#International Volunteers Week (2-8 Dec): Don’t talk so much-lah

From Loyarburok:

7 December 2011 | Thank God It's Friday | Posted by Lim Ka Ea

Spot where Snowpiano is in this secondary school photo

Pang Sheue Chyn, fondly known by many people as “Snowpiano” shares her view on volunteerism in an exclusive interview.

Snowpiano / sno-pee-a-no/

Noun: 29-year old female journalist. Studied Science and Technology Management at University Malaya. Worked as an Assistant Editor for Rocket newsletter for 1 year before becoming a journalist with Oriental Daily News for 2 1/2 years.

Verb: Dreams of a world without discrimination, injustice and abuse of power. Dreams of a world with happiness and joy amongst all races in Malaysia. Dreams of a better Malaysia.

Adjective: Reading and writing news on politics ignites the fire in her.

Ka Ea: What got you interested in doing volunteering work?

Snowpiano: I was first exposed to volunteering work after a group of students from the Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) came to my school in Kulai during the reformasi period. I was in Form Five then.

The UTM students organised an exhibition on various issues that touched on corruption, independence of our judiciary, rising price of petrol, impact of foreign policies on Malaysia, etc. The students stressed that these were important issues that students need to know about and to be honest, many of us were not aware of it.

Some of us were so troubled by these revelations that we wanted to create similar awareness on other youths.

At the World Peace exhibition in Kulai

Ka Ea: So what did you do to create that awareness?

Snowpiano: I got together with a team of 20 to 30 friends from school to organise a similar exhibition but focussing more on world peace at a shopping centre in Kulai. It was really fun and we learned a lot about how to organise exhibition and various issues such as education, international and national politics.

Ka Ea: D0 you think what you did have an impact at all?

Snowpiano: I’m not sure whether it was a success and whether we achieved what we set out to do since we were too young to assess such things. (Laughs)

Standing, second from the left.

Ka Ea: I’m really amazed and curious. You were really young. Did your school and parents know about this? Were they not worried about your engagement in “political activity” at such a young age?

Snowpiano: We did this on our own initiative. It didn’t involve our school. So, I don’t know what they think about it.

As for my parents, they trusted us and they didn’t object to it and to be honest, they thought it was a school project inspired by a group of university students. So what harm could it do? It was part of learning.

Many of my friends who participated in this activity went on to become politicians, government officials, teachers, NGO workers and journalists. So, I think we turned out not too bad! (Laughs)

Ka Ea: What drives you? Do you choose the type of cause you volunteer for?

Snowpiano: Any issues that affect Malaysians and Malaysia in general, interest me. So, I don’t really pick and choose a cause.

Once, my friends and I organised a camping retreat for drop-out students living in remote villages. Our objective was to create awareness on the importance of education. Education, not just from a classroom perspective. We wanted to impart on these students that even if they were not interested in their studies, they must find other meaningful ways of living their lives. You see, we were saddened by how many of them resorted to gangsterism after they dropped out from schools. We had workshop and counselling sessions with the students and hoped that these would help them to gain some perspectives in life.

I’m still in touch with some of them and am very happy to know that many of them have gone on to become responsible citizens. These are some of the things which drive me to do volunteering work.

Ka Ea: That’s amazing work. How did you mobilise all these youths? And did it cost you a lot to organise these activities?

Snowpiano: We spoke to [the] village heads and some school teachers and asked them for their help to identify the youths.

We also did fundraising on the streets. To be honest, it didn’t cost much. All of us also contributed some [money] from our own pockets. Seriously, people often think it costs a lot to organise activities but if you’re resourceful enough and keep the cost down to what’s necessary, it really doesn’t cost much.

Ka Ea: So, what happened to the “project”? Was there any continuity?

Snowpiano: It’s unfortunate. We wanted to do more but all my friends left Kulai after we graduated from secondary school. It was difficult to get together and continue [the project].

I’ve learned from this that it is important to build a DIY community, such as the one UndiMsia! is trying to achieve. Those who start a project must make sure that they pass on the knowledge and skills to others.

Sustaining a project is a challenge. It’s a waste to stop a good activity from continuing. [We] need to always nurture new people to take over.

Ka Ea: So, how would you encourage youths to do volunteering work? Many seem to think that they must concentrate on their studies and career first before they have the time to do anything else.

Snowpiano: I believe many people do not see the values of volunteerism. In fact, volunteerism can help youths to learn about many things which are useful to their studies and work. For instance, it really helps you to plan, organise and manage your time and work. These are things you can’t learn from a classroom. It helps you to realise your goal and purpose in life. It helps you to be resourceful and find ways of achieving things.

Finally and I think most importantly, it makes you alive. I notice that volunteers tend to be individuals who have passion for life. They have this spirit in them and I think this is wonderful.

Ka Ea: Yes, yes, it all sounds good but why do you think it’s so hard for many organisations to recruit and mobilise volunteers?

Snowpiano: (Ponders for awhile) Honestly? I think we must do away with traditional methods of recruiting volunteers. NGOs must be more result-orientated like the corporate world. The NGO mentality of skimping on money and time can sometimes be counter-productive. Sometimes, it’s important to spend more money and time to invest on fun and innovative activities that will attract volunteers.

I think sometimes, NGOs need to be a bit more “aggressive” and open-minded in their method of engagement. As long as the purpose is good, the method should not a factor. If [they] need to spend money to achieve results, then I think it’s justified.

Ka Ea: So, do you agree that volunteers should be paid?

Snowpiano: If an organisation can afford it, I don’t see why not. At least an allowance to help them cover some cost. But if someone expects to be paid when you ask for their help, then it’s not called volunteering, is it?

Ka Ea: Any last words?

Snowpiano: Errr…. yes. Let’s face it. Most youths are not interested to do volunteering work. I think there’s no point preaching to them about the benefits [of volunteering]. It’s pointless telling them [that] because they all know there is a shortage of volunteers to help out with so many issues in the world.

I think we need to stop talking so much and just get them to volunteer. Once they see the results of their work, it will encourage them to do more. Once they see how their work are affecting others and that they’re part of something, they will automatically volunteer. They must first see the results for themselves.

Ka Ea: So, basically, you’re saying we should all shut up and just do it?

Snowpiano: (Nods her head enthusiastically) Precisely.

On the stage with her friends at a mall in Kulai

Laporan Rakyat - Borang Penilaian MP & ADUN

The Laporan Rakyat is a joint initiative by the CPPS and UndiMsia!, which aims to assist the rakyat in assessing the performance of their current ADUN (Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri) as well as MP and subsequently to encourage critical thinking amongst the rakyat in order to make informed decisions for their own communities. Coupled with workshops on voters’ education, the Laporan Rakyat is part of a bigger voters’ education and election watch campaign embarked by both UndiMsia! and CPPS respectively.

For more information, please contact move@undimsia.com or 03-22011454.

TheMalaysianinsider:
Laporan Rakyat: Inisiatif demokrasi galak fikiran kritis rakyat, kata MP Umno

KUALA LUMPUR, 18 Nov — Projek Laporan Rakyat yang dilancarkan Pusat Kajian Polisi Awam (CPPS) dan UndiMsia! hari ini, satu inisiatif inovasi demokrasi yang dapat meningkatkan dan meluaskan partisipasi rakyat dalam proses politik negara, kata Ahli Majlis Tertinggi Umno Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah.

Laporan Rakyat akan menilai prestasi Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri (Adun) dan Ahli Parlimen dan bertujuan untuk menggalakkan pemikiran kritis di kalangan rakyat dan pada masa yang sama melibatkan mereka dalam proses demokrasi.

Projek perintis akan bermula di Parlimen Hulu Langat, yang menyaksikan perubahan pada pilihan raya umum 2008, yang “mencerminkan komposisi geografi, kaum dan agama.”

Kaji selidik itu akan menilai prestasi wakil rakyat selain masyarakat juga digalakkan untuk mengulas tentang isu utama yang berlaku di kalangan mereka.

Saifuddin (gambar) berkata, beliau percaya langkah itu akan membuka lembaran baru komunikasi dua hala antara wakil rakyat dan rakyat.

“Ia dapat membantu wakil rakyat untuk memperbaiki perkhidmatannya manakala rakyat dapat menyampaikan pengharapan terhadap perkhidmatan yang diperlukan daripada wakil rakyatnya,” kata beliau lagi.

Saifuddin, Ahli Parlimen Temerloh berkata, ia juga akan mematangkan demokrasi kerana penilaian terhadap wakil rakyat dibuat secara sistematik dan tidak lagi semata-mata atas persepsi dan sentimen sahaja.

Katanya, sebagai wakil rakyat pertama kali — wakil rakyat kawasan Temerloh, “saya telah memulakan kad laporan saya sejak genap enam bulan pertama saya diamanahkan tugas ini.”

“Saya mengeluarkan kad laporan saya pada setiap enam bulan. Terakhir ialah kad laporan tiga tahun sebagai Ahli Parlimen,” kata Timbalan Menteri Pengajian Tinggi ini.

Saifuddin berkata, kad laporan mengandungi kerja dan pencapaian dalam Enam Bidang Pembangunan Tumpuan, yang digariskan dalam manifestonya semasa pilihan raya umum ke-12 iaitu pendidikan dan latihan, kesihatan dan kecergasan; pekerjaan dan ekonomi, jati diri dan sosiobudaya, partisipasi dan masyarakat sivil serta frasarana dan kemudahan awam.

Katanya, kad laporannya dibentangkan pada mesyuarat Majlis Perundingan Parlimen Temerloh, yang dianggotai 150 orang perwakilan dari sektor kerajaan, perniagaan dan masyarakat sivil untuk mendapatkan maklum balas.

“Ia juga diedar kepada media dan disiarkan dalam laman web saya. Di samping medium-medium ini, kad laporan tiga tahun telah juga diedar dalam bentuk brosur di kawasan Parlimen Temerloh.

“Saya ingin menyertai projek ini kerana ia dapat memperbaiki kad laporan saya yang sedia ada,” katanya lagi.

Kaji selidik itu akan menilai prestasi wakil rakyat selain masyarakat juga digalakkan untuk mengulas tentang isu utama yang berlaku di kalangan mereka.

Laporan Rakyat boleh didapati di laman web UndiMsia! dan CPPS.

Keputusan kaji selidik akan dikeluarkan pada Mac 2012.

Perlembagaanku

Petik dari laman Loyarburok:

Inilah sajak Syahredzan Johan yang dideklamasikan ketika acara UndiMsia! pada 16 September 2011. Kerana sajak ini, beliau memenangi pertandingan “Tasty Title” malam itu dan pulang ke rumah dengan trofi wok yang direbut kontestan selebriti yang lain. Sajak inilah yang menyebabkan bulu roma semua hadirin terus naik, dan beberapa orang (termasuk lelaki gagah) menangis kerana penuh emosi. Bacalah. Deklamasikan dengan semangat. Lord Bobo sangat puas sekali dengan sajak ini.

Kau kata
Kau daulat undang-undang
Kau dukung demokrasi
Kau hormat hak asasi
Kau luhur Perlembagaan ini

Tahukah engkau?
Ini bukan warkah main-main
Bukan suhuf picisan
Ini kitab suci
Ini tawarikh junjungan
Ini kontrak sosial
Kovenan pemerintah
Dan yang diperintah
Yang mengangkat rakyat menjadi raja
Merakyatkan Raja pada paksi Perlembagaan ini

Namun kau carut dan kau cabul
Kau ludah
Dan kau kencing
Kau halalkan yang haram
Dan haramkan yang halal
Kau gubah ikut tepukan dada dan selera
Bagai kau yang punya Perlembagaan ini

Tidak lagi!
Kami mahu berpesta demokrasi!
Kami mahu ke jalanan berhimpun, berarak, berdansa
Kami mahu menghirup hak yang maktub
Yang hakiki di bawah Perlembagaan ini

Kami tidak gentar
Walau dengan tomahan bacul
Walau dengan momokan khianat
Walau dengan canister gas
Walau dengan dengan meriam air
Walaupun dengan das-das peluru
Tidak, kami tidak gentar

Juang kami demi rakyat
Pedang kami hujah
Lembing kami fakta
Perisai kami keyakinan
Azimat kami Perlembagaan ini

Sudah sekian lama kau jadikan ini Perlembagaanmu
Tiba masa kami jadikannya Perlembagaanku

Undilah

Hadiah yang paling baik untuk tanah air kita adalah menyertai dalam pembangunan dan penentuan keputusan sebarang pun yang berkenaan dengan masa depan Malaysia!

Satu video yang menarik dihasilkan oleh Pete Teo:

Bersih 2.0 Documentary Video (With English Subtitle)

A documentary produced by eTV and team on BERSIH 2.0 Rally, 9th July at Kuala Lumpur.

This video separated into four parts which tell the true story of Bersih 2.0 rally in different places from 9am to 5pm

Press Release: The search for justice and truth must continue

Saturday, 23 July 2011 02:08pm

There are a number of key points on which the Malaysian Bar agrees with the report of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the Death of Teoh Beng Hock (“RCI”).

We concur with the following findings of the RCI:

(1) That the RCI was unable to accept that the alleged suicide note had been written by Teoh Beng Hock, and that the undue delay by the authorities in tendering the alleged suicide note at the first available opportunity could not be taken as mere carelessness or neglect, and therefore the authenticity of the note could not be trusted;

(2) That Teoh Beng Hock was, at all material times until his untimely death, in the care, custody and control of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (“MACC”) officers;

(3) That Teoh Beng Hock was not released from the care, custody and control of the MACC officers after his statement had been recorded at approximately 3:30 am, and this failure “amounted to cruel conduct and punishment inflicted on purpose”;

(4) That Teoh Beng Hock was subjected to “aggressive, relentless, oppressive and unscrupulous interrogation” and that the recording of his statement was unlawful;

(5) That the majority of the MACC officers exhibited a “total lack of consideration for human sensitivities”, and that the recruitment process of MACC officers should include a “psychological evaluation to assess their suitability for investigative work”;

(6) That most of the MACC officers who were involved in the operations on 15 and 16 July 2009, and who gave evidence as witnesses, were neither truthful nor credible, as they “had the inevitable habit of lying”;

(7) That massive operations launched by MACC Selangor – which were headed by then-Selangor MACC deputy director Hishamuddin Hashim – against the Pakatan Rakyat members of the Selangor state assembly were grounded on mere belief of information purportedly received over the telephone, and without proper ground work or verification;

(8) That Hishamuddin Hashim was “arrogant, given to falsehoods, untruthful and uncompromising”, and that he was “just too stubborn [such trait was also displayed when he gave evidence before us] to retreat from his mistake in mounting such a massive operation”;

(9) That not only was Hishamuddin Hashim involved but he also “unleashed his officers to do his bidding in order to get results within that night and morning come hell or high-water”, and that Hishamuddin Hashim should be held responsible for the actions taken by him and his officers that led to Teoh Beng Hock’s death; and

(10) That the Selangor MACC had shown an extreme lack of cooperation with the police in the latter's attempts to investigate complaints of assault and other offences previously made against its officers.

The Malaysian Bar, however, does not concur with the finding by the RCI that Teoh Beng Hock had committed suicide. Such a finding, in our view, is unsupported by the facts and the evidence.

Contrary to the statement made by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Dato’ Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz, forensic psychiatrist Professor Paul Mullen did not testify that Teoh Beng Hock had a “weak character” that had led to him taking his own life. Professor Mullen also did not conclude that Teoh Beng Hock had committed suicide; rather, his testimony stated that “in [his] opinion, what we learned of Teoh Beng Hock’s personality and behaviour do not suggest any increased risk of suicide”. He further opined that the context of the events that had taken place was not one “which, in [his] experience, leads to suicide in custody”, as he had not been made aware of anything “to explain panic and distress sufficient to drive [Teoh Beng Hock] to conclude his honor had been irreparably tarnished”.

This is in stark contrast to what the Minister reportedly stated during the release of the RCI’s report, namely that Teoh Beng Hock had “truly committed suicide based on his character that had changed from a low-risk group to a high-risk group for suicide after undergoing a continuous and aggressive questioning session”. Professor Mullen’s testimony does not provide the basis for the RCI’s finding of suicide, such as that described in the section titled “conclusion on forensic psychiatric aspects” in the RCI’s report.

It is noted that the RCI found the following:

(1) That the time of death had been between 7:15 am and 11:15 am on 16 July 2009;

(2) That Teoh Beng Hock had not been released at 3:30 am and been left alone sitting on a sofa after his statement had been recorded, as Hishamuddin Hashim had issued a written circular the previous month that “witnesses and visitors in the Selangor MACC office should be accompanied at all times”;

(3) That Teoh Beng Hock had been subjected to a fourth interrogation session after 3:30 am by Hishamuddin Hashim and his officers, which was aggressive and relentless. In addition, the RCI rejected the evidence of MACC officer Raymond Nion that he had seen Teoh Beng Hock lying down unattended on a sofa at approximately 6:00 am;

(4) That the fourth interrogation session was probably between 3:30 am and 7:00 am; and

(5) That the window from which Teoh Beng Hock is said to have fallen out was located conspicuously.

In view of the above, and that there was no evidence whatsoever produced at the RCI hearing of Teoh Beng Hock’s whereabouts or movements after 6:15 am, and the staff of the Selangor MACC office would have begun arriving by 8:00 am, to surmise that Teoh Beng Hock had committed suicide between 7:15 am and 11:15 am requires a leap in logic and an assumption of facts not in evidence.

The Malaysian Bar also notes that the joint expert psychiatric report of Dr Badiah Yahya and Dr Nor Hayati Ali – the experts engaged by MACC who were present during most of the court proceedings and had interviewed Teoh Beng Hock’s family members, housemate and work colleagues – stated:

We did not have any evidence on how the investigation was conducted as there were “no written questions posted to [Teoh Beng Hock]” or audio recording as to ascertain the amount of pressure that he experienced. It is not known whether he had experienced in his mind the effects of being possibly prosecuted on the allegations, whether it would have been devastating for him and/or his organisation. This should require more information on what was said and done in the period taken [sic] into custody until he was found dead.

It is very clear to the Malaysian Bar that full responsibility for Teoh Beng Hock’s death lies squarely and solely on the MACC, and that immediate action must be taken to hold the culpable officers accountable for their behaviour. In this regard, we welcome the reported statement by Dato’ Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz, that “appropriate action would be taken against the officers through the process of law without delay”. The authorities should investigate the relevant MACC officers for possible offences under sections 304 and 304A of the Penal Code, namely for culpable homicide not amounting to murder and for causing the death of TBH by negligence, respectively.

The Malaysian Bar also calls on the Government of Malaysia and MACC to consider:

* offering an unqualified written apology to Teoh Beng Hock’s family, and to the citizens of Malaysia, for his death; and

* making reasonable recompense to Teoh Beng Hock’s family in respect of his death. The Malaysian Bar extends its heartfelt sympathy once again to Teoh Beng Hock’s family and loved ones.


Lim Chee Wee
President
Malaysian Bar

23 July 2011

BERSIH 2.0 The TRURH SCENE VIDEO

The Truth scene you couldn't miss! Voice over in Mandarin, but the TRUTH is across all borders!!!

BERSIH 2.0 PART 3



BERSIH 2.0 PART 2



BERSIH 2.0 PART 1




BERSIH 2.0 TEASER

Bersih 2.0 Real SCENE

All about Bersih 2.0!!

U can't miss this! More video coming!!

To All LoyarBurokkers: A Message From Across The Seas

To All LoyarBurokkers: A Message From Across The Seas

By Ana Gella Opong

An email which Lord Bobo recently received from Ana Gella Opong, from the Philippines.

Dear Lord Bobo,

I salute you for launching UndiMalaysia! Reading about the baby steps of your new project, for me, is like a trip down to memory lane. You see 10 years ago, we have also started a project similar to your own. We call it the First Time Voters Project.

It was, and still continues to be, the flagship program of voters education and registration among the youth in the Philippines. Seeing you move towards a more educated voting populace makes me realise that the problem of tarnished electoral processes and black propaganda infused-campaigns are problems not of the Philippines alone, but of the region and of the world, as well.

6 years ago, former Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo became the President for the second time by 3 Million votes. Disenfranchised Filipino youth then were 19 Million. Of course, this was a blow to FTV. But it also meant there are 19 Million more young minds we can convince and empower. Last year, the youth played a major role in the elections.

We are now living in a less corrupt country with a government headed by a President who actually listens to his people. I would like to believe that FTV is instrumental for this change. With the help of other NGOs, CSOs and government offices, we are now able to experience democracy, a government for the people.

Forgive me Lord Bobo, I talk too much about our own program. But my hopes is that you will be able to change Malaysia, as we did with the Philippines.

We have been in the movement for a decade and can be considered your "older brothers and sisters" and yet you have something that we lack. You have lawyers among you. They will be great assets to you. This is your edge over us. Compared to our doe-eyed 19-year old "founders" then, you are far more knowledgeable than us. What we had to learn on the road during campaigns, you learned in school.

There is no doubt in my mind that you will be able to change Malaysia, as we did the Philippines, in due time.

Until next time, Lord Bobo. Remember, this "fight" is not yours alone.

Know that we will be applauding your every step from our own little archipelago across the seas.

In Service,

Ana

National Youth Commission, Office of the President

Malacanang Palace, Manila City, Philippines

Re:UndiMalaysia! Taking A First Step For A Better Malaysia

LoyarBurok:

15 June, 2011

By Pang Sheue Chyn

This post was originally an entry in the author’s blog, and was translated for the blawg by Tiu Gi Gyn. It has been merged with another post by the author and edited further for clarity and consistency.

The original post, in Mandarin.

I got acquainted with a whole lot of people, most of them were youngsters, the majority of them were lawyers. However, they are very different from the ones you would normally see in law firms, where they are all suited up, and those wearing typical black and white attire in Court. Everyone here was in their casual attire, wearing t-shirts and jeans.

The host said that they had not come up with a name for the group, in the meantime they would just call it "UndiMalaysia! Kitchen", because the kitchen is the place where transformation of great "dishes" from raw ingredients takes place (metaphorically).

He said, it is not difficult to work on this as everyone would just have to go to their respective constituencies to carry out voter education campaigns, to listen to the voters’ needs, to understand the differences in the states of mind and points of view of the voters from both urban and rural areas in Malaysia. Is that difficult? He said it is not, because all you need to do is go to a coffee shop and have a chat with the people there, most of the time you would find plenty of information.

Before he concluded his rant, those who were present raised their hands and enquired about the campaign, whether to focus on addressing issues related to the voters or to place emphasis on information relating to the candidates. This led to a discussion that ended on the note that the campaign was still in the early stages and the methodology is still being working out.

This may have been the first meeting, but everyone understood clearly that there is one common goal, that is to ensure that all Malaysian citizens are aware of their personal rights, and to really understand and improve the democratic system of the country. The meeting saw an enthusiastic discussion and active participation, and it felt as though such activism has been dormant over the years but is now being revived.

At the moment, it is only the first step. The host said that more human power is required, and he believed that the power of young people will reform the nation! One of the participants said, if one does not actually take steps to reform, one should worry that future generations may ask: "Father, why didn’t you do it when you had the opportunity to change things?" At that time, we would probably not know how to face our children.

The host said, we will "act" and not only "talk" as real action is the root of our work.

This is another attractive point, that with actual implementation and practice, we would help everyone grow to become a better nation, instead of us just complaining and sighing.

I believe that only with our best efforts can we achieve the true and ideal vision of our country. Hopefully, with the enthusiasm of the youths today, we will help create a strong foundation for the future of this country towards greater democracy, and bring hope for Malaysians hereafter!

Those who are interested in getting involved, please emailundimalaysia@loyarburok.com with your details or visit LoyarBurok! ;)

There will be more meetings and gatherings to generate ideas, and I’m sure your mailbox will be flooded with discussions. That being said, I am moved by the sincerity and hard work of the youths who participated in the meeting. They are working hard without being paid and they move on their own to plan all kinds of activities.

We wish to have a better Malaysia, we wish all people in Malaysia will appreciate their rights; at the very least, the right to vote which is basic to the human right to choose our own government.

There is no perfect country, but I believe that those who choose to DO rather than complain and blame would be the ones who can bring a better future!

Sheue Chyn has a dream. A dream without discrimination, a dream without unfairness and abuse of power, a dream with happiness and joy amongst all races — all of them realised in Malaysia. This is her dream, and what she is now pursuing. A better Malaysia for a better life. For her, you, and future generations.

They are "cooking" - for a better Malaysia!

Knew some youths recently, being moved by their sincere and hard work. They said, want to have a "kitchen", but it is not a kitchen for dishes, it is a kitchen for "UndiMalaysia".

They working hard without paid, and they move by themselves to plan all kind of activities. They wish to have a better Malaysia, they wish all people in Malaysia realize their own right, at least the right for being a voter, the basic right to choose your own government.

So they have been gather to discuss, to give plenty of idea....although mailbox gonna flood with their discussion. But still have to said, they really so great!

There is no prefect country, and I believe those who choose to DO rather than complain and blaming would be the one who can bring a better future!

Feel like to join as a part of them?! Tat's the detail~~

Dear friends

For those who are new to UndiMalaysia!, this will get you up to speed:

http://www.loyarburok.com/selected-exhortations/change-your-life-change-malaysia/

We are actually recruiting:

1. as part of core team (Kitchen) - which will cook content and messaging

2. as part of workshop, and groundwork team working with communities at 3 DUN teams (Dusun Tua, Semenyih and Kajang).

Please feel free to email us undimalaysia@loyarburok.com and indicate your interest which team you wanna join. Our next meeting is at the centre at 11.6 at 1130am - 1.30pm. See ya!

Change Your Life. Change Malaysia!

We interrupt the usual Ask Lord Bobo Q&A to give you the answer to a question which all of you should be asking! After all, His Supreme Eminenceness is all-knowing, and therefore knows you want to ask this question even though you may not.



*What is UndiMalaysia! (UM!)? (Question from Your Brain, via Lord BoboBarnabus)*



Lord Bobo will tell you the answer in four parts – why, what, how, and what now.



*Why?*



Malaysians complain a lot. Malaysians think that only politicians are able to solve our problems, and every fault lies with the politicians when we do not get what we want. This is wrong. We disempower ourselves when we think that only politicians can solve our problems. We complain, and complain, and complain some more that our complaints are not being acted on, but when it comes to actually doing something, we the complainants sit back, fold our arms and do nothing. We do not see that there is an alternative to blaming politicians – acting on our own, reclaiming our power, and making true grassroots democracy more of a reality than it is today. As has been said,

“people should not be afraid of their governments; governments should be afraid of their people.”

The Malaysian political landscape is extremely polarised, and voters are forced to vote purely along party lines, or for personalities based on salacious and sensationalised issues (read: sex) rather than on properly analysed and advocated bread and butter election issues (read: food, housing, public transport, public service efficiency, human rights, and education). As such, our politicians are not required to address issues that affect local communities in a properly thought-out way, and most campaigning remains firmly stuck in gutter politics.

Generally, there are two types of Malaysian youth today – those extremely partisan towards a political party, and those so apathethic that the very thought of politics and civil society issues makes them sick. The former believe the answer lies in supporting and being part of a political party. The latter believe the solution is completely ignoring what is going on in the country. The former have an illusion of politics and political change. The latter are disillusioned with the Malaysian political scene as it stands.

Many voter registration initiatives have been started, and many youth have been registered. The efforts, and results, of these initiatives deserve to be celebrated – but it is only the first step. What is being done with the newly-registered voters? After registering, very few of them are being mobilised or activated. Why?



*What?*



To empower and enable Malaysians to meaningfully exercise their right to vote, and to ensure that election results express the will of voters based on informed choices, the Malaysian Centre for Constitutionalism and Human Rights a.k.a. PusatRakyatLB (the Centre) will undertake a first-of-its-kind citizen education initiative, known as *UndiMalaysia!* The *UndiMalaysia!*Initiative will be carried out on key election issues to equip Malaysians with the information they need to make informed choices when exercising their right to vote. Election candidates will be scrutinised on their performance, conduct, and pledges.

*UndiMalaysia!* should, if successful, lead to a larger social movement, and act as the “conscience” of the people at every election. The Centre will conduct this experimental initiative with the long-term goal of establishing a permanent voter education hub. *UndiMalaysia!* will mobilise and build a database of empowered youth as part of the “voter bank” to demand and sustain good practices for future elections. The voter population, particularly the younger generation, should be encouraged to make more informed choices at elections, and to ask fundamental questions which have often been forgotten by the electorate and politicians. A sustained campaign for a number of years will in its course influence voter behaviour leading to positive changes in the way politicians handle elections. *UndiMalaysia!* will also result in a core peoples’ movement, which is able to take things in their own hands and be self-reliant.



*How?*



The initiative consists of whatever floats your boat. We will reveal them as they are revealed. The prototype *UndiMalaysia!* pack will include infographics and a flagship workshop, targeted at both urban and rural settlements. We will also test our deliverables in one chosen Selangor Parliamentary constituency as if we are to “campaign” at that constituency to show the politicians how it ought to be done.

*UndiMalaysia!* will deal with a number of important issues of social relevance including poverty eradication, law and order, corruption, freedom of expression, managing the country’s resources, transparency in Government expenditure, and students’ and indigenous peoples’ rights. If it’s important to the *rakyat*, it’s important to us. We hope there will be Malaysians in all communities who will stand up and be counted to do their own maths, and question the politicians when the figures appear wrong.

When (not if) successful, this first-of-its-kind initiative will be replicated in other constituencies, and hopefully throughout the country.



*What now?*



You should *UndiMalaysia!* It will excite and be exciting. We are in the process of recruiting and mobilising. We are also inviting all NGOs on board to raise their own issues when we campaign, and share the same platform for a larger presence and stronger voice. Most importantly, we want YOU on board. No expertise is required.

If you have an interest in being part of omething bigger than your own personal life, join us. If you think you are clueless and want to come on board to learn, join us. If you have no clue about politics, but are keen on helping out in any way, join us. We will guide and find a place for you.

Be part of a movement that is truly a *rakyat*’s movement. Move us. Move with us. Join us. Start history with us. Change the way politicians behave – they are not VIPs who need to be bowed down to, they are there to represent YOUR needs. Re-write the lives of Malaysians. Be the change you want to see.


Email your details to *undimalaysia@loyarburok.com*, and we will do the rest! We promise you, your life will never be the same.