Only 3362 people since 5 April 2011

I can't believe that since 5 April 2011, only 3362 people have viewed this.


Why?  I just don't understand why.


Even if you don't have an opinion about it, you should view it.


Even if you agree that it shouldn't be repealed, you should view it.


Even if you support it, you should view it.


Even if you think it has nothing to do with you, you should view it.




Unless....


Unless you know that if you do, you'll feel ashamed that you care only for yourself and no one else.


Unless you know that if you do, you'll finally understand why so many are fighting for it to be abolished.

Unless you know that if you do, you'll think differently.

Unless you know that if you do, you'll be changed for good.


That's what happened to me when I first read about the I.S.A. here.


So I challenge you to watch this short youtube clip.

50 years of ISA: Vigil Serentak 1st August 2010, 8pm

I'm out of KL now but I should be back in time to give my support at Padang Timur. Meanwhile, here are some helpful details.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Gerakan Mansuhkan ISA (GMI) and Suara Rakyat Malaysia (SUARAM) would like to invite all concerned citizens to a Candle light Vigil in conjunction with 50 years of ISA. The Vigil will be held on the 1st of August 2010 at several parts of Malaysia such as:

State Place Contact Person

Selangor Dataran MBPJ, Nalini: 019 3758912

Padang Timur

(Opposite Amcorp Mall)

Penang Speakers Square Jing Cheng: 012 7583779

Perak Dataran Bandaraya Ipoh Dr. Kumar: 019 5616807

Kedah Dataran Zero KM, Simon Ooi : 012 4202264

Sungai Petani

Kelantan Taman Hijau, KB Zaidi: 0123840415

Seremban Dataran Seremban Veron: 016 6687900

Sibu, Kuching and Johor will be confirm soon.

We demand the Government of Malaysia to Abolish the ISA as soon as possible as the barbaric and unlawful Act has existed in Malaysia for 50 years. The ISA is draconian and most importantly, it is against the fundamental human rights.

Please join us together to fight the ISA and all other detention without trial laws! Together We CAN Bring CHANGE!

GMI Secretariat will update everyone from time to time regarding the venue of the Vigils in each state mentioned above. Please bear with us. For further info, please contact Miss Nalini at 019 3758912 or 03 77843525.

Released By,

Nalini.E

GMI Secretariat and SUARAM Coordinator

PJ Vigil 07/2009 (19th) Dedicated & Complicated

The vigilers are dedicated and the situation is complicated!

Tonight's vigil saw the dedicated Anak Bangsa Malaysia meeting again, to lend support to the anti-I.S.A. cause but having to abandon the idea of gathering at the tarmac of MBPJ.

Tonight's vigil saw the complicated situation that the Anak Bangsa Malaysia faces without any support from the pertinent authorities.

However, there are uppers :) and there are downers :(.

It's awful to make the effort to be there and then be turned away by the police because they are under orders to disallow any form of gathering.

However, it's always heart-warming to meet up with the "vigil family". It is my belief that we all share the same motivation and inspiration.

I used to think that most Malaysians just lived for themselves, until I met and got to know the "vigil family". Now I realise that I was wrong. There are very many caring people in Malaysia. People who are concerned for the future of this country. People who champion a cause because they believe that no human being should be locked up without trial. People who are standing up for their fellow Anak Bangsa Malaysia because it seems the right thing to do.

No photos today, folks! I don't know if I am tired or disappointed. Maybe a little of both! Anyway, I'll end with this quote

"What we think or what we know or what we believe is, in the end, of little consequence. The only consequence is what we do."
- John Ruskin

and this reminder

Yes, keep them (our Anak Bangsa Malaysia in Kamunting) in your heart with peace, faith, love and most of all, hope that the battle is not yet lost!

PJ Vigil 06/2009 (18th) Dedicated to Markus Ng

Tonight's vigil is dedicated to the memory of Markus Ng. One of us! One of the vigil family members!

The vigil was short and sweet. Very much like the life of our dear Markus but what an impact he made on everyone who knew him. By that same token, so does our carrying on with the vigil. I think we make more than a statement. We also make an impact by our steadfast duty to gather for those who are without a voice or an avenue out of their predicament. As "anak-anak bangsa Malaysia", we follow our conscience to stand up for those held under the I.S.A.

The police came as always.

We have come to accept them as part of the vigil panorama. I am pleased that the lady officer was courteous and allowed us ten minutes to honour Syukree and Markus and finally to sing the national anthem.

Faithfully and true to our promise, we dispersed after the short get-together, and met for a cosy chat at the now famous Lotus restaurant. So many of us have become comfortable with each other. Where we began as strangers, we are now more than friends. We are the vigil family! I am proud to be one of them!

That's all for tonight, folks. We are all still sad and weary and the struggle goes on.

Read more here:
kkitsam
SanJiun (in mandarin)
DelCapo

Of Sundays and missing out!

It's Sunday again!

I should be at the MBPJ with my "vigil family". I feel like I have missed doing something. It's already dark outside and I'm still home!

When I didn't feel well enough to attend the evening mass at St Francis Xavier's, I knew that I probably would have to give the anti-I.S.A. vigil a miss too.

So here I am - coughing, sneezing and waiting for news that all is well and everyone is safe. I can close my eyes and see all the people there! I already know most of them, by sight!

I just got an sms that the vigil ended with the singing of the National Anthem at 8.16 pm. I doubt, very much, it has anything to do with the bad weather. Well, I'll have to wait for more news.

It really is annoying to be missing out on the camaraderie.

There's always next Sunday. I can look forward to that!

PJ Vigil 04/2009 (16th) Hand-in-Hand & Side-by-Side

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.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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!

PJ Vigil 03/2009 (15th) Vigil Interruptus

I've just come back from Singapore! It is always a welcome break for me to travel down south for a weekend. Although I always look forward to being there, I do feel happy returning because Malaysia is my home.

This isn't the scene at the Tuas Checkpoint at the Second Link! I wouldn't blame you if you thought it was!

It's a scene from PJ New Town when the police blocked the road because they deemed the Pot Luck Vigil an illegal gathering. They probably consider the people there a menace to society! What a laugh!

There were already many people when I arrived. I only had time to greet about three friendly faces. These are people who I've come to recognise and who I now consider to be part of a fraternity of like- and right-minded souls.

Then the police came to inform us that we had to disperse or they would do so by force!

I walked away. I am one of those, by nature, convent-schooled to boot, who finds it hard to defy authority. Yeah, I'm a wimp! :(

This is a picture taken from behind the police who were having a discussion with the organisers.
These people, like me, were very reluctant to leave. We do not really understand the reasons for the police to show up! No points for guessing why!

Then the announced, that in 30 seconds, they would break up the gathering and people began to leave.
Going
Going
Gone
This truck was at the entrance to MBPJ.

People gathered outside the entrance, across the road.

The police moved out to the main road.
Eventually, everyone got together and organised the potluck at a nearby restaurant. We were being forced to move on and on and on.

At the restaurant, I greeted more friends! Congratulated them on the incredible job they did in KT. Shooks hands with them! Hugged them! Wished them well!

I was tired. So I left, still feeling the remnants of the euphoric win in KT in my bones! As we drove off, I could only think of the I.S.A. detainees and I could only hope that they know and they understand that we are keeping the vigils going for them. All hope is not lost. Many are standing up for them.

We may
give in,
give out,
or give way
but we will not give up!

Lest the bigger picture is forgotten, we need to remember that a candle burns, every Sunday, until the I.S.A. is abolished!

This is the only candle picture I captured tonight! Its light burns brightly in my mind as I write this post. It belongs to Angie, a brave soul!

More here:
KKITSAM
SANJIUN (in Mandarin)
SHANGHAIFISH
ANTARES
JELASINFO
ANILNETTO
KAKLAILA
MELVINMAH

PJ Vigil 02/2009 (14th) Full Moon & Full Force

Tonight, in the astrological world, is the "full moon in Capricorn". I am not a believer of astrology so for me, it is just a beautiful moonlit Sunday night! I did grow up with stories of the werewolf (a person who changes into a wolf in mythology, when the moon is full). So yeah, I did feel a little scared when I was little but not anymore!!!!!

Sorry about going off on a tangent there! Let me start again.

Tonight, in the real world, as has been happening for the last 14 Sundays, a gathering of peace-loving Malaysians met, to say “hello”, to shake hands, to give bear hugs, to exchange ideas, to champion a cause they believe in and finally, to proudly sing the national anthem before dispersing to another venue or home or a “teh tarik” or whatever. Sad to say, this gathering had been deemed an illegal gathering for reasons quite vague to me.

It seems to me that there is an unmistakeable shadow of fear, known only to the “powers that be”, with regard to our Sunday gatherings. What exactly are we doing that frightens them so? I’d really like to know!

(pic taken from kkitsam)

Although I will have to give them credit for not charging in, their sheer numbers do resurrect loads of questions about why they see us as their enemies. I believe that we are only doing what our conscience tells us to do. Is that a crime these days? I really need to know.

Sorry that some of the pictures are so blurred tonight. My HP camera is only good for close-up shots. But what was there to take when the vigil lasted less than half an hour. However, I am glad that I did manage to get a few pictures of tonight’s vigil!

A very special credit must go to Blogger delCapo for rising up to the challenge of leading tonight’s vigil with much aplomb. Also to James N for being second chair!

Extra special recognition to the rakyat, who were present tonight, who came from near and far, who stood proud together and who adhered to the police warning to leave and who bravely sang the national anthem before dispersing peacefully.

Finally, it would be remiss of me not to mention “what looked like the entire PJ Balai Polis” who apparently walked to MBPJ to advise us that we had five minutes to disperse, failing which, they would have to take further action. I cannot depend totally on my knowledge of Bahasa Malaysia but this is what I gathered from his warning. I did appreciate the fact that we were permitted to leave without undue harassment. Kudos also to the FRU who came out in full-force, on the main road, with their batons and their shields, and who were, just as quickly, sent away when it was obvious they were no longer needed.

(pic taken from kkitsam)

Whatever their reasons are, we do not know. We only have our reason for being there. It's clear to all of us. We pray and hope that the I.S.A. will be abolished. No hidden agenda, just plain and simple.

As it is not illegal to gather in a coffee shop, we met in smaller groups after watching the police parade returning to the Balai. Although they all looked quite spiffy in their uniforms, it appeared they were all dressed up with nowhere to go!

I am so glad that the night ended without any untoward incident. Before I end this post, I want to share this very interesting quotation:

We can believe what we choose. We are answerable for what we choose to believe.
John Henry Newman (1801-1890)Cleric and theologian

Read more here:

delCapo

Kkitsam

Sanjiun

Anilnetto

Jelas.Info

Just to remind!

We will meet, as always, at the same time, same place, same cause. Hope to meet some of the readers who drop by to this blog! :)

PJ Candlelight Vigil 01/2009 - Happening

There are three classes of people:
Those who make things happen
Those who watch things happen
and
Those who say "what happened?".

The caring Malaysians, who get out of their comfort zones each Sunday and who gather together in support of the Abolishment of I.S.A. probably consider this a small sacrifice to make, when we take into account the Malaysia that we want for our children and grandchildren. It's why I am there. You have to come and see how "happening" the gatherings are. You'll never feel alone again! We are a family, a Malaysian family.

~~~~~~~~~

To kickstart the first vigil of 2009 and in honour of all the 2008 vigils that were held in PJ and also in Seremban, here is a collage of almost all the different candles that were lit between 12 October 2008 until 28 December 2008.We've come a long way since that first vigil. We've got a long way to go but we are certainly on our way there. The passion has not dissipated. Many are still hopeful for change. So many new vigilers came tonight. The regulars, ever faithful also showed up. It is always heartening to be a part of the gathering.We had a slight change to the agenda, with less speeches and more mingling with one another. I think it is nice to be able to shake hands with strangers, make small talk and end up as friends. If we don't do it now, when are we ever going to do it? I think it is a good time to bond with others of different races and feel as one Bangsa Malaysia. A by-product of the anti-I.S.A. gathering has instilled in all of us this feeling of unity and we need it.

The first unique candles of 2009

To those who came tonight and who will not be present next week, we'll hold the torch till you all are back. For the record, the vigil goes on, in the absence of the main organizers, other natural leaders take over and we'll gather to make a stand and to show our support as always.

To those whose picture I didn't get tonight, I'll catch you next time! ;)

Read more here:
KKITSAM
SANJIUN
SHANGHAI STEPHEN

PJ Candlelight Vigil Take 12 - Shhh!

Shhh!

The usual: Anti-I.S.A. supporters gathered for the twelfth and the last time of 2008.

The unusual: We had a silent vigil. Or rather what started as a silent vigil. until Zorro congratulated all those present and we gave ourselves a round of applause.

Apparently, there was no police permit granted last night so, technically, we were not "permitted" to stand together in groups of more than four!

Not surprisingly, roads were blocked, police presence was heavy just for our special group. Are we that intimidating to them?

I was really amused that so many government servants were deployed for a small gathering of civilized Malaysians, choosing to meet and greet one another before the end of 2008.

The next time we meet will be on 4 January 2009 and it will be a brand new year with a fresh hope for a deeper awareness of what makes Malaysia "truly Malaysia".

Here are some pictures of last night, less people due to the holiday season and the senseless roadblocks but the spirit of unity and the passion of the people remained high!

Most of the regulars were around and many visitors from outside Malaysia too!

Some new candlelights of last night! We even had Colonel Sanders and the McDonalds with us! ;)

I took this picture, symbolic of last night's vigil!

and this song comes to my mind

A chair is still a chair, even when there's no one sittin' there
But a chair is not a house and a house is not a home
When there's no one there to hold you tight
And no one there to hold a candlelight!
(last line changed by me!)

Guys and Gals, see you all in 2009 with your candlelights! A new year awaits and we have to be steadfast in our efforts to rid Malaysia of the I.S.A. and to usher in a new era of real peace, genuine fraternity, true harmony, valid rights, authentic unity and a bona fide government for all of us.

More here:

Kkitsam My thought My world
SanJiun (Mandarin)
ShanghaiFish

PJ Candlelight Vigil Take 11 - Dedicated to Syukree

Tonight's vigil was dedicated to Syukree Hussain. Some took the opportunity to say a few words about him. It was a strange feeling to be witness to a sense of having lost a friend. I didn't know him. I didn't have to. Just hearing what was said about him told me that he was "special". He stood up for what he believed in and he lived his life as he wanted to. Not many of us can attest to doing that - not 100% - at least not in the way that Syukree did! In that sense, Syukree was true to himself and I don't really feel sad that he died so young. He lived a full life and made every second of his 28 years count! He will be remembered. He left his mark on this earth. He will be the benchmark by which we next judge strangers. Wherever you are now, Syukree, may you know eternal peace!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

We had the usual agenda. Richard started the night rolling. He's doing a great job of getting the permits done before each Sunday. Good on you, Richard!

Sharing from the regulars, visitors to PJ and, of course, Raja Petra made the night very interesting.

The usual suspects are some of my favourite people!

Everyone is relaxed!

I'm never disappointed each Sunday when I see how innovative the people are with their candles. Always able to make such a pretty collage of them. Each week is a new set and I never repeat the pictures.

Turning our backs on the I.S.A.
(bit of sbotting too!)

Apart from the usual Selangor Anthem and the Negaraku, we also sang "O Holy Night", led by Pastor Sivin Kit on guitar with a ready-made choir to join him. It was just lovely!!!!

That's all folks. I got home very late as I joined up with other kindred spirits for a drink and also to take advantage of the opportunity to wish (after midnight) The Whisperer for his birthday! Hence, the late posting!

My Prayers (Pre- and Post-I.S.A.)

3o years ago, I was 19! That was a lifetime ago. I was young, carefree, naive and never even knew about the I.S.A.

This was my prayer, written on 23 November 1978

My Prayer

I sit here Lord, inspired by You
and hope that you watch all I do

I look back and I wonder why
so many times I told a lie
so many times I let You down
so many times I made You frown

I also wonder how, dear Lord
You made me see you were not bored
You loved me tho' I was quite slow
You even showed me where to go

I ask, dear Lord, not just for me
I ask, dear Lord, for all to see
that we must love our fellow men
not sometimes or just now and then
but always, Lord, and this I ask
For it is not an easy task
For everyone to understand
Your Will, Your Way, Your guiding Hand

I sit here Lord, and softly pray
that somehow things may change today

Fast-forward to 2008, I'm now, what some people may consider, a die-hard supporter of the anti-I.S.A. sentiment. For this reason, I sat to write a prayer again on 11 December 2008 . Here it is:

Another Prayer

It's 2008, and thirty years have passed
The time just seemed to have gone by fast
Not needing to use an old typewriter
It's so easy now with a new computer

Yet the words come slow and the ideas are few
Rusty with rhyming and writing poem feels new
What do I pray about in this day and age?
Bigger car, nicer clothes and higher wage?

I guess there's just too much to expect
from a world that has so little respect
for truth, justice, love, harmony,
much needed peace and liberty

But more than all of the above
I pray for what we all deserve
The right to wake and work each day
without the threat of the I.S.A.

If you like my prayer, if you share what I feel and if you want things to change then join us in our quest to stand up for our rights to a life without the I.S.A. hanging over our heads!!!

Details here (courtesy of Pat Lu)