I was on Connect Asia to discuss the recent BERSIH 2.0 event. I noted that Malaysia is currently in a fluid and dangerous situation. Fluid and dangerous because never in Malaysian history has the ruling regime been so weak, and the opposition coalition, so strong. While Malaysia is a stable albeit dysfunctional democracy (Malaysia has no history of violent class or religious conflicts with May 13 being the only significant racial conflict), the smooth transition of power will come about only if the ruling regime plays by the rules (and not follow the examples of the Democrats in Thailand or ZANU PF in Zimbabwe). In this context, how the opposition coalition uses its new found strength will also be very important in ensuring a smooth transfer of power.
Update 1 – Connect Asia also spoke to Datuk Zaki Zahid, an UMNO Youth Executive Committee member. There are signs that UMNO Youth under the leadership of Khairy Jamaluddin, welcomes discussion with BERSIH 2.0
Bersih’s leadership admits it is funded by the US government via National Endowment for Democracy’s NDI as well as by bankster George Soros’ Open Society. Anwar’s opposition front is obviously using Bersih for his own ends. That he too is a frequent guest at NED functions and entwined with US’s political and corporate elite suggests something far more sinister at work in Malaysia.
http://landdestroyer.blogspot.com/2011/07/globalist-sedition-takes-to-malaysian.html
Wouldn’t expect, however for the “journalists” and “academics” here at New Mandala to actually look into who these people really are and where their money comes from and what their real motives are. Its far more fun to just jump on the “democracy” bandwagon and help exploit the intentions and energy of well meaning people duped by these absolute utter criminals.
For the US’s part, funding foreign political movements is an act of war, for Bersih’s part taking that money is treason. Examining the backgrounds of those lining democracy advocates like NED and Freedom House we see confessed warmongers and corporate-interests involved – their intentions obviously inconsistent with “democracy.”
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Tony(#1) – Talk about criminals! Try “examining the backgrounds” of the people running Malaysia for the past few decades and then tell us what you are defending. You can start with the BMF scandal and work your way up to the murder of Mongolian model Altantuya Shaarribuu.
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people are saying ISA is bad. we as a democracy country shouldn’t have this type of law.
its oppresion to the people..
i wonder if this people have look at Patriot Act which the US who is the godfather of democracy have and are practicing it themself.
this is the same country who said ISA is bad.
this is the same country who used military force to invade a sovereign country just in the name of democracy.
well we know whats is their real intention when they invade iraq and aghanistan.
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Tony, we need to also examine where you are coming from and who are your sources of info and with what intentions this is said before we jump into your bandwagon…tired of being taken for a ride : ) As with all comments and articles, one needs to take them with a pinch of salt….all Bersih is asking for is clean elections in its agenda. full stop….(for the moment). Election is not a game to play, it is an engine to provide the right n capable leaders to manage the various portfolios in the country and we cannot leave that to those who crave power and glory with no credentials or who arent really capable or qualified to do so. This is a check n balance. If the opposition takes over and messes things up, another Bersih may be needed till the system is stabilised…n established.
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Good to see Tony (#1) being consistent. He doesn’t just support dictatorship in Thailand, but also Malaysia, Egypt, Syria, Libya, etc.
I also find his logic to be brilliant. See, if you accept a few thousand dollars in grants from US foundations to advocate for human rights and democracy in a third world dictatorship, you are a “globalist” and a “traitor.” But if you accept billions of dollars from the US government/military, and use the money to murder, censor, arrest, and propagandize your way into staying in power against the wishes of your own people, you are national hero.
It’s no wonder the stuffy, corrupt academics who run this site didn’t come up with something like this. For this kind of analysis you don’t need a PhD. More like a lobotomy…
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While Malaysia is a stable albeit dysfunctional democracy (Malaysia has no history of violent class or religious conflicts with May 13 being the only significant racial conflict)
Everyday, this nostrum gets closer and closer to being shown for the outright falsehood it has always been.
For example, a mere four days ago:
During his speech Najib thanked everyone who attended the “Majlis Penerangan Perdana” event saying that the NGOs present including silat [Malay marital arts] organisations were waiting to defend the country at a drop of a hat
“If you mention or question Islam they will rise up ” he said.
The Malays have always been quick to rattle the blood-stained kris when the kufr have the audacity to question their shaira-mandated dhimmitude, [semantically obscured by the Sanskrit term bhumiputra].
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Hi Tony,
Have you heard of Glen Beck. You sound like him.
I think you would love this “documentary” about George Soros.
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First it was Prachatai, now Bersih, is being accused of receiving funds from NED.
Soon it will be Pheu Thai, Singapore’s PAP, or Susilo B. Yudhoyono’s Democrat Party (which is having its own image problem now).
I don’t believe in this rubbish.
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Everyone is casting doubt on me – however if you look at the article – the links go directly to NDI’s website, directly to Malaysian press quoting Bersih’s leadership, and directly to brochures and fliers covering NED events featuring Malaysia’s Anwar Ibrahim – along with an official biography from a US university.
http://landdestroyer.blogspot.com/2011/07/globalist-sedition-takes-to-malaysian.html
It is not a matter of who I am and where I am coming from – I am pointing out self-evident truths that do not rely on my character. Look at the article, click on the links and see for yourself – ask yourself why New Mandala doesn’t report this and why the CFR is so pleased with their “fine coverage.”
http://blogs.cfr.org/asia/2011/07/14/malaysia%E2%80%99s-bersih-movement/
CFR being the collective representatives of the Fortune 500 corporations that constitute its membership.
http://www.cfr.org/about/corporate/roster.html
Between NED and the CFR are we to believe these people truly have “democracy” in mind regarding their meddling in Malaysia’s affairs?
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I have personally experienced the bias electoral system. I have personally experienced the arrogance and intimidating behavior of the police and some government officials. I have no political affiliation but only ask for a just, fair, non-discriminatory and efficient government, and a fair electoral system and election is the only time I have a VOICE. Is rallying to get our voices heard illegal? If our voices aren’t heard and that is the only course of action to get attention, why not? As for the notion of instability and treachery, it is the play of fear to get people to shut up and accept the status quo. We are tired of the game and WANT to see action so that the ordinary rakyat can have a voice in how to run the country! The ‘elites’ should give us a fair go or it’s too much to lose for them?
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Tony #9 – your conflating issues.
The fact of the matter is that Malaysia is a semi-authoritarian government which is corrupt. Of course, it does better than many other countries – but the fact remains.
The points that you bring up is irrelevant to the legitimate rights of Malaysians to peacefully demand for reforms and elect legislators and a government of their choice.
Now, isn’t that a basic tenet of a functioning democracy.
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BERSIH 2.0 has become a global movement. This video captures the events that were held in 38 cities on 9 July 2011 in support of free and fair elections by Malaysians and their supporters.
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Ong Kian Ming, one of Malaysia’s upcoming political scientist, has an analysis on BERSIH 2.0 at East Asia Forum.
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9 July 2011 – What really happened.
A group of social activists involved in BERSIH 2.0 has put together a bilingual book based on the collection of eyewitness accounts of what Malaysians really experienced at the Bersih 2.0 rally of 9/7/11.
The video of the book launch is available here.
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