07 November 2008

Seremban Candlelight Vigil 2

My day started with an early sms from a blogger friend informing me that he was already making his way to the Shah Alam High Court. It was a great reminder to send a special prayer to heaven for Raja Petra Kamarudin before leaving home for the office.

At the office, my morning was riddled with smses from this blogger/good friend, malaysiakini and other friends about the release of RPK. It was an exciting morning for me. Being at work hampered me from browsing all the news online but the news did put a spring in my step and spurred me to quickly get on with what I had to do so that I could go home early to catch up on the latest development.

I was, however, able to share in the euphoria through the smses from a fellow blogger, The Whisperer, who was there. The constant smses that trickled in enabled me to visualise the joy and jubilation over the welcomed surprise but anticipated decision. From what I gathered, people cried openly, hugged each other, lifted their hands in victory and danced in pure joy at the incredibly brave but fair judgement.

It would be remiss of me to have missed the Seremban vigil tonight after not having been able to share the glorious moments this morning.

Dependable as always, my ever-obliging son drove me there. Here are some pictures to share:


The street lights look so much like
the candles we light at the vigils
- like a prelude to what I will soon see

The early crowd
The Park is like a fairyland with all the lights
The loyal supporters with their candles, add to the surrealism
Some stand together
Some stand alone
Some stand in pairs

Pre RPK's arrival
RPK in the flesh All eyes and ears are on the "man of the day"
Finally, I "really" am with RPK

RPK's message tonight is loud and clear, we need to press on. Only half the battle is won. We have to remember the others and champion their freedom. We will carry on until all of them are safely back home with loved ones.

With so much pride and love for all that happened today
- Goodnight Malaysia -

14 comments:

STEPHEN FELIX GROSSE said...

Keep the candle burning. We've only just begun.

SFGEMS said...

Stephen Felix Grosse: Your comment makes me wanna sing!

We've only just begun to live,
White lace and promises
A kiss for luck and we're on our way.
And yes, We've just begun.

Before the rising sun we fly,
So many roads to choose
We start out walking and learn to run.
And yes, We've just begun.

Sharing horizons that are new to us,
Watching the signs along the way,
Talking it over just the two of us,
Working together day to day
Together.

And when the evening comes we smile,
So much of life ahead
We'll find a place where there's room to grow,
And yes, We've just begun.

Surind said...

Thanks for the update & photos... good job ;-)

SFGEMS said...

Surind: Thanks for the appreciation!

;)

Jarod said...

Hooray! U were there huh? Oh well! no wonder so many people! RPK was there !!! haahahaha ... Thanks for the wonderful pic~

SFGEMS said...

Jarod: You really surprise me with your constant visits and comments. I do appreciate them very much.

It was a superb night. Mingling, singing, thinking......

:)

Anonymous said...

Yes Lita! Lovely wasn't it? I thought I got you on my camera with RPK last nite. Steady Stephen, I mean at the Seremban Vigil. ha ha. Its was a wonderful day, right from morning.

There's so much to say to RPK while his at Kemunting and suddenly one finds it hard to search for words to say when you see him in person, right? Just give him a big hug but I can't do that last night coz he looks so 'fragile' I supposed poor RPK is just trying to keep pace with his own footing - Kemunting then Shah Alam and now Seremban all in one day.

I must add thought, RPK is such a man that his first message was about others (ISA detainees) and never about himself. Speak volumes about great man like him. Selfless and yet sensitive to others.

Hope to say Hi to both you and Stephen one day, meanwhile we need to get the rest out of ISA and one day we will all meet for a different purpose It will be "party and celebration".
It'll be nice also to have Stephen holding the mic again not about testimony but to give us a number of songs then?!
Cheers
Rakyat@work

SFGEMS said...

rakyat@work: It never ceases to amaze me how you do your work for the rakyat so cheerfully and cleverly.

Thanks for the very kind comments. It really means so much to me.

I am sure that one day, you mentioned, will happen. We'll talk about our journey to free the rest of the I.S.A. detainees and Stephen singing.

Anonymous said...

Lita, remember what RPK said about Hope? For me and for most of us, I think we are exhibiting the word 'hope' into actions.

In a way, although the cold war has ended between US and Russia, world headlines including our papers continues to flash
off 'Bad news'. It can be cold at times.

Now to see your little candles burning, certainly warms the soul and it alway reminds me not to take life for granted. For those who have lost it along the way or worst, being robbed (ISA), we must continue to press on by supplying enough of this 'Hope'.
Cheers

I'll be in Ipoh tonight to support 'kick start' the Ipoh's Vigil. PJ Amcorp will be fantastic as well tonight, I say - "Torn between two lovers" Ha ha.
rakyat@work

Anonymous said...

Thank you very much for this posting and those many to come.
This journey as the people of Malaysia seeking the abolishment of ISA begins from us that see the future of Malaysia must be more transparent and lawful abiding system.
We are glad that you have stand up for this journey and have been giving the best in walking this talk.
We are truly proud to know that we still have Malaysian like you to walk with us. We are glad that we were there last Friday with you and YM RPK

Jimm & family

SFGEMS said...

rakyat@work: Hope to meet you soon!

Take care and looking forward to your coverage of the Ipoh vigil.

:)

SFGEMS said...

Jimm & family: Thank you for your kind words. My contribution is only just a drop in the ocean compared to what many others are doing. But I am glad to do what little that I can.

Next time, say hello okay.

:)

jim48 said...

I was there with my family for rpk n the oppressed. I believe God is watching us and evil shall never prevail. His presence is in our wills to fight oppression. V must stand up and fight the good fight. God Bless!

SFGEMS said...

Anonymous 11:02

I so appreciate this comment. :)