.
Showing posts with label freedom of speech. Show all posts
Showing posts with label freedom of speech. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
What is Bangkit?
.
.
It's all about YOU! What YOU feel and what YOU think!
If you’re under-30, BANGKIT is your chance to tell the whole nation what's on your mind! What kind of country do you want? How do you feel about our country? What do you love about Malaysia? This is your country, you have the right to be heard, and we will provide you the platform.
(read all about Bangkit here)
.
It's all about YOU! What YOU feel and what YOU think!
If you’re under-30, BANGKIT is your chance to tell the whole nation what's on your mind! What kind of country do you want? How do you feel about our country? What do you love about Malaysia? This is your country, you have the right to be heard, and we will provide you the platform.
(read all about Bangkit here)
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Bangkitlah Malaysia!
Dear fellow Malaysians,
Are you happy with the state of our country today? Is our country and her people truly living up to their potential? What do you think of Malaysian society today? Should “race” be a major factor in how Malaysian citizens relate to each other? What unites Malaysians? What divides Malaysians? Do you think Malaysia needs to change? Why or why not? What are your dreams/aspirations for yourself? Your country?
Do you love Malaysia?
These are questions that are rarely asked of our country's youths. But we believe that all of them have a burning answer deep within their hearts. They may not feel at liberty to share it. Or they may feel like even if they did, who would listen? So many of these hushed voices go unheard. It's the greatest loss to our nation...
Well, not anymore.
We believe that the youth of our nation have outstanding opinions about the issues facing Malaysia today. And we want our nation's youths to know that they are NOT forgotten, forsaken or frivolous. Because it is their passion that will revive the hope in our nation - to once again rise up and be a shining example to the world for our peace and prosperity. And this will happen when the youth of our country choose to stand up and speak out.
That's where BANGKIT comes in.
BANGKIT is a nationwide search for songs written by youths, for youths and representing the aspirations of the youths in our country. We believe that they deserve...no, they NEED to be heard. And we're going to provide the platform for them in the language that speaks to youths - music!
And to prove the point that Malaysians DO care about their country, we will be taking a huge step of faith - because we want to put this entire project together with NO MONEY AT ALL!
No money for salaries or allowances
No money spent on promotions/marketing.
No money spent on design.
No money spent on recording.
No money to hire talents.
No money spent on websites.
No money prizes
No money for prizes.
Tak ada, mei you, eelek, zip nada!
Impossible? Maybe...unless you and I decide to believe that it is NOT IMPOSSIBLE. We can both step out in faith that this project WILL succeed because there will be more than enough people stepping up to contribute their time, talents, facilities and resources FOR FREE, with no other motivation than their passion, creativity and love for country!
Have we got your attention yet?
If you feel inspired to join us, here are the details of BANGKIT:
MECHANISM
- A BANGKIT blog will be set up for this event
- Teasers will be spread throughout the internet (March 15 – 31)
- Selections begin, demo cuts of compositions to be submitted in mp3 format (April 1 – May 15)
- Songs will be featured on the BANGKIT blog for youths to vote on their favourites (April 1 – May 31)
- Professional judges will select 10 songs from the 20 most popular voted songs and results announced (June 7)
- A professionally recorded BANGKIT CD of the 10 selected songs will be released within 3 months of final selection (Target to be launched in September)
- A BANGKIT concert featuring local artistes will be held to showcase the selected songs (to be held either in November or December, in conjunction with SABM's voter registration carnival)
- No prizes will be offered. Just recognition of participants' talents and the chance for their song to be recorded.
PUBLICITY
- Primarily through the internet (facebook, youtube, twitter, blogs, websites, etc)
- Flyers and posters to be distributed to universities / colleges nationwide
- Exposure through the Mass Media
- Email, SMS & MMS
WHAT YOU CAN DO
- Attach the ‘BANGKIT’ posters/banners/videos to your blog or website and make sure to link it to our blog. We will be releasing a series so that it keeps fresh and exciting
- Tell everyone you know about BANGKIT through word-of-mouth, blogs, facebook, twitter, email, SMS, MMS, etc. We need everyone in Malaysia to know.
- Keep updated at our BANGKIT blog or the SABM website.
- Put us in touch with people who are willing to contribute to BANGKIT's cause for free.
Please support BANGKIT in our effort to bring the voices of our youth to the nation and the world!
P.S. As BANGKIT is still the pre-launch stage, please don't reveal too much about us yet. If you feel a need to explain a bit more about BANGKIT, just say something like "something big is brewing in Malaysian cyberspace and everyone under-30 should watch out for the announcement on April 1st". We will be releasing more promos and information that you can post as the official launch date (April 1) approaches.
If you need more information, please email: jombangkit@gmail.com.
For more info please check out our blog at http://jombangkit.org/
And please do feel free to pass this message to as many people as you know.
Let's rock Malaysian together!
Lai Chee Seng
Saya Anak Bangsa Malaysia - Youth Outreach Project Team Coordinator
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Keberkesanan Akta Lucut Kerakyatan Ganti ISA Dikaji
PETALING JAYA, 20 Ogos (Bernama) -- Kementerian Dalam Negeri akan mengkaji keberkesanan cadangan menggantikan Akta Keselamatan Dalam Negeri (ISA) dengan Akta Lucut Kerakyatan (ALK) untuk diguna pakai bagi tujuan keselamatan negara.
"Kita akan buat kajian terhadap akta ini," kata Timbalan Menteri Dalam Negeri Datuk Wira Abu Seman Yusop ketika diminta mengulas kenyataan pemimpin veteran Umno Tan Sri Sanusi Junid semalam yang meminta kerajaan menggantikan ISA dengan ALK bagi menghukum pihak yang mempersoalkan kontrak sosial.
Fuh-lamak...as if ISA not terer enough, now got proposal for Stripping Of Citizenship Act (SOCA)! So now instead of using ISA to indefinitely detain reporters who write articles quoting people giving hate speech, our tanahair can strip them of citizenship within their own country! This must be a first in the world, man! Someone call the Malaysian Book Of Records!
But seriously, we have to acknowledge our country's evolution from Ikut Suka Aku to ikut SOCA aku?
Big difference, hoh?
Friday, May 15, 2009
We are on the right track - The Jakarta Post
By Putera Satria Sambijantoro, The Jakarta Post
Many Indonesians agree that the April 9 legislative election was very chaotic and that the party most responsible is the General Elections Commission (KPU). There are growing negative views about our nation’s choice to adopt democracy.
But there are always two sides of the same coin: apart from all of the negatives, many citizens on the other side of the world praise Indonesia for its democracy and capability to arrange peaceful direct elections. We serve as a role model for other countries.
As we have successfully held our direct parliamentary election and prepare for our second direct presidential election, it is so appealing to see how our country has progressed. Indonesia was beaten hard by the 1998 financial crisis, which toppled Soeharto from his 32-year reign. We’ve dealt with many tough times since.
A huge burden on the economy was not the only thing we inherited from Soeharto’s reign; we have had to deal with huge consequences of his iron fisted government.
Many may forget the severe economic collapse during the 1997-1998 financial crisis, as we are now one of Asia’s booming economies and have enjoyed 5.5 percent yearly economic growth over the past five years.
But the real success story of this country is more about how it impressively paved its own way towards a fully democratic nation and held an election that became a role model for every country in the world.
Indonesia’s democracy is a remarkable success story, as it happened in a country where the voice of the people was muffled for 32 years; democracy was long overdue. In the past, Indonesians were not able to decide their own fate and political dissent was considered impossible.
Participation in politics was very limited during Soeharto’s dictatorial reign and people were left with no option but to support him and his Golkar party.
General elections were considered a courtesy – and when they were eventually held, the outcome could be predicted even before the count had started; Soeharto and Golkar were always sure to emerge victorious at the end of the election.
However, those days have long gone and now other countries can only envy us as democracy has flourished and marks the success of Indonesia’s systemic reformation.
The same can not be said for other nations. Democracy is just a reverie for citizens of Burma, who have been suffering prolonged tyrannical tribulations.
People in Thailand are still daunted by the transition of power, and Malaysia is caught up in a racial separation. While its neighbors are still strained with such problems, Indonesia strides forward as a world-class example of democracy; more than 30 parties and 230 million people came together for our peaceful elections.
Despite all the flaws in our recent election, Indonesia has learned to practice democracy. For a nation that has had just 11 years since regime reformation that’s an achievement we should be proud of.
While most of our people denounce the previous legislative election’s imperfections, people in Myanmar and North Korea look us with jealous eyes, “Choosing representatives in government and a president directly?” they say. “Be grateful Indonesians, we are not lucky enough to possess such rights.”
When you were young you made mistakes, yet people knew it was a normal part of your development. Our election may have had its imperfections, but as this young nation matures and we look back on our past, we will learn that a success story can not be told without stumbling first.
For Indonesia, a nation-in-transition that is still seeking ways toward a prosperous future, learning to practice democracy is a good start – successfully arranging a peaceful and fully democratic election is a keystone for better future to come.
-------------------------------
You can feel the pride oozing out from this op-ed. And justifiably so too. After the rocky first years, Indonedia is maturing as a young democracy, enjoying economic growth, allowing more diversity, reconciling its people, opening up more freedom of speech, etc. Investors are loving it, and money is pouring into the country.
Contrast with Malaysia, one of the oldest democracies in Asia, we see the devolving of our democratic institution, where the ruling junta is agitating for more absolute control, the economy is stagnant, Ketuanan Melayu is the rallying cry, dissent is systemically stifled, etc.
The irony is that the Ketuanan Melayu types are pointing to Indonesia as a shining example of the success of their cause!
Many Indonesians agree that the April 9 legislative election was very chaotic and that the party most responsible is the General Elections Commission (KPU). There are growing negative views about our nation’s choice to adopt democracy.
But there are always two sides of the same coin: apart from all of the negatives, many citizens on the other side of the world praise Indonesia for its democracy and capability to arrange peaceful direct elections. We serve as a role model for other countries.
As we have successfully held our direct parliamentary election and prepare for our second direct presidential election, it is so appealing to see how our country has progressed. Indonesia was beaten hard by the 1998 financial crisis, which toppled Soeharto from his 32-year reign. We’ve dealt with many tough times since.
A huge burden on the economy was not the only thing we inherited from Soeharto’s reign; we have had to deal with huge consequences of his iron fisted government.
Many may forget the severe economic collapse during the 1997-1998 financial crisis, as we are now one of Asia’s booming economies and have enjoyed 5.5 percent yearly economic growth over the past five years.
But the real success story of this country is more about how it impressively paved its own way towards a fully democratic nation and held an election that became a role model for every country in the world.
Indonesia’s democracy is a remarkable success story, as it happened in a country where the voice of the people was muffled for 32 years; democracy was long overdue. In the past, Indonesians were not able to decide their own fate and political dissent was considered impossible.
Participation in politics was very limited during Soeharto’s dictatorial reign and people were left with no option but to support him and his Golkar party.
General elections were considered a courtesy – and when they were eventually held, the outcome could be predicted even before the count had started; Soeharto and Golkar were always sure to emerge victorious at the end of the election.
However, those days have long gone and now other countries can only envy us as democracy has flourished and marks the success of Indonesia’s systemic reformation.
The same can not be said for other nations. Democracy is just a reverie for citizens of Burma, who have been suffering prolonged tyrannical tribulations.
People in Thailand are still daunted by the transition of power, and Malaysia is caught up in a racial separation. While its neighbors are still strained with such problems, Indonesia strides forward as a world-class example of democracy; more than 30 parties and 230 million people came together for our peaceful elections.
Despite all the flaws in our recent election, Indonesia has learned to practice democracy. For a nation that has had just 11 years since regime reformation that’s an achievement we should be proud of.
While most of our people denounce the previous legislative election’s imperfections, people in Myanmar and North Korea look us with jealous eyes, “Choosing representatives in government and a president directly?” they say. “Be grateful Indonesians, we are not lucky enough to possess such rights.”
When you were young you made mistakes, yet people knew it was a normal part of your development. Our election may have had its imperfections, but as this young nation matures and we look back on our past, we will learn that a success story can not be told without stumbling first.
For Indonesia, a nation-in-transition that is still seeking ways toward a prosperous future, learning to practice democracy is a good start – successfully arranging a peaceful and fully democratic election is a keystone for better future to come.
-------------------------------
You can feel the pride oozing out from this op-ed. And justifiably so too. After the rocky first years, Indonedia is maturing as a young democracy, enjoying economic growth, allowing more diversity, reconciling its people, opening up more freedom of speech, etc. Investors are loving it, and money is pouring into the country.
Contrast with Malaysia, one of the oldest democracies in Asia, we see the devolving of our democratic institution, where the ruling junta is agitating for more absolute control, the economy is stagnant, Ketuanan Melayu is the rallying cry, dissent is systemically stifled, etc.
The irony is that the Ketuanan Melayu types are pointing to Indonesia as a shining example of the success of their cause!
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Why we need govt change now
This is comment I left on Haris Ibrahim's blog, in reply to his post: Is free speech and expression without boundaries? Does defending God and religion know no limit? Do read his post to get the original context of the discussion. - EYES WIDE OPEN
---------------------------------------
Dear Haris
Freedom of speech? Well, why shouldn’t anyone have the freedom to speak? What of the golden rule - do unto others as you would have opthers do unto you?
If we want to stand up, speak out and be counted - why deny others to do the same?
However, my only caveat is: those who speak should be ready to defend what they say intelligently. And those who oppose should do so intelligently as well. Those who cannot fulfill these criteria should be laughed off the soapbox.
For the poison-spewing opinionists, nothing steals their thunder more than being intelligently exposed for the fools they are. They may rant and rave, but in the end, their foolishness is just being more and more exposed. To correct them (and those like them) is a complete waste of time.
However, since these fools do have their following, I believe it is of great importance and urgency that a complete change comes to Malaysia.
The ruling government has brainwashed a large swath of Malaysians with their myopic racist propaganda and polarised the races as never before. After March 8, they have proven again and again that nation-building is the last thing on their mind. Their continued stoking of racist hatred is lighting the fuse on the many powder kegs they have installed in the nation over the years. Thank God that many Malaysian no longer subscribe to the BN’s propaganda.
Be that as it may, it would be naive to assume that race politics no longer holds sway in Malaysia. As a minority-race Malaysian, I am keenly aware of the political slights against me, simply because I am not of the Bangsa Tuan. And it cannot be denied that many non-Malays are also reacting foolishly by trying to out-racist their perceived offenders.
How can we counter this trend of attach and counter-attack? What we need now are leaders in all levels of society who consciously make a decision to go against the grain and make “unity in diversity” work - as an example to the rest of the nation.
That’s why YB Khalid Samad has my unending admiration for his willingness to engage Christians in their own church. My respects also for the DAP & Tunku Abdul Aziz for making efforts in this direction.
That’s why we also need more popular heroes in the same vein as Sudirman, Sheila Majid, Shebby Singh, P. Ramlee, etc. These people’s popularity transcend race and unites people in a common passion.
Most of all, we need many, many Malays to lead the way in this endeavour, as only then will the rest of the nation be convinced of its rightness. With the generations of ever-bigger lies that has been spread to the citizens of this fair land (UMNO’s “the non-Malays are stealing the Malays’ wealth” nonsense vs the equally damaging “we need to fight off the Malays to preserve ourselves” mentality of the rest of the BN parties), we need the Malays to take the lead and show the rest of the nation that Malays have nothing to fear from non-Malays and vice-versa.
The only way to achieve this is to have a complete change of government and in its institutions. We have devolved in our nationhood to the point where it will take one or two generations before we manage to build up a national cohesiveness that will make our great country competitive again.
But, another one or two more generations of BN will corrupt us forever. As it is now, we are creeping ever closer to the level of the world’s despot nations in various international rankings!
WE NEED CHANGE NOW!!
---------------------------------------
Dear Haris
Freedom of speech? Well, why shouldn’t anyone have the freedom to speak? What of the golden rule - do unto others as you would have opthers do unto you?
If we want to stand up, speak out and be counted - why deny others to do the same?
However, my only caveat is: those who speak should be ready to defend what they say intelligently. And those who oppose should do so intelligently as well. Those who cannot fulfill these criteria should be laughed off the soapbox.
For the poison-spewing opinionists, nothing steals their thunder more than being intelligently exposed for the fools they are. They may rant and rave, but in the end, their foolishness is just being more and more exposed. To correct them (and those like them) is a complete waste of time.
However, since these fools do have their following, I believe it is of great importance and urgency that a complete change comes to Malaysia.
The ruling government has brainwashed a large swath of Malaysians with their myopic racist propaganda and polarised the races as never before. After March 8, they have proven again and again that nation-building is the last thing on their mind. Their continued stoking of racist hatred is lighting the fuse on the many powder kegs they have installed in the nation over the years. Thank God that many Malaysian no longer subscribe to the BN’s propaganda.
Be that as it may, it would be naive to assume that race politics no longer holds sway in Malaysia. As a minority-race Malaysian, I am keenly aware of the political slights against me, simply because I am not of the Bangsa Tuan. And it cannot be denied that many non-Malays are also reacting foolishly by trying to out-racist their perceived offenders.
How can we counter this trend of attach and counter-attack? What we need now are leaders in all levels of society who consciously make a decision to go against the grain and make “unity in diversity” work - as an example to the rest of the nation.
That’s why YB Khalid Samad has my unending admiration for his willingness to engage Christians in their own church. My respects also for the DAP & Tunku Abdul Aziz for making efforts in this direction.
That’s why we also need more popular heroes in the same vein as Sudirman, Sheila Majid, Shebby Singh, P. Ramlee, etc. These people’s popularity transcend race and unites people in a common passion.
Most of all, we need many, many Malays to lead the way in this endeavour, as only then will the rest of the nation be convinced of its rightness. With the generations of ever-bigger lies that has been spread to the citizens of this fair land (UMNO’s “the non-Malays are stealing the Malays’ wealth” nonsense vs the equally damaging “we need to fight off the Malays to preserve ourselves” mentality of the rest of the BN parties), we need the Malays to take the lead and show the rest of the nation that Malays have nothing to fear from non-Malays and vice-versa.
The only way to achieve this is to have a complete change of government and in its institutions. We have devolved in our nationhood to the point where it will take one or two generations before we manage to build up a national cohesiveness that will make our great country competitive again.
But, another one or two more generations of BN will corrupt us forever. As it is now, we are creeping ever closer to the level of the world’s despot nations in various international rankings!
WE NEED CHANGE NOW!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)