I Choosed - Bersih 2.0

I went.

And so, I was there.

There have already been numerous accounts of people who wrote and shared their experience of the rally.

9 July 2011 - Bersih 2.0

A historical day indeed.

A day where I could not just watch. It was a day which highlighted, a matured caring Malaysia. And they marched the streets. For good reasons.

I am glad to have been part of the experience.

"The Police's presence were strong everywhere. Seemingly to protect peace and order. Undeniably, they can lie it to the ignorant, but those whose eyes are open and civilized, let's just say they were merely following orders.

We took the LRT to Masjid Jamek. On our way there we saw the empty streets of KL. Void of cars excepts red barricades, and men in uniforms. It was a sight to behold, and also a sight meant to intimidate.

We arrived at the station, hearing chants of the crowds outside. The shutters were down, seemingly to protect the people from the crowd. Little did they know that we wanted to join in the crowd.

Stepping out of the station, you can feel it in the air. The tension, the anxiety.... It wasn't coming from the crowd. Somehow I felt the vibes coming from the men in blue.

Sight of red FRU vehicles, countless of Policemen in lined formation. It looked almost like a national parade where people would have stood in awe seeing it passes by. Instead, when I saw it, I had this thing churning in my stomach that says "NO! I will not be intimidated."

We tried to find our away around to join in the rally. Like a mouse in a maze, we were just lost on the empty streets. We saw groups of people scattered on the streets; like us; wondering where to go. And nope, Google map on iPhone did not helped. (I shouldn't have thrown away my printed map!)

(I should interject at this point, 7Eleven was doing brisk business! Many people bought stuffs like they were going on picnic.)

Giving up, we made our way back to the station again. And then we heard it.... Shots were fired. Expectantly, I was calm. I mean, I would have guessed it would happen. I was prepared to hear shots going off.

As we arrived at the station, there we saw the FRU vehicles, the Police marching onwards. And so, the excitement began.

Little did we know then, we were still at the wrong side of the crowd...... Or maybe was it "right" for some reasons?

As we follow where they were heading, it lead us toward Menara Maybank. And then we saw it.

Just like what I've seen on videos; I am now seeing it LIVE!

Water canon spraying out blue chemicals. Tear gas being launched......

But what's all that?! Where and who? Where were the crowds?

Only much much later when videos and pictures started appearing on the internet, then I saw the magnitude of the crowd. It was a sight to behold.

Yes, we did get a whiff of the tear gas. Its hits the back of the throat, causing some irritation.

Did I tell you I was well prepared for the rally?

Yup! I took out my little towel and covered my nose. And yes, I did bring along a container of salt. (^_^)y

I must put it at this point, that I was irritated by my bro who just can't get his eyes and fingers off Twitter. Sheesshh! What's the whole point of coming to the rally then? Might as well just stay at home and had his eyes glued to the PC.

We made our way up to Menara Maybank just to have a glimpse of what was happening. Couldn't see much as the crowd has dispersed or may have retreated. Tree leaves and people were blocking my view.

After hanging around for a while, we kinda sense that it was time to go. And indeed it was time to go. A video I later viewed showed Policemen running like pack of hungry wolves, hungrily finding defenseless prey to devour.

We started making our way to the stadium. Walking along Chinatown, shops everywhere were closed. Except for some thoughtful vendors who kept their fruits and drinks stall open.

It started to rain, and it was kinda heavy. Friends started reading tweet updates. Reports of the various leaders were caught. And then... So what?

I like this phrase that I saw on one of the FB post.

"Even is you catch a thousand of our leaders, the people are still going to show up". And true enough to what Ambiga herself has said.

It was never about her. It was the people.

As the rain subsided, we walked towards the stadium. There were a small crowd there. Maybe a thousand?

I couldn't believe what I saw. And I thought, "Oh gosh! How cowardly is that?!"

The road leading to the stadium, (without the stadium even in sight!) had been barb-wired. Behind it was a line of Policemen and few metres back were the FRU vehicles, with water canon ready.

Oh gosh.... Why were they hiding behind barb-wire?!

Anyway, with the "high security" of barb-wire, there was no chances of getting anywhere near the stadium. So we just stood there while the crowd chanted.

"Bersih! Bersih! Hidup Bersih!"

We joined in the chants once in a while. The national laureate arrived a while later. He too failed to convinced the authority to allow us assemble peacefully in the stadium. Oh well....

(I've got to let you know, I did a lot of reading on guidelines of what to do and what not to do in a rally. Thanks to all who have kindly put the information in such a creative manner on the internet. One of the main things that I hang on to (besides the Legal Aide numbers) was to be aware of provocateur.)

Just a little rewind, back to the street along Masjid Jamek. I did not see how the man ended up with the Police, but clearly, it looked like he was just asking for trouble. He was wearing a Bersih t-shirt. I am very sure he does know the Police were ever so eager to arrest anybody wearing that. So yea, nobody bothered to intervene for him, just many cameramen clicking away.

This man ("hero") walked away chanting "Pilihanraya Bersih!", "Clean and fair election!"

Back to the stadium, there was no way of getting into it. I must say that I felt safe seeing the volunteers from Bar Council. They have my utmost respect for coming in suits and looking ever so professional. I was told by a friend that they were there as observers. I salute you guys for volunteering your service. That my friend, has showed me that there are Malaysian lawyers who cares.

Seeing that there was no way forward, suddenly someone in the crowd shouted angrily towards the Police. And this is the best part....

The crowd just calmly shushed the guy.

"Shhhh~!!"

How mature is that my friend?!

Oh, you guys really showed me the true spirit of the rally.

Honestly, all we wanted was a peaceful gathering to call for clean and fair election.

And that was what I saw.

People who instigated any violence or disruption was instantly shushed away!! LOL....

And then it was 4pm. That is it guys! We have made our point. And the rally is over. The crowd disperse in a disciplined manner when the time was up.

We walked our way towards KL Sentral. Little did we know the small groups of people became larger and larger and larger.

And soon, it became thousands of people marching down the street! How ironic was that?

And then so we marched. And then so we chanted.

"Bersih! Bersih! Hidup bersih!"

Fellow people who rallied, fellow Malaysians.

Thank you for the experience. That truly was one Malaysia to me."

So I ask myself again. Can I just watch?

No. I can't.

I have to be part of it.

Because I believe in it.

Because I know that it counts.

Do I Just Watch?

When the neighbor rallied for a change in their country, we witnessed the uprising among the people. There was much courage, much unity, each responded with their own personal conviction.

I wondered then, replacing myself in their shoes, what would I do? Do I just watch? Or do I be part of what that makes it count.

Then months later, the world witnessed the uprising of people in the Middle East. People from all walks of life unite themselves in solidarity, with much courage, with much boldness, each responded with their own personal convictions.

I wondered again, replacing myself in their shoes, what would I do? Do I just watch? Or do I be part of what that makes it count?

There are things that puzzled me the past few days...

1. Empty tins makes loud clanging sounds. It sounds so impressive but honestly dude, empty tins are empty. There is no substance inside.

2. Dreadful silence or maybe inaction, makes me wonder... What ever happened to all those things that we supposedly stand for? Or should I say cheered triumphantly when times were peaceful... Is the cheer still ringing now?

3. Now that it is needed, is it okay to go beyond our four walls of comfort? Beyond our boundaries of what is 'safe'? Despite the disgusting intimidation that is going on, would we be a part of what that makes it count?

Self check: What is my personal conviction?

My mom once said, when I believe in something that is right; I am quite set on it. And it is really (Really) quite hard to change my mind on it.

On personal note, I know that to be true. And honestly, believing in something that is right, should also equate to doing what is right.

So, in the coming days, let's be mature. Let's not judge one or the other because of what is or what is not.



It is in support of Clean and Fair Election that I wrote this post. http://bersih.org/

Note: Not a fan of violence, not a fan of 'trend', not a fan of being labeled, not a fan of provocation, not whatever you wanna call it.

Ending this post with this scripture.

Micah 6:8 "He has shown you, O man, what is good, And what does the Lord require of you. But to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God".

So, do I just watch?

Half Baked and Soft Boiled

Of being half baked and soft boiled.

Soft boiled eggs are yummy and I love having it for breakfast! With soya sauce and pepper, toast at the side and good ol' tea. It's lovely~!!

Half baked cakes are yucky... It just simply means that it is not baked enough, and it should have been in the oven longer.

Being called half bake is not nice. Well, at least that's what I've learnt. It means that you are not ready or not done.

Being called soft boiled....? Well, I've never heard of it. :p

Chapter Three!!

Earlier this year, I began to interact more with young adults with learning difficulties at my work place.

As much as I love working with children with special needs, I also like to explore new areas of work and now, it is with these young adults.

Just a brief history, when I first started in this work 5 years ago, working with young adults with special needs is the last thing on my mind. Or should I say, never would I say yes to it! Reason being very simple, I was SCARED of them!!! =O

Some of them are bigger than me, older than me, stronger than me, what if they have behavior problems, and start tantrum like the kids?!! I'd be a goner......

Anyways, yea... Those were my fears. hehehe....

Okays, in the months passed, like what I've written earlier, I began more frequent interaction with them. Learning the way they communicate, learning to listen to them, learning to see their strength, learning to help overcome their weakness. Do you know when you give time and chance to learn something, you will slowly start loving it?

So there, just a little update, Chapter Three has begun at work~!

I'm moving into working with young adults, while still being involved in children work. What this new task entails, in short summary, is to help these young adults gain employment and to support them at work. This new work for me is kinda exciting and cool~! Not to mention, it can also get really dreaded boring at times.

Just to share what has happened in the recent days. My colleague and I had the opportunity to bring a team of our trainees (young adults) out to job placement training. I must say and congratulate this team. Some shined beyond our expectation and I am just so proud at what they could achieve, especially when given the opportunity and the support needed.

Through this experience, I just want to say, lets move beyond "Charity Mindset". We don't need the charity of employers or for them take our trainees as charity work. We are not asking for handouts.

Lets embrace us "Rights Based Mindset" can we? Are you able to see the economic potential of our trainees? Given the opportunity and support, I must say they are as valuable as any person that you invest your money and time into.

Here's a true story for you.

Random Thoughts 3

You can only learn new things when your heart is open and it remains humble.


With every bricks thrown at you, use it to a build house.


If you fall, pick yourself up and walk.

Jabber HwAT?!!

An article on Autism in the local newspaper caught my attention recently. Reading it, I was curious about who these two guys were. So, the curious little me, I checked them out on the official website of Wretches & Jabberers. And I am so glad I did.

Trying to organize my thoughts and putting it into word.

Reading and watching their video online has created a new awareness and insight to Autism for me. It gives fresh hope, it gives fresh perspective, it gives fresh outlook.

It just convicts and reminds me once again not to ever dismiss the children who are seemingly too "severe" to be helped.

Looking at Tracy and Larry.... Oh my..... These two guys are simply just what I needed; to give me a slap on my face and not to give up hope on the little boy whom I was struggling to teach.

I was also embarrassed when one of them mentioned "Stop getting us to point at pictures. Help us to communicate". Do you know just how challenging it is to teach a young kid with Autism?!! A "severe" one I must say!!

It was such a challenge trying to understand why he does what he does. It was such a challenge that he wasn't "looking". It was such a challenge that he wasn't "talking". It was such a challenge that he does not "understand". It was such a challenge not seeing the desired results. Sometimes, I just wonder if it would ever work.....

At 5 years old, I believe he is taking it all in.

One day.... Just that one day.

I am praying and looking forward, I know he will break through.

For the record, it is in my own personal conviction that I will never ever, EVER dismiss a person with disability as beyond hope. It is just a matter of opportunity. Do I have what it takes to embrace them in my world?

Watching the short snippets of Wretches and Jabberers, here are my thoughts on it:-

1. I thank Tracy and Larry. These guys taught me why they have those weird actions and behaviours. I now understand the children better. At my work, I get asked a lot why these children behave the way they do. Now, I can just ask those people who asked to view their video on YouTube. =)

2. These guys taught me to change my attitudes about disability and intelligence. With the kids that I am working with, they bring such joy, though at times I struggle and wonder what goes on in their head. Thank you for showing me that there is intelligence in these kids. I always know that it is in there; somewhere; but I got to confess it doesn't show in their appearance. I thank Tracy and Larry that they still have that very distinct Autistic traits, even now as an adult, and I like it very much. It brings much comfort and naughtily, amusement to me in a good way.

I've got a feeling that we are looking towards a brighter future and exciting breakthroughs for children with Autism. And I am loving technology for the good it does in helping these children to communicate.

Just by being who they are, Tracy and Larry; their advocacy and global mission to change attitudes about disability and intelligence, I salute them for their effort. I salute their team of dedicated people. Keep up the good work guys~! Cheering you on!!

Talking to me?

I was just reflecting about a group of young adults whom I interacted with lately. They made my day, made me smile, and rekindled that passion again. I must say that sometimes, I do enjoy trying to listen to them and what they have to say. Most of the time, I just nod my head, whether I understood or not was another issue... hehehe....

Recently I was seated beside a guy who has Down Syndrome and does not have any speech. He is kinda new at work, I was helping to supervise that he does his job well. Anyway, as he was packing straws, doing it rather painfully sloooooooooowwwwwwwww............ suddenly he pointed to his hand indicating that it hurts. Being the usual me, I ignored it.

Him not being happy that I ignored it, he showed his hand to my face, with a face that says it hurts. OK, I get the message that it hurts, so I acknowledge how he felt and ask him to get back to work.

And now. He was clearly not satisfied with my response and seeing that I did not get his point... This is the part where I love most...

And this is what he did.

He took a straw and with the pointy end, poke it on his hand, and made an "Oouch!" face... And with that.... I finally understood what he was trying to tell me.... Sigh~! I love how he actually go all the way to make sure I understood what he was trying to tell.

And with that... I finally acknowledge that I understood what he felt and meant, and said "Oh... Its alright. Just becareful when you handle the straws." And he got back to work.... =)