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.