I Have A Dream

"Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real... They are serious
and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But
know this, America – they will be met."

-Barack Obama, 44th US President, in his inaugural speech

How nice. And how I wish my own leaders would say and do the same thing instead of living in denial - how the country will not be affected by the economic slowdown worldwide. I'm already feeling the pinch. How I hope for someone who genuinely care about race relations instead of just using the issue to garner votes from a certain quarter of the public.

"...and for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and
slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot
be broken; you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you..."

I like the above (yes, I know the speech may not be written by Obama himself but by his team) and Malaysia may not face external threats but one should do more than locking up journalists, writer, or a Member of Parliament, or vigilers and cyclists for making their voices heard. As far as I know, a government is mandated to protect the people. Mere dreams?

To boycott US products or not; and to be optimistic or otherwise of the new President, let's not be so quick to point fingers and run down others when the plank is in our eyes. See clearly and don't oppose/support blindly.

Edit - 21:14

Full transcript of the presidential address here

Negaraku

Negaraku
Tanah tumpahnya darahku
Rakyat hidup bersatu dan maju
Rahmat bahagia Tuhan kurniakan
Raja kita selamat bertakhta
Rahmat bahagia Tuhan kurniakan
Raja kita selamat bertakhta

Why do we sing the Negaraku? When do we sing it? Do we limit it to official functions or sporting events where I dare bet that many sing (some don't even open their mouth) for the sake of singing it without real feelings of admiration nor pride and I can't be sure if what was sung did eulogise the history, tradition, or the struggle of our forefathers. Oh yes, I always sing the Negaraku louder than the ones beside, in front and behind me. I'm a pendatang who has come to love the country I was born in and proud of her.

I can't say much about those singing them at PJ but back in Penang a month ago, it was about all about the hope in the country, knowing someday that it's one that's changeable. I'm in no position to judge how it'd be sung but I know that as long as it's sung, then one ought to show respect to it.

One asked what if robbers ran away whilst singing the national anthem. I hope these law enforcers won't be that stupid in such situation. There's this thing called judgement and discretion. When caught, the robber should be punished for not respecting the national anthem too.

I doubt that a permit is needed to sing a song, what more a national anthem, in public.

School Assembly

No, this isn't about school assembly actually. Just a reminiscence of what we're taught back in primary 1 during assembly. Stand straight/upright/in attention. Sing the national anthem with much patriotism and pride. Look at the flag. If any were to faint, fall face-first. That's how much one ought to respect the flag and the anthem.

There are many sources of videos showing how the police moved in on citizens doing just that. Imagine, candles versus truncheons. What threats were present? Isn't it a person's right to assemble?

Talk about double standards when it comes to policing certain quarters involved in mass gatherings.

Evening Excursion 2: Candlelight Vigil

It's nearly 9 pm and there were already droplets of rain. The crowd has gotten bigger by the minute. The sky opened but it seems that everyone anticipated that. Up went the umbrellas and the spirited chants of "Mansuhkan ISA" followed by singing. After short speeches by a few individuals, the ones present were given the opportunity to speak their minds. A little girl in pink walked up and her words were "...free RPK...". "She's the star tonight", I remarked to Yin Kuan. Adorable girl.

Yin Kuan's birthday gift is a "NO ISA" T-shirt. So, welcome onboard the bandwagon!

Taking our oath

At last, my first candlelight vigil, in solidarity with victims of the ISA. It may the the last of a series of weekly vigils but the fact is, the struggle will definitely continue. Another memory for the both of us but we're really thirsty. Ordinary journey home but then we know that we've had our voices heard. Though it may seem like a ripple in the ocean, the day will come when it becomes a wave. I believe they call it People Power? Makkal sakhti?

That's us there (pic from The Obnoxious 5xmom)

And it began to rain...

Evening Excursion 1: Georgetown

The journey to town began shortly after sunset. The Lor Mee and Lor bak at Fettes Park did not do much to ease the hunger pang. We decided to stop over at Padang Kota Lama, just behind Dewan Sri Penang, for another bout of gastronomic indulgence. Pasembur, rojak, and cockles should do the trick. We have another hour or so to kill so we decided to walk around the area; taking in the beautiful atmosphere at the Town Hall but I thought the facade would look better if not for the incandescent light bulbs.

We'd agree to this excursion, date if you like, as some sort of birthday gift for Yin Kuan no thanks to her work and we'd better make full use of this "time out".

Come to think of it, I'm not that bad a photographer...

Lighting up

Image from Susan Loone's blog

It hit me. Whilst lighting up this part of cyberspace with my thoughts and occasional rantings, I ought to attend, at least once, the candle light vigil. To be a part of the group of like-minded Penangites, as well as Malaysians in general, in opposing the use of Draco's law (ISA if you haven't know). God willing, I will definitely be there.

Camera ready. Batteries loaded. Candles... Now, do they provide free candles?