Giving up on the system but not the principle

When I was retrenched in January 2002, my colleagues and I protested. Actually, our protests led to our retrenchment to begin with. We cried that it was unjust, and that it was an attempt to victimise union members in the organisation. Long story short: four of us filed for wrongful dismissal, lost at the Industrial Court; then three of us filed for a judicial review because we could see that the decision of the IC had totally sidelined our case and evidence. Unfortunately we lost again. My co-claimant said the judge seemed like he had not even read our lawyer's submission.

We still think we were wronged by the company and hold that it was unfair dismissal. Sigh. We join many thousands of people who feel the courts are there to defend the strong, not the powerless. The thought of going the next step, which in our hearts we know we should do because we are in the right, is daunting and discouraging. Admit defeat now? Is there a winner? What does it mean to the winner? To the loser?

Anyway, in the early days post-retrenchment, when I vented my frustrations to my mother, she would say that had the retrenchment not happened, I would have still been in the organisation and not moved on. (Maybe, there were more retrenchments later in the company, and re-recruitment too) But she was mostly right. The retrenchment led me to CIJ, which for financial reasons led me to the UNDP, where I met Soeren, who supported me in CIJ, which then brought me to SEAPA.

I have read many places about the crossroads, that, no matter what you choose, it will lead you somewhere. Its not the crossroads itself but what you do with the path that is in front of you. But would I have known that by standing on Jalan 51/217 Petaling Jaya holding placards 9 years ago would lead me to being part of a regional network of press freedom advocates on Thoetdamri Road Bangkok? No.

Back to the court case. There were those who dismissed our case from the beginning and told us to “move on”. We have moved on alright, my friends and I. And I am proud for I've done. I did not sit at a mamak stall night in and night out, complaining about my fate. I did what was provided for me by law, exercised my right to seek justice. We lost, but that is a risk one has to take when you want to defend yourself. But I will accept that maybe it is time to end the fight. And in a way, I feel I am in a better position, because on several ocassions in the past, I have had the opportunity to speak out in defence of the company where press freedom was concerned. I found my peace with the organisation a long time ago, it was the principle of justice that I held on to, and will still do.

So this was pretty much my train of thought this evening, walking home from the office, after the rain, after my colleagues had their year end performance review and me listening to Zubir Ali's Harga Diri. Melancholy.

Settling in, in Krung Thep

With the King's Birthday and a resumption of the red shirts demonstration, I have begun my stint in Bangkok, or Krung Thep. I'm getting into the thick of things and will be travelling in the region mainly in January to meet the Board members who are in the Philippines and Indonesia. In a way, because I have been working SEAPA through CIJ for the last 8 years, the settling in is a little easier. My colleagues are great and I had a very warm welcome. My probation period includes a study trip of the organisation and I will be meeting the Board members also in Manila and Jakarta next month, after having a good session with the two members here in Thailand.

Thailand is always interesting, but especially so now. On the one hand, the developments frustrate the democratic process, but on the other, the situation presents the people with alternatives and new approaches that we hope through our work will contribute towards a peaceful transition. At this point, I'll keep it to that: Article 112 of the Penal Code and the Computer Crimes Act – I need some time to familiarise myself with, and negotiate those limitations:)

I live quite close to the office, which makes it convenient for the daily tasks, including going to the local supermarkets and market. Only downside is there is no Ikea here:( I can't get my favourite shelves that line my apartment in Malaysia! I'm enjoying my apartment, though its way smaller than my abode in Malaysia but it has some nice features tht I could get used to. Its low rise, and is cosy (can get tough in the morning when school kids from the next street shout the national anthem early morning!) This is view from the living area and part of the kitchen. You can see the trees by the dining area – that's where I do my morning birdwatching.

Without sounding like a hermit, my daily companions especially in the mroning at the kitchen window are the crimson-crowned flowerpecker, a pair of bulbuls (still trying to ID them though I'm inclined to settle for yellow vented) and a pair of the oriole; the pied fantail that absolutely loves the swimming pool and puts up a real good show; the koel in the distance and the oriental magpie. (And I was writing this, a pair of sunbirds(?) decided to make an appearance!) I plan to visit the parks that are not too far away to start my practice again, and then attempt the recommended sites for birdwatching outside of Bangkok. I need a zoom camera!

As far as my lingo skills are concerned, I can give directions to the cab driver (to the left, to the right and straight on; vegetarian food; and numbers 1-10 – I found some similarity to one of the Chinese dialects, so that makes it a little easier).

I'm hoping to catch up with some old friends after Christmas but I also expect that the pace will pick up quickly in the New Year.

And thanks to my colleague, have found the great spots for books - second hand and old copies at ridiculously cheap prices!

Will be back for a week in CIJ in KL next week to sort out transition and handover issues. Will miss the CIJ gang:(

I should have written about the India trip but have been struggling with the details. Some day.....

Note/Corrections: its the scarlet backed flowerpecker and the crimson backed sunbird (the male and female pairs for both).

Bangkok it is then

Its official! I have accepted a job in Bangkok as the Executive Director of the Southeast Asian Press Alliance. It looks like I will start in December this year. The job wasn't really in the plan but plans change! I'm quite excited by it, also because it means having more contact with the groups and issues in the region.

It will be goodbye to the Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) ... for a while a least ...

At the same time, I'm also planning to start on my PhD, and I've got a fantastic supervisor, Zaharom Nain - who by the way was my lecturer 20 years ago in USM when I started my bachelor's. Neither one of us wants to remember how long its been since we first knew each other:) This means I plan to register at Nottingham University Malaysia and if I can complete it in less than 10 years, that would be good!

Between now and December, I'm off for 2 weeks to India, Delhi to be specific with my brother's family. A pilgrimage of some sort. A kind of preparation before starting the new phase of my life.

Save Bukit Gasing, also from the "concerned" users

One of the things I shall miss is the walks in Bukit Gasing, something that has been a part of my life (though not always consistent) for the last 14 years, or since I started working and living in Petaling Jaya. Most of the times I've been there on my own, but I've also had good friends as walking partners and used the walk both for trainings and to just enjoy the forest walk.

In 1998, it was to prepare for Kinabalu, in 1999 for Nepal and now its to encourage a friend, SF, who plans to do her own hikes as well. The treks have become more interesting over the years and the place is certainly much more busier today then it was even 10 years ago. That's a good sign and its so encouraging to see groups of friends and families go for their weekly walks. I think there are about 10 trails to choose from. Its so refreshing after a night rain, on a clear day, the blue sky that is the backdrop for the forest from below is fantastic. With its highest point at 160m, the forest is definitely worth protecting.

(Moss on the tree)(Sunlight into the forest)
(Walk up the hill, almost feels like a pilgrimage)

Unfortunately, there are those who think otherwise. While the PJ side of the forest has been gazetted as a protected area since the early 1960s, the KL is not. And of course, this also means that development has been approved (to build 70 bungalows on a 15.5hectare site on Bkt. Gasing as the court ruled against the application by 108 residents for a judicial review of the proposed development by Gasing Meridien Sdn Bhd). Read more at the Save Bukit Gasing blog. Its been a long struggle by the residents in PJ and nature enthusiasts to protect Bukit Gasing, which is one of the few remaining green lungs in the city.

The other problem that has arisen of late is the "action" by some people who think they are helping the conservation of the forest by building reflexology paths, planting flowers, damming the river (for absolutely the wrong reasons) and turning it into ponds with turtles! Obviously, those who are responsible for this have no awareness or understanding of biological diversity at all. Ok, so this used to be a rubber plantation many years ago, and it has not been a real forest for a long time, and yes there are irresponsible people who steal from the forest - but these do not give us a license to do whatever we want.

Apparently the council is aware of what's going on and has posted a warning to the continued "renovation" of the forest area. But I'm surprised the council has not been more aggressive in stopping the intrusion. I've heard from my friends that the group of people who think they are doing a service are very defensive against anyone who doesn't support them. If you're interested in conserving Bukit Gasing, please tell these people to stop what they are doing, and maybe the council should organise for an expert environmentalist to explain to the people why what they are doing is wrong. Here's a picture of the damned part of the river, by the bridge at the main entrance.
Sorry guys, this is not your garden at home for you to do what you want. And no surprise why there's suddenly lots of mosquitoes, when you block the flow of water and create stagnant water, of course this is the most conducive for mosquitoes!

Searching for..... in Denmark

So I've been here in Denmark for 3 weeks now and how fast time has gone by! I'm on the last leg of the trip, mainly in Fredericia and to the west coast this weekend. I was curious as to how I would feel coming back to Denmark, just months after Soeren's passing. The last time I was on the plane here, it was two days before he died. I know at some point, I will have to stop that frame of reference, but that time is not now. One can say that it is also related to this feeling of worry that you will forget details, feelings and experiences. I know only too well that like many things, we will not be able to remember everything forever but there are some very fundamental relationships that will not be lost. But I also foresee that while my ties are still strong here, I will not have the luxury of visiting so often as I would like to. Reality check.

Having said that, I of course had an itinerary for my visit, maybe something I picked up out of habit from Soeren:) I had a good trip to the island of Aeroe, which is on the south of Fyn and accessible by ferry. Kamma was a great company and definitely a fantastic guide - making the historical and nature landmarks so much more meaningful with the personal stories and encounters. We stayed the night at the town of Aeroskoebing at a nice bed and breakfast place called Karen Lise's Bed and Breakfast, which was nice and cosy, and nice spread for breakfast:)

In Marstal, we attemped the tour of the landmarks that were featured in the novel, and I was impressed by the Maritime Musuem, which I rarely do. Don't be fooled by the entrance because it is a rather big museum. I especially liked the photographs that gave you an insight into what it looked like 150 years ago. Like this picture here where you see the boys (mainly) and the town people by the harbour, and the sight of the ships in the background is just fanstastic. I think the photo must be from way before the WW2. And giving life to the story in the novel where all boys know their fate is in the seas on the ships. I've mentioned elsewhere that this has been one of the best books I've read in a while. To be able to visualise and then be anxious about the characters right till the end is a hallmark talent of an author.

The rest of the time in Denmark, or Europe, has been in search of the autumn, my first in this part of the world. Literally seeking out the changing colours of the leaves. I've not got the full colours but I'm not complaining. I cherish every day as it comes, with its share of the wonder, amazement, excitement and joy:)

The church in Marstal

What else am I looking for here? Maybe a map of how I will remember Soeren. A guide to what were his feelings and thoughts. Soon it will be time to say goodbye to Denmark, and its with the realisation that it is goodbye.

Memorial

We had the memorial on Sunday, the 12th. A small but cosy crowd and I really want to thank all who attended. It was a bit more difficult for me this time to say something. Maybe its because its been a few months now and the feeling of loss is more obvious, apparent and saddening.

Thanks to Mathias, Ralph, John, Annu and Dr. Kannan for sharing their thoughts and feelings and to the rest for being around with your positive spirit and support. And to Ram and Apsara for bearing with me while I went back and forth (forgetting this and that) for the very lovely video they prepared for the memorial.

In between the sobs and all, I shared a poem that was sent to me by a friend just soon after Soeren passed away, and its one I have read over the grave twice. Sharing here with you.

Do not stand at my grave and weep – Mary Frye

Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am in a thousand winds that blow,
I am the softly falling snow.
I am the gentle showers of rain,
I am the fields of ripening grain.
I am in the morning hush,
I am in the graceful rush
Of beautiful birds in circling flight,
I am the starshine of the night.
I am ...in the flowers that bloom,
I am in a quiet room.
I am in the birds that sing,
I am in each lovely thing.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there. I do not die.

And this was the best sharing for the day, he would have enjoyed it and from someone he had a lot of regard for, my cousin Dharmini.

Let’s all be merry and cheery,

For on the 25th of February, 1959

In the beautiful land of Denmark.

Twas the day a woman gave birth,

And God’s amazing gift to arrive on Earth,

That gift, they say,

Came in the form of a boy that day,

A boy who soon become a man,

Then to Malaysia he came to land.

The day he met our Gayathry,

That was the day he set her free,

Oh we’d never before seen her that happy,

When we saw she’d found her soulmate,

We knew this was destined, this was fate.

One fine day in 2005,

She brought this amazing person into my life,

As the intros were exchanged, I felt, there was something strange,

About this person I just met,

Yeah I know, I haven’t mentioned this yet.

The way he made us part of his whole,

I knew then that he was a kindred soul,

He is a person that we would all cherish,

Though God’s will unfortunately caused him to perish,

But I think that’s only because,

God missed him too, felt his loss.

He brought happiness to us all,

To our Gayathry the most of all,

Even in the most darkest hour,

He’d smile and nothing would be sour,

Hope and positiveness were the cement of his fort,

He was always very generous, giving lots of support,

He would help any creature that ever walked the Earth,

He made the world a happy place with his kindness and his mirth.

And though I never knew him that well,

He put lots of things in this empty shell (my head).

He thought me how to live with a smile,

And that I should make my life worthwhile,

To be positive even in the darkest,

And most important, to live life to the fullest.

I wish I’d get to know him more,

But sadly, I can’t, he’s not here anymore,

I think I speak for all when I say,

Thank you God, for letting him come for a stay,

Thank you for letting us meet this man,

Who changed peoples’ lives and did the best he can.

He was a great man, so we claim,

But I think I forgot to mention his name,

He is the kind, the ever-heartwarming,

Our very own Søeren Varming.

May you rest in peace and we will never forget a great man like you.

By: Dharmini V. Devan Nair

The last month and interview for the future

So, I've just had a job interview two days ago in Bangkok. Whether it is a good sign or not, at least I enjoyed the interview. Maybe it was because I knew at least 5 of the 7 members on the panel! Yes, it was that many people conducting the interview. Will mention the organisation when I hear the decision - whichever way it goes.

I found out about the vacancy a few months ago and it was exciting for me, because I was excited by the opportunity that came with job. I knew I was getting a bit too comfortable with being on my own, and doing things at my own pace. I needed the time and space but think that its time to get out into the big world and do something.

So, the job would be in Bangkok. If anything it will be exciting politically:) As a friend said, its always history in making in Bangkok! For many years, I've contemplated working and living in either Bangkok or Jakarta....or for that matter, Cape Town, Melbourne, Kathmandu....so it came as naturally as it could. In the first week of contemplating the application, I've browsed property sites to check out apartments and other possibilities for living there. Anyway, I think Bangkok is a refuge for many Malaysian activists too so it won't be lonely:)

More details when I know what will happen next:)

I'll be on my way to Denmark on Wednesday and already have work plans in Brussels in the first week of October and to Paris to crash in in Jen's place for a few days. Hope to see as many people I can in Denmark but that's going to be tough - so many people, so little time! Looking forward to going to the island of Aeroe with mum-in-law to experience the island that's the central location of the book by Carsten Jensen - We the Drowned.

The good news is that Mathias and Maizura will be married next year! Congratulations to the couple:) We had the opportunity to meet Maizura's family over Ramadan and Hari Raya and are very happy with the very warm and nice family. Now its for the "kids" to make the plans, so looking out for kompang/mridangam/dhol players to accompany the groom:) Kirstine left exacly a week ago and by the sound of it Sakariya has adjusted well after the travel - he'll be a well-travelled boy:)

So, hopefully more information about the job interview in the very near future, otherwise you'll be reading more of my trip in Europe!

Memorial for Soeren

In Loving Memory of

Soeren Varming

25.02.59 – 08.02.10

“I live my life in widening circles,
that reach out across the world.
I may not complete this last one
but I give myself to it.

I circle around God,
around the primordial tower.
I've been circling for thousands of years
and I still don't know:
am I a falcon, a storm, or a great song?”

- Rainer Maria Rilke

A memorial will be held tomorrow on Sunday @ 12 September 2010 at Ritz Carlton, Kuala Lumpur to celebrate his life.

Sorry if you've not been personally invited but I know there are many, many people whose lives, like his, have been touched even by a small encounter.

Gaya

Merdeka for the media, abolish PPPA

So, happy celebrating Merdeka to everyone but this time around, just think about what we need as Malaysians, and that is a free and independent media. Why? Well, no need for 10 reasons why we need free and independent media, apart from the fact that as citizens we have a right to a free and independent media and right to information.

The media must reclaim its own freedom and we need to make this call as citizens too! Support the abolition of the Printing Presses and Publications Act (PPPA) and don't be fooled that without it, there will be chaos in the country!

I'm sharing CIJ's statement here.

Sakariya is the star attraction

Kirstine and her family arrived about 2 weeks ago and I've been happily busy! Sakariya is now 2 and this is first long trip out of Denmark. He has adjusted very well, though he doesn't fail to mention that it is very warm when he gets out of the air-conditioned buildings/car:-) Unfortunately the two of us have been down with fever, his lasting for a few days now, so are bro's kids. Not sure where the bug is from, but its out there! So mainly being home bound, but optimistic about making a trip to Kuantan this weekend.

We've explored some Ramadan bazaars in Subang Jaya, Shah Alam and Sg. Pencala, done some shopping and had a nice time with the extended family:)

(first day with his sunnies at home; [below] seriously contemplating the pool - which he gets into later with the Eswaran siblings; with parents at Sg. Pencala)
































Mathias will arrive next week, so its a full house here - a pleasant relief from the quiet of the last few months. Hope to organise more buka puasa together with friends, but hope the little one will get better soon!

Trust the AG? Forget it!

And so we are expected to believe the sudden turning up of a note in the late Teoh Beng Hock's bag, which several blogs have claimed is a suicide note. That it only surfaced a year after his death after being questioned at the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) office in Shah Alam raises a lot more questions. The Malaysian Insider asks the right questions here about the sudden appearance of the note. The Attorney-General's office has offered a lame excuse that it was shocked by it too and that they have now sent the note for authenticity check.

Apparently the Investigating Officer ASP Ahmad Nazri Zainal found the note on Oct 7, more than two months after Teoh’s death last year. Why did it take so long if the first thing one would do is to check contents and forensics for any traces of evidence? And then this ASP didn't do anything about it because the documents in the bag were written in Chinese and in Roman characters. Huh? Got meh like that? I think these fellas seriously should just watch CSI or NCIS to get a tip or two. He really didn't think to get it checked and translated? What kind of investigating officers do we have really? On the one hand, the want the right to exercise the powers unchecked and then they fail miserably at what is really the core of their work. Maybe if the force didn't spend too much focusing on public dissent and civil society protests or candlelight vigils, they might be able to perform their jobs better.

By the way, what were the Umno people doing with this information of the note before it even reached the coroner officially? If Mohd Ezam Nor, now Senator, after jumping ships several times, (caution: reader is advised to doubt his credibility as much as possible) can raise a question in Parliament about the note before it found was submitted to the coroner, is the police and Umno in collusion then? Well, we've always suspected that, but here's another instance proving it! Is somebody in MACC and the AG's office leaking information, possibly to cast doubt over Teoh and the defence, and just before the Thai forensic pathologist Dr. Pornthip Rojanasunand is scheduled to testify again? Lawyer Gobind Singh Doe who is representing Teoh's family was of course mad about the situation, who wouldn't be?

There are several blogs out there of course criticising Gobind, saying the inquest is ongoing so no such thing as withholding evidence. But if the evidence was there in the first place a year ago, it should have been tendered and informed since the government had always wanted to show that Teoh took his own life. And Gobind is right: the line of questioning and witnesses to be called would have been different if this evidence was made known earlier.

But you can bet that most Malaysians are and will be very suspicious of the AG [who has done little in his time to show that he is a person with integrity] and our enforcement agencies, yet again. We can only hope the coroner will act fairly in the ongoing inquest.

Sg. Lembing, the El Dorado of the East

Over the weekend, I went up to Sg. Lembing with Annu to look at the town that was once the location for the world's biggest iron mine site since the late 1880s. Sg. Lembing is about 40km from Kuantan and it is a really small town, with one main street along the river, yet with a very rich history, no pun intended. The town/village looks very much like what it was in the pictures at the museum. It was known as the "El Dorado of the East" - the largest and deepest underground tin mine with its heydays until the 1970s. During the good times, they even had a duty free area, bringing in stuff from England for the foreigners living in the village and around.

The museum is definitely worth a visit. I think its one of the best I've been to in Malaysia. Its situated in what was the former director of the Pahang Consolidated Company Ltd's house and is a beautiful wooden two-storey building at the end of the village. It was a busy day with many different people visiting the museum, including a bunch of boys on the bike:)

Actually we started the afternoon with a walk behind the village (towards Bukit Panorama) for some birdwatching and the bird of the day was the black and red broadbill, a pair really. The others were saw were the red-eyed bulbull, orang bellied flowerpecker and the common tailorbird, of which we saw many on the way down the hill.

Here are the stars of the day, the broadbill, image from one of my favourite birdie sites (pix by Connie Khoo) and the tailorbird (right) (pix by Tee Lian Huat).

We found the trail where steps were being put in, and be assured that its not an easy ascent - that was cardiac work for a week! But the view is great and I'm sure if we went up all the way it would have been even better. A view from the trail and this was at mid-day.

Then back to the city for a great game of basketball with the girls!

Saving the plants

Two of my very close friends have been spreading rumours that I'm a plant killer! Yes, they are unfortunately still my good friends:) Anyway some of it is true - both have expressed horror and shock when they heard my curry leaf plant died. The infamous story they will tell is that only plants that know how to source for their own water will survive in this house. True..... as the three case studies from my past will testify to.

So when I started to introduce new plants to the balcony, one accused me of being a phoney - "where is the real Gaya?!!" while the other is still waging her bets that my new comers are going to be short-lived (her variegata plant is so much more livelier than mine though we got it at the same time!)

But I aim to change:) so I've bought myself a book called: Houseplants: The Green Thumb Guide to Easy Indoor Gardening, but the one that caught my eye was a little blurb on the top cover - Never Kill another houseplant Again! I was connected to it immediately! Its a very interesting and useful book, so will be setting myself to some experiments and to redeem myself:)

I should put on record the survivors on the balcony just in case:)
1993/1994
I first got one cactus plant (as in one only) back in 1993/1994 as a gift from a friend. I was studying in USM Penang then. When it was time for me to move out of Penang, I left the small pot in my aunt's place in Butterworth. Some years later, they moved to Petaling Jaya and with them came the cactus plant which had bred quite actively, I think there were 3-4 pots of many cacti plants. I transplanted them into 2 of my own pots sometime in 2001, these spread even more. But I've kept two with me. Its the 21st century family of a 1993 single plant!


2000

This aloe vera was taken from one of the houses we stayed in PJ in 2000. When I moved out of there, I took with me one pot and it has been around since then. There's another one with some young leaves(?) but this needs to be re-potted, you can see its a bit chaotic!

2005

This is a Euphorbia Trigona or also known as the African Milk. I bought the plant from Cameron Highlands in 2005 and it has been growing steadily. I keep it in the balcony because I read somewhere that you get good colours when it has enough light. Its now about 1metre high and you can't see it here but the stem and leaves are a bit reddish at the top.

I know many people would say that its easy to keep cactus and succulents, and which is true. But I'm quite proud of these resilient ones, especially when they know I've been pretty bad at caring for the plants:)






Some new ones are the hibiscus and two others waiting to be identified (I have this plan of growing trees on the balcony!) and some herbs. Not too successful yet in the herbs departmet but several experiments are ongoing, like assuring the mint that they should survive in the soil and not in the water only! And tomorrow I'm hoping to get a few more plants, so wish me luck!

Anniversaries

Sunday the 25th would have been our four-year anniversary. It is still an anniversary, though Soeren is no more, it is a recollection of memories.

We used to joke that there were too many dates to remember and commemorate! We had two engagement parties and two wedding parties (have to cover the Malaysian and Danish families) and then the actual registration date which is 25 July. Whatever excuse we could come up just to get people together and have a party:)

So, a toast to Soeren:)

But I will never forget Plaza Masalam, where our marriage was registered. One because the officer in charge was very nice, but secondly, it was also the site of a tragic incident last year when the assistant to the Selangor Exco died - Teoh Beng Hock. Soeren also posted on this on his blog last year. Teoh's death anniversary was on 16 July. We are no where closer to the truth then we were a year ago.

RIP Teoh.

Launch of the SEA Media Legal Defence Network

Over the weekend, I attended the soft launch of the SEA Media Legal Defence Network, a regional initiative to provide assistance and funds for the defence of media - online, small media, bloggers - against the constant threats to messengers throughout the region.

In the Philippines, journalists are being kidnapped, harassed and killed in the line of duty; in Indonesia, journalists experience imprisonment for criminal defamation; in Thailand, the emergency laws and the current political instability targets media and journalists, accusing them of siding the red shirts and the yellow shirts; in Singapore, the former Prime Minister has bankrupted opposition through the defamation laws; and in Malaysia, controls are imposed via a slew of anti-free press laws, censorship and political ownership.

According to the coordinator of the project, HR Dipendra, the network will provide:
* Payment of legal fees;
* Assistance in accessing free legal advice;
* Assistance in taking up cases in international tribunals and supervisory bodies;
* Support for the independent observation of court proceedings;
* Support in matters of strategic litigation;
* Opportunities for training in media law and litigation; and
* Support for the exchange of information and experience among media lawyers.

People might ask why defend the media in Malaysia at all? What with public confidence in it at an all time low. The 1998 coverage of the reformasi and Anwar Ibrahim's sacking and court case, and the build up and post March 2008 elections have certainly not won the media any new supporters while many have shifted to the internet media. So, why bother about the "agents" and workers of the media who are also responsible for churning out lies, distortions and misinformation.

Firstly, I think it is wrong to threaten the media and journalists in the first place. They have a duty to do and a thriving media is important for society. Ok, in its ideal form, especially to support the building and maintenance of democracy and justice.

Secondly, the fact remains that there are many journalists who do a good job and who test the borders everyday and believe that they are in a position to bring about changes. Some who felt they couldn't work effectively anymore have gone on to set up their own media, such as the founders of Malaysiakini and The Nut Graph. And then we have individuals who do a good job using their own resources like Anil Netto. So, the point is there is good work being done, and we need to support and protect them.

Thirdly, by protecting journalists, we are also extending support to dismantle the controls that are in place. We do that by challenging in court the censorship and defence of journalists, by raising awareness among the public to get their support.

Fourthly, we as the public have a stake in supporting good journalists. We get good stories that are fair, balanced, ethical and important to us. If we don't show that we care, we will get rubbish. Then we complain about the rubbish, and the cycle continues.

Of course we are all aware of gatekeepers who allow themselves to be at the mercy of the owners and political masters. We know that, that's why groups like Aliran, CIJ, WAMI and the rest advocate legislative and political change.

The point to note about the SEAMLDN is that it will also extend support to bloggers and the online news sites, who tend not to have the financial and legal resources like the big media.

Anyway, the highlight of the launch on Friday evening was Zunar's presentation of his cartoons, where his compilations have been banned by the government as "they were threats to security"! By the way, Zunar and Malaysiakini filed a suit today against the Home Ministry over the ban of 1Funny Malaysia and Perak Darul Kartun, for and this is where it is funny:)

“The publications have been banned for its contents that can influence the people to revolt against the leaders and government policies. The contents are not suitable and detrimental to public order," said Mahmood [Home Ministry chief secretary Mahmood Adam].

Here's an old media that is so powerful and because of that, it scares the s**t of the government. That's the topic of another post:)

If you haven't seen Zunar's work, please do, they are good stuff. You should be able to find them on Malaysiakini's website, which has published Zunar's political cartoons for many years now. Zunar was our "highlights" at the 2007 World Press Freedom Day celebrations at the Annexe Gallery.

Going public

Today was my first press conference, organised by the Coalition for Good Governance, of which the Centre for Independent Journalism is part of. It was to express our stand on the Selangor FOI enactment tabled last week. If you're interested, you can read our statement here. Sonia has contributed a piece to The Nut Graph here.

This was my first PC in a while, somewhat readjusting back to the NGO work. It has been much tougher than expected. So even though I've been back since May, this was the first time I've been out in public to make a statement etc. Am pretty sure there are more talks/forums to come, especially with the FOI law, to get NGOsand the public to support the law and call for it to be strengthened. But I needed the first nudge to be sure I could do it.

But many things have been difficult, or at least different. Which doesn't have to be a bad thing, but it also means there are many hours spent trying to make sense of the changes. Personal losses can do quite a bit to affect the levels of confidence, I knew it would happen, but still in theory things seem easier:) You wonder if the decisions you make are the right ones because you no longer need to think in terms of two. And I got a very good explanation about this process and understanding that has also helped me be conscious of myself.

Being one is not strange to me. And in some ways I've returned to that state, albeit with new experiences and perspectives. I can only hope that its for the better. As Nietzsche said, if it doesn't kill you, it only makes you stronger.

Anyway I thought I would put up our last photo together, which was taken at the hospital in Fredericia. I think it was Soeren's ability to give his hearty smile and joy even when he was in pain, that defined who he was. Its a constant reminder that I can do better for myself.

Goodbye Ben

Received news today that Benjamin McKay has passed away. Wish I knew him better. I remember him as a smart, witty and lovable person. Enjoyed reading his interviews and articles in various publications/magazines. I just found an article interviewing Ben if you want to know more about him.

R.I.P Ben.




Updated: obituary in the Annexe Gallery.

Ministry of Truth?

In 1948, George Orwell wrote the fabulous book Nineteen Eighty-Four about a totalitarian regime in Oceania, one of the 3 super-states created after a global war. There are four ministries - Ministry of Peace, Ministry of Plenty, Ministry of Love and Ministry of Truth. The main character Winston Smith works in the last where his job entails rewriting history and changing facts to fit in with the Party's propaganda and manufacture news when required.

I thought about 1984 when I read about the new Communication Strategy Strengthening Committee, here in Malaysia. Its members are Home Minister Hishamuddin Hussein, Information Culture and Communication Minister Rais Yatim and Minister in PM's Dept Nazri Aziz, to prevent spread of false news!

How do you respond to things like these? Do they really think we are so incapable of free and independent thought?

And we taxpayers are expected to support this ? I wonder how much budget is allocated to this work, how many people will be tasked to the committee work and who will they report to? As we know, the Home Ministry already does this work. There are actually people who sit and read ALL the newspapers and just to be sure the "readers" are loyal to them, their work is counter checked by other people. Now, government is actually admitting that they take our money to pay someone who will report to the masters what we are not supposed to know.

I remembered also an announcement in 2008 the Pahang state government hired pensioners to monitor blogs that were supposedly writing stuff that were anti-government. I like Niamah's venting of it.

Anyway, this committee,which is supposed to meet every month, will discuss guidelines to be followed by the media, and then consider "Amendments to the law, quality training for investigation officers, witness protection and the definition of false information" (Source, NST)

Except that, we all know the only agenda is to stop any dissemination of information that would make the Barisan Nasional look bad. Period.

Are people aware of the countless guidelines and regulations that already govern the media, both offline and online? Here's a snapshot of it:

1. Content Code of the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission that regulates the broadcasting, advertising and multimedia industry;
2. Guidelines for Publication of Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security
   
3. Code for advertisers
4. Printing Presses and Publications Act (regulations under 2 are sanctioned under the PPPA) (Gosh, where do we begin)
   
5. Sedition Act (hmm...the list is pretty long)
   
6. Defamation Act
7. Penal Code (many options for the creative authorities unfortunately)
8. Internal Security Act (Example of Suaram activist arrested under this act)
   
9. Communications and Multimedia Act
10. Film Censorship Act
    
11. and many others...

With the actions taken against Suara Keadilan, Rocket and Harakah, we really should reject these committees and any attempts to further control our right to expression and right to know.

In the meantime, if you haven't read 1984 or watched the movie, just watch Hishamuddin and gang's antics. Its as good, if not better that Orwell's fiction!

Venkis in Kuantan

Its turned out that the majority of the Venki kids (2 out of 3!) is now based in Kuantan. Annu has begun her posting here as a paediatric dental specialist at the Kuantan GH and Sundar (aka Ramesh) is working at a project site in Gambang. So they have found a place to share, which is also now the official holiday hang out place for the family!

Decided to join them for a few days to get away from the city. These are photos from Teluk Cempedak from yesterday. Its a superb place for relaxing. Never realised what a nice place Kuantan is. I had a sneak preview last year when Soeren, Mathias and I visited our friend for Hari Raya, and her house is literally by the beach. And one of her neighbours is a fisherman and her family sometimes has the "pleasure" of receiving fresh fish.

Annu's place is less than 10 minutes from the Teluk Cempedak beach, which is pretty clean and well maintained. We also saw several treks that are accessible via the wooden bridges built along the beach. I love to see families and groups of friends hanging out in nature and what luxury to be able to do it on a Monday evening! Annu has already written in to sign up as MNS member, so we can join in their activities. You can't live in Pahang (with the longest river and biggest national park on the peninsula) and not explore it:)


I've come to appreciate cities and towns close to the sea as being sane living. Some of my favourite cities have that access like Cape Town and Sydney. I felt it most therapeutic when I was in Fredericia after the funeral to be able to walk by the beach, listen to the sound of the waves and be lulled by the sea breeze. At least for 2 months, it became a routine for me to go for morning or afternoon walks by the beach. Someone told me once that people feel at peace near water because that was our cradle for 9 months in the womb. I won't swear by that and wonder how it works for those who have aquaphobia (ok, scared of water, ya, me included). But the sound of the water and its rhythm on a non-stormy day calms down your own heart beat, I think. Anyway, its too bad that the neither Putrajaya nor Kuala Lumpur is close enough to the sea to have strolls by the beach. It only means have to make regular trips to Kuantan!

Back to birdwatching

I was out birdwatching today, the first time since I got back from Denmark in May. I did quite a bit while I was in Denmark where its a little easier to spot the birds especially during spring time because there are no dense forests like our broadleaved evergreen forests.







(halfway down the old road)







bh suggested we go to the Awana spot but we found out today the trail is closed to the public. So is the road to the old pumphouse. So two good spots closed to the birdwatchers. We then went down to the old Genting road and the first spotting was the blue-winged leafbird. Apparently there was a pair but I only caught sight of one.

I had on my list four bulbuls (some I've seen before) but the sight of the day was the Grey-bellied bulbul, which stayed around for quite a while so I really had a good look. The others were the Black-headed bulbul, the Black-crested bulbul and the Red-eyed bulbul.

The one that "followed us around" were the striped tit babbler, which is very common here. We found them at the different spots we walked, and together with the flowerpeckers, they made the surrounding very lively. We definitely saw both the male and female orange-bellied flowerpecker and the juveniles with the very distinct orange beak, and we spotted a few and thought it wouldn't have been possible to have that many young ones. But based on the images, I'm guessing it was a very big happy family:)

To me the bird of the day has to be the Oriental White-eye, because its got such a distinct look and we found it trying to find some food or foraging for something from a nest (not belonging to it) and was there long enough for me to fiddle with my binos to get a good look. I'm putting a picture here from OBI's website...otherwise my posting is too boring:) I like this pic!

(pix by David Bakewell, taken at Damai Cultural Village, Sarawak. Source: Birding in Malaysia website)

Close to where we spotted the oriental white eye, we were treated to the Verditer Flycatcher, a beautiful light blue bird. I thought I spotted another one in dark blue and thought it could have been another bird, but glancing through the OBI images, I concluded that I just saw the Verditer, even if it looked a but chubbier than the other! Have to share an image where the blue is much stronger.

(Pix by Alagan taken in Genting. Source:Birdings in Malaysia website)










I'm also learning to appreciate the swallows and swifts, and I think the Whiskered Treeswift is a rather nice bird. The good thing about this one is that it tends to perch itself on the branch right at the end and stays there a while, so you have the chance to observe it. The pix I've linked is a beautiful one of the female. Got to pay attention a bit more to the fast fellas zooming past!

The last is something we're not quite sure of, or at least I'm not. bh suggested it was a pair of woodshrike, then we saw some features that she said were closer to the Cuckoo-shrike. I thought the Lesser Cuckoo-shrike was a match, but somehow the female we saw didn't seem to have that many bars all the way below.

So a total of 11 today, mostly new to me though I've been on this route twice now with bh. Maybe we'll try another place the next time. I'm also thinking of documenting the birds in and around Livillas, where I stay. I've got a few I know for sure, and it would be nice to have an experienced photographer to get the shots.

By the way, links to the images of the birds are from the Oriental Bird Club and I've tried to find the ones by Malaysian contributors. Many of them are from Dr. Amar Singh, whose book Friendship with Birds I have, thanks to my editor friend who thought I might want to review it. I haven't, but I love the book:)

Give solutions, not problems

So, here I was at TM Point in PJ to cancel the Streamyx since I've been a P1 customer for a while now. The problem was that my dear housemate Jen was the one who signed up for the Telekom services. I expected they would say I couldn't cancel it since it wasn't under my name. So I armed myself with documentation that I owned the house, so by default that gives me more right.

Or so I thought.

I get to the counter after waiting for a good 20 minutes, and the officer sets out to be difficult. I explain to her from the beginning what I wanted and that I wasn't the subscriber, but I owned the house so I should be able to cancel the line. No. She says I have to get an authorisation letter from Jen to cancel the line. And then I say, "well Jen is away in Paris and I don't have time to keep coming to the centre just to cancel the line".

R (at the counter): Ask her to email the authorisation letter.
Me: Ok, if you can accept emailed letter, why don't I ask her to email to YOU directly and then you can terminate the line.
R: No, you have to come here with the authorisation letter, then only I can terminate.
Me: You think I got so much time (which is actually true-lah, but why tell her that) to come here so many times ah? Isn't it easier to send the email to you and you can proceed. I have filled the form here.

R goes in presumably to talk to the manager or a ghost supervisor. She comes back and says:

R: Either you get the authorisation letter or you can go to the Commissioner of Oath to stamp on the form that you will take full responsibility.
Me: Huh! You mean I have to pay RM4 (I think that's what it costs) to get some fella to say I will take responsibility! Will you deduct it from my bill?
R: No. Otherwise we cannot do.

I repeat my argument, adding that its very inconvenient for people who travel and work outstation to keep coming back to do a very simple task. And then I say that they should have these services online, saves a lot of people the trouble.

R then looks over to her colleague and asks if email is possible since I don't give up on that solution. He says yes and asks that an IC copy is attached, to which I say, sure thing, no problem. But R is not convinced. She goes back in behind the sliding door with the big TM/Unifi ad to see the ghost supervisor again. It takes a while. I stare into the camera and think (oh, what is the privacy problem here, hmm....anyway, will they think I look like a terrorist? Is there actually a tape in the recorder? How long will they keep the vids? Who looks at them? Will someone ask for my number....) R comes back.

R: Ok, so only if you give all these details and CC the email to me, will I reconnect. She must give all the details...bla...bla......
Me: Yes sure, no problem. So email me and CC you - its done. Thanks.

I walk out. It could have been over in 5 minutes.

The moral of the story?

Its very common in the service sector here that when you have an out of the ordinary situation, the service providers tend to present you with more problems rather than solutions. And often the solutions are acceptable but because their attitudes are bad, I tend to reject their suggestions.

We had a similar experience when Soeren wanted to open a bank account and because he's a foreigner, the customer service officer at the first bank we went to (Standard Chartered) told him to his face they wouldn't open one because of fear of money laundering. Is that how you treat potential customers! So, she said we could only have joint account (which we didn't like) but we decided not to do any business with the bank anyway that throws money laundering as the first thing that comes out of their mouth. It so happened the next bank gave the same solution but in a more respected manner. We took it.

On the flip side, Celcom was better in not only helping me with a situation, they also offered to halve my outstanding payment from 2001 (yes, I've been blacklisted all this while) so I could become a fresh customer for them:) The difference was really in the approach and personality of the customer service officers - they can have the same set of limitations, and choose to deal with the customers better.

But I think a lot of SOPs in the service industry should be challenged and customer service officers be forced to move out of their chairs to think creatively for solutions.

Small story but imagine the thousands of people having to bear with unthinking service providers who are quick to take your money but not to assist you.

Its official - FOI has been tabled in Selangor

At 1130am this morning, YB Elizabeth Wong tabled the FOI bill for Selangor after much delay in the last year and half. We are closer to the reality of a freedom of information legislation in Malaysia then we have ever been!

Kudos to the state government, and it is definitely a proud moment for the CSOs and individuals who had been working on this for many years. The draft bill was a result of the commitment of many of these CSOs and individuals, starting with a petition for FOI, a national coalition, the drafting of the bill, roadshows, leaflets, talking to politicians and finally the engagement with the Selangor state government under the Pakatan Rakyat.

But the bill is not perfect, in fact some of the provisions in the version that was tabled clearly weakens the spirit of the bill. We have work to do to try and reinstate some of the provisions and ensure that it is a good piece of legislation. The BN camp of course picked on the unconstitutionality of the bill, but I think the defence is strong enough.

The main flaw is the removal of the rights framework from the law, which can be seen in the preamble:
"An Enactment to enhance disclosure of information for the public interest, to provide to every individual an opportunity to access to information made by every department of the State Government."

This was what was proposed in the civil society draft:
"An Enactment to promote maximum disclosure of information in the public interest, to guarantee the right of everyone to access information, and to provide for effective mechanisms to secure that right. Recognising the right to access information to participatory democracy, to promote openness, transparency and accountability within the State Government and its bodies;

Be it enacted by the Selangor State Legislative Assembly as follows: "

And in Section 3 of the proposed draft, we strengthen this by saying:
"The purpose of this Enactment is to provide a right of access to any information held by public authorities within the jurisdiction of the state so that such information should be available to the public. Necessary exceptions to the right of access should be limited, specific and justified and decisions on the disclosure of such information should be reviewed independently of government "

The others involved the discretionary powers of the information officer, the powers of the Chairman of the Appeals Board, the need to justify reasons for making requests, response to requests, time for response and the scope for the exceptions.

The ADUNs who debated were (in case anyone is monitoring their state reps:)
1. Hannah Yeoh (Subang Jaya-DAP)
2. Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad (Seri Setia-PKR)
3. Sulaiman Abdul Razak (Permatang-BN)
4. Lau Weng San (Kampung Tunku-DAP)
5. Ismail Sani (Dusun Tua-BN)
6. Gan Pei Ni (PKR-Rawang)
7. Subahan Kamal (Taman Templer-BN)
8. Lee Kim Sin (Kajang-PKR)
9. Amiruddin Saari (Batu Caves-PKR)
10. Mohd Shamsudin Lias (Sungai Burong-BN)
11. Azmin Ali (Bukit Antarabangsa-PKR)

A Select Committee was also formed to collect feedback on the bill. It will be chaired by Saari Sungib (PAS) and members include Hannah Yeoh (DAP), Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad (PKR), Amiruddin Saari (PKR), Dr Ahmad Yunos Hairi (PAS), Abdul Shukor Idrus (BN) and Dr. Karim Mansor (BN). We'll have to target the committee to make sure the several provisions are reinstated and amendments made before it is tabled for 3rd reading, possibly early next year.

Those interested to get to know the bill and want to give feedback are welcome to contact me. The Coalition for Good Governance will be planning its response and strategy.

And as many have tweeted, who next? Penang? The Federal Government?

Had to have a photo with Eli and Saari, who was joined by his wife Aliza. Historic moment, people!

Inspired by the work of Wu Guanzhong

"So many things have been forgotten. When you try to look for them, you find only scattered traces or prints. I paint these prints, these fuzzy memories. They may be fading, but they are after all the accumulated imprints on the face of an old man. Perhaps someone will cherish them." - Wu Guanzhong.

I had the opportunity to visit the Hong Kong Museum of Art that is on the Kowloon island on my last day of the trip. It is located at the arts and centre. I wasn't sure what was on display and was not really interested in antiquities and porcelain. But when I got there, right outside the museum, a selection of Wu Guanzhong's paintings decorated the wall. His work, "Lofty Integrity", was on display. I was immediately taken in by some of the paintings and his words to the paintings were rather inspiring too. I share some with you. These photos don't do justice to the art itself, but I was glad the museum allowed photography at all.

Cascade - "I have weeded the trees and rocks to give her the untarnished looks she deserves. Plunging down in pure white, the falls are like a mirror where men can see their own imperfections."









In the distance - "Who cares if it is a dragon or a snake? What matters is the dynamism of life that it projects. Words can never describe the painter's perception of life. Claiming that it is in the distance is nothing but an excuse."









City Nights - "To begin with, I worked at the intersection of the thick horizontal and vertical strokes to produce the illusion of jagged buildings. Realistic or not, they are all buildings, standing tall and vying with each other to reach for the sky as far as the eye can see."








Leaving youth behind - "When a tree is old, its roots are exposed. When a lotus is old, its stalks break. It is better to break than to submit, leaving no regrets even when youth is gone."










It was only at the exhibition that I knew that Wu Guanzhong had died less than two weeks before. He had donated many of his works to museums in China and Hong Kong. He is well known as one of the great modern artists of China. During the Cultural Revolution, Wu served at the labour camp and was only allowed to paint during holidays. He started his painting in his late 50s after the end of the cultural revolution and had his first exhibition at the age of 59. I tried to get a copy of the book on his exhibits but the museum shop did not have copies and orders had to be placed, and it would take a month to get the book. I really hope the reason was because all the copies they had were sold out. I think it would be sad if they didn't keep copies at hand while the exhibition was going on.

A nice conclusion to my trip to Hong Kong.