Paying Tribute to Shamsiah Fakeh, Fighter for Malaysian Independence

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rest in Peace, Shamsiah Fakeh.



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

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

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

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

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

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

I am not optimistic.

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

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

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

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

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

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

No double standards.

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