An evening with the Princess of Lembah Pantai

by Mahen Bala· April 30, 2013· in Field report: GE13, Photo Essays, Photo Series· 2 comments tags: anwar ibrahim, ceramah, demirakyat, documentary, elections, ge13, kl, kuala lumpur, lembah pantai, mahen bala, Malaysia, nurul izzah, pakatan rakyat, pakatanrakyat, pantai dalam, photography, photojournalism, pkr, politics
[caption id="attachment_244" align="aligncenter" width="450"]The court came to attention the very moment her car arrived. They've been waiting for more than an hour and were more than happy to greet the arrival of their beloved MP. Izzah walked calmly to the front, hugging those she knew along the way and greeting children who were playing about. She wasted no time to step up to the mic and made her points very clear. She spoke about the need to revise the education system and re-evaluate the low-cost apartment scheme for the hardcore poor. She touched on all the necessary points that were relevant to the people and Lembah Pantai and they loved her for it. They knew they were in good hands and that she was the right person to represent their voices in parliament. The court came to attention the very moment her car arrived. They've been waiting for more than an hour and were more than happy to greet the arrival of their beloved MP. Izzah walked calmly to the front, hugging those she knew along the way and greeting children who were playing about. She wasted no time to step up to the mic and made her points very clear. She spoke about the need to revise the education system and re-evaluate the low-cost apartment scheme for the hardcore poor. She touched on all the necessary points that were relevant to the people of Lembah Pantai and they loved her for it. They knew they were in good hands and they had a voice in parliament.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_242" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Izzah2 A segment of the crowd who poured out to listen to Izzah speak.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_241" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Izzah1 Prior to her arrival, supporters kept themselves occupied with copies of the Pakatan Rakyat manifesto handed out for free. The rakyat are no longer interested in reading about slander and gutter politics. This is the time for the rakyat to read and understand policies that would have a direct impact on their livelihood. Voters are being educated so they can make an informed decision, rather than just blindly voting for the party their parents or friends voted for in the past.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_243" align="aligncenter" width="450"]The father-daughter team of change in Malaysia. Pictured left is her father, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, de facto leader of the opposition coalition. Occasionally seeking advice from her father, she carries the same fighting spirit and tenacity that has brought him back to the forefront of politics in the country. She recalls her visits to see him in prison and how her husband, prior to engagement, had to get her father's blessings at the Sungai Buloh Prison. Together they both represent the transition Malaysian politics is currently going through. Anwar represents the old guard, standing along side Lim Kit Siang, Karpal Singh and Nik Aziz while Nurul Izzah carries on the torch with a very young and different brand of politics, one that is inclusive, transparent and policy-based. This is the future of Malaysian politics. The father-daughter team fighting for change in Malaysia. Pictured left is her father, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, de facto leader of the opposition coalition. Occasionally seeking advice from her father, she carries the same fighting spirit and tenacity that has brought him back to the forefront of politics in the country. She recalls her visits to see him in prison and how her husband, prior to engagement, had to get her father's blessings at the Sungai Buloh Prison. Together they both represent the transition Malaysian politics is currently going through. Anwar represents the old guard, standing along side Lim Kit Siang, Karpal Singh and Nik Aziz while Nurul Izzah carries on the torch with a very young and different brand of politics, one that is inclusive, transparent and policy-based. This is the future of Malaysian politics.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_246" align="aligncenter" width="450"]A bird-perched-on-a-tree-view of the crowd that gathered to listen to Nurul Izzah, the incumbent Member of Parliament for Lembah Pantai speak. Some were even seen peeking from their windows and balconies, wondering what the fuss is all about. A bird-perched-on-a-tree-view of the crowd that gathered to listen to Nurul Izzah, the incumbent Member of Parliament for Lembah Pantai speak. Some were even seen peeking from their windows and balconies, wondering what the fuss is all about.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_247" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Her supporters were all there. People of all ages and creed appeared out of nowhere the very moment she arrived. And they were not afraid with chants of 'reformasi' or 'ubah' in the middle of the apartment complex with a BN operations centre just around the corner. As expected the BN people had their own plans. A stream of youths, mostly teenagers, marched past the ceramah grounds while chanting 'merepek!, merepek!'. Izzah was unfazed and instead she reminded the attendees that the education system needs to be revamped so our future generation do not end up like those who just walked past. Everyone cheered and clapped. The people were no longer afraid to make their voices heard with a firebrand such as Izzah paving the way. Her supporters were all there. People of all ages and creed appeared out of nowhere the very moment she arrived. And they were not afraid with chants of 'reformasi' or 'ubah' in the middle of the apartment complex with a BN operations centre just around the corner. As expected the BN people had their own plans. A stream of youths, mostly teenagers, marched past the ceramah grounds while chanting 'merepek!, merepek!'. Izzah was unfazed and instead she reminded the attendees that the education system needs to be revamped so our future generation do not end up like those who just walked past. Everyone cheered and clapped. The people were no longer afraid to make their voices heard with a firebrand such as Izzah paving the way.[/caption]
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The campaign: In pictures and words

by Mahen Bala· April 29, 2013· in Field report: GE13, Photo Essays, Photo Series· 0 comments tags: anwar ibrahim, ceramah, demirakyat, documentary, elections, ge13, jelajah merdeka, Malaysia, pakatanrakyat, photo, photography, photojournalism, pkr, pr, pru13
[caption id="attachment_237" align="aligncenter" width="450"]With every chant, the call for change grows ever louder. The march towards Putrajaya, the administrative capital of the nation, appears closer by the day. For most Malaysians, it is a refreshing experience to attend ceramahs and not be bombarded with speeches inciting hate, racism and discord among fellow Malaysians. Gone are the days where the middle class would hide quietly at home, warning their children against attending such events. Today, it is the older generation who are more eager to go out on the streets and in most cases, urging their children and neighbours to tag along. Anwar and all the other PR leaders and candidates present facts and reiterate their stand against corruption and racial politics that has been ingrained in us for far too long as the norm. Change is imminent. With every chant, the call for change grows ever louder. The march towards Putrajaya, the administrative capital of the nation, appears closer by the day. For most Malaysians, it is a refreshing experience to attend ceramahs and not be bombarded with speeches inciting hate, racism and discord among fellow Malaysians. Gone are the days where the middle class would hide quietly at home, warning their children against attending such events. Today, it is the older generation who are more eager to go out on the streets and in most cases, urging their children and neighbours to tag along. Anwar and all the other PR leaders and candidates present facts and reiterate their stand against corruption and racial politics that has been ingrained in us for far too long as the norm. Change is imminent.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_236" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Lacking any other form of media, social media has played an integral role in popularising the opposition in the hearts and minds of the Malaysian masses. Even today, as the GE13 campaign is underway, the battle is clearly won, at least on the Internet, by the opposition. BN has spent hundreds of millions on buying up ad space and paying social sites like YouTube and Twitter for promotion but no amount of money can buy the motivation for people to share the truth and propagate information among their circle of influence. People want their voice to be heard and for most us, sharing information relevant to your stand is the way to say something without saying anything at all. Without access to traditional forms of media, social media has played an integral role in popularising the opposition in the hearts and minds of the Malaysian masses. Even today, as the GE13 campaign is underway, the battle is clearly won, at least on the Internet, by the opposition. BN has spent hundreds of millions on buying up ad space and paying social sites like YouTube and Twitter for promotion but no amount of money can buy the motivation for people to share the truth and propagate information among their circle of influence. People want their voice to be heard and for most us, sharing information relevant to your stand is the way to say something without saying anything at all.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_233" align="aligncenter" width="450"]The Parti Keadilan Rakyat logo was designed by Syed Ahmad Jamal as a reference to the 'black eye incident' where Anwar was seen appearing with a black eye on his way to court in 1998. He was beaten in prison by Inspector General of Police at the time, Rahim Noor. The Parti Keadilan Rakyat logo was designed by Syed Ahmad Jamal as a reference to the 'black eye incident' where Anwar was seen appearing with a black eye on his way to court in 1998. He was beaten in prison by the Inspector General of Police at the time, Tan Sri Rahim Noor.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_234" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Regardless of weather, people of all races will brave the elements to hear this man speak. Regardless of weather, people of all races will brave the elements to hear PR leaders speak. Even with offers of free food and other goodies, the people are shying away from grand events organized by the ruling coalition, even when the venues are fully equipped with chairs, fans and tents. They would rather soak their feet in mud, walk the distance and stand under the rain just to feel the winds of change and for once in this country, truly feel like a Malaysian. At such ceramahs, look to your left and right, and you will be greeted with a smiling face, acknowledging each other's solidarity in the struggle to reclaim our rights as citizens against an oppressive regime.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_232" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Unbeknownst to many, Anwar Ibrahim has a very strong passion for singing. Regardless of how tired he may be after a full day of events, he would sit quietly in his own little world and sing at the top of his lungs. Among his favourites are the classics from the 50's from Elvis, Paul Anka, Nat King Cole and also Malay, Indonesian and even Hindi classics. If you're lucky enough you might be able to catch him singing 'Tanya Sama Najib' at one his speeches around the country. Unbeknownst to many, Anwar Ibrahim has a very strong passion for singing. Regardless of how tired he may be after a full day of events, he would sit quietly in his own little world and sing at the top of his lungs. Among his favourites are the classics from the 50's from Elvis, Paul Anka, Nat King Cole and also Malay, Indonesian and even Hindi classics. If you're lucky enough you might be able to catch him singing 'Tanya Sama Najib' at one his speeches around the country.[/caption]
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13 points for the upcoming 13th General Elections

by Mahen Bala· April 28, 2013· in Field report: GE13· 0 comments tags: bn, candidates, constitution, dap, election, elections, ge13, law, Malaysia, mca, nasihat, pas, pkr, pr, pru13, voting
13 points for the upcoming 13th General Elections by Mahen Bala **This post contains colloquial phrases and words which are used locally in Malaysia** 1. The backbone of the country is the constitution. Take the time to read about it and understand it. Who better to explain it to you than the law people themselves. http://www.malaysianbar.org.my/constitutional_law_committee/myconstitution_campaign_how_the_constitution_affects_us.html http://www.malaysianbar.org.my/constitutional_law_committee/my_constitution_elections_and_democracy.html http://ms.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perlembagaan_Malaysia 2. First time voter? Educate yourself on the voting process by reading articles other people have so graciously typed out for you. Some even lukis diagram for you ok. http://elections.thestar.com.my/newbies_guide.aspx#.UX0BLivNhTQ http://www.malaysia-today.net/mtcolumns/newscommentaries/54170-how-to-vote-guide-for-first-time-voters 3. Not everyone from PR is a knight in shining armour nor is everyone from BN an incarnation of satan trying to steal your money (although most of them are, for now). There are good candidates from both side and only when the right candidates are supported can they form policies together. The battle for parliament should never be a case of win-all or lose-all. A healthy democracy only works when candidates from both sides can debate on policies in the interest of the people they represent and not the maruah of the party or in most cases, the party leader. 4. GE13 is not about putting PR into power. It’s about reclaiming […]
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The Anwar Ibrahim Campaign Trail: Pahang

by Mahen Bala· April 26, 2013· in Field report: GE13· 2 comments tags: anwar ibrahim, ceramah, demirakyat, documentary, elections, exclusive, ge13, jelajah merdeka, mahen bala, Malaysia, pahang, photojournalism, pkr, politics, pr, pru13, report, Sabah, schedule
The Anwar Ibrahim Campaign Trail: Pahang The district of Pekan is often referred to as the fort of Pahang, being the home of the state royal family and the hometown of both Malaysia’s second prime minister, Tun Abdul Razak Hussein and his son, the current acting Prime Minister, Najib Tun Razak. About 50km south of Kuantan, Pekan has always been a relatively quiet and relaxed town, known throughout the state for 2 things; the official Royal Palace and the Royal Polo Club. As a child I used to accompany my father who served as a veterinarian to looking after polo horses belonging to the royal family. Decades has since passed and the town is still very much the same, unlike the state capital, Kuantan which has developed drastically over the years. The Jelajah Merdeka campaign made it’s final stop in Bera, where a large crowd gathered under the drizzle with some having their feet soaked in mud to hear Anwar Ibrahim speak. Some of the old women brought their own folding chairs and straw mats where they made camp at the side of the stage. The crowd was curiously absent of the younger generations, with tents and the ground filled […]
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