Days in Hainan Island

Rejuvenated and learned a lot over the last few days at Boao, Hainan Island. Located at China’s southern tip, this Hainan province is considered to be a most suitable place to hold all types of conferences, where information can be fully exchanged and people can also relax. Some say this island was once a Malay land. Pak Lah’s ancestors were also from this place. Information shared about the development in the last 3 years was impressive. Partly because of the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) that Hainan earned this reputation. Statistics show that the successful hosting of BFA since 2001 has won the province nearly 2,000 hosting opportunities of various conferences in the successive two years.

BFA paved the way for the conference economy in Hainan,which boosts the development of tourism. Hainan Island attracts many tourists with its sunny beaches and juicy coconuts, thanks to the conferences there occurred an rapidly increasing number of visitors. In 2003 Hainan welcomed 12 million plus tourists, making an income of 9 billion plus yuan, up about 9 percent yearly. Over the years, on average the same amount if not more were brought in until this year.

BFA could attract a large number of world famous tourism organizations and companies every year, who would bring information, technologies, funds and innovative ideas. They were all precious to the healthy development of Hainan’s tourism.

Frankly speaking, the island as a whole is no more attractive than Malaysia as a tourist attraction particularly the English-speaking foreigners. If such a place can excel in its tourism, why not our country? Corruption? Nay…a local official did told me that although the nation has developed and liberalised, the level of corruption has never reduced if not worst. I then asked about the capital punishment for such offence and was told that such will unlikely to happen against the very high ‘kuan’ (official) in the country – the higher one holds position in the government, the less likely he will be charged. Coincidentally an ex-MCA president was there too and he just smiled over the remarks.

BN Parties: ROS shouldn’t interfere

Nut Graph
By Ding Jo-Ann

KUALA LUMPUR, 25 Nov 2009: Barisan Nasional (BN) parties want the Registrar of Societies (ROS) to stay out of their internal party matters.

Representatives from the MCA, Gerakan and the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) told a forum yesterday that the ROS should just focus on its administrative role of registering societies.

“There is nothing in the Societies Act 1966 to say that the ROS can invalidate an EGM (extraordinary general assembly) or reinstate someone in a political party. The home minister himself has said that,” said Gerakan youth legal bureau chief Andy Yong.

Yong was speaking at a forum at the Bar Council organised by the Kuala Lumpur Bar Committee.

Co-panelist Datuk Leong Tang Chong said he disagreed with the ROS’s 3 Nov 2009 declaration that Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek was still the MCA deputy president, despite Chua having been suspended by the party’s central committee.

“The ROS’s first reply to Chua [in response to his request for clarification of his party position] was actually correct,” Leong said. “It said the registrar has no jurisdiction to decide on this matter. That was correct in law.”

However, the ROS subsequently turned around and declared that there was actually no vacancy in the deputy president’s post.

Leong, who was recently sacked as MCA legal bureau chief, said he told the deputy registrar that the second decision was “shocking and unbelievable” because it was not the registrar’s duty to interpret the party’s constitution.

“There is no jurisdiction for ROS to interpret our constitution, it is very clear,” Leong said.

PPP deputy secretary-general Simon Sabapathy said dragging in the ROS to resolve party disputes contravened the Societies Act and the party constitution.

“The PPP constitution says everything must be dealt with within the party. The decision of the (party) supreme council is final and conclusive,” he added.

Former PPP supreme council member Datuk T Murugiah has appealed the ROS decision that upheld Datuk M Kayveas as the rightful PPP president. Murugiah is also appealing against the ROS declaration that invalidated the May 2009 EGM, in which he was elected president.

He has given the ROS until early December to reply to his appeal, failing which he says he will seek redress in court.

Following the ROS decision on Chua, suspended Gerakan vice-president Huan Cheng Guan is also considering asking the registrar to determine his party status.

Huan was suspended in June 2009 for three years for publicly attacking the party and its leadership.

“The ROS is not supposed to adjudicate who is the president or vice-president, or what’s in the constitution [of a party]. If there’s any dispute, parties should just refer the matter to court,” forum panelist Edmund Bon, a lawyer, said.

Amend Societies Act?

Although they disagreed with the ROS’s recent interpretation of the Societies Act which governs its power, the BN panelists, however, avoided supporting amendments to the law.

When asked whether the Societies Act should be amended to temper the wide powers it confers and the problems it has caused so far, Leong said: “If the leaders of the political parties do not refer their matters to the ROS, then there’s no chance for the ROS to interfere. [In the MCA's case], the leaders themselves referred the matter to ROS. And the ROS itself should see that they shouldn’t interfere.”

Yong said there were enough case laws that set out ROS’s jurisdiction, and would not commit to supporting any amendment to the Act.

Simon said any amendments to the Societies Act would have to be discussed by the party supreme council.

“If there are real errors or significant mistakes, of course it is everyone’s duty to correct them. As of now, I don’t foresee any changes to the law,” he said.

The Societies Act grants wide discretionary powers to the ROS and home minister. Under the Act, the minister has absolute discretion to declare any society unlawful in the interests of security, public order and morality.

“Only now your parties are making a hue and cry about the ROS. Where were you when PSM (Parti Sosialis Malaysia) was fighting to be registered for over 10 years?” lawyer Syahredzan Johan asked the BN panelists from the floor.

Gerakan Matters

Recently negative and destructive comments about the party resurfaced again. I am not bothered if it is written or opined by outsiders or the fallouts but it will be discouraging if highlighted by the members within.

Strong leadership is never more crucial than in the next few years for Gerakan. Everyone in the party must understand the core mission for the purpose of the party existence. That in short is what makes Gerakan relevant. I am not talking about a mission statement that is just to hang on the wall or printed in cards but the understanding. There must be a conviction for the members and leaders to embrace it. All policies and activities must be in line with the mission, otherwise it is just another lip service.

It is important to have a vision be it one is a member for the last 20 years or 2 months in the party. Because the clearer at this juncture of uncertainty that the future of the party is mapped out, the more defined our actions and decision geared towards it. A clear goal or vision also inspires members to break new ground, everyone wants to be challenged and excel beyong status quo. Before getting to the latter of course, the party must have enough people embracing certain philosophies and styles that shape a culture anchored on values such as pursuit of progression, integrity, excellence and respect.

I like a quote recently read: “People are not the most valuable asset, but the right people are”. Although there are bad apples or dimmed lights in the party, the leaders need to find alternative roles to encourage the pursuit of progression. Party Presidents and leaders must continuously build a culture that challenges everyone to practice new approaches to doing things. This way, we do not need to worry about “greater unity plan” because the members would inevitably work together for a common objective.

In politics, it is bound to have good times and bad, but it is the perseverance and that belief system to determine whether Gerakan succeeds or fails. Being in power or position is not itself an end, it should be a means of achieving an end, which is to serve the people and the party. Satu hati !

The relevance of Gerakan

18 Nov 09
By Koh Lay Chin – Nut Graph

THE words come often, and ruthlessly so: Irrelevant. A waste of time. A joke.

These are currently used to describe Gerakan, and its members know it. Once, it claimed its place as the “Voice of Reason” within the Barisan Nasional (BN). But since the 2008 general election, the party has seen its fortunes and influence so battered, naysayers say they no longer have a voice at all.

Has Gerakan truly become irrelevant, and are these its dying days?

Fallen angels unite

Gerakan members acknowledge the sense of loss within the party and the contempt frequently hurled at it. But they maintain that calling it a dying party is unreasonable.

“You must understand the Gerakan grassroots. When they are being crushed and attacked, they become more united. Fallen angels stick together,” Dr Asharuddin Ahmad, head of Gerakan’s unity bureau, says in a phone interview.

He is not the only one using war-like quotes that seem to demonstrate that there are those in Gerakan who are not ready to bury their 41-year-old party.

Ng Yeen Seen, deputy director-general of Gerakan think-tank Sedar Institute, said party members are in the midst of “training to fight in the next competition”, referring to the next general election which must be held by 2013.

“How do you measure relevance? Is it your picture on the front page, news of you fighting within your party, issuing press statements, or is it doing your work diligently on the ground, [carrying out your] duties within your capabilities? What exactly is the benchmark in Malaysia, especially in politics?” she asks.

Ng (Courtesy of Ng Yeen Seen)Ng admits that the morale and motivation within the party is lower than before. But, she says, this is understandable, considering the party’s heavy losses in the last general election. The party went from 10 to just two parliamentary seats in 2008. More importantly, it lost its crown jewel: Penang. It thus lost its only cabinet post, although Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak threw the party a lifeline by appointing party president Tan Sri Koh Tsu Koon as minister in charge of ministerial and administrative performance.

A façade?
Former Gerakan members are not so convinced about the party’s bearing. Datuk Dominic J Puthucheary, for example, says the party has no power and influence at all. The former Member of Parliament for Nibong Tebal argues that Gerakan is only relevant because it is a party within the BN.

Puthucheary claims that the party’s multiracial stance is also just a façade. “I had thought I could change things inside, but all Indian [Malaysians] are just tokens there,” he tells The Nut Graph over the phone.

Others who have left Gerakan concur with the opinion. Former Federal Territory Gerakan assistant secretary KK Supramaniam says the party of more than 70% Chinese Malaysian membership is “obsessed” about its position in the BN in relation to the MCA.

“It seems like they are just contesting against the MCA; it was and is their only enemy until today. They have not looked at the bigger picture. I kept on asking why could we not just run our own system, and do our own thing, but in the end I finally gave up,” he says.

Former Wanita chief Datuk Rhina Bhar also cited racial bias in the leadership when she quit the party that she had been a member of for 30 years.

Asharuddin, however, dismisses racial bias being a problem, citing his own position within the party. He notes that there are other non-Chinese Malaysians currently in leadership roles, such as vice-president A Kohilan Pillay and fellow central committee member Jayanthi Devi Balaguru.

And while other former party stalwarts like Datuk Dr Tan Kee Kwong and Datuk Dr Toh Kin Woon declined to be interviewed for this piece, their views on the party they left are clear.

Tan joined Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) last year after Gerakan suspended his membership over his acceptance of a Pakatan Rakyat government appointment, which he thought unfair. Toh, who is well respected within and outside of the party, left to concentrate on his work with non-governmental organisations.

Toh resigned during the Permatang Pauh by-election after he voiced support for PKR adviser Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. His resignation served to demonstrate that there were Gerakan members who felt strongly about the party’s sense of purpose outside the BN.

Personal agenda?

Indeed, after the 2008 general election, there were ideological discussions about whether the party should leave the BN or merge with other parties. Still, David Ang, who is one of the youth wing’s vice-presidents, says the party’s adherence to multiracial unity and integrity is unshaken.

“I think we have to ask politicians what is their personal agenda? It seems like when they lose their seats or positions, then they go to another party. This indicates a very strong personal agenda to me,” he says.

Ang thinks that this could be a rejuvenating period for the party, which he says might have suffered from the complications of growing bigger throughout the years. “Yes, we were a very small party in the 1960s and were easier to organise. Maybe we have derailed into other things as the years went by. If we have lost our direction, then strengthening the party is now very important,” he argues.

He, Ng and Asharuddin are adamant that what is important right now is that Gerakan members are working on the ground away from the limelight, and are committed to internal restructuring. This, they believe, will nurture sincere and talented young leaders within the party.

Lacklustre leadership?

They also dismiss talk that Koh is a lacklustre leader, saying that disagreements and dissatisfaction within the party regarding leadership does not equate to disapproval towards the party president. “No matter what, the grassroots support him, and that is why he won uncontested,” says Asharuddin.

But without the platform of being an elected representative to affect policy change within government, what is Gerakan doing to make a difference? Asharuddin says the party is continuing to service people in their constituencies with the help of co-ordinators.

But Ng points out that the party has few opportunities for press coverage, with no media publication behind them. She also says the party doesn’t have enough of a training ground for younger leaders.

Despite the fighting spirit, especially among younger members, there is also acknowledgement that there must be greater soul searching, reform and restructuring within the party. Workshops to discuss a plan of action are scheduled for the end of November, as are efforts to discover capable young leaders.

But these aside, will the public know of its work on the ground, no matter how good? What if it all comes to naught during the next general election? Posed with this question, the battle-worthy expressions resurface. “We are used to this,” Ng says. “We will just have to manoeuvre within our limitations and continue to work harder, and never give up.”

Can ROS interferes?

Recently, we see a trend of senior leaders from political parties resorting to Registrar of Societies (“ROS”) to clarify and/or reinstate their position(s). Firstly it was Datuk T. Murugiah who appealed against his sacking by the PPP to ROS. Then we saw MCA Datuk Seri Chua Soi Lek who wrote to ROS to clarify his position which was followed suit by Datuk Liow Tiong Lai. On 8 November 2009, it was reported that suspended Gerakan vice-president Huan Cheng Guan will also write to the ROS to appeal against his suspension by the party.

Is this a healthy trend? Does ROS has the jurisdiction to interfere?

These questions are left to be answered at the following forum:

Event : “PPP, MCA, Gerakan vs ROS”
Location : Bar Council Auditorium, Leboh Pasar Besar, Kuala Lumpur.
Event Date : 24/11/2009
Event Time : 5.00 pm – 7.00 pm
Description : Views will be shared by 4 speakers consisting
of a senior lawyer and 3 leaders from the respective political parties.

All are invited.

Please contact Melissa at 03-2693 3585 or email rnelissa@klbar.org.myif you are interested to attend the forum. Places are limited and we urge you to reserve a seat as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Truly 1Malaysia? Change the Mentality 1st.

Racialism, discrimination of all kinds violate universal human values and breaches the fundamental teachings of all religions. Ethnic injustices are increasingly abhorred and penalised by the world community. Can we Malaysians of different religions, races and cultures be united as one? Highly unlikely so long as the conservative and emotional mindset remains among us.

The existence of social contract, NEP, Malay supremacy and racial politics are the major stumbling block to national integration. Other daily behaviours such as non-Malays/Christians are ‘orang kafir’ or pagans – we should not mix with them, calling of ‘Malai-Chi’, ‘Keling-Kwai’, ‘Cina-Kui’, ‘pengkhianat’, ‘pendatang asing’, majority controls, Chinese are rich people, we Indians are being looked down etc are incompatible values to achieve the breakthrough.

News about Pakatan young leaders against the Biro Tata Negara (BTN) “brainwashing propaganda” is not something new. Many of the Malay students and graduates, particularly those on scholarships had shared the same to me. BTN actually instils hatred and the ‘Ketuanan Melayu” concept in them. Umno is trying to justify that Malay unity is the pre-requisite to national unity and stability. Some even challenged the non-Malays: “if you do not like it, leave the country”. This is horrendous!

Being the majority does not means one will get full support if the policies and practices are of discriminatory and outdated nature. More and more young Malays are awared of this. Believe it or not, some are from the royalty and Umno leaders’ new generation (oversea graduates). A boomerang indeed, thanks to the money.

Wealthy non-Malays are leaving and plan to leave the country, searching for better lives and education elsewhere. 1Malaysia is just a superficial concept although tolerance and acceptance is encouraged. Whoever are the advisors or in the think-tank of the PM must realise the repercussion of such unhealthy trends.

I am not being pessismistic nor sceptical on the PM’s good intention but that is the reality, a change must be made perhaps not this generation but the next. Yes, it has to start from education, from high quality, mature, visionary and liberal teachers. I agree IT is and will never be an easy task.

The ideal picture of a model 1Malaysia will be shattered so long as the mentality is unchanged. Think of our children, think of our country as a whole.

Salam 1Malaysia.

MyConstitution

Visit http://www.perlembagaanku.com/

Youth Dialogue For A Better Malaysia

Never it has before the youth as a generation is becoming aware of its social power and began to feel that they should be involved to a greater degree. This is proven by their participation expecially in activities organised by the NGOs and opposition parties. On 14.11.2009, the Kuala Lumpur Bar Committee (KLBC) organised a dialogue in relation to the youth expectations for a better future in our country. Sdr. Raymond Leong and Sdr. Chai Ko Thing attended the meeting on behalf of the Pemuda Nasional Gerakan Legal Bureau. I am made to understand except for Umno, most of the political parties had their representatives attended. Among others the agenda of the discussion were ethnic relations, ISA, bi-partisan cooperation, fundamental liberties and parliamentary reforms. The dialogue was a resourceful and fruitful one although most of the time spent on discussing issue relating to ethnic relations. I also received feedbacks (even from an Opposition Adun) that our representatives were outspoken. Kudos to both the saudaras!

Most parties agreed that such event should be encouraged and held regularly.

Is “Allah” restricted to Muslim only?

I met up with several staunch Catholics in my recent trip to Johor Bahru. Most of them averred that if the PM is really for 1Malaysia, he should instruct that the issue of using the word “Allah” in the Catholic Herald BM version should not be a problem. Some of you may query what is the situation now in court, all I can say is the case is fixed for hearing the merits in the judicial review application on 14 December before Justice Lau Bee Lan (this judge may face with pressure if she decides in favour of the Catholics on the salient issues).

If Indonesia being the largest Islamic population has no problem with their Bible using the word “Allah”, why is it there is such a fuss in our country? If the Arab world considers such is no issue at all, what is the problem with our people? Do the government or some quarters actually forbid the use of the word “Allah” because it is simply referring to the Muslim God or other reasons? PM Najib actually did said during Gerakan NDC that we should ignore those unscrupulous politicians or people who are doing thing for selfish agenda, why can’t he instructs the sensible decision herein? Is the PM afraid that the latter may offend the Muslims or Malay voters? Or is he fear of further racial division?

Those Catholics I spoke to, shared their views that the church is taking a stand, not picking a fight, in their challenge of this issue. One of the conversation with a priest-to-be was very resourceful. He is a Kadazan and according to him many of the indigenous people in the East Malaysia pray in the Malay language while proclaiming the message of the gospel. To him the Herald is only sold in churches, so how can it possibly confuse Muslims with its use of the word Allah. The word Allah has been in use in the Malay Archipelago for centuries and the church did not introduce recently to confuse Muslims, as alleged by some. How can a sensible Muslim be confused my the word from the Bible? Is there any proof to justify such allegation? What is the agenda of those ’spies’ who despicably attended a mass service in one of the church?

I did some background research pertaining to the above information. In Malaysia, the word is found in Christian prayer books in the Malay language that are over one hundred years old. Malay was already a popular language in the church in the Malay Peninsula before coloniusation by the British. The word “Allah” is translated from the Latin Deus and not from the English for ‘God’, so indeed it is not a recent thing. Hopefully the government realise that they just cant afford more blunder that will affect their image in future because the new generation will no more buy the conventional version of their reign.

In a civilized society such as ours should not allow or encourage such issue to be addressed irrationally as it may lead to unpleasant repercussion. Though not insurmountable there must be political will to overcome such problem to ensure that Malaysians of all races are treated equally. Otherwise that sense of national unity can never be achieved.

Salam 1Malaysia.

MyConstitution Campaign

Off the Edge (JT/AW)

THE JUDICIAL CRISIS of 1988. The release of the Lingam Tape in 2007. The political tsunami on March 8, 2008. The Perak Government take-over. The cow-head protest.The anti-ISA rallies. Whipping Kartika. Beer bans. Religious bigotry. Racial conflict. The conflict between Federal-State powers. The role of the national language. All these issues strike at the core of our society.

All these issues find life or root in the Constitution, whether the protagonists of those issues realise it or not. Never have constitutional issues been discussed as frequently, and with such vigour in public spaces and our media as in the last two years. Emotions have been known to take over reason. Racial and religious sentiments are constantly expressed despite our collective efforts at national harmony.

Citizens have started to be heard on matters close to their hearts, youths have advocated strong positions on the direction of our country, our leaders grapple with calls for transparency and accountability in the administration of our affairs. All done against the backdrop of the Constitution.

The Federal Constitution is the ‘rule book’ of this country. It is the supreme law of the land: it sets up Parliament, our system of government and the Judiciary, and it grants rights to the Rakyat. Yet it is a document that is shrouded in mystery and that the average Malaysian might find intimidating for its language as much as for its concepts.

So when people invoke the Constitution, they are seen to make very powerful statements. At times, however, such statements have been inaccurate or provisions of the Constitution have been misinterpreted or misconstrued.

With this in mind, the Rakyat must be able to consider for themselves whether any statements made invoking the Constitution are accurate and to be accepted.

A growing number of the Rakyat have started to display an interest in learning more about the Constitution. Malaysians have started asking a myriad of questions regarding the Constitution and the idea of constitutionalism, in general. People are speaking about the Constitution, but they lack even basic information of this document that defines us as a nation. The Rakyat need to know about the Constitution. The Rakyat need to read the Constitution for themselves. But how many Malaysians have actually creased the spine of this document they knowas the Constitution?

Guided by these observations (and, for the first time in the history of the Malaysian Bar), the Bar Council in March 2009 formed its Constitutional Law Committee (ConstiLC) to promote constitutional awareness and constitutionalism, as part of the Bar’s wide-ranging initiatives in society.

Because the Constitution is not something just for the government, politicians or lawyers to be concerned about, because the Constitution has real impact in the lives of the Rakyat, the ConstiLC would like to make the Constitution more accessible to everyone.

The ConstiLC comprises lawyers, academics, students, media personnel and activists. Its ‘vision and mission’, contained in its twoyear blueprint (2009-2011), is to:

- Promote the concept of constitutionalism and the rule of just law;

- Raise awareness of, educate and empower the Rakyat on provisions of the Federal Constitution;

- Document and respond to constitutional issues that arise;

- Discuss and critique Court decisions on constitutional issues, and where necessary, offer alternative interpretations;

- Conduct research on matters related to the Federal or State Constitutions and where necessary, make recommendations for constitutional reform; and

- Assist and advice the Bar Council on constitutional matters.

MyConstitution Campaign (Kempen PerlembagaanKu)

Recognising the need to educate Malaysians on the role, function and content of the Federal Constitution, the focal initiative of the ConstiLC’s work is to conduct a firstever nationwide educational and awareness campaign, the MyConstitution Campaign or Kempen PerlembagaanKu.

As part of the two-year campaign, the ConstiLC will, among others:
-Publish a series of pocket-sized, ‘The Rakyat Guides’ booklets on the Constitution;

-Produce a series of ‘The Rakyat Service Advertisements’ on different themes of the Constitution; and

- Host a series of awareness-raising and interest-building programmes on the Constitution through symposiums, dialogues, forums and lectures.

The core themes of the Campaign include the supremacy of the Constitution, the protection of the fundamental rights of the Rakyat, the role and functions of Parliament, the Executive and the Judiciary, the relationship between the Federal Government and State Governments, and the electoral process.

The ConstiLC aims to bring the message of the campaign to at least six million households in the Peninsula, and in Sabah and Sarawak. We also hope to work with the federal government, state governments, private and corporate sectors, academic institutions, NGOs and media organisations, always emphasising the collective ownership of the Constitution.

MyConstitution launches very soon. We need your support!
Be there this Friday at 3.00 pm Bar Council.

Clarification

* Please be informed that an email account is created under “youthgerakan@gmail.com” by someone to circulate emails of derogatory remarks in relation to the poll, as if the Youth is in the process to mess up the party. Kindly take note that neither did Gerakan Youth nor the author send any emails or comments of such nature whatsoever. The strange thing is none of the Youth chief, Deputy and VCs receive such emails.

Such act is deemed defamatory in nature and necessary legal action under the Sedition Act 1948, Tort and Penal Code will be taken in due course.

One of the said email is as follows:

“Date: Sat, 7 Nov 2009 01:02:48 +0800
Subject: Vote for a Change of Leadership in Gerakan
From: youthgerakan@gmail.com

After the recent poor sentiment at our Gerakan National Delegate Conference, please go and vote at the blog below. The future of Gerakan is in your hands.
Let us have a fresh election in Gerakan. Let us have an EGM to remove those rejected leaders!

Please goto:
http://andyksyong.wordpress.com/2009/11/06/pgrm-polls/”

- By Administrator of The People’s Movement.

Wise Words

“It is not how much you do, but how much love you put in the doing”

- Mother Teresa

Our Children, Our Hope, Our Future.

The Bar Council Human Rights Day is an event that takes place on 10 December every year in conjunction with the International Human Rights Day. The Malaysian Bar Human Rights Committee (HRC) seeks to create more awareness and education on the rights of people in accordance with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The focus of this event will be on the rights of a child.

In conjunction with the Human Rights Day Celebrations, the HRC is organizing a charity dinner, themed ‘Our Children. Our Hope. Our Future’. In recognition of the role of all Malaysians not merely as custodians but also as founders of the fabrics of society, the HRC acknowledges that it is the responsibility of all Malaysians not merely to shape the leaders of our future but also to inculcate and develop a caring society.

This fundraiser is aimed at children’s homes and homes for children with physical and learning disabilities, as well as those who are inflicted with various health complications. These children, despite faced with difficult circumstances have every ability and capacity to be the leaders of the future. The related children’s home are:

Desa Amal Jireh (Pusat Untuk Bantuan Dan Kebajikan)
All Ethnic Group Refugee Children Education Centre
The Pure Life Society
Entrance of Gurpuri Home
Rumah Solehah
An-Najjah (Persatuan Kebajikan Darul Najjah Kuala Lumpur Dan Selangor)
Ruman Sayangan

Event Details

Organiser : Bar Council (Human Rights Committee)
Date : 10 December 2009
Venue : Sunway Hotel, Resort and Spa
Persiaran Lagoon, 46150, Petaling Jaya
Ticket Price : RM 200/ticket or RM2,000/table.

The Charity dinner will be the highlight of the event with performances from the children, fundraisers and donors. There will be surprise performances by various local artists as well as exhibition booths set up outside the hall to highlight the homes and their needs. Long term volunteering is encouraged. The Charity dinner will be held at the Sunway Hotel, Resort and Spa.

Awakening Poll

The poll results did not prove any majority voice. To prevent further abuse by certain irresponsible quarters, it is deleted, after all the results were smartly reinstated in other websites.

SUARAM 20th Anniversary

SUARAM 20 YEARS FUNDRAISING DINNER 2009

In conjunction with its 20th anniversary, Suara Rakyat Malaysia (SUARAM), the leading human rights organization in Malaysia, will be organizing a fundraising dinner on : 6 December 2009 at the MBPJ Banquet Hall, Petaling Jaya, Selangor.

The purpose of the dinner, themed “20 Years Defending Human Rights”, is to pay tribute to human rights defenders who have fought and sacrificed for the improvement of human rights in Malaysia, as well as to raise funds for SUARAM to continue its human rights work. It is also an opportunity for us to have fellowship and to thank those who have supported SUARAM in its work these twenty years.

We hope the public and corporations will continue to support the work of SUARAM by pledging donations to the dinner. To make donations to the dinner and SUARAM or to make corporate or individual sponsorship, please contact SUARAM at Tel: 03-77843525 or Email:suaram20years@gmail.com.

Wisdom

“Sometimes approaching what seems like ordinary work with extraordinary intent can produce unbelievable results”

“Do not go where the path may lead; go instead where there is no path, and leave a trail”.

Gerakan’s bumpy journey ahead..

The last 2 days of Parti Gerakan National Delegates Conference had been an eye-opening event to a certain extent. In short, to sum up the some of the highlights are matters pertaining to the quit-call on President, PM Najib’s encouraging speech and support, low turn out of the youth wing, 1BN, resolution to leave BN rejected, the pathetic leftovers in the last few hours of the conference and amendments of the party constitution.

Naysayers and critics are out there to bad-mouth the party. These include the public, media, PR supporters and even own party members/delegates. As for now I am not too concern about the outsiders but the situation within the party members. It is simply not healthy. Discouraging comments and feedbacks I encountered are:

- “In Gerakan, you do not talk about ideals, you talk about connection and strategy on how to win the war among comrades”.

- “My mission in Gerakan is to be submissive to who and who, I will just follow whatever instructed”;

- “Politics is about advertisement. We must always appear in media or release as many statements as possible”;

- “The party is hopeless with Koh Tsu Koon, we just wait and see”;

- “No vision, all because of the leadership problems, lousy speeches given by KTK, LSP and TLH” etc.

It was more disgusting that some of the characters are in the mood for jealousy, hatred, selfishness and insincerity. Such destructive behaviour caused a sense of uneasiness and disappointment. Fortunately it is not critical. Despite the problems and upheavals, I can still feel the spirit of volunteerism, brotherhood or comradeships.

Let us embrace the reality. We all know that Gerakan is an average party in term of size. If it is not because of our few representatives in the cabinet, parliament and states, the value may be even worst. Constructive action is indeed need to be taken to evaluate members who are in a wavering vision and losing devotion to the party. The spirit of unity and common struggles is deteriorating.

As a result; sycophantic, hypocrisy, patronage and cronyism politics are in play within Gerakan. Perhaps it has been there in the last few years. That is why various names are used to label a member/leader especially among the youth. It is not a question of ‘no balls’ as what PM Najib said but the motive and sincerity. In any aspiration, we cannot be so dogmatic that it is the mode that receives the attention instead of its outcome or contribution to the party and the people.

Thus it is no surprise when one is labelled either the ‘ma chai’ or follower of Koh Tsu Koon or Chang Ko Youn or Teng Hock Nan or Khoo Soo Chai, Teo Kok Chee or Chia Kwang Chye or Huan Cheng Guan or Kohilan Pillay or Lim Si Pin or Gooi Hoe Hin or even Kerk Choo Ting. This phenomenon simply tells the members that unity or satu hati is only a superficial concept.

Some are also in the opinion that it is needless to be involved in the youth wing as they can bypass or leap-frog it to climb up the ladder. How? Rub shoulders and polish shoeslah! This is reflected when various positions and candidacy are given to the so-called ‘youth’ who do not see the need to commit in the youth wing. The leadership must aware the need to recognise the importance of credibility, cohesion and integrity of the youth members. It is a matter of restoring trust in the youth, who, in turn, must regain trust on the central leadership and the party as a whole.

One may say ISN’T THIS PART AND PARCEL OF POLITICS? To that I will reply YES, PART AND PARCEL OF DOOMED AND OUTDATED POLITICS!. In line with the political changes today, we cannot be seen as condoning opportunism and cronyism within BN, not to mention inside the party. There must be a positive, sincere and genuine contribution as a whole. We simply cannot afford to play such an outdated politics anymore.

I THEREFORE CALL UPON THE PARTY LEADERSHIP TO SEE THAT ALL OPPORTUNISTS, SYCOPHANTS AND IMCOMPETENTS TO BE ROOTED OUT!

Ironically one can say in general that the pathetic turnout of the delegates was because it is not a party or general election year, low morale since the last general election, ‘boycotting’ who and who due to different ‘camps’ and the party can no more be a place to ‘cari makan’.

Pure joy can only be felt by those who do something with full conviction without expectation. The cruelties and obstacles of our changing scenario will not yield to obsolete dogmas and outworn slogans. It cannot be moved by those who cling to a present which is already dying, who prefer the illusion of security to the the excitement of danger and change. I agree that ‘the road ahead will surely be bumpy and even treacherous, laced with potholes and even landmines’. At the end of the day, it is our conscience that matters most.