The 16th Anti-ISA Vigil was held on 25 January 2009 at MBPJ Civic Centre, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia, in which DSAI and the MB of Selangor lent their support to protest the ISA and the persecution of Palestinians.
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The night of 25th of January 2009, being the eve of the Lunar New Year meant that most chinese families gather for their reunion dinner. Co-incidentally, the anti-I.S.A. supporters gathered at the Civic Centre together with the Coalition of Malaysian NGOs against Persecution of Palestinians (COMPLETE).
I arrived quite late, owing to a mini reunion dinner of my own. There were some policemen on the main road. Walking past them, I saw canopies and stalls set up, to sell an assortment of interesting stuff. I gave them my support and bought 2 tee-shirts and a badge!
A little further, I saw the familiar faces of the "vigil family" that I've come to know and love. Immediately, I smile because it is a reunion of sorts to meet and greet fellow Malaysians on such an auspicious day for the Chinese. It's a feel good moment!
The night of 25th of January 2009, being the eve of the Lunar New Year meant that most chinese families gather for their reunion dinner. Co-incidentally, the anti-I.S.A. supporters gathered at the Civic Centre together with the Coalition of Malaysian NGOs against Persecution of Palestinians (COMPLETE).
I arrived quite late, owing to a mini reunion dinner of my own. There were some policemen on the main road. Walking past them, I saw canopies and stalls set up, to sell an assortment of interesting stuff. I gave them my support and bought 2 tee-shirts and a badge!
A little further, I saw the familiar faces of the "vigil family" that I've come to know and love. Immediately, I smile because it is a reunion of sorts to meet and greet fellow Malaysians on such an auspicious day for the Chinese. It's a feel good moment!
This is a picture I took just after my dinner, I loved the combination of the neatly-arranged lights and lanterns. Although the shop was closed, it lit up that street so beautifully. It added to the aura of Chinese New Year to those who dined nearby.
Then when I reached the MBPJ, I saw these candlelights! Simple yet symbolic and sends a message of hope to those detained without trial.
Here are some of the "vigil family" together with recognisable personalities who were there!
I said hello to Puchong MP Gobind Singh, who I met some 10 years ago and he surprised me with his superb recollection of how and why our paths crossed. Amazing!This collage of the other event, which is a mixture of pictures taken by pahlawan.volunteer and me!
Took this from a tee-shirt of a Rakyat Malaysia!
After the arrival of DSAI, I left to go "fishing" and now you know why this post is so late! I usually make it a point to put up a post immediately on the same night but had to break that routine, this one time! For those of you who came to check, sorry lah!
Final verdict: It was a wonderful night to be hand-in-hand, side-by-side with fellow Malaysians, sharing one space, sharing one night, sharing convictions and the peaceful gathering.
To be a member of the "vigil family", please note the following:
*No registration fee.
*No age limit.
*No sexual discrimination.
*No race discrimination.
*Just come as you are!
Note: some pics courtesy of pahlawan.volunteer. Thanks, dear!
14 comments:
Lita, you more than make up for my not physically being there. Very happy the PDRM maintained a respectful distance & left the vigilers unmolested. Bet they could SENSE the POWER emanating from last night's gathering - what with so many members of the next government present :-) SYABAS, Anwar, Khalid, Haris, Gobind, Bernard& everybody eho made it there! Gladdens my heart greatly to read this report, especially after the stupid charade that characterized the courtroom episode on Friday!
Antares: Thanks for the thumbs up! I do whatever I can, even if its just to report. I am glad to do it, though! You moooooooove me to carry on, dear! ;)
Baby, it's good to know that you are still steadfast in your commitment at the vigils. Keep up the good work and posting. I miss being at the vigils. Love you always.
Great!!!! I am happy 2 see DSAI and Selangor MB supporting our cause to STOP the ISA. Their presence will definitely bring more people to come upfront and object it!!! :)
STEPHEN FELIX GROSSE: We miss you too, Baby! Love you! ;)
Jarod: When are you coming back? Missing you! :)
Thanks Lita again for the update on the vigil. Although I am out of touch (with all this festive holidays), my heart is still with you all on this cause.
Peng: GONG XI FA CAI!!!!!!
Out of sight is not out of mind, where you are concerned! Stay safe and God bless! :)
Nice report on the last vigil... Really miss those candles. :)
I like this one... interesting and true!
To be a member of the "vigil family", please note the following:
*No registration fee.
*No age limit.
*No sexual discrimination.
*No race discrimination.
*Just come as you are!
sanjiun: Thanks and I really missed all of you who "balik kampung". I will probably miss the next vigil so I hope you all will be around!
Sorry, I missed being with you all at the last vigil. I must be too old that I sincerely overlooked that evening as a Sunday evening, our vigil night. Obviously we had too long of lay-offs last week-end !!!
Lovely post, as usual, Lita.
Pat
Goostee: Hee Hee Hee, such an honest comment. Well, hope to meet up with you one of these Sundays! :)
Patricia: Thanks! :)
Are you guys sure you are fighting for all malaysians? do majority of malaysians support your cause? Is it true that you all speak for all malaysians?
I dont think so..there seems to be a very obvious lack of support from the MAJORITY race of malaysia.
Are you really fighting for us? Or are u daring us?
KB: What an amusing comment!
We certainly aren't the majority and I don't believe that I ever claimed that. I've always said like-minded or right-minded Malaysians.
Would you care to define the "us" that you used? I am very curious! :)
Thanks for dropping by.
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