“ Progress is not created by contented people. ” — Frank Tyger.

This and every Saturday is Bersih Yellow Fashion Day. Wear yellow with pride.

Pump up the volume. Enjoy!…

We have, the chance to turn the pages over
We can write what we want to write
We gotta make ends meet,
before we get much older

Register to Vote @ any POST OFFICE today

We’re all someone’s daughter
We’re all someone’s son
How long can we look at each other
Down the barrel of a gun?

You’re the voice, try and understand it
Make a noise and make it clear
Oh-o-o-o, whoa-o-o-o!
We’re not gonna sit in silence
We’re not gonna live with fear
Oh-o-o-o, whoa-o-o-o!

This time, you know we all can stand together
With the power to be powerful
Believing, we can make it better

The Voice by John Farnham.

Also watch pre-Bersih 2.0 promo video: Yellow is the New Black

• Bersih Rally 709: One Malaysia, You Did Us Proud.
• Check if you are registered voter here.

Calling ONE MALAYSIA, come, join the PSM6 Nightly Candlelight Vigil at Bukit Aman 8-9pm to call for the release of the detainees. The PSM6 heralded the call of Bersih and was detained under the Emergencey Ordinance. Concerted effort is being made to get them released as soon as possible. Thanks to the Bar Council for their continuous effort in providing legal support.

Poem recited by Prema Devaraj, an Aliran executive Committee Member at Wednesday 13 July 2011 vigil:

How Can It Be

How can it be… that rapists, murderers, drug dealers, child abductors and human traffickers can roa freeing in the streets, Yet the PRM 6 remain in detention,

How can it be… that fascist and racist politicians can continue to lie, incite, threaten and bully, yet the PRM 6 remain in detention,

How can it be… that unprincipled politicians, with no thought for the rakyat continue to plunger the country’s resources, yet the PRM6 remain in detention,

How can it be… that the ridiculous claims of waging war against the King have come to naught, yet the PSM 6 remain in detention,

How can it be… that the real threats to national well-being still maneuver and plot in Putrajaya, yet the PSM 6 remain in detention,

How can it be… that the government of the day holds a seat on the Human Rights Council yet the PSM 6 remain in detention,

How can it be… that while basic religious teachings promote service to others, help for the needy and a just world, yet the PSM 6 remain in detention,

How can it be…

How can it be…

Come the next General Election, I know how I will vote.

How will you?

Watch Video:

In spite of weeks of intimidation, threat and the final lock down of the Capital city, Malaysians of all races and creed descended on to the streets of Kuala Lumpur to support Bersih 2.0. They knew the risks and were afraid of the threat by the authorities. In spite of their fear, they had to be there. Come one, come all, there was no racial distinction; young and old, men and women, nuns and Imans, KLites and people from outer states, Penang, Trengganu, Kelantan, Melaka, Sarawak, Sabah– all the 13 states. Also from Singapore and returnees from Taiwan. Now from news reports we know that the rally was joined by simultaneous protests in 42 cities around the world. It is truly a One Malaysia affair.

No doubt the rally was very much supported by leaders and members of the Opposition. BN has themselves to blame; they snubbed the invitation and had chosen to opt out of the party.  Bersih 2.0 set out and meant to be non partisan; and if it now took on a partisan appearance, it was not the movement’s intent. It was the BN government’s doing, the BN Government repeatedly set obstacles in their way and push Bersih 2.0 right into the arms of the Opposition parties.  For the record,  One Malaysian came out on this Saturday of July 9 to show that “right” will triumph over ” might.”

Let’s share with you some highlights and thoughts:

1. Those who attended did so following their heart. It was very spontaneous, a whole cross section of Malaysians. A medical professional in his 50′s, a week fresh from his asthma attack, returned from Singapore where he spent 30 years because he just had to be there. His Singaporen wife and children said that he had no reason to be back; he told us he must be back.  A young couple with their six month baby came;  pushing baby on the trolley, the couple walked with the rest because Bersih 2.0 is about this little one ‘s future. Ten Melakans were caught on Friday at the Sungai Besi toll, moving only 2 km in 3 hours trying to enter the city. They changed strategy;  they diverted to KLIA and took the KL Express to KL Sentral to enter the city. No difficulties could block their will. Lots of these tales  to share about why people just had to be there. We spotted Marina Mahathir and her daughter among the crowd too.

2. IT was truly a One Malaysia Gathering. When protesters met each other; there was quiet exchange of notes, helping each other with preparations in case of eventualities. People brought extra packets of salt and passed them around. The energy was very focused; everyone was ready and waiting for the rest to congregate. The buildup reached rupture mid-day;  there was a explosion of energy and everyone joined in to form the crowd.   Malaysians of all races were united for a common cause; a cause they firmly believe is good for their children.  68 year old Chinese grandma walked alongside the Malay boys, helped along and protected by them. There was this old man in white who has a pace maker ( photo) walking with a stick supported along by others. ; young urbanites who twitted and chatted incessantly on their mobiles and smart phones; demure young Malay girls walked with hands holding a yellow daisy. An 18 year old college student was arrested,  and he texted this message,” I am honored to be the No. 92″!

3. The gathering was peaceful. We wrote earlier on these pages advocating the authorities to allow public demonstrations. Malaysian society is matured enough to conduct public demonstration peacefully. The Bersih 2.0 walk for democracy could have been a non-event if a proper route was given under police guidance. But the BN-led government reacted most irrationally by applying the entire police apparatus to bear on Bersih 2.0.  In spite of the overzealous reaction by the police, the protesters slipped in quietly to form the crowd and dispersed quietly after the gathering. There was no damage to properties; no violence or provocation from the protesters to the police. Some police personnel were kind — in spite of some serious police brutality; we quietly rejoiced that it could have been worse if the police lost their mind.

People were careful and low key. Many did not bring yellow T-shirts, those who brought were very careful. Although we did see some people wearing yellow T-shirts walking up and down Jalan Hang Jebat. The Pahlawans checked out the scene the night before, and located the most strategic hotel to be used as our staging bay. Most people operated with  quiet bravery but were devising  strategies to get there with their friends. None knew what to expect, but all knew they have to be there first, and then respond. Depending on one’s luck, police officers at some points were kinder than others; we witnessed a very restrained, albeit passionate leadership leading the crowd to negotiate their way. The water cannon and tear gas were totally unnecessary. We urge the PDRM to add a new module on “friendly crowd control” to their regular training. When the crowd was not hostile or provocative, there was no justification to be harsh. When you persuade, the worse that could happen is a standoff. If that happens; just give a time frame to the standoff; sing with the crowd; and ask them to disperse. I am sure the crowd would be so touched that they will cooperate. It was more a wrestle of the hearts, not might.

In the aftermath of the rally, government leaders are still condemning the street demonstrations and said that this is not Malaysian culture. Yes,  it was NOT the old Malaysian culture. Welcome to the new world, it will be the new Malaysia 2.0 culture. Indeed public demonstrations can be peaceful, focused and purposeful. We need a Malaysian police 2.0 who can deal with managing a crowd peacefully. Many people have said that, if only they had defined a route or opened the Merdeka Stadium, specify the time and rule of conduct. This could have become completely a non-event. The state would have saved the cost of deploying some 7000 police personnel!

Thanks to the police lock out; downtown KL hotels around ground zero were full. The hawkers were doing roaring business. Ask the ice-cream vendor on motorbike by the roadside of Jalan Hang Jebat; he has probably never experienced such good business for a long time. The shop keepers did not complained they had to close their shops for a day; instead they said, “let’s close the shop for a day and go for a walk with the people. One day of sacrifice will earn us many good business days ahead.” Too bad, the mainstream media editors who were not on the ground did not print the stories of their reporters,  they chose to make up the story about the complaints of businesses. To the mainstream media should stop trading their soul for the sake of their children and grandchildren.

4. Shame on BN government’s management skills. When the BN government took the position to demonize Bersih and to declare the rally illegal; they should know what is coming. They could predict what the scene will be like when the crowd goes in defiance of the government. Unfortunately the BN leadership was clouded with emotions and had no clarity of the situation. Governments must remember, no matter what and/or under any circumstances;  the government and the police force have to protect the people, regardless of innocent ones or protesters, The government wears two hats. One one hand, you have to figure out how to quell discontent and win them over. On the other hand the onus is on you to protect them.

We were surprised that apart from the show of might of the police force, there was no contingency for accident and injuries. Anyone in crisis management would know that ambulance and Para-medics ought to be on stand by; those who could get hurt may not be the protesters. It could be tourists, pedestrians  or local residents. While we salute the Bar Council for their contribution to civil society, we are terribly upset that no deployment was made by the Malaysian Red Cross nor saw any mobilization of medical personnel from the Malaysian Medical Association. When one can send doctors across borders, we wonder where were our medical professionals on Saturday? We had the Red Cross during our Sports Day in the old days; in an event like this, why are they not seen at all?  Pahlawan Volunteers discussed about this the night before; but we were frustrated that we lacked the machinery to do any mobilization. If there has been medical support around, perhaps there is a fighting chance for the PKR member Allahyarham Baharuddin who need not die in this incident. Shame on you MMA and RED CROSS! Shame on the Minister of Health, where were you as commander in chief of the national health care system? Why was no ambulance or medical support deployed during the rally?

( By the way, the Association of public  and certified accountants should have sent their representative to the rally to conduct an independent audit of the crowd size!)

5. The People have triumphed. Bersih 2.0 is not the triumph of the opposition leaders or the Bersih 2.0 Steering Committee. In fact they have been very low profile, much credit and gratitude must be expressed to them for providing the leadership.  Malaysia must say a big thank you to them all for what they are going through. But as the admirable Ambiga said, “it is the people.” Risking arrest, Ambiga said, we have to go out to be with the Rakyat.”  She was arrested but released later.

During the rally, the Rakyat has conveyed the message that they will not let their rights be compromised by the might of the state. Now BN Minister tried to heap accusations on the Bersih 2.0 Rally for having tarnished Malaysia’s image.  Again they don’t get it. As Marina Mahathir said, people can distinguish the people from the government; the World salutes the Malaysian people for standing up against a repressive state, the World condemns the BN-led government for its oppressive and arrogant ways in dealing with the legitimate aspirations of the people. Throughout history; citizens will only obey good and reasonable laws. When the law is unjust; it is the right of the people to defy it. Again, BN Ministers must go back to constitutional law 101.

6. A New World has dawned and we better adjust. 720,000 hit on Malaysiakini during the day in spite of DDOS attack on the site. The digital media has helped to unite and bond the people; it provided a minute-by-minute update of the event; the mobile phone and text messages joined the people and stringed their hearts together. Within 48 hours of the Rally, a face book page got more than 100,000 people to call for PM Najib’s resignation. BN leaders must recognize that the voice of dissent is not only outside of BN, there are many within BN who do not agree with the way Bersih 2.0 were treated. Thousands of photos and video streamed across the internet, they are still streaming across the facebook and the world. The irony is, in spite of these live evidences;  one after another, from the KL deputy police Chief to the home minister to the health minister; they can still lie with their eyes wide open. Health Minister thought he could make a private plea to appease the Board of Tong Shing Hospital, but we wish to remind the Health Minister, “YB, if  Tong Shing Hospital is Ok, the Rakyat is not Ok.”

Our advice to all those leadership in Malaysia 1.0, take an afternoon off, go sit by your son or grandson, and lock on to face book and the key sites to preview all the videos and stories connected to the 709 rally. You would find that the mainstream media is actually misleading you at your peril. But this again is all your own doing;  you have told them to report according to your prescribed script; so they did. This is the reason why you did not know the truth; it happened in the election of 308, it is happening again.

Electoral Reforms is the only way to a clean and fair Malaysia. Malaysians know that the road is still far, but destination is clear.  Instead of working to appeal to the reasons of those in  the ruling government, fellow Malaysians just need to go tell each other their stories and experience. Explain the 8 demands contained in Bersih 2.0. Help  all Malaysians understand that a good government is one who supports and care for its people, not one that uses its might to suppress and thereafter lie and lie its way out. You have nothing to fear when you exercise your right or make your stand in a group; it is not only those well- to- do who has nothing to lose should come forward.  The 50,000 who descended there on the streets of Kuala Lumpur had a lot at stake, but they knew if they don’t do this; they will lose all their stakes in the country. It is about a collective voice to move the country forward.

If you don’t clean up the system, your job would not be secured, your income will not grow, your property prices will fall and you would grow old alone because your children have to leave Malaysia to find job elsewhere. Why would you want that? The intimidation will continue; the people must be prepared to stand up to secure our own future.

All governments must work to allow the will of the People to prevail; in fact that is the raison detre of democratic governments. If one chooses to prolong in their slumbers, it may be too late when the final day of reckoning comes. For now, the game is fair, there is still time to return to do the RIGHT thing, starting this minute.

Our future hinges on good governance; let’s explain and tell that to every Malaysians. A corrupt and unfair electoral system is the root of all evils. We have to take some risk and work harder,  we would be very proud of ourselves for what we did.

As Pahlawan Goh from Melaka said to me movingly, ” Sister, I am 28 years old. Today I am  here to do my national service.”

Thank you One Malaysia. You made us proud; your action and conviction have given us hope.

With Love from Pahlawan Volunteers,

Negara Kita, Tanggung Jawab Kita.

From Conviction to Action.

自古以来，好法有人守，

对恶法人民有权不从。

如果当政者缺少智慧，顽固倔强，

把人民迫上梁山，

老，幼，男，女，

没有种族，只有正义，

709星期六， 人们不再怕

净选盟：          逼上街头，

国阵 ：             咎由自取

人民 :                愤勇抗权

警方 :                助纣为孽

主流媒体：      (继续）扭曲事实

电子媒体：              与民同在

马华，民政 ：      (继续) 执迷不悟

律师公会：        维护正义。

开始时 是Bersih 挑战 Kotor

现在，它 扩大成 Bersih 对摔 Bodoh。

阿拉使者濒濒带来的忠告你不理。

停止指责别人， 不要再诬蔑他人，

不能再错下去了。回头是岸吧。

文：冯久玲，参与者： Pahlawan Volunteers

2011年7月9日 吉隆坡默迪卡体育场

Translations: Rally Bersih 709: One Malaysia Stood up on Ground Zero: Since time immemorial, good laws are obeyed while bad ones are challenged by the people. When those in authorities lacked the wisdom  to let the people’s will to prevail, and by their action forced the people up the mountains ( take to the streets); young and old, men and women; no racial distinction; only one common goal to defend justice. On the Saturday of July 9, the people no longer fears; Malaysians stood up for their rights against the might of the state.

Bersih 2.0: Was Forced on to the streets, BN Government: The consequences of the day is all your own doing; The Rakyat: Stood up for its Rights, The Police: Instead of protecting the Rakyat, it is inflicting tension and harm to the Rakyat; Mainstream Media; Continue to twist facts in its reporting. Digital Media: Stay with the People, Other BN Parties (especially MCA and Gerakan): Continue to be irrelevant, The Bar Council: The Defenders of Justice. The Bersih 2.0 Movement started as a movement of Bersih Vs. Kotor (fight dirty politics and corruption); now it has expanded to Bersih Vs Bodoh (stupid governance): Allah has sent its messengers to you several times, but you choose to ignore them. Stop the blame on others, stop framing others, Stop your wrongs today, do the right thing; there is a chance to “return to the shores.”

Pahlawan Members were present at Ground Zero of the Bersih 2.0 Rally. This piece was written in response to the mis-reporting in the Chinese media to provide further clarification to Chinese readers on what actually happened.

If we want this country to get better, we must ALL get involved. We must show the political leadership we want to build a Malaysia that we are all proud of — Stable, prosperous, secure, peaceful and harmonious.  July 9 is your chance to show that WILL.

By Pahlawan Volunteers

Join this HISTORIC gathering on July 9 at Stadium Merdeka. Why?

Take a stand. Show your love for Malaysia by your presence.

Demonstrate that Malaysians are mature, disciplined and responsible lot.

July 9 IS the day you and I can regain our PRIDE as Anak Malaysia.

Pahlawan Volunteers are heartened by the efforts of various quarters to enable Bersih 2.0  to advance its cause.

We thank the Yang Di Pertuan Agung for granting an audience to Bersih 2.0 representatives.

We are thankful to those NGO leaders and all those people who are working under tremendous stress to help move things forward. We thank all who worked behind the scenes to breathe sanity into the minds in authorty who perceived Bersih 2.0 as a subversive movement.

We also thank Prime Minister Najib for his wisdom to let the Will of the People prevail.

We wrote Let Reason Prevail two days ago in support of Bersih 2.0.  Reason has prevailed.

Pahlawan Volunteers would like to reiterate our support for Bersih 2.0 and repeat our call to all Malaysians to join forces to show our endorsement for clean and fair elections. If we all come together to spread that positive energy; we will move forward in a constructive way.

Redirect your energy and stop complaining on how bad things have become. Come to the gathering and work with others to heal and make Malaysia better for the benefit of our children and future generations. When we come together to communicate our wishes and dreams positively and constructively; positive outcomes will occur; step by step.

First, we must re-emphasize, July 9′s Bersih 2.0 is about all of us:
Bersih 2.0 aims to bring about a better Malaysia for ALL Malaysians; Malay, Chinese, Indians, Orang Asli, young and old, men and women. It is for all of us.

1. Bersih 2.0 is non-partisan. It is a coalition of more than 60 properly registered organizations, working to appeal for the reform of the electoral system. Bersih 2.0′s eight point appeal strives to bring about a cleaner and fairer electoral system so that we can and will get better leaders.

With a better and more competent leadership; our governance will improve and the country will be able to move forward. Its economy will improve, and the social and physical environment will be safer for all.

Stagnating income and galloping inflation are causing tremendous hardship to many. The poor infrastructure and bad governance in the country are affecting our business. One business associate complained about not being able to recruit a single staff in the heart of Petaling Jaya because young graduates who live in Cheras and Klang have no affordable and reliable public transportation to get to work.

Majority of Malaysian graduates desire to look for jobs in foreign countries because they pay better and have better promise. The situation has reached critical point; complaining will not make it better.  It can only get better if we come together as ONE to tell those in government we want a turning point for the better. NOW.

2. Supporting Bersih 2.0 is supporting a Better Malaysia.

It is also a support for whichever political party you are affiliated to or desire to win. With a better electoral system, your candidate, whether with BN or Pakatan, will be sure of fairer competition if he or she does his job.

All political parties worthy of the people’s support must come out to support Bersih 2.0. Especially those political leaders who are truly working for the interest of the people, before, during and after the elections.

We call for open public rallies. We believe Malaysians can handle peacefully, so that nobody, especially the older generation would fear or continue to worry about its imagined harm.

However, democracy is about compromise and respect for each other. Since there are some people who think that we are not ready for expression of feelings openly in a peaceful march, it is fine to gather in a stadium and have the activity confined in an enclosed space.

3. One People, One Nation, One Agenda. It is our shared love for this country that will bring us together. Making Malaysia better, our electoral system clean and fair; that is the cause of BERISH 2.0.

There is no issue of victory or loss. Nobody is losing any face here as all our concern is to move the Electoral System forward. This is the common goal that is uniting Malaysians now.

To the opponents of Bersih 2.0; please come and join in too. July 9 is about Malaysians coming together for One Malaysia — it is about our future and our children, grandchildren’s future.

While Bersih 2.0 and its supporters feel strongly about their appeals, we must also respect those who are uncomfortable about this movement. Let’s engage them, please join us, come to the Berish 2.0; to see for yourself what this cause is all about and how you will benefit too.

COME ONE COME ALL.

For so long, people downplayed their Malaysian identity because they are ashamed to get into a conversation of all the follies that are going on in the country.

We invite you to join in this historic gathering on July 9. Show your love for Malaysia on July 9 by being there. Malaysia is about its people, not its politicians.  So each and every one of us must do our part.

If we want this country to get better, we must ALL get involved. We must show the political leadership we want to build a Malaysia that we are all proud of — Stable, prosperous, secure, peaceful and harmonious.  July 9 is your chance to show that WILL.

Get out of your “carma” mindset. There is nothing to fear. If the country doesn’t improve, there is no more ma (makan) to be “cari.”  So let’s discard all that CARMA and work for good KARMA for our country.

Come one, come all, because only Together We can make Malaysia better. Bring your parents and your children; show them that there is hope for Malaysia by working together with respect for each other.

Together We Care.

With love from Pahlawan Volunteers

“Negara Kita, Tanggungjawab Kita” – from conviction to action
JOIN Pahlawan Volunteers on Facebook.

Pahlawan Volunteers also appeals to the authorities to immediately release all those individuals who have been mistakenly taken into police custody in connection with Bersih 2.0 Activities.

Related Links:

• Call to say the Peace Prayer together as One People One Nation
• Ambiga: Bersih is the rakyat, ban has little impact
• Veto the Bersih ban, Mr PM
• Bersih 2.0

Malaysians will support BERSIH 2.0 whether one or 1 million people walk on the street on July 9 2011. And if things don’t improve, there will be BERSIH 3.0, 4.0, 5.0 until the cause is successful.  World history has shown governments the wisdom to uphold the will of the people, and the law of nature dictates that energy cannot remained pent up; they must be channeled productively to bring positive outcomes.

By Pahlawan Volunteers

Those present at the 1997 Hong Kong hand-back ceremony to China  would have developed great admiration for the Police force of the Special Economic Region.

At that time there was a lot of concern on a potential noisy demonstration staged by the pro-democracy groups  outside the convention hall where the historic hand-back ceremony attended by the world’s dignitary and 6000 journalists was held. Many thought that Beijing would do all it can to block the demonstration; but the territory’s police did Hong Kong proud by managing the demonstrations orderly; the democrats had their say; the hand-back ceremony went smoothly;  both events happening side by side, watched by the people of Hongkong and the world. A really big step for living democracy in HongKong’s nascent democratic system which only started elections in the recent past.

5 years later, on 24 September 2002 the Hong Kong government released its proposals for the anti-subversion law, known as Section 23.  The proposal became the cause of considerable controversy and division in Hong Kong.

On July 1 2003, some 500,000 people took to the streets in anger  — the largest mass demonstration on Chinese soil since the 1989 Tiananmen Square protest. Critics had argued that Article 23, the controversial anti-subversion legislation, violated the civil liberties guaranteed in Hong Kong’s Basic Law. But the demonstrators railed against more than Article 23: pent-up anger over the wobbly local economy and the government’s handling of the SARS crisis prompted a huge outpouring of anger, much of it directed at Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa. In the aftermath of the public protest, two cabinet members resigned, and the government ultimately retreated from the proposed law.

Pressure vaults

Peaceful demonstrations are necessary and are guaranteed by the constitution; even if only one single person who does not agree with the system, he or she must be allowed to express his feelings on the street. No matter how many people want to walk on the street, peaceful demonstrations are an expression of democracy, and all democratic governments must have the capabilities to manage them. To keep order in public demonstrations; the responsibility lies with the police force and it is a test of their management skills. The police cannot ban public demonstrations because of its imagined fear of chaos and inconvenience to the public.

Development is not about hardware or physical infrastructure alone. We can have state of the art technology and tall towers, we must also show that the system respects each and every single individual among us; and that we have the capability to sort out differences among ourselves. Those with contrarian views, or opposing positions  from the power of the day must be given fair and free expression. Democracy functions with a free market; the marketplace of ideas should be unrestrained and the people be allowed to choose.

Bersihkan Malaysia

Many of us were not aware of Bersih 1.0.  The Pahlawan brothers and sisters who come together to rally around a national cause are non-partisan. We only come to notice Bersih in the recent months and are attracted by their 8-point rational appeal.

Bersih has won our hearts because the movement is agitating to build a better electoral system that will enable Malaysia to elect better leaders; and better leaders are exactly what the doctor would prescribed for Malaysia’s current woes.

As Bersih moves into 2.0, Malaysia too must move from its old operating system mindset into a Malaysia 2.0 mindset and framework. For example we have a state of the art Mykad being used for national registration; but we still need each eligible voter to go register before they can vote. This is totally unnecessary and ought to be reformed yesterday; anyone holding the Mykad attaining the legal voting age must be permitted to vote with the Mykad, no separate voter registration required — saving national resources, man power and no paper forms needed; therefore less waste and save more trees!

So if the Election Commission has not got around to doing this, now they can pay attention to a much neglected reform. This is what BERISH 2.0 is all about.

Bersih 2.0’ s very reasonable demands are:

1. A clean electoral roll

2. Reform the postal ballot,

3. Use of indelible ink to reduce voter fraud

4. A minimum 21-Day campaign period

5. Free and fair access to media,

6. The strengthening of public institutions to act independently and impartially in upholding the rule of law and democracy

7. The end of corruption by acting against all allegations of corruption including vote buying

8. And end to dirty politics.

All these 8 demands are good for the entire country and good for all political parties because a clean and fair system will enable the best people be elected to run the country.

In today’s competitive world, the success of each and every citizen depends on the efficiency of the political and economic system one operates in; and our well being and success is directly related to how smart and efficient our public administration and its leadership. Why are so many Malaysians voting with their feet; the answer is obvious. They have no confidence in the current system in delivering success to their career, business and family.

If our government does not wake up to the demands of the times, the country will become sidelined and our people will no longer be able to compete. We cannot talk about any national vision if we don’t fix our governance system first.

8 REASONS why peaceful demonstrations must be allowed:

1. Public demonstration is guaranteed by our constitution. It is a legal right of every Malaysian citizen. Every   individual or group must be allowed to take his or her cause onto the street.

2. Malaysia has a tradition or history of public demonstrations; UMNO and the Malay pressure groups successfully won their case by taking their cause to the street.

3. Peaceful and orderly demonstrations reflect on the maturity of the populace, and the competence of the police force. They add on to the attractiveness of the country to all, including its citizens, visitors, foreign investors and tourists included. Everyone will feel secure that Malaysians can sort out their differences in public and in an orderly manner, and that the police force is impartial and fair.

4. Bersih 2.0 is about improving the Malaysian electoral system, it is non-partisan. It is working for the interest of One Malaysia. Bersih 2.0 has a just cause.

5. It is a test of the police’s public order management abilities; the police and government must not made groundless accusations and propagate imaginary threat and fear. Our police must demonstrate that they can handle public expressions of the people and that they can manage peaceful and orderly public demonstrations with rational argument for our cause. Misplaced emotions do not help our national cause.

6. The government should not worried about the public being misled by public demonstrations staged by whichever groups; in open societies, the public  will and can make out whether they can identify with the cause, and competition is the best guarantee for fair play. Today Bersih 2.0 is gaining support not because of the personality of its leadership; but because of its cause.

7. The government of the day would win votes by acting responsibly and in a liberal manner. In this age of transparency enabled by the Internet and social networking media; “spins” would only bring negative backlash; the only way to win hearts is to be open and transparent and compete on merits.

8. Malaysia need Bersih. This is an important message to be sent to all Malaysians, political parties and leaders; the wellbeing and development prospects of Malaysian society rests on the foundation of a Clean society and fair political system.

On July 2nd 2011, the BN government has declared Bersih as an illegal organization. Yes,  Bersih does not fit the conventional legal framework of  social institutions; it is a convergence of NGO groups; it is the coming together of many registered groups who share the same agenda and love for the country. Bersih 2.0 is an expression of the internet age’s  free association of NGO groups working on different causes being united by one common agenda. Their cause is just and legitimate.  They therefore should be allowed to take the people’s cause in  public. When the BN government allow the will of these groups to prevail, it will only help them win or win back more hearts!

Anyway, Malaysians will support BERSIH 2.0 whether one or 1 million people walk on the street on July 9 2011. And if things don’t improve, there will be BERSIH 3.0, 4.0, 5.0 until the cause is successful.  World history has shown governments the wisdom to uphold the will of the people, and the law of nature dictates that energy cannot remained pent up; they must be channeled productively to bring positive outcomes.

From now on, July 9 will be Hari BERSIH because Malaysia needs to be cleaned up badly. Our success and our family’s well-being can only be guaranteed in a Clean Malaysia.

With love from Pahlawan Volunteers
“Negara Kita, Tanggungjawab Kita” – from conviction to action
JOIN Pahlawan Volunteers on Facebook

Related Links:

• Call to say the Peace Prayer together as One People One Nation
• Ambiga: Bersih is the rakyat, ban has little impact
• Veto the Bersih ban, Mr PM
• Bersih 2.0

On Bersih 2.0, Perkasa and UMNO rallies being held on 9 July 2011:

This is a test for Home Minister Hishammuddin to allow all three rallies applied for, that each group has their say orderly and peacefully.

Why not give permit to them on DIFFERENT DAYS; let each put up their show and see how many hearts they can win. This is true democracy.

Death threats, shouting etc are so so immature; that is NOT what Malaysia is or supposed to be. If Malaysians are that unruly, BN has to take full responsibility; under its 50 years rule, it could not even produce a civilized society.

Malaysians must think hard on the choice of their government.

With love from Pahlawan Volunteers
“Negara Kita, Tanggungjawab Kita” — from conviction to action

Related Links:

• View Photos: BERSIH Ambiga Reports Death Threats
• Despite death threat, Ambiga says Bersih rally still on
• WAO condemns threats against Bersih chief
• Public rallies part of Malaysian history, says Bar Council
• BERSIH 2.0 Announcements: Upcoming Road Shows & Global Solidarity

“A rally like Bersih sends a message to all Malaysians that authority lies in the hands of the citizens and not in any political party. It is a show of solidarity that cuts across racial and religious and political lines.”

The writing is on the wall and it reads, “People should not be afraid of their governments. Governments should be afraid of their people.”

Watch the full recording of the Launch of Perhimpunan Bersih 2.0 held on Sunday 19 June 2011 at Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall, Kuala Lumpur.

Part 1:

Part 2:

Part 3:

Part 4:

Part 5:

Part 6:

Part 7:

Part 8:

Part 9:

With love from Pahlawan Volunteers
“Negara Kita, Tanggungjawab Kita
- from conviction to action.
JOIN us on Facebook.

Inflation is causing increasing hardship to the masses; and no respite is seen in the near future. All the authorities can tell us is that this is a global phenomenon; so Malaysians cannot be spared of such hardships. Former Deputy Chief Minister of Sabah Thum Nyip Shen observed that the people in Taiwan can still have a decent lunch for RM1.80, for a bowl of Luiro Fan – Minced Pork Rice. In Kuala Lumpur, RM1.80 could probably get you only a drink! Even plain water can cost RM0.50 at the coffee shops!  The Income of average Malaysians are not growing any faster, (if it is growing). With food accounting for some 30-40% of their total monthly expenses for the lower income groups; some political leaders are joining the call to the government to postpone subsidies cut now. While it would be most painful for the people if subsidies are eliminated now; but Malaysians must know that it is a mater of time the pain will come. Prolonged subsidy is not sustainable, and that the nation’s treasury could run dry without new sources of taxes and income.

Apart from the raising our cries to the authorities to have greater vigilence on price controls, citizens musts help each other to help themselves by grouping together to make bulk purchases. As we all know, a large part of the price of a product lies in the distribution and marketing cost; if we can collapse the value chain somewhat, we can achieve savings; and at a time of stagnant income, a dollar saved is a dollar left behind for other usage. In such trying times, all of us have to count on community strength to tie over this difficult period.
Pahlawan is proposing to start a citizen membership group for bulk purchase for essential and food items; perhaps beginning with our effort to secure fresh and safe food from our local farmers. Help us make this possible; the intention is to help each other. Here is the initial proposal of this scheme:

1. An invitation is made to all those interested to join in this community; the common goal among all is to secure essential food items at more affordable prices. The aim is to group enough people together to secure a bulk price where we can pass the savings to the members. Pahlawan commits to 100% transparency in managing the bulk purchase information; after deducting handling fees; all savings will be passed back to members.

2. Once we have a sizeable group or community; we can work with organizations and companies to secure bulk price. For example; it will at least costs as much as 50% less if we buy direct from producers. After adding reasonable transportation and distribution cost; we can still attain a savings of at least 20-30% off prices at the supermarkets or traditional shops.  Members must be willing to pick up the purchases if further savings is desired. Think of the IKEA or Uniqlo model; where purchasers do part of the service themselves; and through group effort; we gather the power to fix prices with manufacturers.

3. We must buy local, support our own companies and farmers so that jobs are secured and these companies continue to do well. Supporting local farmers and food manufacturing companies not only help us collapse the food miles ( save transportation and cut emission) and protect our food security; this joint effort can be organized to promote higher quality and responsibility on the part of the producer and manufacturer. Today is a net food importer and this poses great threat to our food security; when the global market suffers shortages due to weather phenomenon inflicted by global warming; we can be very vulnerable. Hence we must begin today to encourage more people to farm and produce food for ourselves. Rice farmers is one group of people we must support as this is a Malaysian staple. By becoming a member of this group; you can be assured of supply.

4. Create jobs; in the course of organizing this group; we may be able to create some service jobs for those Malaysians in their 50′s whose jobs can be under stressed because of the changing economic landscape. We will try to only do the minimum as the overall goal is to get the purchaser to do some of the work so we can have more savings.

5. Cut Waste; as much as 1/3 of the food is wasted on our dinning table.  This is not good for the pocket and the waste pollutes the environment. If a group purchase can take place, we can do with more processing; for example the vegetables and fruits can be processed more at the farms and only editable parts are transported to the cities; saving load and transport fees with less packaging etc. We also advise that members buy slightly less than their needs so there won’t be any waste.

6. While we are working out the partner manufacturers network as well as farms to join this  scheme, and the mechanics of how to do this, we want to seek your feedback to see how this effort can be organized to benefit all. Kindly response by making postings and suggest ideas. If you think well of this, kindly share this and invite as many friends and households to join. We hope to begin with a 10,000 household groups to achieve better bargaining power.

5. For those interested to participate, kindly log on facebook freshnhappyxpress vegetables to become a fan. This would be the community for food purchase that will be used. Help to promote.

We shall be sharing information on both the Pahlawan and freshnhappyexpress vegetables pages.

Pahlawan Volunteers

Farmer Lee Myan Hin of Loong Ei Plantations had been quietly working for the last 20 years to build up a food plantation supply a basket of root vegetables and legumes for our dinner table.  His plantation now gives us sweet corn, pumpkin, bitter gourd, lady’s fingers and matured yellow cucumber; a very refreshing root vegetable that the Chinese use to make soups.

Born in 1967, Mr Lee comes from a farming family. His father was an expert green leafy vegetable planter whose produce was much sought after by consumers from as far away as Singapore. Lee had long harbored a passion for working on the land; he started farming on a small plot measuring slightly more than half an acre; experimenting his ways. Fully convicted that he must only give safe and fresh vegetables to consumer, he went into organic farming in 2000. Because the market for organic was small at that time; he lost some RM800,000.  He then return to master Integrated Pest Control Management system where he learn how to do crop rotation to ensure the soil’s nutrients are replenished regularly to ensure a good crop, and keeping pest and insects under control. A chance encounter with another experienced farmer Ah Chuan from Pahang radically changed the fortune of both of them; they collaborated on Okra and now they are producing large quantities of this beautiful crop for Malaysian curry and salad. At the peak of their early development; Lee worked a total of 20 hours for 4 years during the period 2002-2006. During this time, he perfected the method to grow high yielding sweet corn.

Today Lee has 1000 acres under his care, spread over 18 farms in Melaka and Negeri Seremban; Lee’s farm employs 100 workers. Asked about what gives him the most satisfaction; Lee said, “when consumers can have fresh and healthy food.”

Lee’s Loong Ei farm has become a specialist farm in the Sh2 network, consumers can find his corn, okra, old cucumber, pumpkin and bitter gourd in the SH2 fresh and Happy Vegetable Basket. Click freshnhappy vegetables to join the community.