Wednesday, 30 June 2010
We are also meeting with UK Members of Parliment and the UK Bar Council amongst others so it will be great to learn first hand about the way British elections, parliment and government are run and hopefully gain some fresh insights and alternative paradigms for changing the Malaysian mindset and political landscape.
Malaysia Today
1. You’re travelling to London along with Dato Zaid and a number of high profile opposition leaders to launchFriends of Pakatan Rakyat. What are your thoughts on this recent initiative and what do you hope to achieve whilst you’re there?
I believe the launch of Friends of Pakatan Rakyat in London represents something fresh and exciting in terms of opening up the space for political dialogue and pushing for positive reform and change in Malaysia. And it’s really amazing to see so many Malaysians at home and abroad hungry for positive change. Twelve years ago, at the start of the Reformasi movement, something like this would have been unthinkable, in the same way that the Election Tsunami of 2008 represented a huge milestone in the history of Malaysian politics.
Whilst in London I am really looking forward to meeting all the people who have supported and encouraged us so far and to be able to relay to them in person the positive changes that Pakatan Rakyat has initiated and implemented in these last 2 years, but also the considerable challenges we face.
I know also that there are many Malaysian living in the UK who are committed to contributing their knowledge and expertise in a number of areas – healthcare, education, law, the non-government sector, business and finance. This visit will be a great opportunity to explore new ways of tapping into that huge resource pool and working together for a better Malaysia. We will also champion the rights of overseas Malaysians to vote in the upcoming General Elections as the main thrust in the second phase of the Movement for Free & Fair Elections (BERSIH).
We are also meeting with UK Members of Parliment and the UK Bar Council amongst others so it will be great to learn first hand about the way British elections, parliment and government are run and hopefully gain some fresh insights and alternative paradigms for changing the Malaysian mindset and political landscape.
2. In recent years, there has been a huge increase in the number of Malaysians working overseas and emigrating abroad. Yet many of them seem to retain a strong affiliation and concern for Malaysian current affairs and politics. Why do you think that is?
Malaysia is a beautiful, well endowed nation, brimming with untapped potential and opportunities! So, once a Malaysian, always a Malaysian! You know, we have such a unique and diverse culture, warm, funny people who are extremely talented and capable, a beautiful natural landscape, fantastic food and sunshine (the temperamental British weather is one thing I don’t envy ☺).
Yet I can understand why many Malaysians choose to emigrate or work abroad. I think it often boils down to a perceived lack of options. They often go looking for a better life for themselves and their families. Better education, better security, better healthcare. And better civil liberties. We can never underestimate the importance of freedom of speech, expression, information and movement. In the past few months the anti-ISA campaign in London has sprung into action. Initiatives like this challenge us to assert our rights and demand something better. When they organise demonstrations in London they don’t get sprayed with water cannons, teargas and face FRU teams with menacing batons. They get policeman who pass by and politely engage with them, have a chat, find out what the demonstration is about and then merely observe proceedings to help maintain order. People are free to voice their opinions, to agree or disagree. Now that’s the kind of Malaysia we want for ourselves and our children.
People often feel that the system in Malaysia is unjust and bigoted, and that’s why we (Pakatan Rakyat) have stressed the need for a meritocracy based society through proper implementation of a new economic model, one that rewards those who work hard and perform to the highest standard, but also those who are socially disadvantaged and less fortunate.
3. How do you think Malaysians living and working abroad can contribute to the current evolving socio-political landscape back home?
The world has become a much smaller place in the last couple of decades and the internet has really helped us to connect in a way and with rapidity never previously imaginable. I mean, practically everyone reads internet blogs and newspapers. You’re reading one now! Its revolutionary.
In terms of contributing, we need to remember that EVERYONE has a role to play in the agenda for change and transformation of the societies we live in. I think continuing to dialogue is a vital part of all that. Malaysians who have lived abroad have the benefit of experiencing alternative social and political frameworks. They often have the privilege of knowing that there are better alternatives, and just because things have been done a certain way for 52 years doesn’t mean it need to carry on like that. So we definitely welcome new ideas and initiatives as to how things can be changed and improved.
It’s also really encouraging when Malaysians abroad take action to show solidarity with those who experience political persecution and civil rights abuses. There is a strong lobbying and campaigning culture in Britain so I would say please tap into that- it gives us a huge boost when we hear of anti-ISA campaigns in London and other initiatives such as the Early Day Motions (EDMs) on my father’s trial that were organised in British and Australian parliaments earlier in the year. We need people all over the world to bring to the attention of the international community the shocking human rights abuses, blatant corruption and appalling miscarriages of justice that are blighting our nation. We need to collectively hold the government to account and say enough is enough.
And finally, make sure you and all your family and friends get registered and vote in the 13th GE. We need you and every vote counts!
4. You visited London back in 1999 whilst your father was still in prison. On that trip you also spoke before the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva despite only being 19 at the time. What did you speak about and what was it like?
It was pretty daunting! But I just had to ignore how nervous I was and try to do my best. I spoke about the plight of political prisoners of conscience. But that visit helped to give me hope, because at the time my father had been unjustly sentenced to 16 years in prison and the situation was just so crazy and senseless. However that visit helped me realise that my father had a lot of support and respect from countless people and organisations, both within Malaysia and abroad, and that gave us all a great deal of comfort and encouragement to keep fighting.
5. How do you juggle travelling and working full time as an MP when you’ve 2 children under the age of 3? Is it hard when you’ve got to sometimes leave them behind?
It’s difficult, but I have a very understanding and supportive husband and he understands the reasons why the struggle must go on. Life is always hectic though and I frequently wish there were 26 hours in a day! I try to spend as much time with my kids as possible- I don’t want to miss out on those crucial years because time flies by!
But my parents were always very good with us – no matter how busy they both were they always made time for us, and that’s what we’re trying to do with our children. I do miss them terribly when I have to travel though- sometimes we both have a cry! But then I have to try and be strong and remind myself that’s essentially why I’m doing this – for them. So that we can bring them up in a society where they don’t have to be afraid, where they can be who they want to be and the possibilities are endless.
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Friends of Pakatan Rakyat (FPR) is being officially launched as an organisation to rally the support of Malaysians who share the vision of the Pakatan Rakyat coalition for a better Malaysia. The launch will be held on the Sunday 4th of July 2010 in London and officiated by Datuk Zaid Ibrahim, the Pakatan Rakyat Secretariat Coordinator. YB Nurul Izzah Anwar,YB Dr Tan Seng Giaw, National Deputy Chairman of DAP, YB Uztaz Idris Ahmad, PAS Information Chief and Raja Petra Kamarudin will also be speaking. This event will represent the largest gathering of overseas Malaysians to demand a nation that we can all be proud of and call home. Do bring along your entire family. For those with young children families, provisions will be made for a playroom and creche.
