The Power of Public Opinion

Technorati tags: Peace, War, Perdana Global Peace Organization, War Crimes, Politics, Ehren Watada, Malaysia, Press Freedom

This post begins with telling you about a certain Lt. Ehren Watada, who's currently facing a military court martial, due to his refusal to be mobilized to Iraq.

You may be wondering why Walski is writing about this, when the case involving Lt. Watada is something that is happening half-way across the world. That may very well be, but it has a lot to do with what's happening right here in Malaysia, albeit in a not-so-straightforward way.

In case the name Ehren Watada doesn't even ring a single bell, read this Wikipedia entry about him. The one-sentence summary: he is the first commissioned officer of the US Armed Forces to refuse being mobilized to Iraq, to face the aftermath of a war he says is "not only morally wrong, but also a breach of American law".

Which brings us to what went on yesterday.

Wednesday, February 7th, marked the last day of the EXPOSE WAR CRIMES: CRIMINALISE WAR conference, organized by the Perdana Global Peace Organisation. In his closing speech, former Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir made a statement, quoting panelist Dr. Shoji Sawada, that (and Walski's paraphrasing here) "there are 2 superpowers in the world. One is of course the military superpowers, and you know who they are. The other is the power of public opinion".
(more power to change the world, in the full post)

And as much as the US mainstream media wants to spin it, the public opinion in the US, with regards to the Iraq War and the subsequent occupation, is changing. Not that George W. gives a rat's ass, but it is changing.

The courage exhibited by Lt. Watada in refusing to serve in this morally reprehensible occupation, post-invasion, is definitely an important indication that the people of the US are perhaps slowly waking up from their post-9/11 shock-induced fuzzy mindedness. To have an officer refuse to serve is a very big deal.

On January 29, the US Army prosecutors dropped 2 of the charges originally levelled against Watada. What is significant is that this has prevented two journalists from being subpoenaed to testify against Watada, for statements of dissent that he had made to the media sometime last year. It has prevented the US government from using the press, in this case, as a tool to further their attempt to circumvent the rising public opinion against their Iraq policy.

The following short video is from YouTube, talking about the significance of the two charges being dropped. In particular, pay attention to the first 45 seconds or so, and what one of the journalists, Sarah Olson, has to say. It bears much similarity to what Walski sees as the dilemma faced by the Malaysian press.

Change can and does happen - sometimes even for the better. In part, it was the shift in public opinion that forced the US to pull out of Vietnam. A change that jolted the US administration at the time that they were funding a losing war.

And sometimes, all it takes to get the ball rolling is one person, fueled by the power of changing public opinion. Perhaps Watada will be that one. Regardless of the court marshall's outcome, which incidentally should be known within the next few days.

So lets recap. And hopefully you'll begin to see the coming together of several seemingly disjointed occurences and ideas. Trust Walski on this one - they are inter-related.

Public opinion plays an important role in shaping public policy, provided of course the government of the day gives a shit, and wants to listen sincerely and do things truly for the benefit of the people. It is this same public opinion that has the power to stop governments from going to war. Again, provided they aren't to wrapped up in themselves, pursuing self-serving agendas.

And the press, in being one of the mechanisms that helps the shaping public of opinion, needs to be seen as non-partisan when reporting on issues, and not seen as being merely the instrument of government propaganda, which, in fact, is the common perception of many Malaysians today with regards to our own MSM. Unfortunately, there are active laws preventing true press freedom in this country, and the government uses them without hesitation, when they deem it necessary.

So, the two big questions that Walski must now ask:

1. Where do the Malaysian mainstream media and press stand? and

2. Does the Malaysian government truly give a fuck and listen to the real Malaysian public opinion, on any matter, or are they just way too wrapped up with themselves to even bother?

Click here for the full post......

Declaring war on War

Technorati tags: Peace, War, Perdana Global Peace Organization, War Crimes, Politics, Botero

No doubt about it, the initiative of the Perdana Global Peace Organisation must be applauded. While Walski couldn't personally attend, he managed to catch most of the proceedings today over the live webcast of the forum. Isn't technology wonderful?

It's no secret that a war effects entire nations involved in the conflict. There are always reasons used to justify why a war is declared. Sometimes the most ludicrous of reasons. The ongoing occupation of Iraq, as a result of a war declared by Dubya and the [sic] Coalition of the Willing. Or, depending on your point of view, the Coalition of the Gullibly Threatened.

And the main aim of the organization is to criminalize war. To hold the attacking party, or country, accountable as criminals. Definintely a justified cause in the case of the Iraqi invasion led by the US, who came, kicked ass, and refused to leave. A "swift" operation that has lasted a good part of 4 years now.

War today is very different from the historical wars we grew up learning about. War today is brutal, and in many cases indiscriminate. Carpet bombings of entire neighborhoods don't discriminate between the civilians from the combatants. And in the case of Iraq, the civilian casualties were tremendous. But the suffering frequently doesn't just stop with the actual war itself.
(more on the war on War, in the full post)

One of the most moving sessions today was the testimony given by Ali Shalah, a survivor of the infamous Abu Ghraib prioson. With the help of an interpreter, he recounted the hellish torture he endured during his stay at the prison, not long after the fall of Baghdad, including being electrocuted during interrogation. Ali Shalah is now helping torture victims in Iraq through the organization "The Man in the Hood".

History, they say, is written by the victors. In the case of Iraq, Dubya would probably want himself to be imortalized in the history books as the courageous US President that liberated Iraq. The millions of Iraqis, still suffering daily from the war and subsequent four year occupation, would probably beg to differ.

To Malaysians, it may be ironic that such a conference is being held here. It's a conference, whose primary driver is the sanctity of human life, held in a country that supports the death penalty. A conference that promotes speaking out against attrocities worldwide, when opinions of it's own citizens continue to be repressed. A conference that is based on dissent against the criminal act of war, in a country where it's own citizens dissent against injustice is being punished.

All Walski can say is that we live in a wonderfully fucked up world, full of irony and contradictions.

But speak out we must. Against the attrocity of war. And against injustices, in general, nevermind where, and nevermind who the victims are.

One interesting facet of the sessions Walski managed to catch today was that while the speakers were predominantly Muslim, their message was crystal clear - we have to put aside our differences in faith, or even within the same faith, sectarian differences, and speak in a united voice against injustices.

This key take-away is not just a message to the world, it should also be a wake-up call to all Malaysians. We may be different, but we are Malaysians, and what matters most is the future of our nation. We know what injustices there are, and institutionalized or not, these injustices must be fought.

Let's face it. God created us different from one another. As one of the speakers, Mr. Muhammed Umar (Chairman, The Ramadhan Foundation, UK) said, the world would be a terribly boring place if we were all created exactly the same. God created us diversely, so that we could know, respect and cherish one another, in a global community called humanity.

And war threatens that very thing called humanity. War, and it's bastard cousin, violence, is something that all humans must strive to avert. There are, and will always be, differences of opinion, and ideologies. But these differences can be dealt with in other, non-destructive ways - and this is also another key message of the conference - violence and wars are never constructive ways to settle differences.

Tomorrow will be the last day of the conference, and is definitely going to be very interesting. It is a day when the War Crimes Commission Preliminary Proceedings will be convened. It will be a day when the aggressors responsible for the mayhem that is Iraq will be put on trial. And if you can't be there yourself, be sure to watch it online (go to the Perdana Global Peace Organisation homepage and click on the webcast link).

Associated with the conference is an exhibition bearing the same title as the conference - "EXPOSE WAR CRIMES: CRIMINALISE WAR" - which will continue until February 11, 2007. This can be viewed at Dewan Tun Razak Hall 4, at the Putra World Trade Center (PWTC), where the conference is being held. So, even if you can't make it to the conference itself, the exhibition should also be worth the trouble fighting through KL traffic, to get to PWTC.

Walski will end this post on an interesting side note. One other very important idea that was brought up during the sessions today was the importance of your individual voice being heard. And that the one very effective way of doing it is through blogging. Blogging has become a flat world enabler for individuals to voice their thoughts and opinions, and is an important factor towards the world getting to know one another, individual to individual. Blogging was mentioned as a factor enabling putting a face to the suffering of the citizens of Iraq, due to the invasion and occupation, through blogs such as Baghdad Burning, and A Family in Baghdad.

Thought that Walski should mention this. Why? Because, if the Malaysian powers-that-be are reading this, take heed. Hear our voices, 'cause all is not well with the state of the nation, and you should listen to what we have to say. Just as the Baghdad blogs have opened the eyes of the world to the real suffering in Iraq, to not listen is to do so at your own peril. Ignorance may be bliss, but even the most blissful of slumbers has to end sometime.

Just like this important conference and exhibition has, hopefully, jolted the world up from its obliviousness to the most attrocious and dasterdly of human crimes - war.

o O O o O o O o o

Walski's stolen art note: One of the images used in the post above (and also the one on the left) is from a series of paintings by famous Columbian artist Fernando Botero, depicting the Abu Ghraib prisoner torture and abuse.

Botero, if you recall, was the artists whose works were implicated in the Malaysian Airlines' "Flying Buffet" scandal towards the end of 2005, in which the national carrier was said to have spent exhorbitant amounts of funds in less than judicious manners.

The Columbian artist's is characterized by the exaggerated rotundness of his subjects. The Abu Ghraib series was exhibited between October 18 and November 21 2006, at the Malborough New York art gallery.

Some of his other works in the same series can be viewed here.

Click here for the full post......

Thirsty Bloodsuckers

Technorati tags: Humor, Politics, Malaysia, Official Secrets Act, OSA, Thirsty Bloodsuckers, Vampires

or Bloodthirsty Suckers? You decide.

This post has been triggered by Walski reading that Tian Chua's office got raided by the police this afternoon. It immediately brought memories of what Aisehman wrote on the subject, compounded by comments from The Malaysian and KTemoc (and also here). But the main mnemonic jolt was a flashback to what Uncle Lim said on Saturday - that Samy's bloodthirsty.

Any resemblance to Bela Lugosi is purely intentional

You tell Walski - what other image could possibly have been sandblasted onto Walski's mind?

Click here for the full post......

FT Day, KL and Metroblogging

Technorati tags: Kuala Lumpur, Metroblogging, Blogging

Yesterday, February 1, was Federal Territory (FT) Day, to commemorate the day Kuala Lumpur achieved independence from the state of Selangor, after a long-fought secession war of terror that culminated in the building of the great archway of Federal Highway. And some years later, to be followed by the liberation of Labuan and Putrajaya...

Celebrating independence from the clutches of state rule...
(Photo credit: The Star)

Okay... so it didn't quite happen that way, of course. Nowhere close, and nowhere as dramatic. But imagine telling the fable above to someone born after 1974, with a straight face. Isn't revisionist history fun?

In any case, revisionist history is not what this post is about. Nowhere close, and nowhere as educational. No, it's about Kuala Lumpur, the city Walski calls home. Not about the city per se, either - no, it's about one little thing that we can do to help put KL on the world blog map.

Incidentally, 1974 is when Kuala Lumpur was established as a Federal Territory. So this year marks the 33rd anniversary. And as with most official occassions in Malaysia, today's FT Day is usually commemorated with officious and stodgy parades, in KL and the other Federal Territories of Labuan, and Putrajaya. To whom this is supposed to be appealing to remains one of those mysteries of life...

Oh, and also with fireworks. Which is undoubtedly a lot more fun.

Anyhow, a few days ago The _Earthinc came up with a great suggestion that Kuala Lumpur, too, should be part of the Metroblogging group of blogs. You can find out all about Metroblogging on their website, but in a nutshell, it is a grouping of blogs, each focusing on a particular city around the world. Singapore has one. Bangkok, Manila, Bangalore... 50 real cities worldwide. And even one imaginery city - Azeroth (a place familiar to the WoW-heads out there). But not Kuala Lumpur. Yet.
(more on Metroblogging in the full post)

And so, being that Kay Ell is home to a number of us bloggers, how would you like to join __Earth and Walski as volunteers to set up KL's own Metroblogging blog? The minimum number of bloggers required is 8, and at present we are still five short. Walski, by the way, has already said YEA, in case the point didn't come across to you.

If you're interested, either let Walski know via the comments, or e-mail him, or via The __Earthinc post mentioned above.

There are a few reasons why Walski thinks this is a great idea. First off, every other major city in the region (with the exception of Jakarta) already has one. Second, it's a great way to promote KL to the world, with the help of citizen spokespersons like you and Walski - sort of gives a better person-on-the-street perspective of what makes KL special to us. Third, like every other major city, there's always that little-known corner stall which serves great tasting food, which probably didn't make it to the mainstream papers food section, or little known facts, etc.

From Walski's understanding, each volunteer needs to post at least one article a week to the blog, which shouldn't be too difficult a task.

So, if you're interested, you know what to do...

Click here for the full post......

Malice in Blunderland

Technorati tags: Humor, Malaysia, Politics, Official Secrets Act, Transparency, Good Governance

OSA - Official Secrets Act. Part of the alphabet soup that forms the pock-marks blemishing Malaysian democracy and transparent governance.

And as reported last Friday, the OSA was once again suggested to the ministerial cabinet to conceal another embarassment - the toll concession agreements. Suggested by none other than the longest serving minister in show biz...

So says Blunderland's Drama Queen of Blowhards

And now, he wants the head of the person responsible for obtaining the LDP concession agreement. Malaysia Gemilang? Or Malice in Blunderland?

This political bloodlust, despite the fact that the toll concession agreements are clearly not in the favor of the Government, and more importantly, the taxpayers... you know, the one's actually footing the bill. Not once, not twice but in the case of the toll highway users (whom Walski assumes pay taxes), three times.
(more Blunderland malice in the full post)

Why? Okay, first of all we pay tax (on our income and on the goods we buy), which goes into the Government coffers. Secondly, any employee getting allowances for travel will now find that their allowances are also taxable. The allowances, incidentally which are supposed to cover travel expenditures, like tolls. Third, of course, the tolls themselves.

And by the terms of the agreements, if the concessionaires don't get the toll rates that have been stipulated, they are again compensated, by the Government, with what else but public money. And where does the public money come from? Among other sources, taxes.

It appears that the compensation doesn't seem to take into account the fact that these concessionnaires are actually making money off these highways. In fact, lots of money. Someone somewhere (Walski can't remember where exactly) did some calculations, and in the case of the LDP (Puchong-Damansara Highway) the toll revenue collected would have already paid for the cost of constructing the highway. And yet, the concessionnaires want more.

Fortunately, the Official Secrets Act itself is not an official secret. Now, that would have been really funny if it were, eh?

According to Wikepedia, the act defines an official secret as:

...any document specified in the Schedule and any information and material relating thereto and includes any other official document, information and material as may be classified as 'Top Secret', 'Secret', 'Confidential' or 'Restricted', as the case may be, by a Minister, the Menteri Besar or Chief Minister of a State or such public officer (as may be authorised to classify such documents by a Minister, Menteri Besar or Chief Minister)
[source: Wikipedia]

In other words, just about any Tom, Dick or Samy could be given the authority to declare something an official secret. In the same Wikipedia article, some clarity is given to what is covered under the Schedule:

The Schedule to the Act covers "Cabinet documents, records of decisions and deliberations including those of Cabinet committees", as well as similar documents for state executive councils. It also includes "documents concerning national security, defence and international relations"

The toll concession agreements - a threat to national security? What kind of third-rate, world-class clown would even consider a toll concession to be a threat to... oh, yeah... nevermind.

In addition, other "national security threatening" agreements have been shoved under the slimy auspices of the OSA. Like Water Supply concession agreements (via Malaysiakini - subscription required).

It's clear to any thinking individual that shoving such agreements under the OSA only goes to show the government, elected by the people, are in cohoots with big business, not to serve the people, but to screw the people. Exactly whose security are we protecting here by concealing such agreements under the OSA?

The last thing Walski wants is Malaysia to actually become Blunderland. And Walski is definitely not alone in feeling this way. But such lack of transparancy, reinforced no less, will only pave the way towards that very sad path of failed statehood. The proverbial writing, as they say, is already on the wall. In bright, flourescent paint.

But don't just take Walski's word for it. A couple of days ago, this news article came out in Bernama (Malaysian National News Agency), quoting the Chairman of Asian Strategy & Leadership Institute (Asli) Centre for Public Policy Studies, Tan Sri Ramon V. Navaratnam (who incidentally is also President of Transparancy International Malaysia).

"The lack of access to information is a great catalyst for corruption or the perception of corruption, while if a culture of disclosure, as opposed to that of secrecy, is cultivated this will promote public accountability and good governance"

Walski couldn't have put it any better.

Click here for the full post......

Playing by the rules

Technorati tags: Malaysia, Journalism, Politics, Malaysian Bloggers Sued, Walk With Us

Update @ Jan 31: The Star made an error in their online version of the story below, which was later corrected in the print edition. Thanks Rocky for the factual correction (which you can read in full in the comments to this post).

Update @ 1657 hrs: It appears that for now, at least, the plaintiffs have agreed to play by the rules (via Walk With Us).

Original Post:
In an ongoing legal case, the last thing that anyone would want happen is a trial by the media. Unfortunately, in many cases this is exactly what happens. And so, this bit of news that Walski read a few minutes ago is a smart move on Rocky's part. (Also, read Rocky's brief post on this, and Jeff's commentary)

Rocky wants to play by the rules. What about the plaintiffs?
(click on image to read the full article)

The biggest question Walski has is this - will the plaintiff(s) also play by the same rules?

Last week Walk With Us revealed that there is a worrying nexus between the Executive, and the plaintiffs in this case. More worrying is the fact that the plaintiffs may have already prejudiced the case. Read the full article here, and a follow-up here. And trust Walski on this one - they are must-reads.
(more journalistic enquiry in the full post)

The rabbit-hole goes deeper, it would seem, than meets the eye. Strategically releasing articles may be a subtle move on the part of NSTP, supposedly in the name of journalism. But peel away the fake vaneer, and it is easy to see that the motivation may not be just journalism and public interest.

The NSTP in publishing what it has, therefore, put its own self in a precarious position. Have they inadvertently (or even purposefully) committed an act prejudicial to an ongoing legal case? Have they inadvertently (or even purposefully) dragged in the Malaysian Goverment Executive into the fray, thus further prejudicing the case?

In other words - have NSTP et al committed acts of judicial contempt by printing the articles in question? Walski's no lawyer, but if the answer to this is yes, then why the fuck are they exempt from playing by the same rules?

Almost grounds, in fact, to throw the cases out, if claims of prejudice and contempt are found to be true. (Disclaimer: this statement comes from a Law-illeterate who watches too much law drama on TV - namely Walski)

Not to be overly paranoid, but consider this; NSTP and just about all the terrestial TV channels are owned by Media Prime Bhd, in whole or in part. Media Prime Bhd, therefore has a role in controlling the nation's mindshare.

Who, then, is behind Media Prime Bhd?

That's a question Walski will let you answer for yourselves (it's actually a no-brainer). But it's a question whose answer is not too difficult to find. And after joining the dots, do you still think that it's nothing more than just libel lawsuits?

Click here for the full post......

The Bus did stop in Batu Talam. Permenantly.

Technorati tags: Malaysia, Politics, Batu Talam, Elections

Not that it was unexpected. Seriously. Ng Chee Pang got his ass whooped in the Batu Talam by-election today. A sad day for feng-tau and snooker, indeed.

Malaysiakini broke the news of the result earlier this evening, with the BN candidate, Abdul Aziz Kiram garnering a majority of 5,857 votes, versus Ng, who only got 419 votes. He also lost his RM 5,000 deposit.

The Bus, it seems, simply ran out of gas. And in the end, did stop at Batu Talam. Dead in its tracks.

But Walski applauds Ah Beng's courage to take on a juggernaut, with hardly any resources (in comparison), although he would probably have done better if Walski had been in charge (snicker, snicker). And being that the residents of Batu Talam were left with a no-brainer of an election, let's hope that the candidate-elect is able to serve his constituents to the best of his ability.

And not the other way around.

Click here for the full post......

The Ah Beng Manifesto...

Technorati tags: Humor, Politics, Malaysia, Batu Talam, Elections, Ah Beng

... or The Bus Stops Here

Not quite Truman...

In the circle politic, Batu Talam is the talk of the month - or year, so far. First, PAS and PKR decided to boycott the polls, because the SPR (Election Commission) was dodgy. But they're still campaigning - possibly to dissuade people from voting... who knows. Then, on nomination day, the presumed walk-over by Barisan Nasional (National Front - the ruling coalition) didn't happen.

Enter Ng Chee Pang aka Thin Blur Sotong, aka Ah Beng - a young, independent candidate decided to enter the by-elections, making it a 2-horse race. Well, actually, a race between a set of scales (Barisan Nasional), and a Bus.

The Bus Party - not to be confused with London's Party Bus
(Image from The Sun, via Howsy's post)

That was a couple of weeks ago (give or take).

Since then, PAS and PKR continue to "campaign" - for what exactly, no one's quite sure, since they've boycotted the by-elections. BN does the usual blame-storming exercise - particularly via their Nasty Pee mouthpieces.

And what of Ah Beng? Ah Beng faces an uphill task, he says, according to this Bernama news report. He doesn't have Walski as a campaign manager, that's why.

But before we get to the manifesto, this all-important question needs to first be answered - where the heck is Batu Talam anyway?
(Walski finds Batu Talam, and the Ah Beng Manifesto, in the full post)

As in exactly where. Of course, Walski's not that blur to not know that Batu Talam is somewhere in Pahang.

To be more exact, somewhere in Raub.

But Walski wanted to make sure exactly where in that district, because the last thing he wants to do to the residents there was to raub them the wrong way... (okay, really bad pun).

But while Walski was trying to find out where Batu Talam was within the Raub district, only then did he remember that it was here that the infamous incident occured, involving Mona Fendey, the then-State Assemblyman, and some head. She didn't give any, but took some instead. Right Off. (Hat-tip, but with head intact, to Elizabeth Wong for helping jog Walski's memory).

Yup. The place sure does have some bizarre history related to it. And the Ah Beng story, if nothing else, simply adds to the already colorful history of this place. Stuck in time, somewhere between Raub, a hard place, and fucking nowhere.

And Walski wonders if there even is a bus service to the place. Or if they've heard of Starbucks. In any case, Walski's digressed way, way too far. This is the manifesto that Walski would put together for Ng Chee Pang - a sure win one, guaranteed to put Batu Talam back on the world map. Actually, the place has always been on the world map - just too small an unimportant piddley speck on the globe to notice. And often mistaken for dust.

The Ah Beng Manifesto

Dear valued potential voters - I, Ng Chee Pang, better known to you as Ah Beng, do promises that if you votes for me tomorrow, and I win, that I will deliver to the peoples of Batu Talam the following goodies:

1. Make Batu Talam the Feng-Tau capital of the world - Being that we are off the beaten path, I promising to make Batu Talam a popular destination for the feng-tau kakis that usually overlook our wonderful district choosing instead Kuala Lumpur, or Kuantan, or Johor Bharu. Not anymore. Not if I win. Feng-Tau parties every night of the week. Think of all the tourism! Think of the boom - and not only from the loud discos that will be commonplace in our beautiful district. (At this point, cue music...)

2. Snooker will be proclaimed to be the offical sport of Batu Talam - I promises to bring all the world popular championships to Batu Talam, official sport of Batu Talam. Football? No... can heart attack one. Gasing? At night cannot play... Sepak Takraw... ball too hard, head pain. Snooker the best. Everyone also can play, young and old, boy and girl.

3. Batu Talam shall be the Ah Lian Fashion Capital of the world - who needs Hong Kong? Or Milan? Or even Jinjang? I shall endeavor work hard to make Batu Talam the must-visit destination for the fashion world - Fellakaimo, Elvie, Plarda, Bersarchee, Hello Kitty... we will bring the entire fashion world to our district. No more buying cheapskate stuff from pasar malam. Of course, for this to work, we must bring all the Ah Lian to Batu Talam. That why must be Feng-Tau capital. More party, more business, more money...

4. Buses. Batu Talam shall have busses - public transportation improvement shall be one of the key motivators of my platform. That why I put bus on my campaign. Our bus service will be even better than any big town or city in Raub. To make sure that promise #1 is become a reality, we also want to making sure our streets are not filled with after-party feng-tau kakis gila-gila on the road, and be danger to other citizens on the road. Buses. Many-many buses.

5. Finally, Alcohol Policy - if I get elected, I promise no more beer, no more red wine... without ice cubes. We are Asian peoples... we cannot drink red wine like ang moh. Must be cold one. Beer must have drink with ice...

The best for Batu Talam is more business. To have more business we must have more people come invest and spend money in Batu Talam. So, must make this place fun liao. And when Batu Talam fun, all peoples will come here... in big, big buses.

Thank you... and vote Ah Beng... your Bas candidate.

o O O o O End of Manifesto O o O o o

Okay, Walski admits that was pretty damn lame. Probably offensive too to some of you.

But the point is that the whole Batu Talam deal has become one big joke. And more likely than not, BN will get the seat, electing someone else that probably won't see his full term through (word has it that he's being sued).

So, what do you think of Ah Beng's chances? Well, the bookies seem to think that he'll definitely crash 'n burn. The difference is to what degree. Incidentally, if you noticed, there's a survey at the top of the page... Walski's simply curious about what you think. So go ahead. You have till after tomorrow's election to vote.

And in less than 24 hours, Ah Beng, his deposit, and the political and economic future of Batu Talam will be known. Whether it's gonna be same 'ol, same 'ol or something really wierd happening - i.e. Ng Chee Pang actually winning - will be known soon enough.

Until then... party on, people... feng-tau or not, hope you have a fantastic weekend.

Click here for the full post......

Welcome to the new myAsylum

Technorati tags: Blogging, Layout, Transition

myAsylum is dead... long live myAsylum!

If you've not been by for the past day or so don't worry - you've not accidentally come to the wrong blog. One year on, and Walski thought that this would be a good time to unleash a new look.

Say goodbye to the old layout...

Onwards... to the new myAsylum!
(more on the new layout in the full post)

The biggest noticeable changes are, of course, are the new banner image, and the 3-column layout that is used. One of the biggest challenges in getting this up was to re-learn the new Blogger Layout-based template construction, which is what this blog now uses. In other words, the transition from the old to the new Blogger is now complete.

Another big change - this blog is now best viewed with a screen resolution of 1024 pixels across (or higher). Walski hasn't actually tested it with smaller screen resolutions, but what will appear is that the initial view will probably be cut-off at the sides.

Another difference you'll notice is the collapsible blog roll, which by default, is displayed in a collapsed manner, which in effect frees up a lot of real estate. Over the next few weeks, Walski will also update all the older posts to include the new Labels feature of Blogger (Post Categories, in other words). We'll try to keep the number of labels/categories to a minimum, but sufficient enough to cover the eclectic collection of subject matters that spans myAsylum.

Walski has added a new blog roll category - Ward du Bon Journo which contains a collection of blogs and sites of Malaysian journalists, as recommended by Rocky in one of his posts. The rolls need a little bit of cleaning up, so there is a possibility that there may still be some duplication for the time being.

Most of the stuff you remember from the old layout has been retained, at least for now. The availability of an extra side bar (on the left) gives Walski the opportunity to organize stuff a little better. The main post area is now also slightly bigger (by 100 pixels), paving the way for slightly wider pictures, which were previously limited to 400 pixel width.

The only thing missing now is the footer, which Walski will work on a tad bit later tonight. So, if you've been wondering why there have not been many posts of late, now you know why...

By the way, since there's tons of space in the sidebars, do let Walski know if there is some feature you'd like to see on this blog, and Walski will do his best to accommodate the request. Perhaps, a new feature that should be on in due time is a regular opinion poll.

Well, it's back to the drawing board and slave-driving the elves to complete the blog layout...

Click here for the full post......

In Transition...

Technorati tags: Blogging, Layout, Transition

No, you've not chanced upon the wrong blog.

myAsylum is undergoing some major structural changes, so things may look a little odd - like missing things from blog rolls, or missing subscription boxes, etc.

Bear with Walski during this transitional period, okay?

One thing Walski found out (the hard way) is that test templates saved from a different blog do not reproduce properly once uploaded into another blog, so some remedial changes have to be made. Fortunately, these are nothing more than copy 'n pasting between two templates. It's just a pain, that's all...

Onwards... to the new myAsylum!

Click here for the full post......

Comment Response Tardiness

Technorati tags: Filler, Miscellaneous, Blogger Comments

Walski hasn't been able to respond to your comments of late, and he apologizes profusely for this. It's just that work has been somewhat inundating the last few weeks. Will try clearing the backlog sometime this week.

Meanwhile, the elves operating myAsylum have been keeping busy... some changes are afoot. Or 0.3048 meters, if you're metrically inclined.

Click here for the full post......

CIJ calls press conference on the NST Defamation Suits

Technorati tags: NSTP, Defamation Suit, CIJ, Center for Independent Journalism, Journalism

Walski's opening note: Since Walski will not be out of town for a couple of days, and may not have access to the Internet, he thought it best to post this now.

CIJ - Center for Independent Journalism - has announced that they will be calling for a press conference on the NST et al defamation suits against Ahirudin 'Rocky' Atan and Jeff Ooi.

The conference will be held at 11 am tomorrow, Tuesday, January 23, 2007, at the center. For more details, contact Yip Wai Fong at +60 3 4023-0772 (which is the Center's number) or at +60 12 698-6662.

The Center for Independent Journalism is located at:

27C Jalan Sarikei, off Jalan Pahang
53000 Kuala Lumpur

Their website has also indicated that both Jeff and Rocky are scheduled to be present. If the address doesn't help, you can also download a map here.

Click here for the full post......

Bloggerhood Backlash in a digitally flat world

Technorati tags: Malaysia, Commentary, Information, Flat World, NSTP, Walk With Us

Walk with Us - the rallying call in support of two bloggers being sued by NSTP et al. And not surprisingly, in true manifestation of a world becoming flatter by the minute, a new blog has sprung up as a Walk-With-Us Central, so to speak. Also, not surprisingly, it's called Walk With Us.

Taking a stroll in a fast flattening world

The suit being filed by NSTP et al has resulted in an unprecedented, if not unexpected, response from the Malaysian bloggerhood, both based at home and abroad. It has also not surprisingly gotten the attention of RSF (Reporters Sans Frontiéres, or Reporters Without Borders), an international press freedom watchdog.

There is also talk about the formation of a Bloggers Defence Fund, and surrounding that, numerous ideas of how to help out with the legal fees likely to be incurred by the two bloggers of note, Jeff Ooi and Ahirudin 'Rocky' Atan.

So, are these suits being instigated by agents of the Government, using the NSTP as a proxy? Truth is - we don't know, and Walski will not speculate. But the general perception sensed in the bloggerhood is that it is. And perception is 90% of "truth" - regardless of whether said "truth" is really true or not.

Take the ever popular Malaysian snack, the cucur kodok (deep-fried banana + batter balls), for example. As long as you perceive there is some content of bananas, the cucur kodok will be a banana-based snack, nevermind that in most cases it's 90% flour. More like banana-DNA-laced flour batter balls.

But Walski digresses.

Without a doubt, the pending defamation cases awaiting hearing are water-shed cases. They will be precedent-setting cases. But wariness within the bloggerhood abounds. The fear is that this merely marks the beginning of a bigger onslaught on our already battered freedom of expression. Again, the 90/10 rule of perception applies. And the perception is that we are under attack.
(more battered flat-world thoughts in the full post)

Deep down, however, the truth (as Walski perceives it) is that the move by the NSTP is being seen as the proverbial straw that broke the camel's back. The last straw adding to years of pent up frustration against the mostly Government-controlled press. NSTP has just given their detractors a cause, and whether or not their suit is justified becomes secondary.

One could say that the backlash being seen is a manifestation of a flattening world brought about by open access to information via the Internet. Specifically, a backlash against a media body that has resisted, or possibly even ignored, the true implications of information access freedoms. A media body that still wants to believe itself to be the guardian of news - a paradigm perhaps true a decade ago. A paradigm destroyed by citizen uploading, a technology-driven phenomenon that has fueled a flattening world. And the pending suit, if nothing else, should open the eyes of the Government - that they cannot dictate what the citizens can or cannot belief to be the truth anymore.

The implicit message the Government is this - either be more transparent, and adopt transparency as a standard operating procedure, or risk incurring the wrath of a nation whose confidence in The Government is fast eroding. Obfuscation only leads to speculation and rumors, and is a paradigm that can no longer exist unchallenged in a flat digital world.

Ultimately, the change has to come from within the Government itself - to finally wake up to a fast changing world of unimpeded information flow. To continue with the paradigm of information suppression will be counter-productive in the long run. The NSTP is merely a limb - it is the brain that needs to decide how the limb moves and how productive (or unproductive) the actions executed by said limb will be. And the brain really needs to act fast, in this instance.

Because real-time, in a digitally flat world, isn't anymore. It's faster. And accelerating by the minute.

Click here for the full post......

Major earthquake off Sulawesi, Indonesia

Technorati tags: Nature, Earthquake, Indonesia, Tsunami, Sabah

Late Breaking News (last updated @ 2254 hrs)

The BBC has just reported that a major earthquake has occured in the Molucca Sea, near the northeastern tip of Sulawesi island in Indonesia. The news agency reported the quake to be of a magnitude of 6.5 on the Richter scale, and happened roughly an hour and a half ago, at 19:27 hrs Malaysia Time (11:27 hrs, UTC).

However, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported the quake to be of a 7.3 magnitude. Update (2224 hrs): The BBC has amended the initial report.

USGS Map showing the epicenter of the 7.3 quake

Assessments are currently being made to determine any tsunami risk, as a result of the quake. AS of the time of this posting, no warnings have been issued. The exact location of the epicenter, as reported by the USGS was at 1.207°N, 126.292°E, putting it approximately 160km south-east of Manado, Northern Sulawesi.

Initial quake epicenter, and its proximity to Sabah and Mindanao

Update @ 2220 hrs: A secondary earthquake (likely an aftershock) has been recorded in the same vicinity (with its epicenter at 1.110°N, 126.080°E), measuring 5.8 on the Richter scale, which occured at 2032 hrs Malaysia Time (1232 hrs, UTC), roughly one hour after the initial quake.

Reuters India, reporting from Manado, stated that thus far no casualties have been reported, although some buildings have been reported to have been damaged.

The occurence another devastating tsunami, as massive as the December 26, 2004 one off northern Sumatrahas, has also been an immediate concern. A spokesman for the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, however, said that while the risk of such a massive tsunami was not likely, there were dangers of a "localised" tsunami, stretching from 100-200km (62-124 miles) from the epicentre (via Sofia News Agency).

Based on the information gathered by myAsylum thus far, there appears to be no immediate risk to any parts of Malaysia, the closest being the eastern coastline of Sabah.

Click here for the full post......

365 days later...

Technorati tags: Anniversary, Blogging, One Year, myAsylum

Today, this blog passes an important milestone (or 1.6 kilometerstone, if you're metrically inclined). Why? Because 365 days ago, myAsylum was born.

Little did Walski realize when he started this blog one year ago that it would even survive this long. But it has, and today, it celebrates it's first anniversary. The reach that myAsylum has gotten over the last 12 months has been beyond Walski's wildest expectations. And for that, Walski thanks YOU.

Yes, you, the person looking at these words, as they are being read. You, the readers. Thank you.

It's really true what they say - time flies when you're having fun. And the experience over the last year getting this blog off the ground - and keeping it afloat - has been a blast.

And the next 365 days? Or even beyond that? All Walski will say for right now is this - myAsylum as you know it, will not be, for very much longer ... Cryptic enough for ya?

Stay tuned. And once again, thanks for the last 365!

Click here for the full post......

Nasty Pee is pee worth avoiding

Technorati tags: Embargo, NSTP, RSS, Journalism, Malaysia

Walski supports the Embargo.

Nasty Pee - avoid if at all possible

On the print-version front, it makes no difference whatsoever - Walski stopped buying anything NSTP (pronounced: nasty pee - a pronunciation made popular by The Malay Male) a long time ago. It would be interesting to find out how much revenue is made with the print version, versus the online version, which in most cases is strewn with advertisements. Reading any NSTP publication online, therefore, would also bring them revenue.

Which is where RSS comes in. Using RSS (Really Simple Syndication), you still can get the headlines (if you still have the urge to monitor what's been written). You can either subscribe to the RSS feeds using online services, such as Bloglines, directly on your browser (if your using either IE7 or Firefox, for example), or use an RSS aggregator software application (such as FeedReader, which is what Walski uses - there are loads of others).
(the questions that you would probably have, and more in the full post)

FAQ #1: Aren't the things Rocky and Jeff saying libelous?
Maybe they are, maybe they aren't. Truth is that we don't really know. But that's beside the point. If what is being said about the NSTP aren't true, why haven't they refuted the allegations publicly? But the other reason, and probably the more important one, for supporting this embargo is that Walski wants to make it clear that he (plus the millions of other Malaysians, probably) is simply tired of the blatant one-sided approach taken by NSTP in reporting anything of national interest. They simply lack any sense of journalistic enquiry, in most cases, and in cases where they do exhibit some, it's very clear that they are actiing as the incumbent government's mouthpiece.

BTW - Walski doesn't happen to agree with every single thing Rocky and Jeff write about all the time. And yes, sometimes they do sound like a couple of whiny kids. We all do, probably, at one time or another. Again, that's beside the point. You don't have to agree with someone 100% of the time to appreciate their right to free, unimpeded speech. And yes, free speech hurts - especially on the receiving end. It's how one deals with it that makes the difference.

Plus, Walski also thinks that the suit is more than just a simple libel case. Yesterday, Malik Imtiaz, one of the lawyers representing Jeff, was informed that his column in the NST would be "suspended until the end of the case". Suspicious? You bet.

FAQ #2: What's in it for me to support this embargo?
Well, for one, you save on the price of the paper that you probably fork out on a daily basis, multiplied by the number of NSTP publications you buy daily. So that's, what? RM 1.20 x 30 days (assuming you only buy the NST), which is RM 36 ringgit a month, or RM 432 a year. That's compensation for the toll increase right there, if you live in the Klang Valley. Plus, save some trees in the process.

And if you're like Walski, not having to get that nauseous feeling having to read the lopsided style of reporting, day in, day out, is an added bonus. Yeah, he'll miss the great articles by Amir Muhammad on Thursdays, and Zainah Anwar on Fridays, but there's more than one way to skin a cat...

FAQ #3: How is the embargo going to help improve journalistic integrity?
In all likelihood, in the NST's case, probably not at all. They're a lost cause, Walski thinks (which is all more reason to embargo 'em). But it probably will drive home the realization in the minds of the management of the other MSM's that at the end of the day a media organization's worth depends heavily on whether or not anyone wants to read/listen.

What the hell good is a newspaper if no one wants to read it. And what the people really is honest, fair reporting, giving all sides equal airtime and column-inches. Particularly when it comes to election time. Or when issues of importance are discussed.

FAQ #4: Wouldn't an embargo put at risk the livelihood of journalists working for the NSTP?
Good journalists will always be in demand. Journalists who write nothing but approved drivel probably need a spell of work-drought, during which time they could hone their journalistic skills. If all else fails, teach. Except maybe for Jabba the Newsman - he really deserves to lose his job.

At the end of the day, what you decide to do about this is entirely up to you. Walski's made his stand. The embargo is not meant to be punitive to the NSTP, merely to encourage them to practice responsible journalism. Just like the NSTP's move to sue Jeff and Rocky is to promote responsible blogging.

Supposedly.

Click here for the full post......

50posts2independence #33: One Malaysia

Technorati tags: 50 Posts to Merdeka, Malaysia, Merdeka

Tosai. Yau Char Koay. Nasi Lemak. Deviled Chicken Curry. Tau Sar Pau. Lemang. Tapai. Bubur Cha-Cha.

These are among some of Walski's favorite foods. And where in the world could one find all of these in a single locale? Where else, but Malaysia.

And t's exactly this sort of diversity that makes Malaysia what it is - uniquely one of a kind. The sum of all parts, not just certain preferred portions, but the whole kit and kaboodle. Collectively. That's the Malaysia Walski's grown to know, and to love.

But it's not just the diversity of food. It's the diversity of her peoples, who've come to this land through various different circumstances. Take Walski's heritage, for example - part Arab, part Indian, part Chinese, part Malay Archipelago (from various parts), part whatever else along the way - it's one big campur-ation of parts, making one whole Malaysian Walski. For sure, many Malaysians can claim the same, if not a more diverse, mish-mash of cultural heritages - Walski's own lineage is definitely not unique.

It doesn't really matter that we are no longer "pure" [insert your ethnicity of choice here]. This kind of purity is superficial, really. Unless, of course, if you're into pure-bred dogs or cats. Walski, like many others, have no qualms whatsoever to proudly proclaim that he is 100% bona fide, Malaysian mutt. And damned proud of it.

That's what Malaysia means to Walski - God's gift to the gene-pool diversity of human-kind. All living under one roof fabric called Malaysia. Fragile at times, yet able to withstand the last 50 years of sometimes turbulent weather.
(more Malaysian capur-ation in the full post)

What also shouldn't matter is when one's fore-parents set foot on this land. Who's to say that one is less Malaysian just because their family hasn't lived here the last thousand years. Walski's definitely hasn't. What matters most is where one's heart is - where one calls home. And for Walski, it's Malaysia - the mostly good, the occasionally bad, and the sometimes ugly.

And it's the ugly side that troubles Walski's mind to no end - particularly in the last decade. For whatever reasons, it appears that many vocal Malaysians want a nation moulded after one specific model, be it based on ethnicity or religion, or both. Screw everyone else.

But what they seem to conveniently want to forget - or perhaps refuse to admit - is that we have become the great nation we are not because of one specific ethinicity. Definitely not because of one specific belief structure. And the fact that politicians play this up for mileage certainly doesn't help.

Malaysia is the success it is today because of the blood, sweat and tears of all Malaysian, of all shades and creeds. And perhaps, with a shared history of 50 years, the time has come to fully acknowledge this. It's time has come because looking around him, Walski thinks that just perhaps, it's the only way forward to ensure the next 50 years. Even beyond that.

One nation, with equality and justice for all - in all respects, bar none. One country, united under the red, white, yellow and blue of our Jalur Gemilang.

One Malaysia.

Walski's "50 Posts to Independence" note: Because Walski likes to do things differently, this note, which would usually come at the beginning of the post, comes here instead. Walski was graciously tagged by Marina Mahathir to continue with Nizam Bashir's brilliant blog project, 50 Posts to Independence. What you've read above is post #33, counting backwards from 50. And Walski has, in turn, chosen The Malaysian to be the next blogger to continue with this effort - whom better, than a blogger whose very pseudonym embodies what we hold dear.

Click here for the full post......

Episode 5 - The MSM Bites Back...

Technorati tags: Malaysia, Blogging, Press Freedom, Freedom of Speech, Freedom of Thought, Malaysian Bloggers Sued

Update @ 2250hrs: The Sun has picked up this story. One interesting bit is a statement in the article, by an un-named source "close to the top NSTP management" (emphasis by myAsylum):

A source close to the top NSTP management said the company has not specified any amount of damages.

"We will leave it to the court to decide. The purpose of the suits is to help to promote responsible blogs," said the source who declined to be named.

Intimidation, it seems, has a brand new name - "promote responsibility".

Meanwhile, the international media has also picked up on this, namely Al-Jazeera, International Herald Tribune, and Reuters.

Original post:
The papers have been served.

For the first time in Malaysian history, two prominent bloggers have been sued for defamation by the NST and four other individuals.

Click image to view the post

Click image to view the post

If you were wondering why Kickdefella had posted this, wonder no more. Susan Loone broke this news some days back, by the way.

In any case, it's now official. The papers have been served. Walski won't comment on the legal aspects of this, as it is beyond his expertise, not to mention the cases being sub judice.

So, bloggers, what's our response? Walski stopped buying a long time ago. To mis-quote a well known cliche:

When the buying stops, so will the lying...

Catch Walski's drift?
Update @ 1804hrs: Apparently, The Malay Male has... (see here also)

Using the legal system is not going to buy the NST back any credibility. In fact, Walski thinks that the effect will be quite the opposite. We'll see...

To Jeff and Rocky - may the Force be with you...

Click here for the full post......

n+1 sides to every story...

Technorati tags: Malaysia, Politics, PAS, PKR, Democracy

To PAS and PKR: thanks very much for fucking up the cornerstone of democratic process - elections.

Granted, our electoral rolls are far from perfect, primarily because they're so archaic, but to boycott the polls altogether? Well, whatever credibility that both PAS and PKR (not a lot, by the way) had with Walski has since disappeared.

From day one, the DAP made it clear that it was not interested in contesting Batu Talam, realizing that it's chances were as good as surviving a heart attack while waiting for a Malaysian ambulance to arrive.

Of course, the mudslinging then began, first with PAS insinuating that "somebody" would field an independent candidate, and put the blame on them (from Harakah, full article in Bahasa Malaysia).

"Mahfuz mengingatkan mana-mana pihak yang hendak menaja calon bebas di dalam pilihanraya kecil itu dan kemudiannya menuduh PAS yang melakukan perkara itu supaya melupakan politik lekeh dan murahan mereka."

Mahfuz (refering to PAS Central Committee Member Haji Mahfuz Omar) reminded whomever that wanted to sponsor an independent candidate in the by-election, and later accuse PAS of the sponsorship, to forget their petty and cheap politicking.

Of course, some people did just that - except that the blame got put on the DAP. Primarily because the independent candidate is the son of Pahang state DAP treasurer. Truth be told, the independent candidate is kinda goofy looking - or Ah Beng-ish, as described by blogger Alphabet Soup.
(n+1 in the full post)

Batu Talam's #1 Politician Wannabe du jour
(picture from Malaysiakini, via Politics 101 Malaysia)

And as the actual polling date approaches, things are probably going to get weirder and weirder. Actually, Walski hopes that Ah Beng the Politician (whose real name is Ng Chee Pang, by the way) does get lots of votes. At the end of the day, however, it will probably be BN who retains the seat - despite the fact that its candidate is a defendant in a pending lawsuit (via Harakah).

All this reminds Walski of something someone once told him a long time ago - that there is always more to a 'story' than meets the eye. For example, in an argument between A & B, there would be 3 sides to the story - A's version, B's version and the 3rd side - what really happened.

Always n + 1 sides. But in the n-dimensional story that is Batu Talam, we may never really know the +1 - the real story.

One thing is clear, though - when the ballots have been cast, the votes tallied, and the victor announced - the real losers will be probably be the people of Batu Talam.

Click here for the full post......

Daddy, Dubya and the recurring mistake

Technorati tags: Humor, Dubya, Iraq, Pullout

Been extremely busy these couple of days, hence the low post-count. Apologies for that, but Walski's gotta earn his keep. The following captioned pix came in the mail today, and it was simply too, too funny not to share it with y'all.

Different generations, same mistake...

Walski has no idea where the picture came from originally, nor who holds the rights to it. Regular post frequency should resume by tonight... lots to say, but not enough hours in the day to do everything Walski needs to...

Click here for the full post......