诗巫要改变，砂州一定要改变，改变从诗巫开始！

回应人联领袖的“火箭有大把钱”言论

我们很遗憾人联领袖可以无所事事到连行动党怎样筹款都有话好说。黄顺舸说行动党是富有的，因为我们成功举办了200桌的总动员晚宴而人联党却从未办这么大的宴会。如果他所说是对的话，那么这也显示了人联在人民心目中的地位。行动党的晚宴一路来都是以卖票方式来举办的，人民出钱出力，自动自发来支持行动党，说明了行动党为人民斗争的政治理念是得到广大人民的支持。

难道人联领袖对这次补选已经没话好说和无事好做了吗？难道诗巫这样多的民生课题，发展问题，经济问题，教育问题，人才外流，年轻人无就业机会和资源分配不平衡的问题等等都不在人联领袖的议程里？这也难怪诗巫的发展是这么的落后和诗巫会从砂州第二大市镇变成第三，在不久将会从第三变成第四，这也说明为什么诗巫的人才外流是这么的严重和到现在诗巫是砂州唯一【零】大学的市镇，连木胶都不如。

今天人民要看到的是实事求是的政党和政党的施政方针，比如他们的土地政策，教育政策，经济政策，资源分配和良好施政的成绩单等等。人民将不会被政党在补选或选举时才发放糖果和一些大选时的政治承诺所蒙骗。如果人联还以为在补选时补路修路就可满足人民的要求和已经做到他们的责任，那么他们将会在516诗巫补选当天得到答案。

巫统领袖一而再，再而三的挑起敏感的种族课题，如“寄居论”、“华妇来马卖身论”、“华人不懂感恩“、”不可挑战土著特权“等等都已经伤害我们身为大马公民的感受和破坏我们大马多元文化社会的和谐以及挑战我国宪法给予我们每个大马公民的权益。而自称是华社保护伞的人联领袖有哪一次开腔来捍卫华社的感受和捍卫我们作为公民都有权力追求自由，公平，平等的机会和追求辛福的权利？相反的，我们只看到他们向行动党“开炮”和威胁选民来保住他们的官位和他们朋党的利益。

这次补选不是一场普通的补选，而是一场公投；是人民对国阵执政砂州47年来表现满意度和对砂州首席部长29年施政方针的满意度的公投。这次补选也是来届州选的前哨战，诗巫人民将会在这次补选向国阵政府发出强烈的讯息，诗巫要改变，砂州一定要改变，改变从诗巫开始！

行动党诗巫补选行动室主任

黄培根

Great Expectations by Batang Ai folks?

Great Expectations by Charles Dickens must be quite fitting a play to account for the lives of the people living in the sleepy border town of Batang Ai. Many might not have really cared for the Great Expectations as the plot is not only complicated and winding but down to earth boring. Although those well articulated in the English language might be able to find the moral themes of affection, loyalty, self-improvement and ambition.

Batang Ai the modern replica of the Great Expectation? Many would say “You must be out of your mind.” But if one is to go to Batang Ai and look at the living conditions of the folks there one would really feel that the “class” differences between the people there and those living in the modern era. 90% of the people in Batang Ai do not have the basic infrastructures such as piped water, electricity, medical facilities, fire station and sewage system just to mentioned a few. They have been deprived of the developments and they have always been the forgotten ones except during this by election. But because of their simple and innocent nature, they are yet ready to fight for what are rightfully theirs.

So, what are the expectations of the people in Batang Ai? Do they have the same expectations of the people living in KL or Kuching or Penang? The answer to the questions would tell us the results of the 407 by election, no more and no less!

Many Sarawakians (not the local folks) have a lot of expectation for the Batang Ai by election. Many who met me in Sibu would ask questions such as How id Batang Ai? Are you going there? Why are you not there?

They are sending us a very clear message that they want change and they are hanging their hopes on the voters of Batang Ai. Many would regard the 407 by election as a referendum on “Change” and hoping that the Dayak community in Batang Ai would take the lead in Sarawak. They all know that if Sarawak is to change, we can not do it without the participation of the Dayak communities.

Many cynics would say “Do you really think that the rural folks are ready for change? How many voters can resist the temptation of money politics? The natives can not be trusted as they are cheaper to buy than Belacan (shrimp paste). These are insults to the natives here as they deserve better than the BN government and we are all responsible to the state of their affairs. They need our guidance and counseling as how they may empower themselves to be the agent for change and they can make a difference for themselves.

Do we all not have our great expectations? We all have our own dream, dream for better things in lives such as self improvement and ambition to achieve success, demanding good governance and justice for all. The problem is the conflict of our short term needs with our dream. Sometimes although we are know that we must do something for our future but our present circumstances demand that we have to do certain things in conflict with our long term goals. That is the problem faced by our fellow Sarawakians in Batang Ai, they have a lot of frustration and disappointment with the BN government but they simply have to accept the fact that the BN is the keeper of the resources that they are so in need that they can’t afford to offend.

On this note, I am to condemn the BN for the state of backwardness of Batang Ai as they are fully responsible as the only state government since we are part of Malaysia. They have the thick cheeks to come to Batang Ai and tell the folks that only the BN can bring development to them when the area is as developed as the undeveloped African nation.

If you ask me “Who is going to win in Batang Ai?”, then the above should give a good indication of the outcomes of the election tomorrow. Let the Batang Ai folks prove me wrong tomorrow.

In any event, the by election and the strong opposition challenge have made the poor folks in Batang Ai the real winners as the area has not seen such development candies for the past 45 years. But democracy and the dream of good governance would take the back seat if the voters are willing to trade long term prosperity with election candies. May be Charles Dickens would will able to write another great play out of the Batang Ai if he is alive today.

David Wong
6-4-2009

Batang Ai, a 1st in many ways

DAP branches in Sibu sent a delegation of around 60 people to Batang Ai yesterday in support of the PKR for the Batang Ai (N. 29) by election. We went there in a bus and several 4WDs and left at 4.00 am sharp in order to be in time for the nomination which was set at 9:00 am.

We reached there at around 8:10am and the road leading to the nomination centre was packed with vehicles and we have to alight from the bus and marched to the nomination centre. I called up a comrade who reached there earlier and could heard the shouting of slogan in the phone and he told me that the supporters from the PKR out strength the BN. We were a group of 37 and we held our Rocket flags high walking into the stadium and the BN’s supporters and were booed by the large BN crowd. I waved back to them in contempt and our group held and waved our flags even higher and the PKR’s lead contingent welcome us with shout of approval. The tension ran high as both camps shouted at each other but the riot police and the steel barricades separated the two.

As I said, there were many 1st for today nomination; 1st, the small and sleepy town of Lubok Antu was made known to many Malaysian for the first time as RTM and many national media were there to broadcast the nomination LIVE, 2nd, 800 strong police force was dispatched to Batang Ai, which means 1 police officer for every 10 eligible voters and many observers think it is a waste of resources which could be better utilize to fight rising crimes in the state, 3rd, this is the first time the DAP sent a full force of state leaders and supporters in support of the PKR which shows the bonding of the opposition in the state, 4th, this is also the first time that the businesses in Lubok Antu are overwhelmed by bustling visitors especially from all over the country.

But I hope the most important and crucial 1st will be made on 407, that is the first time that the people of Batang Ai shall reject the BN. Sarawakian are all eyeing Batang Ai as the crucial test before the coming state election. Many Chinese are skeptical about the PKT chance as money politics and development promises are flying all over the place and they feel that the result is a forgone conclusion.

But lets there be hope that the people are seeking for change, after all after 45 years under the BN the people are still been depriving of the basic facilities such as clean pipe water and electricity and healthcare facility. Change is coming and the people of Batang Ai shall decide for themselves on 407!

DPM, "come back to the Barisan Nasional's fold."

Deputy Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak made a plea to the Chinese and Indian communities in Permatang Pauh - come back to the Barisan Nasional's fold.He told them to reject the opposition and vote for Umno's Arif Shah Omar Shah in the Aug 26 by-election.And he had one more word of counsel - do not gamble with your children's future by supporting the opposition candidate who had been making false promises.He promised that the BN would champion the Indian and Chinese communities' cause in the constituency as they had been neglected by the opposition.

My comment: If the BN is fair and just in its policies to all the races in Malaysia, then Najib should not have to worry and promised the Indian and Chinese communities that the BN will champion their causes. The people are not blind and deaf and they know the track records of the BN, afterall BN has been the government since time in memorial.The by election of Permatang Pauh is not about Anwar or the PKR or the BN, it is the decision of the century whereby the voters of Permatang Pauh has to make the stand not only for themselves but for the 27 millions Malaysian as to whether Malaysia should remains an authoritarian regime (BN) or we want a bipartisan political landscape such as that of the US, the Aussie, the Brition and the majority of the G7.Malaysian wait in anticipation of the bipartisan system and never before(pre March 08) has it been possible or even thought of that the day of the bipartisan would become a reality. Now is the time and may be it is now or never in a sense (for Anwar and the Pekatan Rakyat).

May be this by election is also a referendum on the BN's fuel prices hike on the 4th of June 2008. The people are angry that while Malaysia and Petronas makes millions everyday from the oil export, the people are suffering in vain. Malaysian have gone on the streets to protest the high pump prices since the government announced the price hike but the government is unmoved to the suffering of the people and businesses.

I would predict that the BN government will announce the price cut just before the 26th of August because of the by election. But what we want is the pre June 4th fuel prices. The current world cruel oil price is hovering around USD 113 per barrel while it was USD 125 at the beginning of June, so it means that the government has no reason whatsoever not to revert its fuel prices to pre-JUNE 4th level, i.e petrol at RM 1.92/L and diesel at RM1.58/L.

Shahrir: Prepare for another general election

In the wake of the shocking news that former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad had quit Umno, a senior party leader said that the country could face another general elections.

Shahrir Samad, the minister for domestic trade and consumer affairs, said Mahathir's surprise move could trigger a flurry of resignations from the party that could force Abdullah to hold fresh general elections.

Abdullah is facing the tougest decision as to whether to call for a fresh mandate just 7 weeks after the March 8 GE. He would have to consider the chance of securing a majority or he could just wait to see the effect of Tun Mahatir's show-hand in the days ahead. No matter what the decision is, it seems that Abdullah's days as the President of UMNO and the PM is numbered. Mahatir can't even wait until the UMNO's general assembly to be held in December to toppled his hand-pick succesor surprised many.

Abdullah doesn't have much time left, either he goes for broke or be thrown out by Mahatir. Either course is dificult for Abdullah as he is facing the man who formed the New Umno and the man that ruled Malaysia for 22 years and the man who handpicked him as the succesor.With the March 8 election disaster, Abdullah lost all his credibility and political leverage against an opponent such as Mahatir.

Anwar would have the leverage now but the pressure must be on him as his earlier announcement that the PR would become the next government on or before 16th September this year had thrown the UMNO offguard. Now the ball is in his court as well as the old saying goes "when the old tree tumbles, the monkeys would jump". Now the old tree is almost rootless and where would the monkeys jump? The new tree in the name of Pakatan Rakyat or the new tree in the name of Mahatir?

The political earth quake in the scale of 8 had hit Abdullah and the BN, it tests both Abdullah and Anwar political skewness as who would secure the throne in weeks ahead.

David Wong
19-05-2008

DAP Sarawak aims for the big one

行动党放眼执政砂州准备
　　（诗巫18日讯）砂州民主行动党宣传秘书黄培根说，反对党拿下西马5个州的政权后，砂州行动党也放眼执政砂州的准备，今后的政治任务将注重于教育乡区的人民接受改变。
　　黄培根在选后的首个列常记者会上说，行动党选后也将严格监督人联党在大选期间所许下3个主要竞选承诺：
　　1.4亿的治水计划落实的时间表；
　　2.民丹莪拉曼学院完工的时间表；
　　3.行动党选前揭发米库无米现象，是为选后调高米价的预兆，今天米价每公斤已经调高50仙，选前辩驳米价不会调整的刘会洲和黄顺舸必须对人民作出交代。
　　在教育乡区人民接受改变的课题上，黄培根说，砂州乡区的资讯工艺比较落后，因此，行动党将寻求和其他反对党如国民党和申请注册中的马来西亚达雅国民议会配合，深入草根阶层。一旦反对党之间取得合作，将在来届州选举中全线攻打砂州的71个州议席。
　　为了扩大民主行动党砂州委员会的阵容，该党本月15日在古晋召开的砂州委员会会议中，委任黄华西、林素均、黄庆伟、黄良国及刘会文为砂州委员。
　　刘会文和黄良国分别是诗巫与南兰国会选区的竞选行动正副主任，在选战中也站台演说。

Sarawak will become the key batle ground (Mandarin text)

黄培根：来届州选举，砂将成两阵线战场
　　（诗巫18日讯）两度在南兰区挑战拿督张泰卿失败的民主行动党砂州委员会宣传秘书黄培根今天说，来届砂州选举，砂州将成为两个阵线的战场，新阵线不但准备执政砂州，也放眼2013年的国会大选，由于砂州在本届国会大选中贡献了30个席位，因此，谁能执政砂州就能拿下全国的政权。
　　黄培根在行动党每周二召开的记者会上说，马来西亚建国50年来首次出现今天的两线制雏形，这是西马人民所创造的历史，而不是砂州人民，但是砂州人民好福气，也有机会搭上顺风车。
　　“行动党不会满足于只当人民的喉舌，随着西马的政局大改变后，砂州行动党也跟着调整目标，希望在来届砂州选举能够取得执政权。”
　　黄培根在本届国会大选的竞选宣言是“相信就能改变”。他说，人联党选前还讥讽行动党竞选的议席少，没有能力改变什么，但是3月8日的选举成绩已经明显的告诉人民，相信就能改变，人民自己要改变就能改变，不要等待国阵来改变我们的命运。
　　黄培根说，西马人民勇敢求变的精神，让全马人民看到了希望，大家不分种族的出来投票，创造了50年来未曾出现的局势。遗憾的是，巫统和马华还企图继续走种族路线，却不知道种族政治已经为人民所唾弃。

"Change you can believe in"-David Wong

Greeting to all,
It seems that I have been away for ages, from the 13th of February till now, a total of 29 days.
I was the candidate of DAP for the parliamentary seat P. 211 Lanang in the just concluded 12th general election. I started off my campaign immediately after the Parliament was dissolved with the visiting of the interior rural area as 22 % of the voters live there, they are predominantly Dayaks communities.

After the nomination day which fell on the 24th February 2008, our campaign moved to the urban area. With ceramah or meet the people session every night in Sibu. The crowd was getting bigger and bigger as the polling day draws nearer. The crowd in Sibu was in the thousands although we experienced heavy rainfall during the whole 12 days meet-the-people session. The crowd for the final night was in the proximity of 6000 although it rained heavily that night, the 7th 0f March 2008. The climax was reached as we lighted thousands of candle and sang “A better tomorrow” in the rain.

The DAP campaign theme “Just change it” was well presented by all our speakers with the support of the theme song. We urged the people in Sibu to embrace change as the wind of change was spreading in the peninsular with the Indian, Malay and Chinese all crying for change. The 4 years rule under Abdullah’s Umno was a total failure with rising crimes, high inflation, judicial rot, corruption and mismanagements, rising racial tension, unfair distribution of wealth, unjust treatments of education allocation and of course worsened economy. We were sure that the messages reached the people who were at our ceramahs, but the major print media did not cover the “essence” of our speeches. Unfortunately, internet campaign was not even used although those more technology-savvy did visited You-tube for a view of the campaign events

Initially, we were aiming at 1+1 in Sibu area, which are we can take Lanang while having a chance to close-in on P. 212 Sibu. Our state chairman, Richard Wong Ho Leng was optimistic that DAP Sarawak can deliver 3+1 in Sarawak and told our Secretary-General about our commitment to break the BN’s 2/3 majority in the Parliament.

The 12th general election was truthfully the dirtiest election so far with money changing hands openly and blatant disregard for laws and orders. There were rumors that the SPR official and local authorities’ employees were involved in vote-buying during office hour and the words from the rural district all confirmed that “agents” of certain political party distributing money in the long houses with promises that if certain candidate was elected, every “pintu” would be given additional RM 300 after the election. There were even rumors that all the hawkers in Sibu (thousands of them) were entitled to certain “allowance” for them to turn up on polling day. Many complaint that theirs were claimed by others and thus were unhappy that they were being “ripped-off”.

I was told by one DAP member that one pastor went on the stage of the church in Sibu and openly called for the sons and daughters of the GOD to vote for one BN’s candidate as he donated generously to the church fund! What a shame that was not only to the Christian faith and to the people of Sibu, I am sure that that was not the message from the God but rather the pastor have been consumed by the devil. I have no idea how the believers reacted to the call by that pastor but it seems that those who were there did not openly condemned that most “devious” call from the servant of the God.

Postal votes in the thousand were distributed and the results showed that I only secured 14 out of the 1104 votes while my opponent secured 960 votes. There were some righteous ones who rather spoiled the votes (59) while 101 would rather not be involved by exercising their right not to cast the “dirty” ballot papers.

On top of all these, my opponent Datuk Tiong Thai King is a multi-millionaire whose family controls the Rimbunan Hijau, the world largest timber logging company. They also control the Chinese press with Sin Chew, Nanyang, Ming Pau etc under their belts. The connection of the RH group of companies and the many thousands under their pay-roll made them one of the most formidable political families in the central region of Sarawak. I have friends and relatives working for them and knew how they “reward” their employees to vote for Datuk Tiong. Many told me that they have to vote for him because they are afraid of the consequence of not voting for their “boss”.

Sibu roads in flood prone areas were upgraded and lamp posts installed in areas that were neglected before the election. Workers worked round the hours to make sure that roads were sealed within a-day; many were trapped during the peak hours such as after school and after office hours. Fortunately for the BN, there was no flood during the campaign period but unfortunately for the peoples the clogged drains were left unattended.

Where were the SPR/EC peoples? Where were the ACA peoples? It seems that the SPR workers (government employees) chose not to carry out their duties by not knowing what were going on and a fair and Bersih election was certainly not in their minds. The ACA was the sleeping beauty who slept during the whole duration of the campaign period.

The outcomes on the 8th March 2008 were history now. I lost the Lanang parliamentary by 4866 votes. The 1st string represents the most senior voters while the last string represents the youngest voters. You would note that the elders chose the BN while the youth support the DAP from the results. Also note that the Chinese urban voted in favor of the DAP while the majority of rural voted for the BN.

I might have lost the battle in Lanang in 2008, but I am sure the people have realized that my personal campaign theme “Change you can believe in” have touched the hearts of thousands especially the youth. With the tsunami of change hitting the peninsular Malaysia and the oppositions now governing 5 states (Penang,Selangor, Kedah, Perak and Kelantan) and in control of more than 1/3 representative in the Dewan Rakyats, my vision and call of “change” will hit Sibu and Sarawak soon, most probably in the next state election.

God bless Malaysia and God bless Sarawakian. Hidup rakyat and Hidup DAP!

David Wong
DAP Sarawak publicity sec.
12-03-2008

Money for your vote?

The SUPP has not respond to the call by the DAP to assure the people that they will not resort to money politics in the coming election. We need a clean and fair election and not an election where the results could be hijacked by certain quarters who resort to all kinds of dirty tactics for their personal gains. The SUPP failed to understand that the people demand for clean and fair election and the 40,000 strong turn up for the Bersih march in KL last year speaks for itself. The people in Sibu are awaiting the decision of the SUPP and we received many phone calls from the public as when will the joint press conference be called.

By Philip Bowring
HONG KONG: Malaysia is in a political cul-de-sac, resulting in an erosion of national institutions and the entrenchment of corruption. Recent events show that awareness of these problems is growing, but Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi is politically too feeble to implement his good intentions, increasing the difficulty of reconciling the interests of the Malay/Muslim majority with the non-Muslim Chinese, Indian and indigenous groups that make up 45 percent of the population.

Public disquiet and Abdullah’s own weakness were on display in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday when some 40,000 people, headed by the leaders of the three opposition parties and including former Deputy Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and representatives of a wide range of NGOs, defied a government ban to march to the palace of the king, the titular head of state, to petition for clean and fair elections

It is an open secret that money politics is rampant in malaysia and Sibu has been put on the national spotlight in the 90s for a high profile court case because money politics. It brought to light how corrupt practises was used to solicit for votes.

In one of general election in Sibu, a big crowd gathered outside a timber firm's office the day- after the election as there were rumor of money been distributed. It was reported wildly by the print media as riot police were called in to disperse the crowd.

Lately, we ahve seen certain religious body urging their followers not to be "bought" or sell their "soul" in this coming election. This does not come without the sentiment on the ground that certain political party or parties are trying to use money politics to influence the outcomes of the election.

Money politics in the West has been generally taken to mean receiving illicit funds for political campaigns. It had been a major issue in US with the Clinton administration taken on trial for receiving campaign funds from overseas. In Malaysia, it had been frequently mentioned during the elections with the different political parties accusing each other of engaging in money politics. However, in Malaysia, money politics also includes using money, gifts, and contracts to "buy" supporters or voters, usually during election.

The rot in Malaysia will continue like a tumour(cancer) in a human body and it is up to the Malaysian to decide whether we should let it grows or whether we should take the necessary action to "contain" or "get rid" of it. The answer is obvious and i am confident that they will rise to the challenge.

David Wong
6-2-2008



針對不用錢買選票火箭指人聯仍未回應
(詩巫5日訊）行動黨砂聯委會宣傳秘書黃培根指出，如果一星期之后，人聯黨國選候選人還是沒有針對該黨所提的“召開不涉及金錢政治聲明新聞發佈會”提議做出回應，那就表示他們將會利用金錢來操控選舉。

他說，許多人民致電行動黨探聽，到底人聯黨會否與行動黨共同召開新聞發佈會，公開保證在國選中不會涉及金錢政治。“人民認為若政黨繼續以金錢來操縱選舉，那選舉根本沒有意義。人民所要的是清潔、公平及公正的選舉。但是目前為止，人聯黨兩位國選候選人，仍未做出回應。”

他指出，詩巫人民特別是教會人士非常關心選舉的公正，有些牧師呼籲教友們不要被金錢收買，把靈魂出賣給魔鬼。黃培根今早召開的新聞發佈會上，如此表示。邀公開辯論被拒絕他說，行動黨邀請人聯黨參與辯論會，將各課題如土地、油價、通貨膨脹等帶到台上公開辯論。行動黨給了人聯黨一個機會，但是卻被拒絕。“人聯黨指行動黨不能帶來發展，只會誤導人民，那我們就到台上去講個明白。

SUPP says "NO!"

The SUPP's top leaders in Sibu have all turned down the challenge of the DAP for a public debate in the coming general election.

When questioned by the press regarding the invitation by DAP Sarawak publicity sec., David Wong, for a public debate, its Sibu branch Chairman Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh said "The SUPP will not accept such an invitation."

Its deputy Chairman, Datuk Robert Lau and its candidate for the Sibu Parliamentary seat,
meanwhile replied "What is there to debate? Ask DAP to work hard and show the rakyat their report card."

Its candidate for the Lanang Parliamentary seat, Datuk Tiong Thai King, replied that he has no comment but added "I feel that it is better to be low-profile."

The above replies were expected by me as i knew that they would not dare to face the DAP leaders and the rakyat and they knew that they have failed to represent the people of Sibu in the Parliament and in the BN.

No respect
The replies also revealed that they did not respect the people of Sibu and treat them with contempt. How could a political party represent the people when they despised the people wished to be "informed" by the political parties about thier political agendas and policies matter? They simply can't face the people with the BN race-based policies just like the MIC can't face the Indian community after Hindraf.

The people want "change"
No, the people in Sibu and Lanang will see through the "fear factors" of the SUPP and they will send the political cowards a clear message in the coming election "No vote without accountability and true representation!" and they will seek for "change" which the SUPP dreads.

David Wong

“火箭勿演口水秀” 黄顺舸：脚踏实地做事
（诗巫3日讯）针对行动党黄培根邀请人联党两位大选准候选人公开进行辩论，身为诗巫支部党魁拿督斯里黄顺舸部长劝告行动党勿做口水秀，不要多此一举！　黄顺舸在接受电访时表示，人联党不会接受如此不必要的邀请，并劝请行动党要多做事情，脚踏实地工作，不要多此一举，更无须口若悬河。冀黄培根多为民服务　同时，他希望黄培根多为人民服务。　

此外，该党诗巫选区准候选人拿督刘会洲在电话访谈中激动地表示：“辩什么论？叫行动党要脚踏实地工作，将所做出的成绩交给人民评估。” 　刘会洲说，人联党绝不像行动党那样做口水秀，基此人联党根本不需要辩论。　

另一名关键人物南兰选区准候选人拿督张泰卿则表示对此事不欲置评。他仅说：“我认为还是低调一点较好。”

Heaven and hell

Repost from Malaysiantalk.com. It was one of the finest stories that i came across lately. What a story that was and how the author uses heaven and hell to compare the treatments the rakyat get during campaigning and after the poll.

Vote Wisely Posted by The 4th party on February 03, 2008

While walking down the street one day a Malaysian Boleh Minister is tragically hit by a truck and dies. His soul arrives in heaven and is met by St. Peter at the entrance.

"Welcome to heaven," says St. Peter. "Before you settle in, it seems there is a problem. We seldom see a high official around these parts, you see, so we're not sure what to do with you." "No problem, just let me in," says the man. "Well, I'd like to, but I have orders from higher up. What we'll do is have you spend one day in hell and one in heaven. Then you can choose where to spend eternity." "Really, I have made up my mind. I want to be in heaven," says the Yang Berhormat

"I'm sorry, but we have our rules," says St. Peter.And with that, St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down,down, down to hell. The doors open and he finds himself in the middle ofa green golf course. In the distance is a clubhouse and standing in front of it are all his friends and other politicians who had worked with him. Everyone is very happy and dressed in the finest batik there is. They run to greet him, shake his hand, and reminisce about the good times they had while getting rich at the expense of the people. They play a friendly game of golf and then indulge themselves on lobsters, caviar and the mostexpensive food there is.Also present is the devil, who really is a very friendly guy who has a good time dancing and telling jokes. They are having such a good time that before he realizes it, it is time to go. Everyone gives him a hearty farewell and waves while the elevator rises.

The elevator goes up, up, up and the door reopens on heaven where St. Peter is waiting for him. "Now it' s time to visit heaven." So, 24 hours pass with the Yang Berhormat joining a group of contented souls moving from cloud to cloud, playing the harp and singing. They havea good time and, before he realizes it, the 24 hours have gone by and St.Peter returns. "Well, then, you've spent a day in hell and another in heaven. Now chooseyour eternity."

The Yang Berhormat reflects for a minute, then he answers: "Well, I would never have said it before, I mean heaven has been delightful, but I think Ai yam better off in hell." So St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down, down to hell. Now the doors of the elevator open and he's in the middle of a barren land covered with waste and garbage. He sees all his friends, dressed in rags, picking up the trash and puttingit in black bags as more trash falls from above.

The devil comes over to him and puts his arm around his shoulder. "I don't understand," stammers the Yang Berhormat. "Yesterday I was here and there was a golf course and clubhouse, and we ate lobster and caviar, drank champagne, and danced and had a great time. Now there's just a wasteland full of garbage and my friends look miserable. What happened?" The devil looks at him, smiles and says, "Yesterday we were campaigning just like you during an election...... Today you voted."

VOTE WISELY IN THE COMING ELECTION

A challenge to the SUPP and its candidates

Open Debate
I have on the 29-01-2008 posed a challenge in the press to the SUPP(BN) candidates for Lanang and Sibu, Datuk Tiong Thai King and Datuk Robert Lau, to a public debate with me and Wong Ho Leng to let the people know the political agendas and policies of both the DAP and the SUPP. The dabate is much needed in a democratic society as the voters would be able to make the correct chioce after hearing what the candidates and the political parties have to offer. No political party and candidate can refuse this kind of political debate if they want the mandate from the voters.

Clean and fair election
I also challenged Datuk Tiong Thai King(BN-Lanang) and Datuk Robert Lau(BN-Sibu) to hold a joint press conference with myself (DAP-Lanang) and Wong Ho Leng(DAP-Sibu) to pledge that both camps would not resort to money politics and would run a clean and fair election in the coming general election. I can not imagine how any candidate or any political party could refuse such a challenge as it would be like admiting that they are against clean and fair election and thus would resort to whatever means necessary to win. I want both the SUPP and its candidates to know that they can not deny the voters the rights to clean and fair election.

Meanwhile, Abdullah said he supported Mahathir's campaign to have clean and corruption-free candidates for the election. I believe that Malaysian in general can not trust that the PM would really champion a clean and fair election as Bersih Rally last year had been met with police water cannon and abuse. I would like to see Malaysian standing up and tell the PM that simple promises would not be enough this time around.

Dateline
The dateline for the SUPP to accept the challenge is the 5th of Feb. 2008 failing which the voters in both Lanang and Sibu would presume that the SUPP and its candidates do not dare to accept the challenges. The peoples in Lanang and Sibu are waiting anxiously to the debate and the pledge and i hope both candidates of the SUPP would not fail us.

David Wong
DAP Sarawak publicity sec.,
01-02-2008

P.S. This is a sequel to the 2004 general election as the candidates of both camps remain unchanged but we are confident that this time around the results would definitely be quite different.

What do we do with a rotten apple?

Even Dr Mahathir Mohamed has told us that the government is ‘rotten’. What do people do with something rotten? Such as a rotten apple? Do we eat it? Or do we give it to our love ones? Or may be present it to our neighbors? Or we simply keep it wrap in nice wrapping? The answer is yours and only you know it.

Malaysia is governed by a bunch of monkeys whose business is of course "monkey business". You can't blame them for it is their nature to destroy everything that comes in their way, our freedom, our Constitution, our rights to equality and justice, our humanity and our decency.

But may be Malaysians are addicted to the BN like the drug addicts to the cocaine or crack? May be the voters have been brain-washed to tick the "weigh scale" in the ballot papers in every election, the party symbol of the ruling Barisan Nasional or national coalition front.

There was a joke that the Bumi only know the symbol of the BN and do not care who is the candidate and what he do or how he intends to serve. Another one goes like this "it doesn't matter who is the candidate, even a water Buffalo will do, as long as it is under the BN ticket!"

Malaysians have a long way to go and only they can make a difference and the political parties can only be as good as the voters. So what do we do with a rotten apple? We will see soon, i.e. in the coming general election.

David Wong
27-01-2008

Inflation, what inflation? Who is reporting?

Inflation is an abstract, it can't be seen or feel unless it is reported by the media, especially the print media. The BN feels that as long as the media did not report on the issue, then the people would not feel it. It is like "see no evil, speak no evil and speak no evil" type of fictional story the kids read.

According to a report by Malaysiakini, The DPM Najib and the Minister of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs ministry Shafie Apdal have both held meeting with the mainstream media not to report on this matter or at least paint a brighter image about the issue.

With the approaching general election, inflation seems to be the biggest worry of the BN and the heat is on even among the UMNO bigwigs as how the inflation will affect the outcomes of the election. It has been admitted by both the PM and the DPM that the BN can't win as handsomely as in the 2004 general election and rumours have it that the BN is struggling with the 2/3 majority that it has enjoyed for the past eleven (11) general election, especially with the uncertainty of the Indian votes after the Hindraf rally in the capital.

The balance of power seems to rest on the East Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak. However, with the 2006 state election of Sarawak as a reminder of the problems of the urban voters' dissatisfaction, the mood of the SUPP, the Chinese-based party in the BN, is uncertain. Sabah seems to be a better bet for the BN in all things go smoothly, with the palm oils prices at their peak and good tourism sector, maybe the BN can pull off another record win.

So, what is the next move? The BN has a high task to retent its Bumi votes first and inflation is a no-no for the BN and thus the Police had obtained a court ruling not to allow the rally organised by the Coalition against Inflation (protes) to take place today in the nation capital. The government last year gave the public services sector(86.6% Bumi) the biggest pay rise in history with a 25%-35% increment meant to secure their support for the coming election and thus inflation must not offset the feel-good effect of that strategy.

After that, the Chinese votes must be wooed and what better way than to re-open the SJKC Damansara (Chinese primary school) and the granting of RM 10 millions for the Chinese primary schools through MCA? The MCA would be proud to present to the Chinese community the "presents" of their pleading in the BN and forget that the education policies are those of the BN whom they are a part of. The MCA and the other Chinese based parties would tell the Chinese community how "liberal and open" is our Education Minister and of course of the PM in the coming election as they promised not to close the Chinese schools in Malaysia. But the Chinese community is facing the high cost of inflation as it prepares to celebrate the Lunar new year which falls on the 7Th of Feb. The noise on the street and in the coffee shop is not favorable to the ruling BN as peoples struggle to make ends meet in the months to come.

Then comes the Indian community whom the BN was caught by surprised by the Hindraf rally that saw almost 100,000 Indians going to the street. 130 supporters of the rally are still on hunger strike after its leaders went on hunger strike in the jail's cell following their arrest under the ISA. The PM Abdullah announced Thaipusam a public holiday for Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya as well as the setting-up of a cabinet committee to tackle hardcore poverty. But the Indian community leaders in general feel that a holiday for Thaipusam was over due and the announcement of a holiday after 50 year of Merdeka is itself the proof of marginalization of the Indian community and the BN did not set up the special mechanism like the NEP to address the pressing issues of the poor Indians.

Apart from the inflation, i hope Malaysian would look into all the issues such as corruptions, judicial rot, crimes and security, the NEP and mismanagement that prevent the country to march forwards and demand a Malaysia for all Malaysian based on equality, fairness and democracy in every sense of the words .

David Wong
16-01-2008

We have no chioce left but "change"

Democratic Elections, Shifting Values
http://www.mysinchew.com/node/58252008-01-19 15:17

For many countries or regions, this is an election year in which people can hope for changes by casting their votes. Of course, this may seem too optimistic as our experiences tell us that changes could be bad. However, our experiences also tell us that if there are no changes there is no likelihood to something good emerging.For this year, the most attractive election would be the presidential election of the United States. Even the presidential election is scheduled to be held at the end of year, state primaries have been carried out. It was said that this year's elections takes the longest duration as election campaigns were carried out since the end of last year.

Looking at our country, the election date is unclear, and candidates refuse to make comments while voters are confused. We do not examine policies, debate on concepts and we have no chance to ponder what kind of future we want. We are just waiting for someday when we have to get up from bed and cast our votes.
(By CHUA SZE CHIH/ Translated by SOONGPHUI JEE/ Sin Chew Daily.

What democracy when the PM decides everything
In Malaysia, the date of the general election is decided by the PM and only after he has the Inspiracy (inspiration in english). The state-owned media then becomes the machinery for the ruling BN to sing to their tunes and often used to blast the opposition, our Information Minister even claimed that RTM(Radio Television Malaysia) belongs to the BN. Government machinery then become the properties of the BN to ensure their electoral victory at the expense of the tax payers' money. There has never been what we called a care-taker government even after parliament was dissolved to oversee the transitional period as if BN is the only political party and as if BN will forever be the government of Malaysia.

General election without public debate
There has never been any public debate on television over policies and agendas for the voters to decide but only one-sided propaganda of the BN to boost about the developments it brought and films of yest er-years will be broad casted on state television to show the voters how far we have come forwards. Guilds and Associations were then summoned to organise dinners and functions so that BN's candidates can send their "love" messages out and of course developments funds would be given to these associations to show BN's benevolence.

Even the God's servant was used
In 2004 general election, a Chinese newspaper advertisement showed a pastor of a particular church in Sibu "promoting" one particular BN's candidates with praises as if he is the campaigner for the BN's candidate. I did not complain as i did not want the name of the church and God to be smeared by such a character. Oh, he did say after that he did not know that they would use his "innocent" conversation to use as campaign materials, but he should know that that was very sensitive during election time.

Intimidating the voters
Then of course, as Malaysian are all peace-loving and generally timid in nature, why not broadcast the chaos and bloody confrontations and insecurity in Iraq or Pakistan or better still those of our Asean neighbors to scare Malaysian seeking for "change" with the slogan "Malaysia is a heaven, don't gamble it away!"

The BN used the Indonesian riots as its propaganda before and i am very sure they will use Pakistan, Cambodia or Mymar as their propaganda materials this time around.The BN will divert the attention of the peoples from the rot in the judiciary, the Hindraff issues,the Chinese education woes, corruptions, crimes and insecurity ,the inflation and the fuels price hike , the NEP and all those scandals exposed by the Auditor-general 2006 reports by giving out candies and small grants to pacify each sector of the society.

Don't just blame the BN
But why blame all on the BN? Is it not the voters themselves who decide who is to form the next government or how big is the majority for the ruling political party or their pact? Malaysia has been ruled by the BN for the past 50 years since Merdeka and like one elderly Iban voter told me "Kalau BN Kalah, Kita tak ada Kerajaan". It is difficult for the country to rid of the BN and its barbaric rules as long as we are as ignorant as that elderly Iban voter!

The future holds bright for Malaysia as long as the peoples know how to "play" with politics such as the using of the equation of equilibrium, i.e. check and balance. So, let us make our first move in 2008 to curtail the BN's strength to within two-third (2/3) majority in the Dewan Rakyat (Peoples' Hall). That would be the "change" the country needs for better things to come after 50 years of rot.

David Wong
DAP Sarawak publicity sec.
25-01-2008

Phantom voters in Sibu?

Bersih rally in KL last year demanded the election commission to give Malaysian a free, fair and transparent election. However, it seems that Malaysian would be disappointed again in the coming election as the latest electoral rolls have revealed that the rolls are not "bersih" or clean.

We have found that in one of the constituencies in Sibu parliamentary district, namely Tanggi, there was a sudden increase of 1362 voters registered in the last quarter of 2007 (1-10-2007 to 31-12-2007). This is certainly shocking to us and thus we called up the election commission for clarification and was told that these are military personnel who were registered as Pos Undi or postal votes, which are considered 100% pro-BN.

Further enquiry by me revealed that these 1362 new voters in Danggi was "arranged and key-in" by Ibu pejabat or head quarter of the election commission. That means the whole thing was not done by the SPR or its Representatives in Sarawak as should be the case. How could someone key-in the names of new voters by "remote control".

It defies logic that there was such a large movement of voters within such a short period of time (3 months) as military transfer of such a high number of personnel's is rare as the country does not face any emergency or threat at all.

The Sibu seat is considered a hot seat by the BN and there is a total qualified voters of some 61,000 in number. Chinese voter accounted for nearly 63% of the qualified voters and thus it is a seat that both the SUPP and DAP are eyeing closely. However, the previous parliamentary elections' results showed that the SUPP-BN secured victories with the help of the postal votes.

So expect not that the electoral rolls in the coming election would be clean, as there are only as "bersih" or clean as the SPR itself.

David Wong
19-01-2008


【政坛风云】诗巫丹吉新选民暴增，黄培根：全属邮寄票

(诗巫18日讯）诗巫国会选区的选民大调迁，在去年10月1日至12月31日的第四季选民注册中，其中一区丹吉（TANGGI）暴增1362个新选民，民主行动党砂州宣传秘书黄培根对此数据存疑，特向选举委员会查询，证实是由吉隆坡的选委会总部所存档，为军人及其家眷的邮寄票。
　　
今天上午在新闻会上，黄培根表示，最新选民册显示，丹吉拥有2210个合格选民，其中200个是普通选民，2000个是军人，但是难以置信的是，上届国会选举时丹吉的选民人数才800多人，竟会在短短的3个月里暴增1362个新选民，而且还是邮寄票，也是投给国阵的“铁票”。
　　
黄培根指出，1362个新选民，尤其都是邮寄票，是可以决定来届国会选举诗巫选区的成绩。
“虽然选举委员会指全部是军人乃是正常的，无论如何，砂州民主行动党将会致函予选举委员会要求对该区新选民突增作出解释及调查真相，以给予人民一个交代。”
　　
黄培根说，民主行动党绝对相信在来届的国会选举中所使用的选民册还存在着许多的问题，在诗巫这个10多万人口的2个选区里，火箭展开为期6个月的新选民登记运动中，才作到2000多个新选民，而丹吉这个地方，竟然会有1362个新选民注册。
　　
他于今天早上拨电联络古晋的选举委员会，获知丹吉的1360个新选民是由吉隆坡总部所存档，全部是属于军人及其家眷的邮寄票。 不过，黄培根质疑的是，选民更换地址是平常的事情，但是军人不可能有如此大幅度的调动，而且也不知这些新选民是何人？从何来？因此觉得极不寻常。
黄培根呼吁选举委员会要作到最基本的职责，对不寻常的“选民大搬家”要作出调查，并给予选民一个清洁的选民册。

The EC is on the leash!

Election Commission (EC) chairperson Abdul Rashid Abdul Rahman said that he knows when the next general election will be held but he cannot reveal the date.

Commenting on the criticisms levelled at the EC, he said elections in the country were free and fair and transparent, in accordance with existing laws. “We are using the same laws which had been in existence (for a long time) and if certain quarters are not happy with that, they shouldn't blame the EC.

Rashid should know his position and that of the EC before he opens his mouth. By telling the press that he knows when the election date, he was trying to impress the people how close he is with the PM and reveal how powerful he is. In any case, the independence of the EC has been is open to question.

Rashid should answer the allegations of the NGOs and the opposition about the lack of fair and clean election in Malaysia as contains in the Memorandum submitted to the King by Bersih. Rashid got to understand that as the Chairman of the EC, he should address the issues of reform.

I remember i did openly attacked Rashid in the press for his political remarks about "the success of the BN". He has overstepped his boundary by going to the press lobbying for the BN's system. He did it again this time by telling the press that he did know about the election date as if he is the instrument of the BN.

To say that the EC is on the leash of the BN is definitely fitting as long as it Chairman acts like Rashid's and as long as the call for reform was not acknowledged by the EC. The Election Commission has brought shame to the people of the country and the BN has turned the EC into its pet instead of an independent commission as prescribed under our Federal Constitution.

Malaysian must speak, and speak they will in this coming general election!

David Wong
19-11-2007

March on,stop the rot!

news

March on, Stop the rot!

To all who participated in the rally organized by the opposition-backed Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (Bersih), we should give them the biggest salute for their courage and love for a fair, clean electoral system and judicial system and their desire for true democracy in Malaysia.

Constitutional right denied by the BN government

No power could deter them from taking their constitution right to freedom of speech and expression and the right to assembly peaceably and without arms [Article 10(1)].
Those who condemned the right of others given under the Federal Constitution are coward who are afraid the truth being revealed and heard and these are normally those who are associated with the ruling elites.

The BN's Cowards attacked the opposition and the media
The biggest cowards among them are of course none other than the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Mohd Nazri Abdul Aziz who lashed out at the opposition, calling them among others, “pondan” (wimps) and the information minister Zainuddin Maidin whose ministry will be sending an official warning letter accusing Al Jazeera of being one-sided when reporting the Bersih rally on Nov 10. These two should know their action are bringing shame to the country and tell the world that we are no better than Pakistan and Myamar.

Police under siezed
The use of physical aggression, violence, spraying chemically-laced water and tear gas at a non-provocative crowd unfolded in front of thousands of local and international observers and press. The events led to the revelation of the ugly face of the Malaysian BN government and totally destroyed PM Abdullah’s image as a loving PM who wants to hear the truth. The PM earlier statement to the Malaysian“ work with us, not for us” was also under doubt as the use of force on peace-loving Malaysian surely did not fit into his projected image of a “kind and learned Muslim scholar”.

Long live democracy
However, events from around the world revealed that the Bersih march was supported all around the world with protest at Malaysian embassies in London, Dehli, Bangkok, Manila, Seoul and Jakarta. The protestors also chanted slogans like ‘Hidup Rakyat’ (long live the people), ‘Daulat Tuanku’ (long live the King) and ‘SPR (Election Commission) reform now’.

The Malaysian Bar council

In Malaysia, the crake-down on the peaceful rally was criticized by the Bar Council who reiterates it position that citizens must be allowed the right to peacefully assemble in exercising their democratic and fundamental human right.

Sarawak Bar under attack

However, the Sarawak Bar got to be ashamed of it for not making a clear stand on the Bersih rally event after it had been criticized for not supporting its counterpart in West Malaysia for the “Walk for justice” on September 26th. Not only is the appointment of judges under the watchful eyes of international community but the integrity of the lawyers are open to question.

Democracy is alive

Bersih march is more than electoral reform; it is about the rescue of the democratic institution in the country which has been hijacked and sabotaged by the BN since Merdeka. The 40,000 strong participants have created history with a well-planned and disciplined rally that make the country proud and show the BN and the world the “people power” in Malaysia.

I would like to believe that Malaysian would open their eyes and souls to the rot in Malaysia and pray that they would use their heads to vote for what is right for themselves, their children, their grand-children and the country.

Finally let me share with all my humble presentation at DAP Sarawak’s brainstorming session in Kuching on the November 11th 2007 with the following calling:

Towards the next 50 turbulence years
—-The choice is yours; a stronger opposition for a secured democracy or a stronger BN for a corrupt and authoritarian society.
-The decision is yours; votes DAP for a Malaysian First policy or the BN for a Ketuanan Melayu (Supremacy of the Malays) policy.

-The answer is obvious; it lies in your heart and soul.

David Wong
DAP Sarawak publicity sec.
13-11-2007

SUPP, please grow up and accept the challenge for a public debate

File photo of David Wong with DAP state Chairman, Wong Ho Leng and other party's comrades at one of their press release in the west bank of Sibu

黄培根挑战人联 辩土地治安课题

（诗巫2日讯）砂州行动党宣传秘书黄培根挑战诗巫人联党领袖在来届国会选举中进行公开辩论会。辩论会的课题包括土地政策、诗巫治安问题及百物起价等。

黄培根说，只要人联党国选候选人点头答应迎战，行动党不惜自费缴还场地租金。

他是於今早在该党例常新闻发布会上，再次向诗巫人联党众领袖做出上述挑战，而无谓在各报章上“你来我往”，各自发表言论。

他指出，在这方面，作为华社最高机构的华团，本就超越政党的立场，因此它可以扮演重要的角色，协助体现民主社会主义国家的自由。

“我不明白屡次提出这项邀请时，为何执政党领袖不肯出来迎战?我只要让人民看清一切。”

黄氏表示，在来届大选中，许多民生问题显得非常重要，其中就包括土地政策、百物涨价及治安问题。
对于政府允诺今年的燃油价格不会上扬，他希望政府也要於明年做出同样的保证，他认为政府绝对有能力做到这一点。
“一旦燃油起价，就会产生连锁效应，百物就跟着起价。这种现象非常严重，最终受影响的是消费者。”

黄培根不认同只讲不做 执政党执政反对党监督
（诗巫2日讯）砂州行动党宣传秘书黄培根抨击诗巫人联党一名领袖日前指责行动党只会讲，不会做，唯有国阵成员党能在国阵里与友党商量，为地方带来发展. 对此言论，黄培根深感不同意。他说，从事政治工作者应该懂得在朝野党的不同角色。执政党执政；反对党监督。　　他是於今早在该党例常新闻发布会上如斯表示。　　

他指出，地方基本建设发展本是政府责任，因为人民缴还纳税钱，政府利用国内资源去实行，但这一切并非是反对党所能。　　他说，反对党在民主社会里是受到选民承认的党派，人民委托反对党去监督政府所实行的政策与方针，这才是反对党的责任。如果反对党不敢怒敢言，人民才会认为反对党失责。

大选个人形象勿画等号　　

已是来届南兰区行动党准候选人的他表示，其对手张泰卿的确是位好好先生。可是国会选举与个人的好形象并不能画上等号。　　 “是否他要将其进行的慈善活动与政治挂勾在一起？换句话说，如果他在来届大选中失利，是否意味着他从此不再捐款？” 　　他说，在国会里辩论的不是好好先生与捐款问题，而是针对不公的政策发表言论。

David Wong

DAP Sarawak publicity sec.

06-10-2007