I was checking my email this morning and the news came to me in a flashing link. I cannot say I am completely torn apart by this news but some part of me is sad and somber.
Youth born after the 80s will never really understand us 30+ people's feelings about MJ because they never lived during the heyday of his reign as the indisputable king of pop. I still remember the time when he won something like 8 Grammys and he could not really carry all those 8 golden gramaphones when he had his photo sessions. I remember his thank you speeches--all 8 of them--where he always thanked his mom and dad and God, even though his dad used to psychologically and emotionally abuse him as a kid.
MJ was a messed up boy and his scars live on in his scandals. To be honest, I never really believed he maliciously intended to do the things he did to little boys. I don't know him of course but he came across as a musical genius with a really screwed up sense of himself. The more famous he got, the more he retreated into his crazy world, Neverland and never growing up.
He is dead at 50 but he's still a boy. I was not surprised to read Quincy Jones saying he lost his "little brother" because that was exactly what MJ was for all of his life: "little" in terms of his maturity level, sense of right and wrong, ability to deal with what fame had to dish out. He may have been "big" in the biz, made "big" bucks and made "big" records that scored "big" hits but in all the most important areas of his life, he was "little" and suffered for it.
Some might disagree and think I am being too empathetic but I grew up with MJ, I listened to his records, I obssessed over his dance moves (not the crotch grabbing but the moonwalk and if you have no idea what the moonwalk is then you really must be young!) and tried to copy them without much success (heh!), I read about him in all the teen rags, I put up his poster in my room, I had a photo of him (when he still looked black and had an Afro hairdo) in my wallet, and one of my best friends in Form 5 (Rachel--wherever you are--I bet you are sad too) and I used to sing his songs in school and talk about him endlessly.
I remember sitting outside Horizon Music Store (now since defunct) in the old Jaya Supermarket (now demolished and no longer affording me the chunk of nostalgia I need to get over MJ's demise) in Section 14 and waiting an hour for the new MJ album, BAD, to be released. My parents thought I was nuts and yeah, I guess I was. I wanted to be the first to get it--first among my peers at least.
MJ was my Elvis Presley, my Beatles, my boy band, my icon-of-the-moment. And he stayed that way for decades.
Even though he changed from black to white (that song of his in the album of a similar name is eeriely prescient) and was embroiled in a whole host of crazy scandals, even though he got married and divorced and was disparaged in the media, even though he probably died alone and unloved, MJ will always have a special place in my heart because he is emblematic of a time in my youth which is now long past.
People my age are always nostalgic. MJ fuels that in spades. Rest in peace bro.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Thursday, June 18, 2009
M'sia's response
taken from the Star, as expected M'sia like they always do responded in the only way they know.
Why are we on US blacklist?
PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia will get the United States to explain why it has been re-listed in its blacklist of countries perceived to be not doing enough to stop human trafficking, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein.
He said ministry officials would visit the US Embassy to determine Malaysia’s offending act or “non-action” that led for it to be blacklisted.
While imposing economic sanctions would not have an impact in view of the present climate, he said “it is incumbent on us to address the issue because we have a responsibility to the international community as far as human trafficking is concerned.”
“In fact, Malaysia, Australia and Britain are exploring the possibility of having an agreement on human trafficking to show our commitment in dealing with the issue,” Hishammuddin said after chairing his ministry’s post-Cabinet meeting here yesterday.
The United States Department of State’s Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report 2009 listed Malaysia as one of 17 countries not doing enough to stop human trafficking.
The others are Myanmar, Chad, Cuba, Eritrea, Fiji, Iran, Kuwait, Mauritania, Niger, North Korea, Papua New Guinea, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Swaziland, Syria, and Zimbabwe.
The report said Malaysia was a destination, a source and transit country for women and children trafficked for the purpose of commercial, sexual and forced labour.
Last year, the report elevated Malaysia to a “watch list” from the 2007 blacklist after finding that it was “making significant efforts” to comply with standards.
Tenaganita director Dr Irene Fernandez said the report was a fair account of Malaysia’s “limited efforts” in trying to stem labour trafficking, which she described as a form of slavery.
“For the last 15 years, we have cautioned that allowing employers to withhold workers’ passports opens them to exploitation and bondage but this has not been addressed,” she said.
Deputy Home Minister Datuk Wira Abu Seman Yusof said the ministry would spearhead an inter-ministerial council to deal with human traffickers using the country as a transit point.
The first Asean Inter-Parliamentary Assembly Caucus chairman Datuk Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar refuted allegations that government officials were involved in human trafficking.
He said the situation may have been misunderstood when retrenched foreign workers are not sent home by their employers and are later caught and placed at shelters and depots.
Why are we on US blacklist?
PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia will get the United States to explain why it has been re-listed in its blacklist of countries perceived to be not doing enough to stop human trafficking, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein.
He said ministry officials would visit the US Embassy to determine Malaysia’s offending act or “non-action” that led for it to be blacklisted.
While imposing economic sanctions would not have an impact in view of the present climate, he said “it is incumbent on us to address the issue because we have a responsibility to the international community as far as human trafficking is concerned.”
“In fact, Malaysia, Australia and Britain are exploring the possibility of having an agreement on human trafficking to show our commitment in dealing with the issue,” Hishammuddin said after chairing his ministry’s post-Cabinet meeting here yesterday.
The United States Department of State’s Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report 2009 listed Malaysia as one of 17 countries not doing enough to stop human trafficking.
The others are Myanmar, Chad, Cuba, Eritrea, Fiji, Iran, Kuwait, Mauritania, Niger, North Korea, Papua New Guinea, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Swaziland, Syria, and Zimbabwe.
The report said Malaysia was a destination, a source and transit country for women and children trafficked for the purpose of commercial, sexual and forced labour.
Last year, the report elevated Malaysia to a “watch list” from the 2007 blacklist after finding that it was “making significant efforts” to comply with standards.
Tenaganita director Dr Irene Fernandez said the report was a fair account of Malaysia’s “limited efforts” in trying to stem labour trafficking, which she described as a form of slavery.
“For the last 15 years, we have cautioned that allowing employers to withhold workers’ passports opens them to exploitation and bondage but this has not been addressed,” she said.
Deputy Home Minister Datuk Wira Abu Seman Yusof said the ministry would spearhead an inter-ministerial council to deal with human traffickers using the country as a transit point.
The first Asean Inter-Parliamentary Assembly Caucus chairman Datuk Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar refuted allegations that government officials were involved in human trafficking.
He said the situation may have been misunderstood when retrenched foreign workers are not sent home by their employers and are later caught and placed at shelters and depots.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Malaysia in US human trafficking list
from Associated Press
The Obama administration has faulted Malaysia for failing to do enough to stop the sexual and forced labor exploitation of women and children.
The State Department's annual "Trafficking in Persons Report" on Tuesday put the Southeast Asian country on its list of top trafficking offenders. Repeat offenders on that list include North Korea, Myanmar and Fiji.
Countries cited for failing to take adequate steps to address trafficking can be subject to limited sanctions.
The report also expresses worry about a worsening trafficking record in the Philippines, Cambodia, Bangladesh and Pakistan.
These countries have been dropped to the State Department's "watch list" of second-to-worse offenders, joining China, India and Sri Lanka.
*Najib sure duno want put face at where 1. I bet Malaysia will submit a protest note to the US State Dept. Lolx.
The Obama administration has faulted Malaysia for failing to do enough to stop the sexual and forced labor exploitation of women and children.
The State Department's annual "Trafficking in Persons Report" on Tuesday put the Southeast Asian country on its list of top trafficking offenders. Repeat offenders on that list include North Korea, Myanmar and Fiji.
Countries cited for failing to take adequate steps to address trafficking can be subject to limited sanctions.
The report also expresses worry about a worsening trafficking record in the Philippines, Cambodia, Bangladesh and Pakistan.
These countries have been dropped to the State Department's "watch list" of second-to-worse offenders, joining China, India and Sri Lanka.
*Najib sure duno want put face at where 1. I bet Malaysia will submit a protest note to the US State Dept. Lolx.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
AT THE ANNEXE GALLERY: 7 TO 24 MAY 2009
ART FOR GRABS
+ KL ALTERNATIVE BOOKFEST
Arts, Crafts & Books Fair
Sat 9 & Sun 10 May, 12pm to 8pm
Presented by The Annexe Gallery & Central Market
Admission Free, except where indicated
Art For Grabs, our arts and crafts bazaar, returns for yet another triumphant round of affordable artsy consumerism in a collision of coolness. That’s over 20 stalls selling art, photography, knick knacks, accessories, etc, all for under RM100 (per item, that is!).
This time we also have KL Alternative Bookfest, featuring over 20 stalls by local indie publishers (not always available at a bookstore near you).
Everytime we host Art For Grabs, we present a fringe program of exciting events. This time around, we have Bilik Panas. Our “hot room” is not literally sauna-like, it’s actually air-conditioned. The “panas” here refers to the artistic, intellectual and emotional heat that will be generated by the performances, lectures and book launches we’ve got planned. See you there!
BILIK PANAS
Admission Free except for Gostan Forward
SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE
SATURDAY 9 MAY
12pm
THE CLOTH THAT CUTS: Re-Appraising Batik as a Trans-Cultural Signifier
Public Lecture by Dr Farish Noor
2.15pm
GOSTAN FORWARD – Solo Performance Lecture by Marion D’Cruz (Admission by RM10 donation)
3pm
BEYOND FEMINISM – The Woman as Metaphor for the Colonised
Talk by Chuah Guat Eng
4pm
KLAB Book Launch
TAXI TALES ON A CROOKED BRIDGE by Charlene Rajendran
5pm
KLAB BOOK Launch
NAJIB’S CHALLENGE: Glory or Oblivion? by Barry Wain & UNMASKING NAJIB by Lim Kit Siang
6pm
KLAB BOOK Launch
DEWANGGA SAKTI TERTINGGAL KAPAL ANGKASA DI HARI PELANCARAN BUKU 'KACIP' PIPIYAPONG
6.40pm
KLAB BOOK Launch
BERSERONOK DENGAN PEREMPUAN DALAM POKET
Pelancaran buku Puisi Poket 1: Akulah Perempuan Muda itu oleh Shaira Amira
8.30pm
GOSTAN FORWARD
SUNDAY 10 MAY
11am
MEDIA UNDER NAJIB: Hope or Disappointment?
Forum by Centre For Independent Journalism (CIJ)
12.30pm
PENCERAHAN DAN KOSMOPOLITANISME
Talk by Khalid Jaafar, Director of Institut Kajian Dasar (IKD)
2.15pm
GOSTAN FORWARD
4.30pm
READING LOLITA IN KL
Reading by Sisters In Islam (SIS)
Please refer to events details & synopses at the end of this mailer
+ + + +
GOSTAN FORWARD
Solo Performance Lecture by Marion D’Cruz
Fri 8 May, 8.30pm
Sat 9 May, 2.15pm & 8.30pm
Sun 10 May, 2.15pm
Presented by Five Arts Centre
Admission by RM10 donation
Gostan Forward will showcase Malaysia’s beloved “dance terrorist” Marion D’Cruz in her overlapping roles as a student, dancer, choreographer and educator. Celebrating her 35-year growth in this retrospective of sorts, she evolves from ground-breaking young dancer to boundary-blurring meta-choreographer. In a rare glance behind the artist, Marion will tell stories and perform excerpts of her favourite and most significant dances, including “Terinai”, “Swan Song”, “Urn Piece”, “Chilayu”, and more.
+ + + +
KL PHOTO AWARDS 2009
Photography Exhibition & Workshops
Thu 7 to Sun 24 May, 11am to 7pm
Presented by Explorenation.net, Time Out Kuala Lumpur, Amarin Sdn Bhd & The Annexe Gallery
Admission Free
From family snaps to fashion spreads, and photojournalism to studio photography, the face remains the most photographed subject in the history of photography. Taking a portrait that retains its subject’s humanity while conveying a powerful commentary at the same time is truly the Holy Grail of photography.
The first KL Photoawards 2009 competition which called for submission between November 2008 and March 2009 attracted some 500 entries from overseas and Malaysia. Of the entries, 23 portraits in each category (Professional & have been shortlisted for considerations for the top prizes. These 46 portraits in total will be showcased in an exhibition of shortlisted works at The Annexe Gallery in conjunction with the awards presentation.
You are cordially invited to
Exhibition Opening
Winners Announcement & Prize Presentation Ceremony
Thu 7 May, 7.30pm
Admission Free
Find out which portraits win the coveted top prizes!
+ + + +
ART FOR GRABS
+ KL ALTERNATIVE BOOK FEST
EVENTS DETAILS & SYNOPSES
Sat 12pm
THE CLOTH THAT CUTS: Re-Appraising Batik as a Trans-Cultural Signifier
Public Lecture by Dr Farish Noor
Presented by The Other Malaysia
Today Batik is seen and cast as something essentially linked to the (fixed and homogeneous) identity of nations like Malaysia and Indonesia. This lecture tries to explore the multifarious cultural, ethnic and historical origins of Batik as a form of art, and argues that in the designs of classical Batik we can see the overlapping of various cultural, ethnic and religious influences that cut across all of Southeast Asia and beyond. Batik is living proof of the cultural and ethnic hybridity of Southeast Asia.
Sat 2.15pm
GOSTAN FORWARD
Solo Performance Lecture by Marion D’Cruz
Directed by Mark Teh, Visual designs by Grey Yeoh
Presented by Five Arts Centre
*Admission by RM10 donation
Malaysia’s best known “dance terrorist” Marion D’Cruz celebrates her 35-year growth in this retrospective of sorts, from ground-breaking young dancer to boundary-blurring meta-choreographer. In a rare glance behind the artist, Marion will tell stories and perform excerpts of her favourite and most significant dances, including “Terinai”, “Swan Song”, “Urn Piece”, “Chilayu”, and more.
Sat 4pm
KLAB Book Launch
TAXI TALES ON A CROOKED BRIDGE
Book Launch and Reading by Charlene Rajendran & Friends
Presented by Matahari Books
Charlene Rajendran is a Malaysian teacher and theatre practitioner who has been living in Singapore for eight years, and she refuses to own a car. Taxi Tales On A Crooked Bridge chronicles her conversations with taxi drivers all over the island republic. Quirky and jaunty, this book shows that there's no telling what bridges can be built -- whether the journey is crooked or straight!
Sat 5pm
KLAB BOOK Launch
NAJIB’S CHALLENGE: Glory or Oblivion? by Barry Wain
& UNMASKING NAJIB by Lim Kit Siang
Presented by REFSA (Research For Social Advancement)
“Najib’s Challenge: Glory or Oblivion” is written by Barry Wain, a former editor of The Wall Street Journal Asia, is author of the forthcoming “Malaysian Maverick: Mahathir Mohamad in Turbulent Times”. “Unmasking Najib” is a collection of articles written by Lim Kit Siang, who actively blogs since 2005 and has published 30 books since 1978. Both books are published by Research for Social Advancement (REFSA), an independent non-profit organization aimed at encouraging open discussion and input into public policy issues. Chairman of REFSA, Tunku Abdul Aziz (former president, Transparency International) will give his opinion on our Prime Minister and have a dialogue with the audience.
Sat 6pm
KLAB BOOK Launch
DEWANGGA SAKTI TERTINGGAL KAPAL ANGKASA DI HARI PELANCARAN BUKU 'KACIP' PIPIYAPONG
Presented by Sindiket Soljah
Dewangga Sakti terdiri daripada 6 orang pemuzik tradisional Melayu zaman sekarang yang melagukan karya-karya mistik dengan bunyian instrumen akustik. Manakala blogger hip Pipiyapong akan melancarkan karya beliau bertajuk Kacip yang lucu dan mencuit hati pembaca.
Sat 6.40pm
KLAB BOOK Launch
BERSERONOK DENGAN PEREMPUAN DALAM POKET
Pelancaran buku Puisi Poket 1: Akulah Perempuan Muda itu oleh Shaira Amira
Presented by Sang Freud Press
Puisi Poket adalah satu usaha untuk mengambalikan puisi kepada yang hak, yakni kau dan aku. Cukup kacip dan comel untuk disumbat di dalam kocek, ia sesuai dibawa dan dibaca di mana-mana; sewaktu menunggu teman di elarti, sewaktu naik elarti bersama teman dan selepas menyalakan rokok di belukar bawah landasan elarti setelah habis berbincang bahasa tubuh dengan teman.
Sat 8.30pm
GOSTAN FORWARD
Dance Lecture Performance by Marion D’Cruz
*Admission by RM10 donation
Sun 11am
MEDIA UNDER NAJIB: Hope or Disappointment?
Forum by Centre For Independent Journalism (CIJ)
Panel speakers include: Wong Chin Huat (political analyst and chairman of Writers Alliance for Media Independence), Tricia Yeoh (special assistant to Selangor state Chief Minister), Zaharom Nain (Associate Prof of Communication Studies, USM)
The forum will touch on:
i. Exploring the prime minister's options viz-a-viz clamours for reform on one side and calls for entrenchment of the status quo on another
ii. Current and future trends that may affect or involve the media and free expression.
iii. What Malaysia needs badly in terms of reform on press freedom and expression and whether Najib can deliver them
Sun 12.30pm
PENCERAHAN DAN KOSMOPOLITANISME
Talk by Khalid Jaafar, Director of Institut Kajian Dasar (Policy Research Institute)
Khalid Jaafar will be talking about IKD’s publications and the concept behind its publications. He will also be touching on the controversial issue raised by IKD’s publications that have been alleged as misleading for Muslims.
Sun 2.15pm
GOSTAN FORWARD
Dance Lecture Performance by Marion D’Cruz
*Admission by RM10 donation
Sun 4.30pm
READING LOLITA IN KL
Reading presented by Sisters In Islam (SIS)
Celebrate the freedom to read! Join Marina Mahathir, Cecil Rajendra, Kee Thuan Chye, Rahmat Haron, Shanon Shah, Aishah Hassan, Chi Too, and Priya K as they read poetry and excerpts from books, plays, scripts, etc that have been banned in other countries throughout history.
+ + + +
If you prefer not to receive updates from The Annexe, Central Market, please reply this email and let us know. If you like it, please forward this email to your friends. Thanks!
The Annexe Gallery
1st & 2nd Floor, Central Market Annexe
Jalan Hang Kasturi
Kuala Lumpur
Tel: +603-2070 1137
Saturday, April 25, 2009
ART FOR GRABS + KL ALTERNATIVE BOOK FEST
With Marion D'Cruz and Farish Noor! And Bilik Panas!!!
Arts, Crafts & Books Fair
Sat 9 & Sun 10 May, 12pm to 8pm
Presented by The Annexe Gallery & Central Market
Admission Free, except where indicated
+ + + +
Art For Grabs, our arts and crafts bazaar, returns for yet another triumphant round of affordable artsy consumerism in a collision of coolness. That’s over 20 stalls selling art, photography, knick knacks, accessories, etc, all for under RM100 (per item, that is!).
This time we also have KL Alternative Book Fest, featuring over 20 stalls by local indie publishers (selling books not always available at a bookstore near you).
Everytime we host Art For Grabs, we present a fringe program of exciting events. This time around, we have Bilik Panas. Our “hot room” is not literally sauna-like, it’s actually air-conditioned. The “panas” here refers to the artistic, intellectual and emotional heat that will be generated by the performances, lectures and book launches we’ve got planned. See you there!
+
BILIK PANAS EVENT SCHEDULE
Admission Free except for Gostan Forward
SAT 9 MAY
12pm
THE CLOTH THAT CUTS: Re-Appraising Batik as a Trans-Cultural Signifier
Public Lecture by Dr Farish Noor
Presented by The Other Malaysia
Today Batik is seen and cast as something essentially linked to the (fixed and homogeneous) identity of nations like Malaysia and Indonesia. This lecture tries to explore the multifarious cultural, ethnic and historical origins of Batik as a form of art, and argues that in the designs of classical Batik we can see the overlapping of various cultural, ethnic and religious influences that cut across all of Southeast Asia and beyond. Batik is living proof of the cultural and ethnic hybridity of Southeast Asia.
2.15pm
GOSTAN FORWARD
Solo Performance Lecture by Marion D’Cruz
Directed by Mark Teh, Visual designs by Grey Yeoh
Presented by Five Arts Centre
*Admission by RM10 donation
The performance lecture traces Marion's growth as a radical artist, revealing her choices, strategies and influences over the span of the 35-year dance career in Malaysia. Marion will tell stories and perform excerpts of her favorurite and most significant dances, including “Terinai”, “Swan Song”, “Urn Piece”, “Chilayu”, and more.
4pm
KLAB Book Launch
TAXI TALES ON A CROOKED BRIDGE
Book Launch and Reading by Charlene Rajendran & Friends
Presented by Matahari Books
Charlene Rajendran is a Malaysian teacher and theatre practitioner who has been living in Singapore for eight years, and she refuses to own a car. Taxi Tales On A Crooked Bridge chronicles her conversations with taxi drivers all over the island republic. Quirky and jaunty, this book shows that there's no telling what bridges can be built -- whether the journey is crooked or straight!
5pm
KLAB BOOK Launch
NAJIB’S CHALLENGE: Glory or Oblivion? by Barry Wain & UNMASKING NAJIB by Lim Kit Siang
Presented by REFSA
What will be Najib’s legacy for our beloved country? Barry Wain and Lim Kit Siang present their latest books on this “hot” topic. To be officiated by YB Liew Chin Tong, MP of Bukit Bendera.
6pm
KLAB BOOK Launch
DEWANGGA SAKTI TERTINGGAL KAPAL ANGKASA DI HARI PELANCARAN BUKU 'KACIP' PIPIYAPONG
Presented by Sindiket Soljah
Dewangga Sakti terdiri daripada 6 orang pemuzik tradisional Melayu zaman sekarang yang melagukan karya-karya mistik dengan bunyian instrumen akustik. Manakala blogger hip Pipiyapong akan melancarkan karya beliau bertajuk Kacip yang lucu dan mencuit hati pembaca.
6.40pm
KLAB BOOK Launch
BERSERONOK DENGAN PEREMPUAN DALAM POKET
Pelancaran buku Puisi Poket 1: Akulah Perempuan Muda itu oleh Shaira Amira
Presented by Sang Freud Press
Puisi Poket adalah satu usaha untuk mengambalikan puisi kepada yang hak, yakni kau dan aku. Cukup kacip dan comel untuk disumbat di dalam kocek, ia sesuai dibawa dan dibaca di mana-mana; sewaktu menunggu teman di elarti, sewaktu naik elarti bersama teman dan selepas menyalakan rokok di belukar bawah landasan elarti setelah habis berbincang bahasa tubuh dengan teman.
8.30pm
GOSTAN FORWARD
Dance Lecture Performance by Marion D’Cruz
+
SUN 10 MAY
11am
MEDIA UNDER NAJIB: Hope or Disappointment?
Forum
Presented by Centre For Independent Journalism (CIJ)
Panel speakers include: Wong Chin Huat (political analyst and chairman of Writers Alliance for Media Independence), Tricia Yeoh (special assistant to Selangor state Chief Minister), Ibrahim Suffian (director of Merdeka Research Centre).
12.30pm
PENCERAHAN DAN KOSMOPOLITANISME
Talk by Khalid Jaafar, Director of Institut Kajian Dasar (Policy Research Institute)
Khalid Jaafar will be talking about IKD’s publications and the concept behind its publications. He will also be touching on the controversial issue raised by IKD’s publications that have been alleged as misleading for Muslims.
2.15pm
GOSTAN FORWARD
Dance Lecture Performance by Marion D’Cruz
Sunday, 10th May : 5 - 7pm
JIMIN LAI
STREET PHOTOGRAPHY, A BOLD NEW APPROACH : FEE : RM40.00
Have you ever been afraid of photographing strangers? What equipment should you use? How do you maintain distance and yet obtain great street images? Learn techniques and tips on how to shoot effectively and safely in the street directly with Jimin Lai, ex AFP and REUTERS photographer. Jimin will take a small group onto the streets of Kuala Lumpur to capture scenes and people up close. He will demonstrate composition, angle and approach on how to photograph striking images. Limited spaces available : Register early
4.30pm
READING LOLITA IN KL
Forum
Presented by Sisters In Islam (SIS)
Celebrate the freedom to read! Join Marina Mahathir, Cecil Rajendra, and others as they read poetry and excerpts from books, plays, scripts, etc that have been banned in many countries throughout history.
+
KL PHOTO AWARDS 2009
Gallery 4, 1st Floor, Central Market Annexe
Sat 9 & Sun 10, 2pm
CONTEMPORARY PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY
Steven Lee attempts to define what contemporary photography for portraiture is, and will walk through the 46 finalists of the first KL Photoawards 2009. Participants will have 24 hours to plan and photograph a portrait session of their friends or family, and return the next day to show, discuss and receive feedback of their newly photographed portraits. Steven Lee, an award winning freelance photographer based in UK, is also the initiator of the first KL Photo Awards for contemporary potraiture. Free - limited to 20 persons.
Sun 10, 5pm
STREET PHOTOGRAPHY, A BOLD NEW APPROACH by JIMIN LAI
Fee: RM40.00
Have you ever been afraid of photographing strangers? What equipment should you use? How do you maintain distance and yet obtain great street images? Jimin will take a small group onto the streets of Kuala Lumpur to capture scenes and people up close. Jimin Lai was formerly Chief Photographer in KL for Agence France-Presse, Senior Staff Photographer for The Star daily newspaper, and Stringer for REUTERS.
To register for either workshop, send an email to Steven Lee at: svllee@gmail.com or telephone 012 214 5838 for further information.
http://www.annexegallery.com
Arts, Crafts & Books Fair
Sat 9 & Sun 10 May, 12pm to 8pm
Presented by The Annexe Gallery & Central Market
Admission Free, except where indicated
+ + + +
Art For Grabs, our arts and crafts bazaar, returns for yet another triumphant round of affordable artsy consumerism in a collision of coolness. That’s over 20 stalls selling art, photography, knick knacks, accessories, etc, all for under RM100 (per item, that is!).
This time we also have KL Alternative Book Fest, featuring over 20 stalls by local indie publishers (selling books not always available at a bookstore near you).
Everytime we host Art For Grabs, we present a fringe program of exciting events. This time around, we have Bilik Panas. Our “hot room” is not literally sauna-like, it’s actually air-conditioned. The “panas” here refers to the artistic, intellectual and emotional heat that will be generated by the performances, lectures and book launches we’ve got planned. See you there!
+
BILIK PANAS EVENT SCHEDULE
Admission Free except for Gostan Forward
SAT 9 MAY
12pm
THE CLOTH THAT CUTS: Re-Appraising Batik as a Trans-Cultural Signifier
Public Lecture by Dr Farish Noor
Presented by The Other Malaysia
Today Batik is seen and cast as something essentially linked to the (fixed and homogeneous) identity of nations like Malaysia and Indonesia. This lecture tries to explore the multifarious cultural, ethnic and historical origins of Batik as a form of art, and argues that in the designs of classical Batik we can see the overlapping of various cultural, ethnic and religious influences that cut across all of Southeast Asia and beyond. Batik is living proof of the cultural and ethnic hybridity of Southeast Asia.
2.15pm
GOSTAN FORWARD
Solo Performance Lecture by Marion D’Cruz
Directed by Mark Teh, Visual designs by Grey Yeoh
Presented by Five Arts Centre
*Admission by RM10 donation
The performance lecture traces Marion's growth as a radical artist, revealing her choices, strategies and influences over the span of the 35-year dance career in Malaysia. Marion will tell stories and perform excerpts of her favorurite and most significant dances, including “Terinai”, “Swan Song”, “Urn Piece”, “Chilayu”, and more.
4pm
KLAB Book Launch
TAXI TALES ON A CROOKED BRIDGE
Book Launch and Reading by Charlene Rajendran & Friends
Presented by Matahari Books
Charlene Rajendran is a Malaysian teacher and theatre practitioner who has been living in Singapore for eight years, and she refuses to own a car. Taxi Tales On A Crooked Bridge chronicles her conversations with taxi drivers all over the island republic. Quirky and jaunty, this book shows that there's no telling what bridges can be built -- whether the journey is crooked or straight!
5pm
KLAB BOOK Launch
NAJIB’S CHALLENGE: Glory or Oblivion? by Barry Wain & UNMASKING NAJIB by Lim Kit Siang
Presented by REFSA
What will be Najib’s legacy for our beloved country? Barry Wain and Lim Kit Siang present their latest books on this “hot” topic. To be officiated by YB Liew Chin Tong, MP of Bukit Bendera.
6pm
KLAB BOOK Launch
DEWANGGA SAKTI TERTINGGAL KAPAL ANGKASA DI HARI PELANCARAN BUKU 'KACIP' PIPIYAPONG
Presented by Sindiket Soljah
Dewangga Sakti terdiri daripada 6 orang pemuzik tradisional Melayu zaman sekarang yang melagukan karya-karya mistik dengan bunyian instrumen akustik. Manakala blogger hip Pipiyapong akan melancarkan karya beliau bertajuk Kacip yang lucu dan mencuit hati pembaca.
6.40pm
KLAB BOOK Launch
BERSERONOK DENGAN PEREMPUAN DALAM POKET
Pelancaran buku Puisi Poket 1: Akulah Perempuan Muda itu oleh Shaira Amira
Presented by Sang Freud Press
Puisi Poket adalah satu usaha untuk mengambalikan puisi kepada yang hak, yakni kau dan aku. Cukup kacip dan comel untuk disumbat di dalam kocek, ia sesuai dibawa dan dibaca di mana-mana; sewaktu menunggu teman di elarti, sewaktu naik elarti bersama teman dan selepas menyalakan rokok di belukar bawah landasan elarti setelah habis berbincang bahasa tubuh dengan teman.
8.30pm
GOSTAN FORWARD
Dance Lecture Performance by Marion D’Cruz
+
SUN 10 MAY
11am
MEDIA UNDER NAJIB: Hope or Disappointment?
Forum
Presented by Centre For Independent Journalism (CIJ)
Panel speakers include: Wong Chin Huat (political analyst and chairman of Writers Alliance for Media Independence), Tricia Yeoh (special assistant to Selangor state Chief Minister), Ibrahim Suffian (director of Merdeka Research Centre).
12.30pm
PENCERAHAN DAN KOSMOPOLITANISME
Talk by Khalid Jaafar, Director of Institut Kajian Dasar (Policy Research Institute)
Khalid Jaafar will be talking about IKD’s publications and the concept behind its publications. He will also be touching on the controversial issue raised by IKD’s publications that have been alleged as misleading for Muslims.
2.15pm
GOSTAN FORWARD
Dance Lecture Performance by Marion D’Cruz
Sunday, 10th May : 5 - 7pm
JIMIN LAI
STREET PHOTOGRAPHY, A BOLD NEW APPROACH : FEE : RM40.00
Have you ever been afraid of photographing strangers? What equipment should you use? How do you maintain distance and yet obtain great street images? Learn techniques and tips on how to shoot effectively and safely in the street directly with Jimin Lai, ex AFP and REUTERS photographer. Jimin will take a small group onto the streets of Kuala Lumpur to capture scenes and people up close. He will demonstrate composition, angle and approach on how to photograph striking images. Limited spaces available : Register early
4.30pm
READING LOLITA IN KL
Forum
Presented by Sisters In Islam (SIS)
Celebrate the freedom to read! Join Marina Mahathir, Cecil Rajendra, and others as they read poetry and excerpts from books, plays, scripts, etc that have been banned in many countries throughout history.
+
KL PHOTO AWARDS 2009
Gallery 4, 1st Floor, Central Market Annexe
Sat 9 & Sun 10, 2pm
CONTEMPORARY PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY
Steven Lee attempts to define what contemporary photography for portraiture is, and will walk through the 46 finalists of the first KL Photoawards 2009. Participants will have 24 hours to plan and photograph a portrait session of their friends or family, and return the next day to show, discuss and receive feedback of their newly photographed portraits. Steven Lee, an award winning freelance photographer based in UK, is also the initiator of the first KL Photo Awards for contemporary potraiture. Free - limited to 20 persons.
Sun 10, 5pm
STREET PHOTOGRAPHY, A BOLD NEW APPROACH by JIMIN LAI
Fee: RM40.00
Have you ever been afraid of photographing strangers? What equipment should you use? How do you maintain distance and yet obtain great street images? Jimin will take a small group onto the streets of Kuala Lumpur to capture scenes and people up close. Jimin Lai was formerly Chief Photographer in KL for Agence France-Presse, Senior Staff Photographer for The Star daily newspaper, and Stringer for REUTERS.
To register for either workshop, send an email to Steven Lee at: svllee@gmail.com or telephone 012 214 5838 for further information.
http://www.annexegallery.com
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Talk by Tun Mahathir
PERDANA DISCOURSE SERIES 9: "The Role of the Executive, Legislative, Judiciary and Constitutional Monarchy in the governing of Malaysia"
Date: 6th May 2009 (Wednesday)
Venue: Perdana Leadership Foundation, No.1, Jalan P8H, Precinct 8, 62250 Putrajaya
More about the Discourse Series:
Objectives
1. To offer platform for research on thoughts of the past five Malaysian prime ministers
2. To allow knowledge sharing on the leadership style of the country's statemen
3. To map the continuity of thoughts of past leaders
Programme:
0800 - 0930 --Arrival of guests; Registration (Refreshment Provided)
0930 - 0935 -- Welcome Address
0935 - 0945 -- Introduction to the Discourse Series and topic
0945 - 1030 -- Keynote address by YABhg Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad*
1030 - 1115 -- Q&A
1115 - 1130 -- Coffee break
1130 - 1315 -- Panel Session and Q&A
1315 - 1330 -- Briefing for group session
1330 - 1430 -- Lunch
1430 - 1600 -- Group Session
1600 - 1730 -- Group Presentation and Plenary Session
1730 -- Refreshment & Closing
*His speech is pertaining to "The Role of the Executive, Legislative, Judiciary and Constitutional Monarchy in the governing of Malaysia"
Please comment if interested.
Date: 6th May 2009 (Wednesday)
Venue: Perdana Leadership Foundation, No.1, Jalan P8H, Precinct 8, 62250 Putrajaya
More about the Discourse Series:
This is the ninth of the Perdana Discourse Series, following a successful debut in 2004 on "National Unity." Jointly organized by Perdana Leadership Foundation (PLF) and the Institude of Quality & Knowledge Advancement (InQKA) of UiTM and sponsored by Proton, the Perdana Discourse Series is a one-day semi-structured communication platform where a prominent presenter will speak to selected clusters of audience on a pre-determined topic, addressing its definition and tracing issue like policies, strategies and possible models used during the tenure of the past Prime Ministers. Discussions and issues arising from the discourse will be documented and mapped.
The keynote address will be followed by a moderated discussion session by experts from related fields and a representative of future leaders. Finally, a break-up group will deliberate on the issue to present resolutions on three aspects: the past, the present and the future. These will be presented by the whole group to conclude the discourse session. A monograph will be published following each programme in the series.
Objectives
1. To offer platform for research on thoughts of the past five Malaysian prime ministers
2. To allow knowledge sharing on the leadership style of the country's statemen
3. To map the continuity of thoughts of past leaders
Programme:
0800 - 0930 --Arrival of guests; Registration (Refreshment Provided)
0930 - 0935 -- Welcome Address
0935 - 0945 -- Introduction to the Discourse Series and topic
0945 - 1030 -- Keynote address by YABhg Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad*
1030 - 1115 -- Q&A
1115 - 1130 -- Coffee break
1130 - 1315 -- Panel Session and Q&A
1315 - 1330 -- Briefing for group session
1330 - 1430 -- Lunch
1430 - 1600 -- Group Session
1600 - 1730 -- Group Presentation and Plenary Session
1730 -- Refreshment & Closing
*His speech is pertaining to "The Role of the Executive, Legislative, Judiciary and Constitutional Monarchy in the governing of Malaysia"
Please comment if interested.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Interesting Talk Peeps!
The Faculty of Law, University of Malaya
presents a seminar
entitled
'/SHARIA/ IN EUROPE: THE ARCHBISHOP, PLURALISM AND DEMOCRACY'
BY PETER CUMPER
DATE: 22ND APRIL 2009 (WEDNESDAY)
TIME: 3 TO 4PM
VENUE: BILIK PERSIDANGAN, FACULTY OF LAW, UNIVERSITY OF MALAYA
Admission is freeeeeeeeeeeee!
SYPNOSIS
In 2008, the Archbishop of Canterbury, in a well publicised speech, suggested that consideration be given to the incorporation of elements of /Sharia/ law into the UK's legal system. His speech generated considerable controversy, but what has not been widely publicised is the fact that, during this speech, he suggested that in implementing /Sharia/, the UK could learn lessons from overseas, and in this regard he very briefly cited with approval, Malaysia. In this talk I will examine the Archbishop's proposal, and will contrast his approach to /Sharia/ law with that of Europe's primary human rights Court, the European Court of Human Rights. The aim of the talk is to consider the extent to which Europe should accommodate elements of /Sharia/ law and whether there are useful lessons from Malaysia in this regard.
SPEAKER'S PROFILE
Peter Cumper is a Senior Lecturer in Law at the University of Leicester. He has taught at the Universities of Hull, Nottingham and Nottingham Trent, and has also held visiting positions at the University of Minnesota, Loyola University Chicago, William Mitchell College of Law, and the Open University of Hong Kong. His main research interest is in the field of Public Law. He is currently visiting Malaysia as part of a British Academy funded project into the relationship between international human rights norms and /Sharia/ law. Details of his most recent publications can be found at http://www.le.ac.uk/law/staff/pc29/index.html
All are welcome. Light refreshments will be served after the seminar.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
See you there! Need a ride.... you know who to call :-)
presents a seminar
entitled
'/SHARIA/ IN EUROPE: THE ARCHBISHOP, PLURALISM AND DEMOCRACY'
BY PETER CUMPER
DATE: 22ND APRIL 2009 (WEDNESDAY)
TIME: 3 TO 4PM
VENUE: BILIK PERSIDANGAN, FACULTY OF LAW, UNIVERSITY OF MALAYA
Admission is freeeeeeeeeeeee!
SYPNOSIS
In 2008, the Archbishop of Canterbury, in a well publicised speech, suggested that consideration be given to the incorporation of elements of /Sharia/ law into the UK's legal system. His speech generated considerable controversy, but what has not been widely publicised is the fact that, during this speech, he suggested that in implementing /Sharia/, the UK could learn lessons from overseas, and in this regard he very briefly cited with approval, Malaysia. In this talk I will examine the Archbishop's proposal, and will contrast his approach to /Sharia/ law with that of Europe's primary human rights Court, the European Court of Human Rights. The aim of the talk is to consider the extent to which Europe should accommodate elements of /Sharia/ law and whether there are useful lessons from Malaysia in this regard.
SPEAKER'S PROFILE
Peter Cumper is a Senior Lecturer in Law at the University of Leicester. He has taught at the Universities of Hull, Nottingham and Nottingham Trent, and has also held visiting positions at the University of Minnesota, Loyola University Chicago, William Mitchell College of Law, and the Open University of Hong Kong. His main research interest is in the field of Public Law. He is currently visiting Malaysia as part of a British Academy funded project into the relationship between international human rights norms and /Sharia/ law. Details of his most recent publications can be found at http://www.le.ac.uk/law/staff/pc29/index.html
All are welcome. Light refreshments will be served after the seminar.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
See you there! Need a ride.... you know who to call :-)
Monday, March 30, 2009
Post-Film-Screening Of Sophia Scholl and Rosenstrasse(draft 2)
On March 28th and 29th, The Annexe held a film screening attended by a few of us from EL and BC.
I intended to ask a few questions but didn't know how to put it, so i figured it is better to write.
I startled myself for attempting it with the wrong note :P ... also because my area of studies does not cover the topic that the movies were centralized upon. It was impromtu, without a chronology of the words that I can use to convey my thoughts to a group of thoughtful, well-read graduates in all aspects of life who are very concerned about their people and the order of the society.The attention that I wished to bring forward is the fact that we are living in Malaysia,that’s been contrarily claimed to be a multi-racial country. In retrospect, the reality is far from it.
To correlate it to the movies that we have watched: what happened in Germany or in Rosenstrasse is in fact, happening in Malaysia today.Why does the young generation seem to portray an apathetic attitude towards their nation and its interior problems that are happening right before their eyes.They know what the problem is, how they feel,or what to do. But the question is, CAN THEY DO IT?
Is there a law enacted to protect them when they want to convey their opinions about their government to the public? Even when they are most certain there might be a portion of like-minded people share the same sentiments as them, ideas for a particular area of interest and their love for their own people for a better nation? Because they are governed under the same laws and are sworn to the very same Constitution that grant them their freedom.
To be frank, I come from a conservative traditional Chinese family that is not uninformed about what’s going on in the nation. Because they are aware of the simple rule that this group of people(politicians) that they read about in the newspaper everyday and watch on television during news hour are those who have the power to allocate them with the basic necessities in life, food, clothes and peace to be exact. Within and out. Therefore, it ain’t easy to divert from the teachings that our elders have imposed on us throughout our upbringing, because to do so is like seeking the permission to denounce the central system that upholds the core value of the family institution, filial piety. To be a non-conformist is disobedience amounting to deserving of ties to be severed. (shrug, roll eyes, pout)
What we can see in all history of mankind is, the people that are in charge and have the power to decide the flow of system and ensure food and clothe for every member in a home within a country, are indeed those who have a spanking safe number of supporters from the same community, meaning the leader, more often than not, is a representative from the majority group. I understand talking race is sensitive to some quarters, nevertheless I’ve never seized trying to understand the need of its existence. What is race anyway? What for? Especially in Malaysia, when we are not any better people ourselves. The sound of it is not sweet at all, unless we’re talking about Formula One Car Racing, then hell yeah~
During discussion, we practically nodded as we laughed at a joke told by one of the guys,“ It’s okay to kill your own people, but it’s NOT okay to kill other people…”.
But, what if it rings true? Except that it’s not a matter of taking another person’s life.
The situation we have in Malaysia does not come off to a point where bloodbath is necessary in order to reign supreme in a nation that comprises of a number of different ethnic groups practising different cultures and belief systems..What’s going on here, is that the problem manifests itself in terms of rights to proper access in all areas and equal opportunities that see past the colour of the skin.
Contrary to popular belief that a large majority of Malaysians would like to see it to be, if we were to study it closely, the government is indeed trying to find ways to overcome that social barriers of which we cannot possibly deny, exist among us. Probably, in one way or another, we were used to being brought up with too.
The solution?
Article 153 of the Federal Constitution, defining the meaning of a word, the citizenship and most of all, the right to this chuck of land, so minute in size on the Atlas. Supposedly a “taboo” discussion and remain an unchallenged subject. To challenge and to question it, is an act of mutiny, betrayal, slander and defamation to the Ruler, the Constitution and to the rakyat whose loyalty to this land they are born into, goes beyond the realization that their achievements are the outcome of another group’s rights being denied.
The next generations of babies born into this country become the victims of misapprehensions passed down to them by the elders who developed prejudice and sense of ethnocentrism that are products of laws and government that are seen to favour one over the rest.
In this case, neither side is the winner. Hence the government should reconsider if their implementations and policies should be altered. Because times change and people do too. Yes, the green and the fresh ones can be moulded into what we want of them. But, the old ones who lived each and everyday over the years, witnessing the denial of opportunities by the ones that dominate over them without being able to stand up for what they know they deserve, will never be able to forget their pain and years of silent resentment. Hence, the segregation. Sad, sad reality.
Black and white are discernable, but…human conscience is gray. Why should we be allowed to even consider twice before befriending another, or entering our friends’ places of worship, or be reprimanded for being too close to a boy or a girl who is of different race from us, or worse still, be judged on the way we choose to pray to The Almighty and how we want to call His Name.
What I’m trying to put forward is that, we see and we observe the events unwrapping in the political scene. We feel the pressure at times. But does it justify our actions if what we do risks putting ourselves in trouble with the upperhand, for they often say,no one is above the law. And written laws are indisputable. This is a question that plays in the minds of the young ones, torn between two worlds.
However,on another tone, Sophia Scholl’s unwavering convictions in her call to freedom, the incarceration of Aung San Suu Kyi by the military junta, the undeserved period behind bars that activist blogger RPK had to endure for the sake of their people have indeed liberated others.
Maybe one’s selfless sacrifice will be the other’s cause to fight for a better tomorrow.
And in the words derived from the movie Sophia Scholl: The Final Days, “No one loves more than one who dies for friends”. These are the brave ones who have become icons for a later inspired generation of youths torched with the undying will and burning spirit to speak up for global peace and human dignity that they inherited the moment they come to this world.
Guess, this was what I meant to say in my capacity as a student.
I intended to ask a few questions but didn't know how to put it, so i figured it is better to write.
I startled myself for attempting it with the wrong note :P ... also because my area of studies does not cover the topic that the movies were centralized upon. It was impromtu, without a chronology of the words that I can use to convey my thoughts to a group of thoughtful, well-read graduates in all aspects of life who are very concerned about their people and the order of the society.The attention that I wished to bring forward is the fact that we are living in Malaysia,that’s been contrarily claimed to be a multi-racial country. In retrospect, the reality is far from it.
To correlate it to the movies that we have watched: what happened in Germany or in Rosenstrasse is in fact, happening in Malaysia today.Why does the young generation seem to portray an apathetic attitude towards their nation and its interior problems that are happening right before their eyes.They know what the problem is, how they feel,or what to do. But the question is, CAN THEY DO IT?
Is there a law enacted to protect them when they want to convey their opinions about their government to the public? Even when they are most certain there might be a portion of like-minded people share the same sentiments as them, ideas for a particular area of interest and their love for their own people for a better nation? Because they are governed under the same laws and are sworn to the very same Constitution that grant them their freedom.
To be frank, I come from a conservative traditional Chinese family that is not uninformed about what’s going on in the nation. Because they are aware of the simple rule that this group of people(politicians) that they read about in the newspaper everyday and watch on television during news hour are those who have the power to allocate them with the basic necessities in life, food, clothes and peace to be exact. Within and out. Therefore, it ain’t easy to divert from the teachings that our elders have imposed on us throughout our upbringing, because to do so is like seeking the permission to denounce the central system that upholds the core value of the family institution, filial piety. To be a non-conformist is disobedience amounting to deserving of ties to be severed. (shrug, roll eyes, pout)
What we can see in all history of mankind is, the people that are in charge and have the power to decide the flow of system and ensure food and clothe for every member in a home within a country, are indeed those who have a spanking safe number of supporters from the same community, meaning the leader, more often than not, is a representative from the majority group. I understand talking race is sensitive to some quarters, nevertheless I’ve never seized trying to understand the need of its existence. What is race anyway? What for? Especially in Malaysia, when we are not any better people ourselves. The sound of it is not sweet at all, unless we’re talking about Formula One Car Racing, then hell yeah~
During discussion, we practically nodded as we laughed at a joke told by one of the guys,“ It’s okay to kill your own people, but it’s NOT okay to kill other people…”.
But, what if it rings true? Except that it’s not a matter of taking another person’s life.
The situation we have in Malaysia does not come off to a point where bloodbath is necessary in order to reign supreme in a nation that comprises of a number of different ethnic groups practising different cultures and belief systems..What’s going on here, is that the problem manifests itself in terms of rights to proper access in all areas and equal opportunities that see past the colour of the skin.
Contrary to popular belief that a large majority of Malaysians would like to see it to be, if we were to study it closely, the government is indeed trying to find ways to overcome that social barriers of which we cannot possibly deny, exist among us. Probably, in one way or another, we were used to being brought up with too.
The solution?
Article 153 of the Federal Constitution, defining the meaning of a word, the citizenship and most of all, the right to this chuck of land, so minute in size on the Atlas. Supposedly a “taboo” discussion and remain an unchallenged subject. To challenge and to question it, is an act of mutiny, betrayal, slander and defamation to the Ruler, the Constitution and to the rakyat whose loyalty to this land they are born into, goes beyond the realization that their achievements are the outcome of another group’s rights being denied.
The next generations of babies born into this country become the victims of misapprehensions passed down to them by the elders who developed prejudice and sense of ethnocentrism that are products of laws and government that are seen to favour one over the rest.
In this case, neither side is the winner. Hence the government should reconsider if their implementations and policies should be altered. Because times change and people do too. Yes, the green and the fresh ones can be moulded into what we want of them. But, the old ones who lived each and everyday over the years, witnessing the denial of opportunities by the ones that dominate over them without being able to stand up for what they know they deserve, will never be able to forget their pain and years of silent resentment. Hence, the segregation. Sad, sad reality.
Black and white are discernable, but…human conscience is gray. Why should we be allowed to even consider twice before befriending another, or entering our friends’ places of worship, or be reprimanded for being too close to a boy or a girl who is of different race from us, or worse still, be judged on the way we choose to pray to The Almighty and how we want to call His Name.
What I’m trying to put forward is that, we see and we observe the events unwrapping in the political scene. We feel the pressure at times. But does it justify our actions if what we do risks putting ourselves in trouble with the upperhand, for they often say,no one is above the law. And written laws are indisputable. This is a question that plays in the minds of the young ones, torn between two worlds.
However,on another tone, Sophia Scholl’s unwavering convictions in her call to freedom, the incarceration of Aung San Suu Kyi by the military junta, the undeserved period behind bars that activist blogger RPK had to endure for the sake of their people have indeed liberated others.
Maybe one’s selfless sacrifice will be the other’s cause to fight for a better tomorrow.
And in the words derived from the movie Sophia Scholl: The Final Days, “No one loves more than one who dies for friends”. These are the brave ones who have become icons for a later inspired generation of youths torched with the undying will and burning spirit to speak up for global peace and human dignity that they inherited the moment they come to this world.
Guess, this was what I meant to say in my capacity as a student.
Post-Film Screening
On March 28th and 29th, The Annexe held a film screening attended by a few of us from EL and BC.
I intended to ask a few questions but didn't know how to put it, so i figured it is better to write.
I startled myself for attempting it with the wrong note :P ... also because my area of studies does not cover the topic that the movies were centralized upon. It was impromtu, without a chronology of the words that I can use to convey my thoughts to a group of thoughtful, well-read graduates in all aspects of life who are very concerned about their people and the order of the society.
The attention that I wished to bring forward is the fact that we are living in Malaysia,that’s been contrarily claimed to be a multi-racial country. In retrospect, the reality is far from it.
To correlate it to the movies that we have watched: what happened in Germany or in Rosenstrasse is in fact, happening in Malaysia today.
Why does the young generation seem to portray an apathetic attitude towards their nation and its interior problems that are happening right before their eyes.
They know what the problem is, how they feel,or what to do. But the question is, CAN THEY DO IT?
Is there a law enacted to protect them when they want to convey their opinions about their government to the public? Even when they are most certain a large number of people share the same sentiments as them, ideas for a particular area of interest and their love for their own people for a better nation? Because they are governed under the same laws and are sworn to the very same Constitution that grant them their freedom.
To be frank, I come from a conservative traditional Chinese family that is not uninformed about what’s going on in the nation. Because they are aware of the simple rule that these group of people that they read about in the newspaper everyday and watch on television during news hour are those who have the power to provide them with all the basic necessities in life, food, clothes and peace to be exact. Within and out. Therefore, it ain’t easy to divert from the teachings that our elders have imposed on us throughout our upbringing, because to do so is like seeking the permission to denounce the central system that upholds the core value of the family institution, filial piety. To be a non-conformist is disobedience amounting to deserving of ties to be severed. (shrug, roll eyes, pout)
What we can see in all history of mankind is, the people that are in charge and have the power to decide the flow of system and ensure food and clothe for every member in a home within a country, are indeed those who have a spanking safe number of supporters from the same community, meaning the leader, more often than not, is a representative from the majority group. I’m talking about race here though I’ve been trying to understand the need of its existence. What is race anyway? What for? Especially in Malaysia, when we are not any better people ourselves. The sound of it is not sweet at all, unless we’re talking about Formula One Car Racing, then hell yeah~
During discussion, we jokingly said aloud to everyone's delight , “ It’s okay to kill your own people, but it’s NOT okay to kill other people…”
But, what if it rings true? Except that it’s not a matter of taking another person’s life.
The situation we have in Malaysia does not come off to a point where bloodbath is necessary in order to reign supreme in a nation that comprises of a number of different ethnic groups practising different cultures and belief systems..What’s going on here, is that the problem manifests itself in terms of rights to proper access in all areas and equal opportunities that see past the colour of the skin.
Contrary to popular belief that a large majority of Malaysians would like to see it to be, if we were to study it closely, the government is indeed trying to find ways to overcome that social barriers of which we cannot possibly deny, exist among us. Probably, in one way or another, we were used to being brought up with too. The solution? Article 153 of the Federal Constitution, defining the meaning of a word, the citizenship and most of all, the right to this chuck of land, so minute in size on the Atlas. Supposedly a “taboo” discussion and remain an unchallenged subject. To challenge and to question it, is an act of mutiny, betrayal, slander and defamation to the Ruler, the Constitution and to the rakyat whose loyalty to this land they are born into, goes beyond the realization that their achievements are the outcome of another group’s rights being denied.
The next generations of babies born into this country become the victims of misapprehensions passed down to them by the elders who developed prejudice and sense of ethnocentrism that are products of laws and government that are seen to favour one over the rest.
In this case, neither side is the winner. Hence the government should reconsider if their implementations and policies should be altered. Because times change and people do too. Yes, the green and the fresh ones can be moulded into what we want of them. But, the old ones who lived each and everyday over the years, witnessing the denial of opportunities by the ones that dominate over them without being able to stand up for what they know they deserve, will never be able to forget their pain and years of silent resentment. Hence, the segregation. Sad, sad reality.
Black and white are discernable, but…human conscience is gray. Why should we be allowed to even consider twice before befriending another, or entering our friends’ places of worship, or be reprimanded for being too close to a boy or a girl who is of different race from us, or worse still, be judged on the way we choose to pray to The Almighty and how we want to call His Name.
What I’m trying to put forward is that, we see and we observe the events unwrapping in the political scene. We feel the pressure at times. But does it justify our actions if what we do risks putting ourselves in trouble with the upperhand, for they often say,no one is above the law. And written laws are indisputable. This is a question that plays in the minds of the young ones, torn between two worlds.
However,on another tone, Sophia Scholl’s unwavering convictions in her call to freedom, the incarceration of Aung San Suu Kyi by the military junta, the undeserved period behind bars that activist blogger RPK had to endure for the sake of their people have indeed liberated others. Maybe one’s selfless sacrifice will be the other’s cause to fight for a better tomorrow. And in the words derived from the movie Sophia Scholl: The Final Days, “No one loves more than one who dies for friends”. These are the brave ones who have become icons for an inspired generation of youths with the undying will and burning spirit to speak up for peace and human dignity that they inherited the moment they come to this world.
Guess, this was what I meant to say in my capacity as a student.
I intended to ask a few questions but didn't know how to put it, so i figured it is better to write.
I startled myself for attempting it with the wrong note :P ... also because my area of studies does not cover the topic that the movies were centralized upon. It was impromtu, without a chronology of the words that I can use to convey my thoughts to a group of thoughtful, well-read graduates in all aspects of life who are very concerned about their people and the order of the society.
The attention that I wished to bring forward is the fact that we are living in Malaysia,that’s been contrarily claimed to be a multi-racial country. In retrospect, the reality is far from it.
To correlate it to the movies that we have watched: what happened in Germany or in Rosenstrasse is in fact, happening in Malaysia today.
Why does the young generation seem to portray an apathetic attitude towards their nation and its interior problems that are happening right before their eyes.
They know what the problem is, how they feel,or what to do. But the question is, CAN THEY DO IT?
Is there a law enacted to protect them when they want to convey their opinions about their government to the public? Even when they are most certain a large number of people share the same sentiments as them, ideas for a particular area of interest and their love for their own people for a better nation? Because they are governed under the same laws and are sworn to the very same Constitution that grant them their freedom.
To be frank, I come from a conservative traditional Chinese family that is not uninformed about what’s going on in the nation. Because they are aware of the simple rule that these group of people that they read about in the newspaper everyday and watch on television during news hour are those who have the power to provide them with all the basic necessities in life, food, clothes and peace to be exact. Within and out. Therefore, it ain’t easy to divert from the teachings that our elders have imposed on us throughout our upbringing, because to do so is like seeking the permission to denounce the central system that upholds the core value of the family institution, filial piety. To be a non-conformist is disobedience amounting to deserving of ties to be severed. (shrug, roll eyes, pout)
What we can see in all history of mankind is, the people that are in charge and have the power to decide the flow of system and ensure food and clothe for every member in a home within a country, are indeed those who have a spanking safe number of supporters from the same community, meaning the leader, more often than not, is a representative from the majority group. I’m talking about race here though I’ve been trying to understand the need of its existence. What is race anyway? What for? Especially in Malaysia, when we are not any better people ourselves. The sound of it is not sweet at all, unless we’re talking about Formula One Car Racing, then hell yeah~
During discussion, we jokingly said aloud to everyone's delight , “ It’s okay to kill your own people, but it’s NOT okay to kill other people…”
But, what if it rings true? Except that it’s not a matter of taking another person’s life.
The situation we have in Malaysia does not come off to a point where bloodbath is necessary in order to reign supreme in a nation that comprises of a number of different ethnic groups practising different cultures and belief systems..What’s going on here, is that the problem manifests itself in terms of rights to proper access in all areas and equal opportunities that see past the colour of the skin.
Contrary to popular belief that a large majority of Malaysians would like to see it to be, if we were to study it closely, the government is indeed trying to find ways to overcome that social barriers of which we cannot possibly deny, exist among us. Probably, in one way or another, we were used to being brought up with too. The solution? Article 153 of the Federal Constitution, defining the meaning of a word, the citizenship and most of all, the right to this chuck of land, so minute in size on the Atlas. Supposedly a “taboo” discussion and remain an unchallenged subject. To challenge and to question it, is an act of mutiny, betrayal, slander and defamation to the Ruler, the Constitution and to the rakyat whose loyalty to this land they are born into, goes beyond the realization that their achievements are the outcome of another group’s rights being denied.
The next generations of babies born into this country become the victims of misapprehensions passed down to them by the elders who developed prejudice and sense of ethnocentrism that are products of laws and government that are seen to favour one over the rest.
In this case, neither side is the winner. Hence the government should reconsider if their implementations and policies should be altered. Because times change and people do too. Yes, the green and the fresh ones can be moulded into what we want of them. But, the old ones who lived each and everyday over the years, witnessing the denial of opportunities by the ones that dominate over them without being able to stand up for what they know they deserve, will never be able to forget their pain and years of silent resentment. Hence, the segregation. Sad, sad reality.
Black and white are discernable, but…human conscience is gray. Why should we be allowed to even consider twice before befriending another, or entering our friends’ places of worship, or be reprimanded for being too close to a boy or a girl who is of different race from us, or worse still, be judged on the way we choose to pray to The Almighty and how we want to call His Name.
What I’m trying to put forward is that, we see and we observe the events unwrapping in the political scene. We feel the pressure at times. But does it justify our actions if what we do risks putting ourselves in trouble with the upperhand, for they often say,no one is above the law. And written laws are indisputable. This is a question that plays in the minds of the young ones, torn between two worlds.
However,on another tone, Sophia Scholl’s unwavering convictions in her call to freedom, the incarceration of Aung San Suu Kyi by the military junta, the undeserved period behind bars that activist blogger RPK had to endure for the sake of their people have indeed liberated others. Maybe one’s selfless sacrifice will be the other’s cause to fight for a better tomorrow. And in the words derived from the movie Sophia Scholl: The Final Days, “No one loves more than one who dies for friends”. These are the brave ones who have become icons for an inspired generation of youths with the undying will and burning spirit to speak up for peace and human dignity that they inherited the moment they come to this world.
Guess, this was what I meant to say in my capacity as a student.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Let's Go for This One!!!!
Invitation to Attend a Complimentary Public Lecture
“The Global Economic Crisis and Moral Changes”
by Prof. Dr. Arthur Kleinman of Harvard University
Greetings from Centre for Extension Education, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman!
The University is proud to announce that an inaugural public lecture on “The Global Economic Crisis and Moral Changes” will be held in conjunction with the launching of the Harvard Ezra F. Vogel Malaysia/Singapore Initiative programme. The programme is a joint collaboration with the Harvard University Asia Center and Lam Kin Chung Morning Sun Charity Fund.
The distinguished Speaker, Prof. Dr. Arthur Kleinman of Harvard Medical School, will share his insights into moral dilemmas and problems afflicting today’s society. Prof. Dr. Kleinman will also explore the dynamic relationships between economics, politics and the professions and, perhaps, even religions.
The talk details are as below:
Title: The Global Economic Crisis & Moral Changes
Speaker: Prof Dr. Arthur Kleinman of Harvard Medical School
Date: 28 March 2009 (Saturday)
Time: 2.45pm – 6.00pm
Venue: Auditorium, Level 3, Wisma MCA, 163, Jalan Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur
Admission: Free (First-Registered-First-Served Basis)
*Refreshments will be served*
Kindly register before 18 March 2009.
For enquires and registration, please contact Rajes / Nitthia / Odie / Yong atTel: 603-79572818 / 603-79555181 ext 8212 / 8210 / 8201 / 8611 H/p: 6016-2233 563 Fax: 603-79573818. Email: cee@utar.edu.my.
“The Global Economic Crisis and Moral Changes”
by Prof. Dr. Arthur Kleinman of Harvard University
Greetings from Centre for Extension Education, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman!
The University is proud to announce that an inaugural public lecture on “The Global Economic Crisis and Moral Changes” will be held in conjunction with the launching of the Harvard Ezra F. Vogel Malaysia/Singapore Initiative programme. The programme is a joint collaboration with the Harvard University Asia Center and Lam Kin Chung Morning Sun Charity Fund.
The distinguished Speaker, Prof. Dr. Arthur Kleinman of Harvard Medical School, will share his insights into moral dilemmas and problems afflicting today’s society. Prof. Dr. Kleinman will also explore the dynamic relationships between economics, politics and the professions and, perhaps, even religions.
The talk details are as below:
Title: The Global Economic Crisis & Moral Changes
Speaker: Prof Dr. Arthur Kleinman of Harvard Medical School
Date: 28 March 2009 (Saturday)
Time: 2.45pm – 6.00pm
Venue: Auditorium, Level 3, Wisma MCA, 163, Jalan Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur
Admission: Free (First-Registered-First-Served Basis)
*Refreshments will be served*
Kindly register before 18 March 2009.
For enquires and registration, please contact Rajes / Nitthia / Odie / Yong atTel: 603-79572818 / 603-79555181 ext 8212 / 8210 / 8201 / 8611 H/p: 6016-2233 563 Fax: 603-79573818. Email: cee@utar.edu.my.
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