Last week, the Malaysian political stage was on fire with the racial discrimination issue. I guess I do not have to mention it, but everyone knows its Ahmad Ismail, the UMNO divisional leader. The so-called leader has been punished by his superior and the case is closed, at least for now. Just barely 24 hours after the case is closed, another version of discrimination appeared. This time it is gender discrimination.

The PAS-led Kedah Government has a new ruling to impose restrictions on women artistes.
Under the new ruling, women can perform in front of an all-woman audience but restrictions apply for performances in open spaces.

According to MalaysianInsider, on September 2, Dr Ismail Salleh, the chairman of the state executive committee on health, information, NGOs and human development, said that no entertainment licence would be issued for public concerts by female artistes, except in areas where the audiences were all women.
He is also reported to have said that women’s voices are a part of “aurat”, referring to parts of the body that should be covered up according to Islamic practice.

What is wrong with the new ruling by the way?

The new ruling violated Article 8 of the Federal Constitution which prohibits gender discrimination and Malaysia’s commitment to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women.

• Article 8 by clause (1) provides that all persons are equal before the law and entitled to its equal protection. Clause 2 states: “Except as expressly authorised by this Constitution, there shall be no discriminaton against citizens on the ground only of religion, race, descent, gender or place of birth in any law or in the appointment to any office or employment under a public authority or in the administration of any law relating to the acquisition, holding or disposition of property or the establishing or carrying on of any trade, business, profession, vocation or employment.” The exception in clause 2 is used to justify the reservations and special provisions for the Malays and the Bumiputras of Sabah and Sarawak under Article 153.
• Malaysia as one of the member of United Nations committed itself in the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), which is adopted in 1979. The Convention defines discrimination against women as “…any distinction, exclusion or restriction made on the basis of sex which has the effect or purpose of impairing or nullifying the recognition, enjoyment or exercise by women, irrespective of their marital status, on a basis of human rights and fundamental freedoms in the political, economic, social, cultural, civil or any other field.

This new ruling has also contradicted the Pakatan Rakyat manifesto which promised a more democratic and inclusive society.

•  Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), lead by the new Permatang Pauh MP, Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim campaigned in the General Election 2008 with a 5-part manifesto. The first point that PKR stressed in its manifesto is “We will make Malaysia a truly constitutional state for all. - KeADILan believes the spirit of the Constitution and the rule of law must be honoured in deed, and not only in words. True adherence to the Constitution and principles of universal justice will ensure the rule of law and an independent judiciary, as well as guarantee that the basic human rights and dignity of all are protected and upheld. A constitutional state affirms the need to reject all forms of racially divisive politics and pave the way for a society that holds unity, justice and mutual respect above all.”
• PAS launched its general election 2008 manifesto promising development, rights for all races, match making for women late and a 20% discount in the housing for the poor. Entitled, “Development in Line With Islam - Spearheading Changes For Blessings,” the manifesto pledged to make Tumpat its window to global trade by making it a business and tourist city through joint ventures.
• DAP with their 8-point General Election 2008 manifesto, they pledged to provide gender equality and youth empowerment, ensure democracy and freedom.

It violated the women’s right to work and express themselves, denied the significant contributions of women in the arts and entertainment spheres, and attempted to silence women’s voices in the public space.

The women in Malaysia have contributed much in the arts & entertainment industry, which has also indirectly boosted the Malaysian economy and country. Singers like Saloma, Sharifah Aini, Anita Sarawak, Sheila Majid, Siti Nurhaliza, Ella, Fish Leong, Suki, Ning Baizura, Jaclyn Victor and many other have been long accepted by Malaysian society and are part of our Malaysian cultural landscape. All of them dressed decently during their performances and sing decent songs to the public. I don’t see any reason to stop them from singing and to develop Malaysian’s entertainment industry.

My Opinion

With the facts that I have found in the wonderful Internet, there are several questions that I am curious of…

PAS, DAP & PKR has together formed a so-called coalition, Pakatan Rakyat (PR) to compete against Barisan Nasional in the 2008 General Elections. 6 months have just passed since the March 8th, PAS has violated its own manifesto, I don’t even want to mention its alliances’ manifesto yet.

How many more promises and manifesto will they violate?

Will the other two party in PR voice out and demand PAS to get rid of its new ruling in Kedah? Will the PR leader, Anwar Ibrahim voice out?

How can three different parties with different visions and goals co-operate to lead one same country that needs one standard rules & laws?

Are the moving backwards or are they moving forward?

PARTI GERAKAN RAKYAT MALAYSIA BUKIT BENDERA DIVISION YOUTH STRONGLY CONDEMNS AND OBJECTS THE NEW RULING BY THE KEDAH STATE GOVERNMENT!

On the 9th September 2008, Penang Gerakan decided to severe its ties with Penang UMNO due to the case of Ahmad Ismail. Below are the video clips of the related news.

Press Statement by Gerakan Penang State Liaison Committee at a Press Conference held on Monday, 8 September 2008 at 10.30 pm at Gerakan Headquarters, Penang

(1)          At the emergency meeting of the Gerakan Penang State Liaison Committee tonight, it was resolved that Gerakan Penang will severe ties with UMNO Penang

(2)          Gerakan Penang state leaders and member are all very shocked and angry. We condemned the statement and irresponsible behavior of Ahmad Ismail and his supporters at their press conference this afternoon.

(3)          We are also extremely disappointed and saddened by the fact that many UMNO Penang state liaison committee leaders were present and condoned such irresponsible and insensitive statement and behavior.

(4)          In trying to deny and deflect his mistakes, Ahmad Ismail had twisted and turned a personal mistake into a conflict and crisis among BN component parties and worst still, amongst communities.

(5)          His statement warning the Chinese community not to behave like Jews in America, controlling the economy and political power, was totally irresponsible and uncalled for. He also tried to incite feelings of Malays and Muslims.

(6)          Moreover, the action of his supporters to take down, tear and step on my photograph was seen and felt not only as an act of disrespect and humiliation to me personally, but also to the whole party and BN.

(7)          Such words and behavior have angered many right-thinking Malaysians. We also received feedback that members of the public, especially from the Chinese community, were feeling humiliated as well.

(8)          While people can express their views in words, we urge them to stay calm and refrain from any demonstration or physical act of expression. We must maintain peace and order at all times.

(9)          In view of such serious transgressions, Penang Gerakan will lodge police reports against Ahmad Ismail and his supporters. We urge the authorities, BN and UMNO to take firm and harsh action.

After the first meeting of the Parti Gerakan Rakyat Malaysia Bukit Bendera Division Youth first meeting, the team of commitee members have been finalized.

GERAKAN:  SATU HATI FORWARD TOGETHER
 
Vision for Gerakan
To be the party of choice for all Malaysians.
 
Mission of Gerakan
To build a united, democratic, just, egalitarian, liberal and progressive nation for all Malaysians, transcending the barriers of race and religion. 
 
The Three Thrusts
1.       To voice Gerakan’s ideology, policy position and advocate a Malaysian solution for various major issues. 
 
2.       To rebuild, rebrand and re-empower the party at all levels to effectively serve and represent all Malaysians.
 
3.       To win the people’s hearts and minds, and to regain the people’s mandate.
 
 
 
EIGHT (8) MAIN STRATEGIES FOR GERAKAN
 
1.       To pro-actively formulate and voice principled policy positions, seek and effect workable and viable solutions, based on Rukun Negara and the party’s ideology, for major national issues affecting the country and the people.
 
2.       To be a constructive and effective opposition in the states under Pakatan Rakyat and to be the voice of the people within Barisan Nasional to pursue the reform of Barisan Nasional as a genuine and effective multi-racial coalition of political parties, committed to realizing a fair and just Malaysian society.
 
3.       To effectively rebuild and revitalise, enhance and empower the party’s presence and position nation-wide, especially in all our parliamentary and state constituencies in Penang and other states, with the aim of regaining people’s trust and mandate through the following:-
(a)      reinforcing links and relationship with the people;
(b)      upgrading effective services to the people;
(c)      Organising meaningful activities for the people;
(d)      identifying and training potential leaders
(e)      preparing for elections at all levels.
 
4.       To actively reach out to and forge smart partnership with members of the civil society and Non-Government Organisations (NGOs), such as  associations, unions, guilds etc to work together to resolve issues and problems.
 
5.       To embark on membership expansion and consolidation by:-
(a)      motivating and activating existing party members;
(b)      recruiting more Malaysians from various ethnic and cultural backgrounds, with emphasis on youth and women;
(c)      providing more flexible organisational structure and attractive programmes, such as Gerakan Muda, open branches and cyber branches, etc.
 
6.       To boost the morale and quality of leaders and members through increasing, revamping and upgrading political training programmes, for party leaders, members and supporters to reinforce ideological commitment; enhance knowledge on history, economy, society, culture, religion and politics; upgrade leadership, management and speaking skills, etc, and to make Gerakan competitive, vibrant and relevant as a learning organisation.
 
7.       To re-energise and revamp the party’s organisation and administration at all levels, including bureaux and taskforces, so as to be even more effective and efficient in implementing various programmes and achieving the objectives of the party.
 
8.       To further improve communication and public relations strategy to enable the people and party members to better understand and support the party.  
 
 
 
EIGHT (8) MAJOR AREAS OF CONCERN
 
Gerakan to set direction, state position and seek solution for each area
 
1.       Safeguarding Human rights and equality — including issues such as equitable distribution of opportunities and wealth, abolition, amendment or reform of existing restrictive or discriminatory legislations, policies and practices.
 
2.       Promoting Religious freedom and harmony — promoting inter-religious mutual understanding and respect, establishing clear guidelines and procedure on conversion from one religion to another, implementing more liberal and positive strategy for places of worship, etc.
 
3.       Inculcating Common values and multi-cultural diversity _– including inculcation of common universal moral values, appreciation of multi-culturalism and multi-racialism, etc.
 
4.       Advocating Good governance and integrity –– such as upholding the rule of law and separation of power, promoting judicial reform and a clean efficient and transparent government.
 
5.       Generating robust and sustainable economic growth — through enhancing competitiveness, promoting ICT and knowledge-based economy (K-economy), consolidation and diversification of various economic sectors, development of small medium enterprises, etc.
 
6.       Sustaining ecological balance, quality of life, safety and security — promoting better planning, proper environmental conservation and waste management, safer and more secured habitat, through more efficient services, more effective enforcement, and more active local participation.
 
7.       Achieving a caring and healthy society — through empowering women and youth groups, advocating gender equality assisting the disadvantaged and disabled, promotion of  sports, cultural and social activities, etc.
 
8.       Enhancing education and human resource development — supporting the growth of all schools, colleges and universities; promoting multi-lingual capability and relevant skill sets; inculcating positive attitude and enterprising spirit to face future challenges and changes.
          
 
 
民政：万众一心，从心出发
 
民政愿景
成为全体马来西亚人属意的政党。
 
民政使命
超越种族和宗教藩篱，为全民打造团结，民主，公正，平等，自由和进步的马来西亚.
 
三大动力
1．  弘扬民政理念，阐明政策立场，并以”马来西亚人之道” 为各项重要课题寻求及推行解决方案。
2．  重组及重塑，全面强化党组织，以更有效地为民服务，为民请命。
3.    赢取民心，重获委托。
 
 
 
民政党八大策略
 
1.      对影响人民及国家的重大课题，根据《国家原则》及民政理念，积极主动地拟定及表达原则性的政策性立场，寻求及推行持久可行的解决方案。
 
2.      在人民联盟领导的州属，扮演建设性及有效的反对党。在国民阵线（国阵）政府内充当人民的喉舌，以促成国阵改革，成為真正及有效的多元民族联合阵线，致力于实现公平合理的马来西亚社会。
 
3.      通过以下步骤，有效地重组及振兴，强化及重新定位，在全国各地，尤其在檳州及其它州属由我们竞选的国州议席基地，赢回人民的信任和委托：-
 
（a）   加强与民互动联繫
（b）   提升為民服务工作
（c）   积极筹办利民活动
（d）   发掘训练潜质人才
（e）  准备参与各级竞选
 
4.      支持公民社会积极主动联繫非政府组织，如社团、工会、商会等，以建立精明伙伴关係，共商解决问题。
 
5.      广召党员，巩固组织：-
 
(a)        激发现有党员的奋斗精神。
(b)        招收更多不同种族和文化背景的国民，特别是青年及女性，入党。
(c)        提供更灵活的组织结构，及具吸引力项目，如《民政少青》、《开放分部》及《网络分部》。
 
6.      增设，重组及提升政治和干部训练课程，以提高各级党员及支持者对党政治理念的认识，以及歷史、 社会、文化、宗教、政治等领域的知识，和领导管理和演讲的技巧，使民政党成为有竞争力，活力和实质性学习型政治组织的定位不变。
 
7.      重新激发和重整党的各级，各局及工作队的组织和行政管理，以更有效地推动各项计划和落实党的目标。
 
8.      进一步提升文宣及公关策略，以让人民及党员对党有更深的认知、进而给于更大的支持。
 
 
 
八大国家课题
 
针对以下八大课题，民政党将确立方向，阐明立场及寻求可行解决方案。
 
1.      捍卫人权与平等 —- 包括机会均等和财富公平分配，废除，修订或改革现有具钳制性或歧视性的法令、政策和作风，等等。
 
2.      促进宗教自由与和谐 —- 促进各宗教间的相互了解与尊重，拟定更明确的改教指南与程序，对各宗教场所採纳更开明的处理方式，等等。
 
3.      推崇共同价值和多元文化观 —- 包括灌输共同的普世道德价值观，推祟多元文化和多元种族主义，等等。
 
4.      推动良政和廉政 —- 如维护法治和三权分立，推动司法改革及廉洁，高效和透明的政府，等等。
 
5.      推动蓬勃及持续性的经济成长 —- 通过提高竞争力，提倡资讯通讯工艺和知识型经济，巩固和多元化各经济领域，协助各族中小型企业的发展，等等。
 
6.      维持生态平衡、提升生活素质、确保治安安全 —— 通过更有效的服务和执法与地方民间的参与，以作出更良好的规划，推行更正确的环保措施及废物处理，及确保更安全的环境，等等。
 
7.      打造爱心及健康社会 —— 强化妇女和青年组织，促进男女平等；协助弱势社群及残疾人士；提倡体育、文化及社交活动等。
 
8.      提升教育及人力资源发展 —— 支持各源流学校及大专发展，提升多元语言以及各相关技术的掌握能力，灌输正面态度和进取精神，来面对未来的挑战和变化。

13 May 1969

“Close to four decades after the May 13 riots, it’s time to have a proper closure; the lesson learnt must not be used to create fear.” - Wong Chun Wai

more about May 13 riots…

Wikipedia

Wong Chun Wai

Ho Kay Tat

Bob Teoh

Awang Selamat

Martin Vengadesan

Election Over, Now What? That is the title of a half day seminar cum workshop session organized by Gerakan Bukit Bendera Division Youth during last Sunday.

The event started off at 9.30 am with a brief introduction of each member as there are a few new faces in the room.

After the short introduction, the participants were divided into 3 groups and each group is given a brainstorming & presentation task. Each group were given a different role and they have to present on how are they going to respond and act to the present political situation in Malaysia. The three different roles are the Opposition, Government and the NGOs.

The workshop was continued with a talk by Saudara Tan Sri Dr. Koh Tsu Koon on ‘Party Formation & Direction’, Workshop on Political Blogging and ‘Youth’s Role in the Party & Now What?’ by Saudara Dato Seri Chia Kwang Chye.

The Youth Chairman of Bukit Bendera Division

The objective of the workshop is to:
- Educate the young members on the history and the struggle during the formation of the party
- To discuss on the direction of the party in the future
- To know the role of the youth in the party
- To learn about blogging in the political arena
- As a platform to connect the members

The half day workshop was closed with the official launching of Gerakan Bukit Bendera Youth’s Website & Blog.

On the last 1st of May, Gerakan Penang organized a Satu Hati Carnival in conjunction with the celebration of International Labour’s Day. As what is in the English proverb, “A picture is worth a thousand words”, I need not say anything much. The photos that I have captured says it all.

Let us show you the way…

Registration booth

In today’s news, New Straits Times quoted:

“Grassroot leaders of Gerakan and MCA believe their Chinese-based parties will bounce back before the next general election.”

Parti Gerakan Rakyat Malaysia have been formed dunring the year 1968. It begun as a MULTI-RACIAL party. And today, after 40 years of existence, the media regarded Gerakan as a Chinese-based party.

Yes, I cannot help but to admit that majority of the party members are Chinese. That is one of the reason people regard Gerakan as a Chinese-based party.

During the 12th General Elections, one of the community leaders in Penang quoted that Penang’s Chief Minister have to be trilingual. If Gerakan is a multi-racial party and it is destinied to hold the CM’s position (that was before the elections), they shouldn’t have been using ‘language’ as one of the main criteria in the selection of CM. It might be the community leader who said that, but Gerakan hasn’t been loud enough to deny the issue.

We need to stress out that Gerakan is a MULTI-RACIAL party; just as the public knows that Nike sells sportswear, Nokia produces mobile phones and Dell manufactures computers. Unless Gerakan does that, it will soon become irrelevant like other BN multi-racial entities (Berjaya, Akar, PPP, SNAP).

But what effort have we done to tell the public that Gerakan is a multi-racial party? How are we going to brand ourselves as a multi-racial party? What actions needed to be done?

Updated
The topic of the Teh Tarik Forum for this week has been changed to:
No Apology from Pak Lah - Is Judicial Appointments Commission Enough to Restore Confidence in the Judiciary?