9 of us got to YB Donald Lim’s service centre in PJ at 10pm last night.
Meeting started about 10.35 and went on until almost 12.15am this morning.
It was frank and often hard-hitting. Everyone spoke their mind.
As a group we made two things very clear.
First, we were tired of and wanted an end to race-based politics. Our next vote would not be based on a party symbol but for an individual who stood for the same issues and concerns that we did.
Second, that we wanted YB Lim to break rank and vote against the bill to amend the Constitution to extend the tenure of EC Rashid by another year. We stressed that how he voted on this bill would significantly dictate how we voted next time round.
We also got feedback from YB Lim on the 3 issues we had raised with him at the last meeting.
- Bangsa Malaysia, the aspiration of one people, one nation
- our secular system of government and its seeming erosion
- the establishment of the IPCMC.
Personally, the two meetings have been extremely satisfying for me.
I now know my present MP, the limitations within which he has to work and what he can and cannot do.
And I have a clearer picture now about how I must go about deciding on my representative in Parliament next time round.
Conclusions drawn from the meetings?
I am going to let the members of this group think over the matters discussed and the feedback from the MP, perhaps brainstorm over the same, and then share their thoughts with you, if they will, at a press conference.
I want to take this opportunity to thank YB Lim for making time to see us.
The meeting ended most cordially.
Patrick C Netto
December 5, 2007
Being a member of the establishment, YB Lim has his hands tied. However, its a good start.
Peter Chen
December 5, 2007
Congrats to PJ Selatan group. Unfortunately PJ Utara is not as active, and I am a novice.
BTW Haris, you sent me a message via Facebook, but for some reason, I couldn’t see it. Can you contact me via PJ Utara group? Post a message or “Options” then “reply to author”
Peter Blog*Star
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Peter Chen
December 5, 2007
Hi Haris,
Trying to contact you via PJ Utara often gets no response, so I am sure you will receive this message. Got an appointment with YB Chew Mei Fun, urgent is amendment to extend retirement age, less important is regarding my question to her about how Barisan can represent constituent when under the whip for all proposals, her response, and the likely opposition candidate response to that. Friday 9.30pm this week. (she is at service center every Friday) Just letting you know and see if you want to go. Otherwise it will be me alone and going to be very lonely.
Peter,
Sorry, will not be able to join you on Friday.
How about those who have written letters to YB Chew?
How about joining Peter to see the MP?
Ram
December 5, 2007
Haris,
Why don’t you stand in PJ Selatan.As an old resident of section 7,you know this place very well.
Donald might be a nice guy but under the MCA banner he’s NOT going to get more than 40% of votes.
Last nomination day,60% of those there for him were Indians (presumably MIC).
Bro,I really think you stand a good chance if you start now.
There we have it,HARIS IBRAHIM FOR PJ SELATAN!!!
Ram,
Thanks for the vote of confidence.
Hopefully, if all goes well, we will shortly be introduced to an independent candidate initiative.
My sense is that I would best serve that initiative, not as a candidate, but working with the database built up during the judiciary petition ( that’s about 3,500-4,000 names identified in their respective constituencies and contactable ) to garner support for those candidates.
Will civil society have an alternative choice in the way of an independent candidate?
Remains to be seen.
The people of PJ Selatan must decide based on what BN will offer and what the opposition fare is.
ps.nathan
December 5, 2007
Hi, I have sent you one on the real role of our MPs who seem to be spending their time and effort on trivialities like pot holes on the roads, fused streetlights,illegal car parking,traffic flow etc; when they should be focussing on National Issues like the Judiciary,Free and Fair Elections, marginalised minorities,Human Rights,Public Transport, Health services,Educational standards,and a whole host of isues…
How do we drive home this vital concept of them the MPs being First “Wakil Rakyat”, then, and then only Wakil Party in Parliament!!
If they are indeed Wakil Rakyat then YB Chiew Petaling Jaya Utara, will certainly speak against the bill to extend the retirement age of the SPR Chairman!
We must ensure that WE will elect a WAKIL RAKYAT…no more Wakil Party for us!
…4 votes for PJ Utara.
That’s the way to go.
YB Chew, I hope you are reading this.
Opposition parties, take note.
Aspiring independent cadidate(s), are you up to this?
Peter Chen
December 6, 2007
Hi ps.nathan,
Saw you mentioned YB Chew. But didn’t see your name in the PJ Utara group that Haris Ibrahim group. Hope to see you there soon as we need members like you very badly.
When I meet YB Chew, can I say I represent you and want her to vote against the amendment?
arianna
December 6, 2007
Dear Haris,
Hahaha…sorry. Break rank?…hahaha..oh dear, sorry again. What’s so funny, say you? Let me sum up YB Lim’s respond.
I understand…
I share your views…
You have a point….
I cannot agree with you more…
BUT…
Been there, heard it all and unconvinced, Haris. You see. On a few occasions me and some friends have had formal and informal talks with some opposition-turned BN MPs in Sabah. Informal means hard talk here.
We questioned why they compromised their principles once they crossed over to BN. Electoral reforms, the judiciary and matters dear to the people’s heart, we debated them.
Yup. The YBs shared our views. And then like the obedient BNBBC they are, they would say ‘aye’ to any bills tabled in parliament.
Every time that happen and next we meet, they’ll cite a litany of ‘what I can, can’t do’ as BN MPs.
With sympathetic look on their faces and pained voice to match they would plead: ‘Please try to understand…….’
And we always nod in agreement: ‘Yes, YB we understand you are a coward’.
arianna,
Kudos to you and your friends for engaging the MPs.
Must have helped you to make your decision then about how to vote, right?
You did vote, right?
So, like yours, hopefully our effort to see YB Lim will also be educational and informative for all involved.