M E I C H E R N

No more secrets, please

2011-04-02T05:03:00.000-07:00

A GOVERNMENT that implements a law that puts itself to account speaks a lot more than one that spends public funds to advertise itself. Come April 28, we may finally have a law that promotes government accountability and transparency; the Selangor state government tables its final draft of the Freedom of Information (FOI) bill. It is worth noting that feedback from civil society was taken into account in its Select Committee’s amendments.

We must ensure this momentum of questioning an archaic assumption whereby information held by governments are to be secret by default, but that it is the government’s obligation to ensure the public’s right to that information.

The lack of information is an impetus for weak public discussions. In the case of the Klang Valley MRT, certain media or individuals made it out to be a simplistic debate of rich vs poor. The use of stereotype-based accusations must be the easiest manner in which to derail meaningful public discussions. This is further made worse by access and quality of information that is ultimately decided upon by the state.

Being able to limit or control the kind of information to be released can influence public perception. Is it acceptable that the state – whom we as taxpayers fund – in turn can arbitrarily decide what we know, or don’t know? Except for narrow exceptions (for example, military secrets) the public should have every right to information held by governments, such as those concerning public transport, land deals and water concessionaire agreements.

We waste a lot of time in trying to access information to make informed decisions. The Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) has promised to consider all feedback obtained during the three-month period before proceeding with the MRT project. A transparent process and longer period for feedback would certainly enable communities to better organise themselves; a factor perhaps deemed as a hindrance if one needs to expedite a project.

Despite the less than favourable conditions for communities to take part in meaningful ways, residents associations in parts of Klang Valley have come together to make a united stand and petition athttp://kvmrtwatch.blogspot.com/, calling for a responsible implementation of the MRT and outlining reasons why it should go underground. We must engage and hold decision-makers to account.

Questions surrounding the appointment of American consultants in relation to the MRT project were raised by Chua Tian Chang in Parliament, who also revealed the disposal of valuable land parcels to certain companies at below market value. If we had an FOI Act in place, anyone – not just MPs – will have the right to request for such information that are of public interest.

Eighty-five countries including India and neighbouring Thailand have implemented some form of FOI Act. In the United Kingdom, FOI requests were made from how their government spends on media and PR relations, to documents revealing serious safety issues in one of their atomic power stations in 2006.

Man-made disasters are aided by the lack of accountability in decision making processes. Who and how was it decided that a rare earth plant was to be built in Kuantan that would generate radioactive waste? As with plans to build nuclear plants in Malaysia, there are too many questions for projects alleged to be economically advantageous but present great risks to the people. The energy, green technology and water minister saying that the "government will not do it (build nuclear plants) secretly without informing the public" does not mean a thing if decisions are made without transparent due process and genuine public consultation.

While it may be a long way before an FOI law is implemented nationwide, the passing of the Selangor FOI Bill will be a historic and important step towards accessing information that rightly belongs to us.

http://www.sun2surf.com/article.cfm?id=59177
Updated: 09:34AM Fri, 25 Mar 2011

Racism - The Semantics

2011-02-12T19:07:00.000-08:00

The following is a letter to editor (The Sun) which was not published. The writer then sent it to me. With the writer's permission, I'm reproducing the letter in its entirety here:

---

I have followed KK Tan's articles on racism in The Sun (July 29, Aug 26, Sept 15, Sept 24) and despite Zalifah Azman's letter (oct 4) I can only agree with the views of Leow Mei Chern(Sept 30) that redefining terms doesnt help and may be even more damaging.

The meaning of a word depends on the way it is used by the people who speak the language - and dictionaries record and describe this in their definitions. The meaning of a word cannot be what an individual thinks the word ought to mean. Everyone has a right to one's own opinion; but if you redefine a word in your own way you are going to be linguistically incorrect, and not calling a spade a spade! The words racism and racist appear regularly in the media and as far as I can see they have been used appropriately to mean what they do in Malaysia and the rest of the english speaking world. Racism refers to dislike or unfair treatment of people based on a belief that one's own race is best, rather than K.K Tan's insistence on a 'systematic oppression of one or more races by another'.

When a section of a crowd at a football game in some European countries verbally abuses a player because he is black, this is despicable and it is racist, even though you wouldn't call it systematic oppression of a race. Hence Fifa has a campaign to kick racism out of the game. The slogan is 'kick racism', not 'kick out racial chauvinism', which has the virtue of being accurate as well as shorter and snappier.

One can readily acknowledge that some forms of racism are much, much worse than others, but racism is racism whatever the degree. Stealing a million dollars is worse than a thousand dollars, but both are theft. Poverty in Malaysia is no where as bad as other places in the world but we still talk about eradicating poverty. The difference between manslaughter and murder, however, is not one of degree. The former is unintentional killing.

There have been a couple of wilful misinterpretations here:

1. No one has denied that racism experiences by black people as slaves in America or under apatheid in South Africa was worse than racism experienced by others.

2. I don't think anyone has accused Tan of trying to excuse or downplay a problem or of pretending it doesn't exist - its just that and danger of this happening through redefinition should be avoided.

Tan is surely well intentioned (at least in his first two articles) and the sad thing is that the 'seven sins' he describes, and the proposed public declaration may deserve to be read and considered carefully, reflected upon, and discussed. But I feel that all the good work done is undermined by the redefinition issue.

Any attempt to impose or prescribe one's own definition of an accepted term can only bring confusion and obfuscation which is unhelpful for an honest and correct analysis of a social problem.

-Linguistic Observer

Celebrating Women’s Wisdom Festival

2010-12-08T04:40:00.000-08:00

Dec 18th! Join IWP's Celebrating Women’s Wisdom Festival in Chiang Mai:

We welcome everyone to our center in a rural village surrounded by rice fields for a time of relaxation, rejuvenation, and joy.

Schedule of Events for Saturday, December 18:

2-4:30 pm simultaneous workshops including belly dance (led by Kristen Beifus), body and energy awareness (led by OmSunisa Jamwiset), Kundalini yoga (led by Faeng), and community theatre (led by Ann). Learn more about yourself, your body, a new move or two!

5:00 Women and Spirituality keynote by Dhammananda Bhikkuni, Thailand’s first female monk

6:00 delicious meal

7:00-11:00 concert under the stars, featuring:

Mei Chern, singer/songwriter from Malaysia

Fagan Shephard, singer/songwriter from the USA

dance performances, including Shan Kinneri and sword dances, belly dance, modern dance

and so much more!! A community bazaar with a wide range of local and handmade products will run throughout the event. Booths offering a tantalizing assortment of services, like foot massage, reiki, face masks and more will please your body and soul.

Delicious snacks, organic coffee, and shakes will be available for purchase, and the ticket price includes dinner.

~ guests also have the option of spending the night, in dorm or tent accommodation, and joining us for morning yoga and breakfast.

coming and going: trucks will depart from the front gate of Wat Suan Dok at 1:00 pm on the 18th and return there after the concert. For people staying the night, trucks will leave the center at 10 am on the 19th to return to the city.

pricing: ticket price includes workshops, keynote, concert and dinner, 500 baht. For guests spending the night, 800 baht. truck service to come and return to the city: 100 baht/round trip

The Celebrating Women’s Wisdom Festival is a fundraiser for IWP and a new program we are organizing in 2011 called Buddhist Education for Social Transformation. All workshop leaders and performers have generously donated their time, skills and services for the concert. We heartily thank them for their kind support and willingness to share their talents.

contact us to reserve your ticket: ginger@womenforpeaceandjustice.org (english); info@womenforpeaceandjustice or 086.944.3989 (Thai)

Ops Bilang*

2010-11-19T00:45:00.000-08:00

Ops Bilang* was an artistic response to 12 contentious issues explored in a newly launched English-Malay e-forum called "Let's Talk About..." or "Bicara Pasal..." Organised by the Centre for Independent Journalism, Ops Bilang invited 12 artists to give a take each on those issues that are often hushed up or riddled with myths. It was held on 26 October 2010, at Annexe Gallery, Central Market Kuala Lumpur, to a capacity crowd, with not even standing room left!

An eye for an eye is one thing, but a life for another? Contemplating on the death penalty, singer-songwriter Mei Chern penned and performed this song to ask what we hope to get when we send another human being to their death. And what we really get:

Cold night, at midnight
Is this the closure we fight for?
So careful and measured
some kind of way to make it better
Is it any better?

We're ordinary people
who cannot see another
with the games they play from hell
to this calculated spite.
So caught up in the circle
with monsters that will blind you
keeping you beside
when nothing's left inside.

Cold night, at midnight
Is this the closure you fight for?
So careful, and measured
some kind of way to make things better
Are we any better?

Are we any better?

More arguments against the death penalty here: LetsTalkAbout.cijmalaysia.org

*Bilang: Malay word for "count, "to tell"; also a play on "Lalang", to commemorate that other operasi launched by the State under the draconian Internal Security Act on 27 October 1987. A total of 106 people were arrested and four news publications closed down within days, creating a long-lasting climate of fear when it comes to the exercise of our citvil liberties, especially freedom of expression. Hence, Ops Bilang is a way of reclaiming that space to speak up on issues that affect us as citizens.

Bilang 1 - hitung (satu demi satu), jumlah, congkat, campur, kira

Bilang 2 - bercakap, katakan, sampaikan, khabarkan, ceritakan, adu, beritahukan, nasihatkan

Racism, racialism or brownwashing?

2010-11-19T00:41:00.000-08:00

IS the language used by Malaysians to reflect their aspirations being diluted in recent years? Words like unity and inclusiveness are now used like never before, but seem to mean even less. These aspirations can be diluted by co-opting the language used, or in some cases re-defining it.

A possible example is a recent article that highlighted the different forms of racism; the "systematic oppression supported by an ideology on the inferiority of the victims based solely on race" (eg those experienced by Jews and African slaves) – in which is exclusively termed "racism", and that which is "mere racial prejudice, racial chauvinism, etc to be called "racialism". It was argued that it was politically and morally incorrect to use "racism" in our Malaysian context, but that what we have is "racialism".

It was suggested that by appreciating our problem to be not as bad, then we would be able to address the issue better. But in our Malaysian context, redefining terms this way doesn’t help and may even be damaging. We do not need to reduce a problem before addressing it. Are Malaysians supposed to be less concerned because our Asian experience of racial prejudice isn’t as bad as those oppressed by the Nazis?

If the aim is to reduce divisiveness and demoralisation among people; mature dialogue, and having those in power able to manage the situation aptly and justly would help, not by diluting the message and telling people to appreciate their problems to be less than the Holocaust.

It was also suggested that by using the term racism in our Malaysian context, we belittle the terrible sufferings of those it defined as "real racism", whitewash past atrocities, and insult the historic struggles of great leaders such as Martin Luther King.

I believe Malaysians have no interest in "whitewashing" or belittling the terrible sufferings of holocaust victims or African slaves, nor to my knowledge have oppressed groups raised this concern. But by attempting to redefine racism as used by Malaysians to be "racialism" and "not so bad", isn’t that akin to "whitewashing" (or since we are Asians, shall we say "brownwashing") the racial problem in Malaysia?

If King were alive today, I’m guessing he will not be so hung up on the term, but would rather empower us to recognise the prejudice that, if encouraged and allowed its space in society, can manifest into its worst forms.

Most definitions today define "racism" and "racialism" to be the same, and some even define "racialism" to be a neutral term as an "emphasis on race or racial considerations, as in determining policy or interpreting events." Why further dilute and confuse what we mean to say? Perhaps a quote from a historian and friend sums it up well: "You do not need to gas a whole community before calling it racism."

Re-defining terms the public have been using (and that which is widely used) but authoritatively stating it as fact, is a tad insidious in diluting the message when people are speaking out against an injustice.

We can collectively and proactively address the issue, but not by immature reactionary measures, PR campaigns that gloss over issues, or by redefining terms that dilute public discussions. It would, however, help if we can acknowledge and deal with whatever prejudices there are in our society, and we can do so responsibly without making things worse when we ourselves are mindful of our own prejudices.

Published in The Sun, Wed, 29 Sep 2010

Solidarity Night : Dari Rakyat Untuk Rakyat

2009-12-12T07:03:00.000-08:00

If you've not heard the songs on Meor's latest album 'Dari Rakyat Untuk Rakyat' (DRUR), you can listen to some of them at Amnesty's Human Rights Day at the Annex at Central Market on the 13th Dec.

I was glad to sing one of the songs on DRUR. Because there aren't many, if any, songs that embody the progressive voice of Malaysians. 'Dari Rakyat Untuk Rakyat' is such an initiative by some Malaysians, with songs written by individuals from civil society and put into song by singer-songwriter Meor. DRUR reflects real issues and expresses aspirations of a politically awakened Malaysia; from human rights lawyer Amer Hamzah's song on ISA, activist/blogger Amin Iskandar's lyrics on the Memali Massacre, Rahmat Harun's poem on Shamsiah Fakeh, lyrics by Hishamudin Rais' and notable poet PyanHabib, to Meor's 'Sampai Bila' reflecting Malaysia's longing for democracy and justice.

I'll be singing Aapi (Awasi Api Perempuan Ini- lyrics from Rahmat Harun's poem on Shamsiah Fakeh), and perhaps a song or two of my own, at the 'Solidarity Night : Dari Rakyat Untuk Rakyat' on the 13th Dec. Details below:

Human Rights Day Celebration

13 December 2009

The Annexe Gallery, 1st Floor,

Central Market

Kuala Lumpur

_{http://www.centralmarket.com}

Prisoners in their own land

2009-11-04T06:27:00.000-08:00

SOMETIMES, we miss the forest for the trees. Often, we fail to humanise those different from us; something that must be reflected upon after watching Prisoners of a White God which was shown at the FreedomFilmFest KL 2009. In this documentary, Czech researcher Tomáš Ryška investigates wrongdoings against the Akhas – a small mountain ethnic tribe in the Thai and Laotian mountains.

The film documents the change experienced by the Akhas over two years and their reality with forced relocation, cultural genocide and many other unjust violations by certain missionaries and developmental projects. These were dramatically captured and narrated, giving an insight into the realities faced by indigenous people and marginalised groups.

However, concerns with issues of objectivity and dramatic techniques used in this film were raised during its post-screening discussion, with some misgivings over the accuracy of its title. While it is good to be discerning and critical regarding the reliability of certain scenes in the film, perhaps the more pertinent issue to be discussed was about religious aid, or developmental projects in relation to the reality faced by people they are supposed to be helping.

Prisoners of a White God is an apt title, because it beautifully encompasses the gist of the film by also referring to the capitalistic and western development that the mainstream all aspire to. It is essentially about bigotry and how sometimes so-called good intentions can cause harm. The relevance of this film giving insight into the reality faced by indigenous or marginalised groups is so much more urgent than, say, whether the way it was filmed was too dramatic or not.

It would be unfortunate if this insight were to be understated, as public opinion is such that it is so easy to overlook the rights of indigenous peoples, and how convenient it is to accept the justification of "development" without consideration of how marginalised groups are harmed in the process. Common simplistic assumptions that indigenous groups just do not want "progress" or that they do not know what’s good for them, are still very much alive. Malaysians are no different in this indifference, and we need all the help we can to awaken our public consciousness to truly understand why some are "prisoners in their own land".

This film is also a reminder of how we ought to be careful in the charity that we do, or with making public or private entities accountable for what they preach. Planting trees, being "green", and using popular lingo like "sustainability" and "unity" not only makes good advertising under the guise of corporate social responsibility or campaigns, but also distract us from the reality of any wrongdoings that may occur; if a company publicly appropriates an environmental cause, are its business practices really green and are they committing or allowing human rights violations to occur? Entities, be it companies, politicians or governments, that appropriate and ride on popular causes for cheap publicity, while performing hypocritical or unjust acts on the other hand, are deceitful to the public and further restrict our democratic space by usurping and diluting the language used for a cause.

Prisoners of a White God is a beautiful documentary to be appreciated for its ability to engage and the honesty of its agenda, which is the well-being of the Akhas, and in doing so exposes the dangers of bigotry or the perceived infallibility of certain organisations. It is also an important reminder that perhaps we should all be more critical about our own perceptions of how things "should be" and the nature of help that we support or give others.

The writer believes that police and state resources should be used to fight crime instead of monitoring film screenings. Prisoners of a White God is found online licensed under a Creative Commons Licence.

Published Tue, 03 Nov 2009 Freespace, The Sun, http://sun2surf.com/article.cfm?id=39732

CD on tour with FreedomFilmFest09 in PG, Kuching, JB

2009-10-07T20:36:00.000-07:00

Thanks to the FreedomFilmFest2009 KL team and volunteers for a great weekend!

For those in Penang, Kuching, and Johor, don’t miss it and book your free passes asap. Dates and venues below:

9-11 OCTOBER 2009, Han Chiang College, Penang
23-25 OCTOBER, Sek. Men. Chung Hua No.1, Kuching
30 OCTOBER-1 NOVEMBER, Tropical Inn, Johor Bharu

More details, film synopsis, and location maps on FFF website.

For reservations of passes, please email freedomfilmfest@komas.org or call 017-3749887, with the following information:

Name, Contact tel. no and email, Title of film/time of session that you would like to watch, Number of passes needed, In which state (KL, PG, JB, or KUCHING)

My CD will also be on sale at the screening venues, along with Meor's new album 'Dari Rakyat Untuk Rakyat' where I sang on one of the songs written by Ramat Harun, ‘awasi API perempuan ini’.

Don't miss it!!!

Freedom Film Fest 2009 weekend!

2009-09-30T10:31:00.000-07:00

Freedom Film Fest is back this weekend! I may be playing a song or two on saturday if I can make it for the awards night, but am definately attending most of the films. Full listing here:

http://freedomfilmfest.komas.org/?p=700

Apart from the FFF winning films on the theme of 'real change', do watch out for 'prisoners of a white god', Burma VJ, Nia Dinata's 'at stake', Flow, Carbon connection, and a host of other excellent docos that has garnered awards from Sundance, Full Frame, etc.

Looking forward to get my yearly dose of human rights docos. See you there!

Malam Seni Rakyat & Gadoh

2009-07-02T19:53:00.000-07:00

I should have updated this blog much earlier, but there you go. Guess I'm far from being a serial updater.

I'll be playing 2 songs tomorrow night at a gig organized by Meor and friends. It's in Kajang so do come along if you can. It's slightly experimental since I'll be singing a song written by Rahmat Harun and put into a song by Meor. Well, basically it is written in Malay so do excuse the accent if it sounds confused :)

http://cakaprakyat.blogspot.com/2009/06/malam-seni-rakyat-4-julai-2009_29.html

Have missed quite a bit of gigs lately, including urbanscape, being away travelling on the tibetian plateau. Heard it was good along with a packed screening of Gadoh. If you haven't seen it, do catch it at the next screening; it's well worth the watch for every Malaysian.

Who gets paid every time you flush your toilet?

2009-04-03T22:37:00.000-07:00

So long as laws and a system that curtails freedom of information- or that which prevents our right to know important information that affects us- continues, any claims for change remains as just another insidious plan at shallow rebranding, and attempts to further restrict our democratic spaces by usurping and appropriating language used to express our aspirations. As such, efforts to make known crucial information that affects us is even more important. The following are important info for the state of Selangor, and Malaysians in general as it may determine how a big chunk of our tax money is being spent:

visit www.airuntukrakyat.com which has all the relevant information and facts on the much publicised Selangor Water Restructuring Exercise.

or for a neat summary by Nat here - Water Scandal: Summarising BN’s massive conjob (or: how you are making the super rich Rozali Ismail *even* richer)

Spread the word!

FREEDOM FILM FEST 2009 & The Retrospective in London

2009-03-09T23:33:00.000-07:00

FFF is back this year with the theme 'Real Change?' which is timely as we need to know how recent political changes affect our lives as Malaysians. It's a great chance to win RM5,000 to make a film about your/a story of change in Malaysia, or win RM2000 for an existing film (Deadline- April 15,2009). For more details about the competition, see here. You can also email freedomfilmfest@gmail.com or call 03-79685415 for more info.

I've written about FFF last year when it first screened in east Malaysia. This year, FFF will be going to London for a 'Retrospective' on the 28 March 2009 at The Garden Court Chambers, where the screening will present its films from 2004-2008 for Malaysians and friends in London. If you're in London, it's a great chance to attend the screenings and catch up on the different issues which have been raised by Malaysian activists over the years.

FFF London is made possible and organized entirely by Malaysian volunteers and friends in London. For more details or if you’re interest to be a volunteer, please visit
http://freedomfilmfestlondon.blogspot.com
or email komaslondon@gmail.com

Hope sinks in limbo land

2009-03-03T08:20:00.000-08:00

WHILE some are busy debating morality, our constitution and ethics over recent fiascos, a section of Malaysians know very well how political changes can directly impact their lives in what could be very real and lasting manner.

Watching a video interview of some Perak-ians recently, I saw the immense disappointment in their eyes as they spoke of the political turmoil in the state.

"Macam orang gantung pada langit", a man described how they have never felt Malaysian for the past 51 years; the orang asli in Perak have been denied their rights to their land and a chance to live as equals ever since Malaysia gained independence.

In finding an urban parallel, I imagined a foreigner telling me that I have to leave my home because it belongs to them according to "their" new set of laws. Then the house they claimed from me is sold or used for immense profit. In the meantime, these powerful people decide to do "good" by running a programme and hire me to work in the house for RM400 a year. Anyone in their right mind would revolt at the injustice. But such is the situation of a marginalised community with little access to recourse or opportunities. They live at the sidelines, without a voice, and pushed around as and when someone else with the power and money want the land they have been living and toiling on.

Imagine their sense of hope, when what had not been achieved in 51 years, was done in a short span of 10 months since the last general election. Systems were put in place to assure their voices were heard by the state, and the process of ensuring their right to their ancestral lands were started; they showed that when given a chance, they could work hard to exercise their rights, to live as equals, and hope for the future. (For more info, see:
http://thenutgraph.com/orang-asli-in-perak-apprehensive).

But the recent fiasco in Perak has left them worried – with mixed emotions of quiet anger and hatred – at those responsible for the political turmoil that could mean a permanent end to whatever progress made since March last year.

One wonders if some middle-class Malaysians whose emotions run high because they feel like "2nd class citizens" have spared a thought for the orang asli, and perhaps include them in their demands for justice? One wonders also if those who thump their chest in anger because they feel besieged or "challenged" by those who questioned the manner of Perak’s takeover, have considered the orang asli community whose lives may be relegated back to how their rights have been trampled on for 51 years?

Land-grabbing is happening right under our noses, under the glare of our media, preoccupied with sensationalising private lives of politicians. Aside from stunting the progress of civil society, such gutter journalism supports the malicious intent of those bent on discrediting one of the few politicians who makes a firm stand based on just values.

Threats against politicians like Elizabeth Wong are a threat to her country at large which will continue to inherit the kind of processes that put profit above lives, should her kind of work not continue. We don’t need politicians who allow landslides to happen, only to appear at the next tragedy site when people die to donate money and shed some tears for the press. We don’t need state policies that continue to marginalise certain communities, and then do so-called charitable work from fat profits off the land taken from the very people whose rights were denied.

We surely don’t need politicians – no matter how articulate – to opine or justify their hypocritical actions, along with tabloids disguised as newspapers, for these irritatingly distracts us from the reality on the ground that speaks for itself.

(published 02 Mar 2009 http://sun2surf.com/article.cfm?id=30588)

Question The Brand

2008-12-16T06:44:00.000-08:00

Finally, I found something else to wear for my performances besides my signature white shirt!

My friend Jo created his own brand of t-shirts - 'Question the brand'; it fits well, and I felt really comfortable wearing it on stage!

It's also a great alternative christmas gift ;)
(only 80 in circulation)

Check it out at ht tp://questionblogs.blogspot.com/

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Tourism Malaysia 2008 commercial

2008-12-03T21:58:00.000-08:00

I recently did the vocals for this commercial made as part of the Tourism Malaysia 2008 Campaign for South/West Asia. It's quite different from the previous Malaysia Truly Asia ads; this one has a touching story to it.

Writings

2008-10-24T04:01:00.000-07:00

Published writings:

Upcoming Shows

2008-10-17T00:34:00.000-07:00

25 Oct 2008, 20:30 08:30 PM - Jaya One
31 Oct 2008, 20:30 08:30 PM - Jaya One

Doppelganger - tbc

Suaram's Human Rights Concert - tbc

Lyrics

2008-10-07T10:15:00.000-07:00

1. Good intentions

2. Sleeping
3. Sunny Days

4. Beautiful Minds

5. My Time

6. Do you see me like you

7. Feels Like Falling

Feels Like Falling

2008-10-07T10:14:00.000-07:00

I fall asleep at night
Thinking you’d be there tomorrow
And I’ll Kiss you
Like I kissed you for the first time
When I awake I’ll find you
Waiting by my driveway
Smiling, and singing
Songs that make me cry now

So tell, tell me
Do u mean what u say
Cuz I’m tired, I’m tired
of the games we play
Baby baby
Do u know If this means
Goodbye

Here we go again
And it feels like falling
And I’m wondering where I stand
Before you go again
I’m gonna say it loud
I don’t need you now

With your life as such
Sometimes u don’t even know
How the snow
Can make me smile so much
Then you turn around and say
That it would be okay
But your empty words
Mean nothing to me, nothing to me now

Sunny Days

2008-10-07T10:13:00.000-07:00

Hands are frozen
Still we’re standing here
Look for the stars
They’re just not there tonight

When nothing’s right
And you cannot hide
You’re weak to fight
All the ghost inside
Your head now

It’s so cold now
Why can’t we leave this place
And run away
To someplace better

When all I can do to make things right
is sing you this song
cuz It won’t be long now

Till one day
Our roads may cross
Maybe we’ll be standing still
You will see
Sunny days will come your way

When nothing’s right
And you cannot hide
You’re weak to fight
All the ghost inside
You cannot fight
All the fears inside
Your head now

Sunny days will come your way

Sleeping

2008-10-07T10:11:00.003-07:00

And I’ll work tomorrow
And drown my sorrows
I’ll pay my bills and fake a smile
We’ll talk about it
And laugh about it
How we slept our life away

(bridge)
So time can change your mind
And he can break you down
Do you wake up sleeping?

(Chorus)
Make a decision now
Maybe it’ll be alright
If we put our heads together
Or would you disappear
On a desert island
To find your own peace of mind

So we’ll talk about it
And laugh about it
How we slept our life away

(bridge)
(Chorus)
So we’ll talk about it
And laugh about it
How we slept our life away

Good intentions

2008-10-07T10:11:00.001-07:00

Lights are low
No one’s here
It’s tomorrow
Do you fear
All that’s certain
And all that’s plain to see
If all that’s real isn’t even me

You read my mind
Like a mirror
Do you wonder
How we feel?
Do you shiver in the night
When you just don’t know what is right
Are you safe from your uninformed thoughts and good intentions?
If nobody knows anything at all

You think you know
You think you feel
Well aren’t you one in a million just like everybody else
I say take it if you can
And read the writing on the wall
See the truth in every lie

Before the day you die
If nobody knows anything at all
If nobody knows anything at all

My Time

2008-10-07T10:10:00.001-07:00

Oh no, oh my
It’s another day in time
Please wait for me
Do I have to fight alone
When my world came tumbling down

I’ll wait for my time
But I won’t let this pass me by
Hold me, I’ll survive
But I won’t let this pass me by
I’ll never let this pass me by

Once more maybe twice
We can even reach the stars
How much is enough
When will all this ever ends
When the walls came tumbling down
When your world comes tumbling down

So I’ll wait for my time
But I won’t let this pass me by
Hold me, I’ll survive
But I won’t let this pass me by
I’ll never let this pass me by
never let this pass me by

Do you see me like you

2008-10-07T10:09:00.001-07:00

All I want
Is some room to be heard,
Speak, live, and breath
Have you seen
Some kind of truth
What, this they called it?
Do you see me, do you see me like you

Big things, bright lights
What do you choose to fight
Poor things, not right
Do you give a damn
If you don’t see me like you

(Chorus)
Oh it’s a shame
To say it’s ok
You wash your hands
It’s not your life
It’s easier
If you don’t see me like you

(Bridge)
What does it take,
To push and break this down
What fools we make
The circle goes around
Around and on

(Chorus)

Beautiful Minds

2008-10-07T09:57:00.000-07:00

My oh my, beautiful days
Twist and turns, we make our own way
Take me away, from me

My oh my, beautiful minds
Tease and turn, you weave and you burn
You weave and you burn for?

(Chorus)
Hey, hear me today
Can I be so lost
Here in your world
I don’t understand
Am I so blind
Can it be so wrong
To be in your world, or mine

My oh my, terrible times
Tears and fights, what do you fear?
What do you fear, today?

(Chorus)
Hear me, hear me
Can I be so lost
Here in your world
I don’t understand
Am I so blind
Can it be so wrong
To be in your world, or mine

I found my home

2008-10-07T09:06:00.000-07:00

I NEVER thought much about our national anthem. It’s not bad, every country has one – it’s our national anthem. But something unexpected happened recently, where for the first time in my life, tears welled in my eyes as I sang Negaraku.

To be honest, I initially felt embarrassed. Since when did singing the national anthem mean so much to me? Some like to talk about musical structure, arrangement, delivery, and whatnot when it comes to evoking emotions with the listener. But the undeniable mix to this concoction to move a listener is from the listener’s experience and the context of the moment in question. The song’s the same, so what changed?

I grew up singing our national anthem every Monday morning in school. But there is only so much formalised patriotic actions and calls of unity can do to foster the kind of unity that goes beyond that which only aims to rid the symptoms of disunity.

There is also not much that preaching about unity can do, if racial politics or injustices between communities are exploited or allowed to happen. Malaysians who understand what unity is about, can see through the empty words of those whose actions either run contrary to what they preach, or when such increasingly popular lingo is applied vacuously in the wrong context. In such cases, empty slogans of unity or its equivalent claims will fail miserably.

I used to say Malaysia is my home because well, I grew up here and there isn’t anywhere else to call home. Calling Malaysia home by default isn’t very inspiring but at least the food, people, and places never fail to top the list as things in common that defines us somewhat.

However, there was still something missing somehow, which brings to mind this line I heard recently watching a documentary (www.one-nation-under-lee.org) about Singapore’s untold history, in which it says, "It was only when we feel that our voices are heard, and that we matter, do we feel that we belong to Singapore". I felt an immediate empathy for our neighbour, and wondered if many Singaporeans feel that they do not really belong in their own country.

So it was on the eve of Sept 16 celebrating Malaysia day and in support of abolishing the ISA among thousands of Malaysians, I felt that we were singing the Negaraku with full conviction. We were willingly participating as civil society, making a stand against injustice, to make our country better for all. I was moved when I heard Malaysians speak out against unjust actions from those of their own communities, for that was a sign that people are making a stand for what’s right across racial lines.

Home is not just somewhere where we eat and sleep; a hotel will do for that. If we truly want Malaysia to be our home, we need to take part as civil society to have a say in how we want our country to be. Perhaps then we can feel that we truly belong.

The writer likes teh-si to go with a roti for tea.

Published The Sun, 23 Sep 2008 http://sun2surf.com/article.cfm?id=25933

Album

2008-10-01T02:53:00.000-07:00

You're looking at the cover of my CD. That's right. It's the one with lots of white spaces on the front. I have been wondering for the longest time, 'why should I make an album?' when recording individual songs will do, in doing what it is I really liked about 'music'.

I liked music because part of it was therapeutic, and partly a way to encapsulate and express certain things. I came to a tentative conclusion that what inspires me most, is to capture and express the gist of something that I have been thinking about.

In a way, putting the songs on record is also a sort of closure, to put on record certain defining and shared moments with others, as experienced, that looking back in memory, helped shaped that time in life, not necessarily mine.

I guess it is also for the times when people asked for my CD, for something tangible, and a way to get my songs out there recorded in the best way possible in which its essence aren't compromised.

It's nice that different people can appreciate the same song differently- perhaps an unintentional result of the way the songs were written or titled.

Most of the songs were written in the quiet stillness of the night. While a title like Sunny Days suggests a pleasing song, I'm afraid it is anything but sunshine. 'Good intentions' is about bigotry, chauvinism, with some inspiration from science, and 'Sleeping' is about crossroads and life's choices. 'Beautiful minds' was inspired by a writing class, about different realities, and 'My time' and 'Do you see me like you' were written for documentaries; 'my time' about a man who lost his family and his resolution in fighting an unjust law that led to that tragedy, and 'Do you see me like you' is about prejudice.

I sometimes imagine my songs as individual cartoon characters, and how they feel having been to places unimagined at time of writing. 'Feels like falling' is an honest song, primarily written for private therapeutic reasons, but ironically went on to win an award for being the most downloaded song on a Malaysian music chart. But my hero would be 'do you see me like you', who despite being used for an AIDS campaign, and one against child abuse, somehow found it's way, as part of an anti-racism educational video series, into an infamous racially tinged party's general assembly, where the Vcd was waved around and wrongfully accused to incite racism, when it's purpose was exactly the opposite.

I couldn't quite decide on a title for my CD that would not impose upon what they are about. So there you go; it's a 7-track CD of the above songs that has gotten heard at the 'mother-of-all' women's music festival in 2008. But I think they're just glad that after being kept in the sidelines for a bit, and having been messed around with one imposing and conniving music producer, they finally found a home that appreciates them for what they are.

Where do you stand in the face of injustice, intimidation, and provocateurs?

2008-09-12T21:43:00.000-07:00

Peaceful vigil tonight.

Mansuhkan ISA (GMI) together with other friends and NGO will hold a solidarity vigil for Raja Petra Kamarudin, MP Teresa Kok and sin Chew Daily Journalist Miss Tan Hoon Cheng who has been arrested under the draconian ISA.

Date: 13 September 2008Place: Bukit Aman Police HQ EntranceTime: 8.30 pm

http://harismibrahim.wordpress.com/2008/09/13/dont-fear-a-dying-beasts-last-strike-but-dont-fall-for-its-rouse-either/

http://jelas.info/2008/09/13/malaysias-moment-to-unite/
"the selectiveness of the ISA arrests is an insidious and misleading attempt to create resentment among particular communities.

Perhaps it is hoped that impassioned and racially tinged sentiments will be expressed in the coming days, escalating to even more impassioned racial reactions. This in turn may lay the ground for emergency rule, and for all the suspension of civil liberties and human rights that follow.

"When talk is no longer sufficient we will act. We will act only peacefully, without burning tires or harming even a fly."

http://elizabethwong.wordpress.com/2008/09/13/isa-tool-to-remain-in-power/
“The Malaysian government apparently thinks it can only maintain power by jailing journalists and opposition politicians,” said Elaine Pearson, the group’s deputy Asia director. “Such tactics have no place in a modern democracy.” (AFP)

FREEDOM FILM FEST

2008-09-09T09:39:00.001-07:00

I have great admiration for the Freedom Film Fest and the folks/ volunteers who have been running it for 5 years now. The first of its kind in Malaysia, it creates a platform for filmmakers and social activists to use their talent and passion to express social concerns and human rights issues.

http://www.freedomfilmfest.komas.org/

Personally, through FFF, I found meaningful friendships, learnt a lot, and gained many fond memories working on the documentary about the Broga incinerator, 'Alice Lives Here', three years ago.

What I admire most about FFF, is that- like many great things- it started humbly small but it started right; guided by the right principles. It was created out of a need, and not at a time when social or environmental causes were popular in Malaysia, like how green issues are becoming the buzzwords these days, making it easier to attract funding or sponsorship from entities keen to be positively associated.

It was precisely with the lack of this space, that FFF sought to create. With a very trim budget, resource, and team, KOMAS and FFF have been providing an ideal platform for filmmakers and human rights issues for its 5th year. In return, filmakers, volunteers, and participants return to FFF the following years; creating a culture that supports the festival and continue to bring us films and spaces of value to our society.

FFF will be screened in KL, JB, Penang, and for the first time, Kuching. I will be playing a song or two at the FFF KL awards night.

Be a part of Freedom Film Festival at the following locations:

Kuala Lumpur – Central Market Annexe: 5th to the 7th September

Johor Bahru – Tropical Inn: 12th to the 14th September

Kuching – Old Court House: 19th to the 21st September

Penang – Wawasan Open University: 26th to the 28th September.

To make a reservation, email freedomfilmfest@gmail.com and type the city you wish to attend into the subject line e.g. 'reservation JB' for Johor Baru.

Contact

2008-09-09T09:23:00.000-07:00

email me at:

info.meichern[at]gmail.com

Also on myspace.com/meichern

About

2008-09-09T09:05:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my site. You can listen to my songs and read my writings here. I'll write more about 'about' later, while I post my song lyrics..

We're all swimming to the other side

2008-09-01T09:29:00.000-07:00

It's that time of the year again soon – 'where Malaysians from all walks of life gather to celebrate their independence'. Or not.

Last year's official celebration was a disappointment of epic proportions, at least for me and I know of many others; huge displays of self-glorifying images and speeches by the ruling elite of 'the independence struggle', ironically, fought by others (award winning documentary on Malaysia's struggle for independence – non-school-textbook-version http://10tahun.blogspot.com).

Ceremonies that reflect the belief or propagate a view that Malaysia is made by or equated to one political party and its subsidiaries only, was an arrogant display of power; leaving many ordinary Malaysians left standing by the sidelines, waiting in vain to be included, or for some sign that they were remembered or acknowledged as Malaysians, not one neatly represented by an approved proxy, or always in turn according to race, religion, or not at all.

Some creativity perhaps in the usual national day parade line-ups instead of in accordance to which 'ethnic group' populates Malaysia the most? Even an orang-utan leading the march would be a good change. They, after all, contribute a lot to Malaysia's tourism and take nothing in return.

When our national shuttler won the Olympic silver medal, he kissed the Malaysian flag, not that of a political party. Likewise, for a start, the appropriate symbol to project for all to see during our national day is that of the Malaysian flag, not a political party's symbol, be it the keris, rocket, moon, or any alphabetical letters.

A celebration for all Malaysians in the spirit of inclusiveness and unity, or will 31st Aug a day or tool to be used again in an empty display of self-glorifying audio-visuals?

Perhaps, it will be different this year. Maybe Malaysians don't even bother anymore, what with more sensational stories grabbing the headlines and web spaces these days; over-politicking, murder mysteries, and crucial by-elections. All these while Malaysians struggle to cope with rising inflation, ill-planned transportation systems, ill-planned everything, and the fear of rising crime.

Regardless, I will reflect on how I would like our national day to be, or how we want our Malaysia to be. Because we can, and we should create spaces where we can all belong in mutual respect. Despite all the circus that goes on- and in the same spirit as activist musician Pat Humphries' song below- we're all swimming to the other side. And we still love this country, warts and all;

"We're swimming in this stream together, some in power and some in pain,
We can worship this ground we walk on, cherishing the beings that we live beside,
Loving spirits will live forever, we're all swimming to the other side."

The writer is a singer-songwriter. She thanks Pat Humphries (Emma's Revolution) for the inspiration and use of her song title for this article.

---
First draft for Freespace, The Sun. Published 27th August 2008

Michigan Womyn's Music Festival

2008-08-30T07:34:00.000-07:00

Singer Songwriter Spotlight

'Oh no, I can't find my guitar,' I thought silently while my eyes frantically scanned the assortment of guitars and musical instruments, all tagged and labelled on shelves in the performer tent. It turns out that my guitar was already brought out on standby to be delivered to the acoustic stage for my scheduled sound-check. It was just about noon on the second day of the festival. We took a nice walk to the acoustic stage where the 'Singer Songwriter Spotlight’ was being held, and met our sound engineer and stage crews. The site for the acoustic stage was set on a unique slope, creating a somewhat natural amphitheatre in an intimate forest setting.

Although I was tensed and nervous about my set, I took comfort that the entire sound-check process went on very smoothly and professionally; everything you needed for a good acoustic set was available and there was ample time for sound-check. Jill, the sound engineer, just knew what to do to get the best sound out of my vocals and guitars.

I left sound-check feeling good and headed back to our tents to change and prepare for my set. I did a last minute decision to ditch my pre-arranged attire for a short-sleeved top more befitting a hot summer's day.

I was to be the first performer for the singer-songwriter spotlight. Back-stage, I peeped through the stage door to see the crowd settling down on the grass; many under the trees for shade and some right in the middle basking in the sun. I gave my interpreter for the deaf, Amanda, a nervous smile, as we waited right behind the doors. Lisa Vogel, the founder and producer of the festival, appeared backstage and we chatted briefly.

"…and now please give a warm welcome…Mei Chern!"

The doors open and the crowd cheers as Amanda and I took our seats on the stage. I sang 'Beautiful Minds' as my first song while the crowd listened attentively; a wonderful audience, excellent sound, and slight summer breeze – 'perfect'.

Or so I thought. Halfway through my second song, a fly landed on my nose and walked slowly to the left. Definitely something I did not anticipate or prepare for! But I am glad to say that, as distracting as that fly was, I managed to sing through it. I sang all the songs on my CD. I guess it all went pretty well; the crowd was very responsive and appreciative. I met some of them the following day during the artists signing session at the booth where our CDs were sold.

Below are some photos from the Artists Signing Session:

Singer Songwriter Spotlight Artists

Posters and CDs

BETTY
(Elizabeth and Amy Ziff, and Alyson Palmer)

Emma's Revolution (Pat Humphries and Sandy O)

Previous post: Michigan Womyn's Music Festival

Posters, CDs, and the Michigan Womyn's Music Festival

2008-07-25T12:17:00.000-07:00

“My jeans, is it purple?”

“No, no, it’s blue”

My printer was really efficient. I decided that I should have posters of my new CD to bring along with me to the festival 2 days before I leave. There would be a CD booth and signing sessions for artists; I imagine everyone else had already sent their CDs and promotional materials over.

I’ll be bringing them along because my CDs have just been printed, and photos for the CD/poster taken days before that. For some reason the blues looked purple in the first print sample. I dropped some of the posters off at the stores where my CDs will be; friends at Dragonfly with outlets around Klang valley have graciously agreed to stock some of my CDs from the 28th Aug. I will work at getting them available at record stores when I get back from the states.

I was already working on my CD when I got news that I made it to the festival line-up this year. Despite the u-turns and problems in producing it, I made sure they were ready in time for the festival; it’s a seven track CD of my songs including my previously released single ‘Feels like falling’ in it’s naked-no arrangements-form, and tracks written for the award winning Freedom Film Fest documentary films ‘Alice lives here’ and ‘Twelve 11’.

I sent the demo versions of these songs last year as part of the audition materials to play at the Michigan Womyn’s Music Festival (MWMF), and I was really excited that they liked the songs enough for me to play at their singer songwriter spotlight this year.

I’ve always wanted to go to the Michigan Womyn’s Music Festival; to experience how it’s really like to be at this legendary festival where Tracy Chapman, Ani Difranco, and Sarah Mclachlan have played. One of the longest running (over 30 yrs) women’s music festival in the world where 4-7000 women and children gather annually for a week of music, workshops, films etc. in an environment of equality and inclusiveness.

Above all, I’m looking forward to experience that which is so rare and precious. I came across a writer who summed it up well:

“At the end of the night, I was walking to the shuttle that would take me to the front gate. I realized suddenly that it was pitch dark outside (this is Michigan, in the middle of nowhere at 11:00pm), I was alone in the woods, with nothing on hand to protect me, and I was seized by a moment of fear that every woman has at a time like this. I took a deep breath, looked up, saw an indescribably beautiful night sky full of stars, and realized this was the safest I had ever been in my entire life.

This was a life-changing moment, for two reasons. One, I may never experience such a moment again, and that saddened me. Two, how lucky I was to experience it, even briefly. Many women never will. For this alone, every woman should attend the festival at least once.”

It’ll be my first time playing at a music festival, and I’m grateful that it is for MWMF. Fingers crossed, I will be in Michigan this August with my guitar and songs.

---
Note: I will write about the festival when I return, and updates about my songs, and CD. If you’d like to be on my mailing list, please send an email to info.meichern @ gmail.com Thank you.

Store

2008-07-24T02:00:00.000-07:00

You can find my CD at:

Silverfish Books @ Bangsar
58-1 Jalan Telawi Bangsar Baru, KL
03-22844837

Online store

For delivery elsewhere and updates, please email info.meichern@gmail.com

Welcome

2008-07-12T11:49:00.001-07:00

Hello. Welcome to my first blog post!

Well, ok, this blog has been in existence for a while, but it has been used thus far just to house my articles. I have been using myspace as my music site (www.myspace.com/meichern) though you can also listen to my songs here.

I’ve just uploaded a new song called ‘sleeping’ which will also be on my CD that’s just about done.

I’ll be posting updates here about my CD, songs, upcoming gig in Michigan, etc…

At what cost, justice?

2008-06-03T02:59:00.000-07:00

In exercising one's right to seek redress, to what extent should one go to right a wrong?

As a consumer, complaints can be made to The National Consumer Complaints Centre (NCCC). However, disputes involving certain industries, as many would have encountered, may be less straightforward to solve with no professional body or Act that regulates them.

Take a case in the music industry where a music producer was engaged to produce an album. Having already collected 50% upfront, he asks his client for further payment at an early stage breaching their agreement. When his client refused to concede to his unwarranted demands, he threatened to stop the project; actions that tantamount to threat and blackmail with the music producer holding all his client's raw tracks and a five figure sum already paid. His client was subsequently charged full fees for incomplete and defective works out of the upfront money already paid. In such instances, how could his client seek redress?

Unfair deals and dispute like these unfortunately does happen, and as a fellow Malaysian singer-songwriter said when this incident was related, 'gawd, as if we don't have enough to deal with trying to do this'. A society of emerging artists/musicians charting their own way with little support can certainly do less with such self-serving and dishonest individuals. So it is unjust and idiots like these do exist. How can these individuals be made accountable for their actions?

When that blatantly unjust incident occurred, the said client begun the process of seeking redress and like many in such situations, discovered just how difficult that is. The Recording Industry Association of Malaysia, RIM, is a member-based association that exists largely to protect the interest of its own members. With no professional bodies regulating music producers, legal redress was the only option available.

One cannot deny the cost of time, effort, energy, and mental duress in seeking redress through the courts. Time spent having to do one's research with industry and legal professionals in examining the facts of the case, and the mental anguish involved in having to face possible aggression and retaliation by the perpetrator.

Many on the receiving end of blatantly unjust treatment often find themselves questioning if they should even bother going through such ordeal to seek redress? An unfortunate advantage used by perpetrators to get away with their acts and will likely continue to do so unless stopped.
Is it worth it to put oneself through such ordeal to make irresponsible parties accountable? Is the answer as some would judge upon, based on the claim amount in question? Can such decision be quantified? Not if the principle of justice is the bigger ideal and goal, and in taking action prevents others from falling prey to such cases.

Mechanisms of redress we have in protecting our rights were not given to us on a silver platter. Often it is individuals, NGOs, responsible decision makers, and interested parties that lobby for such changes over time; it often takes people to be aware, to make that stand, and to start asserting their rights.

And indeed, the process of making one accountable may work in different forms, but it all takes actions on our parts to make it work; corrupt politicians can be voted out, consumers to report unethical charges, and business that cheats and treats people badly can be sued and may eventually go out of business without the support of an enlightened community that does not
condone unprofessional and unethical businesses.

The writer is a singer-songwriter. She does not believe in compromise when it comes to justice.

(first draft for The SUN, published 3 June 2008)

Aliens have landed! What now?

2008-03-29T07:43:00.000-07:00

I heard this running joke some time ago that Malaysians would only ever unite across race and religion if aliens or some "other" group of people came to invade us. This quip is of course born out of the perception that Malaysians are so communal and will most certainly vote along racial lines, and hence, things will never change.

However, unless you’ve been on Mars lately, you would know that the outcome of the last general election completely disproved this apathetic and unconstructive view. Suddenly there was a deluge of opinions as to what led to the outcome and no lack of individuals who claim that they "saw it coming". Perhaps all these outpourings of analysis and discussions is a cathartic process that we need to go through to process what led to the outcome. But like trying to understand how human consciousness emerged, where every scientist has his or her own unprovable theory, it is equally if not more interesting to know what this means and what we can do at the present.

I would like to believe that a fundamentally important outcome of this elections is that there is now a greater move by Malaysians to be engaged in nation building: to seek to understand how positive change can happen and to be responsible citizens looking to play their part and speaking out against what is unjust across racial or religious lines that has been keeping us apart and dragging us down as a nation for too long.

We are becoming increasingly good at speaking up for our own rights, but I would like to see the day when it becomes a norm for us to acknowledge and fight for the rights of all Malaysians regardless of race, religion, or whatever perceived labels there are.

We may not be there yet, but the outcome of the elections was a crucial event which empowered Malaysians to accept the idea that real and positive change is possible; that it is possible for Malaysians to unite across racial and religious lines for a common good. Maybe aliens have really landed after all, and I would like to believe that the aliens are corruption, racism, sexism, bigotry, arrogance, and hypocrisy.

When more Malaysians reject the use of race-based ways to garner support, the old and tired use of pitting one race against another will be rendered useless.

It is time we move beyond that and begin our process of nation building. I may be speaking for myself, but I believe there are many Malaysians who want the same thing; to seek an identity as a Malaysian away from the divisive one that has been handed down for generations.

Who knows what that Malaysian identity will be? I dare say that I’m excited by this possibility; that this identity will emerge as we grow together and find that voice and language in which to express this; one in the spirit of being inclusive and just.

As much as aliens were seen as the push factor for us to act together, Malaysians were also looking for an alternative political culture when they voted on March 8.

Let us remind each other about this possibility of a shared vision to keep us on track while we still have to contend with laws and systems that stifle a healthy democracy. It is no longer what "they" can do for us, but what we can do as citizens; to exercise that skill not to react to the media’s choice of language, our right to information and to speak up for what’s just.

First published in The Sun, 24th March, 2008

http://www.sun2surf.com/article.cfm?id=21156

THE BIGGER PICTURE

2008-03-04T09:11:00.001-08:00

I caught an impressive ad on TV just a few moments ago. The tagline read something like 'we're on the right track'. Malaysia is moving on some kind of track alright, but whether it is right or not is a matter of debate. But then again, there isn't much public space to have real debates about these things. The ad turned out to be one from a political party in conjunction with the elections.

That is but one example of what a lot of money can do for a political campaign. According to a news article, no laws exist in Malaysia that requires candidates to disclose where their campaign funds come from or how they are spent. Also, the Election Offences Act 1958 governs only candidates' expenses but not the expenses of the parties as a whole. Are the funds coming from people who really support the candidate's ideals, or do they have something to gain later by funding a particular candidate or party? In this scenario, the one with the most money (or in a position to provide something in return), is likely to have the upper hand.

But there is only so much money, publicity, and 'branding' exercises can do, IF the people take it upon themselves to dig a little deeper on who and why they are voting for. The problem with glitzy and eye-catching ads is that while it attracts your attention, it distracts you from other things that are just as or even more fundamentally important. So, the more the media is controlled by a particular source, and the more the publicity stunts there are, the more work we have to do to sieve through the image and rhetoric to look at what his or her candidate really stand for, and if he/she is likely to put that into action.

A candidate in my area may have titles attached to his or her name, but has this person ever done anything to show that they will fight for a future that is more just and inclusive? For the sake of where the country is heading, I can forgo an MP who will ensure that the roads in my neighbourhood be tarred regularly, but did nothing to stop the irresponsible things that go on in parliament. Also, what is the point really, in voting for a candidate who does not want to vote for a bill he/she deems unjust, but voted for it anyway in parliament as he/she has too much at stake not to toe-the-party line?

Anyone can pretty much pay someone to write and do a massive branding exercise, but it takes someone with the right principles and will to put in place systems of accountability that will also make itself accountable to the public. We need MPs who can represent our voice in parliament, and not one who will vote to change our constitution at a whim for their own benefit. MPs who can fight for ordinary Malaysians the right to information needed to know if decisions made on their behalf are in their interest or not. Without these and similar mechanisms that promote a healthy democracy in place, any claims made about Malaysia's progress at this point will be just that – claims.

We already have very nice and tall buildings to show tourists. It's time we seriously look at the bigger picture of what is lacking in our country that will affect our children's future, and how they will relate to each other. Let us hope Malaysians will step up and vote for the right candidates into parliament who can help steer us towards a nation that's inclusive and just; not just speaking the right words, and giving reactionary half measures, but through sincere actions and fundamental changes towards it in our system.

Times are a-changing…

2008-03-04T09:08:00.000-08:00

"Chinese New Year is here again! How scary." I don't remember hearing remarks like that when I was a kid. The coming of New Year did not signify the frightening passing of time, but rather about fun times with the cousins in my grandfather's coffee shop. I don't mean the garden-variety uncle-this-and-madam-that air-conditioned Kopitiams; they didn't exist back then. Yik-Cheong café was our authentic pre-war kopitiam hangout place every Chinese New Year.

But being 'authentic' and drinking coffee wasn't particularly alluring to a child. What got me up early in the morning was the short trip down the road for 'apong'(light-fluffy-pancakes), bathing outdoors on the rooftop with pet chickens, and squeezing into a trishaw with my sister and cousins whom we shared some kind of internally evolved language; Kek Lok Si temple was called 'Galaxy' temple, and for reasons nobody knew, the trishaw was called 'lam-yuk-chea' (soft-meat-chair).

All that changed over the years. Like many others in Little India, Penang who couldn't afford the high rent when the Rent Control Act was repealed on New Year's Day 2000, my grandparents closed shop and moved to other parts. Little India became a haven for heritage enthusiasts with a maps provided on the street to 'guide' tourists on how to follow the 'heritage trail'.

Last year, I inadvertently found myself looking at the very same shop-house. While having a lunch meeting, I almost did not realize that the shop selling medicine across the road used to be Yik Cheong café. I never imagined as a child that I would come back to the same street not for any purpose related to family or New Year celebrations. While it was with a tinge of nostalgia and an unreasonable wish to have known it's significance when I was 7, I was happy to know that I had but the most precious way to experience a way of life, just as it was.

Then the biggest change in tradition happened this year, when my grandparents moved down to Kuala Lumpur for practical reasons and thus ending some 40 years of their descendents annual 'balik kampung' trip back to Penang.

Whilst reflecting on how differently I will be celebrating this Chinese New Year, it was a good reminder of how culture and traditions evolve over time. It was remarked that public protests was not a Malaysian culture, but who knows, maybe it will be if the reasons why people protest remains, and if more and more Malaysians become aware of their rights.

Change is inevitable over time; will Malaysians develop a culture that supports a healthy democracy? Will we no longer tolerate where there is blatant mis-use of our tax money? Heck, as far as making history and the changing of traditions go, 2008 seems to be an important year in regards to our nation's direction and how we will be governed.

Malaysia will continue to change for the better or worse, and like Little India, Penang, we may not realize the significance of where we are at the present. But in this case, being blissfully unaware may not be the best thing; unlike the frightening speed in which years go by for happy celebrations, it will seem too long if we vote for leaders who only serve themselves, the party, and not the people.

Happy holidays to everyone and here's hoping year 2008 will be the start towards a time when Malaysians won't be dictated as to what their culture is, but is free to explore and develop their own that are consistent with just and universal values.

On being Ornamental, Passive, or a Pacifist

2008-03-04T08:57:00.000-08:00

Popular representations and stereotypes are aplenty when it comes to just about anything, spiritual practices notwithstanding. There are religions wrongly stereotyped to be violent, for example, but one religion that seems to be the least connected to violence, is Buddhism. However, it has even been unfortunately associated with passivism, which could be one of the biggest myth about Buddhism.

Think of Buddhism and visuals of peaceful monks in maroon robes spouting incomprehensible philosophical teachings may come to minds of most. This 'peaceful and esoteric' image of Buddhism by mainstream society can perhaps be epitomized by the deluge of Buddha's head statues being used as decorative items. There are hundreds of them for sale in Bali (incidentally not a predominantly Buddhist society) a shopping haven for popular 'ethnic' handicrafts, woodcarvings, paintings, and exotic decorative items galore; the Buddha's smiling head has become so symbolic of Asian inner peace and tranquillity that it's found its way into restaurants, bars, clubs, and your neighbourhood spa – to add that bit of peacefulness and exoticism. There's even a bar named after him and CD compilations such as the Buddha Bar and Buddha Lounge series described as 'chilled out music' or 'ethnic electronica'. Can one laugh and cringe at the same time? Perhaps Mr Buddha would if he were alive today. Who knows - but I bet most people would believe he would just smile in an aura of peace and tranquillity instead.

Apart from symbolizing tranquillity and inner peace in the face of violence or electronica music, Buddhism is also better known these days for its mystical explorations and collaborations with western scientists' obsessions with the brain. Lesser known, unfortunately, is what its role can be when it comes to structural oppression or social injustices; what some would call 'engaged Buddhism'. It is unfortunate because somewhere along the way, from when Buddha was a social reformer who spoke against injustices in his time more than twenty thousand years ago, the popular perception of Buddhism is now largely only about meditation, achieving personal enlightenment, and disengaging from the world outside.

How one's approach to social change is another matter, but to say that Buddhism teaches one to embrace suffering or develop inner peace amidst and despite suffering within one's society alone, could very well be one the biggest myth that many, including those who speak of it in its name, still hold in their respective consciousness. In this environment, it is easy for one to mistake its teachings that promote pacifism (non-violent means to effect change) to be passivism. Such passivity in the face of injustice, is perhaps not much better than misusing religion to justify acts of violence or bigotry, as both involve the misunderstanding and mis-use of religion that perpetuates injustice.

Growing up as a Buddhist in Malaysia, engagement with social concerns and 'the pursuit for enlightenment' seemed like different worlds apart. I had not heard about Thich Nhat Hanh, a Vietnamese monk and peace activist who coined the term 'Engaged Buddhism', nor about Tenzin Palmo, who is challenging the institutionalised belief that only the male form can reach 'liberation'. I came to realize that the Burmese monks who marched in thousands recently for democracy, is not an exception, and that we can apply universal insights to situations of social injustices -to be more engaged with our society- irregardless of one's spiritual leanings. Religions have often been misunderstood or misused to justify violence, or to be apathetic to injustices. Perhaps there will be less of that if we can look beyond the institutionalised aspects of religions, how they came to be, and to see the essence and universality of their teachings.

Funny reactions

2007-12-03T09:05:00.001-08:00

"What! I can’t believe he said that! It’s so not funny!" I protested in disbelief.

"Well, his eyes ARE really small … why are you over-reacting?" my friend asked, half laughing.

I haven’t been watching much TV these days. Maybe that’s why I was so surprised at the kind of humour I saw at the weekend on TV. I was watching what looked like a Malaysian talk show when its two hosts walked up to a boy of Chinese descent with really small eyes in the crowd. They then started talking to him with a heavy Chinese put-on accent, obviously trying to be funny. Then one of them asked him to "open his eyes". To which the boy replied that his eyes were like that. To ensure maximum comedic effect, that host went on to make fun of his "slitty" eyes another two times. The poor boy didn’t seem quite sure how to react, but with the camera on him and possibly a few million people in Malaysia watching, he probably made the right choice to laugh along reluctantly. What was really funny was that the host who made fun of the boy, had eyes that were not much bigger than his, except that he was not of Chinese descent.

I was getting annoyed watching the kid being a target of racist jokes in front of the whole nation. Was I over-reacting just because I didn’t find it funny but disgusting instead? I wasn’t going to burn anything or hunt anyone down to make my point.

Was it is because it triggered memories of when I was 18, a group of European students walked past me and one of them pulled her eyes from the sides to make them look slitty, asking if I was from China? Never mind that I have big eyes, but the fact that I looked Chinese was sufficient for them to make fun of me with this stereotype.

So I had big eyes and the kid in the talk show had small ones but we were still made fun of anyway. Does it make a difference whether there was truth to these jokes or not? No, because the point is that in both instances, a stereotype was used to make fun of the other; from the bad Chinese-accented speech to the emphasis of a "racial marker" to put one in his or her place and to differentiate one as the "other".

Some might shrug racist jokes off and say it’s no big deal. They may even use them to make fun of their friends and each other. However, bantering amongst friends is quite different from a situation where one from a position of power makes fun of another in a disadvantaged place. In the controversy surrounding The Jyllands-Posten cartoons of Prophet Muhammad, it is worth noting that the offensive cartoons were done by the dominant culture in the west to make fun of Muslims in a society where there is already a history of Islamophobia and a marginalised Muslim community.

I’m not suggesting for a minute that we should start banning people from making racist jokes, especially in Malaysia where it’ll just be another slippery slope to have anything and everything under the sun banned just because it offends someone for the silliest reasons. But neither should we be saying that it is okay to misuse and abuse "free speech" to defend bigotry, as some misguided people have done in regards to the Jyllands-Posten cartoons.

Watching that TV talk show and reflecting upon my friend’s comments was a good reminder to keep our reactions in check when an injustice occurs, and also our reactions towards other’s reactions. As there may be times when we are too quick to dismiss certain quarters as being "over-sensitive" or "over-reacting" without understanding the bigger picture and context of the grievances. If only everyone acts with maturity and responsibility to find out whether what we are doing is really building or breaking bridges between communities in our society. Stereotyping is really just a lazy and irresponsible way to form conclusions, and in some cases, to entertain.

At the sidelines of Independence

2007-10-11T07:17:00.000-07:00

You know that feeling when you're really looking forward to something but you get slapped in the face instead? Well, not literally of course although that could happen and if so I hope you had some help there.

On a less dramatic note, this could be like what some Malaysians call 'potong-steam'; when you've ordered a delicious looking ice kacang on a menu but get a small bowl with bits of nuts swimming in a puddle of pink and green instead. The biggest of such disappointment for me this year might just be what was supposed to be the best Merdeka celebration ever.

I've always watched the festivities on television but this year was- as you know - 'special'. I found myself somewhere near Merdeka square itself with a great view of the city skyline, on the eve of Merdeka.

'We'll be able to see the fireworks from here. Best-nya!' Someone said in glee.

Or so we thought. Upon countdown, one could tell that people around sensed that something was very, very wrong. Never mind that there were no fireworks, but we were treated to a series of self glorifying long speeches by ministers instead; the abbreviations of the ruling party's coalition were mentioned as though the ruling party is all that Malaysia is made of; there was no regard or space for anyone else that fell outside of it. The gigantic symbol of the ruling party projected on a building forming the backdrop says it all.

Is that what Merdeka means? The glorification of an exclusive few without regard to other Malaysians who has contributed to our country at the expense of our tax money? Slowly we started to realize that we were not really witnessing the merdeka celebrations at all, but rather, what seemed more like a political rally. To make the whole experience even more painful, our Malaysian flag was hoisted by someone who has yet to contribute to our country in any significant way while having shown questionable ways in which to garner political support. I have never felt ashamed being a Malaysian apart from that very moment.

After that fiasco, I made it a point ever more so to attend the 50:44 Malaysia Merdeka event held at Central Market, organized by a coalition of civil societies to remember the people that built this nation for the past 50 years since Independence and 44 years since becoming Malaysia. As opposed to the official celebrations, I felt proud being a Malaysian at this event; knowing that despite the circus that goes on, there are committed Malaysians who are working towards a future that is more just and inclusive.

Merdeka day has passed and it is largely back to business as usual for most. Having said that, this year's celebration at merdeka square probably had an influence on what I can and will do as a Malaysian when the time comes, even if it is a reactionary one. I will remember this year's official merdeka celebrations for sure, but all for the wrong reasons.

(First draft for The Sun, sept 2007)

Damned if you do, damned if you don't?

2007-08-23T21:38:00.000-07:00

I PRESSED the button for my queue number and out came the tiny printout. On it, the

large bold numbers read – “1444”.

Great, I thought. The whole process is doomed from the start. No matter how you add these numbers up, its literal meaning in Chinese still refers to an impending doom.

“Chinese?” The guy behind the counter asked when my turn came.That was usually visually quite obvious but credit must be given to him for not making assumptions.

“Eh, Malaysian lah!” I tried to joke with him but he didn’t find it funny. I nodded.

“Religion?” he asked. I attempted to form an answer precise enough for the purpose, while my mind worked in parallel trying to find real reasons as to why this information was needed. In between my mumblings and him asking if I was “Buddha”, my faith was sealed. Well, on my voter registration form, that is.

“What’s the point of voting?” a friend asked me on my way to the post office to register myself. “The outcome’s always the same anyway,” he said. “The problem of ‘phantom voters’ never quite goes away. And haven’t you heard how voting district boundaries keep changing?” Wow, really? What a system! So resourceful and flexible, who says our country works like anything but that?

Is this whole voting process really doomed from the start, or at least a “pointless”exercise? The mechanisms/laws just aren’t strong enough to keep democracy healthy. What our media can or cannot say can be determined by the powers that be. Oh yes, and there’s the fear. Just recently a blogger was arrested. It’s enough to strike fear in all moderate and good thinking Malaysians who had something to say in the interest of nation building. It’s quite a neat package we have here really; a well-oiled system to perpetuate the current state. At least until our oil money runs out.

Damned if you do, damned if you don’t?

What’s most annoying are Malaysians who bemoan the problems in our country while vehemently believing that nothing can be done. That is as good as saying “everything is fine, at least for me”. Or, if they’re working and living abroad, “Our country’s heading downhill, but you can continue to rot back there”. Well, if everyone thinks like that then surely our country will be like what it says on my post office queue number printout – 1444.

But that’s just a lazy way to go about things. Everyone knows how to complain and everyone’s a critic. In the spirit of Chinese numerology, you can call these people 5354 (neither here nor there). If only everyone does something about it instead of only complaining. I don’t know about you, but I’d really like to see our tax money being used wisely. And I’d like to support leaders who envision an equal society and who work on realising it, not by giving bold press statements that are meaningless given that our media lacks bite.

Even so, whatever is reported in the mainstream papers can be a worrying reflection of the kind of governance we have. Take the case of the recently victorious Broga residents against the incinerator project. The government’s decision as reported inthe media to cancel the project was due to high costs involved, and not because of any protest. No mention of how and why it was approved in the first place. It’s patronising as well disregards the people’s concerns. Sometimes we forget it is our tax money that is being used, 1.5 billion of it. I would want to know how it is being used.

Voting is not the only thing we can do, but it is something we can and must do to have our say. Don’t be too bothered by 5354 people who see only 1444, but exercise whatever means we have in our control to create a better country.

The purpose of education

2007-08-23T21:33:00.000-07:00

"So what is your project about?' I asked the boy 'interviewing' me for his school project. He became really busy noting my details down while asking his friends to tend to my query. There was some confusion amongst them and they finally concluded that they had no idea what it was about. One boy commented that even their teacher did not know what it was about.

These kids, smelling of a day's sweat, were obviously collecting data simply because they were told to, without knowing what it was for. Allowing them to embark on a project without knowing what it was really about was a worrying sign. They left me in disbelief until I recalled how I never knew what my high school project was about and how I don't remember my teacher trying to explain it to us. Perhaps our big class of 40 had something to do with it. School was about being obedient and quiet in class. A teacher's attempt to encourage us to speak up in later years were no match to our years of serious training to blend in; it was a culture whereby those voluntarily speaking out were branded 'gila glamour' (glamour seeker/crazy) or something to that effect.

My conclusion was that I didn't learn much during my school days here. Fortunately I (and many others I hope) did at later years that led to my development of mind-set and world-views. I was left wondering what the purpose of education is in our malaysian context, and if our current education system is succeeding in achieving them?

We often talk about education in terms of literary statistics but the reality is that in many countries its purpose ends up being to feed the capitalist machinery. Is education merely the teaching of certain specific knowledge and skills to create a stable workforce? If so, a workforce for whom and towards what? Or, should education also be for something less tangible but to empower individuals to be a force for positive social change? Aside from earning a living, I am inclined to include the latter definition as to the real purpose of education. According to this purpose and definition, an 'educated person' will not be a scientist from who uses science to perpetuate sexism, and certainly not an oxford graduate who speaks in a racially divisive manner. Perhaps an educated person should include her or him as one who is able to perceive and treat others to be equal to itself. Most of us would fall short by that standards, but it is nevertheless an ideal we should strive for.

No one denies that our education system plays a major role in shaping Malaysia's future. Apart from what seems like a system to churn out an obedient and unquestioning workforce, our education policies seem to be reactionary to different demands from different groups in our society, rather than what should be a cohesive plan towards nation building.

As much as our education system produces the minds that shapes our society, it is in itself a reflection of our society. So how do we push for changes in our education system? Do we have a say on how things are run? Does our media reflect the real concerns of our people? How do we present our concerns to those who can make those changes? Perhaps it all starts in the actions of each and everyone of us to influence each other and our decision makers.

Want changes? Do something!

2007-05-28T19:33:00.000-07:00

Oh, enough already! Sexist MPs, public fund wastages, environmentally unsustainable policies, and no press freedom to perpetuate the whole madness. Despite all that, fear not for we can always take matters in our own hands. Here are some mini projects that we can start off with.

Green gyms

"It's going to be the end of the world! We've got to do something! But what can we do?"

Green gym was inspired by desperate cries of people realising the seriousness of climate change. We need energy but the all-powerful energy/oil companies aren't going to embark on sustainable ways to provide them yet; at least not until we run out of oil and boil our earth to bits in the process (or freeze, depending on how the climate changes, or where you are apparently).

Now, there are many ways to harness clean energy besides burning cheap CO2-emitting coal or gas, such as harnessing them from the growing number of urbanites pointlessly running on thread-mills and riding stationary bicycles in gyms. What a waste. Sure they're exercising but why not make them useful too. Think of the gym as one big and complex dynamo battery.

We can take this further and implement this system in our homes! That way everyone has to exercise regularly.

"If you want lights tonight you better run on your thread-mill first!" We can then have a "green" and healthy society! How wonderful.

Ok, so green gyms won't provide us with all the energy we need and I honestly don't know how feasible that is, but the point is that there are so much energy wastages around and also alternatives to the way we're destroying or using up our limited resources.Ê

Bodyguards for women

"Damn, I wish I had bodyguards!" my friend Mariam lamented in frustration. Well, why not?

Lobbying for legislation that protects women's rights can be an arduous affair. What more when we have sexist MPs. In the meantime, we will just have to deal with our day-to-day problems ourselves.

Aggression is a way which some men use to intimidate or bully women. Mariam had the worse experience simply having to hire a lorry when "moving house". She was "persuaded" to pay an exorbitant sum for services she didn't need. It was complete extortion and bullying. When patronising her didn't work, the male mover's demeanour became aggressive with the aim to intimidate and threaten.

There is nothing in our law that women can use against intimidation, unless words like "I will beat/kill you" were actually said. Mariam's visit to the police was met with the following response, "Lain kali biar dia pukul sajalah, baru ada kes!" (Next time let him hit you so you can have a case!)". It doesn't look like Mariam has many options.

Well, Mariam has had enough of being bullied and intimidated. She wants gender-sensitised "bodyguards" on-call for women when encountering "at risk" situations. Had there been "bodyguards" with her that day, chances were that she would not be intimidated. Anyone who wants to help her kick start this project, please email bodyguardsforwomen@gmail.com. Why wait for changes to happen from the top when we can do something about it now? A community in Bario, Sarawak, is doing just that.

Community-based micro-hydro project

In 1999, the former Rural Development Minister officially opened a mini-hydroelectric project in Bario, Sarawak. The project which cost the federal government RM12 million failed and was abandoned after only one day in operation because the river was too small to generate power for the dam's power station. Now, their community has been organising themselves and raising their own funds to install a smaller micro-hydro system instead. This will provide the village with a constant supply of clean and renewable energy at the fraction of the cost of diesel power. (Volunteers can contact them at http://kelabit.net/bariohydro/).

Such initiative for community-based renewable energy has already been successfully implemented elsewhere in Belaga, Sarawak. Built at a cost of RM180,000, a 10 kilowatt-capacity micro-hydro dam has been providing constant and sustainable source of energy to light their bulbs at night and develop their cottage industries, without affecting much of the environment.

Simply being pessimistic and ranting about our problems alone is a bad reflection of our own community. We can be proactive to make positive changes in many ways.

Published in The Sun Mon, 28 May 2007

A convenient deception

2007-04-30T08:01:00.000-07:00

Watching the documentary film 'An Inconvenient Truth' recently was a good reminder of how terrible we are at how we choose to live out life when the result of our actions are not apparent in the immediate future. Just like the proverbial frog that slowly boils to death in lukewarm water, the human race may just not react fast enough to save its own skin.

Even when scientists all agree that human activity caused the unprecedented rise in global temperature, we have yet to change significantly the way we live in order to have a sustainable future.

What has changed, it seems, are how environmental concerns are being used as marketing or branding strategy. The CEO of YTL Corporation recently proclaimed himself to be a 'tree hugger' and a 'greenie'. There was something quite incongruent to the whole picture. Perhaps it is because his company makes a healthy profit out of producing greenhouse gases from power plants, and cuts trees to develope luxury apartment. No matter how healthy a cigarette company claims it makes its cigarettes to be, them funding cancer research and then calling themselves 'public health activists' would be highly perplexing.

In any case, a corporation that sponsors/funds green campaigns when they are contributors to global warming or of any environmental pollutants should be a case of attempting to 'pay back' to the ecological debt they created, rather than a self-sacrificing exercise that many seem to perceive it to be.

I stumbled upon a new development called 'Sepang Gold Coast' on Bagan Lalang beach one weekend and was told that it was a joint venture between the Selangor state investment arm and an Indonesian company. Huge signboards there claimed it to be eco-friendly. I asked a representative/staff there why this is so and he didn't seem to know why either. Unless this is a case of a badly informed staff, I shudder to think how eco-friendly a development of this size can be that will take up 22km of our shoreline. What seems likely is that there will be a few wealthy parties profiting from investing in the luxury resort. What is uncertain and unlikely, is how this mega development would result in that area being better off environmentally.

Environmental awareness has not reached a level where it is easy for the public to see through marketing ploys, and it is becoming more and more trendy and convenient for companies to be 'eco-friendly' without actually being so. Good intentions and bad executions in building and development also spell disaster. If a developer clears and build on one of the few remaining forested area in KL, no amount of environmental self-labeling or green advertisement should mean anything good. If a company claims to be environmental friendly and to protect million year old rainforest on an island surrounding their luxury development, ask instead why they chose to develop on that previously undisturbed island that would inevitably mean destruction and disturbance to its environment?

Aside from playing on the public's level of environmental awareness, the danger of mis-using words like 'conservation, greenie, or eco-friendly' is that it trivializes and dilutes its meaning and the cause in which many sincere and concerned people are working on. As such, we should be careful in using these words that is meant to represent values crucial for our future existence. We're in times where real human suffering is happening as a result of global warming greatly accelerated by uncontrolled human activity, and will likely be experiencing more unless a major change happens. Watch 'An Inconvenient Truth', find out what you can do, and watch out for those who mis-use and trivialize the cause.

The writer dedicates this article to the real 'greenies' out there for their inspiration and contributions; real 'greenies' who often work behind the scenes without fear or favour.

(Original draft. Edited article first published in The Sun 28 march 2007)

Beauty of rituals

2007-03-06T08:49:00.000-08:00

Think of the word ritual and we usually associate it with practices or ceremonies performed for symbolic reasons. Sometimes, the significance and purpose of a ritual is forgotten and we do it out of tradition. Witnessing a "water blessing ceremony" recently, it struck me as to how beautiful the purpose and meaning of a ritual can be; it was an act so moving that everyone present was moved to tears.

To an alien, pouring water onto someone's hands using a conch shell would seem to be a strange practice, as with piercing our bodies, or shaking hands when we meet. But if you're familiar with Thai weddings, (or if you've just googled up "water blessing ceremony") you will know that this is a common ceremony done at Thai weddings; the couple, joined by a lei of flowers tied together with string and placed on the couple's heads, signifying their unity, is seated at a table with their hands held over a cushion. The bride's mother and father, followed by the rest of the guests, bless the couple by pouring water over their palms with a conch shell as they wish them well for their future. I came to know of this ceremony at a wedding where the bride was Thai. While watching the couple being blessed by their family members, tears welled in the guests' eyes while some wept. As I watched the ritual, the meaning and purpose of it became much more salient than any other wedding ceremonies I have been to.

This was because the guests knew that both women took two years to convince their families to participate in their wedding. They also knew that it took a lot of love and support from friends and families to be involved in the entire wedding process, when many were resistant to the idea in the first place. It was not just a party or gathering with friends, but an affirmation of their relationship blessed and acknowledged by those that mean the most to them. The value of such an affirmation is sometimes taken for granted at most weddings, but is a scarce and valuable ritual for gay couples, when parents or loved ones knew no other than a prejudiced society.

In a society or family where same-sex relationships and open expressions are taboo, the water blessing ceremony became very meaningful and purposeful; it provided a way in which to express their love and acceptance.

The significance of this ritual as observed then is also telling of such difficulties faced by gay couples. Prior to this, I would have thought it unimaginable for a traditional Asian family to affirm a gay relationship so publicly. It took two years, but they turned around in the end, and they in turn, got the support from relatives too. All were involved in organising the event including a traditional Chinese tea ceremony, as the other bride was Chinese. They didn't change the world, but they changed the world they inhabit for the better.

I truly recommend attending not just any wedding, but one that had to overcome many obstacles to make it happen; to experience the beauty of rituals, the significance of it, and most importantly, to bear witness to love, courage, and its capacity for real change in our society.

Published in The Sun Mon, 05 Mar 2007

It wasn't me

2007-02-26T05:36:00.000-08:00

When Shaggy sang that number one hit song It Wasn't Me in 2000, many people sniggered and sang along with it too. I suppose there is something funny about being naughty and getting away with it. While one can get away light-heartedly with farting in the lift, getting away with a given responsibility or simply not taking it seriously sometimes comes at a heavy cost to others, even with their lives.

Blame has to be given to someone, or something else, when one refuses to take responsibility. Nature, it seems, is an easy target of late.

Flash floods that occurred in flood-prone areas of Singapore and Johor following heavy rain is one such example. While floods receded in a matter of hours in Singapore, Johor stayed flooded for three weeks resulting in economic losses of RM2.4 billion including clean-up and reconstruction. More than 104,000 people had to be evacuated and at least 17 people died. Now, we know all that from the barrage of news on the flood, but we should also know what should or could have been done to prevent this disaster.

Heavy rainfall alone cannot be solely blamed for the recent tragedy. One wonders why river systems, with years of sediments and siltation, has not been dredged or widened? Rivers that are narrower and shallower over time results in a slower discharge of water during heavy rainfall, making flooding even more severe.

Uncontrolled development and the destruction of water catchment areas have all contributed to this disaster. While we cannot stop the rain from falling, we can and should plan ahead to mitigate the flooding. Even our prime minister has commented in the news regarding observations on the weaknesses in the drainage system of Johor. A study will be done on why the flooding occurred as it has, but it should be known to all as well, if anyone or parties are to be held accountable for the poorly planned development in Johor, and elsewhere.

Thirteen years ago, heavy rainfall was also initially blamed for the landslide and collapse of the Highland Towers that claimed 48 lives. However, we now know that poor planning and human error were factors leading up to the tragedy. While a few parties were held liable in a federal court ruling last year, the local councils cannot be held liable for losses should a building collapse. Local authorities such as the MPAJ were given full immunity under Section 95 (2) of the Street,
Drainage & Building Act 1974 (Act 133). One is left wondering how safe we are in our own homes, when there is no accountability in this approval process.

Finally, for potential victims of this screwed-up process, I hope we do something about it before the next tragedy occurs. Perhaps start with finding out how we can make the relevant authorities more accountable for their actions or inactions. To deny one's responsibility as a citizen when one is in a position to act, may just be no different than that of irresponsible authorities. After all, no one lives in a vacuum and it will be our collective effort and public opinion that will ultimately shape the direction of our own country.

Published in The Sun, Mon, 22 Jan 2007

Who will air your dirty laundry?

2007-02-26T05:28:00.000-08:00

There is a very cili padi article being circulated on the net, written by one Aussie (http://www.michaelbackman.com/LatestAgeColumn2.html). In it, he describes what is happening in our "boleh-land", on how we are wasting our country's resources such as the "RM95 million of our taxpayers' money that will be spent on space travel with little obvious technical benefits"; money that could otherwise be used for our ailing education system. Some Malaysians are very angry at him. A friend who read it says he has Tall Poppy syndrome. Mind your own business, says another.

Some of us don't know whether to be angry or to give him the thumbs up. Perhaps it's time someone said so publicly and so "tepat (accurately) at that." But why, oh why, must a Mat Salleh write it?

In the past, Alice Walker and Audre Lorde were black women who spoke out against the violence and silencing that black women faced in their community. For that they have been branded as traitors to the black cause, as if the cause is just for men. Minority women were saddled with double discrimination. First, by being a minority, and secondly, by being women.

Muslim women are in the same quandary. When they speak out against the constraints on Muslim women, they are branded as Western agents and traitors to Islam. In the Chinese community, covering up shameful deeds is called "saving face". Injustices happen in every community, and when such injustices happen, more often than not, the oppressed - or victims - will not have the luxury to choose who will help their cause. When there are few or none within their community who will hear them or give them a voice, who are we to blame if a foreigner does that instead?

By silencing those who seek justice, or simply being pathethically aphathethic ourselves, we would be allowing more opportunity for others to highlight the problem, and in the process, to unfairly emphasise negative aspects in our society. Why give reasons for others to appropriate our causes, others who may not really care for us, but are using our causes for their own agenda?

When there are any negative stereotypes of your religion or race being perpetuated, perhaps what is more effective in countering such prejudices, apart from just reasoning alone, is to speak out and actually do something to set things right. It is disappointing that there is a large proportion of "educated" adults who have not or do not at least speak out against injustices perpetuated by those within their own community. How many men out there are brave enough to speak out against sexism? I can think of one. How sad.

How many non-Muslims have spoken out against Islamophobia? And how many Malays spoke out against the polarising effects of speakers at the recent Umno meeting bent on using demagogy to fuel their short-term popularity?

Not many, unfortunately. Our "fight" is not against any perceived group of people; it is against injustice, as simple and as naive as that may sound. When we begin to create an atmosphere where we seek to understand and address concerns and realities of all communities, instead of just our own, perhaps then it would be easier to build bridges.

Do we want foreigners to air our dirty laundry for us? Not if we want to allow others to inflate their sense of ego, and certainly not if enough of our leaders show that they are listening to the rakyat. Until then, as they say, padan muka.

Published in The Sun, Mon, 27 Nov 2006 (http://www.sun2surf.com/article.cfm?id=16223)

In Chinatown, everyone is Bruce Lee

2007-02-23T11:34:00.000-08:00

What do a "Muslim woman writer" and a "Chinese male actor" have in common? No, it is not just that they both eat food. It has something to do with media stereotypes and the struggle for representation and identity beyond what is imposed by the mainstream media.

Watch any commercial blockbuster movie and chances are that you will not find any other representation of a Chinese man, besides the "triad gang member" and "kung fu fighter". A Chinese male actor would be hard-pressed to find a job in a mainstream movie if he does not do either roles.

The placing of the Chinese male within the mainstream (read "western") media in its creative consciousness has always been a little problematic. I happened to be in the States when Ang Lee won the Academy Award (Best Director) for Brokeback Mountain and diligently caught the news on TV that evening to see him receiving his award.

Alas, there was no such thing, not even a clear shot of Ang Lee but a passing one of him getting up from his seat. So I had a look at a newspaper the next morning to get a clearer look of him, and there he was on the front page; a side profile of him kissing Clint Eastwood's hand.
If I was totally clueless, I would have thought that Clint Eastwood was the one receiving the award instead. I found myself thinking, "did I miss something here? Is this the usual exposure you get from winning the best director award?"

Probably not, but maybe, if your origins are from the Far East. After all, Chinese people are known to be good with numbers but it would be difficult to place them in the English speaking world's creative sphere. Asians or "orientals" as the British call us, are sometimes those interesting, cute, and exotic species you see in the background of an MTV music video, but not so much as persons with character, depth, and all things human.

While the Chinese male actor needs more than luck to break into mainstream movies without pandering to the "western" stereotype of him, the Muslim woman writer has it even worse.
An article written by Mohja Kahf (On Being a Muslim Woman Writer in the West) articulates very succinctly the problems of trying to break away from a stereotype. (http://www.islamicamagazine.com/issue-17/on-being-a-muslim-woman-writer-in-the-west.html).

Pick up any book by a Muslim women writer published by major publishers these days, and chances are that the story will be about a hapless victim of conservatism, or one who has escaped from the evil clutches of her society, sometimes helped by a brave and progressive white man.

Never mind the struggle of her own people within her community who fought hard for equality. Apparently what sells is just those stories of them as a victim or escapee. How many would stop to think that issues and stories on honour killings are really exoticising what is essentially domestic violence?

In addition to having to deal with these negative stereotypes, the Muslim woman writer also has to answer to her own community should she compromise by fitting into this stereotype. As by doing so, she would be perpetuating a negative stereotype of her community that has already been demonised.

The Muslim woman writer is caught between wanting to avoid pandering to this stereotype while trying to get her book published for the mainstream buyers who, ultimately, pay her bills. While some compromise in full knowledge, others even have their work slanted towards these stereotypes by virtue of what is printed on their book cover itself, which some may not have control of. If all we see are books or media that perpetuate and pander to these stereotypes, it is no wonder there is a phobia of her religion and community.

The victim or escapee stereotype is nothing new and has also been a theme with Chinese women writers. Think of the Chinese woman victim who escapes to the west from the evil clutches of communism. Besides being the "victim", "escapee", or "dragon lady", the Chinese woman also has the unfortunate (or fortunate, to the confused or opportunistic) role to play as the exotic sex kitten.

Stereotypes are sometimes so ingrained that we ourselves do not even question them. We forget that when we speak of a group of people, that they are essentially people with the same concerns as us who wish for peace and happiness, as cliche as that may sound, and who are as diverse as ourselves. Asians are not one homogenous group of people who think and act the same; there are so many different characteristics within and between Asian countries. The same should apply to people in Europe or the Middle East.

Do you know any Chinese men who are kung fu fighters or triad members? Hell, I personally don't know any who are, let alone any sizable majority. Yet, that is the representation we have from the western mainstream media. How strange is that.

Published in The Sun Tue, 31 Oct 2006

Hope we're not a lost cause too

2007-02-23T11:30:00.000-08:00

I think I was about six when I first saw a live penyu. Actually, that was about the only time I ever saw a leatherback turtle, and probably my last. Little did I know then that our adorable penyu would eventually be described as the "living dead".

There was little cause for celebration when our leatherback friends made the news recently. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) declared the leatherback of Terengganu was "effectively extinct", its population having dwindled to the point where it is incapable of regeneration. And so it is essentially living out its final years, hence the morbid term.

Our penyu's sad ending is a fine example of how too little was done before it was too late. Its population has been dwindling since the 80s. Despite warnings from turtle scientists and conservationists, there was little effort made to save it. Or at best, there were ill-thought-out action plans against poachers and the mortality it suffered at sea because of illegal fishing operations using trawl and gill nets.

However, it is reported that our national agency that is responsible for saving the turtles (Tumec) is not giving up. It is pinning its hopes on the discovery of five nests with 336 eggs. Another report gives the figure at 375 eggs. Whichever is correct, it is inconsequential and dismal given that scientists predict that for every 1,000 hatchlings produced, only one will reach adulthood to sustain the population. In view of this, it will be a waste of public funds now to launch grand plans to revive what is known to be a lost cause. Prior to this, their efforts to incubate turtle eggs in centres which are 100% exposed to sunlight resulted in eggs hatching as females, as temperature is a key factor in determining the gender of hatchlings.

At first glance, injecting optimism makes for a good story, but I'm not sure the hope and bravado of Tumec at this stage was appropriate or does any good. Perhaps the headlines should read instead: "Great effort, wrong timing." Maybe then we will be more inclined to learn from past mistakes.

Apathy, carelessness, and denial are often essential ingredients in a deadly mix when it comes to concocting a recipe for disaster. The Highland Towers tragedy is a case in point. Thirteen years after the tragedy, the Ampang Jaya Municipal Council was found not liable for the collapse of the buildings which killed 48 people. One wonders why the local authority is given the mandate to approve building projects when it is not held accountable.

Published in The Sun Tue, 22 Aug 2006

Build, not burn bridges

2007-02-23T11:27:00.000-08:00

A column I read on an online newspaper recently set me thinking. Something about religion, terrorism, and the disruption of flight schedules. The writer laments how innocent people are being killed by terrorists, and rants on about how some Malaysians were ambivalent about terrorists or even support them. She has extremely valid concerns. What concerned me as well, however, were her bigoted expressions in referring to Palestinians as people "with a penchant for violence", and the use of statistics to associate a particular religion (Islam) with terrorism.

To justify her point that one religion preaches more or less violent ways over another, she asked readers to do an internet search on "Islamic terrorists" and "Buddhist terrorists" where the phrases register 711,000 and 1,910 hits respectively. Out of curiosity, I Googled up the phrases "female terrorists" (14,300 Google hits) and "male terrorists" ( 2,260 Google hits). It doesn't take long for one to see the absurdity of using these sorts of numbers to assert a point of view. As far as searching the latter phrases on the internet are concerned, the results at most reflect the number of people talking about Muslim terrorists, and not even terrorist websites themselves. After all, those she would term as terrorists would not call themselves terrorists on their own websites.

The argument on whether religion and violence are compatible or not ultimately lies in one's interpretation of it. Furthermore, a study done by political scientist Robert Pape, who analysed every known case of suicide terrorism from 1980 to 2003 concludes: "religion is rarely the root cause, although it is often used as a tool by terrorist organisations in recruiting and in other efforts in service of the broader strategic objective."

To assert that the cause of terrorism is something inherent whether in religion or race, is not only unfounded, but also irresponsible, as this closes the doors for dialogue between communities and within our society. Let alone it being a pointless exercise in which to demonise an already marginalised group by the international media. We ought to examine what supports terrorism and what it thrives on. This is not an excuse for violent actions, which we must condemn, but in looking for explanations and ways to stem factors that support these actions.Ê

My concern is that as there is already such deep polarisation between the "west" and the "Islamic" world, shouldn't we look to build bridges instead of burning them? Continuing to possess and to expound this kind of prejudiced worldview without the slightest awareness of its implications only serves to further divide people.

We should be engaging with one another across communities, if not actively, at least to keep check on whether one's own worldview, is fair, or otherwise, to support the latter efforts. To see, and help fight injustices suffered by your neighbours is one way to build bridges. Failing to do so would be a lost opportunity and a detriment to our own fight against the deepening divides in our society.

Unfortunately, until we learn to engage with each other without reacting negatively in the first instance to stereotyped views, it will be extremely difficult to reach out across communities.

The writer is a psychologist by day and a singer-songriter on other days. She likes to pay her bills on time.

Published in The Sun Fri, 29 Sep 2006 (http://www.sun2surf.com/article.cfm?id=15642)

Love petai, love Malaysia?

2007-02-23T11:22:00.000-08:00

(Draft title - For the love of petai)

I have never quite understood why anyone could love petai. When I asked a petai lover why she loved this smelly bean, her response was, "Because it is smelly".

Refusing to accept that, I tried to prod for more answers in exchange for petai and got a lengthier response, "Because it is smelly, bitter, pungent, and it has got `sting'!" Needless to say, I still couldn't quite make sense of her love for petai and laid this stinky bean to rest.

However, it found its way into my lunch conversation recently as having a rather important role in forging national identity. As soon as petai was served, my friend remarked delightedly, "Oh, I love petai!" To which her guest, Dr Ali (not his real name or gender) smiled approvingly and said to her, "ah ... Malaysianised".

I was not too sure what he meant by that. Or rather, I was trying to make sense of his remark beyond equating Malaysians with Malays, as if everyone else is not really Malaysian. Wasn't my friend Malaysian in the first place?

Born and bred in Malaysia, just like Dr Ali and I. Except that she is an ethnic Chinese. And I don't even like petai. I suppose that makes me less Malaysian, at least in the eyes of Dr Ali, who for some reason also looked at me every time he mentioned western culture in the course of our conversation. I felt I was pigeonholed into a twilight zone between being an immigrant in Malaysia and a wannabe westerner; neither option was appealing.

Perhaps that was just a freaky encounter. But then I caught the now infamous RTM1 Fenomena Seni discussion on whether Yasmin Ahmad's movies, Sepet and Gubra, corrupt Malay Muslim culture. In it, one of the guest speakers, Raja Azmi Raja Sulaiman, said openly that "Malaysia belongs to the Malays".

She's so Malaysian she must be eating petai by the truckloads. I was left to wonder really; how many Malaysians have this view and why nothing was done to reprimand her and the station with all the talk about there being laws against instigating racial unrest.

The British Nationalist Party (BNP) in the UK which "stands for the preservation of the national and ethnic character of the British people" is widely condemned by their mainstream media as a racist party and enjoys minimal support in the UK.

The BNP does not regard non-white people as being British, even if they have been born in the UK and are British citizens. It is quite interesting when a political party uses similar rhetoric about racial superiority (with keris brandishing members at that) on our own shores, and no one seems to be batting an eye-lid in our mainstream media. What does it mean to be Malaysian? I can't say that I know, nor do I want to define it for everyone. We're all heading somewhere whether we do anything about it or not, but what we do or don't do will play a part in shaping this direction.

It was encouraging to see members of the public calling in during the Fenomena Seni discussion in support of the movies as also the many articles in the media condemning the discussion. After all, apathy can be the worst thing to have in the face of injustice.

It would be a shame when efforts to instil patriotism among Malaysians go to waste because of the ideas of some who think of others as lesser than they are. Not to mention it doing nothing to foster unity among ourselves. If we don't talk about our nation's progress in terms of ALL Malaysians, any talk of patriotism will hold no meaning; like making just about anyone understand the love for petai.

The writer is a psychologist by day and a singer-songwriter on other days. She likes to pay her bills on time.

Published in The Sun Thu, 18 May 2006 (http://www.sun2surf.com/article.cfm?id=14144)

On being an exotic squatter

2007-02-23T11:05:00.000-08:00

"Now don't say we never bring you anything exotic from the Far East!" beamed the hostess for the night.

Thunderous applause. The audience was packed into the cramped cellar below a popular cafe in Cambridge. I started to sing and apparently, mesmerised the crowd with my unorthodox finger-picking style on the guitar - "It's very interesting - the way you pick the strings!" Someone said. It was quite the unexpected compliment. Nothing to do with my songs or anything, but the way my fingers moved.

What was even more unexpected was the hostess' introduction. Was I some kind of animal or paraphernalia? My highly perceptive friend thought it was all quite amusing; the "exotic" artist from Malaysia sang in English, while the next group of musicians from England was using what looked like a variety of instruments made from different parts of tropical plants. I had the feeling that the audience did not quite know how to place me.

"Of course you are exotic to us!" quipped a French friendwhen told ofmy experience, the same guy who said that nobody likes immigrants in France, as though these were simply facts to be digested and accepted. Bob (not his real name) was a really nice friend. But after that conversation, it was hard to maintain the same friendship. I could not help thinking that he befriended me just because I was exotic, apart from me having the urge every now and then to break out into a Chinese fan dance when we meet. I also wondered why it would not seem appropriate to call him exotic if he were to go to the "Far East". After all, the first definition to the word exotic on dictionary.com was, "from another part of the world; foreign".

It is interesting how our identities shift in accordance to our environments, and what you do within that context. Growing up in Malaysia, I always knew that my ethnicity was Chinese, but I never FELT more Chinese being in a predominantly white town like Cambridge. Suddenly, I became yellow and my Indian friend brown. Endless discussions about identities and stereotyping ensued. I cannot remember exactly when I started noticing these things, but I suspect it may be something like the beginnings of consciousness in a mother's womb; nobody knows exactly when but it happens, and it should happen for a good reason.

Going through this awareness makes me more perceptive when I am back in my own country. It allows me to recognise and deal with silly things like negative stereotyping and how these impact our lives. An important part of this process is being able to talk about it in a comfortable andconstructive manner;a process whichhas been succesfully driven underground by threatswhether real or imagined. What we do hear of this topic seems to involve name-calling and accusatory remarks by the people who represent us in Parliament, in particular one named Badruddin who also once referred to minorities in this country as merely 'menumpang' (squatting). Ironically, isn't this the very sort of negative discourse our leaders were afraid therakyat would indulge in?

At the end of the day, I don't think anyone really wants to be "exotic", nor do they want to be labelled as someone who is just squatting in their own country. Perhaps imagination isjustwhat is lacking. Watching Yasmin Ahmad's film Gubra was a refreshing reminder of the possibility of existing as human beingsamidst allthe differences in society.

Sometimes, it just seems easier to think that how the way things have been will never change, but then again you do come across people that unknowingly inject you with optimism; during my early teenage days when internet chatting started flourishing in a big way, I was asked in a Malaysian chat room whether I was Chinese. I was so fed up of getting this query every time and went straight into a long lecture online on how it should not matter what race we are but that we are all Malaysians. The reply I got was simply this, "I just want to know whether I should wish you a Happy Chinese New Year or not mah."

The writer is a psychologist by day and a singer-songwriter on other days. She likes to pay her bills on time.

Published in The SUN - Thu, 20 Apr 2006 (http://www.sun2surf.com/article.cfm?id=13864)