Zorro and I had difficulty locating Bilik Tanjung 1 at the Dewan Sri Pinang when we got there at about 3pm.
This was Petra’s solution so guests wouldn’t have the same problem.
Started at sharp 5pm with about 100 participants and 4 distinguished speakers.
Dato Seri Lim Chong Keat
P. Ramakrishnan
Khoo Kay Peng
Malik Imtiaz Sarwar
Four major points were distilled from the presentation of the speakers as imperatives if the concept of Bangsa Malaysia or one people, one nation is to become a reality :
- No more race-based political parties
- No more incompetence in Parliament
- Civil society taking ownership of governance of the nation
- No more racial delineation
Audience participation time.
This very participatory audience fully endorsed those 4 points as resolutions without any opposition.
This audience also endorsed a suggestion by Dato Seri Lim that the PM be invited to a dialogue with the people of Penang. I have been mandated to send out this letter.
Pak Lah, this letter is coming to you soon. The registered voters in your home state have quite a few things to say to you.
Then it was one floor below for the sharing of a simple meal, the viewing of Fahmi Reza’s ‘Sepuluh Tahun Sebelum Merdeka’ and an opportunity to interact with the man himself.
We wrapped up the event a little after 10pm, but not before the remaining participants agreed unanimously that an e-group be set up to include all participants so that discussions might continue with a view to working out strategies to pursue the four resolutions adopted earlier and to work towards realising a nation of one people.
SK Thew is the man who’s going to get this off the ground and running.
Tired, but extremely satisfied, the team and some of the audience headed out to the beachfront for a little bit of Penang R & R.
Thank you, speakers, thank you Fahmi and thank you to a great Penang audience.
Thank you Lucia, Helen and Cheryl. Could not have pulled this off without you Supergirls.
And a big thank you to that kind participant who opened her home to 4 very tired but happy people.
You are a gem! Don’t let the pains in the ….. get to you.
One People, One Nation will happen if we make it happen.
We must not just talk it, we must walk it.
I am walking it.
Will you?
The People's Parliament 
Reniv
November 6, 2007
“Satu Bangsa, Satu Negara”…where did i heard it before when i was a child, during Tunku days! Good start
Politicians have systematically divided the rakyat and conquer them thru their fears. 3 things that sell Sex, Fear & Greed!..Pornography sell Sex;Politicians sells Fear; Wall Street (Stock Market) sell greed. As long as we confront & engage the government we will keep them HONEST! If needed be thru the ballot boxes we will also grab the BULL by it’s B***S.
lucia
November 6, 2007
haris, nice meeting you (though we didn’t get to talk). thanks for bringing the malam bangsa malaysia to penang!
You helped big-time to get Bangsa Malaysia to Penang. Thank you so much.
If you’re ever in KL, do let me know. Can organise a catch-up.
farida
November 6, 2007
” Four major points were distilled from the presentation of the speakers as imperatives if the concept of Bangsa Malaysia or one people, one nation is to become a reality :
No more race-based political parties
No more incompetence in Parliament
Civil society taking ownership of governance of the nation
No more racial delineation ”
Yo, Penang, we hear you loud and clear. Great work, folks. With you all the way.
Haris, where next? Ipoh, JB, KK, Kuching, Kota Bahru….?
Farida,
I think brother Ben has been waiting for us in JB so, JB it is, if the rest of the team are in agreement.
Md Noor in Ipoh is raring to go so I suppose we could do Ipoh after that.
Got an sms yesterday that someone would like to take this initiative to K.Kinabalu. If this happens might as well do Kuching in one go.
Kota Bahru, anyone?
ong
November 6, 2007
Tq Haris for inspiring this gathering. The process need follow-up -let’s hope for the best! Since GE is coming soonest BM need to make a difference!
SK has already created the Bangsa Malaysia e-group for Penang and all those who attended should be getting an invite.
Please, the group is only as good as we make it.
Counting on you, Ong, to lead on this.
SH Tan
November 6, 2007
To the Bangsa Malaysia team especially Harris, Malik, Zorro, Tony, Fahmi and SK Thew:
Penang thank you all for bringing the roadshow up North.
My wife and I were deeply touched to see the passion and spirit of you all for this cause to bring a better future for our children. As Helen has so eloquently put it, you guys have shown us the stars which we may not reach but you have guided our direction. Let us all give each other strength to stay the course and let us not be easily discouraged by adversities. After all, Mandela was jaile for 26 years and Suu Kyi is still under house arrest after 11 years for believing in their cause. It is a long and winding road but my wife and I will walk with you….cheers
I’ve been constantly telling Tony that the majority of Malaysians are generally good people who just need a little direction.
The Penangites I met on Saturday serve as a strong vindication.
Great having you and the missus along on this long journey. I sense it is going to be a most rewarding one in so very many ways.
Hamoon
November 6, 2007
Hi there Haris…
it was such a pleasure to be there in the meeting and the later night hangging out…
I learnt alot during the session and I appreciate your kind attention to my views and comment…
cant wait to have a chance once again to meet you…
Hi Hamoon,
The pleasure and learning from the discussions was mutual.
E-mail me when you’re in KL. Maybe we can meet up.
Michelle Gunaselan
November 7, 2007
I’ve been writing and going for demonstrations and protests for so long that usually everything goes in one ear and comes out the other. But, Penang was so different. The spirit, the passion and the hope of my fellow brothers and sisters were amazing. And the hospitality!
I’m ready to do anything.
Jayanath
November 7, 2007
Congrats to Haris & The Bangsa Malaysia Team.
Keep the spirit of Bapa Malaysia always.
Best Wishes
Jaya,
Wish you could have been with us. You would have loved it, I’m sure.
Keep well, friend
Helen Ang
November 7, 2007
I love Kota Bharu & miss the town too. If you’re having one there, count me in on the organising committee.
And Hamoon, still waiting for you to sms me your website address!
shen yee aun
November 8, 2007
Keep it up