I don't want to brag, but the last time I did a prediction on a by-election in Malaysia (Kuala Trengganu), I correctly predicted the winner and the results to the nearest hundred (with a bit of tembak luck), closer than anyone, including Kian Ming or Raja Petra. This time, I will attempt to do the same with the next 3 by elections in Bukit Selambau, Bukit Gantang, and Batang Ai.
Bukit Selambau
Malay: 50.20%, Chinese: 19.30%, Indian: 29.50%, Others: 1.00%
15 candidates, 34977 voters. While third party candidates have traditionally been discounted and used for comic relief. However, I think the third party candidates (13 of them, by the way) will have some impact in this election. Malay votes will be split between 3 parties, Pakatan, UMNO, and the Pekida candidate which will siphon his votes mostly away from BN. Generally, the further north we go the more influence PAS has, but seeing that PKR is carrying the Pakatan banner, its influence will be somewhat muted.
Support for Pakatan Rakyat
Chinese: 60-40
Indians: 70-30
Malays: 45-40-15
Giving Pakatan a total of 55.63% of the votes, while BN 37.37% of the votes, hence Pakatan winning with a 5109 vote majority assuming a 80% turnout rate. (Previous result Pakatan win of 2362 votes)
Bukit Gantang
Malay: 63.50%, Chinese: 27.10%, Indian: 9.10%, Others: 0.20%
Many people think this is a referendum on the political takeover orchestrated by now PM Najib Tun Razak. While many disagree, I think the underlying issue has been set by both sides to be the takeover. The non-Malay vote bank is solidly behind Pakatan Rakyat, while the Malays are more or less a connundrum. However, I think Pakatan will win this seat with a majority around the same as March8. Despite losing the UMNO protest votes from March 08, it will gain increased non-Malay, especially Chinese support.
Support for Pakatan Rakyat
Chinese: 70-30
Indians: 65-35
Malays: 45-55
Giving: 53.46% of the votes, a 1535 majority assuming a 80% turnout rate.
Previous result (Pakatan win with 1566 votes)
Batang Ai
95% Iban, remaining Chinese and other indigenous people
This is the election that has the most probability of my prediction being wrong. The settlements near the dam, amounting to 20% of the constituents, are solidly behind PKR, while other rural folk appear to be behind BN. The shock and awe tactics employed by the BN are due on election eve, so its really hard to see where this one will swing.
But I'll take a stab and say Pakatan win of 200-300 votes. Don't ever quote me on this one (except if I am really correct). (Previous result BN win of 800+ votes)
Showing posts with label politics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label politics. Show all posts
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Confusion reigns hours before power transfer
A few hours before the purported power transfer between Deputy Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak and Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi, confusion reigns as the nation holds its breath.
Will the DYMM Sri Paduka Baginda allow the power transfer or not?
As the clock ticks closer and closer to the purported inauguration of the most controversial Prime Ministers in the history of this nation, Malaysians of all races are praying and hoping for a miracle.
We want our Tuanku, in his infinite wisdom to block, or at least delay this power transition.
With all due respect, should the Tuanku not convene Parliament to see who has the support of the majority of the Dewan Rakyat? Discounting this, there are many deeper concerns regarding the ascendency of Najib Tun Razak.
Ampun Tuanku!
Daulat Tuanku!
Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak is the most contriversial politician to ascend to the office of chief of executive. In the weeks leading up to these last few desperate moments, unprecedented negative international media coverage, from the streets of Lodon, to the homes of Paris, from the shores of Brisbane to the rivers of Bangkok, have been published in papers around the world. The image of Malaysia has already been tarnished. We are regarded as a nation without the rule of law, where the Deputy Prime Minister can be accused of such serious allegations and continue to hold office without being cleared.
In addition, with the controversial Eurocopter deals, and the increasing heavy handed crackdowns on dissent, including the banning of two opposition news organs and the forceful breakup of several opposition rallies with tear gas canisters within weeks of this purported ascendency, we, your loyal subjects are afraid. We are afraid of the oppression and supression if this power transition takes place.
Ampun Tuanku,
Please don't allow Malaysia's image to continue on this accelerating downward spiral. By appointing Najib as the chief executive of the nation, we are signalling to the world that even such a tainted man with such immense, heavy baggage can lead the country.
Please stop this, Tuanku!
Ampun Tuanku!
Daulat Tuanku!
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Nat Tan has a simillar letter here: A Rakyat’s Open Plea to DYMM Yang diPertuan Agong - Save us from Najib
Pakatan Rakyat, representing a block of 81 MPs have petitioned the Tuanku in a similar letter: Letter from Pakatan to DYMM Seri Paduka Baginda Agong
Will the DYMM Sri Paduka Baginda allow the power transfer or not?
As the clock ticks closer and closer to the purported inauguration of the most controversial Prime Ministers in the history of this nation, Malaysians of all races are praying and hoping for a miracle.
We want our Tuanku, in his infinite wisdom to block, or at least delay this power transition.
With all due respect, should the Tuanku not convene Parliament to see who has the support of the majority of the Dewan Rakyat? Discounting this, there are many deeper concerns regarding the ascendency of Najib Tun Razak.
Ampun Tuanku!
Daulat Tuanku!
Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak is the most contriversial politician to ascend to the office of chief of executive. In the weeks leading up to these last few desperate moments, unprecedented negative international media coverage, from the streets of Lodon, to the homes of Paris, from the shores of Brisbane to the rivers of Bangkok, have been published in papers around the world. The image of Malaysia has already been tarnished. We are regarded as a nation without the rule of law, where the Deputy Prime Minister can be accused of such serious allegations and continue to hold office without being cleared.
In addition, with the controversial Eurocopter deals, and the increasing heavy handed crackdowns on dissent, including the banning of two opposition news organs and the forceful breakup of several opposition rallies with tear gas canisters within weeks of this purported ascendency, we, your loyal subjects are afraid. We are afraid of the oppression and supression if this power transition takes place.
Ampun Tuanku,
Please don't allow Malaysia's image to continue on this accelerating downward spiral. By appointing Najib as the chief executive of the nation, we are signalling to the world that even such a tainted man with such immense, heavy baggage can lead the country.
Please stop this, Tuanku!
Ampun Tuanku!
Daulat Tuanku!
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Nat Tan has a simillar letter here: A Rakyat’s Open Plea to DYMM Yang diPertuan Agong - Save us from Najib
Pakatan Rakyat, representing a block of 81 MPs have petitioned the Tuanku in a similar letter: Letter from Pakatan to DYMM Seri Paduka Baginda Agong
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Malaysia truly Asia!
In a court of law you have the chance to defend yourself.
In a court of law you have the right to confront your accuser.
Even Nazi War Criminals can defend themselves.
Even rapists have the right to confront their accusers, the rape victims.
In the Malaysian Parliament you can't.
In the Malaysian Parliament you get booted out.
Malaysia, truly Asia.
In a court of law you have the right to confront your accuser.
Even Nazi War Criminals can defend themselves.
Even rapists have the right to confront their accusers, the rape victims.
In the Malaysian Parliament you can't.
In the Malaysian Parliament you get booted out.
Malaysia, truly Asia.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
The Detention and Brutal Treatment of Anwar Ibrahim
Piece from Amnesty International quoted from Malaysia Today
The Detention and Brutal Treatment of Anwar Ibrahim
20 September 1998, in the closing days of one of the worst Commonwealth Games, on the eve of the Queen's visit to Malaysia, 30,000 people took to the streets of Kuala Lumpur calling for democratic reform and the removal of the corrupt prime minister Mahathir bin Mohamad. The police and security forces reacted with violence, weighing in with tear gas and clubs to clear the streets.
One of the star speakers was Anwar Ibrahim, less than a month before, Finance Minister, Deputy Prime Minister and heir apparent to the corrupt Mahathir bin Mohamad. After decades of subservience, Anwar Ibrahim did the unthinkable and spoke out against the corrupt Mahathir bin Mohamad, the mismanagement of the economy, the cronyism, the corruption. Anwar Ibrahim was sacked (2 September 1998) and the corrupt Mahathir bin Mohamad ran a smear campaign to discredit him. After speaking at the rally, Anwar Ibrahim walked home to the resounding cheers of his supporters. At his home he gave a press conference. Paramilitary police kicked in the door and took him away. He wasn't to be seen again in public for ten days when he made a brief court appearance.
Anwar Ibrahim was beaten into unconsciousness on the evening of his arrest (20 September 1998). Only a few miles away, the Queen and Robin Cook (UK Foreign Secretary) supped and dined with a dictator, toasted the end of the Commonwealth Games. Neither spoke out. The UK has an 'ethical foreign policy'.
Since the sacking of Anwar Ibrahim there has been daily street protests.
The fabricated charges laid against Anwar Ibrahim were corruption and perverse sexual practices. Two star witnesses against Anwar Ibrahim were his friends who had admitted to participating with him in perverse sexual acts, and had been found guilty for these same offences. Ten days later they were to withdraw their 'confessions', claiming they had been extracted under duress.
On the day following Anwar Ibrahim's arrest, with people on the street, the police detained his friends and colleagues. Transmissions (video footage) from broadcasters of the demonstrations and police brutality were blacked out.
The arrest of Anwar Ibrahim spurred the fragmented opposition groups into co-operation. Political parties and NGOs called a joint press conference (27 September 1998) to protest the police brutality, the arrest of Anwar Ibrahim, and called for freedom of speech, right of free assembly, right to fair trial and fair hearing and repeal of all anti-human rights legislation, especially the Draconian Internal Security Act (that enables detention without charge or trial).
22 September 1998, Azizah Ismail, wife of Anwar Ibrahim, was questioned for several hours. Her request to see her husband was denied. She was warned not to ferment trouble. She feared for the safety of herself, her husband and her family. Police Chief, Abdul Rahim Noor, warned that now the Commonwealth Games were over, to expect a purge.
24 September 1998, the fascist police chief, Abdul Rahim Noor, called a news conference. Not used to Western style news conferences or Western media, he shouted at the journalists to 'shut up' and tried to tell them how to behave. The fascist buffoon, festooned with medals, looked like an over-decorated Christmas tree.
29 September 1998, Anwar Ibrahim appeared in court to face nine charges of corruption and perverse sexual activity. This was his first public appearance since his arrest ten days earlier (20 September 1998). He appeared looking pale, drawn and thin, his left temple bruised, his left eye black. He pleaded not guilty to the nine fabricated charges. He described how: “I was boxed very hard on the left temple and the right part of my head. I was hit very hard on the left part of my neck. I was then slapped very hard left and right, until blood seeped from my nose and lips.”
He then collapsed and passed out. He was denied medical attention for five days. He was held in solitary confinement in a darkened room.
On seeing the condition of their father, two of Anwar Ibrahim's daughters wept openly in court. His wife said that she was 'shocked and stunned that my husband has been a victim of police brutality'. She has been warned not to meet with journalists and not to ferment trouble. Anwar Ibrahim faces up to 20 years imprisonment on the false charges laid against him. Under the Internal Security Act he can be held indefinitely without charge or trial.
The authorities have threatened to inject Anwar Ibrahim with the AIDS virus unless his wife calls off the street demonstrations.
According to reports in the Malaysian press, the corrupt Mahathir bin Mohamad has claimed that the injuries sustained by Anwar Ibrahim were self-inflicted. An examination by a doctor of Anwar Ibrahim following his court appearance, supported the allegation that he had been beaten and sustained injuries whilst in police custody.
World leaders have rallied to the support of Anwar Ibrahim leaving the corrupt Mahathir bin Mohamad looking increasingly isolated. At the IMF/World Bank meeting in New York finance ministers spoke out against the treatment of Anwar Ibrahim, the exception was Gordon Brown (UK Chancellor of the Exchequer) who remained silent. Neighbouring countries have spoken out against the treatment of Anwar Ibrahim. At the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation summit held in Kuala Lumpur, US vice-president Al Gore launched a strong attack on the corrupt Mahathir bin Mohamad. World leaders now need to back their fine words with sanctions against the corrupt Malaysian regime.
Opponents of the corrupt Prime Minister are making full use of the Internet to co-ordinate their opposition and to inform the world of the brutal regime. Malaysia is following the path of Indonesia, institutionalised brutality, lack of democracy, with the majority of the population wishing to see the downfall of a corrupt leader. The people are expected to take to the streets until the corrupt Prime Minister is removed from office.
Anwar Ibrahim's teenage daughter, Nural Izzah, has taken up the campaign against the corrupt regime on her father's behalf.
Monday 2 November 1998, the trial of Anwar Ibrahim began. He appeared looking pale, thin and downcast. Most of the defence pre-trial appeals had been rejected by the judge. Several new charges were added to the original list. International observers were denied access to the trial, though several managed to slip into the public gallery. The US State Department attacked the decision to deny access to international observers. Armed security police ringed the court and prevented Anwar supporters from approaching the court.
The key prosecution witness was to have been Mohamed Said Awang (Special Branch director), but the choice of this witness backfired on the prosecution and only served to highlight the level of political corruption under Mahathir. Under oath, Mohamed Said Awang admitted he would lie if instructed to do so by his superiors, he spoke of 'turning over' witnesses and 'neutralising' anyone considered to be a threat. Mohamed Said Awang's testimony revealed a sordid tale of cronyism, political and financial corruption with the corrupt Mahathir at its heart.
Mid-January 1999 as the trial continued the prosecution admitted that Anwar Ibrahim had been badly beaten whilst in police custody. A couple of days later the chief of police resigned.
Freedom of expression and respect for democratic institutions and human rights do not exist in Malaysia. The Prime Minister justifies his iron rule as necessary to keep Malaysia on the path of economic success. The so-called Malaysian economic miracle now lies in ruins. In a histrionic outburst, Mahathir bin Mohamad, desperate to blame others for his own shortcomings and failings, has blamed foreign speculators and agents of foreign powers. In addition to the Draconian and repressive Internal Security Act (which grants the power for indefinite detention without charge or trial) Malaysia also uses the Sedition Act and Printing Presses and Publications Act to silence critics.
Those concerned with the treatment of Anwar Ibrahim and the lack of fundamental human rights within Malaysia should raise their concern with Malaysian diplomats in their own country, and also pressurise their own politicians to impose sanctions on Malaysia.
Malaysia is currently seeking funds from the West to bail out its failed economy. In addition to the usual economic strings, conditions on the reform of the democratic and judicial systems should be attached.
The detention and trial of Anwar Ibrahim is an abuse of the political system and the judicial process. In detaining Anwar Ibrahim Malaysia is contravening acceptable international standards on freedom of expression, the right to a fair trial and the treatment of detainees.
Amnesty International has adopted Anwar Ibrahim as a Prisoner of Conscience. In addition AI has called for the immediate release of all prisoners detained under the ISA and for an independent investigation of the injuries sustained by Anwar Ibrahim whilst held in custody.
On another note, I realised I only post politics posts, lol.
The Detention and Brutal Treatment of Anwar Ibrahim
20 September 1998, in the closing days of one of the worst Commonwealth Games, on the eve of the Queen's visit to Malaysia, 30,000 people took to the streets of Kuala Lumpur calling for democratic reform and the removal of the corrupt prime minister Mahathir bin Mohamad. The police and security forces reacted with violence, weighing in with tear gas and clubs to clear the streets.
One of the star speakers was Anwar Ibrahim, less than a month before, Finance Minister, Deputy Prime Minister and heir apparent to the corrupt Mahathir bin Mohamad. After decades of subservience, Anwar Ibrahim did the unthinkable and spoke out against the corrupt Mahathir bin Mohamad, the mismanagement of the economy, the cronyism, the corruption. Anwar Ibrahim was sacked (2 September 1998) and the corrupt Mahathir bin Mohamad ran a smear campaign to discredit him. After speaking at the rally, Anwar Ibrahim walked home to the resounding cheers of his supporters. At his home he gave a press conference. Paramilitary police kicked in the door and took him away. He wasn't to be seen again in public for ten days when he made a brief court appearance.
Anwar Ibrahim was beaten into unconsciousness on the evening of his arrest (20 September 1998). Only a few miles away, the Queen and Robin Cook (UK Foreign Secretary) supped and dined with a dictator, toasted the end of the Commonwealth Games. Neither spoke out. The UK has an 'ethical foreign policy'.
Since the sacking of Anwar Ibrahim there has been daily street protests.
The fabricated charges laid against Anwar Ibrahim were corruption and perverse sexual practices. Two star witnesses against Anwar Ibrahim were his friends who had admitted to participating with him in perverse sexual acts, and had been found guilty for these same offences. Ten days later they were to withdraw their 'confessions', claiming they had been extracted under duress.
On the day following Anwar Ibrahim's arrest, with people on the street, the police detained his friends and colleagues. Transmissions (video footage) from broadcasters of the demonstrations and police brutality were blacked out.
The arrest of Anwar Ibrahim spurred the fragmented opposition groups into co-operation. Political parties and NGOs called a joint press conference (27 September 1998) to protest the police brutality, the arrest of Anwar Ibrahim, and called for freedom of speech, right of free assembly, right to fair trial and fair hearing and repeal of all anti-human rights legislation, especially the Draconian Internal Security Act (that enables detention without charge or trial).
22 September 1998, Azizah Ismail, wife of Anwar Ibrahim, was questioned for several hours. Her request to see her husband was denied. She was warned not to ferment trouble. She feared for the safety of herself, her husband and her family. Police Chief, Abdul Rahim Noor, warned that now the Commonwealth Games were over, to expect a purge.
24 September 1998, the fascist police chief, Abdul Rahim Noor, called a news conference. Not used to Western style news conferences or Western media, he shouted at the journalists to 'shut up' and tried to tell them how to behave. The fascist buffoon, festooned with medals, looked like an over-decorated Christmas tree.
29 September 1998, Anwar Ibrahim appeared in court to face nine charges of corruption and perverse sexual activity. This was his first public appearance since his arrest ten days earlier (20 September 1998). He appeared looking pale, drawn and thin, his left temple bruised, his left eye black. He pleaded not guilty to the nine fabricated charges. He described how: “I was boxed very hard on the left temple and the right part of my head. I was hit very hard on the left part of my neck. I was then slapped very hard left and right, until blood seeped from my nose and lips.”
He then collapsed and passed out. He was denied medical attention for five days. He was held in solitary confinement in a darkened room.
On seeing the condition of their father, two of Anwar Ibrahim's daughters wept openly in court. His wife said that she was 'shocked and stunned that my husband has been a victim of police brutality'. She has been warned not to meet with journalists and not to ferment trouble. Anwar Ibrahim faces up to 20 years imprisonment on the false charges laid against him. Under the Internal Security Act he can be held indefinitely without charge or trial.
The authorities have threatened to inject Anwar Ibrahim with the AIDS virus unless his wife calls off the street demonstrations.
According to reports in the Malaysian press, the corrupt Mahathir bin Mohamad has claimed that the injuries sustained by Anwar Ibrahim were self-inflicted. An examination by a doctor of Anwar Ibrahim following his court appearance, supported the allegation that he had been beaten and sustained injuries whilst in police custody.
World leaders have rallied to the support of Anwar Ibrahim leaving the corrupt Mahathir bin Mohamad looking increasingly isolated. At the IMF/World Bank meeting in New York finance ministers spoke out against the treatment of Anwar Ibrahim, the exception was Gordon Brown (UK Chancellor of the Exchequer) who remained silent. Neighbouring countries have spoken out against the treatment of Anwar Ibrahim. At the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation summit held in Kuala Lumpur, US vice-president Al Gore launched a strong attack on the corrupt Mahathir bin Mohamad. World leaders now need to back their fine words with sanctions against the corrupt Malaysian regime.
Opponents of the corrupt Prime Minister are making full use of the Internet to co-ordinate their opposition and to inform the world of the brutal regime. Malaysia is following the path of Indonesia, institutionalised brutality, lack of democracy, with the majority of the population wishing to see the downfall of a corrupt leader. The people are expected to take to the streets until the corrupt Prime Minister is removed from office.
Anwar Ibrahim's teenage daughter, Nural Izzah, has taken up the campaign against the corrupt regime on her father's behalf.
Monday 2 November 1998, the trial of Anwar Ibrahim began. He appeared looking pale, thin and downcast. Most of the defence pre-trial appeals had been rejected by the judge. Several new charges were added to the original list. International observers were denied access to the trial, though several managed to slip into the public gallery. The US State Department attacked the decision to deny access to international observers. Armed security police ringed the court and prevented Anwar supporters from approaching the court.
The key prosecution witness was to have been Mohamed Said Awang (Special Branch director), but the choice of this witness backfired on the prosecution and only served to highlight the level of political corruption under Mahathir. Under oath, Mohamed Said Awang admitted he would lie if instructed to do so by his superiors, he spoke of 'turning over' witnesses and 'neutralising' anyone considered to be a threat. Mohamed Said Awang's testimony revealed a sordid tale of cronyism, political and financial corruption with the corrupt Mahathir at its heart.
Mid-January 1999 as the trial continued the prosecution admitted that Anwar Ibrahim had been badly beaten whilst in police custody. A couple of days later the chief of police resigned.
Freedom of expression and respect for democratic institutions and human rights do not exist in Malaysia. The Prime Minister justifies his iron rule as necessary to keep Malaysia on the path of economic success. The so-called Malaysian economic miracle now lies in ruins. In a histrionic outburst, Mahathir bin Mohamad, desperate to blame others for his own shortcomings and failings, has blamed foreign speculators and agents of foreign powers. In addition to the Draconian and repressive Internal Security Act (which grants the power for indefinite detention without charge or trial) Malaysia also uses the Sedition Act and Printing Presses and Publications Act to silence critics.
Those concerned with the treatment of Anwar Ibrahim and the lack of fundamental human rights within Malaysia should raise their concern with Malaysian diplomats in their own country, and also pressurise their own politicians to impose sanctions on Malaysia.
Malaysia is currently seeking funds from the West to bail out its failed economy. In addition to the usual economic strings, conditions on the reform of the democratic and judicial systems should be attached.
The detention and trial of Anwar Ibrahim is an abuse of the political system and the judicial process. In detaining Anwar Ibrahim Malaysia is contravening acceptable international standards on freedom of expression, the right to a fair trial and the treatment of detainees.
Amnesty International has adopted Anwar Ibrahim as a Prisoner of Conscience. In addition AI has called for the immediate release of all prisoners detained under the ISA and for an independent investigation of the injuries sustained by Anwar Ibrahim whilst held in custody.
On another note, I realised I only post politics posts, lol.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Can you read?
Article 132 (3) of the Malaysian Federal Constitution states:
Judicial commissioner Ridwan Ibrahim's ruling on Tuesday (3/3/09):
Princeton Dictionary defines public service as: employment within a government system (especially in the civil service)
WTF?
The public service shall not be taken to comprise -
(a) the office of any member of the administration in the Federation or a State; or
(b) the office of President, Speaker, Deputy President, Deputy Speaker or member of either House of Parliament or of the Legislative Assembly of a State;...
Judicial commissioner Ridwan Ibrahim's ruling on Tuesday (3/3/09):
Again on Thursday (5/3/09) after dismissing an appeal:
The Ipoh High Court today dealt a blow to Perak assembly speaker V Sivakumar by disallowing his team of lawyers from representing him in two actions filed by BN Menteri Besar Zambry Abd Kadir.
Judicial commissioner Ridwan Ibrahim had ruled that private lawyers have no legal standing to represent the speaker.
The ruling was made following an application made by Zambry's team of lawyers.
"Their argument was that the speaker is part of government, and because the speaker is part of government, only the Attorney General's Chambers and the state legal advisor can appoint lawyers.
The Ipoh High Court once again ruled that Perak speaker V Sivakumar must only be represented by the state legal advisor and not by his personal lawyers.The decision was made by judicial commissioner Ridwan Ibrahim after hearing submissions in chambers.
Princeton Dictionary defines public service as: employment within a government system (especially in the civil service)
WTF?
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
The Tree of Democracy
The Perak state assembly today voted under a tree (I heard it was an mango tree) to dissolve the current state assembly. In addition, it voted to pass a vote of no confidence against the BN 'MB' while reaffirming its confidence in the Perak MB Nizar.
Why were they meeting under a tree? Because the police blocked them from assessing the state assembly.
Yes. Although the speaker is the proverbial 'king' of the house.
The (BN controlled) police should know that it is not the venue, or the chairs, or even the royal mace that makes up the state assembly.
It is the state assemblymen and people.
And they have spoken today, under a tree, just like Jesus did under a tree, just like Buddha gained enlightenment under a tree, just like Melaka was founded under a tree, just like Ipoh was named after a tree. They have spoken, under that fateful tree.
And they have spoken for the rakyat of Perak.
A moment of humour occurred when the Speaker asked the Aduns, "Setuju?"
Instead, of just the Aduns responding, the whole crowd shouted "Setuju!"
The Aduns had to explain to the crowd that the Setuju response was only for the Aduns.
Someone in the crowd muttered to my contact, "We are also part of this assembly. We have a right to express our confidence in the MB." - Anil's commentary
Why were they meeting under a tree? Because the police blocked them from assessing the state assembly.
Yes. Although the speaker is the proverbial 'king' of the house.
The (BN controlled) police should know that it is not the venue, or the chairs, or even the royal mace that makes up the state assembly.
It is the state assemblymen and people.
And they have spoken today, under a tree, just like Jesus did under a tree, just like Buddha gained enlightenment under a tree, just like Melaka was founded under a tree, just like Ipoh was named after a tree. They have spoken, under that fateful tree.
And they have spoken for the rakyat of Perak.
THE TREE OF DEMOCRACY
A moment of humour occurred when the Speaker asked the Aduns, "Setuju?"
Instead, of just the Aduns responding, the whole crowd shouted "Setuju!"
The Aduns had to explain to the crowd that the Setuju response was only for the Aduns.
Someone in the crowd muttered to my contact, "We are also part of this assembly. We have a right to express our confidence in the MB." - Anil's commentary
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Palin
Since no one's posting, I'm going to double post.
And I can see Russia from my house! LOL
Let me repost one of the comments I made recently in my POLS2221 (US and Evolving International Order) course:
When I found out that McCain chose Alaskan governor Sarah Palin as his running mate, I was genuinely shocked. McCain obvious thinks that this is the best decision, and decided to go with an Alaskan woman as his running candidate.
Why though?
Convention and political gamesmenship dictates that McCain choose someone someone from the North, as he is from Arizona (a southern state). Palin isn't even from the mainland, so obviously McCain thought that he could pull the votes better with Palin. Palin was not chosen because of her logistical connections - Alaska is a hardcore Republican state, and only carries 3 electoral votes. No reason for McCain to choose someone from Alaska. Palin obviously has something better than that.
Is it Palin's experience? No. Palin is 44 years old, and could pass as McCain's daughter. She was a mayor of a tiny town in Alaska. She is a first term governor (with 2 years of experience). Experience-wise, she is even worse than Obama, which is saying a lot. Palin must have something even better than that.
What is it that Palin has that McCain decided it was important enough to forgo all the rules of the political gamesmenship and choose her over more experienced, more well known and regarded politicians? The answer? A vagina. Palin was chosen because of her gender, in an attempt to pull the disgruntled Clinton supporters to the Republican side. McCain obviously thinks that he has a better chance of winning with a pretty 44 year old beauty queen than with other more seasoned, experienced and well regarded and well respected politicians.
Naturally, this begs the question: Is the American public that immatured and shallow? McCain certainly thinks so. Palin, not chosen because of her experience, or her policies, but because of her gender and her beauty.
Oh well, why am I even asking this question... The Democrats did chose African American over experience. I'll leave you with two quotes from Geraldine Ferraro, the first woman chosen by a major party to stand in a presidential election (Palin is the second) :
"If Obama was a white man, he would not be in this position. And if he was a woman (of any color) he would not be in this position. He happens to be very lucky to be who he is. And the country is caught up in the concept"
"...in 1984 if my name was Gerard Ferraro instead of Geraldine Ferraro, I would have never been chosen as a vice presidential candidate. It had nothing to do with my qualification."
And then in a following post defending myself after offending some:
Thanks for the reply. Sorry if I offended you :).
In no way I am belittling Palin's achievements. I am sure she is a great mother, and a great leader.
Just not the best.
There were scores of other more eligible, qualified and experienced candidates that McCain could have chosen. In my previous posting, I have shown that she didn't beat the other candidates in areas of experience or qualification, or any other reason besides the fact that she is a woman. The fact that she is a woman was what made McCain decide on her over others that had more experience and qualification.
Impressive political career? Perhaps, but not as impressive as the other candidates. Of course she is not a complete political novice; she is just not a political maestro - and why would you choose a first term Alaskan governor over other political maestros?
Chairing the Oil & Natural Gas Resource Development Group? Impressive, but more impressive than the much much vaster experiences of the other candidates? I think not.
Which brings us back to she was chosen because she is a woman. She is a qualified woman, and I'm sure she would make a great VP, but ultimately, the reason she is selected is because she is a woman. Again, I am in no way belittling her achievements, but I don't think it was those achievements that made McCain choose her. McCain didn't choose her because of her experience or qualification, impressive as it might be, but because of her gender.
Obama may be an "intelligent, articulate, passionate and persuasive individual", but I personally think if he were to be a white man, he would not be accepting the nomination in Denver. Obama rode on the massive (almost 90%) support of the African American votes, and if he were a white man, a white, "intelligent, articulate, passionate and persuasive individual", he would not have been elected.
This is not to say that Palin and Obama are both impressive individuals. Openly stating that their gender and race are the reasons they are where they are today, might deny their personal achievements, but it is a fact. It is a fact that their gender and race were given more weight than their achievements and experience. I am not condoning or saying it is a positive or desirable phenomena, I am merely saying it is a fact.
And the fact is, Obama was elected because he is African American and Palin was chosen because she is woman.
Vagina anyone?
And I can see Russia from my house! LOL
Let me repost one of the comments I made recently in my POLS2221 (US and Evolving International Order) course:
When I found out that McCain chose Alaskan governor Sarah Palin as his running mate, I was genuinely shocked. McCain obvious thinks that this is the best decision, and decided to go with an Alaskan woman as his running candidate.
Why though?
Convention and political gamesmenship dictates that McCain choose someone someone from the North, as he is from Arizona (a southern state). Palin isn't even from the mainland, so obviously McCain thought that he could pull the votes better with Palin. Palin was not chosen because of her logistical connections - Alaska is a hardcore Republican state, and only carries 3 electoral votes. No reason for McCain to choose someone from Alaska. Palin obviously has something better than that.
Is it Palin's experience? No. Palin is 44 years old, and could pass as McCain's daughter. She was a mayor of a tiny town in Alaska. She is a first term governor (with 2 years of experience). Experience-wise, she is even worse than Obama, which is saying a lot. Palin must have something even better than that.
What is it that Palin has that McCain decided it was important enough to forgo all the rules of the political gamesmenship and choose her over more experienced, more well known and regarded politicians? The answer? A vagina. Palin was chosen because of her gender, in an attempt to pull the disgruntled Clinton supporters to the Republican side. McCain obviously thinks that he has a better chance of winning with a pretty 44 year old beauty queen than with other more seasoned, experienced and well regarded and well respected politicians.
Naturally, this begs the question: Is the American public that immatured and shallow? McCain certainly thinks so. Palin, not chosen because of her experience, or her policies, but because of her gender and her beauty.
Oh well, why am I even asking this question... The Democrats did chose African American over experience. I'll leave you with two quotes from Geraldine Ferraro, the first woman chosen by a major party to stand in a presidential election (Palin is the second) :
"If Obama was a white man, he would not be in this position. And if he was a woman (of any color) he would not be in this position. He happens to be very lucky to be who he is. And the country is caught up in the concept"
"...in 1984 if my name was Gerard Ferraro instead of Geraldine Ferraro, I would have never been chosen as a vice presidential candidate. It had nothing to do with my qualification."
And then in a following post defending myself after offending some:
Thanks for the reply. Sorry if I offended you :).
In no way I am belittling Palin's achievements. I am sure she is a great mother, and a great leader.
Just not the best.
There were scores of other more eligible, qualified and experienced candidates that McCain could have chosen. In my previous posting, I have shown that she didn't beat the other candidates in areas of experience or qualification, or any other reason besides the fact that she is a woman. The fact that she is a woman was what made McCain decide on her over others that had more experience and qualification.
Impressive political career? Perhaps, but not as impressive as the other candidates. Of course she is not a complete political novice; she is just not a political maestro - and why would you choose a first term Alaskan governor over other political maestros?
Chairing the Oil & Natural Gas Resource Development Group? Impressive, but more impressive than the much much vaster experiences of the other candidates? I think not.
Which brings us back to she was chosen because she is a woman. She is a qualified woman, and I'm sure she would make a great VP, but ultimately, the reason she is selected is because she is a woman. Again, I am in no way belittling her achievements, but I don't think it was those achievements that made McCain choose her. McCain didn't choose her because of her experience or qualification, impressive as it might be, but because of her gender.
Obama may be an "intelligent, articulate, passionate and persuasive individual", but I personally think if he were to be a white man, he would not be accepting the nomination in Denver. Obama rode on the massive (almost 90%) support of the African American votes, and if he were a white man, a white, "intelligent, articulate, passionate and persuasive individual", he would not have been elected.
This is not to say that Palin and Obama are both impressive individuals. Openly stating that their gender and race are the reasons they are where they are today, might deny their personal achievements, but it is a fact. It is a fact that their gender and race were given more weight than their achievements and experience. I am not condoning or saying it is a positive or desirable phenomena, I am merely saying it is a fact.
And the fact is, Obama was elected because he is African American and Palin was chosen because she is woman.
Vagina anyone?
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Newest crackdown against dissent - Malaysia heading for another Ops. Lalang?
A duplicate post from here
DAP leader Teresa Kok has also been detained under the Internal Security Act - the third person to be detained without trial today.
Then went an MP and a state exco member.
The last time a journalist or an MP was detained under the ISA act, it was 21 years ago. We lived under a more oppressive regime, a more oppressive leader, a nation that did not tolerate dissent.
Or so we thought.
Echoing the sentiments of the Malaysian Bar Council President, I was under the impression that Malaysia was moving towards being a more open, matured society where dissent was accepted, even cherished. Evidently I have given too much credit to my nation's government.
They still resort to the Machiavellian ways of running the country - by arresting and jailing dissenters as means to threaten and intimidate the general population. And we say that our nation is not in distress.
To the Home Ministry, I ask you this : How is it that you can perceive these 3 Malaysians, especially the two women, Teresa Kok and Sin Chew report Tan Hong Chen to be a grave threat to Malaysian national security? Have they purchased bombs to blow up a body? What have they done, but to fight for justice, for freedom, for the rights of the individuals in our nation of Malaysia?
One can only wonder as to the plans of the Home Ministry. Are more to come?
Of particular concern is the arrest of Teresa Kok. An MP and a state exco legislator. The arrest not only deprives her of the individual liberties supposedly guranteed under article 5 of our constitution, but also deprives the people of Seputeh and Selangor of their right to representation in the Federal and State Parliament.
Only time will tell whether we will shrink back into our holes, cower and hide, just like in 1987, or we will come forward to aid our heroes in a time where they now need us to bear the torch for them. Will we fight for justice, for freedom, and for the liberty of these 3 heroes, now that they are incapable of carrying on our fight?
This is to say that we should help them peacefully, without resorting to violence, for it would become a greater atrocity and blow to our 3 heroes' cause if we were to spiral into a web of violence and bloodshed. We must show that we, the rakyat of Malaysia oppose and will not take the jailing of our people lightly, but we still have the maturity and restrain ourselves.
Before I end, I will leave you with 4 profound, and extremely appropriate quotes:
Dissent is the highest form of patriotism - Howard Zinn
"In Germany, they came first for the Communists, And I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a Communist;
And then they came for the trade unionists, And I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a trade unionist;
And then they came for the Jews, And I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a Jew;
And then . . . they came for me . . . And by that time there was no one left to speak up." - Pastor Martin Niemoller.
Fight for me, and I'll fight for you! - Teresa Kok
Before one can be fit for the practice of civil disobedience one must have rendered a willing and respectful obedience to the state laws. . . A Satyagrahi obeys the laws of society intelligently and of his own free will, because he considers it to be his sacred duty to do so. It is only when a person has thus obeyed the laws of society scrupulously that he is in a position to judge as to which particular rules are good and just and which injust and iniquitous. Only then does the right accrue to him of the civil disobedience of certain laws in well-defined circumstances. - Mahatma Gandhi
DAP leader Teresa Kok has also been detained under the Internal Security Act - the third person to be detained without trial today.  | Confirmed by DGP |
| Arrested at 11.18pm |
Malaysiakini report
First it was a blogger. And then it was a journalist.Then went an MP and a state exco member.
The last time a journalist or an MP was detained under the ISA act, it was 21 years ago. We lived under a more oppressive regime, a more oppressive leader, a nation that did not tolerate dissent.
Or so we thought.
Echoing the sentiments of the Malaysian Bar Council President, I was under the impression that Malaysia was moving towards being a more open, matured society where dissent was accepted, even cherished. Evidently I have given too much credit to my nation's government.
They still resort to the Machiavellian ways of running the country - by arresting and jailing dissenters as means to threaten and intimidate the general population. And we say that our nation is not in distress.
To the Home Ministry, I ask you this : How is it that you can perceive these 3 Malaysians, especially the two women, Teresa Kok and Sin Chew report Tan Hong Chen to be a grave threat to Malaysian national security? Have they purchased bombs to blow up a body? What have they done, but to fight for justice, for freedom, for the rights of the individuals in our nation of Malaysia?
One can only wonder as to the plans of the Home Ministry. Are more to come?
Of particular concern is the arrest of Teresa Kok. An MP and a state exco legislator. The arrest not only deprives her of the individual liberties supposedly guranteed under article 5 of our constitution, but also deprives the people of Seputeh and Selangor of their right to representation in the Federal and State Parliament.
Only time will tell whether we will shrink back into our holes, cower and hide, just like in 1987, or we will come forward to aid our heroes in a time where they now need us to bear the torch for them. Will we fight for justice, for freedom, and for the liberty of these 3 heroes, now that they are incapable of carrying on our fight?
This is to say that we should help them peacefully, without resorting to violence, for it would become a greater atrocity and blow to our 3 heroes' cause if we were to spiral into a web of violence and bloodshed. We must show that we, the rakyat of Malaysia oppose and will not take the jailing of our people lightly, but we still have the maturity and restrain ourselves.
Before I end, I will leave you with 4 profound, and extremely appropriate quotes:
Dissent is the highest form of patriotism - Howard Zinn
"In Germany, they came first for the Communists, And I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a Communist;
And then they came for the trade unionists, And I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a trade unionist;
And then they came for the Jews, And I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a Jew;
And then . . . they came for me . . . And by that time there was no one left to speak up." - Pastor Martin Niemoller.
Fight for me, and I'll fight for you! - Teresa Kok
Before one can be fit for the practice of civil disobedience one must have rendered a willing and respectful obedience to the state laws. . . A Satyagrahi obeys the laws of society intelligently and of his own free will, because he considers it to be his sacred duty to do so. It is only when a person has thus obeyed the laws of society scrupulously that he is in a position to judge as to which particular rules are good and just and which injust and iniquitous. Only then does the right accrue to him of the civil disobedience of certain laws in well-defined circumstances. - Mahatma Gandhi
Thursday, May 8, 2008
The Empire Strikes Back
With the recent charging of influential blogger Raja Petra Kammarudin under the infamous sedition act, one wonders whether the current federal government's promise of reform in really just a thinly veiled lie that 'sounds like it, looks like it, but it is not it'.
Raja Petra was charged under the sedition act, which, in my opinion, is totally unjustified:
1. The Sedition Act charges someone who 'incites the public into violence'. I find nothing seditious about the article, and I don't think anyone has taken to the streets as a result of the article.
2. The appropriate avenue, if DPM Najib is unsatisfied with the article and claims, is to sue Raja Petra with defamation. This obviously falls into the case of civil law; why use the government's resources (AG Chambers) and taxpayer's money? (The Sedition Act is under criminal law) Another example of the government grossly misplacing public funds.
3. Raja Petra has been writing articles like this for years now. Why are the government taking action only now? Is it because Raja Petra's blog was part of the political tsunami that drowned many in the BN? The Empire Strikes Back?
4. Raja Petra has 'kutuk-ed' the PM previously before this. Heck, Raja Petra has kutuk-ed everyone in the corridors of powers at least ten times. No action was taken. One has to wonder: why all the hullabaloo over this one? Does this mean that the number 2 is more powerful than the number 1?
5. With the recent promise of a judicial reform, one has to wonder about the timing of this charge. Sounds like it, looks like it, but is not it?
6. I think the government has taken the wrong route in charging Raja Petra. Now there will be 2 cases for Altantuyah: One is the watered down kangaroo court that is being delayed and delayed again, the other is Raja Petra's trial. By charging Raja Petra, the government has given him the avenue to reveal the information he has, as part of his 'defense'.
Anyone else marveling over the super defense team?
Victor
Raja Petra was charged under the sedition act, which, in my opinion, is totally unjustified:
1. The Sedition Act charges someone who 'incites the public into violence'. I find nothing seditious about the article, and I don't think anyone has taken to the streets as a result of the article.
2. The appropriate avenue, if DPM Najib is unsatisfied with the article and claims, is to sue Raja Petra with defamation. This obviously falls into the case of civil law; why use the government's resources (AG Chambers) and taxpayer's money? (The Sedition Act is under criminal law) Another example of the government grossly misplacing public funds.
3. Raja Petra has been writing articles like this for years now. Why are the government taking action only now? Is it because Raja Petra's blog was part of the political tsunami that drowned many in the BN? The Empire Strikes Back?
4. Raja Petra has 'kutuk-ed' the PM previously before this. Heck, Raja Petra has kutuk-ed everyone in the corridors of powers at least ten times. No action was taken. One has to wonder: why all the hullabaloo over this one? Does this mean that the number 2 is more powerful than the number 1?
5. With the recent promise of a judicial reform, one has to wonder about the timing of this charge. Sounds like it, looks like it, but is not it?
6. I think the government has taken the wrong route in charging Raja Petra. Now there will be 2 cases for Altantuyah: One is the watered down kangaroo court that is being delayed and delayed again, the other is Raja Petra's trial. By charging Raja Petra, the government has given him the avenue to reveal the information he has, as part of his 'defense'.
Anyone else marveling over the super defense team?
Victor
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Babies seized by Robert Mugabe's forces as Zimbabwe hounds voters
(http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/africa/article3822569.ece)
Scores of children and babies have been locked up in filthy prison cells in Harare as Robert Mugabe, Zimbabwe’s president, sinks to new depths in his campaign to force the opposition into exile before an expected run-off in presidential elections.
Twenty-four babies and 40 children under the age of six were among the 250 people rounded up in a raid on Friday, according to Nelson Chamisa, spokesman for the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC). Yesterday they were crammed into cells in Southerton police station in central Harare.
“This is ruthlessness of the worst kind. How can you incarcerate children whose mothers have fled their homes hoping to give their children refuge?” asked an emotional Chamisa yesterday. “In Mugabe’s Zimbabwe even children are not spared the terror that befalls their parents.”
The families were rounded up from MDC headquarters, where they had sought refuge from violence in the countryside.
Thought to be directed by top military officers, Operation Where Did You Put Your Cross? has prompted thousands to flee. They are trying to escape the so-called war veterans, who are attacking people and burning down hundreds of houses for voting “incorrectly” in last month’s elections.
“What we’re seeing is an undeclared civil war,” said Chamisa. “It’s genocide. This situation is out of control, it’s now beyond the capacity of the MDC alone. It requires the region, the continent, the international community to act.”
Four weeks after the elections, official results have still not been released for presidential polls widely thought to have been won by Morgan Tsvangirai, the MDC leader.
Simultaneous parliamentary elections saw the ruling Zanu-PF party lose its 28-year-long majority. The election commission is engaged in the recount of 23 constituencies after regime claims that they had been rigged by the opposition. None of the results has been overturned in the 14 so far announced. Even if the remaining nine were to go to Zanu-PF it still would not have won a majority.
While some Zimbabweans see a glimmer of hope in this, Mugabe has remained defiant in the face of international condemnation. Most expect the regime to announce that no candidate won a majority in the presidential election and to order a run-off next month which Mugabe will ensure that he wins.
“The only game in town is a run-off,” said George Sibotshiwe, Tsvangirai’s spokesman. “The recount was just to buy them time to smash people’s heads in, so when they go for a run-off nobody will even be thinking of voting.”
The regime’s strategy is to ensure that by the time of the run-off, Mugabe would have a clean sweep in rural areas, where 70% of Zimbabweans live. A police officer admitted yesterday that he had been instructed not to interfere with war veterans as they carry out their campaign of terror.
At the same time the opposition leadership has been driven into hiding or abroad. Tsvangirai fled Zimbabwe two weeks ago after he was charged with treason for “conspiring with the British to oust Mugabe”.
“I am unable to return home for fear of my life,” he wrote in The Washington Post last week.
On the ground the party’s network of district officials is being decimated. Tichanzii Gandanga, the MDC election agent for Harare province, can barely walk after he was beaten and left for dead.
Four men arrived at his offices in central Harare at about 6pm on Wednesday. “They told me I knew my crimes and so I had to confess,” said Gandanga. “They blindfolded me, bundled me into a truck, then drove for a long distance, beating me on the head, on the back, everywhere. They played loud music so that no one could hear my cries. I don’t know how I survived.”
As he was being beaten, Gandanga was questioned about the whereabouts of Tsvangirai. Eventually he was dumped in the bush. He managed to crawl to a main road where he was picked up and taken to the head of a nearby village.
For two days Gandanga was nursed by villagers. Eventually he got word to his relatives who moved him to a private hospital.
Ten people have been killed so far, according to the MDC, including a five-year-old boy who was burnt to death in a hut. The first victim on April 12 was Tapiwa Mubwanda, 54, the organising secretary for the MDC for Hurungwe East.
According to his widow they were on their way back to their village when they saw a group of Zanu-PF youth militia. While she fled into the bush with their children, her husband and his elder brother were beaten with rocks. “They said, ‘You voted for the MDC, now we want to do this in order to teach you to vote. You wasted your vote by voting for Tsvangirai. He will never be the president of Zimbabwe. Robert Mugabe will remain, so we want to teach you to vote’.”
When she crept out of hiding her husband was dead.
Another MDC activist, Manyika Kashiri, 55, of Chigumbu village in Uzumba, had his foot smashed by an axe when militias stormed into his shack at midnight on Tuesday. Kashiri woke after a bang at his door and rocks smashing against his windows. When he emerged, he was hit with a log by one of the militias and another tried to chop off his right foot with an axe in front of his grandchildren, one of whom was just four.
“We’re seeing a major increase in government-sponsored violence,” said Georgette Gagnon, Africa director at Human Rights Watch.
“The ruling party has been sending its allies after people it thinks voted for the opposition. Now anyone seen as opposing Mugabe is in danger.”
One activist, a 25-year-old fitter in hiding in Bulawayo, told The Sunday Times how he and two colleagues had been picked up by intelligence officers and forced to eat a poster of Tsvangirai. “You like him so much, now eat him,” they told him.
“Every day that passes, hope is seeping away,” said an aid worker in Zimbabwe. “This could very easily end up being yet another stolen election.”
Zimbabwe’s churches said yesterday that they had opened up their premises to victims of the violence.
Church leaders worldwide have declared today to be a day of prayer for Zimbabwe. “The current climate of political intimidation, violence, vote-rigging and delay has left the presidential election process without credibility,” read a statement from two senior Anglican archbishops, Rowan Williams and John Sentamu. “Now the people of Zimbabwe are left even more vulnerable to conflict heaped upon poverty and the threat of national disintegration.”
International pressure has continued. The top US envoy for Africa, Jendayi Frazer, assistant secretary of state, has declared Tsvangirai the clear winner of the presidential vote.
Tsvangirai has spent the past two weeks travelling round Africa trying to drum up support to pressure Mugabe to step down. After the weak response from Thabo Mbeki, the South African president, focus has shifted to the African Union (AU). Its chairman Jikaya Kikwete, president of Tanzania, has privately said that he would be willing to consider convening a summit on Zimbabwe.
Britain is hoping to get the United Nations involved and has managed to put Zimbabwe on the agenda of the UN security council this week. Proposals include an arms embargo and sending a UN envoy to Harare “with a tough message”.
At the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair in Bulawayo on Friday, Mugabe was defiant. “When the West, led by the British, shamelessly continue to denounce our country, what is our crime?” he asked. “We are simply defending our hard-won national sovereignty.”
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Hammarskjold Trophy Competition Speech
This address was delivered by Victor Ching at the closing stages in the final impromptu round of the state finals of the Hammarskjold Trophy Model United Nations Security Council Competition, held in the Inner Chambers of the Western Australia Parliament house. This was a last ditch effort after a day of negotiations to convince the People's Republic of China to exercise its veto power to block a resolution placing full sanctions on North Korea.
Honorable President of the United Nations Security Council,
We have congregated here today to discuss the fate of Democratic Peopls's Republic of Korea, and to discuss whether to place sanction on the country. With reference to the Republic of Slovakia's earlier addresses, we would like to stress than while it might seem to right thing to do, we are strongly against against such blatant disregard for the people of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.
Who are the ones that suffer when embargoes and sanctions are placed on a country? The people. Who are the ones that have to cut back, from two meals a day, to one, when embargoes and sanctions are placed on the country? The people. Who are the dying ones in the street, desperate for one extra crumb of bread, desperate for one extra grain of rice? The people. We sit in luxury here deciding the fate of this nation, but we fail to recognize we are putting a death sentence on millions of North Koreans. Innocent people, who's only crime was to be on the wrong side of the earth. We particularly express our disappointment for the People's Republic of China's lack of commitment in stopping such an overly harsh resolution from passing through this chambers.
The Republic of Slovakia further expresses its alarm in the People's Republic of China's lack of commitment in blocking this resolution, seeing that if this resolution is passed, the United Nations will be authorized in invading this country. The Democratic People's Republic of Korea's sovereignity is about to be breached here, if this very resolution passes this chamber. Was is not the United Nation's sworn duty, as highlighted in the preamble of its charter, to safeguard the sovereignity of nations? To prevent the scourge of war? This action is an invasion of the sovereignity of this nation. We once again, express our utmost disappointment in the People's Republic of China's lack of commitment in trying to aid its ally.
Honorable President,
Who are we, a western dominated organization, to infringe upon the sovereignity of this country, this country with a proud history reaching back to more than a thousand years. Who are we, the outsiders, to execute the basic decisions for the country, and by that, taking the sole privileged of the country to decide upon where it wants its people to go, what it wants to do. Who are we, the Security Council, to decide why or what another state can't do. We say North Korea might causes a war. Well, the US has nuclear weapons and caused the Iraq war. Should it be taken away from them? We all take the assumption that what we decide is what is best for this society. By invading the sovereignty of this country, we are taking away its sovereign, its pride, its independent existence. Do we want another Iraq? I am sure most member of states voted against that war that the US indefinitely decided to ignore the UN and continued, even as the world opposed. This is why, I pledge to all members states, especially the People Republic of China, which the Republic of Slovakia wishes to extend its utmost alarm and disappointment, to vote against this resolution. Thank You.
PS: The resolution went through, with one opposing (Slovakia), one abstentions (People Republic of China), and thirteen approvals.
Honorable President of the United Nations Security Council,
We have congregated here today to discuss the fate of Democratic Peopls's Republic of Korea, and to discuss whether to place sanction on the country. With reference to the Republic of Slovakia's earlier addresses, we would like to stress than while it might seem to right thing to do, we are strongly against against such blatant disregard for the people of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.
Who are the ones that suffer when embargoes and sanctions are placed on a country? The people. Who are the ones that have to cut back, from two meals a day, to one, when embargoes and sanctions are placed on the country? The people. Who are the dying ones in the street, desperate for one extra crumb of bread, desperate for one extra grain of rice? The people. We sit in luxury here deciding the fate of this nation, but we fail to recognize we are putting a death sentence on millions of North Koreans. Innocent people, who's only crime was to be on the wrong side of the earth. We particularly express our disappointment for the People's Republic of China's lack of commitment in stopping such an overly harsh resolution from passing through this chambers.
The Republic of Slovakia further expresses its alarm in the People's Republic of China's lack of commitment in blocking this resolution, seeing that if this resolution is passed, the United Nations will be authorized in invading this country. The Democratic People's Republic of Korea's sovereignity is about to be breached here, if this very resolution passes this chamber. Was is not the United Nation's sworn duty, as highlighted in the preamble of its charter, to safeguard the sovereignity of nations? To prevent the scourge of war? This action is an invasion of the sovereignity of this nation. We once again, express our utmost disappointment in the People's Republic of China's lack of commitment in trying to aid its ally.
Honorable President,
Who are we, a western dominated organization, to infringe upon the sovereignity of this country, this country with a proud history reaching back to more than a thousand years. Who are we, the outsiders, to execute the basic decisions for the country, and by that, taking the sole privileged of the country to decide upon where it wants its people to go, what it wants to do. Who are we, the Security Council, to decide why or what another state can't do. We say North Korea might causes a war. Well, the US has nuclear weapons and caused the Iraq war. Should it be taken away from them? We all take the assumption that what we decide is what is best for this society. By invading the sovereignty of this country, we are taking away its sovereign, its pride, its independent existence. Do we want another Iraq? I am sure most member of states voted against that war that the US indefinitely decided to ignore the UN and continued, even as the world opposed. This is why, I pledge to all members states, especially the People Republic of China, which the Republic of Slovakia wishes to extend its utmost alarm and disappointment, to vote against this resolution. Thank You.
PS: The resolution went through, with one opposing (Slovakia), one abstentions (People Republic of China), and thirteen approvals.
Monday, April 14, 2008
Things Fall Apart.
Turning and turning in the widening gyre
The falcon cannot hear the falconer;
Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold;
Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world,
WB Yeats (The Second Coming, line 1-4) - Featured prominently in the book Things Fall Apart
The blood-dimmed tide is loosed, and everywhere
The ceremony of innocence is drowned;
The best lack all conviction, while the worst
Are full of passionate intensity.
WB Yeats (The Second Coming, line 5-8)
...Mugabe's government has come up with a brilliant plan to deal with the situation:
"South Africa has had to tread a very careful path around the minefield of being portrayed as a Western puppet by Mugabe"
Chris Maroleng, Zimbabwean analyst
The falcon cannot hear the falconer;
Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold;
Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world,
WB Yeats (The Second Coming, line 1-4) - Featured prominently in the book Things Fall Apart
“People go to Africa and confirm what they already have in their heads and so they fail to see what is there in front of them. This is what people have come to expect. It's not viewed as a serious continent. It's a place of strange, bizarre and illogical things, where people don't do what common sense demands.”
Chinua Achebe, author of Things Fall ApartThe blood-dimmed tide is loosed, and everywhere
The ceremony of innocence is drowned;
The best lack all conviction, while the worst
Are full of passionate intensity.
WB Yeats (The Second Coming, line 5-8)
...Mugabe's government has come up with a brilliant plan to deal with the situation:
The central bank’s latest response to these problems, announced this week, was to declare inflation illegal. From March 1 to June 30, anyone who raises prices or wages will be arrested and punished. Only a “firm social contract” to end corruption and restructure the economy will bring an end to the crisis, said the reserve bank governor, Gideon GonoDaniel Drezner, author of "Things Fall Apart in Zimbabwe"
"South Africa has had to tread a very careful path around the minefield of being portrayed as a Western puppet by Mugabe"
Chris Maroleng, Zimbabwean analyst
Friday, April 4, 2008
How It Works Out.
Once everyone accepts, we'll have seven authors. That's three admins:
This blog will have a maximum of nine authors in total. Why? Pshaw. It's a lucky number, fool.
How do we blog? Simple.
When you have something interesting/intelligent/witty to blog about, blog it. That's all there is to it. All I ask is that you give at least ONE DAY's gap between the last post and yours. Don't overkill. Spread it out.
And blog regularly. Or you'll be getting some warning jabs in the ass. Regularly roughly means once a week or so. Nothing too hectic. Thank you for joining.
P.S. After every post, you're allowed to leave a signature: Name, personal site, etc. Tell me if you want your personal site linked up.
P.S.S If you're going to insert lots of pictures in your post (read: more than 4 or 5), host them on external servers (Photobucket etc).
- Wayne (Dictator-of-sorts)
- Yench (Main Poster (boy) )
- Hafiz (Graphics and Editorials)
This blog will have a maximum of nine authors in total. Why? Pshaw. It's a lucky number, fool.
How do we blog? Simple.
When you have something interesting/intelligent/witty to blog about, blog it. That's all there is to it. All I ask is that you give at least ONE DAY's gap between the last post and yours. Don't overkill. Spread it out.
Thank you.
And blog regularly. Or you'll be getting some warning jabs in the ass. Regularly roughly means once a week or so. Nothing too hectic. Thank you for joining.
P.S. After every post, you're allowed to leave a signature: Name, personal site, etc. Tell me if you want your personal site linked up.
P.S.S If you're going to insert lots of pictures in your post (read: more than 4 or 5), host them on external servers (Photobucket etc).
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