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Bersih 2.0 – Demands worth to rally for?
The demands are sound. The question is, are they worth to rally for? No. EC has responded to some this demand. Especially the ink. They are opting for biometric.But no, it’s not good enough for Bersih. Some demands like stamping out corruption is out of EC jurisdiction. That is what the MACC for.
Najibnaili:
Assalamualaikum WBT, thanks for dropping by.
I respect your opinion with regards to the relevance of having a rally instead of other ‘peaceful’ methods which I assume is the parliament (very unlikely to happen soon as EC is not under the parliament) and others. First, it’s good that we both agree on the demands.
Secondly, I couldn’t agree more with the biometric system as the way forward, there’s no questioning about it though I have doubts as to how it can be applied properly in rural areas especially in sabah sarawak. rather optimistic but well it has to start somewhere.
Coming back to the rally, in my opinion, the rally is more than just people assembling and sending the memo to the agong and causing traffic jam. it’s actually a way that people show their seriousness in demanding for a clean and fair election. i remember in muara tuang, how the bn candidate’s form which were incomplete i.e. no financial report (which is a requirement btw) was accepted by EC. Not fair. How in another area in sarawak a recalculation appeal from PKR was ignored though the law permits EC to do so. not fair again. 10 days of campaign in the Sarawak election wasn’t sufficient especially when BN decides to i help you you help me. Biased statements by the ec timbalan pengarah etc etc.
Thus, a peaceful rally will do the trick in pinching the EC as to play their role properly (EC will definitely be more cautious after this). And the BN to fight fair and square. sindir anak pukul menantu. this can clearly be comprehended when PR is supporting Bersih so strongly . duh…
It obviously had worked as BN were so intimidated (in which they shouldn’t in the first place) by the rally, that they started to use whatever means to degrade the effort. keh keh keh
And to my surprise, after following #bersihstories on twitter, people regardless of race were so united in helping each other to ensure the rally was a success and a peaceful one. This is definitely a very memorable and meaningful sight for those participating and for people like us following from afar.
http://www.merdekareview.com/bm/news.php?n=12075
Then came the police who were only doing their job making the rally looked riotous. obviously not their fault entirely, they were just doing their job. and seriously, RM20+ per head for food? PDRM obviously knows politics as well.
Of course, bersih wasn’t perfect; the intervention of political entities did tarnish the ‘cleanliness’ of Bersih, again mere opinion. Though I think PR supporting Ambiga leading the cause was actually quite a cheeky move considering her influence in the UN.
Well I’m glad that the rally is over and the great message was sent to everyone all around the globe. i do agree with you in a sense, but in a bigger picture, taking media manipulations, dirty tricks by BN into account (many), i still believe Bersih was really worth the huge effort. but i totally respect your view. wallahua’lam.
Sorry for the long comment, it’s been a while since we write stuff on the blog. :)
Bersih Aftermath?
Assalamualaikum WBT
The aftermath?
Sadly people have been bashing harsh words towards each other, being cynical in FB etc whilst making own stand on Bersih. What a sad sight. But no one is to blame, we’re a developing, learning society after all.
http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/bersih-2.0-winners-and-losers/
KUALA LUMPUR, July 5 — So it is settled, after weeks of harassment and thuggish behaviour by the government, the people for free and fair elections will gather in a stadium on July 9.
This episode has once again demonstrated how fractious and divided Malaysia is with enlightened and liberal Malaysia on one side and almost facist powers on the other.
Some individuals emerge from this episode with reputations intact, others with image destroyed forever. The Malaysian Insider gives our take on the winners and losers.
Winners
• The organisers of Bersih: let’s be honest, until a few weeks ago this was a movement at the periphery of most Malaysians. Okay, so some 100,000 people would have marched on the streets on KL. But thanks to the government’s blanket arrests, use of draconian laws and decision to behave like a repressive regime, Bersih became a buzzword. Much to the government’s chagrin, everyone has forgotten about Datuk T, all the wonderful projects under the ETP. Today, people remember Bersih as the people fighting for clean and fair elections, and the Barisan Nasional (BN) government as the people frightened of free and fair elections.
• Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan: She was called names by the prime minister and threatened with having her citizenship revoked by the Malacca chief minister and was under severe pressure from the police and security agencies. But the former Bar Council president did not lose her cool or become rabid like her detractors. She stayed the course and was always civil. Maybe our politicians should take a leaf out of her book.
• The Yang di-Pertuan Agong: his measured last-minute intervention gave the government and Bersih face-saving escape routes from confrontation. This is what Malaysians expect of the monarchy: for them to be honest brokers, not mouthpieces for the ruling party. In all likelihood he was asked by the government to issue the statement on Sunday but it does appear that he was unwilling to demonise Bersih.
• Malaysian public: in the wake of all this talk of riots and tension, the man in the street was unmoved and unconvinced by the fairytale stories of communist plots and Christian funding — a sure sign that the governed are more mature than the government.
Losers
• Datuk Seri Najib Razak: he has now agreed to meet Bersih leaders to discuss the venue for their rally. One has to ask why as the PM he did not engage the activists but instead he allowed them to be demonised by his Umno party. The mishandling of the issue also allowed Malaysia’s image to be tarnished and undid a lot of good work done by good men in the administration. He allowed the hardliners in government and his party to call the shots when he should have been leading from the front.
• Datuk Hishammuddin Hussein: where does one start with this major disappointment of a minister? He left many stumped by his illogical statements and his John Le Carre scenarios. He has ambitions of becoming the country’s prime minister. After this performance it is arguable whether he is the best person for the home ministry portfolio.
• Datuk Ibrahim Ali: he has been at the forefront of the attacks against Ambiga and Bersih. And he has also tried to turn the issue into one of race, to protect Malay rights. But it became abundantly clear that Bersih 2.0 had the support of many Malaysians from different races. It was not about race after all but the issue of free and fair elections.
• The PDRM: the police have made a mockery of the law by arresting people for wearing T-shirts. While it is arguable whether preventive action and detention should still be allowed, arresting people for wearing T-shirts was a ridiculous act. Continuing to detain people under the Emergency Ordinance over the rally is also a classic case of abusing the law. In the end the police should remember that if a permit was granted the rally would not have been illegal. The police must not act as if the country is under siege from its own citizens.
Ukhuwwah
Assalamualaikum WBT
Alhamdulillah, we spent half of our day today at Lepe Country Park for a family gathering organized by Keluarga Soton. Tazkirah by Abang Fadhli mostly reminded everyone about ukhuwwah, the unity of the Malaysians especially Muslims in Southampton. Abang Shahrul recited the popular Hadith related to ukhuwwah in Islam;
لايؤمن أحدكم حتى يحب لأخيه مايحب لنفسه
None of you will have faith till he wishes for his brother what he likes for himself (Bukhari)
A simple reminder for us who easily forget.
Bersih 2.0 – Understanding the 8 Demands
Assalamualaikum WBT,
I’ve been following the most talked event of the year through the media especially Facebook with different links shared by friends. How fascinating are the comments made by people about the rally and especially relating the event to the organizer, the notorious Ambiga who apparently was responsible for the Interfaith Commission (IFC) demands years back.
It’s like hating all of the government policies, 1Malaysia thing, himpunan 1 juta belia etc simply because the Prime Minister happens to be the husband of the co-organisers of Islamic Fashion Festival (IFF) who clearly insulted Islam too? (I know it’s not comparable but you get what I mean?)
Leaders of the NGO’s, Muftis, ministers from both the government as well as oppositions made loads of statements which some were rather amusing. Then people like me started to ‘retweet’ or share in facebook to convince others to agree with our stands.
Well that’s completely normal when people have different thoughts and opinions. And this is when ‘menguruskan perbezaan pendapat’ comes to place. Now you see that your brother posted something against Bersih, will you attempt to cincang the air now? Menguruskan perbezaan pendapat is how we bring forward valid arguments towards each other and keeping the relationship going. Jangan kera dihutan disusukan, anak di rumah laki yang jaga. hehe
Coming back to Bersih, seriously, how many of us actually know or understand the demands of the rally and why it is worth the hassle after negotiations had gone to no avail?
Well ladies and gentlemen, I would like to bring you to understanding what I believe is worth fighting for. I copied this from the official Bersih website.
1. Clean the electoral roll
The electoral roll is marred with irregularities such as deceased persons and multiple persons registered under a single address or non-existent addresses. The electoral roll must be revised and updated to wipe out these ‘phantom voters’. The rakyat have a right to an electoral roll that is an accurate reflection of the voting population.
In the longer term, BERSIH 2.0 also calls for the EC to implement an automated voter registration system upon eligibility to reduce irregularities.
2. Reform postal ballot
The current postal ballot system must be reformed to ensure that all citizens of Malaysia are able to exercise their right to vote. Postal ballot should not only be open for all Malaysian citizens living abroad, but also for those within the country who cannot be physically present in their voting constituency on polling day. Police, military and civil servants too must vote normally like other voters if not on duty on polling day.
The postal ballot system must be transparent. Party agents should be allowed to monitor the entire process of postal voting.
3. Use of indelible ink
Indelible ink must be used in all elections. It is a simple, affordable and effective solution in preventing voter fraud. In 2007, the EC decided to implement the use of indelible ink. However, in the final days leading up to the 12th General Elections, the EC decided to withdraw the use of indelible ink citing legal reasons and rumours of sabotage.
BERSIH 2.0 demands for indelible ink to be used for all the upcoming elections. Failure to do so will lead to the inevitable conclusion that there is an intention to allow voter fraud.
4. Minimum 21 days campaign period
The EC should stipulate a campaign period of not less than 21 days. A longer campaign period would allow voters more time to gather information and deliberate on their choices. It will also allow candidates more time to disseminate information to rural areas. The first national elections in 1955 under the British Colonial Government had a campaign period of 42 days but the campaign period for 12th GE in 2008 was a mere 8 days.
5. Free and fair access to media
It is no secret that the Malaysian mainstream media fails to practice proportionate, fair and objective reporting for political parties of all divide. BERSIH 2.0 calls on the EC to press for all media agencies, especially state-funded media agencies such as Radio and Television Malaysia (RTM) and Bernama to allocate proportionate and objective coverage for all potlical parties.
6. Strengthen public institutions
Public institutions must act independently and impartially in upholding the rule of law and democracy. Public institutions such as the Judiciary, Attorney-General, Malaysian Anti-Corruption Agency (MACC), Police and the EC must be reformed to act independently, uphold laws and protect human rights.
In particular, the EC must perform its constitutional duty to act independently and impartially so as to enjoy public confidence. The EC cannot continue to claim that they have no power to act, as the law provides for sufficient powers to institute a credible electoral system.
7. Stop corruption
Corruption is a disease that has infected every aspect of Malaysian life. BERSIH 2.0 and the rakyat demand for an end to all forms of corruption. Current efforts to eradicate corruption are mere tokens to appease public grouses. We demand that serious action is taken against ALL allegations of corruption, including vote buying.
8. Stop dirty politics
Malaysians are tired of dirty politics that has been the main feature of the Malaysian political arena. We demand for all political parties and politicians to put an end to gutter politics. As citizens and voters, we are not interested in gutter politics; we are interested in policies that affect the nation.
Is this still not worth it? Wallahu a’lam.
Abu Ziyad
p/s: really can’t understand why the government is so scared of the rally.
p/p/s: of course I understand!
Emotional Ending of al-Qaswa
Assalamualaikum WBT
This is a picture of us and our beloved car which we named al-Qaswa.
Umar Ziyad was still in the tummy at this time
The connection between us and the car was special.
1. It was our first ever car.
2. With the help of my so much missed friends Ikhwan and Syauqi, I chose the car and tried to give Naili the pleasant ‘surprise’ when I brought it home .
3. It was the one that took Naili to the clinics for check-ups and rushed her to the Hospital when Umar Ziyad was about to be delivered.
4. It was Umar Ziyad’s first ever ‘car experience’
5. It was the one that I used to bring my small family to places and Islamic circles to enjoy the nice happy family experience.
and so much more….
few months ago, it started to get ill. At first it was the driver’s window, then the engine, then the gear box, then the brake. It was cancer equivalent. It had made all of us worried. could this be the end of it?
After giving it a good thought, considering the amount we have to spend to cure the disease, we eventually decided to let Qaswa go…
Farewell Qaswa
How Allah made metal pieces like you serve human in such a special way that saying goodbye is just so sad…
Farewell good friend…
Nazri Aziz?
Assalamualaikum WBT
Nazri Aziz was criticized rather harshly on the internet with regards to his statement doubting Wan Azizah’s confirmation on the infamous made-in-Malaysia movie star not being her husband.
Few comments;
1. Nazri Aziz urging for a Suruhanjaya Diraja is a relevant suggestion. But obviously, that’s a logical thing to do at this stage, nothing to be applauded.
2. It’s rather obvious that Wan Azizah will stand by her man, the person that she has been spending most of her life with, the father of all her beautiful children? Won’t you be doing the same thing if you were in her shoes when the evil press keeps on pushing for a statement? Thus, Nazri Aziz’s comment is somewhat relevant considering emotional judgement by Wan Azizah regardless of how true her statement is.
Personally, I pray that it’s not Anwar. I pity him and his family, genuinely. anyhow, Allahua’lam
3. The mainstream media should stop heating the issue up. It’s well understood that spreading one’s misconduct without being properly judged is forbidden (haram). That includes you and me. ‘Kompem Anwar!’ This kind of statement will not do us any good in the hereafter.
4. All media be it the oppositions’ or pro-governments’ (apparently most of the mainstreams) should always portray good reporting ethics. Cheap misleading headlines and inaccurate news will only make the current people and our future generation have no trust in the media and our local political scene.
5. Before anyone starts hating Nazri Aziz or Nik Aziz, judge rationally to whatever they have to say. Anything you say against anyone will definitely be a burden to you later. It’s always best to fully understand what freedom of speech means in the Islamic perspective.
I do pray that the truth will prevail. But considering its Malaysia, I have my doubts.
But insyaAllah, it eventually will.
Abu Ziyad
Day of Rage
Assalamualaikum wbt.
Semester baru dah bermula hari ini.
Tapi saya macam tak boleh fikir sangat tentang study sekarang. I keep thinking about the situation in Egypt. As I was about to doze off last night, my husband told me that the rage and riots are escalating in Egypt.
Police stations, airport , were burnt. Students might even be starving.
I would even be more worried if my little sis is still in Cairo. Alhamdulillah, she’s currently in the UK, and I’ll get to see her this Thursday.
Mama and abah mesti tak senang duduk kalau Dahlia masih ada di Mesir.
So, just imagine the worries of the families of the other Malaysian students who are still in Egypt.
Saya tak boleh bayangkan ketakutan dan kerisauan mereka di sana. Yelah, orang Malaysia ni bukan biasa hidup susah macam orang Arab. Bukanlah nak kata orang Malaysia biasa hidup senang, cuma situasi di negara kita belum jadi seteruk atau seganas di negara-negara tertentu.
Malaysia nak hantar pasukan penilai dulu? Apa students yang bagi laporan dari sana tu menipu ke? Ya rabbi..Ada lebih dari 11,000 Malaysians di sana. Memangla kos untuk evacuate mereka mahal, but I guess it wont be as costly as expanding mansions or as expensive as certain people’s shopping allowances.
Remember, the money is the taxpayers’ money! So use it for the right thing! Kalau kat UK ni, mesti dah kena soal and hentam dengan rakyat.
Allah!!
Marah!
Tentang Dia..
He seemed extremely happy today..Maybe because of the extra attention I gave him..
I obtained my temporary freedom after submitting my last report for the term, this afternoon.
I will be having my only paper for this term on the 24th, so my hands are not as tight as before.
Seeing his smiley face, for me is priceless. And I can’t thank Allah enough for giving me him.
Sungguh, anak itu rezeki..
He was sick for about a week, but what a fighter he has been. Since then, Umar jadi kuat makan and semangat sangat bila main.
Ummi suka!
The first part of the video was taken when he was sick. Cian dia..
Love u Umar Ziyad.
Oh, mama is coming to visit again. Can’t wait!
BMW On Fire
Assalamualaikum wbt.
We witnessed a fire last night.
It was around 4 am, and all three of us were wide awake. Both abi and I were doing our assignments and of course, the little one wouldn’t want to go to bed without us.
I felt hungry, so I went to the kitchen, and that was when I saw the fire. Our neighbour’s black BMW was on fire.
I wasn’t panicking until I told my other half, and he started panicking. Ooops . =p
He called the firebrigade, and they arrived like less than 5 minutes after that.
Alhamdulillah, nobody was hurt. I for once feared that the car would explode , and debris would be flying everywhere! (just watched a scene from CSI).
