The average voter casts his vote at the general election without really knowing much about his candidate of choice. The short campaign period after nomination day simply does not allow time to investigate the stand of the candidate on issues that may be important to voters.
I am involved in a civil society project that is being initiated to enable voters to know better the stand of their present MPs on several pressing issues that confront our country. The idea is to get a group of voters from a particular constituency to approach their sitting MP for clarification as to his personal stand on those issues. The MP concerned will be pressed to make his stand publicly known and will be informed that his failure to do so will be taken to mean that his views do not conform to the views of his constituents.
If the MP in question does not respond or responds unfavourably, his constituents involved in this exercise will then make a decision if they wish to retain him or her in the next parliament. If they decide that he or she is not representative of their wishes, that decision will be reflected in this blog by an announcement under ‘Situations Vacant’ that a candidate is required for that constituency for the next election and inviting applicants from civil society for consideration.
Some MPs have been found to be unsuitable given their open stand on some of those pressing issues that it will not be necessary to engage with them. Their seats in Parliament will soon be listed under ‘Situations Vacant’. Interested candidates may write in to thepeoplesparliament@gmail.com and, if considered suitable, will be supported at the next election.
The initiators of this effort propose to start this off in the Klang Valley, which would include Selangor. The effort will then be taken to the other states.
Owing to human resource constraints, the effort will start with a few constituencies. The following constituencies have been identified.
1. Bandar Tun Razak
2. Batu
3. Setiawangsa
4. Lembah Pantai
5. Segambut
7. Petaling Jaya Selatan
8. Petaling Jaya Utara
9. Subang
10. Kelana Jaya
The broad issues of concern that have been identified and which will be taken to the MPS are:
- We are becoming an increasingly divided nation on account of the racial and religious politics that dominates our national political landscape. Is the Barisan government perpetuating the ‘divide and rule’ politics for their own political end so that the stated object of a ‘Bangsa Malaysia’ remains a hollow slogan?
- A loss of public confidence in a judiciary seemingly weakened since the Salleh Abas sacking and the 1988 constitutional amendment. Is the recent call to review the Salleh Abas sacking as the starting point to restore the judiciary as the 3rd equal arm of government justified? Would the establishment of a Commission for the Appointment of the Judiciary begin the process to restore public confidence in the administration of justice?
- The lack of transparency in governmental management and the recent disclosures of the extent of corruption that afflicts our society. Is the call to set up the IPCMC not justified? Would it not better serve the interests of the people if the anti-corruption agency was made answerable to Parliament? Is not the Official Secrets Act being abused by the government to hide from the voters the level of corruption and inefficiency that has permeated throughout the Barisan admininstration?
- The failure on the part of the Barisan government to deliver on its pre-2004 election promise to allow greater space in civil society. Does this not mean that the ISA ought to at least be amended to allow for a ‘check and balance’? Does this not require for a repeal of the UUCA? Does this not mean that the restrictions on the print media must be lifted?
If you live and vote in any of the constituencies listed above and would like to be involved in this effort, please send an e-mail to thepeoplesparliament@gmail.com with your full name and contact particulars. If your constituency is not listed above and you would like to initiate this effort in your constituency, please drop us a note at the address abovementioned.
rocky's bru
April 16, 2007
i have been waiting for this, bro. and what a storm you plan to start.10 constituents for indies, eh. i am all for it, plus or minus one or two constituents. we’ll sit down and discuss this. till then, let me take this opportunity to welcome your blog to webworld. we are the richer for your presence.
Pang Sim Sun
April 17, 2007
Haris,
We share the same thought, but we need people like you to lead us to make Malaysia our real home.
Sun
Syafiq
April 17, 2007
Hi Mr. Haris,
I think the font size and the background color are not really clear. Brighter and bigger font would certainly help readers.
Hope that helps.
A. Williams
April 17, 2007
Dear Sir,
Thank you for having the courage and vision to step up and step out to offer this country a chance, perhaps its last chance, to get back on track as a nation committed to upholding justice, truth, accountability and whose heartbeat is for all its people.
For so long I have found the term ‘government servant’ laughable, if not distressingly sad. The government meant to serve us, the people of this land, has hijacked the power that belongs to us to fire those that have disgraced the sacred seats of Parliament. Our rights over the years have been whittled down by draconian laws. The wealth of this country that belongs to the citizenry has been squandered by irresponsible men and women.
And we, the people, have been sleeping, lulled into thinking we are the servants of the government we chose. We have accepted false measures of what a nation should be, what our rights and responsibilities are, and many of us have turned the other way rather than face our failure to be a people faithful to the truth, protective of our children’s future and loyal to our Constitution.
We voted in our government servants and promptly became subservient to them. We have such a low opinion of ourselves as a people able to bring dignity back to our Parliament and able to change the destiny of our nation. Why? Because we are on the whole self-serving too, at our own level.We live in enclaves of self-preservation and want the other man to fight for us.
The time has come to change. And change must begin with us. We need to change our mindset of apathy. We need to forge a new alliance among ourselves, a unity founded on a love and respect for all peoples of this nation. We need to carve on our hearts that every man not given justice is our brother and every woman shackled by the discriminatory laws and customs is our sister .
There is no other road to restoration but that of commitment. We must rise as a people if we want a People’s Parliament. A momentous chance has been given to us.
Thank you, Encik Haris, for making this possible. God bless you and keep you safe. Always.
kjjohn
April 17, 2007
Dear Haris,
I think this is an excellent initiative. Please consider how we can merge some of your ideas with our “citizens eyes” project by also giving feedback via pictures abd photos. They tell a story of a thousand words. regards.
dmathews
April 17, 2007
A brilliant idea. Whatever a particular candidate’s stand on an issue is, the voting public ought to be in a position to know before they cast their vote. I however think it would be better to pose more specific questions rather than broad-based ones suggested- for example – what is a candidate’s stand on the issue of a citizen’s right to practice the religion of his/her choice? The issues must be those that the wider public can relate to. It must be able to prompt them to realise that change starts with individual action and that thier contribution is an important step towards that change. By posing broad questions I fear that there is a risk of perpertuating public apathy as (and I say this without being condescending) many individuals would not be able to appreciate how these issues affect their everyday lives.
Khoo Kay Peng
April 17, 2007
Dear Haris,
I think it is about time we do something. Congrats! It is good to see real power returning to the people. We should not tolerate a system which breeds corruption and abuse of power.
Haris Ibrahim
April 17, 2007
Dear Sun, A. Williams & dmathews,
Work with us on this project. We need the citizens to make this effort work. Send an e-mail to thepeoplesparliament@gmail.com if you haven’t already. Together we can claim back our country.
KJ, could you share a little about the ‘citizens eyes’ project. If you will email it, perhaps I can put it up here as a post.
Syafiq, will try to do something about the font size. About the black. Sorry, I have this thing for black backgrounds. Thanks for your pointers, tho. Please keep them coming.
Regards.
Pak Idrus
April 17, 2007
Haris, welcome to the Blogging. A godsend tool for democracy. Yes a people Parliament. A powerful tool indeed. I have been blogging since Sept. 2003 and one of my posting is about Blogging and the civil society. Have a nice day.
shar101
April 17, 2007
Dear Haris,
Thank you very much for launching this blog and it’s intended purpose.
As you’re well aware from our several meetings, albeit socially, I’m rather intrigued on the idea of breaking the ‘constitutional egg’ specifically for the sole purpose of making it relevant to the times.
As we approach the 50th anniversary of Malaysia’s independence, it is incumbent on us all, not just the government of the day, to take stock of our collective future.
I’ve mentioned to you about the necessity for a “Free Judiciary” campaign and I’m glad you are including this into your efforts. A ‘bad’ law is just that, a ‘bad’ law. It’s also man-made therefore shall be subject to revision if considered to be detrimental to society, irrespective of what politicians have to say. The same applies to the Federal Constitution wherein amendments made to it at a certain point in history to suit prevailing circumstances.
Our ‘wakil rakyats’ have been ‘chosen’ by political parties on both sides, not by us directly. Hence, their allegiance to their constituents will be handicapped by the politics of patronage being practiced in this nation. It’s not enough to ask them what they can do for you, it must made clear that there are options available, including choosing an independent candidate who will be subservient to the constituency. In other words, there is a third choice. I call it the Peoples’ choice, a Third Front to counter BN and BA. Alternatively, we can tell BN or BA, “this is the person we want included in your party. Do this and we’ll vote for your party”.
The journey begins, my friend. And you won’t be alone.
dbctan
April 17, 2007
I am just as disillusioned as the next person, but i don’t think it helps anyone to give up and walk away. Thank you for standing up for what counts. It is this that inspires all people of goodwill to do the same. Malaysia need you.
Durian Guy
April 17, 2007
Firstly, I have already save your blog as one of my fav. & will visit regularly. I’m in my mid 30’s. I don’t think I can see or celebrate the realisation of “Bangsa Malaysia” in my generation, but i do hope my next generation will. We need people like you, Rocky, Jeff, Zorro & Disquiet to bring us to the next level. Keep up the good & noble work. God bless you all.
Rocktree
April 17, 2007
Dear Haris,
Your blog and idea may just launch the revolution that we need to save Malaysia. Today is the beginning of a new future and I pray that the fire you set will spread across the blogworld into the hearts and minds of all caring Malaysian. I have been longing to see a new political party emerging to carry your concept to reality. I cannot see the existing oppositions do that. Many like me are facing a Hobson choice situation: vote for BN and continue to see our nation raped, vote for the opposition and see token complaints that does not lead to effective change. I cannot see having independent candidates in the 10 constituencies do much unless they belong to a party and I hope that you can initiate one quickly and call for interested people to join and be available to stand for elections should the Barisan government decide to call a snap election. Time is of the essence.
Sharizal Shaarani
April 17, 2007
bro, welcome to the club!
hmmm speaking of which, aren’t we supposed to do a round of drinks?
Michael Chick
April 17, 2007
Hi. It is so heartwarming to see some Malaysians finally coming to the forefront of voicing their opinions. I believe that “silence” has been instilled in all of us since we were young. The old adage of “Be seen, but not be heard” rings true even till this very day. Although I am proud of the tiny squeaks of voices that are occassionally heard, the collective voice is still nothing but a whimper. And dissatisfaction with the governing parties goes unheard to the latter’s advantage. Much to the Delight of ISA enforcers. Lets not mention names here, shall we?
One of the reasons advocated for was the ever readiness of civillians to wait for hand-outs by the Government. Therefore, to “piss a politician off” would surely be financially detremental to that individual.
Furthermore, it has been the “concept” of the early Chinaman migrants who simply wanted to come to a different Land, to make their “fortunes” and then return to China. This has left them totally uninterested with Politics, or any other issues which would have improved the overall well-being of Malaysia. Instead, they, at that time concentrated on which Clan was governing and running the Brothels, and the Opium Dens. The Larut Wars and the The Selangor Civil War are only 2 of the many instances of this territorial fight.
Well, Chinese, WAKE UP! You have been here for generations now. This is YOUR Land too! I don’t care what policies dictate. Get your act together, and move this country. YOUR COUNTRY! You hold the same MYKAD as the citizen next to you. Should you not like this identity, then there are many countries to migrate to. With this identity comes a responsibilty.
And the Indians? They have been around since “Lembah Bujang” Days. That was 2,000yrs ago. That was during what Archeologists call the “Golden Hindu” era of 1,500yrs. The Lembah Bujang Empire pre-dates Borrobudor of Indonesia and Angkor Watt of Cambodia. The Indians were here 1,500 years before Parameswara. Descendants of those first settlers should be accorded “Bumiputra Rights”, since the Portugese were here only 600yrs ago and are “Bumiputra”. Revision of “Bumiputra” term is necessary for it not to be a joke.
“But the people are happy with all MY decisions” seems to be hauntingly heard again and again by our Politicians. They also seem to have no other Agenda other than to line their pockets and that of their friends. The so many “White Elephant” projects must list a mile long by now. I’m glad that this blog now tries to address the so-called “sensitive issues”. For one to progress forward, one must never neglect the past. And it is in that light that I wish to impart that basic history so that we can build a better tomorrow.
Let not the Australian Newspapers call us “Malaysia BODOH” again.
Regarding the “Racial Issue”, we will never achieve “Bangsa Malaysia” if the people continue to be tagged as “Malay, Indian, Chinese dan lain-lain.”
BTW. We are continually laughed at by the World for the only country having “Majority Rights”. Nowhere else do we ever find this. It’s always “Minority Rights” being fought for. And if the Minority becomes the ruling party, then it’s called Arpetheid.
joehancl
April 17, 2007
I hope n pray, you have long life n wisdom to fight for fair play, truth n justice for our beloved Malaysia.
johnleemk
April 17, 2007
Wonderful initiative, Haris. I live in one of the constituencies listed, but unfortunately am not eligible to vote (at least for another four years).
It is good that the focus is initially on urban constituencies, since those are the ones most likely to have internet access. Best of luck with your efforts, and great questions so far. 🙂
accountability
April 17, 2007
Thanks Haris!
It’s about time we reclaim our beautiful country back from the tyrants and incompetent racists currently corrupting the govt machinery
I will start off on my part to spread the word!
Haris Ibrahim
April 17, 2007
Johnleemk,
You have not mentioned your constituency. You may not be eligible to vote now, but you could still support this effort. You would know others within the constituency who could get on board and help us. In any event, you do not have to wait until you can vote to set things right. It might be too late by then. Send an e-mail to thepeoplesparliament@gmail.com and let’s get to work on your constituency.
a h anuar
April 17, 2007
Haris ,am with you ,please include kedah, I certainly have alot to contribute about my state.
LOne
April 17, 2007
A great idea, this People’s Parliament, a long awaited one. and i am sure it took you plenty of time and effort to conceive and gestate it and give it birth.
i look forward to see further development of this and to see how i can contribute.
cheers.
Gan
April 17, 2007
Dear Haris,
Thank God and thank you for taking this initiative, looking at the comments posted – there are many like-minded people around who feels strongly that all is not well with this country. We are just waiting for the right people to take the lead to galvanise the rest of us into action at the right moment.
Please stay true to your beliefs and hold on tight to it as every effort from “certain forces” will fix or tempt or wear you down for you to abandon what’s dearest to you.
I am also hearten and encourage to know that there are young people out there like johnleemk who is interested and involved in the socio-political happenings even at a young age.
I guess there is still hope for us all.
Good luck for all our sakes and our future generations.
SK
April 17, 2007
Welcome to be part of the blogosphere!
William
April 17, 2007
Let this beautiful technology we call blogging change our destiny,may god be with us,LETS GO FOR IT!!!!!!!!!!!!
Khairi
April 17, 2007
Haris, thank you so much for your efforts. i hope others in the society will join in the bandwagon againts corruption and abuse. i surely will.
mekyam
April 17, 2007
Kudos, Haris! Guess you answered the big question floating around about how bloggers, esp SOPO bloggers, can make a difference.
This is the first meaningful step to persuade Malaysians to VOTE for CANDIDATES, NOT PARTIES — then LET THE CHIPS FALL!
That is how we are going to bring about the political change we so desired. Let all the aspiring and the ambitious earn the right to be our elected representatives. Endorse them on merits. No more letting them get ahead through associations. That is so last century!
macam macam boleh
April 18, 2007
Dear Harris, I live in PJ Selatan. Our MP is a **** all.
He has never come down to the ground. More interested in MCA politics and planting trees and flagging off convoys.
Look at the roads of PJ. Since it was declared a city, they have never been tarred. They are in ****ing shit state.
MBPJ is run by a bunch of donkeys, they cannot see that the roads are in such a bad condition. Stupid ar**s.
Boss Lepton
April 18, 2007
Great initiative haris, i’m from kedah as well
tiger_woodie
April 18, 2007
Super fantabulous idea, En. Haris!
As opposed to the other blogs that rant, rave and have all sorts of personal agendas, FINALLY, a bloggie who is doing something marvellously tangible for the betterment of all.
This is a veritable breath of fresh air indeed. After a while, one gets a lil jaded from all the other SOPO blogs which spout asimilar messages — same ol gripes which also coincidentally can be heard at the kopi-tiams and pubbies ad nauseum.
I wish thee all the best in your quest and may you get the recognition and support you richly deserve.
Kudos!
twotablet
April 18, 2007
Hello Harris,
Beyond the accolades, are you sure you are not using the same rhetoric as our beloved PM in his last e(r)ection manifesto? You started somewhere above with the same work with us thing…nevertheless, wishing the stamina for this project.
I live under a new housing area under Kajang but register as a voter in Lenggeng Parliment & Nilai state assembly seat. I haven’t got a clue about their performance other than knowing the state guy got a property development business as well.
In any case, I like most of us, are still waiting for that b*****y report card from PM.
Still, carry on.
galadriel
April 19, 2007
I think it is a great idea. The thought of people knowing what their prospective wakil rakyats stand for is pleasantly utopian, but seems like something long overdue.
Cool, but i’m sure many MPs would pee in their pants than answer with honesty.
Nevertheless i am very much happy with this, and if I can help in anyway, pls lemme know.
Michael Chick
April 19, 2007
Hi, I’ve come back after two days, only to find that this thread consists of nothing but congratulatory notes being passed around. *sigh*. All and good; much like the flowers outside a brand new shop when they first open. Now let the business begin.
I have as yet to read anything substantial yet. (let’s go for drinks) is not one of them. Are we Malaysians so content? Are we all waiting for “Mr. Martin Luther King” to take the lead? Or the next Ghandi to lead the procession? I call this the TV mentality. Nothing, but sideline spectators waiting for a good show to unfold. We are then “safe” spectators who do nothing more than pass comments on the sidelines.
Where are our “BALLS”?
Perhaps if the Malaysian society is so weak, then anything the Government is doing is “right”. Because, the rakyat does no more than ” strut & fret on the stage, and then is heard no more”. If that being the case, even I could be the next PM, screw the country over, knowing fully well, that they will do no more than bicker like “unemployed women with nothing else better to do” as one politician put it.
While on that subject, the governmenthas spent around RM800million to promote VMY2007 to try to attract the projected 20million tourists. This above average figure of its annual spending was to coincide with Malaysia’s 50th anniversary. However, this pales in comparision to the RM2billion which Singapore spends annually. To them, every year is visit Singapore year.
How did we fare so far? Here’s my 2 cents. Did I say fare, or fail? I must have meant the latter. Let’s see, our Deputy Tourism Minister said ” … but Malaysia is simply too far away for us to travel to…” Interesting comment. Surprisingly, Angkor Watt is not too far away. Strangely, neither is Borrobudor, Bali, Bangkok, or Singapore.
Perhaps it was the most polite way of saying that by way of its advertising, Malaysia simply had nothing to offer. What did we offer? We boasted that we have the biggest shopping in Malaysia, the Largest Theme Park in Malaysia, The grandest hotel in Malaysia, and the most prestigeous Casino in Malaysia. And the tallest building in Malaysia.
Do we see a pattern here? Hmmmm. Lets’ do a little comparison. Our “glorious” 1utama and 2utama, is but one fifth the size of the shopping centre in Bangkok. And we’re not even talking about Cht-tu-chak yet, with over 15,000 stalls.
Our Largest theme park is smaller than the children’s section of any other major theme park in the world. Where’s the joy?
Our largest Casino? well, the most “bankrupt” Casino on the Strip in Las Vegas still outshines our hilltop “Sin City”. (sorry Uncle Lim, you need to update a little)
Unfortunately, “Sin Taxes” contribute to 30% of our GDP. So, who’s to say anything to its (probably) single Largest contributor in terms of $$$?
We are now the proud owners of the; is it 3rd, or fast becoming the 4th tallest building in the world?
Ahhh, that was the Deputy talking. Let’s see what the Minister himself said… “but we only have ONE eye-of-Malaysia (large Ferris wheel), and that is only in KL..”
Consider this… Would anyone in their right mind travel all the way from England, or Amsterdam, or New York, just to come and see a Large Ferris Wheel? Mind you that there is NO THEME PARK attached to the Ferris Wheel! What is happening? IS THIS how our RM800million is being spent?
MY GOD!!!! Better give all that money to the poor. That would immediately upgrade everyone with instant cash! And, as in Economics, we all know that for every $ spent by the government, there is a multiplier factor of 7, so the RM800million instantly transalates to 5.6billion (if I did my math right 🙂 ) disposable income to the entire Malaysian Population.
I was at the Senai Airport, and the taxi driver (nice man (oxymoron, yeah yeah..)) but he was stating that last year, he was making at least 5 trips to and from JB per day. This year, VMY and all, he could amke 2 trips max!
Is this the Malaysia Boleh that we all talk about?
Like I mentioned in my earlier post, Let not the Australian Newspapers call us “Malaysia Bodoh” again.
Corruption issue? Go to http://www.YouTube.com and type “Bribery by Malaysian Police” watch the 3 minute video. But more interesting, read the postings by our glorious Malaysians, with a super indifferent attitude. It was firghtening seeing in all unfold before your very eyes !!!!
“Please pass this to at least ten people. You will attain good luck in the future and your family will experience well-being for eternity”. sounds familiar?
Are we so dumb as to fall for such scams?
Or try this.. (read this with a thick Nigerian accent for full effect) “Hello, My name is Prince Akheem, from Nigeri. I have a hundred Million US Dollars stuck in a Bank in Holland. Please help me take this money out. For your efforts, I will reward you with a MillionUS$.” To help me, send your full name, your passport number, your bank account, your sample signature, your checkbook, your atm pin numbers, and CASH of US$1,000″
Yet, sadly, many Malaysian morons fall for this…
Perhaps I should be the next Prime Minister after all. It’s all to easy….
My 2cents. (which is probably not worth much anyway, given them overall scheme of things)
😛
A. Williams
April 19, 2007
Dear En. Haris,
With reference to the excellent photo frame illustration, let’s count how many letters have been written. Apart from two negative responses, you already have about 25 people who talked positively and so should be willing to walk their talk.
Can we have these writers identify the constituency they are from, and start giving feedback on the problems faced by the community as well as what promises at the last elections have not been fulfilled. These could be posted on the website, further investigations carried out to ensure the details are sufficient and so we can have a data bank of hard facts for each contituency, not just the ones you posted.
True, all this takes time and sacrifice. It demands choices – watch TV or go out and talk to the neighbours about their problems.
Rome wasn’t built in a day but if we do not start planting seeds we will not have fruit. If we don’t want to, then we truly deserve to be in this mess.
Haris Ibrahim
April 19, 2007
I have to agree with the last 2 comments. All those who have written in with comments supportive of this effort, can you send an e-mail to thepeoplesparliament@gmail.com stating your constituency?
TC Lim
April 20, 2007
A great idea indeed, BTW, where is the number 6 in your constituencies list?
A. Williams
April 20, 2007
Dear En. Haris,
Thought I would make it easier for you to list the names of those who have written to you . Here they are:
From first posting:
1. rocky’s bru 4.16.07 / 5pm
2. Pang Sim Sun 4.17.07 / 12am
3. Syafiq 4.17.07 / 1am
4. kjjohn 4.17.07 / 3am
5. dmathews 4.17.07 / 3am
6. Khoo Kay Peng 4.17.07 / 4am
7. Pak Idrus 4.17.07 / 4am
8. shar101 4.17.07 / 5am
9. dbctan 4.17.07 / 6am
10. Durian Guy 4.17.07 / 7am
11. Rocktree 4.17.07 / 8am
12. Sharizal Shaarani 4.17.07 / 9am
13. Michael Chick 4.17.07 / 9am
14. joehancl 4.17.07 / 10am
15. johnleemk 4.17.07 / 10am
16. accountability 4.17.07 / 10am
17. a h anuar 4.17.07 / 11am
18. LOne 4.17.07 / 11am
19. SK 4.17.07 / 5pm
20. Khairi 4.17.07 / 7pm
21. mekyam 4.17.07 / 9pm
22. macam macam boleh 4.18.07 / 2am
23. Boss Lepton 4.18.07 / 3am
24. tiger_woodie 4.18.07 / 9am
25. twotablet 4.18.07 / 10am
26. galadriel 4.19.07 / 4am
From posting – Picture frame:
27. AL Ho 4.19.07 / 8am
28. The Eagle 4.19.07 / 11am
I’ve also rearranged the above in alphabetical order if it’s any help in locating names quickly, and later the names can be put under the relevant constituency:
1. accountability 4.17.07 / 10am
2. a h anuar 4.17.07 / 11am
3. AL Ho 4.19.07 / 8am
4. Boss Lepton 4.18.07 / 3am
5. dbctan 4.17.07 / 6am
6. dmathews 4.17.07 / 3am
7. Durian Guy 4.17.07 / 7am
8. galadriel 4.19.07 / 4am
9. joehancl 4.17.07 / 10am
10. johnleemk 4.17.07 / 10am
11. Khairi 4.17.07 / 7pm
12. Khoo Kay Peng 4.17.07 / 4am
13. kjjohn 4.17.07 / 3am
14. LOne 4.17.07 / 11am
15. macam macam boleh 4.18.07 / 2am
16. mekyam 4.17.07 / 9pm
17. Michael Chick 4.17.07 / 9am
18. Pak Idrus 4.17.07 / 4am
19. Pang Sim Sun 4.17.07 / 12am
20. Rocktree 4.17.07 / 8am
21. rocky’s bru 4.16.07 / 5pm
22. shar101 4.17.07 / 5am
23. Sharizal Shaarani 4.17.07 / 9am
24. SK 4.17.07 / 5pm
25. Syafiq 4.17.07 / 1am
26. The Eagle 4.19.07 / 11am
27. tiger_woodie 4.18.07 / 9am
28. twotablet 4.18.07 / 10am
A. Williams
April 20, 2007
dear Haris, Oops! Forgot to insert my name, It should go
in as number 4 and so you have a total of 30 which includes your good self!
Shu
April 21, 2007
Kudos! Its a great idea. However, I think it needs input on how it can be taken one step further. Otherwise, we’ll see the same story all over again….
Constituent with bad BN MP. Opposition sends a clever candidate to contest. The two candidates will fght and fight, Najib goes in, people sing karaoke, rakyat really love the opposition candidate, everybody’s heated up and they corner the BN candidate – fix our roads! add streetlights! Mansuhkan ISA! now do something about the garbage collection! Things get done. Come election day, the X goes to BN because much as we love the opposition, there is only so much they can do. Oppositions do not have funds. The government does.
I really think we need to address the balance of power too. What is it that BN candidates have that get them votes and how do we (1) make that less material to the rakyat (2) balance that so that it would be a more level fighting ground?
Michael Chick
April 21, 2007
Speaking of “fighting ground”, what is happening in Ijok? Since when did mineral water become weapons of “mess” destruction? What is even more scary is the thought that we call these human beings fellow Malaysians? So, indeed, this is how we handle conflicts among ourselves. Yet, we sit in front of the TV, and pass stupid remarks like “now see what those people in third world countries are doing… How can like dat?”
We have simply just allowed the Australian newspaper another prime golden opportunity to call us “Malaysia BODOH” again. *sigh* Why do we do these things to ourselves? Just not so long ago, our newspaper reported that both Machap and Ijok will be “indicators” to our elections.
OK. If those are any indicators, then I’d better be far far away during the elections then; if this is any indicator to go by. Also, never forget that the entire world has its Eye on Malaysia. We can all kiss our new potential investors goodbye.
To be read like Phua Chu Kang for full impact. “You see-lah… that stupid country can’t even maintain civilities. You want to invest there some-more-ah? What? you crazy-ah? Better take your money far far away. Otherwise, die also donno because of what… Better you come to my country instead. All the time got peace. And nobody will bring out their mattress to the courtrooms. They say “play backside” also can be in the government. Then what kind of government is that? We say, that country no good, you say we prejudice. now see-lah. See-lah… See for yourself.”
Let’s all scan the news around the world for this type of news. There may be censorship on our newspapers, but most of us are web savvy enough to look for real news. Most of the time, our friends from abroad will send it to us.
Also, like I said just 2 days ago, TODAY, we now have another STUPID ah moi who gave away more than a HUNDRED THOUSAND $$$$ to some lottery scam. What did I say? Do we need more proof that maybe Malaysians really Tak Boleh? OK I am running for Prime Minister. This country is too stupid for its own good to know how to even think. To answer the question posed in the above post, all you need to win the next election is to rear a diary farm. That’s it? that’s the secret? YES! According to the folks, they will vote for whichever party that gives them a cow just prior to election day. Of course, those cows usually run around in the middle of night and get hit by passing traffic, but never mind, they still X the whichever party you are in. Laughing? have you given any cows lately to win your seat? Now, where can I get 23 million cows to give away?
I know ! Hire-Purchase those cows on a Bank Negara Loan !! Then since I’m going to be Prime Minister anyway, then I can write-off those loans because I am then, the Government. And since I control Bank Negara, I will tell them to write off those loans. It can be done! In fact, it has been done! What am I saying? It’s being done everyday for the past 50 years! (maybe not for cow purchases, but, you know what I mean…) If, as Prime Minister I cannot get Bank Negara to write-off those loans, then I should buy insurance on those cows. When the cows die, (or get eaten) simply file for “spoilt goods” or “Damaged Goods”. Then let the insurance pay! Even if the Insurance Company won’t pay because of willfull intent to “Damage” those cows, then let the Insurance sue the receipient of those cows. Either way, I’d be Prime Minister by then. And I can make public statements like… (in a firm deep voice like a true Politician) “Yes, I gave you those cows. But I never said that you should eat them.”
How about if we started migrating… maybe that’s not such a bad idea. Wait a minute, Even the Kwok Brothers with their Billions have left !! What do they know that we don’t? What are the procedures needed to open a Swiss Bank Account again? And where do I sign up?
Overheard on the airplane while filling up immigration form:
“How do you spell Malaysia?” “F-A=I-L-U-R-E”
Also overheard at Immigration:
“I wish we were called the People’s Republic of Sarawak”
Overheard at KLIA:
“I’m so sorry I missed the last flight. I really wanted to come to Malaysia to see all the beautiful things they said about the country. I’m really sorry but this flight was the only flight that I could get. I know, I’m four days late. What did I miss?” “Nothing”
Utterly upset with what happening in today’s Malaysia.
bigjoe99
April 24, 2007
In the US, there are political sites that list their congressman voting records and background.
Perhaps one thing that can be done is to post EACH MP’s background including qualification and allow bloggers to add information. The information should be edited to keep it objective and key facts verified by someone. Someone should let MPs know the existence of these posting and have them comments too…
sean
April 24, 2007
Right on……………will help to spread the positive message across to people i know and to people that cares.Keep it up………..
By the way mine is under PJ utara…………
What can i do to help?
Badri
April 30, 2007
I think this is a good thing for all Malaysia.
But we must not forget – the MPs are also Malaysians and therefore also deserve the better Malaysia that we want. Going to see the MPs in an aggressive and antagonistic manner would only cause him to defend and react, and that wouldn’t leave a good taste in the mouth. Actually we must not forget that we’re on the same team and therefore this shouldn’t turn into a witch-hunt.
Besides the four issues listed above, I think the 10 people from each constituency should also bring up issues related to their own community, whether it is garbage-collection or street lights. I think with the right approach, most smart MPs would welcome the idea of listening to 10 members (who would also know others) from his constituency and try to sort out their issues because this would mean voters for him. That really has been the problem, right? MPs want the votes but forget the campaign promises. So lets just remind them. But if they find that by doing what the people want and giving them what they promised, gets them better “exposure”, then the bigger, national issues are easier for them to handle. But don’t be disappointed if we don’t get all that we asked for. For a start I’d be happy if we got 50% to 75% of what we wanted. Well, at least it’s a start in the right direction, huh?
I think today, approaching our 50 years of independence, we have a people who are more mature and more educated, but may need a nudge to the right mindset. After all we have accepted / tolerated this “way of life” for so long. Quite a number of people who have gone to see the MP before will remember that it was mostly for some personal benefit – maybe it was some garbage pile up that affected them personally, or because they wanted that piece of land, or needed a license, or just wanted their two cows. Most MPs also think that people come to see them for that. So we need to change that mindset first – for both sides! This is, after all, the Peoples Parliament, right?
Haris, I’m with you all the way.
New malaysian
May 1, 2007
Dear Haris
It is a good start. Why not publish in all newspapers to let more people to know. It is time to knock out those useless, arrogant and sleeping MPs.Why not restrict their MP term to only 2 terms maximum.
captainpatel
May 10, 2007
Hello Mr Haris,
I have only just read about your endeavour and website in today’s Sun 10th May 2007.I support your noble effort to put in place a mechanism for us to track the performance of our MPs.
I think there is very little awareness among the public of your effort. I hope the Sun can have information of your website printed every day to create awareness.Meanwhile, I will do my part by informing asany people as I can about this website.
If my memory serves me right, I vote in the PJ Utara constituemcies.
Bye and take care.
kyc
May 18, 2007
I only come to know this website yesterday when i joined the Forum entitled “Respect Women’s Dignity, towards a 1st Class Parliament”. Well, this is a good move, though i am not really interested in politics.
Just forget what is your race, religious, and which political party you belongs to, who and where are we now?? I am not saying the BN’s government is not effective…. We have to sit down, think and analyse……
Those MPs who are not effective and sleeping, making discriminary decisions should be voted out of the parliament. I hope there are more peoples to support the People’s Parliament. Meanwhile, i will help to spread the positive message to peoples that i know.
God bless you all, Haris and others. Keep it up!!
Panir
August 26, 2007
Hi Haris
I think the peoples parliament is an excellent idea. I have a suggestion that perhaps the good members of this forum can consider and debate.
I know you mentioned the lack of resources. However when we look at how the wikipedia came about, no organised entity could have achieved what wikipedia is today but was made possible by Netizens that rallied behind a worthy cause. But I digress.
The idea is simply to create a complete people’s parliament website that will list EVERY existing parliamentary seat with just the salient information like
Name of MP with photo
Party he/she represents
His/her biodata
Last election results (to start with)
MP’s contact details
Then comes the crucial part – any constituent can then post a question to his/her MP on this website. The MP is given the opportunity to reply and all replies are posted on the site for all to see.
Of course MPs who do not bother to reply will also be obvious to all.
In this manner, what the MP thinks, the quality of response to issues etc will be obvious to all. The MP will then be truly a servant of the public as he or she should rightly be.
MPs should have no excuse for not answering. That that claim to be busy can always get their assistants to reply. Those that claim to be too “bodoh” to respond online will be spared the agony of having to serve their constituents in the next election.
In a nation where Parliamentary proceedings are not telecast in full to the public because the rakyat has been deemed “not mature enough” to watch such proceedings (but where porn can be purchased outside any 7-Eleven store by all and sundry including under-aged hormone charged teens) such a site will be a marvel.
I truly hope we can make this a reality.
Panir, please check out Citizens Think Tank.
K.R.Pramila
September 18, 2007
Hi Haris,
i really support you, it’s really great. But my concern is how to reach more people out there, many of them are ignorants and some of them simply don’t care. And sadly, these type people form the majority. How do we tap into this category of people? Some people whom i talk to think these problems are someone else’s problem, not theirs.
If we can get more people to understand that the power to change lies in them and not elsewhere, great deal of work is considered done.
silatgirl
November 19, 2007
hello malaysia, I very excited you .
hamid ibrahim
December 29, 2009
Dear Brother
It is with deep regret that I wish to comment on
most of the MPS. Public funds are spent on these
persons – and they do not their jobs – firstly even
replying to people emails.
I do not understand why we should waste our hard
earned money on these useless guys; from the moment
they are elected that is the end of it. They do no
CARE FOR THE PEOPLE;
If I were in the ‘gorment’ as the Sikhs say,
1 stop giving money to buy cars,
2 stop their allowances. 3 stop their free emails;
4 do not given them telephone and I understand
the mps get so many facilities.
May be one or two genuine ones; the rest are hopeless
thanks
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