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Date Posted: 18:51:47 10/09/06 Mon
Author: Thinking Allowed. Thinking Aloud. (Screenshots)
Subject: Oct 11 Bloggers-speak: "How To Set Pak Lah Free?"
In reply to: GOD SAVE MALAYSIA!!! 's message, "Badawi has been DECEIVING people from the beginning" on 06:06:40 10/02/06 Mon

Oct 11 Bloggers-speak: "How To Set Pak Lah Free?"
This Wednesday night, I will join fellow bloggers -- Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, Khoo Kay Peng, Tony Pua, Sharizal Shaarani, MP Fong Poh Kuan and Parliamentary Opposition Leader Lim Kit Siang -- to speak at the Young Malaysians' Forum about our love for Malaysia, and things that should be improved to make this country tick again.

Please come. We are NOT those bloggers who blog behind anonymity. The moderator is blogger Oon Yeoh.


Date: October 11, 2006 (Wednesday)
Time: 7.30 pm
Venue: Kuala Lumpur & Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall
1, Jalan Maharajalela, Kuala Lumpur

Here's the context to the Malaysian Bloggers' Forum:


Theme: "How To Set Pak Lah Free?"

Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi Ahmad Badawi, more affectionately known as Pak Lah, started his premiership with promises of openness in society, focus on anti-corruption, integrity in governance, public service efficiency reforms and other such positive measures.

However, everything seems to be "faltering" at this point of time, with many getting disillusioned with Pak Lah's leadership. Key pledges such as the IPCMC appears to have been sidelined indefinitely. The initial euphoria over arrests of several prominent personalities for corruption ended abruptly with apparent lack of political will to charge other more senior figures. Suddenly it was a case of “let's forgive and forget”.

More! Many initial policy liberalisation seems to have been reversed as press freedom clamp down with veiled threats by the Internal Security Ministry to newspaper editors, the restriction of carrying out forums to discuss constitutional issues affecting all Malaysians such as the now infamous Article 11.

There is, therefore, an apparent disjoint between his rhetoric, and possibly even intent, with his actions, or more accurately, inaction.

The question we would like to ask is whether Pak Lah is shackled by his own indecisive nature, hence making him an ineffectual and weak leader?

Or is this really his consensual style of politics whereby he takes into account everyones interest, even if they contradict his statements and intent?

Is this just his style, or does he still have anything left up his sleeve? Or is Pak Lah's hands tied by unseen and evil forces, forces so powerful that Pak Lah risks his entire Mr Clean reputation built over years?

Thus far, it's only the DAP who is proactive anough to invite Malaysian bloggers to be panelists for this sort of forum to represent the views of Malaysian people.

These young Malaysian bloggers will discuss the above issues and identify how Pak Lah can be set free so as to pursue the reforms promised in all sectors of government and society which had won him an overwhelming 91% parliamentary victory in the last general elections.

We hope this forum will attract young Malaysians to take part in the discourse to help Pak Lah find the solution to “break free” to deliver what was promised to us in the last elections.

The future of Malaysia belongs to young Malaysians, and it is absolutely appropriate for these same young Malaysians to deliver this message to him.


Read on for the profile of bloggers who would be panel speakers for the night.


Details of Forum:

YOUNG MALAYSIAN'S FORUM:
HOW TO SET PAK LAH FREE?

Invited panel speakers:

1. Jeff Ooi

Jeff Ooi is the founder of USJ.com.my, a grassroot-managed community portal, launched in 1999, targetting Malaysia's K-generation. He is an e-business consultant for vertical industries, an Open Source advocate, and a columnist in Malaysian Business. Jeff is a blogger recognised internationally. He has won many recognitions and awards for his blog at JeffOoi.com including being voted asthe FREEDOM BLOG ASIA by Paris-based Reporters Without Boundaries (RSF). Jeff has been invited to speak and moderate at various international functions including to Harvard Law School as a panel speaker for Internet & Society organized by the Berkman Center for Internet and Society (2004), the “Expression under Repression” event at World Summit of Information Society in Tunis (2005) and the Global Voices Summit held at the Reuters Headquarters, Canary Wharf, London (2005).

2. Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad

Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad blogs at www.niknazmi.com. He earned his LLB from King's College London and was previously educated in the Malay College, Kuala Kangsar. In the UK he was active in the UK Executive Council for Malaysian Students (UKEC) Federation of Students Islamic Societies and the National Union of Students, UK. His commentaries in current issues have appeared in Malaysiakini, the Sun, the Edge, Channel News Asia and the BBC World Service. Nik Nazmi currently works in Kuala Lumpur, as a special assistant to a politician and director of a listed company. Previously, he was a legal executive in a Malaysian corporation.

3. Khoo Kay Peng

Over the last 8 years, Khoo has served as a management consultant with several world-class consulting firms and top local organisations. He consulted in the areas of business planning, market study and marketing strategy. In the last three years, he has served as a political and policy analyst at a local think tank. His views, comments and articles have appeared in both local and regional publications and online news websites e.g. the Star, New Straits Times, Singapore Straits Times, Bangkok Post, Asia Times, CNBC, Oriental Daily, Radio Singapore International, Malaysiakini, Singapore Today, AFP and others. Khoo holds a degree in Economics from the University of Malaya and a postgraduate degree in International Relations from the University of Warwick, UK. He is a Bristish Chevening scholar.

4. Tony Pua

Tony is currently a Malaysian CEO of a public listed IT company. He graduated from Keble College, Oxford University with a degree in Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE). He is among the minority of ASEAN Scholars who has chosen to pursue his career and settle in Malaysia, as well as a former MTC Foundation Scholar. He worked for a multinational consulting company for two years prior to starting his own company. When he is not bogged down by work, he spends his time being an economic analyst as well as an Education blogger at educationmalaysia.blogspot.com.

Other speakers include Sharizal Shaarani of Sharizal.net, Parliamentary Opposition Leader, YB Lim Kit Siang and MP for Batu Gajah, YB Fong Po Kuan who blog at blog.limkitsiang.com and pokuan.blogsome.com respectively.

The forum will be moderated by Oon Yeoh. He is a columnist for The Edge (Malaysia) and Today newspapers (Singapore). He is also the host for Freetalk (klstream.com), a podcast on current affairs.

For more information, please contact: DAP HQ (03-79578022/8127), Ng Wei Aik (019-2459305) or Lau Weng San (016-3231563)


Posted by Jeff Ooi on October 9, 2006 09:36 AM | Permalink
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Comments
That's a very noble thing to do for our beloved country. You have raised very relevant 'reasons' that AAB seems to be in reverse gear; but have you all considered the point that AAB may NOT want to be 'released from the shackles' so to speak. Can he shake himself off from the "callings of his religion and race"? I doubt, as a mere whiff of his eyebrow in the direction of 'compromise' with other races and religions, will result in cries of dilution of culture, and 'tainting' of religion. He will not last the outcry. Read about the 'latest' changes in the Primary school syllabus today in the NST. What can we do then? Nothing much, until and unless the dominant parties feel secure and not threatened, any suggestion to walk the "middle road of accommodation" will be rejected, if not by him, then by "consensus". But I respect you Jeff, for trying, and Good Luck!

Posted by: susmaryosep | October 9, 2006 11:30 AM

My question is "Is there a need to free Pak Lah from his indecisive shackles? I am sure he knows that there are many citizens currently unhappy with the way he is running the country and for not keeping his election promises. Time and time again, he is saying that he still have time to keep his promises before the next election comes. For me, I don't think we will see much more improvement from what we are currently seeing now with all the 'tak tau' answers we are getting.

If a leader that is given the mandate by the citizens is not performing, he should just go and another more capable one takes over. Period. However, after saying all that, I feel none of the second liners under him is capable. Don't get me wrong, I am not saying we should get Dr M in. He should just retire and let other younger ones takes over. Nobody is indispensable...unless he is back to fulfil the promises that AAB did not keep. Nevertheless, I feel we should never vote because 'they' are promising this and that once they are in office (sounds familiar eh?) nor vote for anyone whom you feel is a racist. Vote for someone whom you know will be able to carry out his/her election promises. We don't want a situation where it is a case of 'Out of the frying pan into the fire' sort of situation.

Posted by: caribenar | October 9, 2006 01:42 PM

A forum shared with the Opposition...do you think the Government or majority of the people will listen to the views expressed.

JEFF OOI says: In the blog entry I said:"Thus far, it's only the DAP who is proactive anough to invite Malaysian bloggers to be panelists for this sort of forum to represent the views of Malaysian people." If the G invites us bloggers to lend our view, we shall greatly oblige though I am speaking obviously for oneself. But we shouldn't stop trying even the G fails to start trying.


Our Opposition only warms the seats of parliman with grand rhetoric and acting. Stop the talking...work out an viable economical plan that benefits all the races and get the business communities involved if you want to move the political stage. Otherwise, majority will think they are only there for the pay cheques. If there is any fault, I think the opposition should share the responsibility of it. Nonetheless, if the present G still persist in doldrum, I will register an protest vote.

Posted by: vital9 | October 9, 2006 02:15 PM

"Blogger Saved The Day". This may be the news in local newspaper one day. But we may all doubt if it ever happen.

All Malaysians should come out to voice their opinion, just like Taiwan, People is the Master of the house, Government is only a servant. If servant can't perform, change it.

To make that happen, it takes a lot of education to all Malaysian about their rights and freedom. But who will do that? How will it work?

Just a simple example. You ask all to come forward to participate, but will that cause problem to people who come forward?

Some may say OK, some may say NO.

You may say "Yes" to come, but your loved one still in doubt. Your friends, family and everyone you trusted may still doubt and at the end, they stopped you to come, simply because they don't know.

Those Bloggers didn't reveal their identity may have good reasons. What do we need to get all Malaysian to believe in themselves and safe?

Too many doubts.


Posted by: patriotic1994 | October 9, 2006 04:50 PM

It is ashame that I am not in Malaysia. I would DEFINATELY make time for such activities.

Got to start somewhere. Communications is the key.

AND don't just do it this ONE time only. Keep the thought alive with more meetings/activities especially the rural areas.

Bloggers operate at a different level (mentally/education/wealth/language) from the rest of the society. You have to go to each and different levels.


Posted by: cindy | October 9, 2006 07:41 PM

Jeff,

I thought you've already give up on the government?

I feel like giving up on country instead.

Posted by: kelangman88 | October 9, 2006 10:23 PM

kelangman88:

yes he may have given up on the govt. But we are all Malaysians. This is the fact we can't change.

And we love our country.

Therefore, even though the govt is hopeless, it doesn't mean we need to give up on our country.

Posted by: Vertebrato | October 9, 2006 11:06 PM

Set Pak Lah free? From what? Who are u ? Set urselves free first ... from the being used by LKS to achieve his hidden agendas. As for Pak Lah .. he is free. Don't worry about him. He is doing just fine.

Posted by: atanjamil | October 10, 2006 07:45 AM

If the 'servant' of the house has been misusing the 'masters' money, what would you do to him? If another 'servant' has been raising the alarm for so long yet nobody listens, would the 'master' eventually notice the mess that has been getting worse, and finally listens to the other /servant'?

I think it's high time the 'master' listens to the other 'servant' for the sake of the household.

It's time for Malaysians to move to find 'new cheese'.... with your voting rights.

Posted by: LC_Teh | October 10, 2006 07:47 AM

Easy to set him free. Get him to marry, and quick. He will be rid of his daughter's constant presence and that will mean Khairy will not have too much reason to come around too...I bet the new wife would not want daughter and son-in-law to play lamp post.

Posted by: Observer | October 10, 2006 09:35 AM

INTERNET does not operate in a legal vacuum.
Read this before you post a comment in this blog!



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