Archive for category Elections
Doctors say cops fired tear gas into Tung Shin compound
The Malaysian Insider
Jul 13, 2011
KUALA LUMPUR, July 13 — A group of doctors said today they were prepared to provide sworn affidavits to say that police had fired tear gas and chemical-laced water into the compounds of the Tung Shin and Chinese Maternity Hospitals during the Bersih rally last Saturday.
In a statement tonight, 11 doctors, including some who were at the scene, said they were outraged at the actions of the police in firing tear gas and water cannons without scant regard for the safety of patients and doctors.
“We, the undersigned doctors, wish not to enter into the polemics of the Bersih 2.0 march on 9th July 2011 but would like to clarify the inconvenient truth.
“We are outraged at the incidents, and the subsequent responses from the authorities, to the events where tear gas and chemical-laced water were shot into the compounds of the Tung Shin and Chinese Maternity Hospitals, two adjacent buildings along Jalan Pudu, Kuala Lumpur, with scant regard for the safety of patients, staff and the general public who were at the buildings that afternoon,” the doctors said. Read the rest of this entry »
Lessons learnt in a walk with friends
— Sheila Santharamohana
The Malaysian Insider
Jul 13, 2011
JULY 13 — Like all others who came alone for Saturday’s Bersih rally, I found that I needn’t have worried. In the confusion and chaos with each blinding onslaught, we reached out and found each other. The strong supported the overcome, the sighted helped the blinded and in the fog of it all, we were one.
If anything, the rally brought to light that our lives, whatever our race may be, are interconnected. Malaysia is woven of the different strands, where in the tapestry of our destiny and shared experience, there can inevitably be only one outcome.
For those who wanted to make Bersih about the Malays and the non-Malays, they were misguided. Out on that day, as we walked alongside, we knew that it was the system and the proponents of such a system, not the people who had divided us. Read the rest of this entry »
I was afraid, therefore I walked
— Celine Yong
The Malaysian Insider
Jul 13, 2011
JULY 13 — I almost didn’t make it. But I went.
The week leading up to the Bersih 2.0 rally on July 9th, I was like most of my friends; poked fun at the BN government’s decision to ban yellow outfits and Bersih T-shirts on my Facebook, changed my profile picture to a bright yellow Sponge Bob, showing my support to Bersih online. But it was all talk only.
Although I was angry with the highhandedness of the government in handling the Bersih rally, I never really thought about going. Didn’t go the last Bersih rally either. Not that I was afraid (the May 13th thing doesn’t scare me a bit, it only infuriates me), or didn’t agree with the principle of the Bersih rally (especially after what had happened in the Sarawak election, I am all for the Bersih principles), I just thought there would be enough people going; the NGOs, the activists, the politicians.
After all, I am but just one person. Read the rest of this entry »
I will wear yellow every Saturday until….
Beginning this weekend, I will wear yellow every Saturday until:
(1) the PSM6 namely Sungai Siput MP Dr Michael Jeyakumar Devaraj, PSM deputy chairperson M Saraswathy, central committee members Choo Chon Kai and M Sukumaran, Sungai Siput branch secretary A Letchumanan, and Youth leader Sarat Babu detained under Emergency Ordinance are released;
(2) The ban on Bersih lifted;
(3) Barisan Nasional government’s xanthophobia (fear of yellow) ended; and
(4) The eight Bersih 2.0 demands for electoral reforms implemented. The eight Bersih 2.0 demands are:
A very Malaysian impediment – Singapore Straits Times
Posted by Kit in Bersih, Elections, Najib Razak on Wednesday, 13 July 2011
KL better off without ‘padded rolls, vote buying’, says Singapore ST
By Debra Chong
The Malaysian Insider
Jul 12, 2011
KUALA LUMPUR, July 12 — Malaysia’s top leadership would be better off working to deliver its promised reforms and give substance to the 1 Malaysia vision than stoop to a partisan approach in dealing with dissent, the Singapore Straits Times said today.
The influential daily also remarked in its editorial today that last Saturday’s Bersih 2.0 rally here has thrown the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition on the backfoot even though it managed to deliver a counter-punch to the civil society movement.
The Singapore paper is privately-owned but is often seen to reflect the republic’s establishment voice, which appears keen to keep its current good ties with Putrajaya while protecting the republic’s interest. Read the rest of this entry »
When the ordinary became extraordinary
Posted by Kit in Bersih, Elections, Human Rights, nation building on Tuesday, 12 July 2011
— Scuba gal
The Malaysian Insider
Jul 12, 2011
JULY 12 — I’m as ordinary as it gets. I live in a decent-sized condo, in a fairly popular middle-upper class neighbourhood. I married my husband in my early 30s. I’ve got a decent job in a well-regarded private corporation, where I’m middle management.
No children just yet but we’re trying for the average number of two. On the weekends, we do what most Malaysians in our circumstances might do — head to the cinema, have a meal at one of KL’s many malls, catch up with family and friends.
Recently, I had to answer a little profile write-up for work. When asked “what’s your biggest achievement?”, I could think of nothing I’d done so far that qualified. Yes, I’m that ordinary. Read the rest of this entry »
Tanah tumpahnya darahku
— Esther Goh
The Malaysian Insider
Jul 12, 2011
JULY 12 — “Are you ready to die for the country?” I asked as I walked together with Simeon heading from Mirama Hotel on Jalan Maharajalela to Petaling Street.
My honest answer to my own question was, “No. I don’t believe I should die now. When I’m only 24. There is so much more that I want and believe I can do for my country.”
“But what if it takes bloodshed for people to wake up? What if we were the ones to go — so that people will finally realise the need for change?” was Simeon’s reply. Read the rest of this entry »
Bersih 2.0 “bersih”ed me!
— Lt Col (R) Aw Yong Tian Teck
The Malaysian Insider
Jul 12, 2011
JULY 12 — As I headed for the LRT station to enter the city on the morning of July 9, I was both fearful and determined — fearful that a “May 13” type violence would erupt, and afraid of being arrested. Yet, I was determined to break this shroud of fear that had gained intensity over the last two weeks from reading the newspapers, watching television and listening to coffeeshop talk.
I nervously joined a predominantly Malay group outside the KTM building. From those whom I glanced at a bit longer, I received courteous smiles. I soon started to join them in shouting “Hidup Rakyat” or “Hidup Bersih” and punching the air as we strolled along. When they shouted calling upon “Allah”, I suddenly became conscious of the present controversy concerning the use of the word by non-Muslims, reducing my voice to a murmur. Read the rest of this entry »
Merdeka when I was six, true democracy at 60?
Allen Lopez
Malaysiakini
Jul 12, 11
COMMENT
When the Tunku raised his hand to the cries of “Merdeka”, I was on the cusp of turning six.
On 9 July 2011, as I approach 60, I was among those who rallied at the Bersih 2.0 carnival. Yes, it was a carnival. And what a carnival! The atmosphere couldn’t have been more convivial and peaceable.
The gathering was diverse, emblematic of the Malaysian identity – Indian, Malay and Chinese; young, middle-aged and old; priest and laity; rich and the not-so-rich; politicians, NGOs and the ordinary voters.
A truer representation of what Malaysia represents would be hard to replicate. We came because we wanted to – for love of our country.
It was as simple as that. Read the rest of this entry »
Bersih, the humbling of government
Posted by Kit in Bersih, Elections, Najib Razak on Monday, 11 July 2011
By Sakmongkol AK47
The Malaysian Insider
Jul 10, 2011
JULY 10 — And then the whole country erupts into chaos. This is what I’m worried about. The government also keeps flip-flopping on whether it will allow the rally to go on or not. It needs to rule with a firmer hand!”
Now Ibrahim Ali is making sense. The whole country erupts into chaos because this country hasn’t got a firm leadership.
But how does Ibrahim Ali define firm? By applying the big stick on Ambiga? On Bersih? It seems according to Ibrahim, general of Perkasa, Malay of the Malays, the government is firm only if they lock up Ambiga (who’s trying to undermine the Malays, who is a threat to Islam etc.). The government is firm only when it does the bidding of Ibrahim Ali.
It depends who is defining what. Some people will say the government is firm if it arrests Ibrahim Ali and leaders of martial arts groups who subvert the legal apparatuses of coercion in this country- the police and the military. By not reigning in the forces of ‘our 3rd line of defence’ the government is sending messages that other groupings can elevate their questionable statuses into respectable 3rd line defence forces. Read the rest of this entry »
Kit Siang accuses Najib of being insincere in Bersih row
Posted by Kit in Bersih, Elections, Human Rights, Najib Razak, Police on Thursday, 7 July 2011
By Shazwan Mustafa Kamal
July 07, 2011 | The Malaysian Insider
KUALA LUMPUR, July 7 — DAP leader Lim Kit Siang accused Datuk Seri Najib Razak today of being insincere and irresponsible for continuing with the Bersih clampdown, despite the group heeding the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s call to hold the July 9 rally in a stadium.
The election watchdog has chosen Stadium Merdeka as the venue for this Saturday’s rally. Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ismail Omar has however told the polls reform group to hold its rally outside of the capital. Read the rest of this entry »
Gov’t briefing on Bersih threat comes unstuck
Posted by Kit in Bersih, Elections, Human Rights on Wednesday, 6 July 2011
By Terence Netto
Jul 6, 11 | MalaysiaKini
A briefing yesterday by the police and the Election Commission meant to give credence to government claims that the planned Bersih march was fraught with the threat of violence came unstuck when it ran into a thicket of sceptical questions from those being briefed.
Present at the briefing which was held in a leading hotel in Kuala Lumpur even as Bersih’s top leaders were being granted an audience by the king at Istana Negara, were some 30 members comprising leaders of the Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism (MCCBCHST), Suhakam, and a couple of NGOs. Read the rest of this entry »
Is Putrajaya joking about Bersih?
Posted by Kit in Bersih, Elections, Najib Razak on Wednesday, 6 July 2011
By The Malaysian Insider
July 06, 201
JULY 6 — The circumstances surrounding the July 9 Bersih rally have been changing since the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin issued a rare edict and met both the prime minister and Bersih leaders.
Somethings haven’t changed. Bersih is still outlawed. Wearing their yellow T-shirt with the word Bersih will land you in the lock-up.
Government agencies like Stadium Merdeka are waiting for the Cabinet to direct them whether to accept Bersih’s application. The police are waiting for Bersih’s application which must state the venue. Read the rest of this entry »
PR backs Bersih’s Merdeka Stadium plan, expects 300,000
Posted by Kit in Bersih, Elections, nation building, Pakatan Rakyat on Wednesday, 6 July 2011
By Melissa Chi and Lisa J. Ariffin
July 06, 2011 | The Malaysian Insider
KUALA LUMPUR, July 6 — Pakatan Rakyat (PR) announced today that they supported Bersih 2.0’s proposal to have the rally in Merdeka Stadium on July 9, although the request to use the stadium has yet to be approved.
“So Pakatan Rakyat supports Bersih to hold their rally in Stadium Merdeka although in the latest report, the prime minister, especially the home minister, took a turn and had purposely given all kinds of excuses not to allow the use of the stadium,” Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim told reporters here after a PR Leadership Council meeting. Read the rest of this entry »
Bersih and the fall of reason
By Art Harun
July 06, 2011
JULY 6 — “I love those who can smile in trouble, who can gather strength from distress, and grow brave by reflection. ‘Tis the business of little minds to shrink, but they whose heart is firm, and whose conscience approves their conduct, will pursue their principles unto death.” ~ Thomas Paine
The events unfolding before our eyes in the past few weeks say a lot about us as a collection of individuals; as a society and as a people. What is clear, however, is the sad fact that when we are faced with adversity, we tend to lose our head and retreat into the same old dark and cold cave of emotions, of irrationality and of convenient rhetoric. Read the rest of this entry »
Bersih and the inane responses
By Sakmongkol AK47
July 06, 2011 | The Malaysian Insider
JULY 6 — This present government has developed one distinguishing characteristic not unlike the previous administration. If the previous administration was maligned as being uninspiring and sleeping through its job, this present government isn’t that far from being similarly aspersed. How so?
It has shown it has a knack of being inept at handling small shocks to the system. Many of us for example are not supporters of Anwar Ibrahim, but the manner the government handles the Anwar affairs — whether it’s the sodomy 2 charge or the recent video clip showing a person resembling Anwar in a sexual tryst, the administration has shown its ineptness and incompetence. Read the rest of this entry »
Bersih 2.0: A long march to freedom
Posted by Kit in Bersih, Elections, nation building on Wednesday, 6 July 2011
By Keruah Usit
Jul 6, 11 | MalaysiaKini
ANTIDOTE The new sanitised Bersih 2.0 rally is now purer and whiter. Thanks to the Agong’s intervention, the rally for free and fair elections will be confined to a stadium.
This change of scene will make the rally easier to control, from premier Najib Abdul Razak’s point of view. It will also dampen some of the supporters’ enthusiasm.
Being hemmed in, demonstrators will inevitably curb some of their long suppressed drive to show their defiance of the ruling coalition and its faithful enforcers in the police force. Read the rest of this entry »
Hishammuddin and Police should respect and uphold the YDPA intervention by full co-operation with Bersih
Posted by Kit in Bersih, Elections, Hishammuddin, Human Rights, Police on Wednesday, 6 July 2011
The Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein and the police should respect and uphold the Yang di Pertuan Agong’s wise and just intervention in the Bersih 2.0 impasse by full co-operation with Bersih to make the July 9 Bersih 2.0 stadium rally a peaceful and orderly one as well as end all harassment against persons for wearing Bersih T-shirt and other paraphernalia and release all such items seized in past 10 days.
Hishammuddin and the police should pay special heed to advice by the Yang di Pertuan Agong in his special statement on Sunday where he said: Read the rest of this entry »
Will ‘fortress BN’ fall?
By Sheridan Mahavera | July 06, 2011
The Malaysian Insider
KUALA LUMPUR, July 6 — It may be known as Barisan Nasional’s (BN) fixed deposit in the Malay peninsula, but a recent straw poll showed that more than 30 per cent of Johoreans want Pakatan Rakyat (PR) in charge of the state and country.
Though this is low compared with other states, it could be a bellwether of how ordinary folk all over the country feel towards the ruling coalition.
Except for the 2008 elections, Johoreans have always given BN near-unquestioning support. Even as the DAP and PAS won the most number of seats of any non-BN party in that year (six state and one parliament), some of their candidates also lost their election deposits campaigning in south-eastern Johor.
Read the rest of this entry »
Ten conditions for Umno
Posted by Kit in Bersih, Corruption, Education, Elections, Hishammuddin, Media, Najib Razak, UMNO on Wednesday, 6 July 2011
by Bahaman Abdullah
The Malaysian Insider
Jul 05, 2011
JULY 5 — Since Ibrahim Ali is so fond of giving everyone ultimatums (the latest being to MCA, Gerakan and Ambiga Sreenivasan), I suggest we give Umno and Najib Razak a list of 10 conditions to be met if he wants the support of urban Malaysia.
1) Distance yourself publicly from Ibrahim Ali and Perkasa. Failure to do so will be taken as a sign that all the garbage from Ibrahim is endorsed by the Umno president and his kuncu-kuncu.
2) Stop using divide and rule tactics to keep Malaysians apart. The only reason why BN worried about Bersih is that this election reform movement appears to have brought Malaysians of different races and religious groups together.
3) Tackle corruption and start by investigating cabinet ministers, senior politicians for living way, way beyond their means. Read the rest of this entry »
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