Singapore gets the Island; Malaysia on the Rocks

 Asean, Politics  20 Responses »
May 232008
 

Well, there you have it. The ICJ has declared that the jurisdiction of Pedra Branca falls to Singapore by a 12-4 majority. The other territory – Middle Rocks – falls to Malaysia by a 15-1 majority. A glum-looking RTM presentator says Malaysia has “kehilangan kedaulatan over Pulau Batu Puteh” – and then goes on to commend the Malaysian legal team for its efforts. Making the best of the situation, Rais Yatim says it is a “win-win outcome”. He adds that the fate of South Ledge is still to be determined based on various technical aspects. Perhaps now we can focus on eradicating injustices and poverty within Malaysia?

Anti-war protesters to blare music during Blair talk

 Christianity, Civil society, Global justice movement, Iraq, Militarism, Politics  2 Responses »
Mar 312008
 
Anti-war protesters to blare music during Blair talk

I must say this sounds like it’s going to be an unusual – if noisy! – anti-war protest directed at Blair. Spotted this on the Indymedia UK website: Sounding Out Tony Blair Stop the War Coalition | 31.03.2008 14:13 | SOUNDING OUT BLAIR: Westminster Cathedral : 42 Francis Street: London SW1 Thursday 3 April 2008 at 7.00 pm (assemble from 6.30 pm) A nun with a buglar alarm is one of many Catholics who will join the Stop the War protest outside Westminster Cathedral on Thursday 3 April, when Tony Blair gives his lecture on ‘Faith and Globalisation’. The protest aims to sound out Tony Blair with musical instruments and sound-making implements of every kind — drums, trumpets, saxophones, violins, cymbals, whistles, sirens, horns, rattles, cowbells, saucepans and cans. At least two choirs and musical ensembles of every type will be attending, along with numerous individual musicians, drummers, percussionists and [Read more]

Penang school heads told not to invite State Govt leaders as VIPs

 Democracy, Malaysian elections, Politics  72 Responses »
Mar 252008
 

School heads in Penang have been instructed or “advised” not to invite State Government leaders and other elected representatives in Penang as VIPs and guests-of-honour. The message was conveyed during a briefing last Wednesday by a senior official from the Penang Education Department, which comes under the federal-level Education Ministry. The directive/”advice” to play on the safe-side was made verbally (and not in writing), according to a principal of a school in Penang and confirmed by another senior staff member from the same school. They were understandably indignant at the ruling. This just shows the kind of small-mindedness among certain Education Dept/Ministry officials. I believe even DAP-PKR state assembly members who are not holding exco posts may now not be invited as VIPs/guests-of-honour to schools. Take a look at this year’s Penang Schools Sports Council (MSSPP) meet, which is opening today in Batu Kawan and closing on Friday. The Penang [Read more]

He is risen!

 Christianity, Militarism, Politics  9 Responses »
Mar 232008
 
He is risen!

Easter morning in Penang: A new beginning Easter is the greatest festival in the Christian calendar – more important than Christmas. Christians believe that was the day Jesus triumphed over Death and appeared to his followers. As theologian Marcus Borg notes, he was executed by the Empire but vindicated by God. Too often, we only look at the message of personal and spiritual transformation that Easter heralds. But there is also a political message. Jesus advocated a politics of compassion – he had a vision of society that is just and inclusive, where even the outcasts and the marginalised would be invited to the heavenly banquet. He challenged the ruling elite of his time who were oppressing and exploiting the poor. During the time of Jesus, Palestine was under Roman occupation. He lived in a peasant society in which burdensome taxes were imposed on the 90 per cent of the [Read more]

Massive 60,000-strong rally in Penang raises Opposition hopes

 Democracy, M'sian politics, Malaysian elections, People's Park/PGCC, Politics  22 Responses »
Mar 062008
 
Massive 60,000-strong rally in Penang raises Opposition hopes

Photo credit: DAP Ceramah; More pictures here. If you thought last Saturday’s ceramah attended by 10,000 people at the Han Chiang High School indoor stadium was huge, think again… The crowd tonight, this time out in the open in the vast Han Chiang school field, was massive. My engineer friend, a maths whizz, at first tried to estimate the crowd size based on the guesstimated length and breadth of the school field to determine its area multiplied by the average crowd density per square metre! But the crowd kept rising all the time and soon spilled all around the field and outside the perimeter fencing. Finally, he just gave up on his maths and settled for a rough estimate of 60,000. Another researcher who accompanied me also independently came up with a figure of 60,000, saying the turnout could have packed a large football stadium. I concurred with them both. [Read more]

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