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)