Dear Friends of Blogland,
Sorry for not having my blog updated the past two weeks. I have been occupied with the terrible condition in my homeland in Malaysia (a 2nd world country).
Just to give you an idea of which prominent people hail from Malaysia - Jimmy Choo (shoe designer), Michelle Yeoh (actress), Maggie Q (actress), Zang Toi (fashion designer) and Ling (supermodel).
I do understand that in some countries, politic issues are taboo. I am not about to bore you with lengthy lament of my concern but just to share with you as briefly as I can what the recent crackdown in Malaysia was all about without stating my political view. If you would like more info, click on the links in this post to read further.
Many media resources including TV news, newspapers and youtube have been showing the corruption in the current Malaysian government. And for the past week, the world shown concern for the brutal treatment of the Malaysian Police towards the non-armed citizens at the peaceful rally [Bersih 2.0] on 9th July 2011 for the demand of 'Clean & Fair Election'. Youtube clips shown that the police released tear gas and water canon to the rally people with insufficient/no warning (to disperse). Before the rally, the defense minister stated that they might even deploy the aid of country's military if need be. What? To unarmed citizens?
 |
| The two tiny yellow specks located between China & Australia represent Malaysia. Click on map for larger view. |
Just to give you an idea of which prominent people hail from Malaysia - Jimmy Choo (shoe designer), Michelle Yeoh (actress), Maggie Q (actress), Zang Toi (fashion designer) and Ling (supermodel).
I do understand that in some countries, politic issues are taboo. I am not about to bore you with lengthy lament of my concern but just to share with you as briefly as I can what the recent crackdown in Malaysia was all about without stating my political view. If you would like more info, click on the links in this post to read further.
Many media resources including TV news, newspapers and youtube have been showing the corruption in the current Malaysian government. And for the past week, the world shown concern for the brutal treatment of the Malaysian Police towards the non-armed citizens at the peaceful rally [Bersih 2.0] on 9th July 2011 for the demand of 'Clean & Fair Election'. Youtube clips shown that the police released tear gas and water canon to the rally people with insufficient/no warning (to disperse). Before the rally, the defense minister stated that they might even deploy the aid of country's military if need be. What? To unarmed citizens?
Estimated 50,000 persons turned up for the Bersih 2.0 rally
in Kuala Lumpur the capital city of Malaysia
The Bersih 2.0 rally (also called the Walk for Democracy) was a sequel to a similar rally in 2007. Bersih means 'clean' in the Malay language. Bersih 2.0 is a coalition of 62 non-governmental organisations (NGOs) but the rally was deemed illegal by its local government because the rally received monumental support from 3 opposition parties. The rally's immediate demands were:
- Clean the electoral roll
- Reform postal voting
- Use of indelible ink
- A minimum campaign period of 21 days
- Free and fair access to mainstream media
- Strengthen public institutions
- Stop corruption
- Stop dirty politics
This rally has received support from Malaysians abroad and hence the Bersih 2.0 Solidarity gatherings in 34 cities (or more). Among the countries involved were US, Canada, UK, Australia, Singapore, China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea and etc. They wore yellow to the colour theme of Bersih 2.0. A colour which has been banned in Malaysia. Some people who wore yellow within the rally week were caught for no lawful reason. (Apparently two weeks after the rally , 4 persons were caught for wearing the Bersih 2.0 shirts within the privacy of their hotel room.)
This event has not only drawn the sympathy of Amnesty International but also that of the Queen Elizabeth II of United Kingdom. Her Royal Highness donned on a bright yellow attire when receiving the Prime Minister of Malaysia. Many people has tried to draw their own conclusion on whether the Queen wore the 'offensive' colour by coincidence or with full intention. Suffice it to say the Queen has many advisors and credible sources to prepare her before each meeting with all delegates and VVIPS. For anyone to think the shocking yellow dress on Queen is a coincidence would be an insult. Queen Elizabeth II is certainly not a mediocre nor someone oblivious to world news. Her Royal Highness is very well informed and should I say all-knowing too! ;)
Malaysian Prime Minister Najib shaking the hand of Queen Elizabeth II
I am not an activist nor do I love politics. I just hope and and pray that the nation of Malaysia including all political parties, the police and the government be united to make the country a better place to live in and to achieve the Vision 2020 for becoming a fully developed first world country with a steady economy.
P/S : If you live in a country that practises democracy, human rights and freedom of speech, give thanks! Don't take them for granted as some of us do not have such privilege.
.
