Non Governmental Organisations CPI Introduction On 31 August 2007, on the eve of the national celebrations of independence in Peninsular Malaysia, the country’s leading civil society organization issued a declaration calling for the nation to rededicate itself to the advancement of freedom. On that day, 50 years ago, we rid ourselves of the domination of British colonialism. It is now necessary for us to rid ourselves of the challenge coming from those within the country that seek the imposition of new forms of domination. The succinct analysis provided in the statement reproduced here of how our freedoms and rights have been compromised and what needs to be done to right the situation is a stark reminder of the longer and more difficult road ahead in the quest for a genuine Merdeka. ************** Spirit of Merdeka Movement Declaration on Restoring Democracy and Advancing Freedom in Malaysia Preamble We, the undersigned civil society organizations, have come together on the occasion

I am very glad that an Historical Exhibition has been included in our Merdeka programme and, as you have said, I am keenly interested in the work which the Malayan Historical Society is doing in introducing to the Malayan public glimpses of the past which many of them had no chance of learning when they were at school. Malaya has a very long history, but unfortunately very few records and monuments have been preserved with the result that they have not sufficiently aroused the interest and curiosity of the present generation. The Tableaux of historic events in the various divisions as well as the collections of uniforms, photographs and weapons are most valuable, and I hope some of them at least could be sent to other parts of the Federation for exhibition. Malaya has been the centre of attraction to many visiting races in the last fifteen hundred years. This has resulted in the plurality of community in this country. I am glad indeed that the organisers of this exhibition have laid

We will be celebrating our 53rd year of Merdeka tomorrow. Not many events to commemorate this special day of liberty from the colonial master are being planned. However, the spirit and the pride of being a nation with all its diversity in people and religious beliefs and still able to pull through, despite of undesirable elements out to disrupt the peace and tranquility that exists, is itself a great achievement. Looking back, the country has made great strides and moved itself forward. Many a similar nation that had gained independence from their colonial masters have failed very miserably owing to the greed and temptations of their elected leaders who were only bent on building their own nests at the expense of the country they were elected and entrusted to govern. But there is strong fear among the people that this progress cannot be sustained at a comfortable levels if there are no drastic changes to the way the country is governed. Today, a new political awakening has occurred in

Dr M warns NEP removal could lead to revolution NEP IS A MUST TO SUSTAIN MY KIND OF PARASITIC LOW LIFE Mahathir: Everyone is thinking about his own race. If I am included it is because I think it is dangerous for the rich to take away what little the poor have. KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 30 — Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad predicted today that there would be an escalation in racial tension and division should NEP-style policies be removed, likening the situation to the Communist revolution in Europe. He stressed that the time was not right to introduce any policy which would “disregard the disparities between races in the interest of equity and merit.” “Take away the minor protection afforded by the NEP and the bumis will lose whatever that they may have. Then racial division will be deepened by wealth division. I don’t think this would be good for the country. Remember it was the disparity between rich and poor in Europe which led to the violence of the Communist revolution. “I may be labelled a raci

As we are poised to celebrate the 53rd anniversary of our nation's independence, a number of thoughts flash across my mind and may be the minds of millions of fellow Malaysians. Most dictionaries describe independence as consisting of two aspects. Firstly it is the freedom from being governed or ruled by another country and secondly it is the ability to live one's life without being helped or influenced by other people. Both these criteria are equally important and every nation that obtains independence undergoes these processes. The first part, to obtain independence is not easy as many nations experience violence and bloodshed to achieve that. Ultimately they do get what they want because the people are usually exceptionally united to fight the foreign power that rules them. The unity of the people created by patriotism and nationalism generates so much energy that no foreign power can suppress for long. The second phase when the people have to govern their nation all by them