Last Friday, some Malaysians came together to hold candle under the umbrella in the midst of the falling rain.
We braved through the friday-night-raining-traff ic-jam to be outside the PDRM HQ in Bukit Aman, because we want to see our friends from PSM be released from the illegal detention under the Emergency Ordinance.
Tonight, at 745pm, a similar candlelight vigil will be held at Dataran Merdeka the carpark next to the Bar Council to call for their release. If the police have evident against them, then charge them in the Court of Law. Do not hold them arbitrary, in solitary confinement, with daily intense interrogation and call them by a number.
If you miss all the #BersihStories on July 9th, come tonight for the candlelight vigil, and you will feel and see glimpses of it at Dataran Merdeka tonight.
First of all, I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to Prime Minister Najib Razak, Home Minister Hishamuddin Hussein, IGP Ismail Omar, Deputy IGP Khalid Bakar and KL Police Deputy Chief, Amar Singh for making 9th July happen.
For without the insane crackdown on Bersih supporters with Yellow coloured t-shirts, unreasonable detention, the flip-flop invitation of using the Stadium by the Prime Minister, the massive road blocks and KL lock down days before the rally, 9th of July may not have been what it was that historic Saturday.
We saw the birth of a new generation of Malaysians who are no longer apathetic, but dare to stand up for their rights, rising above intimidation.
When I arrived at Puduraya from Dayabumi through Petaling Street, I saw a sea of people. It felt as if we had re-taken KL from the FRU. KL belongs to us, and Malaysia belongs to the people - the Rakyat. Throughout the whole rally, it was almost like we were at war; a war between the Police and the people.
People stood united as one, from different backgrounds, different ethnicities, from all walks of life, holding on steadfastly to what we believe is rightfully ours: a free and fair election at the very least, the right to assemble peacefully for one common cause, and most important of all, the realisation that we, the Rakyat, can no longer keep silent and we must overcome the fear and oppression of unfair authority.
I followed the heartwarming #bersihstories with many joys and tears. Many experienced the camaraderie of Malaysians, a true 1Malaysia in the sense where everyone was helping each other regardless of colour, class and age; sharing salt, sharing water, calming each other down while walking away from the tear gas and water cannons. People started to believe again, that Malaysians are actually good people....... Many wouldn’t trade that experience for anything in the world.
Meanwhile, many also expressed regret for not being there on the 9th of July. For not being able to be part of this historic moment which saw Malaysians rising above all fears, determined to have our voices heard, and points taken by the authority who seem to be living in a different reality.
But do you know that 9th of July actually happens everyday in Malaysia, in its own small way? It doesn’t happen only on that Saturday afternoon. It has been happening, had happened in a grand style on 9th of July, and will continue happening in the days to come.
9th of July is about the Rakyat being empowered to stand up for what’s right, united as fellow Malaysians.
If you attend the nightly candlelight vigils at Bukit Aman to call for the immediate and unconditional release of the PSM6 who were detained without proper evidence under the Emergency Ordinance ever since the start of the Bersih crackdown two weeks ago, you will remember 9th of July. Shouts of:
will remind you of our shouts of “Hidup Bersih!” and “Hidup Rakyat!” on that 9th of July. You will also see people from all walks of life come together for this one cause. Quite similar to 9th of July, the only difference is that, instead of 50,000, you only have 100 brave souls.
Below is SABM's response to EC's statement on 26th April 2010
Unrealistic May 1 Deadline Given By The EC For Checking TheElectoral Rolls
The Election Commission’s announcement on 26th April that the public has up to 1st May to check their names against the electoral roll and if need be, to then submit a relevant form to the state election director within 7 days should there be discrepancies, is highly disturbing.
According to the EC, this supplementary electoral roll for the fourth quarter of 2009 will be displayed at 998 places nationwide. Well and good that numerous places have been provided, but the EC has overlooked the fact that the period prescribed covers five working days.
How many are able to get away easily from their workplaces to fulfill their duty and role as citizens and voters? Surely, at the very least, one weekend should have been included.
Furthermore, in stating the need to fill up a form to rectify errors, the EC has failed to specify what this form is and where it can be obtained, thus leaving voters in the dark.
As such, Saya Anak Bangsa Malaysia (SABM) calls for the Election Commission to extend the 5-day period to at least 3 weeks and to provide more concrete information on what to do if registered voters’ names are absent from the roll.
SABM is aware that there are currently 4.39 million unregistered voters as of December 2009, as reported by the EC. Because SABM deems the Voter Registration drive and campaign as very crucial to upholding and strengthening democracy in our nation, it is presently actively engaged in registering new voters, and does this in collaboration with other Rakyat Initiatives,.
One of the various civic endeavours is the ‘Voice Your Choice’ campaign organised by EPIC (Extraordinary People Impacting Community). This is a group of non-partisan young people and their aim is to register 2 million voters by year’s end.
Another is ‘Rock The Vote!’ by SABM. This initiative aims to register youths through a series of gigs nationwide. The first leg of the Rock The Vote! tour is at Number One Cafe - Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, this Saturday (1st May) 2010.
There are at least 3 youth initiatives being launched.
All three talk about taking ownership of our country.
And you think that Malaysians Youth don't care? Think again.
1. BANGKIT , represents the voice of the awakened youth - Merdekakan Minda, Bebaskan Suara - launched 1st April
It's a song writing competition which encourages our Youth to Stand UP and Speak Out about Malaysia. The e-registration starts today!
***** Do youloveMalaysia?
YOU have an opinion about your place in Malaysia. You areNOTalone. YouCAN make a difference. Your voiceDOES matter and it NEEDS to be heard. Now with Bangkit, here’s your chance.
It’s time for you tostand up and speakout with the rest of our nation’s youths.
MALAYSIAN-LAH campaign is organized purely by youth about Malaysian unity and harmony. There will be bazaars, food stalls, forum, games, exhibition booth and of course performances. Andrew Netto will be the emcee for the event. Details: Date : 3 April 2010 (Saturday) Time : 11am – 6pm Venue : e@Curve (formally known as Cineleisure)
And all THREE are not affiliated to any political parties.
These are event by the people, for the people.
And that is a good enough reason to support these events. Come on, help to spread the word about these campaign, bring your friends and family there to register as a voter (if they not already are). :) If you cannot be there, but would love to contribute more, your supports in kind or cash are most welcome.
It's time to stop talking and start walking. And if you don't know how, take this as a first step, go and speak to the organisers. They'll tell you how you can contribute!
Last weekend, there were around 900 over people registered as a voter at the Pakatan Rakyat Voter Registration @ Waterfront Desa Parkcity.
There'll be another one this weekend. Details as follows:
Date: 13th & 14th March 2010 Venue: Waterfront Desa Parkcity Time: 10am -9pm
Note: Volunteers needed on Sunday (14th March)
They need more volunteers to be there to help to register more people. SO, if you're free this SUNDAY, do make your way to Waterfront Desa Parkcity to help out! :)
There're approximately 5, 000, 000 unregistered voters in the country. Let's do our small bit to reduce the number.
