Teoh Beng Hock's Funeral, Vigil and Public Concerns

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Nut Graph : What happened to Teoh Beng Hock?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Malaysiakini : Last man to see Teoh: MACC

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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).

Malaysia Day September 16 : Of ISA and Anticipation

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

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

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

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

etc. etc.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ISA should be abolished.

Defenders of Malay Race, Derhaka or Setia, Sultan and MB Terengganu

NST report published in Malaysia Today : PKR lodges police report against PM, DPM, 23 reps for disrespect against King .

Excerpt 1 :
Faris later told reporters that the police report was made against Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, his deputy Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and the 23 assemblymen who objected to the appointment of Kijal assemblyman Datuk Ahmad Said as Menteri Besar by the Terengganu Sultan.

Excerpt 2 :
The 23 state assemblymen, especially, have gone overboard in showing disrespect by going against the Royal Regency Advisory Council's decision in the appointment of Ahmad as Menteri Besar, he said.

"The palace institution must be respected and all subjects must show loyalty," he said. "The actions of those involved were a blatant disregard of loyalty to the Rulers."
_____________________________________

Malaysiakini reports Ahmad to start work as MB tomorrow (meaning this morning, 25th March 2008).

Excerpt 3 :
Opposition party PAS today fully supported the move by the Terengganu palace to appoint Kijal state representative Ahmad Said as the new menteri besar of the state.

Excerpt 4 :
In a sudden turn of event, it is reliably learnt that 13 out of 22 BN state representatives who initially supported Idris are now backing Ahmad for the post.
_____________________________________

Meanwhile Lulu Thinks Kerismuddin Should Go On Holiday/Be Unreacheable Just In Case The Press Ask For His Reaction On The Terengganu Issue . It was said that initially 22 persons would boycott the swearing-in ceremony of HRH Terengganu's choice of Menteri Besar - Ahmad Said. Abdullah's choice is Idris Jusoh. PAS and PKR has stated that they support Sultan Terengganu.

Previously, Utusan Online published a news on the Perak MB selection issue, where an Menteri Besar from PAS (Nizar) was selected although the majority of Perak state seats belonged to DAP. The title was : DAP biadab -- Arahan pulau majlis pelantikan MB Perak dianggap hina raja Melayu (DAP impolite - Order to boycott the swearing-in of Perak MB is considered as insulting the Malay king).

However, it was clarified that DAP did not intend to boycott the ceremony. DAP only intended to endorse an MB from PAS because the Central Committee originally did not endorse it. DAP did not boycott the event after all that. The swearing-in went smoothly with the blessing of the Perak royals. DAP Perak was present to support the event. In my opinion, Nizar was chosen because he is the highest qualified of the candidates given to HRH Perak for selection. An overseas graduate who can speak Malay, Mandarin, Cantonese, Hokkien, Tamil and English and had experience handling many engineering projects overseas and local, he would be the best person to lead the team. After all, DAP has the most number of excos to ensure all the development work and requirements of the citizens are being fulfilled.

UMNO Information Chief said this, Tan Sri Muhammad Muhd. Taib :
“Saya percaya dalam hal ini bukan sahaja saya, tetapi puluhan juta lagi rakyat menjunjung kasih dan mengucapkan syabas ke bawah Duli Tuanku Sultan Perak, Sultan Azlan Shah kerana terus menegakkan peruntukan Perlembagaan,” katanya.

("I believe, in this matter, it is not only me but tens of million citizens would accept and congratulate His Royal Highness Sultan Perak, Sultan Azlan Shah for upholding the Constitution," he said)

UMNO Youth Chief, Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein said :
“Niat memulaukan istiadat pelantikan juga menunjukkan mereka hanya gilakan kuasa sehingga sanggup membelakangkan kesetiaan kepada raja dan negara,” katanya dalam satu kenyataan di sini hari ini.

("The intention to boycott the swearing-in ceremony shows that they are only crazy for power until the extent that loyalty to the King and Nation can be disregarded," he said in a statement today.)

So Speaketh these so-called Defenders of Malay race. However, DAP did not boycott the ceremony. DAP eventually endorsed and accepted the choice of Sultan Perak. The Perak exco and MB has already been sworn-in. The rest of Barisan Rakyat ( PKR-DAP-PAS ) states ( Selangor, Kedah, Kelantan and Penang) had already established governments with the consent of respective Sultans. There were no boycotts or members of constituents threatening the palaces with resignations. The only pending states without fully-functioning governments are Barisan Nasional-held states - Perlis and Terengganu. Isn't it ironic?

Indeed, one of the 5 principles in Rukunegara is "Kesetiaan Kepada Raja dan Negara" (Loyal to the King and the Nation). The opposite of the word "Setia" (Loyal) is "Derhaka" (Traitorous). As the Minister of Education and logically reading his statement, it is almost clear that he is aware of this principle.

In the Terengganu fiasco, if the reports gathered are accurate, isn't it obvious that there were threats of protest resignations over the choice of the palace? Isn't it perfectly clear there were intentions to boycott a swearing-in ceremony should Ahmad Said be made MB instead of Idris Jusoh? Going by Hishammuddin's logic, wouldn't it be right to say that the people who wanted to do all that as "Derhaka" (Traitorous)?

Isn't it glaring that Muhammad Muhammad Taib has yet to repeat his statements on "Sultan upholding the Constitution" by insisting on HRH's own choice?

Isn't it glaring that Hishammuddin has yet to speak out on any "disloyalty to the King and Nation" should the boycotts and protest resignations be launched?

Isn't it glaring that the Sultan of Terengganu is symbolic of the Malay culture and the people involved in the "drama" are members of the so-called United Malay National Organisation (UMNO) in a Malay-majority land?

Shouldn't these "Defenders of the Malay race" protect the interests of the Malays signified by the Sultan and his choice in tandem with the words of its communal leaders Muhammad Muhammad Taib and Hishammuddin Hussein?

Where are these people who spoke loudly against the non-BN leaders when you need them to speak on the Terengganu issue?

One has got to practise what one preaches. Otherwise, would it be fair to name people who do not do as they expect of others as Hypocrites, "No Credibility", False Defenders for the Malays, Double Standard Practitioners?

It is not the role of this blogger to make a conclusion. These questions should be conveyed to Muhammad and Hishammuddin to answer. This blogger believes Malaysians are intelligent enough to uncover the truth.

Criticising DAP

Introduction
This blog will return to the state of neutrality. It is high time for that. Why?

Being a supporter of the unofficial opposing front of Barisan Rakyat ( PKR-DAP-PAS ) , I find it disheartening to read about the blunders made by all these parties specifically DAP.

In order to make things work and not waste my four years of hope of forming an alternative front to have a check-and-balance governance, I think I need to do my part to remove all sorts of chauvinism , be it from the religious (Islam, Christian, Buddhist) or racial (Malays, Chinese, Indians) point-of-view.

I hate to do all these but I think it is necessary because over the past 5 days, I have been reading all these stupid actions which is totally absurd. If one wants to be a Government, one needs to act like a Government. One can't do it as if one is still an Opposition party !

The very first party I would not like but have to criticise is the Democratic Action Party (DAP).

Issue 1: Perak MB and Excos Dispute
First of all, just when I thought the Menteri Besar Perak issue was over and by 4 or 5 p.m. the swearing-in would take place, I reached home from work only to check out Malaysiakini and found the ceremony cancelled !

Now, the main reason for Perak MB's swearing-in put off is because of another disagreement on top of an earlier one on the appointment of a PAS MB instead of a DAP MB (who holds the most seat in the state)

According to Malaysiakini :
" But in another twist of never-ending problems, PKR today issued a statement threatening to pull out from the state administration on hearing that eight of the 10 executive council posts will go to DAP while the remaining two going to other parties.

Originally it is believed that an agreement was made whereby DAP would get six exco posts and two each for PKR and PAS.

However, there was a last-minute change where DAP was given eight seats in the exco, while PKR one and PAS one. "

Now, who is that "brilliant" person who suggested DAP to take eight seats? I cannot conclude if it is DAP is the one who insisted but looking at the situation, the party that would get the most advantage is DAP with an increase of 6 excos to 8 excos .

Okay, regardless of what it is, we should all not harbour that kind of greediness ! The most that you should take is 7. PKR should retain 2 and PAS 1. No more 8-1-1 . That is very unfair to PKR, who is holding the second highest number of seats.

Why can't these parties discuss before doing anything like deciding on a swearing-in ceremony? DAP, now tell me what the hell are you doing? First, because you were not careful, words said about DAP CEC not giving mandates to PAS MB is damaging the unity of the PKR-DAP-PAS loose coalition, giving a leverage to mainstream media for a happy moment of criticising. Then, whoever that greedy person is , 6-2-2 becomes 8-1-1 . Now, that will be a second set of bashing. Goodness gracious !

Issue 2: Short-Sighted Demonstrators
Furthermore, Malaysia Today reported in the article Yellow card for the opposition :

" Supporters of Teng Chang Khim, Teresa Kok and Ronnie Liu are locked in battle. Each has their clique that wants to see their candidate installed as the Deputy Menteri Besar of Selangor. But there is no Deputy Menteri Besar post and His Highness the Sultan of Selangor will not appoint one. So why bother to squabble over who should be the candidate to fill a post that does not exist? Yesterday, Teng's supporters held a demonstration to demand that their man gets appointed as the Deputy Menteri Besar. In spite of the announcement that there shall not be any Deputy Menteri Besar, today, they plan to hold another demonstration and MCA and Gerakan are going to send their supporters to help Teng mobilise a crowd of 10,000 to prove that his support is overwhelming. Can we please remember this name and come next election we send him to where Zakaria Deros now resides? "

Well, is that really necessary? That is so ugly. First, such position does not exist. Second, I am sorry I have to be rude, not to the MPs but to the supporters : Are you mad, stupid or something ? You are demonstrating for a position that does not exist. Third, another question to the supporters : do you know that your actions are not doing any good to the name of the party as well as the members? I thank God that His Majesty, Sultan Selangor is polite and understanding enough not to shout away the demonstration. Fourth, do you have brains? Oh great, now MCA and Gerakan are helping you. Do you think they are helping you to achieve your goals or to highlight your insolence? If you said it is the former, I will not be surprised.

I am sorry but I have to say this. I think a portion of DAP supporters are out of their mind, think only of themselves, short-sighted and do not think of the bigger picture before they act. Likewise, please take out all that primadonna attitude. It is really sickening.

Issue 3: Insensitive to Malays
DAP has to know that it is now A GOVERNMENT in two states. Frankly, I do not like the idea of the early announcement of the NEP abolition. PKR has an alternative Agenda Baru to assist the poor of all races. No one would be marginalised. Why can't the Penang GOVERNMENT announce the abolition of NEP coinciding with the launching of Agenda Baru ? Why can't it be announced after a new solid coalition between DAP-PKR-PAS is formed? Why should the announcement be premature?

DAP has to understand its success in 2008 is through the support of many Malay comrades. The community had shunned DAP for so many decades until the overwhelming internet campaigning and spirit of nationalism make them give a chance to the party. It is a chance of a lifetime. When you speak or do something, you have to think of the Malays as well. DAP can't use the "MP being jailed for championing one Malay girl" issue forever as a justification for their effort.

It is about the way you speak and the timing planned. DAP has to be pragmatic. DAP has to read "The Malay Dilemma" by Dr. Mahathir . Yes, you may not agree that he is a good guy and you may not want to view the affirmative action section but there are many other points that you need to read in order to understand how the Malays feel. Therein lies the secret that you can vest to help the people and gain their permanent and not temporary support.

DAP MPs have to be careful with the words used to describe matters of Islam and issues related with Malays. This is not about racism but the method of communication. Remember, DAP is a political party. MPs are politicians. Politics is all about perception. Your choice of words will affect perceptions. Every culture has their own flow of thought.

updated 16 March 2008 2.22 a.m.
The Star had just reported Penang CM did not say he would do away with NEP, says DAP chairman

Excerpt:
He said Lim’s statement on March 11 after being sworn in as Chief Minister, that he wanted to run the state government administration free from the NEP that breeds cronyism, corruption and systematic inefficiency, does not amount to sedition.

Malaysia Today reported 21 NGO Islam puas hati penjelasan KM P.Pinang mengenai kedudukan Melayu dan Islam (21 Islam NGOs are satisfied with the explanation of Penang Chief Minister on the position of Malays and Islam)

I still think that Lim Guan Eng should be careful on the usage of words as there are many people out there who wants to see the failure of a non-Gerakan governance in Penang therefore would engineer an oust.

Conclusion
DAP has to wake up. I would like to see Barisan Rakyat to be succesful but everyone has to tolerate and collaborate.

If one wants to be a Government, one needs to act like a Government. One can't do it as if one is still an Opposition party !

P.S. Sagaladoola is not associated or a member of any political organisation. Sagaladoola is still a supporter of Barisan Rakyat for the time being. Sagaladoola would not like to be placed in a position for running a massive "Criticism Campaign" on Barisan Rakyat. Please do not put him in a spot.

Next : Criticising PAS, PKR

Barisan Rakyat Coming Into One Piece ?

Husam Musa wrote in his page Tiada rundingan dengan BN - Husam (No discussions with BN)

Excerpt (in Bahasa Melayu):
TIADA sebarang rundingan diadakan dengan Barisan Nasional (BN) untuk membentuk kerajaan campuran tegas Naib Presiden PAS, Dato' Husam Musa.

Beliau juga memberi amaran akan mengambil tindakan termasuk dipecat dari menjadi ahli PAS jika terdapat individu yang cuba untuk membawa PAS menyertai Umno.

Translation:
There is no discussion being held with Barisan Nasional (BN) to form a mixed government, Vice President of PAS, Dato' Husam Musa stated.

He gave a stern warning that actions will be taken, which may include membership cancellation should any individual is found trying to bring PAS into joining UMNO.
______________________________________

That is a good effort from Dato' Husam Musa. This is what I consider as leadership with clear direction. It is good that the Vice President can look ahead and see the bigger picture.

This is a good sign for Barisan Rakyat. PKR and DAP have to be cooperative as well.

MySinchew.com reported Malaysia: I Never Think Of Joining Other Parties, Says Anwar

Excerpt:
"Yes, there are parties asking their people came and lobbied me to join them. I met them with an open-manner. I am willing to exchange opinions with them. But I never think of joining other parties, UMNO or Barisan Nasional forever and ever," he told reporters in a press conference here, today.

"I never think of it and I never think of joining UMNO or Barisan Nasional (BN)," he said.
______________________________________

Anwar Ibrahim is the representative from PKR.

Meanwhile Malaysiakini reported that Ramasamy was sworn in as deputy Chief Minister in Penang . This is the first time an Indian has been awarded such a high post in Malaysia.

updated 3.27 p.m.
Read Nat Tan's jelas.info Have a little faith on the words of PAS on the Menteri Besar Perak items. It seems that there is no major disagreement yet between PAS and DAP . A praise for PAS on being gentleman and understanding (especially Dato' Husam Musa). This will encourage more trust from non-Muslims on PAS . Now, who said PAS is extreme? UMNO is extreme but not PAS. At least PAS doesn't wield keris and shout on the Perak MB issue.

updated 11.55 p.m.
Disagreements appeared. Lim Kit Siang posted No DAP CEC mandate for PAS Menteri Besar in Perak after Malaysiakini announced PAS' Nizar is new Perak MB . However, commenters in Lim Kit Siang's blog claimed they are willing to look at a greater picture and cause and able to accept the fact that the new MB of Perak would be from PAS. Bear in mind that the choice of PAS is made by the regent.

Pragmatism, Chinese, Barisan Rakyat Unity

Election 2008 : History And Voting Style
Election 2008 had just completed. Barisan Rakyat, in which the civil organisations and certain citizens term the PKR , DAP and PAS parties managed to deny Barisan Nasional two-third majority for the second time since 1969. The success is more pronounced with 5 states falling into the hands of Barisan Rakyat. Now, this is happening for the very first time in history. In 1969, only 2 states were taken by non-BN parties.

There must be some reasons that Barisan Nasional had lost so many seats. The main reason is, of course, as everybody knows, the "no confidence" in the Pak Lah Abdullah Ahmad Badawi Hadhari Administration. This guy here created two major historical moments in Malaysia within two terms of his leadership.

1) Biggest win for a single political coalition (BN) in Malaysian history : Election 2004.

2) Biggest loss for a single political coalition (BN) in Malaysian history : Election 2008.

Other than Pak Lah's poor performance, is there any other reason? I would say it has something to do with the citizens. In 1969, seats were cut out in the form of racial proportions. Malay areas would have PAS contesting as opposition. Non-Muslim areas will see Gerakan (opposition back in 1969) or any other non-Muslim parties contesting. Victory was easily assured because of such grouping in constituents.

After 1969, most constituents have a somehow balanced racial distribution due to government's plan execution of integrating the Malaysian community. However, this posed a problem for parties with ethno-centric outlook. Barisan Nasional looked better for having all parties representation with all sorts of ethnicity within its coalition. If there are three-cornered fights, it would be easy for Barisan Nasional to win. Such scenario was common. Yes, it was, until 2008.

Barisan Rakyat made sure each seat will only have one representative from the opposition party. People have woken up. They have discarded the divisive racial and religious mentality and collaboratively opted for the opposition parties during election. People have realised that they need to do something useful to save the nation.

Minussing PKR, which is a multiracial party in its outlook, 2008 witnessed non-Muslims voting for PAS and Malays voting for DAP. Previously, such an incident somehow looks taboo and unable to happen. Perhaps, I have underestimated fellow Malaysians. It is time for the Malays, Chinese and Indians to hold hands and work together. Blaming each other's religions and races will bring us nowhere. We have to sit down and talk and kick out anyone or any parties that seek to use divide-and-rule strategy on the people. Question the leadership.

Breaking Barisan Rakyat Unity Using PAS
Malaysiakini posted PAS wins big with gentler image: analysts . I would believe this as true. Some important excerpts to justify :

a) Hadi Awang said there would not be any dramatic changes for non-Muslims in the new PAS-ruled Kedah, unlike when it took over Kelantan in 1990, and it intended to respect minority rights.

b) "Whatever we (restrict), it will be in consultation with the various races living in these states," he said. "Whatever is allowed by their religion we will not interfere in but what is banned in Islam, we will forbid for Muslims."

c) "Being the party of Islamic scholars, PAS will now have to tread a much more moderate line in ensuring that they can form a coalition with the DAP," he (Husam Musa) said.

According to Malaysia Today, someone has started to spread rumours to break the newly-found Barisan Rakyat unity. I have heard from somewhere that certain mainstream media lapdogs machinery have started to function. Yet again, will Malaysians be divided?

In The aftermath of the 'bloodbath' , Raja Petra wrote this piece :

Now, with regards to the talk floating around that Tok Guru Haji Abdul Hadi Awang has announced that Kedah is going to introduce Hudud laws; this is not true. Tok Guru confirmed he never made such an announcement. The trouble is, many of you wear these 'boycott the mainstream media' T-shirts yet you still read and believe what the mainstream media spins. Would you become terrible offended if I shout 'Bodoh punya orang!'? I really don't know what else to shout under these circumstances.

Let me repeat what I have said many, many times in the past. PAS does not have 150 seats in Parliament. In fact, PAS, DAP and PKR combined do not have 150 seats in Parliament. Read my lips. “PAS NEEDS 150 SEATS IN PARLIAMENT TO CHANGE THE LAWS OF THIS COUNTRY OR OF THE STATES!”

Anyway, 150 seats or no 150 seats, PAS does not intend to introduce Islamic laws, PERIOD.

Pragmatic Should Be the Word
For those not in the know, PAS only contested in 60 parliamentary seats, of which, not all were won. That is not even half of the two-third majority (150 seats) needed to form a government.

I believe PAS understands that it has to work with other parties (DAP and PKR). PAS is pragmatic enough to adjust itself. Now, there is no Islamic State. Its Manifesto for 2008 is Welfare State (Negara Berkebajikan), which, in a way is feasible and fair to people not from the Muslim community as well.

Reading the statements above, PAS is practical enough to consult non-Muslim communities before implementing any form of law or making any final decision. It is only concerned with Muslims. Hadi Awang has said it. There is always DAP and PKR to rely on.

We should all understand PAS has survived all this while because there is still support from Muslims. They believe that this party can fight for their cause. It is similar to DAP. Although there are people who speak about its irrelevance, we have to know DAP exists until this very day because there is support from the public. We can't just simply "deny" PAS and DAP and think they would disappear into thin air. That is not really sensible. I think DAP may be willing to be pragmatic but the problem rests not with the party but its supporters.

The latest method from certain lapdogs is to break the understanding between PAS and non-Muslim supporters. The way of doing it is easy. Since the mainstream media is controlled by Somebody, Somebody would play all these classic 1980s (28 years ago) stuff, painting PAS in an extreme way to the non-Muslims. For the Muslims, certain Malay papers could be made to paint DAP as this chauvinistic chinese party who will demand for everything and suppress the Malays. Standard divide-and-rule approach. The idea may be old but who knows it may work?

Anything minor or potentially exploitable will be capitalised. For instance, the Menteri Besar of Perak decision. Actually, the truth is, PAS havs just nominated a candidate for Menteri Besar. Due to the nature that the Perak state majority can only be established through the combination of 3 opposition parties, each party would provide a candidate for the Sultan of Perak to choose and DAP only said they would discuss with PKR for decision on a related issue.

Somebody actually tried to make it look like PAS and DAP cannot agree on anything. The point is, the spin doctor failed to realise PAS proposing a candidate and DAP discussing with PKR on this issue doesn't mean they are disagreeing. It is not logic to paint it that way. Of course, this show is catered for the non-Muslim audience of which a portion may be stupid enough to think DAP does not want PAS candidate to become the MB of Perak therefore a decision has yet to be made.

The Chinese often said the community is pragmatic. From the way I see it, this may not be the case. If they are far-sighted enough, they would have seen through the trick easily. Indians are more open to PAS and Malays to DAP than Chinese with PAS. To change one's fate, one has to collaborate with others. Perhaps it is high time to write about the kiasi and short-sightedness of Malaysian Chinese. Should add one more term too : "Not Pragmatic".

Carol Chew's Sexist Billboards : NGOs and Seputeh Reacted

Previously I posted the entry Woman Sexist Against Another Woman in Seputeh . Carol Chew of MCA enacted several billboards around Seputeh in a campaign against Teresa Kok of DAP.

Oh Carol, what have you done? Now, you are in trouble. The major Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) has started condemning your actions. People of Seputeh are already alert on this. It is only 5 days away from the Big Day 080308.

CIJ's Stand (got this in my mailbox)
CIJ condemns BN sexist approach to attack opponent

The Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) condemns the tactics used by MCA candidate for Seputeh Carol Chew in launching extremely sexist billboards against her opponent from DAP and incumbent Teresa Kok.

Chew was said to have launched the billboards which depict Kok as a "loose woman" who would two time her constituents.

"It is very disappointing that Chew, herself a woman, has stooped so low to attack her political opponent. Chew is like her colleagues in the Barisan Nasional who show disrespect to women and thrive in a patriarchal and sexist environment.

"We urge Chew to remove the billboards and apologise to Kok and all women in Malaysia as we take offence to the kind of politics the BN chooses to promote," said CIJ executive director Gayathry Venkiteswaran.

She said there is no meaning to the BN's decision of fielding more women candidates if it does not promote gender sensitive candidates, be they men or women. It is doubtful that the BN will be able to advance gender equality as their agenda if their candidates do not make an attempt to challenge gender stereotypes and discrimination.

Gayathry also expressed regret to the aggressive treatment shown to representatives of the Women's Candidacy Initiative 2 (WCI2) who were attempting to meet Sungai Siput incumbent and MIC president S. Samy Vellu on Sunday.

According to reports in Malaysiakini, the women were shoved and had their placards damaged as they tried to ask Samy Vellu his stand on gender equality.

"The agenda by WCI and the experiences faced by women show that there is an urgent need to demand for greater gender equality. If candidates like MCA's Chew cannot prove that they are different from their peers, then they must be rejected," she said.

JAG's Stand
From Sassy MP and Malaysiakini : Kok raps rival over ’sexist’ posters

Conduct ethical campaigns

In a related development, the Joint Action Group for Gender Equality (JAG) today expressed its disappointment with the two cartoon-styled billboards in the Seputeh constituency.

JAG said that the billboards depicted Kok in a manner that degraded her as a woman and trivialized her work as an MP.

“The sexualized cartoons of her (in a tight, bright red dress, red high heels and flitting from one “lover” to the next) sets women up as sex objects,” said the group in a statement.

“Sexist comments demean women and when made in relation to their work, violate their right to a safe working environment.

“This incident highlights again the need for mandatory gender sensitisation programmes for all members of political parties and MPs,” it added.

JAG urged all political parties to conduct their election campaigns on a more ethical basis.

People of Seputeh's Stand
Protest Against Sexist Caricature Bill Board


Teresa Kok's statements : This morning I called a press conference together with a group of residents and supporters at Happy Garden adjacent to the two offending sexist caricature on bill boards erected by MCA Seputeh. In reply, we have put up a banner with Chinese and English wordings stating: “MCA uses women to discriminate women”

Some women folks who came to the press conference were most enraged over the offending caricatures which appeared in the China Press today and took the MCA to task in the presence of many journalists.

Quite a number of reporters and photographers showed up, including main stream media like the Utusan Malaysia, The Star, NST, RTM2 Mandarin News and etc.

I told the press that I was quite surprised that Carol Chew has launched these sexist carricatures on bill boards. I said I was disappointed shocked that Carol told the China press yesterday that she did not find the caricatures as sexist or humiliating to women when it was explicitly offensive to women and more so defamatory.

Conclusion
Carol, I believe the females and residents of Seputeh area are waiting for your apology.

Updated 4th March 2008, 11.16 a.m.
The sexist billboards have been removed. The public is still waiting for an apology.

Woman Sexist Against Another Woman in Seputeh

... and I thought only men are sexist against women.


Picture from Jed Yoong's Seputeh Seat Sizzles .

I would like to plead to Carol Chew Chee Lin, age 27 of Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA) which is a component party of Barisan Nasional (BN) to use a more gracious way of campaigning. As a person of the opposing party in Seputeh, you can attempt to question Teresa's capabilities but please respect an individual from the same sex.

Carol should bear in mind that Seputeh people are educated enough to know sexism is unacceptable. I recalled there was one particular year someone actually made a highly sexist remark on a lady. Seputeh people were deeply shocked. That guy lost in the election terribly. I hope that is not Carol's aspiration for her first ever election but one would never know what is on another's mind.

I wonder whether Carol would like it if Seputeh people were to discriminate her on the basis that she is young and new therefore stereotype her as incapable? That wouldn't be fair to her, right? I urge the Seputeh people not to judge Carol based on that.

I respect and trust that capable ladies can manage two seats with the help of her assistants. I am willing to give it a try. Besides, Gobind Singh Deo is contesting in Puchong.

Please read Teresa Kok's recent post : Carol Chew Made Sexist Cartoon Billboard Against Me . Please check out whether Malaysiakini is featuring this piece of news .....

To Be Fair To PAS, DAP, PKR : Divide and Rule Strategy

I found out part of my article PAS, Samy, Hindu Temple Demolition was published on Husam Musa's (of PAS) blog. Husam Musa made a copy of an original article from Anak Bapa blog : PAS dan Isu Kebebasan Beragama (PAS and the Issue of Religious Freedom)

Husam Musa's article : http://www.husammusa.com/modules/news/article.php?storyid=365

Much has been promoted in the mainstream media on PAS being an intolerant party. PAS has been terribly tarnished by certain parties without much chance to redeem themselves in the eyes of the public. Are those who tarnished PAS as a 100% intolerant Islamist group the same parties that tarnished DAP as a 100% intolerant chinese chauvinist group and PKR as a 100% party made only for Anwar? Who is the main power behind all these things gets the most advantage from doing all that? These are questions that we should ponder.

Teresa Kok just held a press conference slamming a mainstream press who twisted her words. Allegedly, the press tried to put this DAP candidate against PAS on ethics. Teresa Kok did not even utter any form of statements on PAS during her campaigning. According to her blog , she is considering legal action on this mainstream local press if an official apology is not given for putting words in her mouth.


On PAS
Somebody created the impression that PAS is very intolerant towards other religions. However, the biggest Buddha statue in South East Asia is in Kelantan, a state controlled by PAS. How can that be happening if PAS is intolerant? PAS could have actually demolished it 18 years back when it first assumed control. Besides that, PAS did not declare any fatwa to disallow any contruction of worship places of other religions. PAS even gave out permits. Even Hindraf leader, Uthayakumar, who is born in Kelantan said he does not bear any grudges with PAS because PAS does not tear down Hindu temples in gangster-like manners. PAS Chairman of national unity, Mujahid Yusof Rawa disagrees with violent treatment and proposes diplomacy on temple issues. Pork is still on sale in Kelantan for non-Muslims. Males and females swim in the same swimming pool. People regardless of gender queue up in the same line. PAS did not do any keris waving with questionable remarks on non-Muslims. In fact, PAS feel that it is not the right thing to do. So, how could PAS be considered as intolerant if all these are happening?


It is indeed strange that Chinese and Indians in Kelantan can speak better Bahasa Melayu than their counterparts in West Malaysia. In fact, Kelantanese are more engaged in muhibbah (racial harmony) than West Malaysia. Visit Kelantan and see it for yourself.


On DAP
As for DAP, Somebody painted them as chauvinistically chinese. However, everybody forgot that Lim Guan Eng went to jail for a case during the course of helping a Malay lady. If Saudara Lim is from DAP and DAP is only for chinese then how could that happen? Certain people abused NEP to enrich their cronies. Common poor and working class Malays are marginalised because of such abuse. If DAP is criticising NEP because of that, how can they be considered as chinese-chauvinist? DAP has been exposing issues on corruption for years. Corruption is destroying Malaysia. Majority Malays and Indians being the poorest in Malaysia will suffer if the economy goes down because of corruption. If that is the case, how can DAP be regarded as chauvinist and not patriotic? If DAP people wanted to make money, they could have joined the fray as a crony party of this Big National party but why didn't they do it?


On PKR
Somebody even painted that PKR is a party created specifically for Anwar Ibrahim. Before his release from jail, Somebody said PKR was maintained as part of the Free Anwar movement. After his release, Somebody said PKR is only for Anwar to further his ambitions and nothing else. I feel disgusted with such tagging by Somebody. It is of course not 100% the fault of Somebody. Malaysians are equally stupid to easily believe in such low IQ rethoric.

Now, why are Malaysians foolish? Consider this. PKR is not a small party. It has an NGO president in the form of MTUC president Syed Shahir. There are people who quit Barisan Nasional to join PKR. If the party is made specifically "just for Anwar", don't you think it will be impossible to get NGOs for working society to join in. The NGO could have chosen to join Barisan Nasional. Don't you think it is silly that people would quit a lucrative party to join a less lucrative party to further only the ambition of a person who is not even their relative.

The fact that certain Malaysians believe such a twisted branding by Somebody on PKR is certainly intriguing.

Conclusion
The main aim of such consistent painting of false impression on PAS , DAP and PKR is part of the divide-and-rule strategy.

It is a strategy to compartmentalise voting groups into race and religion. Non-Muslims are made to be suspicious on PAS. Muslims are made to be careful on DAP. Mapping Anwar as being the sole figure of PKR is an attempt to totally get both Muslims and non-Muslims to shy away from PKR.

Will the strategy work? It may work in mixed races areas if Malaysians choose to be foolish and believe in such silly rethorics.

Malaysians - Malays, Chinese and Indians should wake up and realise that their enemies are not themselves but Corruption, Mismanagement and People who Divide-and-Rule them.

Blaming race and religion will get us nowhere. Blaming Malays, Chinese, Indians, Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, Christians will get us nowhere. Ask the leadership who is in control of the information and we may get an answer.
___________________________________________________

Meanwhile, another story apart from the above is published in Malaysiakini titled : BN lambasted for racial campaign in Klang .

Excerpt: MCA’s campaign of ‘Chinese vote for Chinese’ has angered DAP’s Charles Santiago who wants the race factor to be kept out of the polls.

Election 2008 : Kelab Maya Barisan Rakyat

The Big Day of Election 2008 is 1 week away. I was reading updates from Malaysiakini and Malaysia Today. I noticed an important comment on the Malaysia Today Trapped in a pickle of their own making :
________________________________________________________________________
written by shamadz72, February 29, 2008 13:48:02
Up until today, I have managed to print and distribute around 2,500 opposition flyers. Personally, I have distribute around 700 pamphlets and the rest was distributed by other netters who have personally emailed me to help me with the distribution. I would like to personally thank mr. Rajan who has volunteered to help distributing 400 pamphlets.

Anyway, I already started to have a back ache due to the task of preparing the pamphlets and today another bad news happened. My photocopy machine a Ricoh Alfio 200 started to run out of toner. So I will just have to depend on my faithful Canon LBP2900 mono laser jet printer to do the task until I can get my photocopy toner by next week.

Nevertheless, today I got another encouraging support while distributing the flyers at Giant Puchong. One Chinese chaps call me from behind. I thought surely someone is not happy considering that I am distributing it close to Gerakan Office and he probably want to warn me from distributing what he might consider as his turf. To my surprise with one hand holding my flyers, he give me a thumbs up with another hand. It is a small gesture but this kind of good gesture from other Malaysian really give me strength to carry on. As for those who want to volunteer distributing the pamphlets, please email me shamadz72@yahoo.com.my. This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it and for those who want to download and distribute themselves, please refer to http://www.bahankempen.com .

There are tons of fact on corruption, statistic figures on crime, petrol charges and tol charges. You can always use any editing software to edit the pamphlets to suit your target readers.

Ok guys. Let us keep up our good work and together we reclaimed back this country!
________________________________________________________________________

I opened up http://www.bahankempen.com/ and saw this statement :

"Daripada Kelab Maya Barisan Rakyat: Kebenaran yang terserlah…untuk menghantar bahan kempen, sila emailkan kepada bahankempen@yahoo.com "

Go to the bottom right side of the page. There are plenty of distributable items there, either by mail or in physical printed form.

Ladies and gentleman, it seems someone has taken the initiative to do something for the nation ! Syabas, Shamadz72 ! People, please help out with something as simple as this - View them before distributing.

Malays, Chinese, Indians Unite ! Barisan Rakyat - PKR , DAP , PAS !

Meanwhile, I found myself shortlisted by MyCen News ( http://www.mycen.com.my/malaysia/election2008.html ) in the "Socio-Political Blogs / Bloggers / Commentary" category. Check it out.

Nomination Day for Teresa Kok (Seputeh) in Sri Petaling

Nomination Day was on Sunday, 24th February 2008. I was cordially invited by my friends to record and support Democratic Action Party (DAP). DAP is part of the Barisan Rakyat group comprising a few political parties that endorsed the People's Declaration to serve the country and all its people.

The documents on the People's Declaration can be viewed here. Haris Ibrahim and the People's Parliament are behind this meaningful initiative:

1) The People's Voice and The People's Declaration (online version)
2) The People’s Voice (PDF version )
3) The People’s Declaration (PDF version)
4) Piagam Rakyat (PDF version)
5) The People’s Declaration (Mandarin) (PDF version)

Hidup Barisan Rakyat! On 23rd February 2008 (a day before normination), representatives from various political parties (PKR, DAP, PAS etc.) had agreed and accepted the document in the Blog House, Damansara. Malaysiakini made a video recording on the historical event as well.

These are the pictures taken from Bandar Baru Sri Petaling .....



People started to gather around 7 a.m. Flags, caps and banners were distributed to everyone.


Teresa Kok's banner. People were making sure everything is ready before moving. "Jom, Ubah!" is the slogan on the banner.


The leading car started to move. As you can see everyone was enjoying themselves. The crowd threaded the car.


The crowd walked towards the nomination center. Flags were raise and cars on the road honked in support while supporters exclaimed slogans on "Change!" and "Support DAP!".


The "cheerleader" of the day. He looked experienced.


The entourage reached the nomination Sri Petaling Community Hall which functioned temporarily as the nomination center. The 2 aunties were holding DAP's emblem for Election 2008. Nomination time started at 8.00 a.m.


Teresa Kok's representative for submission of nomination. She was being interviewed by the mainstream media. There was another man meeting the officer with this lady in turquoise shirt. He moved ahead already.


Supporters waited for the procedures to complete. Objection period was from 10.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m.


View from the other side. MCA is fielding its lady candidate, Carol Chew Chee Lin, 27.


The job was completed. The representatives returned. Now everything is set for the Big Day 8th March 2008. It is Woman vs Woman on International Women's Day ! I hope the ladies will ask Pak Lah why the election was arranged to coincide with the International Women's Day.


DAP T-shirt on Loving and Saving Malaysia.


The DAP emblem and motto for Election 2008.


Event Published in Malay Mail
Malay Mail reported Teresa and Carol run for Seputeh . According to the Malay Mail: “She (Teresa Kok) doesn’t care about the people in Seputeh. She’s not even here today,” remarked several supporters of the BN at the centre.

Now, why wasn't Teresa in Seputeh. That was because she had to present herself in Kinrara for the State Seat candidate nomination.

Teresa's performance in the Parliament was brilliant. She voiced out on many matters for the community such as the nude squat issue, the highway in Sri Petaling affecting the nearby houses, the muhibbah road signboard issue, land issues, etc. etc. There were aunties who told me she sometimes would visit markets in the morning, speak with the people and ask them if there are any community issues that need to be solved.

She did all that even though her schedule was packed. Alfred Ho, the Visually-Impaired but Famous Singer oficially joined Democratic Action Party because Teresa was the only one who took the initiative to meet him.

The Seputeh community would understand that the time and date of the nomination runs in parallel all over Malaysia. It does not matter if she is "here" for the nomination. The most important thing is, she is always "here" in the Seputeh area when the people needed her as exemplified by my writings above. The contributions are always more important.

Will MCA be "there" for the community when the keris is waved with sensitive remarks spoken? Wasn't MCA the one who said it was acceptable by the Malaysian community? The least of all PKR, DAP and even PAS were "there" to discourage it.

I call for people of Seputeh to give Teresa your votes based on her good performance in the constituency. I call for people of Kinrara to give a chance to Gobind Singh (DAP , Parliamentary - Puchong) and Teresa (DAP, State - Kinrara).

Cikgu Ahmad (PAS candidate, Seri Serdang) paid a visit to Gobind and Teresa during nomination. Best wishes to Cikgu Ahmad as well.

People, please vote for Barisan Rakyat in Election 2008 ( PKR , DAP , PAS ) . There will not be any three-cornered fights. There will only be an opposition against a BN candidate at each seat.

Volunteers : Polling / Counting Agent Needed

I found the mail below in my mailbox, please help to spread this around for DAP. In the meantime, please read http://www.jelas.info , http://www.bettermalaysia.com to help PKR. Not sure whether PAS needs anything. Just check out their page http://www.parti-pas.org or Malaysiakini for any updates.

The mail from DAP seeking volunteers :
_____________________________________
Dear friends,

It's Election Time again, and on behalf of the Opposition, I would like to enquire if you would like to volunteer as a polling/counting agent.

Do let me know if you're not based in KL/PJ, cos we also need help in other parts of the country.

Do help me to fwd this to your network of friends/relatives if you think they'll be keen to lend a hand. Please email me privately if you're keen ( medster@gmail.com ). Cheers.

Med - medster@gmail.com (DAP)
_____________________________________

Read on to find out basically what polling and counting agents do on Election Day...

If any of you feel proactive enough and want to help out actively on Election Day, why not consider being a polling agent (PA) or counting agent (CA)?

A polling agent is someone who sits in a polling stream (the classroom where the voting takes place) and observes the voting process. Each school may have a different number of polling streams (saluran mengundi) depending on the number of voters in that area. Each polling stream caters to a specific age group.

A counting agent is someone who observes the counting of the votes after polling closes at 5pm.

You don't have to be a member of a political party to become a PA or a CA. You just have to be Malaysian and above 21 to register as a PA or a CA, and registration is done through the political parties.

A PA is armed with a copy of the electoral roll for that particular classroom, pencil/pen and a ruler. The PA basically observes the voter as he/she enters the room. The election officer will read out the voter's name, IC number and his/her number on the electoral roll. The PA will cross out the voter's name on the electoral roll to ensure that we know exactly how many people voted in that classroom.

A PA must be alert and take note if there are any irregularities, eg. the voter is female but the IC number denotes the voter is male, the voter is much much older or younger than the IC indicates, the voter is Indian but has a Chinese name, etc. The PA has a right to object and raise questions.

After 5pm, the same PA may actually have to stay on as the CA as well. This is because the opposition parties usually have manpower and resources problems. PAs and CAs for BN operate on short shifts (say 2-4 hours) and get paid for it. This is why they are never short of helpers.

Because we can't afford to pay, opposition PAs and CAs start at 7:30am and stay in the classroom till 5pm, and sometimes stay on as the CA too. If that is the case, lunch will be provided by party volunteers. Opposition party PAs and CAs are not paid an allowance.

If there are enough volunteer PAs, then the opposition parties too can organise two shifts (say 7:30am - 12noon and 12noon - 5pm). Then it would not be too taxing for volunteers.

At 5pm, when polling ends, the CA takes over and observes the counting process. It takes place in the same classroom. The boxes are emptied onto the desk, and the officer will hold up the ballot papers one by one and declare "BN" or "PAS" or "DAP" or "PKR" or "Independent", etc. The officer will then put the ballot paper into the correct party box until all the votes are counted.

Once the votes are counted in your classroom, the box is sealed and the number of votes that went to the respective candidates are confirmed and you all sign off on the agreed results.

Once that's done, you will already know whether your candidate has won in that particular school. All the CAs in the polling stream then send the results by SMS to their election operations centre, so that the centre can tally the votes from all the schools in that area and get an early result on how their party did (unless there are postal votes in that area).

As PAs also will be casting their votes on that same day, the parties generally place the PA in the same school (and if possible, the same classroom) where he/she will be voting, for convenience. However, we can't always guarantee that.

The DAP will be conducting polling agent training sessions at various locations in PJ on a regular basis. If those dates/times are inconvenient for you, we can also arrange to do the training for small groups (say 10-15) at a location and date convenient to you and your friends.

And if you would like to volunteer but don't want to be a PA or CA, do contact me too, cos there's stuff to do during campaign period, such as manning the computers when members of the public drop by to check their status, helping with logistics for ceramahs, distributing information leaflets, etc.

On Election Day, there may be lunchtime food to be delivered to PAs, transport-less voters may need rides to their polling station, etc. There's plenty to do, it's an interesting life experience, you're doing something proactive, and we need all the help we can get!

Please email me ( Med - medster@gmail.com (DAP) ) privately if you're keen to lend a hand.

Thank you.

Po Kuan's Batu Gajah Comeback

Najib's "Extremely Capable MP" Fong Po Kuan (of DAP) is back to defend Batu Gajah.

From New Straits Times :
"Now, an extremely capable MP (Fong) from the party is forced to take drastic action to show her disapproval."

From Bernama :
He said the refusal of a capable member of parliament such as Fong Po Kuan to contest in the election showed that there was a serious internal conflict within the party.

"What transpires shows that within the DAP, especially in Perak, there is a serious internal conflict to the extent that a capable member of parliament is frustrated and is not willing to contest," he said when asked to comment on Fong's announcement yesterday that she would not defend her seat in the coming general election.

Hopefully, the leadership of DAP has solved the issue. Lim Kit Siang, its leader reported Po Kuan returns! in his blog. It seems a Press Conference will be held at 2 p.m. in Ipoh.

Malaysiakini reported Po Kuan to defend Batu Gajah on the reversal of decision. I am not sure whether Po Kuan is touched by the words of Najib. However, I do think the repeated calls and support from the public could play a part.

I hope Najib, our Deputy Prime Minister of BN is happy that Po Kuan of DAP is back into fold if he thinks she is capable. Try to ask when you meet him. Sheesh.. Hehehe..

PJ Utara : Chew Mei Fun's "Blurt" and Tony Pua's "Flyer"

Chew Mei Fun's "Blurt"
I had previously written two blog entries about a recent incident of "Lesson 1969":
1) Najib's "Kg. Baru" After Chew Mei Fun's "Lesson 1969"
2) Lesson 1969, Voting and Chew Mei Fun ?

In the entries above, I have quoted Lulu , the mainstream blogger regarding her translations on Chew Mei Fun, the current Wanita MCA member and Member of Parliament of PJ Utara 's infamous "blurt" :

"If we do not have enough representation in the Barisan Nasional, then to the Chinese community, the lesson of 1969 is sufficient. I think we cannot afford another such scenario.”

It seems that it was mentioned by Lulu and another Wanita MCA member through a mail addressed to me, China Press misquoted Chew Mei Fun by originally publishing her "lesson in 1969" as "May 13". In fact, China Press had apologised for the blunder.

Which brings us all to one question : What is the most significant event in 1969 if it is not May 13? I would like to direct this question towards our PJ Utara lady, Miss Chew : If you were not referring to the May 13 lesson, then which "lesson" were you talking about? Otherwise, can I, in my personal opinion conclude that you have problems communicating with the public?

"Misunderstanding" seems to be a favourite word used by many politicians on the public when similar incidents occur. Luckily, Miss Chew had yet to say that. In order to avoid such issues, Miss Chew must clarify exactly what she meant on "Lesson 1969". That is the job of a Member of Parliament, functioning as a citizens' representative. Explanation is necessary especially when the "misunderstanding" causes a big resentment from the people who voted for you to speak for them. I believe when people resent, that would mean you are not exactly speaking for them. Miss Chew, please do your job. It is not good to lose votes for the "lesson 1969" remarks. Everybody is waiting and the votes are counting, please do not hesitate. It's been days.

Tony Pua's "Flyer"
Today, I found a new comment in my previous entry by someone nicknamed "PJ Utara Resident".

PJ Utara Resident said...
Muhibbah is a personal side but politics is a different animal. So it is best to keep it apart.

Many attacked Chew Mei Fun, why is there no one attacking Tony Pua. He was found to distribute materials only to non Malay houses.

The material is intended to raise racial disharmony in the community. The issues he raised are those that are going through and have gone through the court process. He is challenging the court decision and disrupting it;s process. That is a contempt of court.

Sagadoola, Mob1900 and Zorro, how? Whats your answer?

As I see, right and wrong must have its basis and rationale. Just coz you'll favour him, you are not blinded by the danger his act could cause and the offensive nature of his act.
Friday, February 08, 2008 5:12:00 PM

The blogger Big Dog, who is a pro-UMNO supporter had published the flyer and the article in his post Police report made against Tony Pua .

In order to highlight the NEUTRALITY of this blog, I would like to bring to attention two paragraphs from the flyer" :

1) We have been following the silent creeping in of Islamisation which are affecting the lives of non-Muslims.

2) The Federal Constitution guarantees the freedom of religion. The DAP hopes that we will join hands to defend the Federal Constitution. We strongly believe that a secular state is the best form of government to protect the interests of all religions, including Islam in a multi-racial and multi-religious country like Malaysia.

I would like to state that I do not quite prefer the tone used in sentence 1 although there is nothing logically wrong in it. It is indeed true that the Islamisation process is somehow affecting the lives of Non-Muslims. Islam is the religion of Muslims and should only affect the lives of Muslims. It should not affect the lives of non-Muslims as our Federal Constitution promises the freedom of religion in a secular state of which Islam is the official religion as highlighted in sentence 2. Nothing seditious or inappropriate with that.

I find that it would best that Tony had provided an additional paragraph to clarify that "Islamisation should only affect Muslims and non-Muslims, therefore 'so on and so forth' incidents should be avoided. "

" 'so on and so forth' party would ensure the interests of all would be protected" (already mentioned in sentence 2).

The combination would be perfect. It would be good if Tony can make extra clarification in his blog. I would recommend that such flyers to be distributed to people of all races and religions. Therefore, I would like to pose a challenge to this "PJ Utara resident", which part or sentence in Tony Pua's flyer is causing racial disharmony. Tell me point by point and I may publish them because I can't find any.

Whether Tony Pua is in contempt of court or not, I would like to say that I do not find that he has done any of that. Just because the cases are in court, that does not mean one cannot speak, opine or comment about them. Besides, I leave it for the court to decide as I am not a judge.

So, "PJ Utara resident" , I am now giving you a chance to provide your opinion. I would like to write something not in favour of Tony Pua but one cannot criticise another person of something that the person hasn't done. As you said earlier, right and wrong must have its basis and rationale. I need your help. Time for you to prove it.

The Difference Between the Flyer and the Blurt
The least of all, one can understand the meaning Tony Pua was trying to relate. I take it that this Chew Mei Fun is not talking about "May 13" because China Press was told to readjust the phrase to "lesson 1969".

Again, I would like to remind that May 13 1969 is a significant date in Malaysia of racial clashes. The Malaysian chinese and malay casualties were many. Is that because, at that pont of time, the people did not vote for this so-called "chinese representation" party? What is this "lesson 1969" that Chew Mei Fun was talking about that is not significant for everyone to recall? Miss Chew, please tell us if it is not "May 13", then what is it? Please answer all the questions posted.

It would be great if Miss Chew Mei Fun can write a letter of explanation and get it published in Malaysiakini .

Alfred Ho, the Famous Blind Singer Joined DAP !

Alfred Ho, the Visually-Impaired but Famous Singer had oficially joined Democratic Action Party (DAP) at a Press Conference in DAP Seputeh office on 14th October 2007, 11.00 a.m.
Biodata: http://alfredhosinger.blogspot.com/2007/08/biodata.html
Blog: http://alfredhosinger.blogspot.com/

Updated on 16 Feb 2008, 3.59 p.m.
Alfred had informed me that he will be using the new address http://alfredhomusic.blogspot.com/ because of some complications with his old blog. Please visit for updates on his views and details on upcoming performances.

The event was coordinated by MP-in-residence Seputeh Teresa Kok . MP Bukit Bintang Fong Kui Lun and MP Cheras Tan Kok Wai were present to welcome Mr. Alfred Ho into DAP.

Ms. Teresa Kok started the ball rolling by thanking those who came, announced Mr. Alfred's joining and passed the microphone to him to state his causes.

Alfred Ho's words
A visually-impaired person does not necessarily mean one is less concerned about the politics and society of his homeland, Malaysia. Mr. Alfred Ho (thereupon referred to as Alfred) is an avid and seasoned reader of political affairs particularly through the internet, traversing through multiple blogs and famous news sites such as The Star, Malaysia Today and Malaysiakini ( http://www.malaysiakini.com/ ).

It seems that Ms. Teresa came to know him because he lives in her constituency. Having some problems with his daily life due to some purported discrimination because of his disability, he seek for her help by sending e-mails with related content.

Previously, Alfred stated that he had tried to approach various governmental organisations and parties for assistance but was not able to get the help that he wanted. Only Ms. Teresa took the initiative to meet with him and approach in a positive manner. This is what prompted Alfred to commit himself to DAP to further his causes.

Besides that, Alfred had also alleged that he is also being discriminated for his political standing, as can be seen from the published letters in his blog.

On matters of national interest, he mentioned his opinion that the Angkasawan project is a waste of public funds that could be better used to serve the poor citizens. Alfred is deeply concerned with the current state of corruption in the nation.

It seems that Malaysians are not concerned enough because "they still have money to spend" but judging by the current state of corruption, he calls for all to react before "it is too late". He strives for equality for all, regardless of race and religion. He reiterated that there should be no discrimination even to those disabled.

Earlier, before he started his announcement he stated the sentence "If a blind man can be so concerned until he had to join politics, then something must be very wrong with the country !"

How does a Visually-Impaired person use the computer ?
Alfred uses a Speech Recognition software. It is an incredible tool that allows them to navigate softwares effectively. Words displayed on websites can be translated and transmitted as audio. As for using the keyboard, Alfred was trained in typing. Being quite a fast typist, writing e-mails or commenting in forums is not a problem for him.

MPs' Words
After Mr. Fong Kui Lun welcomed Alfred into the party, Tan Kok Wai urged the nation to use voting as a way to improve the situation in Malaysia. As someone used to say "These days corruption is no longer under the table, it is on the table".

The MP mentioned about Singapore Minister Mentor, Lee Kuan Yew's statement on the potential that Singapore may rejoin Malaysia if equality is practised. He seconded it and re-emphasised the concept with education.

The three MPs then took out a newspaper article published in Chinese. It was displayed the promises of the current Prime Minister, Abdullah Ahmad Badawi should the citizens vote for him. In 2004, Abdullah received landslide victory. A number of his promises are unfulfilled it seems.

This year is the 50th year of Malaysian Independence. MP Tan Kok Wai said the citizens in general has no confidence in the current governance. DAP stands against the abuse of power and corruption.

The press conference ended with a Q & A session and Alfred passing his participation form to the DAP MPs. Alfred sang several songs from his music albums to entertain the crowd of press, friends and fans.








P.S. : Sagaladoola is not a member of DAP but decides to do justice to any parties or individuals that may be disadvantaged by the shocking Printing, Presses and Publications Act . MP Teresa Kok wrote a blog entry on this event as well .