Remembering Dad: One Year Later...

It has been exactly one year today since Dad left us to be at a better place.

It wasn't exactly easy trying to come to terms with this loss for the family. Each of us have a different set of fond memories with Dad. But at the end of it all, he was a loving, responsible. caring and fine Dad and grandparent.

Dad and me travelled a long journey together. He would take me with him wherever he goes and even on his business trip whenever there's school break. I still have many clear memories of my childhood spent with him.

Over the years, Dad and me managed to develop a special kind of bond and understanding between us. No need for words between Dad and me. We could almost sense and feel each other's predicament. We were like One.

One year has passed since he left. But the memories of his last few months remains etch permanently in my mind. I remembered both of us braving it out together as he slowly fade away.

Dad fought on strongly till the end and I took every step with him. That's exactly what Dad did and would have done for me.

I miss my Dad...

Happy Father's Day

Al Fatihah

Our blogosphere lost a great man yesterday. Captain Yusof Ahmad aka The Ancient Mariner passed on peacefully yesterday morning.

I met Captain Yusof during one of RPK's sedition trial. A humble man with vast knowledge. But it was his grasp towards the reality of life that intrigues me.For this man, there was no race or religion barrier which enables him to mingle and share his thoughts with people around him. A true Anak Bangsa Malaysia till the end.

His contribution and presence shall be dearly missed by many.

My dear friend, it is time to set your sails and sail free towards your destination.

Al Fatihah

Read More Here

The Whisperer Is Back...

First of all, my family and I wish to extend our heartfelt thanks to friends, relatives and my blogging brothers and sisters for their support and kind words during our period of grievance over the loss of our beloved father/husband/grandpa.

Dad led a simple and selfless life. He was always more concern about others. That should more or less explained the sacrifices he generously made towards his family and those around him. All these were visible during the wake. People from all walks regardless of race whose life my dad once touched came grieving and shared our loss openly. He was like a father figure to all of them and a grandfather to all the children around the neighborhood.

During the last few months of Dad's life, he was always surrounded by his children, grandchildren and well-wishers. Our love and care for him never cease till his very last breathe. This is probably the very fact that made me come to terms with his passing. What he was and what he lived for lives on in us forever. A legacy that is going to continue with our children in the future..

Rest In Peace, Dad and Thank You For The Memories.

Dad passed on peacefully and painlessly on 14th June 2009 after a short battle with lung cancer. One week short of Father's Day and on my 3rd sister's and wife's birthday. He was 75.

P Uthayakumar: The Whisperer Salutes You...

P Uthayakumar wrote a letter on his ordeal under ISA detention in Kamunting. Below are some excerpts that I highlighted from his letter to MalaysiaKini..

Today, I have grown 500 days older. Today, I have lost 500 days of my precious freedom. Today, it is 500 days since I shaved my beard or combed my hair to protest my ISA detention. Today, it is 500 days since I have been made to wear the very same two pairs of dark blue baggy pants and white restaurant waiter-like prison uniform.

But I have no regrets. I know in my heart that every day of my imprisonment will liberate and open up a thousand new minds against Umno’s atrocities and injustices in their marginalisation, discrimination, suppression, oppression and the exclusion of Indians from the mainstream of national development in Malaysia.

My biggest satisfaction and what keeps me going in prison is the true and sincere spirit of the struggle through Hindraf’s Makkal Sakthi.

It moved me to see thousands of Hindraf supporters who had braved FRU’s tear gas and water cannons, who were roughed up and beaten by the police, arrested, handcuffed, thrown into jail, prosecuted in court and bravely standing up in the dock to face possible jail sentences, losing their jobs, and with their wife and children suffering. Read his letter in full here..

A sad episode indeed. How this draconian ISA had been abused indiscriminately against the citizen for voicing out their plights. What makes it worst is the treatment thereafter that is inhumane given that the New Age has moved beyond Barbarism Age.

Despite all these treatment, P Uthayakumar never regretted at all for his part in creating one of the Greatest Awareness in the history of Malaysia.

P Uthayakumar, for all the scarifices that you have went through and for the Fighting Spirit that is still burning strong in you, The Whisperer Salutes You!

Valga Makkal Sakthi, Brother of Anak Bangsa Malaysia!!

Read another beautiful tribute by Nathaniel Tan here.

Congratulation, Malik Imtiaz. You Are The Man...

Malaysian human rights lawyer Malik Imtiaz Sarwar was awarded the 2009 Bindmans Law and Campaigning Award in London on last night, marking a controversial milestone in a country that likes to think itself a champion of democracy.

Organised by British-based human rights magazine, Index on Censorship, this particular award is given to outstanding human rights activists who have set legal precedents in the fight against injustice.

"At the same time, it's sad. There were other people from Egypt, Zimbabwe, a Filipino who were nominated for their struggle to change the system.

"What does this say about our country? The world now sees us on par with Zimbabwe and Egypt," Imtiaz highlighted, adding that it was "not a great honour" for Malaysia to be associated with the democratically resistant countries like Zimbabwe and Egypt.

He hopes the government will not treat his award as an excuse "to block views" but to allow more room for dissenting views to be heard as befits a democracy.

Read more here..

Rightly said here. It is sad to receive such an award because of the state our country is in for decades and it is getting nowhere except spiralling downwards.

However, we should not allow the sorry state of our country to undermine Malik Imtiaz's deeds and achievements in his work to uphold the law and constitution of this country in the name of humanity.

Syabas, my friend. You truly deserve this recognition.

What Is A Real Man Made Of?

Rambo is a real man in Tinseltown, a man with bulging muscles and a man with a serrated knife – he creates havoc to his enemies. In the surreal world, Rambo has created a character to be admired as the man he should be in the movies.

Men who walk around in tight fitting attire exhibiting their bulky loads of muscles and women under each arm are the real men too, but just a fancy in their make believe world. Psst, take a look at their faces please! Driving fast cars with branded sunglasses, the world is theirs because we are suppose to make way for them. It seems they are the only ones who pay road tax.

However, what I have is a comfortable car that can still provide me the uninterrupted journey to my destinations, and my woman who will stand by me - come what may. This is my world and I love it! But there are still many things missing in my life. I want to live in the real world which is more interesting and exciting than any fictional world that is so deceiving.

One of my desires is to learn how to be a real man. To be a real man who is not easily swayed by sight but have the conviction and to translate values into actions. My search was not in vain because in the journey itself I have found a teacher.

That special day was 08 September 2007. After listening to him, I felt a wonderful surge of chi (energy) and it began to harness my belief that he is the man to make the needed change. From that day on, I stalked him, literally speaking. I observed intently and tried to sneak into his thinking faculty and I saw a man who is steadfast to his beliefs and stubborn as he could be to what he thinks is right. One thing has put me to shame is that I am of his age but in no way I could stand shoulder to shoulder with him, except to write what is from my heart unreservedly.

Who is this man who has the strength to say what he believes in and what his heart feels that could make others feel inside?

Who is this man who has the power of compassion that lies within that he could make people see what they should see?

And who is this man who has the modesty for the lowest of the society by stretching his hand to give hope to live for another day?

People, I am talking about Raja Petra Kamaruddin or RPK which has become a household name.

HE may not win the most votes on American Idol but make no mistake about it - RPK is a bona fide Malaysian icon. He is one of the most important Malaysian thinkers today because his anxieties reflect the anxieties of the intelligentsia. This has tugged at my heart and what amazes me is his ability to take it to the ground and connect with the people beyond colours and creeds.

To be afraid is reason enough to do what we are afraid of, and to hide one’s fear is to fall out from one’s real self. So by facing fear, a real man experiences the peace within. So no one should feel weak, depressed or lonely. Just look at him sneering at absurdity will tell you that the system stinks to high heaven!



He is solid inside and is therefore not afraid to be vulnerable on the outside. A real man knows when to be tough. And when his rights or that of others who are being violated, he acts courageously, as a matter of principle, and not just of false pride. Stressing his point on incredulity, a thousand word is painted on his face.

Like my brothers and sisters at the candlelight vigil, we want to be the real people who do not need combatant stance for a purpose, but with loyalty to the cause by not being afraid. A real person is therefore one who has the inner strength and wisdom to distinguish between what is right or wrong even in the most difficult situation. Our solid stands amongst ourselves shield us from the vulnerability on the outside. We are the people who can appreciate RPK without feeling less of a man. This is what the great feeling is all about!

My only regret is that, I know this man a little too late but the consolation is that, it is not too little. To sum up how he has been subjugated to intimidation and his solitude behind the walls of Kamunting, I have the carefully chosen words to describe the whole scenario.

In the midst of the clouded mind, the men in power see not themselves but deceptions and foolery. The apogee of power that wields at will is the piecemeal power of intimidations the desperados will descend to a deranged level. No matter how excruciating it may seem to be, yet it makes this Real Man to take it to his stride - this is The Real Man everyone knows as RPK!



“A man cannot die well unless he lives well, and I want to die well!”

-This tributary article is written and contributed by EyeSpy

Bernard Khoo – Walking the Whole Nine Yards.

Each time I wear a T-shirt with the bold imprint that call for a certain protest, I am looked at with cynicism and most of all, their pout lips with their eyes rolling up the ceiling. Initially, I was offended and wished that I could wring their necks.

Today, it does bother me a bit at all. What I am doing and where I am going is my prerogative, no question about it. I want to be counted against the absurdity of the ruling hypocritical “elites” on ordinary people like me. I am heading to the venue that can help me hold my head high.

If my father could volunteer himself to be a home-guard officer in the post Japanese Occupation of Malaya, and brought food on the table as well, what I could do now is just a minnow compare to his patriotism and that of his comrades of their time.

I want to be like my father who would even stand in the fire for a good cause of human dignity, and now, I want to touch the heart of the “elites” that have almost turned to stone with a little white candle.

Whether ordinary folks in this contemporary have awakened from their slumber of comfort zone or otherwise, the truth to such killing of the belief to stand united is purely ignorant.

There are stories of brave men and women who sent ripples of impact upon millions of people are easily found in the history books. New history has to be written today, the history for the future generation to know that his or her parents or grandparents had once held the little white candle that paved a new horizon of hope that turned to reality for them to be recognized as Anak Bangsa Malaysia.

The ordinary folks are those with enduring faith and boundless patience that compel them to rise to the occasion to earn the respect of being unafraid. We are unafraid because we love our Jalur Gemilang – the symbol of peace and the love of our country.

All ordinary folks should walk the whole nine yards with Bernard Khoo. He is an exemplary man standing tall to his belief and by stretching his hands out to reach those who are willing to hold his.

There are untold tales about Bernard - his passion and fortitude. He would never refuse to give anyone his warm hug be it man, woman or child. His hug is the symbol of friendship that glows like embers waiting to be fanned by the gust of courage to spark into a flame of unity. He stood his ground and such fortitude coming from a grandfather is hard to come by at any standard from men his age.

His familiar face is all about town. And what the eye of my camera could see is his “greatest gift” which is missing in many of us.

The greatest gift we can have is the unwavering consciousness on whatever we want to do or believe in. When the belief is harnessed with conscience, then conviction becomes the yardstick to help us to overcome all “man made” obstacles along the way.

To Bernard Khoo, the message is pure and simple. Your generation of comrades will come forward with their little white candles because they will not let you walk alone. The people who will walk with you the whole nine yards salute you sir, because you are who you are.

Please lead on brother.

Bernard Khoo aka zorro-unmasked

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Another EyeSpy's weekly contribution and I believe this would go on as there are many who walked out there selflessly throughout this crusade who deserve some mention one way or another . Nevertheless, another deserving tribute to a Man who doesn't need any further introduction.

Yes, I Am a Senior Citizen Who is Worth the Distant Run...

Do not take senior citizens for granted by constantly criticizing them for every conceivable deficiency of the modern world, be it real or imaginary. They have so much to share and you can learn from them in order to understand them.

No matter how you conceive the senior citizens to be, always bear in mind that they are emotional with age and they need attention from their loved ones. No matter how difficult at times it may seem to be, stretch your patience a little and you will make a world of difference in his life. What you are looking at now is the reflection of you when your time comes to be one.

Do you know that some senior citizens do share some common traits? You be the judge then.

He is usually interested in going home before he could get to where he is going.

He is awake many hours before his body allows his to get up

He is smiling all the time because he can't hear a damn thing you are saying.

He is very good at telling stories; over and over and over until you drop off the chair.

He will say that other people's grandchildren are not as cute as his

He will tell you how to keep healthy like the physique he has, but the truth is that his various organs need transplant, so to speak.

When you have not done well, he will start telling you, “When I was young…”

Why is that senior citizens speak more or less the same “language” and not tired of it? Simple, they are cute my friends! And I like to be cute too because I am one of them! So please bear with us if we happen to get out of line.

Senior citizens having given their most active years to the society working in various capacities and now they deserved special consideration by society at large and the government in particular.

Their capabilities have also further the betterment of the society through years of contributions and most of all nurturing their children to be what they are today. Will they ask for your financial support? Will they want to see you fail? Will they want to see you waste your life away? My dear friends, the questions are endless and the answers to the three heartfelt questions are plain NO.

Let me share with you a little secret and when you are in a moment of silence, please give a thought about it.

They want your love and a little attention that you can spare. Allow them to grow old gracefully because they may slip into their second childhood inevitably. By then, your love and care for them should be on your willing shoulders to bear because they will be waiting for you to help them through those lonely years.

You will see with your own eyes that what you will have to do for them is what they had done for you when you were too young to understand, and most of all so ignorant. If only you could remember your first fall trying to walk; and how they rushed to lift you up and cajoled you to try one more time; and how you were mollycoddled after that. Of course you could not remember! This is the test of your love for them when they start to make their first “fall”. By then, will they be asking too much or will they be receiving too little wanting to be with you?

Take a look around you and you may see for yourself those who are lucky, and those who are not. Some are living in seclusion into their twilight years. Need I have to say more?

For too many years, the senior citizens had being keeping too quiet. Now, they have emerged to lend their support for a good cause. They may not have so much time left to do what is not for themselves but for their children and their children’s children. Their faces fill with wisdom and compassion, are the faces that we should not forget with time.

Dear friends, come out and light the little white candles with them. Make the candles glow brilliantly in the dark forever and ever in your heart.

Quote: “Whatever good I can do, let me do it now for I may not pass this way again.”

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This article is contributed by senior citizen EyeSpy, who gave me the honour to pubish his weekly article. And for anyone who wishes to let their voice be heard, please do feel free to leave me an email at dukectk@gmail.com

The Whisperer Salutes All The Woman of The World...

Island of Life

She sees me

She understands

She helps

With all of my fears

When we stand together for life

Who will hold a child

In her arms

She reaches out

So many friends

Who seek to live this world

When we stand together for life

She will hold a child

In her arms

Chorus:

Without woman

Earth would fade and die

Without woman

Who am I

Who am I

On this Island of Faith

Who am I

On this Island of Life

You are the Sea

You are the Sky

You are the Ocean

I am the Earth

I am the Island of your Love

She listens

She understands

For those searching for truth

We will stand together for life

We will hold a child

In our arms

Chorus

She sees me

She understands

She helps

With all of my fears

When we stand together for life

She will hold a child

In her arms

Chorus

Dreams are the understanding of life

Dreams are the understanding of love

(Music by Kitaro, Sang by Jon Anderson)

Marina Lee Abdullah: Tribute From The People Who Walk With You..

Love is passionate and deep. It will drive you to do crazy things for each other, be it madness or being acrobatic. But loving a person is actually by knowing all the faults, knowing the good and the bad and still choosing to be together – that is love.

Many of us do not have first-hand knowledge of what married life entails. But I have thought long and hard about it. And I am ready for whatever it may bring – it brought me three wonderful children.

Many of us should consider ourselves insanely lucky to have found the woman who fits beautifully in our life.

The saddest moment in a married life is when we start to take each other for granted. What more when the little bubbling cutie arrives year after year? Time is stretched unbearably with the unending chores and the circle of friend dwindles to a miserably few. With the grace of God, we will live to be grandparents but most of us will see their children leaving the nest to roast on their own. This is when we have to learn to bear the silence each day without hearing their voices.

Any woman is an inspiration to the heart and gives meaning to all the things in life that are frequently left unexplained. The strength of a woman lies deeply within her soul and it is from the depths of that soul, where pain and frustration are often times hidden. So, men will have to salute women for their strength, their power, and the unique abilities that make them what they are. Marina Lee Abdullah is this breed of a woman.

It is futile to spend hours upon hours mulling it over in our heads, trying to make sense of it because she is right before our eyes.

When the inevitable moment comes which make it seems so hopeless and endless, just stretch out your hand in the dark and you will feel her beside you. Her warmth saturates in the lonely air, unseen but soothing. Then, lay your head between her bosoms and listen to the medley of her heartbeat vibrating into your ears. It will be a whole new world to feel the love of your woman to roam unbridled among the myriad of stars in your imagination.

Man will never be alone even in the most trying situation, because she is always there to stand by him. - Tribute from EyeSpy

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EyeSpy is a freelance photographer who writes his stories through observation from the window of his camera. He is currently pursuing his stories passionately from the ground as part of his contribution to create awareness for the betterment of Malaysia.

A Deserving Tribute: Haris Ibrahim

This email came in late yesterday. Someone has requested me to blog this tribute on his behalf. Thank you, EyeSpy. It's my pleasure to do so as I do share your sentiment and I am sure many anak anak Bangsa Malaysia out there share the same.

Bro Haris, this one is for you from the hearts of many anak Bangsa Malaysia out there..

HARIS IBRAHIM

For years, I have been looking and observing people from the eye of my camera. Each individual has a story to tell from what is in their minds projecting on their faces. The questions people ask and even the silent ones do not make much difference because what is important comes from what can be deciphered.

How important it is to me to know about virtuous people is beyond words especially those who have the humility. It is the trait profiles bulging in my archive that I have to share unreservedly. The reason for my pick is about this man whose personal values such as love and justice for the people prevail like a sore thumb.

People, I am talking about Haris Ibrahim.

I saw him weep for joy when Raja Petra emerged a free man in Shah Alam High Court. I saw him with the people in the candlelight vigils. I saw him trying hard to help people fight for the right cause. He is a selfless gentleman! We should not leave him alone but to join hands even at the most trying time we are going through.

On behalf of all who share the common truth, we salute you sir, for who you are and what you are. God blessed. - EyeSpy

Strong Messages from Zaid Ibrahim: A Tribute from The Whisperer...

Some strong messages have been sent out to the leader and all aspiring leaders in this interview with journalists during his press conference yesterday.

One can't help but hold high admiration for this one guy who speaks out his views and vision for a better Malaysia. Well, for the very least, his views and vision goes down well with me. And that is enough to earn him a Tribute spot in my blog.

I am just going to reproduce the whole Q&A here for everyone to read those Messages that it carries:

When you said you have failed, what exactly have you failed in?

I have failed to convince those in authority to effect changes about how this government should move forward. I failed to convince them.

I believe in the basic principle that this country respects all rights and citizens. This country is for all, there is no room for discrimination, this country is about rule of law and transparency, these are the things that we need to change.

If you don’t subscribe to these principles or just pay lip service to them, it will be difficult to translate (these) into policies. This is my feeling.

You are adamant about resigning despite the prime minister rejecting it?

I am not adamant, I am just saying that I have made up my mind. I thank the prime minister for asking me to take leave but I have my point, I think it’s best I leave (resign).

Why are you giving up on your efforts to push for reforms?

This is not giving up, this is paving the way for transformation. In a way I hope (my decision) can wake up people and result in some changes, that’s my hope, to trigger some positive changes.

You’ve been brought in to the cabinet to introduce judiciary reforms, what is going to happen to that?

All these (questions) you have to ask after December (Umno party polls,). I don’t know, you have to ask the prime minister, maybe he will re-organise the cabinet and supreme council (line-up who) will be more supportive (of reforms). It depends on so many things, I can’t answer that.

Will judiciary reforms come to a stop with your resignation?

I don’t know, you will have to ask the new prime minister (smiles), or rather the prime minister.

Are you disappointed with Prime Minister Abdullah (Ahmad Badawi)?

He is a nice man. He has other things to deal with that I may not know (of). Remember he is the party president, I am just an ordinary guy, I don’t have to worry about other things, he may have other things to worry about, you have to ask him.

Did the prime minister support your reforms?

Within the constraints he got, yes, he was supportive but he got constraints.

Do you think the internal party conflicts are hindering his ability to be an effective prime minister?

I believe so. That’s why I feel that things will be better - for the government or the Barisan Nasional - after December.

Do you think if Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim forms government, you will have the support to initiate reforms?

I just hope that anyone who forms the government - be it Abdullah, Najib Abdul Razak, Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah, Muhyiddin Yassin or Anwar - I don’t care who - but I just want all those (things on) my wish list to be transformed. That is of course my hope, but as I said we have to see what happens first.

What's next for you - still with Umno or join PKR?

It’s a very difficult question. The reforms I talk about, I got much criticism from Umno. Sometimes I think I should have changed (to be) like them instead of me trying to change them.

I do have some problems (in Umno) but at the same time I don’t know PKR well, I don’t know the leaders, so it’s too early to say but I have an open mind and I’m not in a hurry to make any decision.

Have you been courted by the opposition?

Courted? The last time I was courted was 30 years ago (laughs). No, but I have friends all over the place who call up but these are things happening to everybody.

But there is a rumour that you are joining PKR?

No, I have not made any decision of joining anybody. I am just saying that I have to do this. I hope it will trigger some good things, it will trigger some changes on the people in power, self-reflection and I hope the prime minister will overcome his challenges without the burden I carry (on him).

Are you going back to practice?

I don’t think so. I want to start a foundation to help build closer relations among the people in this country. I think race discrimination, prejudice and race relations are very bad. When I was young, I remember I thought we had much closer interracial (ties). Today we are a divided country.

Are you staying on as a senator?

Yes, because it will be nice to talk sometimes in the Senate to give my views on public issues. I love and care for this country very much like you all, I will do what I can. I believe this country is founded on very simple principles but very strong principles - fairness to all, justice, freedom, all those good things, I will work towards that.

What is the cause of the racial divide?

We have to do something to bring back trust and take action against some people who are bent on creating this division because of their own political agendas. We must overcome this.

You have been hailed as a hero and a man of principle?

I am not a hero, this is exaggeration. If I am a hero, I would have been successful in transforming this country. I just happen to say what I feel and do what I think is right.

What is the most important thing that the prime minister should do to bring some sort of changes?

The one single thing I think, is (for him) to trust the people in this country - all races. If you can’t bring yourself to that level of trust and acceptance, you will always worry if a particular policy will benefit this group or not. You worry whether you will upset certain benefits and privileges you have.

So long as you think sectarian or (along ) racial (lines), if you have too much thinking of that, it’s hard for you to have a policy that reaches out to everyone and applies to all. That psychological barrier has to be overcome.

We have to trust that we are one people and want to build one country and we want to have laws that apply to all.

In that sense, is it time for race-based parties to go?

I said before you can have race-based parties, you can fight for your community but you still can think of the country and common principles which bind us. You don’t have to be narrow-minded or cultivate the feeling of hatred, you have to do the opposite. These changes and reforms are for the country.

What do you have to say about your cabinet colleagues who have criticised you?

To my cabinet colleagues, I think some of them are very fine gentlemen. We have differences of views but there is no hard feelings, I hope to maintain that.

Before the Internal Security Act arrests, has it ever crossed your mind to resign?

Yes, it has crossed my mind a couple of times, even in the early days (of my tenure).

Excerpts taken from Malaysiakini

humanity beyond boundary...

Something i received in my mail this morning and i thought it would be best for me to publish it in my blog and share some of these moving heroic moments during the May 12th earthquake in China.

It usually takes a disaster to uncover the good and bad side of human and my tribute goes out to those who selflessly sacrifice themselves to help others during the disaster.

May God bless you all.

Hello. This is Coco Wang. As you know the breaking news of 5.12 Earthquake in China, almost all the TV channels in China are broadcasting 24 hours non-stop of every development and stories of all the rescue operations in all damaged locations.

I don't know how much information the BBC or any UK media received from us, I imagine the UK audiences were presented with the major developments of the incident, but you are probably unaware of many important and inside details which are only known to people inside China.

The amount of incredibly moving stories of victims, rescuers, and volunteers is simply shocking at the moment. I have been collecting newspapers of all the stories, and telling them in the form of comic strips. I hope these stories could show the UK readers the love, warmth and courage of the Chinese people, also the sad and cruel reality of the horrible 5.12 Earthquake.

I am back home in Beijing now. Thousands of heart-breaking stories are happening 24 hours non-stop everyday, some are so sad that you can hardly bear, some are incredibly moving that you just can't stop crying... I wanted to go to the front to help with all those people, some of my friends have already gone there, but I heard that the traffic needed to be kept totally clear for rescue transportation at the moment, people like me without knowledge of first-aid and experience of rescue operations going there now would cause choas and trouble... but I can't just sit at home and do nothing, I have been crying my eyes out in the past three days, I have never felt more proud of my country and people... their love, courage and kindness rock me to my core! I have decided to tell these touching stories by drawing comics. I am going to send you comic strips almost everyday from now on, I ! hope you could know something about the earthquake in China, although you don't have to do anything, but I hope you could feel our love and hope.

Thank you all so much.

Coco Wang

earthquakechina - Upload a Document to Scribd

Read this document on Scribd: earthquakechina

who is Irene Fernandez...

Irene Fernandez

"… for her outstanding and courageous work to stop violence against women and abuses of migrant and poor workers."

Irene Fernandez is a Malaysian campaigner for the rights of the poorest: migrant workers, farm workers, domestic workers, prostitutes and AIDS sufferers. She is still working, even though a conviction and year’s prison sentence hangs over her head on the trumped-up charge of “maliciously publishing false news”.

Irene Fernandez was born in Malaysia in 1946 and has three children and several foster children. She began her career as a high school teacher. She became involved with the Young Christian Workers Movement (YCW), based in Brussels, and in 1970 gave up her teaching career to become a full-time organiser for young workers. She became national president of the Malaysian YCW in 1972-75 and was a member of the international committee from 1973-75. During that time, she was able to organise the first textile workers union and began programmes to create trade unions in the free trade zones. She also focused on the development of women leaders in the labour movement.

In 1976, she joined the Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) and worked on consumer education, launching the consumer clubs for secondary school children to teach them about basic needs, safety and protection of the environment. She also began a consumer programme for rural women, linked to a breast-feeding campaign and the Nestlé boycott.

In 1986, she led campaigns to stop violence against women. Various women's groups mushroomed as a result of these campaigns. One was the All Women's Action Society, of which Fernandez was president for five years. It is now one of the strongest women's advocacy groups in Malaysia. The Domestic Violence Act, Sexual Harassment Code and changes to the laws related to rape are all a result of its work. That same year, she was the founder member of Asia Pacific Women Law and Development (APWLD). This regional organisation was designed to bring together women lawyers and activists to look at women’s law across the Far East. She was director for more than 10 years.

From 1992, she was the chair of the Pesticide Action Network, working for the elimination of pesticides and developing sustainable agriculture, which led to campaigns on health, against GMOs, and taking back control of seeds. Fernandez also founded the Tenaganita organisation, which she still runs, in 1991 in Kuala Lumpur. It campaigns for the rights of foreign workers, up to three million of whom are in Malaysia. Foreign workers have been lured into the country, as a deliberate policy of the Malaysian government and have played a critical role in the country’s recent economic success, but many now find themselves suffering the most appalling abuses and are detained in camps as undesirables.

Tenaganita, with 15 staff and 150 volunteers, works to document these problems, but also runs a half-way house for prostitutes with HIV, and a number of other programmes relating to migrant and poor workers’ health, education, awareness and human rights. It also works with organisations in neighbouring countries to provide health, legal and pre-departure information for workers. In 2005 Tenaganita drew attention to controversial plans by the Malaysian government to deport more than a million foreign migrants.

In 1995, Fernandez published a report on the abuse of migrant workers, cataloguing the malnutrition, physical and sexual abuse and the appalling conditions the workers endure, and set out the facts about the detention camps where they end up and where many of them die. The research included interviews with as many as 300 migrant workers. The embarrassed government admitted that 46 people had died of various medical conditions in their detention centres, but, in March 1996, Fernandez was arrested at home and charged with ‘maliciously publishing false news’. Her trial became the longest in Malaysian history and many of the witnesses she was relying on were deported before she could make her defence. In 2003 she was finally found guilty and sentenced to a year in prison, having by then appeared in court more than 300 times. She is currently on bail pending an appeal. While on bail, her passport is confiscated and she is banned from standing for election. During the trial, the offices of Tenaganita were bugged and raided twice by government officers. The funds for their half-way house for women and children with HIV were stopped.

Despite harassment and intimidation Fernandez has courageously refused to limit her work or blunt her message, even though the prison term hangs over her head. She has never used or advocated violence and has always worked in an open and legal way. She was therefore a prime candidate for adoption by Amnesty International, which has been unequivocal in its support for her.

Quotation

“We must change the rules of the global economy, for it is the logic of global capitalism that is the source of the disruption of society and of the environment. The challenge is that even as we deconstruct the old, we dare to imagine and win over people to our visions and programs for the new.”

Irene Fernandez

Puan Marina Lee Abdullah...

It was on a winter night way back in 1982, i witnessed something that etched permanently in my mind for life. I was drinking with a group of friends at the lounge of Westin Hotel in Toronto, Canada. The tranquility were suddenly disrupted by an announcement followed by an aged couple taking to the dance floor. Everyone remained silent as the couple began to dance when the band started to render the man's dedication to his partner.

I can't remember when you weren't there
When I didn't care for anyone but you
I swear we've been through everything there is
Can't imagine anything we've missed
Can't imagine anything the two of us can't do

Through the years, you've never let me down
You turned my life around, the sweetest days I've found
I've found with you ... Through the years
I've never been afraid, I've loved the life we've made
And I'm so glad I've stayed, right here with you
Through the years

I can't remember what I used to do
Who I trusted, who I listened to before
I swear you taught me everything I know
Can't imagine needing someone so
But through the years it seems to me
I need you more and more

Through the years, through all the good and bad
I KNOW how much we had, I've always been so glad
To be with you ... Through the years
It's better every day, you kissed my tears away
As long as it's okay, I'll stay with you
Through the years

Through the years, when everything went wrong
Together we were strong, I know that I belong
Right here with you ... Through the years
I never had a doubt, we'd always work things out
I've learned what life's about, by loving you
Through the years

Through the years, you've never let me down
You've turned my life around, the sweetest days I've found
I've found with you ... Through the years
It's better every day, you've kissed my tears away
As long as it's okay, I'll stay with you
Through the years...

Through the years by Kenny Rogers included in my playlist

At the end of the song, the crowd roared into a standing ovation. Many with tears in their eyes clearly being moved by this meaningful event. Well, at least it was meaningful to the couple who were then celebrating their golden 50th wedding anniversary.

That night continues to move me till today and will forever stays with me for the rest of my life. But this is not my reason why i am sharing this story...

My main reason may well point to this couple... Raja Petra Kamaruddin (RPK) and Puan Marina Lee Abdullah. Much as i respect Raja Petra for his fearless battle against all odds in the name of humanity for the rakyat and the country, i hold my utmost respect to the woman who stood by him.. the woman who continues to sacrifice so much just to support her husband's journey selflessly.

I paused and took a moment of my time to put myself in her shoe when her photograph appeared in MalaysiaKini yesterday. I see the strength in her for continuing to go through what she have been through over the years of living through a world of uncertainties and worries as her man battled on. That lives out the whole true meaning of "through good and through bad, till death do us part".

Puan Marina Lee Abdullah, please consider this as my tribute to the GREAT lady in you and to the GREAT couple in you and RPK. May God Bless You Both.

After 26 years i finally get this befitting moment to share my story.. This song is for both of you.

Thank you and thank you again...

salute to Justice Hishamudin Mohd Yunus...

30 May 2001 will be remembered in Malaysian history as a day when the people's long suppressed hopes for justice were rekindled by a learned, honest and courageous judge whose refusal to accept the Internal Security Act (ISA) struck at the very heart of repressive law and oppressive rule in this country.

On 30 May 2001, Justice Dato' Mohd Hishamuddin Mohd Yunus, in the Shah Alam High Court, ruled that the detention of two Parti Keadilan Nasional leaders, N Gobalakrishnan and Abdul Ghani Haroon, under ISA was unlawful. Justice Mohd Hishamuddin ordered the Police to release them immediately.

In making his ruling, Justice Mohd Hishamuddin added that the detentions had been carried out in bad faith, violated the detainees' constitutional rights, and ignored their procedural rights.

Justice Mohd Hishamuddin also ordered the Police not to re-arrest Gobalakrishnan and Abdul Ghani for at least twenty-four hours. This was an unprecedented order given past Police practice of immediately re-arresting the rare ISA victim who was freed by the Courts.

Justice Mohd Hishamuddin even told Parliament that `it is high time' to reconsider the relevance of ISA so as to prevent and minimize abuses of law by the authorities.

The Malaysian people will see in Justice Mohd Hishamuddin's ruling the beginning of the end to an unfortunate tradition of judicial reluctance to challenge the use of draconian legislation and brutal force by a regime that has increasingly set aside the rule of law.

Together with all Malaysians who are concerned with Justice, Freedom and the Rule of Law in this country, Aliran salutes both Judge and Judgment for this historic defence of the Constitution, civil liberties and human rights.

Until the full written judgment is available, Aliran reproduces, below, excerpts from the oral judgment delivered by Justice Mohd Hishamuddin to permit Malaysian citizens to appreciate some of the legal and political issues involved.

On why the further incarceration of the detainees was in breach of the Constitution: `The affidavits by the respondents are vague in nature and inadequate. The grounds for arrest must be clearly stated in the affidavit and it cannot simply parrot the provisions in the Constitution. There must be some reasonable amount of particulars (on the grounds of arrest) to be fair to the detainee who believes he is innocent.'

On how the Police ignored procedures:`The Inspector General of Police and director of Special Branch have prematurely made up their minds to detain them for the 30 days well beyond that stated in the ISA. The IGP and director of SB have ignored procedural rights.'

On the Police's denial of visits by families or legal counsel: `Not allowing access to one another is cruel, inhuman and oppressive, not only to the detainees but also to their family members. What harm would the visits of the family members bring? The visits can be closely monitored. This court does not understand such reasoning. It is a blatant and gross violation of the detainees' constitutional rights. It is unlawful to deny them (their rights).'

On habeas corpus: `There were no affidavits filed by applicants because for 40 days they were denied access to their lawyers. If applicants truly believe that they were framed and their detention was unjust, it is their right to file habeas corpus as guaranteed under Section 5(2) (of the Constitution).'

Aliran calls upon all Malaysians concerned with Justice, Freedom and the Rule of Law to take inspiration from Justice Mohd Hishamuddin's ruling to continue the struggle to protect civil liberties and human rights – and particularly to erase the dark shadow of ISA upon our society.

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On 10-11 April 2001, just days before public protests planned to mark the second anniversary of the sentencing of former Deputy Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, the authorities detained seven opposition leaders under the ISA, then three other people in the following days. Most of the ten, who were all held incommunicado until May 4, were members of Keadilan. The authorities alleged that they were plotting to overthrow the government but produced no evidence to substantiate this.

On May 30, in an unusual and courageous ruling, Judge Hishamuddin Yunus ordered the release of two ISA detainees on a writ of habeas corpus, and suggested that Parliament should review and either scrap or amend the ISA to reduce its potential for abuse. By mid-November, authorities had released three more detainees, but five had been served with two-year detention orders and were being held at the Kamunting Detention Centre. The six are: Tian Chua, Ezam Mohamed Noor, Badrul Amin Bahron, Hishammuddin Rais, Saari Sungib, and Lokman Nor Adam.

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1996 was to prove a busy year for Lingam, as lawyer or litigant in a number of notable court cases. About the same time, Lingam represented Berjaya group tycoon Tan in a defamation suit against veteran journalist MGG Pillai which the High Court found in Tan’s favour and awarded RM10 million in damages - a record sum. Pillai’s appeal to the Federal Court was heard by a three-member panel led by Eusoff, who upheld the finding but reduced the quantum of damages to RM2 million.

Still in 1996, Lingam filed three defamation suits for a total of RM190 million against lawyers, journalists and several others over an article in the International Commercial Litigation (ICL) magazine. The article ‘Malaysian Justice on Trial’ published in the November issue of the British-based magazine had suggested that Lingam and Tan had connections with judges, namely in the controversial Ayer Molek case and Tan’s suit against Pillai.

It was only last year that High Court judge Hishamudin Yunus dismissed the suit filed against the magazine and said it was Lingam’s wrongful conduct in the Ayer Molek case that had led to the publication of the article. Hishamudin said Lingam was guilty of “abusing and manipulating the process of court” in filing the action in the appellate and special powers division of the High Court instead of the commercial division.

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Justice Hishamudin, who holds a Bachelor's degree and a Master's of Law from the prestigious London School of Economics and Political Science, caused a stir in his 28-page judgment when he said it was high time that Parliament examined the relevance of the ISA which was originally meant to counter terrorism. He called for a review of the ISA and its provisions to prevent or minimise abuses.

While lawyers applauded him, this, however, did not go down well with the Government. Datuk Rais Yatim, who was then a minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, said it was not up to a judge to decide which laws should be amended. But the Asean Law Association was quoted as saying that judges could comment on the relevance of laws and had a duty to inform Parliament when a law became outdated or was inappropriate.

The Negri Sembilan-born Hishamudin, who became a High Court judge in October 1995, has also presided over other interesting political cases. In August 2005, he awarded RM4.5mil to Anwar in his libel suit against Datuk Abdul Khalid @ Khalid Jafri Bakar Shah, the author of 50 Dalil Mengapa Anwar tidak boleh jadi PM (50 reasons why Anwar cannot be PM). Explaining the decision to award such a large figure, Hishamudin said the facts and circumstances of the case were unique and hence, the damages awarded must be reflective of the peculiarity of the case.

In another case heard in August 2005, where Anwar had sued the Government, the Home Minister and the then IGP Tan Sri Rahim Noor over the assault and infamous black eye incident while he (Anwar) was detained and held under police custody in September 1998, Hishamudin presided over the case. He struck out the suit when all parties came to an out-of-court settlement in which the sacked deputy prime minister was paid an undisclosed amount, and Rahim made an open court apology to Anwar for the assault.

Another riveting political case Hishamudin heard involved former Malacca Chief Minister Tan Sri Rahim Tamby Chik who sued Parti Keadilan Nasional (now Parti Keadilan Rakyat) former information chief Ruslan Kassim RM15mil for slander. But Justice Hishamudin again did not have to rule on the case because in January 2004, he announced that the two parties had agreed to settle the case out of court and Ruslan made an open court apology to Rahim for damaging his reputation.

He also heard a case that gripped the nation in October 2000 where express bus driver Hanafi Mat Hassan was accused of raping and murdering computer engineer Noor Suzaily Mukhtar, a passenger in the bus. Suzaily sustained 44 injuries and fractured a neck bone. She died from strangulation. Justice Hishamudin found Hanafi guilty and sent him to the gallows.

Last year, Justice Hishamudin also made a decision which sparked fresh debate when he ruled on the controversial Ayer Molek case. He ruled that the Federal Court panel that heard the case involving a dispute of shares was illegal and unconstitutional because only two of three judges – former Chief Justice Tun Mohamed Eusoff Chin and Datuk Dr Zakaria Mohamed Yatim – were competent to sit at the apex court.

He said the third judge, Datuk Pajan Singh, should not have heard the case because he was only a High Court judge back then. As such, he said, he was not bound by the Federal Court decision of that case handed down 11 years ago and chose to follow the Court of Appeal ruling instead.