CEDAW

Posted on May 19, 2006 by Tricia

Some friends are going to New York to attend the CEDAW conference. More women should know about this! You can read more about it here: 

The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), adopted in 1979 by the UN General Assembly, is often described as an international bill of rights for women.  Consisting of a preamble and 30 articles, it defines what constitutes discrimination against women and sets up an agenda for national action to end such discrimination.

The Convention defines discrimination against women as "…any distinction, exclusion or restriction made on the basis of sex which has the effect or purpose of impairing or nullifying the recognition, enjoyment or exercise by women, irrespective of their marital status, on a basis of equality of men and women, of human rights and fundamental freedoms in the political, economic, social, cultural, civil or any other field." By accepting the Convention, States commit themselves to undertake a series of measures to end discrimination against women in all forms, including:

  • to incorporate the principle of equality of men and women in their legal system, abolish all discriminatory laws and adopt appropriate ones prohibiting discrimination against women;
  • to establish tribunals and other public institutions to ensure the effective protection of women against discrimination; and
  • to ensure elimination of all acts of discrimination against women by persons, organizations or enterprises.

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Zoo

Posted on May 18, 2006 by Tricia

Are Malaysians matured enough to go to the zoo and listen to the most curious sounds made there? 

You can take a peek right here, online!

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Blogging the Bible

Posted on May 18, 2006 by Tricia

David Plotz plods through the Bible as an ignorant Jew, as he says himself. In an interesting twist to the way blogging and Internetsphere is changing our worldviews, he will attempt to read and write expository notes on what he sees in the Bible from cover to cover, as he writes here.
In his first entry, entitled "from creation to the flood", he writes about God's role in what the Bible presents to us. In his second entry, "Abraham vs. God", he writes a detailed commentary on each of the chapters. He writes as a Jew who has never really gone through the pages of the Bible one by one, not even the Old Testament, that Judaism also takes as its own scripture (along with other documents). His style of writing is therefore akin to a child's, an ignoramus, curious and unbiased in his opinion, critical where need be and yet not sacrilegous as he too believes in the same God. 

It is unusual that Slate.com (which usually writes on current affairs) presents a detailed write-up on the Bible, in your typical commentary style. You have a catchment size of: Huge. Very rarely will people, even Christians take the time to read lengthy commentaries online, much less the written book (save those crazy ones who actually like reading theology, philosophy of any sort, yes the lunatics). So although this may present only a skewed disposition, I think it opens up again the opportunity to speak and dialogue openly online and in person on religion… something that we in Malaysia are SO great at doing!

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Interesting, interesting…

Posted on May 17, 2006 by Tricia

One does not know whether to laugh or to cry anymore these days.

I think the best way out for an individual is to laugh. And then put all that energy that laughter generates into some solid action, people!

Interesting views… you have Nazri saying this:

"We strongly condemn those who came out in numbers to protest against the forum. It was a legitimate forum for people to discuss their rights in this country".

You have Opposition Leader Lim Kit Siang saying this:

"When the forum which had the required police permit ended prematurely after 20 minutes because of mob pressure by people operating without any police permit, it is a stark reminder of the diminishing respect for human rights and constitutional freedom after 31 months of Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad (Badawi)'s premiership."

Aliran says this:

But we strongly oppose threatening and unruly behaviour, which prevents other Malaysians from gathering and discussing issues. We will continue to organise such forums for thinking Malaysians.

And then you have our Prime Minister saying this:

"Don't make calls that can precipitate a bad situation in our country. Such matters are very sensitive and we must be careful. Action would be taken against anyone who makes seditious statements and threatens the peace. It is our practice to be cautious, moderate in whatever we do and we don't want to raise sentiments that can precipitate fights, conflicts and so forth."

We live in interesting times, don't we?

*Note: A friend long ago stated a truth, that we use the word interesting to describe something that we just cannot any longer find the words to elaborate upon. How was the food? "bad interesting". How does the dress look on me? "horrible interesting". What's the situation in Malaysia right now, with all these events taking place? " XXXX interesting". Think about the censored word.

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Good Reporting

Posted on May 16, 2006 by Tricia

Good reporting means not touching on sensitive issues.

Good reporting means not highlighting major events that are of concern in the public sphere.

Good reporting means not talking about the following that was reported in Malaysiakini and the Sun:

The question remains as to why the organisers of the ‘Federal Constitution – Protection for All’ public forum were ‘ordered’ to end the meet early due to a crowd of protestors outside the venue when police could have instead first dispersed the mob.

Yesterday, the Penang leg of a road show by Article 11, a coalition of non-governmental organisations defending constitutional rights in light of conflicts with Islam, was very short-lived, unlike the previous one in Malacca. 

Vive le Media in Malaysie!! 

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Youth Day

Posted on May 16, 2006 by Tricia

Humans do like to celebrate our days, don't we? Ethiopians have a saint to celebrate every day of the year. We recently had Teacher's Day. Mother's Day. And today is Youth Day.

As I walked into the throngs of people at the Stadium today, (and as I left), I couldn't help but wonder what exactly the purpose of holding such functions in huge stadiums like that is. A friend remarked quite wisely that little research or thought usually goes into the planning of such events. Perhaps we have become event organisers, proud to show titles, labels and awards. These are important surely, but what is more important is that there lies value behind these things. Again, the rule of "spirit of the law" vs. "letter of the law".

If today's youth is able to draw out the essence behind the hullaballoo and fanfare of music and dance, then all well and good. But if these remain mere show material, what is to become of speeches, even well-rehearsed and eloquently delivered? (I must say I was well impressed with his enthusiasm and spirit tonight.)

What I long to feel is the energy, the same spirit that moves like a silent wave across football stadiums (okay, perhaps not so silent), which unfortunately was found lacking tonight. This restless movement should sweep the nation, to truly show that the youth really IS the future of tomorrow – and this must not stop there. What can be done to direct these youth into some semblance of good quality leadership? They absolutely have to start opening their minds to new teachings, recipient to ideas and creative knowledge.

And on our website (Malaysian Youth Council) is actually a lovely quote by Samuel Ulman:

Youth means a temperamental predominance of courage over timidity, of the appetite for adventure over the love of ease. Nobody grows old by a number of years. We grow old by deserting our ideals.

And a beautiful excerpt from elsewhere: Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.

Selamat Hari Belia…

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Crash n Burn

Posted on May 15, 2006 by Tricia

When I began this blog, I quoted one of my favourite verses by WB Yeats, in "The Second Coming":

 Turning and turning in the widening gyre
The falcon cannot hear the falconer;
Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold;
Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world,
The blood-dimmed tide is loosed, and everywhere
The ceremony of innocence is drowned;
The best lack all conviction, while the worst
Are full of passionate intensity.

This was used by Ayi Kwei Armah in his book, "The Beautyful Ones Are Not Yet Born" that spoke of corruption seeping through the land. I could not help but make cross comparisons with the land I live in. In the book, the protagonist, "Man" (without a given name, in order that he represents the commoner on the street) fights an internal battle within – to give or not to give, that is the question. He struggles a moral battle as he sees his fellow mates live in luxury: imported cars, plush carpets and more… a solid education and quality shoes for their children.

Is the same rank stench that permeated Africa happening to our motherland? That UTT money (under the table) is necessitated based upon the very essentials of our future? I am only questioning.

Crash and burn, crash and burn… especially when the fundamental structures that are to hold up society seem to verily "fall apart". When central structures come loose, behold all else that lies in the periphery! What are the structures of society? The police, education systems, legal system, the government arm. The executive, judiciary and legislative.

I for one am committed to drawing the "widening gyre" to a close. Close the gap between what ought to be and what is, without compromising on the former. Getting the basics right is where we're at.

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Marmee

Posted on May 14, 2006 by Tricia

From the bulletin of a church I visited today, BLC (Bangsar Lutheran Church), is an interesting point made about the origins of Mother's Day.

Taken from wikipedia, it states that it was "originally conceived by social activist Julia Ward Howe during the American Civil War with a call to unite women against war. She wrote the Mother's Day Proclamation. (However), Mother's Day now simply celebrates motherhood and thanking mothers. Mothers often receive gifts on this day."

Ps Sivin goes on to say that Mother's Day which is celebrated mainly as a private family affair today was birthed in a context where women were called to rise up against social upheaval as an act and instrument of peace. Isn't that amazing? A day that originated to UNITE WOMEN AGAINST WAR.

How much of its history can we tell from the flowery bouquets and perfumery, scented cards, teddy bears, fluff and heartshaped-chocolate sold in the shops today? Zilch.

If only the mothers of today would unite in their convictions for worthy causes instead of gathering together to discuss the Best Sort of Woman Your Son Needs. (although I do believe in matchmaking, as posted earlier…)

But in today's context of appreciating mothers for what they've done, this is what my thoughts were churning out, unable to gather them quickly enough into words this morning: A mother's love is not just sweet and flowery. A mother's love is strong, fierce, undying, solid… like the roar of a thunderous waterfall. It flows down hard and steady, and woe betide all who come her way. It is a love that fights, that fights for good. It is a love that is the perfect epitome and reflection of God's own love. A crazy, unconditional love… And imagine what a group of mothers might be able to do for the good of society.

Julia's Mother's Day Proclamation, 1870, calling for peace during the Civil War:

From the voice of a devastated Earth a voice goes up with
 Our own. It says: "Disarm! Disarm!
 The sword of murder is not the balance of justice."
 Blood does not wipe our dishonor,
 Nor violence indicate possession.
 As men have often forsaken the plough and the anvil at the summons of war,
 Let women now leave all that may be left of home
 For a great and earnest day of counsel.
 Let them meet first, as women, to bewail and commemorate the dead.
 Let them solemnly take counsel with each other as to the means
 Whereby the great human family can live in peace…

A blessed Ma's day to all Marmees of the world!

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Chief

Posted on May 14, 2006 by Tricia

A friend of mine has been working through the days and nights, slaving away relentlessly together with his production team on a documentary entitled "Chief". It's a documentary on the Chief Monk in Malaysia, K Sri Dhammananda, who is apparently the most prominent figurehead of Buddhism in Malaysia. He's been based in Malaysia for more than half a century, teaching and doing good works amongst the community.

Now, I am a Christian who fully believes in the verity and truth of my God. Of late, one of the most essential parts of the doctrine I have focused upon is social justice. The Bible encourages all alike to engage in issues of social justice, caring and being burdened for the poor and needy. The second essential thing is the working out where exactly our boundaries lie (if any) in terms of interfaith activity. And where Christians ought to stand with regards to both? 

K Sri Dhammananda has successfully figured these two issues out on behalf of the Buddhists in Malaysia, by constantly engaging in social welfare activities. He is also the founder of, and is involved in, the MCCBCHS (Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism and Sikhism). 

In that sense, I consider it a privilege to be part of this project, albeit a small role. If you get to watch the movie, you'll hear some nice (ahem) narration.. and yes that is yours truly. This is an interesting project, which has brought together Buddhists (of course), Muslims (in the production process) and a Christian (moi). You can read more on the Chief website designed exclusively for the movie, which premieres in the WIFF, Wesak International Film Festival, on the 21st May 2006, Malaysian Tourism Centre KL.  

I conclude by predicting that some Christians might not be too sure about their take on this. Some may reason that by contributing to a film of a different religion, this may be a compromise on my part as a Christian. However, those who know me will know that I am never one to compromise my beliefs and stands. The narration does not require any chanting or stating of beliefs in any religion; it is an objective portrayal of the worthy contributions of a prominent leader.

One of the co-ordinators of the WIFF remarked that he is glad that there was diversity involved in this project. He says the Chief would have wanted it that way.

I wonder whether the Christian community would share his views were it to engage in a similar activity…

Is this one step forward for national unity, and one step backward for my convictions in the faith? I believe it is the former, and I would that many disagree on the latter. 

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National Unity

Posted on May 10, 2006 by Tricia

In the ultimate display of national unity, some Indian, Chinese and Malay bystanders came together with the mission of helping a damsel in distress with her car and engine woes this bright morning.

Amidst the heat and disruption to an already busy day full of disruptions, I basked in the presence of something real. Skip the rhetoric. Get to the core. What is the heartbeat of every Malaysian? What is conceivable? What is the public space that we are all comfortable with?

No definite answers, but there is a true sense of solidarity and I wish more Malaysians would feel it. Forget about the high-levels who want to politicise every issue, and I mean every issue. What is national unity really?

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