Ah...Nomination Day!

May peace, justice and truth prevails...

Pray hard for those of you going to Church this morning.

I am off now...

Rah Rah Rah! Chong Eng for Bkt. Mertajam (chongeng.org). DAP for Bkt Mertajam!

I am touched by Uncle Kit's passionate and yet no-nonsense defence of DAP's and his personal stance against the mindless political rhetorics "Lim Kit Siang-Lim Guan Eng father-son dynasty" of Gerakan heads.

The full text is available on his blog here. It was part of his speech at the DAP Penang CNY open house last Sunday. Please read it, never have I seen anything more genuine from a politician in Malaysia.

I think this summarized the not only Lim Kit Siang's struggle, but also the struggle of DAP membership, top-down:

First of all, I do not want to use the word “proud” but let me state that Guan Eng and I have nothing to be ashamed in dedicating the best part of our lives to the betterment of the nation and people to promote democracy, forge international competitiveness, fight injustice and inequality regardless of race, religion or region.

Although both of us paid a heavy price for our political beliefs and convictions, this is the expression of our love and loyalty to Malaysia!

We are not like other father-and-sons in the political arena as we are not in politics for wealth, position or titles.

We are not in politics for wealth, position or titles.

Ten years down the road, I may perhaps change my mind about DAP, but today, I put my heart and my hand with the Party because I strongly believe that "we are not in politics for wealth, position or titles" is indeed the deep sentiment of DAP's leaders and members.

Never a Party so consistent in its struggle for a better Malaysia. Never a Party so crowded with people who believe in politics for the goodness of everyone instead of self interest. Never a Party so committed to fighting "injustice and inequality regardless of race, religion or region".

I pray that I will have the courage, determination, high moral and intellect of Lim Kit Siang.

Hidup Lim Kit Siang!

I just came back from Parti Keadilan Rakyat's Permatang Tinggi branch Chinese New Year open house.

YB Chong Eng and Guna was there. Together with Michael Tan (DAP Kota Permai branch chairman who will be one of the local candidates in the coming election).

Anwar and Dr. Wan Azizah were also there to show their support.

I had a few suprising meetings. Firstly with an old schoolmate of mine, S. He just finished his medical studies and is awaiting posting. He is a supporter of PKR. It was really good to know some of my friends are making public stance on their political preferences - for parties and candidates with good conscience and for real political reform.

Joshua and Y submitted their DAP membership forms to Guna as Bkt Mertajam branch chairman. It's a great thing that we are seeing a lot more new blood who will bring in fresh ideas into DAP.

Then I met with a father of an old friend. I didn't approached him because although he looked familiar (and curiously like my friend - we were very close during primary school ages ago), I was not sure. Until I saw his name card and confirmed he is my friend's father. Mr. T is now in semi-retirement (he was a practising lawyer). I heard from Chong Eng later on that he had just registered to be a DAP member a few days back. Again a pleasant surprise. Hope to catch up with him during the BM branch open house this coming Tuesday.

Finally, I met with the former headmaster of my primary school - Tuan Haji Idrus Ibrahim. He looked rather old but still very much distinguished. Tuan Idrus is Anwar's elder brother. My friend S and I managed to approach him and shook his hand and took photos together (will post later). It was really a priviledge to be able to meet my former headmaster again. I'd always think he was a stern and a no-nonsense academician and an able administrator. One of the "fond" memories I had, and I told him that, was when he pulled my sideburn because they were too long... : D

Anyway, Tuan Idrus gave us a few advise like a good teacher would, wisen up in the next general election and vote for change. And spread the message. We've been naive long enough. We must vote for candidates who are not self-serving and who will serve the people regardless of race and religion. He especially mentioned YB Chong Eng for Bukit Mertajam and PKR candidate for Machang Bubok state seat Mr. Tan Hock Leong.

Terima Kasih Cikgu. Advise taken.

Well...it was a pity I missed DAP Penang CNY open house. I wanted so much to meet up with some of my friends. It was a tiring morning, having to preach in church today. I am looking forward to Tuesday 12-February for the DAP Bukit Mertajam CNY open house at 7.30pm. Come, everyone's invited. You can check out the map here (produced by my very very able BETTER HALF - JR)