Jan

29

Why I was arrested

January 29, 2008 | 8 Comments

my-arrest-by-eli-wong.jpgI was arrested at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, 26 January 2008, at a foodcourt in the vicinity of Jalan Yap Kwan Seng, Kuala Lumpur. I was released unconditionally from Pudu Jail (now known as Balai Polis Jalan Hang Tuah) at approximately 10:30 p.m. on Sunday, 27 January 2008, after a magistrate rejected a remand application by the police to further detain me (and nine other people, including Tian Chua and Dr. Hatta).

Obviously, I was annoyed that I was arrested (see photo) whilst I was trying to ask the police why they wanted to arrest Tian Chua and Dr. Hatta, especially when they were merely having drinks and talking to journalists at that time. I knew that the over-zealous SB (special branch police officer) simply decided to arrest me because I questioned their actions. Indeed, when I asked an officer by the name of Woon who was standing nearby whether he was sure that the proper orders have been given to arrest me, he brushed aside my query and did not dare to say anything. Moreover, the location where we were arrested was beyond the one kilometre boundaries illustrated in the preventive court order obtained by the police.
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Aug

25

john-lennon-album-cover-make-some-noise.jpgI remember that my former colleague at Suaram, Eli, once called me a Lennonist because I had an email address with the domain name “givepeaceachance.com”. Well, here I am, preaching peace again.

Frankly speaking, I didn’t know much about the atrocities in Darfur despite the emails I received from Amnesty International. I only bothered to find out more about the conflict in Darfur after I bought the “Make Some Noise, Save Darfur” album.

These days, not many netizens go to the music store to buy CDs anymore. I know I don’t. I still go and loiter around to check out the latest titles, but I don’t usually buy them anymore; unless I spot something really good.
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Aug

24

50-44-coalition.jpgWow! We’re just one week away from the historic 50th anniversary of Merdeka. Alas, I don’t feel very festive… Indeed, I’m going to “celebrate” Merdeka with my dad and sister in Singapore. With the way things are in Malaysia, I don’t feel “patriotic” at all.

However, I do want to give my support to the motley crew that’s come up with the 50:44 Malaysia Merdeka celebrations. I’ll definitely be back from Singapore to check things out at the Pasar Seni Annexe.

Aug

5

confessions-of-an-economic-hitman.jpgI just started reading a new book (one of many!). I’m halfway through the preface only, and I already find it intriguing.

By the way, this is a true account of the author’s career as an economic hit man. In his own words:

“Economic hit men (EHMs) are highly paid professionals who cheat countries around the globe out of trillions of dollars. They funnel money from the World Bank, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), and other foreign “aid” organizations into the coffers of huge corporations and the pockets of a few wealthy families who control the planet’s natural resources. Their tools include fraudulent financial reports, rigged elections, payoffs, extortion, sex, and murder. They play a game as old as empire, but one that has taken on new terrifying dimensions during this time of globalization.
I should know; I was an EHM.”
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Aug

5

plato.jpgLast night, after a meeting where I made a presentation on strategy, I left with mixed feelings. On the one hand, I was relieved that I managed to do my job and make the presentation according to plan. On the other hand, though, I was a bit disappointed with the reaction of certain individuals in the meeting.

My presentation, basically, looked at the current situation of the organisation, the hopes of the organisation, the strategies available and, last but not least, urgent areas for focus.

No doubt, there will always be supporters and detractors in whatever we do. And, I’ve attended enough meetings to know that some people just talk for the sake of talking.
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Aug

1

as_much_as_i_dream.jpgConsidering it’s August – the Merdeka month – I’d like to start with a more positive and inspirational posting… Click on the image on the left for the message.

Check out pravsworld. The pics and words can sometimes give us a different and better perspective on things…

Happy Merdeka! (whatever it means to you…)

Jul

29

Someone shared these lessons with me…

my-dog.jpg

I’ve learned that I like my teacher because she cries when we sing “Silent Night”.
Age 5

I’ve learned that our dog doesn’t want to eat my broccoli either.
Age 7

I’ve learned that when I wave to people in the country, they stop what they are doing and wave back.
Age 9

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Jul

16

mother-teresa-edit.JPGI was just watching Water, and a scene somehow connected with a few scenes in my own life.

The scene (in the movie), depicts a holy man saying “Such ignorance. It’s this ignorance that is our misfortune”, and then a widow arrives.

After greeting her, he asks the widow “… you’ve been doing this service for many years. So many years of sacrifice and devotion. Do you feel closer to self-liberation?” After a long pause, she replies slowly, “If… self-liberation means… detachment from worldly desires… Then, no, I’m no closer.”
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Jul

12

bell_hooks_edit.jpgI believe bell hooks said that.

I’ve been reflecting quite a bit over the past few weeks, especially given that I’ve been nursing a bad back and shoulder (probably stress related), and I’ve been reminded of some earlier lessons in life.

I was elected president of the Methodist Boys’ School Old Boys Association last month. (The website has not been updated at the time of this posting.)

Since then, I’ve observed many instances of so-called leaders shirking responsibility and not doing the right thing by the members. And yet, they can hypocritically position themselves as being altruistic and charitable in their pursuits.
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Jun

17

dad.jpgOne night a father overheard his son pray:
“Dear God, Make me the kind of man my Daddy is.”
Later that night, the Father prayed,
“Dear God, Make me the kind of man my son wants me to be.”
- Unknown

I guess there’s no need to emphasise how important the role of a father is.

Here, I just want to reflect on my own father’s role in my life. I am thankful for the values that he has given me. Somehow or other, he’s made me who I am.

Happy Father’s Day, Dad!

Likewise to all the fathers out there. Have a great day with your families!

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