Street Demos
On Nov 10, a coalition of opposition parties and non-governmental organizations calling itself Bersih (Coalition for Clean and air Elections) organized a rally of some 10,000 people marching to Istana Negara with an election reform petition. The memorandum meant for Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan was submitted by Lim Kit Siang of the DAP, PAS President Datuk Seri Abdul Haji Awang and Parti Keadilan Rakyat adviser Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to an official at the gates of Istana Negara. The palace later issued a statement that Tuanku Mizan was unhappy with the claims that he and the Palace had approved and supported the demonstration
The Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) had planned a similar rally on Nov 25, this time to march to the British High Commission to hand over a memorandum to Queen Elizabeth II of Britain. They charged that the status of Indians had not improved since Independence and “our economic situation is likened to one living in the 19th century”. Three Hindraf leaders were arrested a couple of days before the rally. At the last minute, the handing over of the memorandum was called off after crowds were dispersed by police.
Both gatherings were illegal as they did not have a police permit.
The rallies led to massive traffic jams leading into KL as police mounted roadblocks leading into the city. Tourism and business were affected. On Nov 16, businessmen and representatives from 80 non-governmental organizations held a press conference in protest against the Nov 10 demonstration. The NGOs included the Kuala Lumpur Taxi Drivers Association and many others. The placards said: “We want peace” “We want stability” “Street Demo is not our culture” etc.
All Malaysians want peace and stability and to find amicable ways to resolve issues. However, some parties may have been driven to desperation by the deteriorating situation. Pray for patience and understanding. Pray that the government and ruling party will have the political will to change.
"Lingam"
Video Clip
A Royal Commission of Inquiry is being set up to investigate this case. The “Lingam” video clip allegedly shows lawyer Datuk V. K. Lingam discussing judicial appointments with a senior judge in a mobile phone conversation.
Home Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Radzi Sheikh Ahmad said: “The Royal Commission can summon anyone, the person who recorded the video, the actor, or the people mentioned in the clip. All the witnesses involved in the case would be forced to appear. This way, we will get to the bottom of it.” (NST, Nov 19) The Cabinet has to decide on the terms of reference, the scope of power and the members of the commission.
Pray that the case is resolved quickly so as to restore the people’s faith in the judiciary.
Economy
Several projects under the 9th Malaysia Plan (9MP) are behind schedule. This was revealed in a circular dated Nov 7 issued by the Chief Secretary to the Government. As of Oct 15, only 29.9% of the allocation for the 9MP had been spent and this was not according to the implementation schedule. “This is happening because of the lack of detailed planning by the implementing agencies,” the circular reported. Also, some high impact projects had not even begun. (NST, Nov 19)
On the positive note, national carmaker Proton was reported to have experienced a turnaround with stronger sales and a higher Consumer Satisfaction Index. Exports have also improved. Proton is expected to make a smaller loss this year compared to last year. As a result, talks with several foreign carmakers such as Volkswagen and General Motors concerning possible strategic alliances were called off.
Pray for swift implementation of plans to better the lives of all Malaysians.
Elections
Malaysians are on the edge of their seats waiting for the coming General Elections. The Prime Minister said it’s his call to dissolve Parliament and call for elections. Nobody knows for sure when the elections will happen.
Once again, the future of our country lays open. Pray for peaceful elections and pray that the moderates would once again gain control of the country. Let us pray to God and vote wisely. (The Citizen Think Tank (www.citizenthinktank.com) uses six criteria to identify and rate elected representatives – personal integrity; performance in elected or appointed office, ability to resolve problems, public visibility, knowledge of economic issues, and diligence.) |
