I was at the PKR press con yesterday afternoon. The full text of Anwar’s press statement may be read HERE.
Some of you wanted to sight the letter sent by the PR leadership day before yesterday to Pak Lah seeking a meeting to judge for yourselves whether Pak Lah or Anwar was fibbing about the letter referring to the ‘transition of power’. A copy of that letter, in pdf, is linked below.
Most of you who responded to the ‘…we, the rakyat will Hartal ISA…’ have firmly committed to support the Hartal ISA initiative, and have urged that it be launched,
My friends who are involved in this effort and I are grateful for the encouragement and the pledges of support that we have received.
Many of you have rightly pointed out that this initiative will require meticulous planning. That is being undertaken even as I write this.
Some of you have written in to say that you are not quite sure what ‘hartal’ entails.
Let me try and illustrate what we have in mind this way.
I first posed the question whether we should Hartal ISA on 14th September.
To my surprise, on that very day, i got an e-mail from Fahmi Reza, the man who gave us the documentary, ‘Sepuluh Tahun Sebelum Merdeka’ to say that he ‘sokong cadangan kau untuk rakyat adakan Hartal pada 16 Sept nanti!’ and ‘Aku akan hasilkan lebih banyak graphic dan post dalam blog 10tahun nanti’.
Fahmi, if you are reading this, I must apologise because in the madness that had engulfed us all in the days following immediately after the ISA detentions on 12th September, I overlooked to reply to your e-mail to say that we had not settled on the date of 16th September, let alone whether to go through with Hartal ISA.
And Fahmi went ahead and had his own Hartal on 16th September.
This is what he wrote in his blog on 16th September :
‘Hari ini aku berhartal. Maksudnya dari jam 6 pagi tadi sampai ke 12 tengahmalam nanti, aku ambil bahagian dalam satu tindakan mogok dan general stoppage of work.
Ertinya aku…
…tak keluar bekerja
…tak naik bas
…tak naik LRT
…tak bawa motor
…tak pergi pasar
…tak keluar beli suratkhabar
…tak pergi shopping
…tak beli apa-apa barang
…tak keluar makan
…tak keluar tengok wayang
…tak keluar lepak dengan kawan-kawan
…batalkan semua temujanji aku hari ni
…terpaksa cancel interview dengan media untuk cakap pasal Revolusi ‘48
…tak pergi acara sambutan Hari Malaysia hari ni
…tak pergi candle-light vigil malam nanti
…tak pergi parti housewarming kawan malam nanti
Aku hanya duduk kat rumah”
Please take some time out to read the rest of what Fahmi had to say on his 916 Hartal HERE.
I think Fahmi has succinctly described what we will all be doing if and when Hartal ISA is launched. If each of us could keep to Fahmi’s summary of what he did on 916, we would each have successfully done our part for Hartal ISA.
So why is Hartal ISA on standby mode?
Let me explain this by first alluding to what Anwar said at the press con yesterday afternoon, what’s happened since, take on board some rumours and some reliable info and then lend my attempt to try and fill in some of the blanks arising from what Anwar did not say at the press con.
You’ve all read all the reports by now about the request that has been sent to Pak Lah that an emergency sitting of the Dewan Rakyat be convened next Tuesday, 23rd September.
To questions as to what Pakatan Rakyat would do if Pak Lah rejects outright this request as he did with the earlier request for a meeting, Anwar resorted to the standard ‘PR leadership will meet to consider the next course of action’ or something like that. Pressed further, Anwar acknowledged that seeking an audience with the Agong in such eventuality was certainly an option that would be contemplated.
As expected, last night, Pak Lah dismissed the request for the emergency sitting of Dewan Rakyat as being unnecessary.
So what now?
Based on info received, it is understood that PR has already requested for an audience with His Majesty and hope to be given that audience some time today.
Now I speculate.
If that audience takes place today, Anwar is expected to lead a delegation who will now formally appraise His Majesty of the crisis of governance at hand : a federal government led by one who no longer has the confidence of the majority of MPs and to further formally inform His Majesty that Anwar now has the confidence of a majority of those same MPs.
Still speculating.
His Majesty having been so appraised of and presumably made privy to the numbers and names of MPs who are said to have crossed over from BN to PR, may summon Pak Lah. Pak Lah can be expected to dispute the assertion by PR.
I’m still speculating.
His Majesty may seek legal advice as to how to resolve this crisis. He may well be advised that a vote on a motion of no confidence in the Dewan Rakyat may well conclusively resolve the question of who has the confidence of the majority of the MPs : Pak Lah or Anwar?
His Majesty might also be advised that pursuant to Article 55(1) of the Federal Constitution, His Majesty is empowered to summon Parliament.
One last speculation.
His Majesty, with a view to resolving this crisis, may direct that an emergency sitting of Parliament ( or more specifically, the Dewan Rakyat ) be convened to enable the issue of the confidence or otherwise in Pak Lah’s leadership be resolved by a vote on an appropriate motion. This may or may not be set for the date as requested by PR.
My friends who are working on the Hartal ISA effort and I feel that we should put on hold any call to Hartal ISA for now whilst we monitor any and all developments in the next 12 hours, unless rumours that were rife last night that the detention of Anwar was imminent turn out to be true.
If Anwar is detained as is now rumoured, my friends and I will urge that Hartal ISA be launched immediately whilst we collaborate with other friends in civil society on any other appropriate action that might be taken in those circumstances.
We are now working to lay the groundwork to take Hartal ISA as far and as wide as possible, if and when it should be launched.
Whilst we are in standby mode, you could do your part in trying to make this effort more effective if and when it is launched.
Start spreading word of this to your friends, colleagues and family members. Explain to them why it might be launched. Help to ge them all in standby mode.
Could we have sample sms’s in English, BM, Mandarin and Tamil sent in so that these may be put up for people to use if and when the effort is launched, please?
su
September 19, 2008
Haris, need confirmation that the sms txt below is ok. If it’s fine, I’ll go on to translate when I get home from uni.
‘Pls be on standby for a Hartal against the ISA – a general strike where everyone stays home. When we launch this, we need everyone to be with us. Let us be free from the ISA.’
Cheers
su,
Sounds good
shar101
September 19, 2008
Haris,
Please read what Shad Saleem Faruqi said:
http://malaysianunplug.blogspot.com/2008/09/anwar-is-correct-in-taking-cautious-and.html
If AAB decides to go for the whole nine yards AND if the Agong assents, Dewan Rakyat sittings can be postponed for SIX MONTHS from the last one. That timeframe goes beyond the UMNO GA in December’08.
On the premise that a democratically recognised decision can only be achieved by having a motion of no confidence supported by no less than 112 MPs which must be held in a sanctioned Dewan Rakyat session, it appears that the window of opportunity is still far away.
Therefore, the HARTAL initiative, imho, has assumed a much larger and nobler purpose.
Can you give it some re-thinking, bro.
Eagle has landed
September 19, 2008
Yes, yes, yes, we HARTAL ISA.
flyer168
September 19, 2008
Dear Haris,
Shar101 has a point there.
Whilst the Powers-that-be are playing for time, frustrating & delaying DSAI’s & PR’s request for the meeting with PM, etc. – we are now 3 days off target 916.
DSAI has to outsmart the Powers-that-be & not be caught in the “Trap” with the threat thrown at him. So we should not pressure him into a “False” move.
Alot of Anak Bangsa Malaysia share your sentiments & are impatiently awaiting that elusive “Skychange”.
With the present Political deadlock turning dangerous & ugly, let us all stay cool & focus on the “Objective Target”….”to reduce BN’s majority”.
Already the BN’s self-destruct mechanism is in action, more defections will be coming & there are other options available for us to assist DSAI & also to circumvent the “Impasse” to give them a dose of their own medicine – yes, Multi-Derectional divertions from several fronts “Simultaneously”.
You & your team to brainstorm on the “Hartal” action plan details while it is on “standby” mode.
Meanwhile Shar & those working on the 3rd Front can sit down to brainstorm the action plan on convincing SAPP to initiate the move with any BN defectors to be “Independent” & then to be absorbed into their 3rd Front.
They can now have a common platform – ex BN component party individuals & party enblock wanting to be “Neutral”.
Should the Powers-that-be decide to force Mahyuddin out, then he can also take out his team to be “Independent” & be absorbed into the 3rd Front.
Should MCA, MIC, Gerakan, etc wish to breakaway enblock to be Independent – this “Neutral” 3rd Front will be a better option for them as they can then be absorbed likewise.
Let the neutral 3rd Front be the “King maker” with the reduced BN majority.
Devine Intervention will ensure the “Headache” will be on the Powers-that-be with the neutral 3rd Front in the “equation”.
With this, the “Morality” issue can be resolved and any coalition thereafter with PR can be considered to overcome the “Deadlock”.
This will give DSAI & PR more time & options to circumvent the “Impasse” and for the 3rd Front to concentrate their focus to reduce BN’s majority – offering a better option for those with no future in BN.
By then DSAI will not be a “threat”, rather BN’s new “Headache” will be the 3rd front !
The “Titanic” will be “Crippled” in no time & “Skychange” can be achieved in due course.Insha’Allah.
Paul Warren
September 19, 2008
Fahmi Reza’s documentary, ‘Sepuluh Tahun Sebelum Merdeka’, tells us something in a context that almost all Malaysians don’t actually realise.
Today’s Malaysia is premised on the story and perspectives set out by UMNO, giving them the credits and the dues for who and what we are as Malaysians. Somehow that seems to justify everything they do, because it is like as if they are the only ones who made sacrifices. It is like as if the bargain that we have got is is the only one. The best one.
This ‘Sepuluh Tahun Sebelum Merdeka’ has to be viewed by every single Malaysian. Watching it on U-Tube is not the answer. VCD’s ought to be made and every household has to have one copy.
Having watched this I dare say Hartal will take a completely different meaning to everyone.
Meanwhile, you take care bro. In about 3 weeks when I am back, hope to be greeting you in the new Malaysia.
su
September 19, 2008
SMS package:
‘Pls be on standby for a Hartal against the ISA – a general strike where everyone stays home. When we launch this, we need everyone to be with us. Spread this to your friends. Let us be free from the ISA.’
‘Silalah bersedia utk melancarkan Hartal membantah p’gunaan ISA – pemogokan umum dimana semua hanya duduk di rumah. Apabila dilancarkan, kita perlukan kerjasama drpd semua. Sebarkan kpd rakan-rakan. Marilah kita bebas dari ISA.’
‘请准备为表示反对内安法令而罢工 – 一个和平的方式表达人民的不满。当我们进行这活动的时候,我们需要所有人的参与和支持。把这信息传发给朋友们。让我们不再受内安法令的恐吓。’
Hope it helps. Stay safe Haris.
ps: I seriously need to invest in more up-to-date dictionaries…
Mr Smith
September 19, 2008
Agreed,
A Hartal rethink is in place. No hurry.
Even if Anwar is arrested, which I doubt, the other leaders of PR, Hadi, Kit, Wan Azizah, could still represent him before the King to put forward their case.
Do you honestly believe UMNO would care if this country burns?
barry
September 19, 2008
Just say the word, and I will stay home for a day. But what about the children’s schooling? Are they to take part in this hartal as well?
barry,
Not fair if we exclude kids from this historic event. And what if teachers too, want to hartal?
Also, would you be in the mood, if the need arose, to hartal ad infinitum?
mauryaII
September 19, 2008
The idea to put the Hartal on hold is relevant under the circumstances. We have waited to take action and it doesn’t matter to wait another 24hrs.
What really matters is that we should go on Hartal if DSAI fails to get an audience with the King or if the Sleepy Head decides either to use the ISA indiscriminately against other bloggers and the opposition leaders.
The waiting is to say the least unbearable.
su
September 19, 2008
Haris, this may not be relevant, but I’ve posted some photos HERE today, just thought you might be interested.
Lays
September 19, 2008
Haris,
Is Hartal ISA the only way now? As the economy worldwide slumping, BN is trying to put the blame on PR and its supporters.
Moving on with this initiative might backfired if it proceed at this moment. Many Malaysians are concerned bout the country’s economy and some are ignorant of what’s causing this economy meltdown. Some even expect our local economy will rebound after PR’s takeover.
I’ll support this initiative full heartily, but i’m quite concern bout the outcome of this initiative.
mei1
September 19, 2008
Michelle, the photos seem pretty ok & relevant to our predicament.
Truth Shall Prevail
September 19, 2008
LOUD AND CLEAR….YB HARIS
We are waiting…Thank you so much. God Bless you whatever you undertake and may we be sucessful.
I also want to thank Hummingbird….thank you so much for all the hard work. Keep it up brother
Meng
September 19, 2008
Looks like the Agung will be in the limelight again. DSAI knows pretty well what he is doing. In the present state the Agung and the conference of Rulers must play their part. I am sure these rulers must be following the situation closely.
If all fails we hartal.
barry
September 19, 2008
Bro Haris,
Hartal ad infinitum – what to eat? It would only mean that the country is all gone, utterly wasted. I think, by then, I would have left this beloved country of mine – that is the sad reality.
fergie
September 19, 2008
I am on standby til you give the word, Haris. Meanwhile I shall use Su’s suggested sms and send word out to friends and family. Thank you, Su. Take care, Haris and we hope for the best. Daulat Tuanku!
toyolbuster
September 19, 2008
Haris,
Thanks for all the good work and initiative. Count me in on any Hartal anytime and anyday. Thanks to brother Fahmi for his set of example for Hartal which is no sweat. But I will still send my kids to school. Say the word GO and we shall Hartal
toyolbuster,
Please reconsider about sending the kids to school.
elizabeth wong
September 19, 2008
I am working with a GLC. I speculate that, if a nationwide hartal is called on a working day, there could be a blanket suspension of leave so those who choose to go may face possible dismissal at work. Much as I want to see change, putting my job on the line with young children to support rattles my nerve. I am sorry if my lack of courage is a dampener to others. I wish I am more brave.
For a start, should we go ahead with the strike, can we do it on a Saturday or a public holiday?
jana
September 19, 2008
It is time everyone wakes up from their slumber and change the govt before it does more damage. Because of a selfish few moronic leaders the whole nation has to suffer. If we let this be, we are just BN’s accomplice. The future generation will blame us for the damage as well. Malaysian of all walk of life let us do the hartal ISA to save our beloved country
Reniv
September 19, 2008
WHILE EVERYONE ON THE STANDBY MODE. THIS IS SOMETHING TO REFRESH, RELAX & LAUGH ABOUT CHECK THIS OUT………HILARIOUS
Malaysianatheart
September 19, 2008
On hold …. ? yeah, I guess that’s okay for now. But its time for us all to get real – don’t imagine that our Agung will have the wherewithal to do the needful. Are we forgetting that our royal houses have all been benefactors of the UMNO gravy train?
So, looks like we will hartal for sure – but since you guys feel the need to have some hope that His Majesty will come to rescue his rakyat and the country, I guess we could put it on hold for a while. And when we have all been let down really badly – we will realize that we are on our own, people. Didn’t anyone notice how they tried desperately to stall appointing Pakatan MB’s and Excos in Pakatan states? In the hope that their political masters could secure defections …!
It is WE who are going to have to force the change – NO ONE who has been basking in the UMNO/BN rape and pillage will lend us a hand – such is life! So get ready to Hartal!
panca
September 19, 2008
Haris,
Yes we are ready, just say go and it will begin.
The translation can be 3-in-one and we won’t have to be too concerned with what language to who as it gets further with recipients of the messages. Can we put these together!
On standby mode.
The Simple Man
September 19, 2008
Hi Haris,
Hope all is well with you. Reading what Shar101 shared with us. What is your opinion on the Q&A?
From what i have read, looks like the King can only for now refuse the 6 months elapse of the Parliment sitting. Do correct me if i am wrong. So PR can only ask that of the King.
It would be good to have your opinion.
The Simple Man
Kinsyng
September 19, 2008
Haris,
I don’t understand. I’m so confused. So Anwar did send the letter PM when PM repeatedly denied that he had received one. He repeatedly said that the letter only pertained to other unimportant socio-economical matters. Now that the letter has been revealed. Is he crazy or insane or ku-ku to think that he could get on with his lies?
So now, what’s his story? That his secretary purposely witheld the letter from him. I wonder what will be his response, now that the letter has been disclosed. I thought only kindergarten children would resort to such tactic by acting blur hoping that he could buy time. This is so embarassing. Does he know shame?
joehancl
September 19, 2008
You need to KIV the other states. There should be leaders in the other states for max effect.
temenggong
September 19, 2008
We have to work with the Pakatan parties to effect a nationwide hartal. Perhaps even get the 5 opposition states to ‘officially’ hartal.
But lets exhaust all the options first, let us see if the Agong first acts or not.
peng
September 19, 2008
Harris,
As I read your post, my heart beats fast. Especially on your speculations. I pray your speculations will turn out to be true and we see a change in government soon.
I can’t bear to read of people being detained for the silliest of reasons. I hurt seeing Kickdefella handcuffed under police custody. I hurt reading of Raja Petra’s health on the decline. It is the injustice to Malaysians that hurts so much. So please let there be a change in government and we need not hartal anymore.
Jim Khoo
September 19, 2008
Harris
Already on “Hartaling Standby Mode” awaiting further instructions.
Please do not take too long else will go into “Sleep” mode soon.
However, need to address those who work in emergency cases cause this could jeopardise the disadvantage on this day..Please give some thoughts to this.
Also I suggest maybe on the day before, we all go into the banks and withdraw all our money and create a “run on the bank”
Don’t pay all those BN cronies companies all the bills we owe.
Don’t collect any monies for these companies.
Malaysianatheart
September 19, 2008
HEY PEOPLE! READ MY LIPS …… DYMM WILL NOT ACT!
GOD! WELL, I SUPPOSE IT IS NICE TO HAVE SUCH A ROMANTICIZED VIEW ON LIFE. BUT IF YOU HONESTLY THINK THAT HE WILL COME RIDING OUT ON HIS WHITE HORSE AND SHINING ARMOUR FOR YOURS AND MY SAKE …. SHEEZ! THINK AGAIN! YOU GUYS HAVE BEEN READING TOO MANY FAIRY TALES! LETS FACE IT FOLKS – IN TODAY’S WORLD THERE ARE 2 PARAMOUNT QUESTIONS – 1) WHY SHOULD I? 2) WHATS IN IT FOR ME? And if all we can say is that it will relieve the people of this country from a tyrannical government, huh! .. you’ll probably get a snigger and his retort will be “SO WHAT?”.
SO GET READY TO HARTAL!!
shadowmode
September 19, 2008
i agree with malaysianheart thoroughly. the king failed to listen. guys, r u really that gullible?