical months before the next election. You know that the mainstream news is not relevant anymore, and everything else pales in this moment when your fist punches the air and your voice rings loud in the crowd."
...
"Drivers rolled down their windows and greeted us, encouraging us, telling to us "Stay safe." Some said their thanks for doing our part in helping the people keep their liberties. It doesn't matter who they were; Indian lorry drivers, Malay families, Chinese Merc drivers, rich and poor (at least according to the model of their vehicles), hell, even bread lorry drivers waved at us. Many honked, not for us to get the hell out of the way, but grinning and smiling, giving us the Bagus sign."
Bersih march to Istana Negara: What really happened - Kuala Lumpur is Home
"The blind man who was in the light yellow shirt was holding very tight to the man in the grey shirt as he was bending down to tighten up his shoe lace I presumed.. I asked both of them where they had come from and the man in the grey shirt told me they were from Batu Tiga. In my awe, I thanked them for walking with the rest of the crowds and that it was good that they had played their roles in this effort to ensure clean and fair elections."
...
"I will always remember this day in my life for as long as I live. Malaysiaku Gemilang."
Provocation, Police, Peace - jelas.info
"Not a single untoward incident. 50-100k people spread throughout the city, and not a SINGLE untoward incident."
10:eleven, Daulat Tuanku! The yellow wave. - As I See It.......Can You?
"But i have this to say, never have I seen so many people walked in solidarity for a justified reason. I did not at any point think that this would have ended the way it did. The fact is, its not ended. It has only just begun. Ensure that you take the next step to claim your right to vote. No to corruption. No to illegal mansions. No more cover ups. We want the truth."
We Know What We Want - Pinkpau
"this rally was more than just a demand for fair elections, it was more than just a lobby for indelible ink and abolition of postal voting. it was about the people’s dissatisfaction and their awareness. it was about democracy, it was about justice. it was a call for complete reform. and i hope this call is heeded. it NEEDS to be heeded."
The Yellow Wave - The Ancient Mariner
"It was basically a case of the rakyat exercising their right to free assembly to petition their sovereign and a lame duck prime minister trying his damnedest to stop them."
10-Eleven. - O.B.E.
"It will signify the beginning of civil society’s resolve to restore democracy, good governance and justice for all in this nation."
When we painted KL with yellow - dan-yel
"Just as we crossed the bridge over the river, on our far left, out of nowhere, there were stream of people, yellow masses, crossing the other bridge! Awesome! This is history in the making! There were, how can I say, too many of them, I have never seen such an unbreaking long moving crowd, amazing as it seems that they all wear the same colour, and moving in the same direction."
BERSIH Rally: A report of events - reduced and recycled
"Badawi pantang dicabar? Oh, please. Rakyat pantang dicabar!!"
A Yellow Day to Remember - Euphoria in Misery
"Now, the people have made a point. You can’t ignore the people anymore. To all the scaremongers who said that this rally conveys a bad image of Malaysia internationally, I have this to say; “It didn’t need to happen this way. It did because the authorities are deaf to the people’s needs.”"
November 12, 2007
BERSIH Rally - Detail commentaries
Detail commentaries have appeared in various blogs giving Malaysians
first-hand accounts of the BERSIH rally held on 10 November. These are
in stark contrast to and certainly much more informative than what
was reported in the main newspapers.
"The blind man who was in the light yellow shirt was holding very tight to the man in the grey shirt as he was bending down to tighten up his shoe lace I presumed.. I asked both of them where they had come from and the man in the grey shirt told me they were from Batu Tiga. In my awe, I thanked them for walking with the rest of the crowds and that it was good that they had played their roles in this effort to ensure clean and fair elections."
first-hand accounts of the BERSIH rally held on 10 November. These are
in stark contrast to and certainly much more informative than what
was reported in the main newspapers.
The following are the links to these commentaries with some
memorable pictures and quotes.
The day I helped deliver the memo to the King
"It was a sensational feeling. To walk through this human corridor, with every person looking at you and, perhaps wondering who the hell is this Chinaman walking behind a PAS leader?"
"It was amazing to see the excellent coordination of the crowds that discipline was not an issue at all. They responded to the call of the leaders, ably marshaled by a disciplined bunch of volunteer wardens in maroon uniforms who made sure no one stepped out of line."
Bersih march to Istana Negara: What really happened Part 1
"The blind man who was in the light yellow shirt was holding very tight to the man in the grey shirt as he was bending down to tighten up his shoe lace I presumed.. I asked both of them where they had come from and the man in the grey shirt told me they were from Batu Tiga. In my awe, I thanked them for walking with the rest of the crowds and that it was good that they had played their roles in this effort to ensure clean and fair elections."
"I will always remember this day in my life for as long as I live. Malaysiaku Gemilang."
10 - Eleven : We, the people, shall be heard and we shall prevail
"Finally, before I forget, to all those who did not attend the rally and march yesterday because you thought that there would be no need to as you were sure there would be others to make up the numbers, you owe a big ‘Thank You’ to Amri of Shah Alam."
"He bore your responsibility on his shoulders."
"Not a single untoward incident. 50-100k people spread throughout the city, and not a SINGLE untoward incident."
10:eleven, Daulat Tuanku! The yellow wave.
"But i have this to say, never have I seen so many people walked in solidarity for a justified reason. I did not at any point think that this would have ended the way it did. The fact is, its not ended. It has only just begun. Ensure that you take the next step to claim your right to vote. No to corruption. No to illegal mansions. No more cover ups. We want the truth."
"this rally was more than just a demand for fair elections, it was more than just a lobby for indelible ink and abolition of postal voting. it was about the people’s dissatisfaction and their awareness. it was about democracy, it was about justice. it was a call for complete reform. and i hope this call is heeded. it NEEDS to be heeded."
"It was basically a case of the rakyat exercising their right to free assembly to petition their sovereign and a lame duck prime minister trying his damnedest to stop them."
"It will signify the beginning of civil society’s resolve to restore democracy, good governance and justice for all in this nation."
BERSIH Rally: A report of events
"Badawi pantang dicabar? Oh, please. Rakyat pantang dicabar!!"
When we painted KL with yellow
"Just as we crossed the bridge over the river, on our far left, out of nowhere, there were stream of people, yellow masses, crossing the other bridge! Awesome! This is history in the making! There were, how can I say, too many of them, I have never seen such an unbreaking long moving crowd, amazing as it seems that they all wear the same colour, and moving in the same direction."
"Now, the people have made a point. You can’t ignore the people anymore. To all the scaremongers who said that this rally conveys a bad image of Malaysia internationally, I have this to say; “It didn’t need to happen this way. It did because the authorities are deaf to the people’s needs.”"
November 11, 2007
BERSIH Rally A Huge Success
Thousands of Malaysians turned up yesterday, 10 November 2007, to participate in one of the largest peaceful rally in Malaysia for the past decade. Despite the warnings issued by the prime minister, UMNO politicians and the police, the people braved the rain to participate in the rally which was organised by BERSIH to call for reforms in the electoral system. The number of Malaysians attending the rally on this historic day is estimated to be 40,000 with other estimates going as high as 100,000.
The event was reported in various international media with the television coverage by Al-Jazeera showing the riot police firing water cannons and chemical-laced water into the crowd. As reported, the crowd was gathering peacefully when the riot police started firing the water cannons without warning and unprovoked. A recorded version of this coverage can be viewed here.
CNN and Reuters also carried the news in these online reports: "Teargas used on rare Malaysia demo" and "Malaysia police use water cannon at Anwar rally".
The local media played down the event and reported that there were only 4,000 participants in the rally. It is interesting to note that both the main English-medium newspapers used the same reduced figure. The emphasis in the reports in these newspapers is the inconvenience caused to the public which was due the actions taken by the authorities in the first place. The police had practically sealed off Kuala Lumpur by setting up road-blocks in numerous locations leading into the city. If such disruptive actions were not taken by the authorities, the rally could have proceeded without inconveniencing the public.
More reports are available at the following websites:
The event was reported in various international media with the television coverage by Al-Jazeera showing the riot police firing water cannons and chemical-laced water into the crowd. As reported, the crowd was gathering peacefully when the riot police started firing the water cannons without warning and unprovoked. A recorded version of this coverage can be viewed here.
CNN and Reuters also carried the news in these online reports: "Teargas used on rare Malaysia demo" and "Malaysia police use water cannon at Anwar rally".
The local media played down the event and reported that there were only 4,000 participants in the rally. It is interesting to note that both the main English-medium newspapers used the same reduced figure. The emphasis in the reports in these newspapers is the inconvenience caused to the public which was due the actions taken by the authorities in the first place. The police had practically sealed off Kuala Lumpur by setting up road-blocks in numerous locations leading into the city. If such disruptive actions were not taken by the authorities, the rally could have proceeded without inconveniencing the public.
More reports are available at the following websites:
October 25, 2007
Country has the money, but don't waste it
Malaysians should be happy to hear that the PM has said that we have the money, and the millions spent on the spaceman programme should not affect other projects and programmes in the country, as reported in The Star on Oct 23.
However, it is ironic that on the same day and in the same newspaper, it was also reported that the MCA president has said that there are still many Chinese primary schools that needed financial aid for classrooms, facilities, books and important activities. He said this at a cheque presentation ceremony where a private foundation has donated RM50,000 to each of the 12 selected schools.
Lets get this straight. More than RM100 million can be spent on sending a Malaysian space tourist to the International Space Station (ISS) while some schools have to rely on private organisations to fund their basic facilities? What in the world is this country coming to? To rub it in, there are now proposals to send a second Malaysian into space costing another RM100 million or more!
Some would suggest that we didn't pay a single cent for the first space trip as it is an offset agreement for the purchase of 18 fighter jets from Russia. Well, if that is the case we can concede that we didn't pay RM100 million directly for the trip to the ISS. But we are paying RM 3.2 billion for 18 Sukhoi fighter jets plus one trip to the ISS! Malaysians are not so naive. No matter how you want to slice and dice it, we are still paying for the trip to the ISS.
Meanwhile, after welcoming home the Malaysian spaceman in Russia, the DPM and his spouse flew to France to attend the launching of the first Scorpene submarine which Malaysia has purchased. You see, we have also bought submarines - 2 new Scorpene submarines reportedly costing about RM 4.0 billion.
Closer to home, the PSC-Naval Dockyard was contracted to build six patrol boats for the Malaysian Navy with the first to be delivered in 2004. However, only two problem-ridden boats have been delivered so far. The original cost of RM5.35 billion has now increased to RM6.75 billion.
If you add those figures together we are looking at an astronomical sum of RM 14 billion spent on these purchases of military hardware. Mind you, we are talking about not 100 million, not 1,000 million but 14,000 million!
Yes, the country certainly have a lot of money. But the government of the day has no right to waste any of it. It is after all taxpayers' money. The Auditor-General must continue his good work to verify that every single ringgit is accounted for and there is no abuse of public funds in the government agencies involved.
This is especially so as the money can be put to much better use such as providing decent facilities for the education of all students. No schools should ever need to rely on donations from the private sector.
However, it is ironic that on the same day and in the same newspaper, it was also reported that the MCA president has said that there are still many Chinese primary schools that needed financial aid for classrooms, facilities, books and important activities. He said this at a cheque presentation ceremony where a private foundation has donated RM50,000 to each of the 12 selected schools.
Lets get this straight. More than RM100 million can be spent on sending a Malaysian space tourist to the International Space Station (ISS) while some schools have to rely on private organisations to fund their basic facilities? What in the world is this country coming to? To rub it in, there are now proposals to send a second Malaysian into space costing another RM100 million or more!
Some would suggest that we didn't pay a single cent for the first space trip as it is an offset agreement for the purchase of 18 fighter jets from Russia. Well, if that is the case we can concede that we didn't pay RM100 million directly for the trip to the ISS. But we are paying RM 3.2 billion for 18 Sukhoi fighter jets plus one trip to the ISS! Malaysians are not so naive. No matter how you want to slice and dice it, we are still paying for the trip to the ISS.
Meanwhile, after welcoming home the Malaysian spaceman in Russia, the DPM and his spouse flew to France to attend the launching of the first Scorpene submarine which Malaysia has purchased. You see, we have also bought submarines - 2 new Scorpene submarines reportedly costing about RM 4.0 billion.
Closer to home, the PSC-Naval Dockyard was contracted to build six patrol boats for the Malaysian Navy with the first to be delivered in 2004. However, only two problem-ridden boats have been delivered so far. The original cost of RM5.35 billion has now increased to RM6.75 billion.
If you add those figures together we are looking at an astronomical sum of RM 14 billion spent on these purchases of military hardware. Mind you, we are talking about not 100 million, not 1,000 million but 14,000 million!
Yes, the country certainly have a lot of money. But the government of the day has no right to waste any of it. It is after all taxpayers' money. The Auditor-General must continue his good work to verify that every single ringgit is accounted for and there is no abuse of public funds in the government agencies involved.
This is especially so as the money can be put to much better use such as providing decent facilities for the education of all students. No schools should ever need to rely on donations from the private sector.
October 16, 2007
Outer space delusions
While Malaysians are still reeling from the revelations of enormous wastage of taxpayers' money contained in the Auditor-General reports, the Port Klang Free Zone fiasco and the naval boat scandal, we now have the Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology pushing to send another Malaysian "space participant" skywards in 2008 or 2009 in a space programme with dubious benefits to the country.
Although the cost of sending a Malaysian into space, estimated to be about RM 100 million, is not comparable to the astronomical billons involved in the failed PKFZ and naval boat projects, it is still a lot of money. I am sure many Malaysian educationists, academics and scientists will be able to suggest much better down-to-earth alternatives for advancing science, innovation and technology in the country with that kind of money.
The Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology said that the second "cosmonaut" or whatever he wants to call him will be doing more challenging tasks which "could involve him doing a space walk or conducting repairs to the spacecraft". If this is the Minister's idea of technological advancement in the country then Malaysians will have no hope that we will ever make real progress in this area.
Malaysians are tired of the hype being spun around the "Angkasawan" program. We do not have delusions that by sending someone into space in a Russian spacecraft is in any way an achievement for the country - scientific, innovative, technological, or otherwise. Some very rich individuals such as the Iranian-American woman Anousheh Ansari have paid US$20 million of their own money and have undergone similar training and went into space to visit the same International Space Station. Lets call a spade a spade. They are space tourists and so is our Malaysian spaceman.
To send another Malaysian space tourist on a similar trip is an unnecessary waste of taxpayers' money and is an extravagance which even more technologically-advance and richer countries do not indulge in. Don't try to make us believe that it is any different even if the Russians have agreed to call Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor a "cosmonaut" and even if he has brought along with him some experiments to conduct in space.
In a Bernama news report on Oct 13, the DPM has said that there will be a post-mortem on the first space programme before deciding on sending the second person to space. Please do that and please put an end to this wasteful programme which is clearly dead from the very start.
Although the cost of sending a Malaysian into space, estimated to be about RM 100 million, is not comparable to the astronomical billons involved in the failed PKFZ and naval boat projects, it is still a lot of money. I am sure many Malaysian educationists, academics and scientists will be able to suggest much better down-to-earth alternatives for advancing science, innovation and technology in the country with that kind of money.
The Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology said that the second "cosmonaut" or whatever he wants to call him will be doing more challenging tasks which "could involve him doing a space walk or conducting repairs to the spacecraft". If this is the Minister's idea of technological advancement in the country then Malaysians will have no hope that we will ever make real progress in this area.
Malaysians are tired of the hype being spun around the "Angkasawan" program. We do not have delusions that by sending someone into space in a Russian spacecraft is in any way an achievement for the country - scientific, innovative, technological, or otherwise. Some very rich individuals such as the Iranian-American woman Anousheh Ansari have paid US$20 million of their own money and have undergone similar training and went into space to visit the same International Space Station. Lets call a spade a spade. They are space tourists and so is our Malaysian spaceman.
To send another Malaysian space tourist on a similar trip is an unnecessary waste of taxpayers' money and is an extravagance which even more technologically-advance and richer countries do not indulge in. Don't try to make us believe that it is any different even if the Russians have agreed to call Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor a "cosmonaut" and even if he has brought along with him some experiments to conduct in space.
In a Bernama news report on Oct 13, the DPM has said that there will be a post-mortem on the first space programme before deciding on sending the second person to space. Please do that and please put an end to this wasteful programme which is clearly dead from the very start.
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