HENTIKAN PERANG! Pelancaran Album

Pelancaran tersebut akan dibuat seperti berikut:

Tarikh: 30hb Ogos, 2007 (Khamis)

Masa: 8.30pm sehingga lewat malam

Tempat: Anjung Bising (Verandah), The Annexe, Central Market.

Selain daripada Black, artis-artis lain yang akan turut melancarkan album mereka ialah Nik dengan albumnya, “Bin Jidan - Garisan Abstrak”, dan Meor dengan album “Meor’s Yang Terlintas Di Fikiran”.



Acara-acara lain termasuk bacaan sajak dan puisi daripada artis pelbagai latarbelakang.




Sedikit maklumat mengenai album Hentikan Perang

Lagu-lagu dalam album ini ialah:

1) Gadis Rumah Merah

2) Hentikan Perang Sekarang

3) Burhanuddin Al Helmy

4) Siren Bomba

5) Menunggu Bayang-bayangmu

Kepada sesiapa yang berminat, sila email ke amin.iskandar@gmail.com.

Harga: RM 15 (Semenanjung Malaysia) dan RM 18 (Sabah dan Sarawak)


Tentang Black


Aku sebenarnya tak berapa boleh bekerja dengan Black. Baginya semuanya salah; perundangan , sistem pentadbiran dan segala-galanya.

Ketika aku ber Hari Raya di Korea Selatan bersama beliau, banyak kita berborak dan merancang perkara-perkara yang boleh dijalankan sekembalinya beleiau nanti.

Gambar di kanan menunjukkan ketika kami dijemput sebagai tetamu terhormat dalam satu konsert Hak Asasi Manusia di Gwangju, Korea Selatan.

Salah satunya ialah menghasilkan album ini. Aku juga komited dalam menjadi pengurus (tak berbayar) bagi menguruskan perjalanan persembahannya.

Anonymous merepek ... permalink ... 8/30/2007 02:55:00 am ... 1 blast off

 

 

Anak Bangsa Malaysia!

Pada 25 Ogos lepas, aku meluangkan masa dalam satu perjumpaan bersama blogger-blogger di satu tempat yang dirasmikan sebagai ‘Rumah Blogger’ di ibukota.

Acara tersebut dipanggil 'Bangsa Malaysia Merdeka Get-together' dan bertemakan 'Bangsa Malaysia : The Way Forward'

Ramai rakan-rakan blogger yang hadir. Di antaranya ialah Jeff Ooi, Bernard Khoo, Amin Iskandar dan lain-lain lagi.

Rakan-rakan lain yang hadir ialah Jonson, Medeline, dan rakan-rakan lain yang tak tersebut dalam blog ini.

Amin a.k.a Black juga menyampaikan beberapa lagu untuk hiburan para hadirin.

Mereka membincangkan semangat kemerdekaan yang diperkenalkan oleh Tunku Abdul Rahman 50 tahun dahulu.

Aku berpeluang untuk membaca teks-teks yang berkaitan dengan kemerdekaan. Di antaranya:

1. Kenyataan media Tunku pada 20 Februari 1956.
2. Kenyataan Tunku sewaktu beliau dan rombongannya sebelum berlepas ke London pada 2 Mei 1957 bagi merunding mengenai kemerdekaan Tanah Melayu.
3. Teks ucapan Tunku sebaik sahaja beliau dan rombongannya kembali dari rundingan pada 3 Jun 1957.
4. Teks Tunku yang menyebut tentang Kemerdekaan Malaysia pada 16 September 1963.


Aku berminat untuk mengkaji Permasyuran Kemerdekaan yang dibaca oleh Tunku pada 31 Ogos 1957. Anda juga boleh saksikan klip video ketika permasyuran ini dibaca.

Berikut ialah teksnya:

PEMASYURAN KEMERDEKAAN

Dengan nama Allah yang Maha Pemurah lagi Mengasihani, segala puji bagi Allah yang Maha Berkuasa dan selawat dan salam ke atas sekalian RasulNya.

Bahawasanya kerana telah tibalah masanya bagi umat Persekutuan Tanah Melayu ini mencapai suatu bangsa yang merdeka lagi berdaulat sama setimpal kedudukannya dengan segala bangsa seluruh dunia.

Dan bahawasanya kerana dengan perjanjian yang disebut namanya Perjanjian Tanah Melayu tahun 1957 yang diperbuat antara Duli Yang Maha Mulia Baginda Queen dengan Duli-duli Yang Maha Mulia Raja-raja Melayu, maka, telah dipersetujui bahawa Negeri-negeri Melayu, iaitu Johor, Pahang, Negeri Sembilan, Selangor, Kedah, Perlis, Kelantan, Terengganu dan Perak serta negeri yang dahulunya dinamakan Negeri Selat, iaitu Melaka dan Pulau Pinang mulai 31 hari bulan Ogos tahun 1957, hendaklah menjadi sebuah Persekutuan baharu bagi negeri-negeri yang bernama Persekutuan Tanah Melayu.

Dan bahawasanya kerana telah bersetuju pula antara kedua-dua pihak dalam perjanjian tersebut, iaitu Melaka dan Pulau Pinang hendaklah daripada tarikh tersebut itu tamat daripada menjadi sebahagian daripada jajahan takluk Baginda Queen, dan Duli Yang Maha Mulia Baginda Queen tidak lagi berhak menjalankan apa=apa kedaulatan baginda ke atas kedua-dua buah negeri yang tersebut itu.

Dan bahawasanya kerana telah bersetuju pula antara kedua-dua pihak yang tersebut, iaitu Perjanjian Persekutuan Tanah Melayu tahun 1948, dan segala perjanjian yang lain ada sekarang antara Duii Yang Maha Mulia Baginda Queen dengan Duli-duli Yang Maha Mulia Raja-raja ataupun salah seorang daripada baginda itu sebelum tarikh yang tersebut hendaklah dibatalkan mulai daripada tarikh itu, dan semua kuat kuasa dan hak Duli Yang Maha Mulia Baginda Queen ataupun Parlimen Negeri United Kingdom dalam Negeri-negeri Selat ataupun Persekutuan Tanah Melayu seluruhannya adalah tamat dengan sendirinya.

Dan bahawasanya kerana Duli Yang Maha Mulia Baginda Queen, Duli-duli Yang Maha Mulia Raja-raja Melayu, Parlimen Neegeri United Kingdom dan Majlis-majlis Undangan Persekutuan dan Negeri-negeri Melayu telah meluluskannya, Perjanjian Persekutuan Tanah Melayu tahun 1957 itu berjalan kuat kuasanya.

Dan bahawasanya kerana suatu perlembagaan bagi kerajaan Persekutuan Tanah Melayu telah ditentukan menjadi suatu kanun yang muktamad baginya.

Dan bahawasanya kerana Perlembagaan Persekutuan yang tersebut itu, maka, ada disediakan syarat untuk menjaga keselamatan hak-hak dan keutamaan Duli-duli Yang Maha Mulia-Raja-raja serta hak-hak asasi dan kebebasan sekalian rakyat untuk memajukan Persekutuan Tanah Melayu dengan aman dan damai serta teratur sebagai sebuah kerajaan yang mempunyai Raja yang Berpelembagaan yang berdasarkan demokrasi cara Parlimen.

Dan bahawasanya kerana Perlembagaan Persekuutan yang diadakan oleh Majlis Undangan Persekutuan yang tersebut itu telah diluluskan oleh suatu undang-undang yang diadakan oleh Majlis Undangan Persekutuan serta dengan undang-undang yang diadakan oleh negeri-negeri Melayu dan dengan ketetapan-ketetapan dalam Majlis Undangan Negeri Melaka dan Pulau Pinang, dengan demikian Perlembagaan itu telah berjalan kuat kuasanya pada 31 hari bulan Ogos tahun 1957.

Maka, dengan nama Allah yang Maha Pemurah lagi Maha Mengasihani, saya Tunku Abdu Rahman Putra ibni Aamarhum Sultan Abdul Hamid Halim Shah, Perdana Menteri bagi Persekutuan Tanah Melayu, dengan persetujuan dan perkenan Duli-duli Yang Maha Mulia Raja-raja Negeri Melayu dengan ini memasyurkan dan mengisytiharkan bagi pihak umat Persekutuan Tanah melayu bahawa mulai Tiga Puluh Satu hari bulan Ogos Tahun Seribu Sembilan Ratus Lima PUluh Tujuh, maka Persekutuan Tanah Melayu yang mengandungi Negeri Johor, Pahang, Negeri Sembilan, Selangor, Kedah, Perlis, Kelantan, Terengganu, Perak, Melaka dan Pulau Pinang dengan limpah rahmat Allah subnahu wa ta’ala akan kekal menjadi sebuah Negara yang merdeka dan berdaulat serta berdasarkan kebebasan dan keadilan dan sentiasa menjaga dan mengutamakan kesejahteraan da kesentosaan rakyatnya dan mengekalkan keamanan antara segala bangsa.

Antara fakta yang penting dalam teks tersebut ialah:

• Bahawasanya kerana telah tibalah masanya bagi umat Persekutuan Tanah Melayu ini mencapai suatu bangsa yang merdeka lagi berdaulat sama setimpal kedudukannya dengan segala bangsa seluruh dunia.
o Satu bangsa yang merdeka, yakni satu Bangsa Malaysia. Kita tidak lagi perlukan satu pertubuhan yang hanya menjaga kepentingan politik sesuatu kaum. Ini akan membawa kepada pertelingkahan kaum.

• Dan bahawasanya kerana suatu perlembagaan bagi kerajaan Persekutuan Tanah Melayu telah ditentukan menjadi suatu kanun yang muktamad baginya.
o Perlembagaan Persekutuan dicabuli oleh Negara sendiri.
o Mengapa kita perlukan akta zalim lagi seperti Akta Rahsia Rasmi (1972), Akta Keselamatan Dalam negeri (1960), Akta Mesin Cetak dan Penerbitan (1984), Akta Hasutan (1948), Akta Pertubuhan (1966), Akta Universiti dan Kolej Universiti (1971), Akta Polis (1967) dan sekatan ceramah (2001)?

• …… dengan limpah rahmat Allah subnahu wa ta’ala akan kekal menjadi sebuah Negara yang merdeka dan berdaulat serta berdasarkan kebebasan dan keadilan dan sentiasa menjaga dan mengutamakan kesejahteraan da kesentosaan rakyatnya dan mengekalkan keamanan antara segala bangsa.

Adakah kita patuh kepada perjanjian itu sekarang?



Sebelum pulang, aku tandatangan di atas poster gergasi yang mengisytiharkan bahawa saya dan blog ini Bangsa Malaysia.

Anonymous merepek ... permalink ... 8/30/2007 02:05:00 am ... 1 blast off

 

 

Negaraku: Bukan Identiti Malaysia

Saya tidak pasti adakah generasi sebelum saya, generasi seangkatan dengan saya dan generasi di bawah saya mengetahui bahawa lagu kebangsaan Malaysia, Negaraku bukanlah lagu asal milik Malaysia.

Lagu Negaraku bukan lagu hasil ciptaan warga Tanah Melayu. Lagu ini adalah ciptaan penyair dan komposer Perancis yang bernama Pierre Jean Berager yang lahir pada kurun ke-19. Beliau yang menulis muzik lagu Memula Moon a.k.a Negaraku.

Kalau tak percaya, klik di sini bagi mendengar sendiri lagu asal Negaraku yang diciplak dari Memula Moon.

Namewee dan Negarakuku

Kerajaan Malaysia mengugut untuk menarik taraf kerakyatan pelajar komunikasi massa di Taiwan kerana mengubah lirik lagu kebangsaan sehingga menyentuh sensitivity agama.

Bagi saya, kerajaan tidak mempunyai hak untuk menyaman sesiapa sahaja yang menyalahgunakan Negaraku kerana pada haqnya, kerajaan Tanah Melayu pada waktu itu telah menciplak lagu Terang Bulan yang diambil dari Memula Moon.

Pihak yang sebenarnya berhak untuk menyaman Namwee dan Kerajaan Malaysia ialah manusia yang bernama Pierre Jean Berager. Saman dari kaum keluarga Jean Beranger wajib disampaikan kepada sesiapa sahaja rakyat Malaysia yang masih menganggap lagu Memula Moon ini sebagai lagu Negara-ku.


Terang Bulan

Menurut Hishamuddin Rais, rakan melepak di Bau-bau Café, Sukarno (Presiden Indonesia pada eranya, ketika Konfrontasi 1963-64) memainkan lagu Terang Bulan di Radio Republik Indonesia untuk memperlekehkan Tengku Abdul Rahman (kanan) seorang budak suruhan Inggeris yang tidak berupaya membuat lagu kebangsaan sendiri.

Sukarno berpendapat, bagaimana sebuah negara yang menggelar diri mereka – merdeka – tetapi lagu kebangsaan pun diciplak.

“Selama 50 tahun penciplakan ini telah disorok di bawah kopek United Malay National Organisations. Betapa besar pun kopek Rafidah dan kopek Shahrizat, penciplakan ini akhirnya diketahui umum. Memula Moon akhirnya tertonjol keluar apabila kopek-kopek United Malay National Organisations yang semakin mengecut,” kata Hishamuddin (Rais).

Gambar Tunku Abdul Rahman pada 31 Ogos di Stadium Merdeka

Negarakuku
Memula Moon a.k.a Terang Bulan a.k.a Negaraku a.k.a Negara Kuku kini menjadi top hit yang hampir mencecah satu juta pendengar dan puluhan ribu memberi komen. Angka-angka ini kelihatan terus melonjak.

Alasan-alasan lain Hishamuddin yang mengatakan Negara ini tidak merdeka:

BUKTI PERTAMA – Malaysia BUKAN 50 tahun. Hari Malaysia BUKAN 31 Ogos. Projek Malaysia bermula pada 16 September 1963. Sila google untuk kesahihan fakta ini. Jika TIDAK percaya sila pergi tanya Mat Sabah atau Minah Sarawak. Dua wilayah ini memasuki Malaysia pada 16 September 1963 BUKAN 31 Ogos 1957.

BUKTI KEDUA - Tuntutan MERDEKA adalah projek dan tuntutan Persatuan Kebangsaan Melayu Malaya (PKMM). Merdeka BUKAN projek United Malay National Organisations. Projek United Malay Organisations ialah – HIDUP Melayu (macamlah Tanah Melayu tak ada oksigen). (Gambar kanan ialah pasukan Malaysian Tigers diambil pada tahun 1958)

BUKTI KETIGA - Kemerdekaan dicapai tanpa tumpah darah. BOHONG. Penyokong dan anggota Parti Komunis Malaya, PKMM, Angakatan Pemuda Insaf (API), Angkatan Wanita Sedar (AWAS), Hisbul Muslimin, Malayan Democratic Union adalah di antara ribuan anak bangsa yang telah mengangkat senjata melawan penjajah British.

BUKTI KEEMPAT – Lagu Negara-ku bukan lagu hasil ciptaan warga Tanah Melayu. Lagu ini adalah ciptaan penyair dan komposer Perancis yang bernama Pierre Jean Berager yang lahir pada kurun ke-19. Beliau yang menulis muzik lagu Memula Moon a.k.a Negara-ku.

BUKTI KELIMA - Warna bendera Malaysia yang wujud hari ini tidak ada sangkut paut dengan budaya dan asas bumi ini. Bendera yang ada pada hari ini adalah ciplakkan dari bendera Amerika Syarikat. Bendera Langkasuka tamadun Melayu di Lembah Bujang ialah Merah Putih. Warna merah putih ini berkibar sebagai bendera negara Indonesia, Singapura dan dipakai oleh United Malay National Organisations sendiri.

Anonymous merepek ... permalink ... 8/29/2007 02:38:00 pm ... 0 blast off

 

 

A Moment with Kim Quek

Last 26th August, I was with Kim Quek, a well-known political writer.

He announced joining KeADILan in a simple press conference attended by some 37 supreme council members of the Party including the de-facto leader, Anwar Ibrahim.

I have read his book, "Where to Malaysia?" when it was published in 2005.

As what Anwar said in his forward note,

"What your collection of articles provides to the reader is a narrative of events just a narrative, but a counter narrative, the much needed corrective rendition to the official versioon that is full of distortion on a grand scale in a manner unpresedented in our country."

You can also view the conference here.




Media statement by Kim Quek upon joining Parti Keadilan Rakyat

When Datuk Seri Abdullah Badawi took over as Prime Minister in November 2003, he promised to carry out sweeping reforms to rid Malaysia of the excesses perpetrated during the autocratic rule of Tun Mahathir Mohamad. Pak Lah vowed to wipe out rampant corruption and restore democracy and good governance to the people.

Almost four years later, we are convinced that Pak Lah's promised reforms are mere fallacies. Corruption has worsened, crime rates have become unbearable, economy is stagnant and scandals abound reflecting failures of both political leadership and civil administration.

To make up for this failure of leadership, UMNO leaders have resorted to stirring up racial and religious issues to further divide the people, plunging the nation into unprecedented turmoil and disunity.

With our house in such disorder, under the unrelenting impact of globalization, we are already in a state of national regression.

Every Malaysian must wake up to this threat to the nation and realize that it is only through political struggles that we can save our nation from calamity.

It is for this reason that I am joining Parti Keadilan Rakyat (People’s Justice Party).

I believe KeADILan’s ideology and programs are right for this country. Its advocacy to stick steadfastly to the Constitution as the rock foundation for furthering our nation building is the correct approach to overcome the chaotic state created by UMNO's abuses and misrule.

Our Constitution is the social contract entered into by our founding fathers. By steering our nation in accordance with the egalitarian principles expounded by the Constitution, we will surely return to racial and religious harmony, and thereupon with unity of purpose, the country will once again march forward as one nation.

KeADILan has rightly decided to scrap the much abused NEP, for it has been hike-jacked by the ruling power to indulge in rampant corruption and cronyism, which is now the main scourge bedeviling the nation.

I believe that through restoring social justice and democracy to the entire population regardless of race and religion, the nation will once again find its vitality through a system of governance, cleansed of corruption and discriminations. We will then see greater excellence in education, higher productivity of our working population, return of social order, surge of investor confidence and higher economic activities.

I believe that these ideals are shared by the other opposition parties DAP and PAS, as well as by most NGOs and the civil society at large.

I have full confidence in Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim leading a concerted effort of the forces sharing these ideals to mount a meaningful challenge to the corrupt and antiquated ruling power in the coming election. I believe truth and goodness will eventually triumph over deceit and evil in this country.


Kim Quek 26 August 2007, Headquarters of People’s Justice Party, Kuala Lumpur




Km Quek’s Biorgraphy

Yong Thye Chong, better known among the public and his cohorts as Kim Quek, the famous author of Where to, Malaysia? A Future with Anwar's Reformasi or Back to Mahathirism? (Kuala Lumpur, SIRD, 2005) with a forward written by none other than Anwar Ibrahim himself, is a Malaysian political commentator, who has written extensively on the Malaysian political scene since the watershed event of the sacking of Malaysia's former Deputy Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in 1998, in the height of the Asian financial crisis.

His writings are analytical, perceptive and typically unsparing in his criticism of the rampant corruption and abuse of power that has been raging in Malaysia. Through such writings, he has brought rationality to bear on many important political and economic issues of the day.

Most notably his frequent articles have unmasked the façade orchestrated by the Barisan Nasional-controlled local media to whitewash a blundering and plundering regime. Kim Quek may therefore offer invaluable insights to those who wish to gain a more in-depth understanding of the true state of governance of Malaysia.

Political analyst James Wong said:

“Kim Quek's prolific writings had kept many Malaysians, including this blogger, sane or psychologically healthy during those years when the war-like propaganda - black, gray and white - churned out by the Umno-dominated regime and its many mouthpieces nearly succeeded in turning black white and white, black. In other words, Kim Quek has provided us with a powerful antidote to the anti-Anwar propaganda.”

Kim Quek's writings have been regularly listed in the local websites such as Malaysiakini, Malaysia Today, Bungaraya (DAP), Harakahdaily, Laman Marhaen, etc. His articles and letters have also appeared in local and foreign publications such as HARAKAH, Seruan Keadilan, Aliran, Today (Singapore newspaper), Asian Wall Street Journal, etc.

Born in Singapore 1938, Kim Quek completed his higher education in University Malaya as Bachelor of Engineering in 1965. Kim Quek is a retired Chinese Malaysian accountant in his 60s. He is also very well converse in English and Chinese.

Kim Quek was married to Kew Man Noi in 1970. The couple has four daughters and a son. They are presently staying in Johor Bahru.



NEWS REPORT FROM HARAKAH

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 26 (ES) - Political commentator Yong Thy Chong or better known as Kim Quek has joined Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) after he coming to the conclusion that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah reform promises were "mere fallacies".

"When (Abdullah) took over as Prime Minister in November 2003, he promised to carry out sweeping reforms to rid Malaysia of the excesses perpetrated during the autocratic rule of (his predecessor) ," he said.

"(Abdullah) vowed to wipe out rampant corruption and restore democracy and governance to the people," he noted.

"Almost four years later, I am convinced that (Abdullah) promised reforms are mere fallacies," he concluded.

"Corruption has worsened, crime rates have become unbearable, economy is stagnant and scandals abound reflecting failures of both political leaderships and civil administration," he noted in a statement released at today press conference here.

The press conference was also attended by PKR de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail and deputy president Syed Husin Ali.

Kim Quek believed that PKR ideology and programs are "right for this country".

"Its advocacy to stick steadfastly to the Constitution as the rock foundation for furthering our nation building is the correct approach to overcome the chaotic state created by UMNO's abuses and misrule," he said. – Saadon Aksah

Anonymous merepek ... permalink ... 8/28/2007 02:47:00 am ... 1 blast off

 

 

Meeting with the AIPA

t On my left is Mr Hartmurt Nassauer (the member of the European Parliament and the Chairman of the Delegation for Relations with The Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

Second from left is H.E. Thierry Rommel; Ambassador, Head of the European Commission Delegation to Malaysia



Today, 23^rd August 2007,my colleagues and I from BERSIH (Clean and Fair Elections) were given opportunity to meet and present the situation in the Malaysian elections.

Yesterday, we were welcome by SUHAKAM (Human Rights Commisions) at their office to discuss their programme in celebrating Human Rights Day on 9^th September with an interesting theme, “Human Rights and Elections.”

The morning meeting was a bit unstable for me with all the cramping in the train leading to Ampang Park.

The presentation was quite short as we only focus on the major undemocratic way that is happening in Malaysia with regards to elections.

The meeting was only between us and the European Union's Delegation with The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (AIPA).

2^nd Wave - Democratization

1957

• Malaya independence

• Colonies: Singapore, Sabah, Sarawak, Brunei, East Timor

• Democracies: Malaya, the Philippines

• Electoral/Closed Authoritarianism: the rest of Southeast Asia

1963

• Malaysia = Malaya + Singapore + Sabah + Sarawak

1965

• Malaysia-Singapore separation

1969-1971

• Suspension of Parliamentary Democracy in Malaysia following the 1969 ethnic riots

1970s (The dark age of authoritarianism in Southeast Asia)

• The Philippines under marshal law (1973)

• Democratization suppressed in Thailand (1976)

3^rd Wave – Democratization

• 1987 People Power in the Philippines

• 1992 Overthrow of military junta in Thailand

• 1993 Multi-party elections in Cambodia

• 1998 Democratization in Indonesia

• 1999 Independence for East Timor

What about Malaysia? What we can proud at this moment is we are better than Burma.

The draconian laws:

Police Act 1967, Seditious Act 1948, Printing Press and Publication Act 1984 (Act 301), Secrecy Act 1972 (Act 88), Communication and Multimedia Act 1998 (Act 588), Internal Security Act, Societies Act etc.

The list went on and the mat sallehs mouths were wide open.

They were given our Sham Democracy booklet where all the evidence during previous General Elections presented. Also our written report during the By-Election at Machap and Ijok.

Anonymous merepek ... permalink ... 8/23/2007 12:12:00 am ... 0 blast off

 

 

Bebas Lah Malaysia @ 50

The Annexe, Central Market presents

BEBAS LAH Malaysia @ 50

An art exhibition featuring:
Liew Kung Yu
Hishamuddin Rais
Saiful Razman
Eiffel Chong
Curator: Valentine Willie

You're invited to the Opening:
Thu 23 Aug 2007, 8pm
Refreshments are served

Exhibition Details:
Date: Thu 23 Aug - Sun 9 Sep, 2007
Time: 11am - 7pm (Sunday: 11am - 5pm)
Venue: The Annexe Gallery
2nd Floor, The Annexe, Central Market
Entry: Free
Enquiry: 03 2272 6542

Anonymous merepek ... permalink ... 8/22/2007 01:52:00 pm ... 0 blast off

 

 

Bertemu Penulis Pejuang Kiri

Pada bulan 20 Julai lalu, sewaktu aku selesai menghadiri satu forum. 'No to Police State in Blogosphere' anjuran DAP, aku makan-makan di Restoran Sri Paandi tidak jauh dari rumah. AKu tumpang team Gerak Budaya dan seorang lagi wanita bersama-sama.

Selepas aku perhatikan betul-betul, aku memberanikan diri menanyakan identitinya.

Aku tidak salah, beliau ialah Agnes Khoo, seorang penulis buku kiri yang mengkhususkan tentang perjuangan wanita. Beliau berasal dan menetap di Singapura.

Agnes berada di Malaysia untuk melihat peluang-peluang yang ada untuk menerbitkan lebih banyak kajiannya di Malaysia.

Aku sememangnya berminat sekiranya diberi peluang untuk menterjemahkan buku-buku tulisan beliau ke bahasa ibunda aku.

Life As The River Flows

Dalam salah satu bukunya, 'Life As The River Flows' (2004) pejuang-pejuang kiri wanita yang dipaparkan ialah Suria @ Atom, Lim Guan Ying, Chen Xiu Zhu, Zhu Ning, Cui Hong, Luo Lan @ Luo Yue Er, Lin Dong @ Lin Dai, Zhao Ya Yin @ Qiang Lin, Meng Yue Ying, Huang Xue Ying, Ropiah bt Mat Yatin @ Mak Chu, Siti Meriyam bt Idiris @ Atom, Xiao Hua, Feng Shu Qiong @ Xiu Ning, Guo Ren Luan @ Lin Mei dan Guan Shui Lian.

'Life As The River Flows' Sebuah buku yang menceritakan pergerakan 16 pejuang wanita dari Thailand, Malaysia dan Singapura semasa darurat telah dibukukan oleh Agnes Khoo yang bertujuan untuk menyampaikan fakta sejarah kepada generasi muda.

Buku bertajuk 'Life as the River Flows: Women in the Malayan anti-Colonial Struggle' itu menyimpang daripada kajian sejarah dahulu yang memfokuskan kepada personaliti-personaliti raja dan dinasti. Buku tersebut memberitahu mengenai pergerakan rakyat terbanyak, kehidupan seharian, yang menjadi sejarah sosial bagi rantau ini.

Buku itu juga memberi pengetahuan mengenai peranan dan penyertaan wanita dalam pergerakan-pergerakan sosial seperti kesatuan sekerja dan penyertaan mereka dalam Parti Komunis Malaya.

'Life as the River Flows' juga memberi keseimbangan dalam puak kanan dan kiri serta sejarah pejuang lelaki dan wanita.

Menurut Agnes, beliau mengambil 6 tahun dalam menyiapkan buku tersebut sehingga terpaksa berkampung di selatan Thailand selama setahun untuk berjumpa mereka dan mendapatkan maklumat mengenai perjuangan mereka dahulu.

Agnes juga percaya bukunya yang setebal 312 halaman itu akan merapatkan hubungan Malaysia-Singapura yang mana selama ini diasingkan dengan propaganda, Menurut kajian beliau, kedua-dua negara ini mempunyai sejarah awal yang sama untuk dinikmati.

Anonymous merepek ... permalink ... 8/21/2007 11:46:00 pm ... 0 blast off

 

 

WHAT IS THE MEANING OF 50 YEARS OF INDEPENDENCE IF THE STATE STILL USES THE ISA?

August 1, 2007 marks the 47th Anniversary of the enactment of the notorious Internal Security Act. The ISA of 1960 was originally enacted to succeed emergency laws aimed at combating the communist insurgency during the 1940s and 1950s, has since then been used against those who commit acts deemed to be "prejudicial to the security of Malaysia ", or threatening to the "maintenance of essential services" or "economic life". The government arbitrarily determines which acts fall into these categories and, using a loose interpretation of the legislation, has detained scores of individuals under the ISA , among which are prisoners of conscience, trade unionists, teachers, religious activist and community workers.

We are celebrating 50 years of independence but what is the meaning of it if the state still uses ISA by detaining persons without trial and without any form of judicial process?

The draconian act infringes the Federal Constitution of Malaysia and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), as listed below,

Article 5, Federal Constitution of Malaysia

* (3) Where a person is arrested he shall be informed as soon as may be of the grounds of his arrest and shall be allowed to consult and be defended by a legal practitioner of his choice. * (4) Where a person is arrested and not released he shall without unreasonable delay, and in any case within twenty-four hours (excluding the time of any necessary journey) be produced before a magistrate and shall not be further detained in custody without the magistrate's authority and

Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)
Article 9.

No one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest, detention or exile.
Article 10.

Everyone is entitled in full equality to a fair and public hearing by an independent and impartial tribunal, in the determination of his rights and obligations and of any criminal charge against him.

Article 11.

(1) Everyone charged with a penal offence has the right to be presumed innocent until proved guilty according to law in a public trial at which he has had all the guarantees necessary for his defense.

Are We Still In A State Of Emergency To Resort To Such “Emergency” Law As ISA ?

The ISA has been kept in use all this time mainly because it is a very convenient tool at the disposal of the ruling coalition. The ISA itself has served as an instrument of terror of the State and used consistently against dissidents who have defended the democratic and human rights of the Malaysian people. While we are not under any state of emergency, ISA ’s cloud still put us in under a state of siege mentality. Even if there is a state of emergency, there can be no justification for a person to be detained for extended periods of time without trial. Any wonder that such a draconian law was enacted on the year the Emergency was declared over!

Torture under ISA

All these years under the ISA , the first sixty days of solitary confinement have been more draconian than even the security laws in South Africa under Apartheid, or even in the Northern Ireland during the war against the Irish Republican Army.In February 2004, 31 ISA detainees who were alleged as terrorist of Jemaah Islamiah (JI) and held at the Kamunting detention camp, accused the police of applying 59 forms of mental and physical torture, among them round-the-clock interrogation depriving detainees of sleep, stripped naked during interrogation, forced to urinate in a bo tt le, forced to drink spi tt le of interrogators, beard shaved and burned, ordered to make tea, massage the interrogators, threat to arrest their family members, kicked and beaten up etc. In an on going civil suit of a detainee against the government, former detainee Malek Hussin told that he was stripped naked, kicked and beaten-up, forced fed dirty and stinking water and subjected to sexual abuse.

Every decade has grisly tales of torture to relate. These dark deeds by the Malaysian Special Branch are the scandalous side of "Malaysia Boleh". The biggest scandal of all is that to date, none of these torturers have been brought to justice, nor have deterrent sentences been passed on them. These cases are only tips of the iceberg. While the government denies any such acts, it remains very difficult for victims of torture to prove the acts, especially while in detention.

No Progress, More Hypocrisy

To date, more than 100 ISA detainees continue to languish in the Kamunting Detention Camp. 30 of them are serving their fifth year detention, without trial. The detainees have been accused of various allegations, including being members of militant groups Jemaah Islamiah (JI), Darul Islamiah (DI), coins counterfeiting, forging fake documents etc. None of them has been brought to the court.

On 7th September 2006 , Prime Min ister Datuk Seri Abdullah Badawi was quoted as urging the US to close Guantanamo Bay detention centre. He said that it had been shown that torture had been carried out at the facility and it was therefore “be tt er for the United States ” to close it down.

GMI has pointed out in its statement on 14 tt h September 2006 that the Kamunting Detention Camp for ISA detainees is no be tt er. Advising US to close down the Guantanamo Bay detention centre without pu tt ing things right in our own country is merely a political soap opera or “sandiwara”. The call only shows the hypocrisy of the Prime Min ister rather than the moral high ground he wishes to a tt ain.

lSA is not only unfair and unjust to the detainee, it has become one of the main root-causes of corruption, abuse of power and police brutality, which the Abdullah administration tries to address with the se tt ing up of the Royal Police Commission. The lack of transparency and accountability, the secrecy of the use of the ISA, provide a more than perfect environment for corruption, abuse of power and torture by the police, knowing fully well that they will get away scot-free with absolute impunity.

GMI is disappointed with the performance of the PM, who has shown no hesitation in continuing to invoke the ISA to arrest and detain more people under ISA.

Respect the Judiciary

Under the ISA, there is no space for the judiciary to intervene or review the decision made by the Min ister of Internal Security. The lack of judicial checks and balances has exacerbated the abuse of power by the police who can get away with impunity. It has also facilitated torture and ill-treatment of detainees. Malaysia cannot call itself a democratic country when there is such a law that permits detention without trial and gross violation of human rights.

GMI therefore calls for the following:

1. Abolish the ISA and all forms of detention without trial; charge all detainees in an open court or else release them immediately and unconditionally.

2. Conduct public inquiries and investigate all cases of torture reported; make public the reports of investigation and bring all perpetrators of torture, inhumane and degrading treatment of the ISA detainees to justice.

3. Use the present criminal laws to deal with crimes pertaining to national security. Our criminal laws which provide for a maximum of 15 days of detention are more than sufficient for investigative purposes.

4. Heed the call of SUHAKAM, the independent body which safeguards human rights in Malaysia, to review and abolish ISA . Numerous international human rights bodies have also voiced the same for many years.

5. Restore the independence of the judiciary to curb abuses of power by the police.

6. Ratify the Convention Against Torture, the International Covenants on Civil and Political Rights, and the Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.

The Struggle is moving on towards Abolishment of ISA

Through the years of hardship and tribulation, the spirit to fight against the unjust ISA remains steadfast. In 2007, GMI has made numerous a tt empts to highlight the ISA issues.On 19th January, GMI sent a memorandum and demonstrated at the SUHAKAM Headquarters. The GMI movement demands the SUHAKAM to play a more proactive role in the abolishment of ISA and pursue towards the release of those who have been detained for more than four years. In February, the campaign continued with leafleting activities in Putra World Trade Center (PWTC) during the exhibition on War Crimes. GMI distributed leaflets to the public in an effort to be tt er inform them about the draconian law.

In the following months GMI focused on exhibitions to raise public awareness. Signature campaigns on anti- ISA were also organized in several cities. More than 25,000 signatures have been obtained.

GMI remains resolute with its campaign plans and wishes to urge Malaysians who uphold justice and truth from all walks of life to support the campaigns for this anti- ISA month, some of which are as follows:

1. Send fax to the Prime Min ister’s office beginning today to express our annoyance and regrets that in this day of modern age and civilized world, Malaysia still resorts to such archaic and run down law as the ISA . The fax number is 03-888 3444.

2. Write postcards or le tt ers to the ISA detainees at Kamunting Detention Camp to inform them of our concern for their livelihoods and express our hope that they will be released soon. Address of the camp is Tempat Tahanan Perlindungan Kamunting, Batu 4, Kamunting, 34009, Taiping, Perak. Details of names and ATP numbers of the detainees can be obtained by contacted GMI’s secretariat.

3. Write postcards or le tt ers to the detainees’ families expressing our concern and prayers. Provide them with motivating and kind words for the pursuit of their husbands’ freedom and for their basic human rights. Details of names of the family members can be obtained from the GMI Secretariat. However, general le tt ers can be sent c/o GMI Secretariat at 433A, 1st Floor, Jalan 5/46, 46000 Petaling Jaya, Selangor , MALAYSIA

4. Wear anti- ISA badges and distribute leaflets on the draconian ISA


Last but not least, GMI reaffirms that we will build on the struggle, sacrifices and fighting spirit of the past such as shown by the courageous ex- ISA detainees and their families. With the support of the people, GMI will continue the struggle until the day when the abolishment of ISA comes.

Anonymous merepek ... permalink ... 8/20/2007 11:12:00 am ... 0 blast off

 

 

Hari Penentu Kg Berembang

BESOK, perbicaraan kes Kg.Berembang akan menentukan nasib penduduk yang sudah 8 bulan hidup sebagai pelarian di negara sendiri.

Pada 17,20 & 30 Nov 06 dan 5,6,& 7 Mac 2007 Pemaju PNSB dan Perspektif masa Sdn.Bhd dengan bantuan jentera-jentera kerajaan negeri telah merobohkan semua rumah secara
haram dan kejam dan mengusir penduduk keluar dari tapak perkampungan asal sebelum mahkamah mendengar kes.

Apakah Pemaju PNSB dan perspektif masa akan dapat Order 89 dan interim injunksi? Apakah sistem perundangan negara kita akan membela penduduk yang tertindas ini? Apakah perbicaraan besok dapat menjawab kedua-dua soalan ini?

Aku berada sewaktu MPAJ, pihak pemaju dan polis merobohkan surau.

Boss lama aku juga minta menemani beliau ke majlis perkahwinan salah seorang mangsa di kampung yang pada ketika itu sudah jadi padang jarak padang terkukur.

Dato Kamarul Baharin sewaktu menerima jemputan bapa penganti yang diadakan di Kg Berembang.

Cuma selepas itu, aku terpaksa berlepas ke Jerman sewaktu Tian Chua dituduh cuba untuk membunuh.

Ikutilah Perbicaraan yang akan berlangsung pada;

*Tarikh : 20/8/2007 (Isnin)*

* Tempat: Mahkamah Tinggi Shah Alam*

* Masa: 8.30 pagi*

Hadir dan berikanlah sokongan solidariti anda untuk saudara saudari Kg.Berembang.

Aku hadir pada pementasan kanak-kanak Berembang yang menceritakan kembali peristiwa perobohan rumah-rumah mereka dalam bentuk wayang kulit.

Anonymous merepek ... permalink ... 8/19/2007 03:15:00 pm ... 0 blast off

 

 

Use of Indelible Ink: Whats The Fuss?

Recently, the Election Commisions (EC) announced that voters will have to 'inked' their finger before casting their votes.

The decision was made after the Fatwa Council announced that the ink is halal.



After the first meeting the election commisioners, Putrajaya last month, Tan Sri Abdul Rashid Abdul Rahman (photo above) said that they would decide using the ink after the Fatwa Council's meeting, my boss ask,



I smiled.


About the Ink

What I understand, EC is planning to purchase the indelible ink from India.

I also learn that the this indelible ink would most probably come from this company by the name of Mysore Paints and Varnish Limited, a public sector company based in the southern Indian state of Karnatak.

Mysore Paints is the sole Indian company that manufactures indelible ink and it has been used in every Indian election for the last five decades.

They also supplied the inks for the last Afghan elections.

http://www.deccanherald.com/Content/Aug142007/foreign2007081419086.asp?section=scrollingnews

http://www.mysorepaints.in/profile.html


The Afghan Experience

On the type of indelible ink used, I would suggest that we should insist for the bottle type instead of the pen type as in the Afghan election there were cases where the election officers got confused and used normal marker pen that were meant for paper for marking voters. The bottle ink would also eliminate the possibilities of election officer touching a voter (in case of male-female sensitivity).

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/3736590.stm

They should know better! Over the lunch with the commisioners, some of them told their experiences observing other countries' election process.

As for procedure, please check on the links provided below.

It's mainly in reference to the Indian system. There are also some other recommendations that insist that the inking happens at the point after verification of name and before issuance of the ballot paper (witnessed by by the polling agents - PACA) and another round of check after the person voted for double check and re-marking if the ink looks faded or tempered (again witnessed by PACA).

http://sec.delhigovt.nic.in/home/pofficer/chptr5.asp

http://archive.eci.gov.in/handbook/presiding-officers/ch5/ch5_2.htm

http://www.apsec.gov.in:8080/apsec/circulars/GP%202006/845-%20applying%20of%20indelible%20ink%20on%20the%20electors%20finger.pdf




The Philippines Experience

On refusal to apply the indelible ink. The Philippines experience might be a good guide.

If the voter refuses to have his fingernail stained with indelible ink, he shall be informed that such refusal will render his ballot spoiled. If the voter still refuses despite being in-formed thereof, the Chairman shall, without unfolding the ballot and without removing the detachable coupon thereof, distinctly mark the ballot with the word "spoiled", and thereafter sign the same at the back thereof and immediately place said ballot in the compartment of the ballot box for spoiled ballots. The voter shall then be requested to depart.

Such fact shall be indicated in the Minutes of Voting and Counting of Votes.


The Egyptian Experience

It is also interesting to take note the Egyptian experience on the supply of indelible ink.

In Egypt all supplies of indelible ink used to prevent multiple voting should be tested in advance by judges at each polling station to ensure the consistent quality of such ink. Maybe here we can suggest for the Wakil
calon and independent observer to follow through this process.


One Day Run OK, Mr SPR?

The EC should conduct a one day test run inviting the public, political parties and media to participate in a mock election so that the public will be familiar with this new procedure and for political parties to make the necessary preperations.

Anonymous merepek ... permalink ... 8/18/2007 02:54:00 am ... 0 blast off

 

 

THE ANNEXE: Visualised Short Short Story

Anonymous merepek ... permalink ... 8/16/2007 12:31:00 pm ... 0 blast off

 

 

THE MERDEKA CELEBRATION: Diary

Dialogue Hidup tanahair ku!

You are all invited to the above Dialogue (details below) to be held in Petaling Jaya. It will be great if you could publicise the event at your respective blogs as well as other web (and offline) channels. Also, please feel free to forward it to your friends. We look forward to your participation at the event, particularly with the line up of eminent speakers.

50 years ago, we were promised democracy. We were promised justice. We were promised equality. We were promised to be treated with human dignity. We were promised freedom.

In 1963, we became Malaysians and the notion of a Bangsa Malaysia was born. This was given form and substance by former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad in his
Vision 2020 that set out 9 challenges for Malaysians to achieve a developed country.

No mention is made of Bangsa Malaysia by the Abdullah Administraton. Is the concept of Bangsa Malaysia still important or relevant in the light of failed promises in our original
social contract?

The DAP is holding a Dialogue in conjuction with the 50th Merdeka Anniversary celebrations this coming weekend.

Date: 19 August 2007 (Sunday)
Time: 2.00pm
Venue: Crystal Crown Hotel, Petaling Jaya

The panel of distinguished speakers include:
- Y Bhg Tunku Abdul Aziz, former President, Transparency International Malaysia
- Datuk Param Cumuraswamy, former Special Rapporteur on the Independence of Judges and Lawyers, United Nations
- Mr Yeo Yang Poh, former Malaysian Bar Council Chairman
- YB Lim Kit Siang, Parliamentary Opposition Leader

Following the session, a dialogue will be conducted with the participants hosted
by another distinguished panel (subject to change):
- M Manogaran, President, Malaysian Tamil Education & Research Foundation
- Haris Ibrahim, Human Rights Lawyer ( harismibrahim.wordpress.com)
- Jeff Ooi, Prominent Malaysian Blogger ( www.jeffooi.com)
- Dr Oh Ei-Sun, East Malaysian Socio-Political Analyst

To ensure sufficient seats allocation, please register in advance with Lim Swee Kuan (03) 79578022 or via email at limsweekuan(at)gmail.com.

At the same time, the Party will take note of the views and opinions of the participants in formulating our vision for Malaysia, more pertinently, in preparation for the upcoming general elections. ;)


Bangsa Malaysia Merdeka Get-together
'Bangsa Malaysia : The Way Forward'

Date : 25th August, 2007
Time : 5.30pm (Forum) 8.30pm (Get-together)
Venue : Blog House ( home of Malaysian All Blogs )
No.66, Lorong Setiabistari, Damansara Heights, KL.

Confirmed speakers for the forum are :
1 ) Dato Zaid Ibrahim
2 ) Zorro Unmasked (Bernard Khoo)
3 ) Jayanath Appudurai
4 ) Rocky's Bru (Ahirudin Attan)
5 ) Malik Imtiaz Sarwar
6 ) Azmi Sharom

The 8.30pm Get-Together event can only accommodate 200 people due to space constraints, and attendance is by invitation. There will be no charge, however, light refreshments will be served.

For details, go to http://harismibrahim.wordpress.com to register for a invite.


Forum: INDEPENDENCE DURING EMERGENCY

29 August 2007

8 pm - 11 pm

Selangor Chinese Assemble Hall,

Jalan Maharajalela, Kuala Lumpur.

History is often be written from the eyes of the victors. Interestingly
enough the independence of Malaya on 31 August was declared when the country
was still under the state of emergency. This emergency was withdrawn on 31
July 1960 and the Internal Security Act (ISA) was put in place the
following day.

Why is that the independence of 1957 was declared during the period of
emergency? What was the actual situation of the country at that point in
time? So what really happened before the independence? Who was the leaders
or leading patriots who fought for independence who were eventually
sidelined and what was the nature of the peoples' movement that existed
during that time.

Now we are celebrating the 50th year of independence. What does this
independence mean. These are the issues that will be highlighted and be
presented by well known speakers in the forum.

Chaired by :

Dr. Rohana Ariffin- Researcher & Social Activist

Ahli Panel

Said Zahari -

Former Editor of Utusan dan Leader of Partai Rakyat Singapura

Chen Jian -

Independent Researcher of the Malaysian Left Movement

Fahmi Reza-

Director of Documentary - 10 years before Merdeka

S.Arutchelvan

Secretary General , Parti Sosialis Malaysia

Organised by :

Parti Sosialis Malaysia.

Tel: 03-22747791 , 019-2537791. email - psmhq@tm.net. my


50th Merdeka Anniversary Nation-Building Dialogue
50 Years in History: 1957 - 2007
–

Date: August 30, 2007 – (Thursday)
Time: 9.30am
Venue: Auditorium 7, SUNWAY University College, Bandar Sunway

Special Addresses: Experiences, Struggles and Lessons from the Past

1 ) Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamed, former Prime Minister of Malaysia
2 ) Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu, former President of MCA and Parti Gerakan

Moderator:
Dato' Dr Michael Yeoh, Chief Executive Officer, Asian Strategy & Leadership Institute (ASLI)

Question & Answer Session:
Dialogue Session on Building a United Malaysian Nation

Special Panel Discussants:
1 ) Dr Chandra Muzaffar, President, International Movement for a Just World (JUST)
2 ) Tan Sri Datuk Seri Panglima Simon Sipaun, Vice-Chairman, SUHAKAM and former Sabah State Secretary
3 ) Reverend Dr Hermen Shastri, Secretary-General, Council of Churches Malaysia.
4 ) Mr Ragunath Kesavan, Vice-President, Malaysian Bar Council
5 ) Toh Puan Uma Sambanthan, Wife of former MIC President, Tun V. T. Sambanthan

Moderator:
Dato' Dr Michael Yeoh

The event is jointly organised by Asian Strategy & Leadership Institute (ASLI) and Centre for Public Policy Studies (CPPS). Refreshments will be served.

For details, please call 03-20932820 (Jessica or Tricia).

Anonymous merepek ... permalink ... 8/16/2007 12:16:00 pm ... 0 blast off

 

 

A briefing to the Diplomats

With H.E. Thierry Rommel; Ambassador, Head of the European Commission Delegation to Malaysia

YB Teresa Kok chatting with a representative from Finland

Today, 15th August, the steering committee of BERSIH (A Coalition for a Clean and Fair Elections) and I organized a briefing on the election process in Malaysia.

We had the session at Pacific Regency Hotel Apartments at Jalan Punchak (a road leads to KL Tower). The hospitality and the service was good despite the good rates offered by the management.

The attendance was good. I shall not reveal the participants but I would say that the discussion was tremendous.

Opening Remarks

Sivarasa said ,

“Only when elections are clean and fair, can citizens be real masters of their own destiny and expect holders of public office to act accountably and effectively.”

He highlighted:
BERSIH Roundtable on Democracy & Elections – February 2007 - A Roundtable Discussion on Democracy & Elections was held on 10 February 2007 to gather feedback and encourage more organizations to come on board as endorsees of BERSIH’s campaign for electoral reform.



Machap by-election – April 2007 - In Machap (Malacca), BERSIH led by Dr. Xavier Jayakumar (PKR) lodged a police report on the eve of polling day. The report was lodged to highlight the electoral offence of ‘treating’.



Ijok by-election – April 2007 - In Ijok (Selangor), BERSIH held press conferences to highlight its campaign for electoral reform as well as the intimidation and physical attacks on the PKR candidate and his supporters.


Zone Workshops – April 2007 - Three Zone Workshops took place in Penang, Johor Baru and Kota Baru in April. Each workshop was attended by around 60 party members and NGO representatives.


EC meeting with DAP – May 2007 - The meeting marked the first time the Election Commission chairman Tan Sri Rashid mentioned the possibility of using indelible ink.

The use of transparent ballot boxes announced – June 2007 - The EC announced that 60,000 transparent ballot boxes will be used in the next General Election.

Collaboration with Youth For Change – June 2007 - BERSIH cooperated with Youth For Change, a youth advocacy group, on their Young Voters Campaign by printing their campaign leaflets for distribution
to the public.
Meeting with Election Commission – July & August 2007 - BERSIH had meetings with the Election Commission on 3 July 2007 and 7 August 2007, where BERSIH brought up a number of issues. BERSIH came away not very hopeful that the EC chairman could effect any substantial reforms.



Journalists/bloggers Workshop - A workshop was held on 15 July 2007 to familiarize journalists and socio-political bloggers with the electoral system and election processes.



BERSIH People’s Convention – July 2007 - On 20 July 2007, BERSIH held its People’s Convention at the KL-Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall. Present were PKR’s de factor leader Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, PAS president Dato’ Seri Hadi Awang, DAP Sec-Gen Lim Guan Eng and PSM chairman Dr. Nasir Hashim.





The use of indelible ink approved – August 2007 - On 9 August 2007, the Fatwa Council gave the green light for the Election Commission to implement the use of indelible ink in the next General Election.





Later Chin Huat (our resource person) presented his piece

• Situation during The 1990 General Election

1985-6 - Economic Recession
1986 - UMNO schism and its deregistration
1987 Mass Arrest of 106 socio-political leaders
1988 - Judiciary Crisis
1989 - Two opposition coalitions linked by a common member, S46

The situation during The 1999 General Election
1997 - East Asian Financial Crisis
1998 - Capital Control
1999 - Purge of Anwar
2000 - Reformasi
1999 - Barisan Alternatif (BA)

• The issue of The Electoral Roll

• Inclusion of illegal and illegitimate voters
• Exclusion of legitimate voters
• Involuntary transfer of voters

• The issue of Phantom Voters

• The denial of freedom during Campaigning

• The Administrative Neutrality

• The Media Control

• The Consequences of Electoral Authoritarianism in Malaysia

We may have another session next with with a different group ; which suggested by Torell whereby a group of parliament members from the EU will pay a visit to the country.

This time they are going to know how truly Asian is Malaysia!

Anonymous merepek ... permalink ... 8/15/2007 11:54:00 pm ... 1 blast off

 

 

Lawatan ke Utara: Satu pengalaman

Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang


Malam sebelum itu aku hanya sempat lelap selama 20 minit sahaja membuat persiapan terakhir untuk pembentangan aku hari ini.

Sewaktu aku mengambil bagasi aku, aku ternampak notis yang memberi amaran denda kepada pihak yang melakukan cetak rompak.



Aku terfikir, tak ada siapa yang akan kisah tentang cetak rompak ini kerana bapak cetak rompak ialah mereka yang di 'atas'.

Pada satu masa, aku pernah membuat laporan atas kerja cetak rompak pengisian oleh salah sebuah kolej yang aku pernah bertugas sebagai pensyarah.

Kolej tu cetak rompak semua perisian. Aku buat laporan terhadap semua cawangan-cawangannya. Tiada apa pun tindakan yang diambil terhadap kolej tersebut.

Aku dijemput oleh sorang rakan dan kami terus dibawa ke Sungai Petani.

Kami melalui jambatan Pulau Pinang.


Pantai Merdeka, Kota Kuala Muda

Kami terus dibawa ke Sg Petani kerana kami diberitahu barang-barang yang dikirim oleh pejabat kami di Bangkok tidak sampai ke resort tempat latihan diadakan.

Kami membuat keputusan untuk menyediakan emua peralatan untuk pembentangan sendiri. Banyak juga aku belanja.


Memandangkan tempatnya disebut pantai, aku betul-betul mengharapkan bahawa aku membayangkan ianya tempat perkelahan. Aku bawa pakaian mandi tetapi tidak seperti yang disangkakan. Pantainya sudah pun ditambak dan orang ramai tidak datang ke situ untuk mandi, hanya untuk menikmati udara laut.

Orang tidak lagi bermandi-manda di Pantai Merdeka, tidak seperti dahulu.



Sepanjang aku di sana, hanya terdapat ‘belangkas-belangkas’ sedang memadu asmara. Aku kira, jika aku pergi lebih dalam ke sema-semak sudah tentu aku dapat melihat belangkas yang lebih liar.

Tempat yang Usang

Aku tiba lebih kurang 4pm, 27 Julai. Aku mendarat di Bayan Lepas berbanding dengan lapangan terbang Alor Setar atas nasihat pihak penganjur. Menurut mereka, Bayan Lepas lebih dekat dari Alor Setar.

Program tersebut diatur sejak tahun lalu lagi. Terlalu banyak pindaan. Mujur kami; Jonson, Dr Busarin, Saiful Izham dan aku sendiri konstan dan kerja professional. Alhamdulillah, kami dapat teruskan.

Tempat penginapan seperti tidak terurus. Dari bilik seminar hinggalah ke bilik penginapan, semuanya dilakukan pada minit-minit terakhir sungguhpun program tersebut telah pun dinyatakan lebih awal.

Kafeterianya tidak ubah seperti kantin sekolah ataupun seperti dewan makan di asrama. Lalat beterbangan dan kucing berkeliaran untuk mendapatkan sisa makanan dari pengunjung.

Pengunjung Luar Negara

Aku lihat juga di sekeliling resort kiranya ada pengunjung-pengunjung luar Negara datang menginap di Panta Merdeka ini. Alhamdulillah, tiada. Tak tahu bagaimana sebagai rakyat Malaysia dan hos tak rasmi bagi Tahun Melawat Malaysia 2007 cuba untuk menerangkan keadaan di tempat itu.

Pengunjung yang hadir ialah hanya dari kalangan pelajar-pelajar sekolah menenganh di bawah Kementerian Sukan dan beberapa syarikat yang mengadakan kursus.

Jadi, Pantai Merdeka Resort ini bukanlah sebuah resort peranginan seperti yang aku bayangkan semasa berlepas dari KL tetapi tempat menjalankan seminar dengan bajet yang rendah.


Kulim Bandar Baru, Kedah

Bersama Zamri, aku bertolak ke Kulim utuk menghadiri Mesyuarat Agung mereka yang dibatalkan. Poyo, bosan dan menyampah.

AKu tak dibenarkan menulis lanjut tentang perjalanan mesyuarat kerana ianya tertutup. Cuma apa yang aku hendak katakan ialah aku agak terkilan dengan pemilihan yang dijalankan.



Makan malam, kita belasah nasi kandar. Aku nak tidur kat hotel tapi Buddi tak bagi dan baginya, aku akan membazirkan wang, sungguhpun semua perbelanjaan aku, aku boleh tuntut balik.

Jadi aku lepak kat rumah Buddi dan nonton 'Vacancy'; sebuah cerita seram.

Nasir, member Buddi hantar aku ke Bayan Lepas keesokan harinya.

Tak sangka, kami berdua berkongsi nasib yang sama. Cuma kesian aku tengok dia sebab dia tak dapat lawat anak dia dah beberapa tahun.

Aku akan ke Sg Petani sekali lagi pada 9hb September akan datang. Murah rezeki aku sekarang. Tak pegang jawatan tinggi tapi dapat banyak jemputan bentang kertas kerja.

Anonymous merepek ... permalink ... 8/14/2007 12:57:00 am ... 0 blast off

 

 

Bantahan Terhadap Pindaan Industrial Relations Act & Trade Union Act

"BANTAHAN TERHADAP PINDAAN DALAM AKTA PERHUBUNGAN INDUSTRI & AKTA KESATUAN SEKERJA"


http://www.Petition Online.com/ ird2007/


This petition is important that we sign in to show our protest against the ammendment of the Industrial Relations Act and the Trade Union Act in Malaysia as it will effect the Malaysian workers and trade unions.

Thus itis important to put down yr name on this petition to show that we oppose any further attempts by the government to erode the rights of workers.

Anonymous merepek ... permalink ... 8/13/2007 09:23:00 am ... 0 blast off

 

 

Selamat Tinggal Abdul Razak Ahmad (1939-2007)

Sempena Pemergian Allahyarham Abdul Razak Ahmad

Al-Fatihah

Hari ini (12 Ogos) kau agak bosan untuk pergi kerja. Kerja kerja kerja.

Tapi kerja menjadi tanggungjawab, aku terpaksa laksanakan.

Misi aku ialah ke Melaka. Sesampai sahaja aku di Alor Gajah, aku mendapat maklumat bahawa seorang pejuang idola aku, sdr Razak Ahmad meninggal dunia.


Aku bergegas ke Johor Bahru. Aku pecut 160km/sejam. Dalam perjalanan, Ginie, boss dan aku asyik berbincang mengenai sejarah perjuangan Razak Ahmad sepanjang hayatnya.

Tak sangka boss banyak mengetahui mengenai arwah. Boss pulak berulang kali menyatakan bahawa dia rasa bersalah memujuk arwah menjadi Pengerusi Perhubungan Johor sungguhpun mengetahui arwah tidak sihat.

Semasa aku bertugas sebagai wartawan di Suara PRM dulu, aku pernah berpeluang melakukan temuramah ekslusif bersama beliau. Aku diperkenalkan kepadanya oleh Pak Rusatam (Rustam A Sani).

Sebelum aku menemuramahnya, Pak Rustam memberitahu bahawa sungguhpun beliau sering tidur semasa mesyuarat JKP (Jawatankuasa Pusat PRM), di masa mudanya sungguh berani dan berlari ke sana-sini perjuangkan hak rakyat.

Sebagai peguam, isu yang sering dibawa ialah melindungi hak peneroka bandar di Johor.

Beliau juga pernah menghalang keretapi dengan berbaring di atas landasan.

Malangnya, aku tidak lagi menyimpan transkrip temuramah kami kerana komputer aku sudah dicuri orang.

Allahyarham juga, semasa menuntut di Singapura dalam jurusan undang-undang menjadi pemimpin mahasiswa dan menentang penahanan ahli-ahli politik serta mengkritik hebat dasar Lee Kuan Yew.

Beliau sehingga kini tidak dibenarkan untuk memasuki Singapura.

Tiba jam 3.20pm aku sampai di Tropical Inn di mana sedang berlangsung dialog Anwar Ibrahim dengan orang ramai.

Orang ramai mula berkerumun dengan boss tetapi kami beberapa kali memberitahu bahawa niat kami bukan untuk bersama-sama dalam program tetapi melawat jenazah.

Kami tiba di Taman Kolam Air mengikut Pak Habib (Syed Hamid Ali). Ada juga beberapa muka kaki bodek yang aku tak suka tengok berada di tempat tersebut. Aku tak berapa ambil hal kerana aku cuma mahu melawat jenazah. Tak kesampaian hajat aku kerana jenazah sudah pun dibungkus dan sedia untuk dibawa ke surau berdekatan untuk disembahyangkan.

Sakit Dada

Menurut Mazlan (pro PRM Johor), semalam lagi arwah sudah mengadu sakit dada. Pak Habib lah yang mengurut dadanya. Dia risau mengenai persiapan lawatan kerja Anwar ke Johor keesokan harinya dan membuat beberapa keputusan terakhir bagi pelancaran program Anwar.

Menurut Hassan Karim yang aku bertemu di surau Hj Mohd Amin, Pak Razak dibawa ke Hospital Tun Aminah jam 4 pagi setelah beliau mengalami kesukaran bernafas. Semasa di hospital, doktor memberitahu bahawa terdapat pendarahan di jantungnya dan beberapa blocking yang menyukarkan oksigen sampai ke kepala mengakibatkan dia pitam beberapa kali.

Arwah pengsan dan kemudiannya tidak bernafas lagi.


Setiap kali aku mengadakan lawatan ke Johor, aku sering mengambil kesempatan untuk bertanya pendapatnya mengenai beberapa perkara terutamanya 'line' poliitk yang perlu diambil dalam menjawab beberapa pencabulan hak asasi yang berlaku di negara ini.

Beliau menjawab setiap soalan dengan penuh yakin dan melalui jawapannya, kita tahu yang dia sememangnya berpengalaman.

Jumpa Kali Terakhir

Aku beritahu boss yang kali terakhir aku dapat bercakap dan berjabat tangannya ialah semasa Konvensyen Keadilan Rakyat di Anjug Rahmat pada 4hb Ogos lalu. Arwah meminta aku uruskan kain rentang program Anwar di Johor dan aku minta bawakannya risalah BERSIH untuk kempen kesedaran di negerinya.

Aku tak berpeluang cerita banyak sebab pada masa itu, aku sibuk melayan karenah anggota-anggota lain dan dia aku perhatikan sibuk membaca risalah konvokesyen tidak jauh dari aku.

Allahyarham Abdul Razak meninggal dunia pada usia 68 tahun.

Aku ucapkan takziah kepada semua ahli keluarga Abdul Razak, dan semoga Allah mencucuri rahmat ke atas rohnya.

Anonymous merepek ... permalink ... 8/13/2007 02:05:00 am ... 0 blast off