Democratisation beckons even in Sarawak, where Muslim Melanau strongmen have held sway for a few decades. As civil society and access to information expands, it could trigger a tsunami big enough to sweep away not only these strongmen but also the entire Sarawak BN, predicts Faisal S Hazis.
From left: Poh Soo Kai, Lim Kean Chye and Tan Kim Hong The launch of a book, The Fajar Generation, about a group of idealistic university students in the tumultuous setting of Singapore in the 1950s.
Public intellectuals must raise the voice of reason and take a public stand on this issue even risking their own reputations or careers, says Asghar Ali Engineer.
Put up tent cannot, gather cannot, wear black cannot, hold candles cannot, drink teh tarik also cannot. No wonder the cops have come under intense scrutiny, observes Martin Jalleh.
Yeoh Seng Guan pays tribute to an inspiration for many activists, James Arunasalam (1939-2010), the “saint” of Sentul, who passed away recently. James had courageously dedicated much of his life to fighting for the rights of settlers who were facing eviction.
That’s the question Martin Jalleh ponders over as he looks back over the last year. It has been a period of fanciful slogans and failed institutions with the BN having little to show for it.
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Bersih co-chair Pak Samad and steering committee members Subramaniam Pillay and Toh Kin Woon addressed an Aliran high tea in Penang on 29 April, a day after Bersih 3.0. The Aliran Singers also performed! All photos (c) 2012 Lye Tuck-Po
Readers’ comments
16 May 2012 (10:40) Umno, how much did you spend to bring your crowd? Hello P.Ramakrishnan, Please don't start lying to the readers. You wrote 'The Bersih 3.0 crowd came willingly and voluntarily and spontaneously. There was no inducement.' 'There was no inducement'? Are you really sure or you are just play...