What is happening in Lynas is reflective of the Barisan Nasional government that we now have - a government that seems to place public health and safety of the people (the 'rakyat') at a low priority...
But Malaysians are no longer cowed into silence by the government but will continue the struggle for justice and rights...
Tear gas, water cannons, being battered, detained.... is no longer working as the Malaysian people are determined to remind governments of the day that it is the people that rule - and governments of the people must act for the good and well-being of the people NOT some transnational/business or just certain individuals...
Will the people be able to change the government - and will a new government be different and more pro-people?
Or will this government change and start listening to the people...
70 activists embark on Kuantan-KL green march
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About
70 people are participating in the 300km march from Kuantan to Kuala
Lumpur to pressure the government to disallow the Lynas rare earth plant
from operating and highlight other environmental issues.
Led
by Himpunan Hijau chairperson Wong Tack, a seasoned campaigner against
Lynas, the group assembled at Kuantan's MPK Field 1 at around 8am before
departing, cheered on by some 400 supporters.
Among the participants are 12 indigenous people of Sarawak, who are protesting against hydroelectric dams project in their state. Also participating are Bersih steering committee members Liau Kok Fah and Wong Chin Huat.
Prayers and coconuts
The stand out participant is a 70-year-old man, who is attempting to march the entire journey bare foot.
According to Himpunan Hijau publicity chief Lee Chean Chung, prior to the march, Islamic, Buddhist and Christian prayers for safety were held.
The
group also stopped at a Hindu temple later to smash 50 coconuts as an
offering in conjunction with Deepavali, which is celebrated today.
“Liao and Chin Huat also smashed eight coconuts to symbolise Bersih's eight demands for electoral reforms,” said Lee.
Lee said the groups is expected to walk 30km today and they will stay at Gambang for the night.
Auspicious day
Police and special branch personnel were spotted at the event launch, but but they did not interfere.
Wong Tack (middle in picture) told Malaysiakini later that he was very excited because he did not expect so many people
"Today is Deepavali and I feel that it is very meaningful. We want to walk from darkness to the light.
"In this 13 days, the people will be united and we will walk to parliament to make our voices heard," he said.
At noon, the group broke for a quick lunch before resuming their journey. By about 3pm, the sky opened. A smaller group continued their walk while donning rain coats.
The group is expected to arrive at the gates of Parliament on Nov 26. The group has planned stopovers at Maran, Temerloh, Mentakab, Bentong and Genting Highland along the way.
- Malaysiakini, 13/11/2012, 70 activists embark on Kuantan-KL green march
Led
by Himpunan Hijau chairperson Wong Tack, a seasoned campaigner against
Lynas, the group assembled at Kuantan's MPK Field 1 at around 8am before
departing, cheered on by some 400 supporters.Among the participants are 12 indigenous people of Sarawak, who are protesting against hydroelectric dams project in their state. Also participating are Bersih steering committee members Liau Kok Fah and Wong Chin Huat.
Prayers and coconuts
The stand out participant is a 70-year-old man, who is attempting to march the entire journey bare foot.
According to Himpunan Hijau publicity chief Lee Chean Chung, prior to the march, Islamic, Buddhist and Christian prayers for safety were held.
The
group also stopped at a Hindu temple later to smash 50 coconuts as an
offering in conjunction with Deepavali, which is celebrated today. “Liao and Chin Huat also smashed eight coconuts to symbolise Bersih's eight demands for electoral reforms,” said Lee.
Lee said the groups is expected to walk 30km today and they will stay at Gambang for the night.
Auspicious day
Police and special branch personnel were spotted at the event launch, but but they did not interfere.
Wong Tack (middle in picture) told Malaysiakini later that he was very excited because he did not expect so many people "Today is Deepavali and I feel that it is very meaningful. We want to walk from darkness to the light.
"In this 13 days, the people will be united and we will walk to parliament to make our voices heard," he said.
At noon, the group broke for a quick lunch before resuming their journey. By about 3pm, the sky opened. A smaller group continued their walk while donning rain coats.
The group is expected to arrive at the gates of Parliament on Nov 26. The group has planned stopovers at Maran, Temerloh, Mentakab, Bentong and Genting Highland along the way.
- Malaysiakini, 13/11/2012, 70 activists embark on Kuantan-KL green march
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2 comments:
The one and only favour the grand son of the pariah from Kerala, the shenanigan Mahathir, has done for Malaysia is to wake up the Malaysians from their slumber ! It is now time to change and there will be no looking back and kick the scumbags and parasites from Putrajaya better still have all of them indicted for all the atrocities and abuses these morons done to this country plus the wealth stolen from it. So make sure to vote them out of the ivory tower they are in !
As far as I understand the Rakyat != (does not equal) 70 people. To the contrary, the Rakyat are probably quite happy with the massive investment Lynas is placing in their country. The Rakyat are probably very happy with the creation of jobs and with all the green related products that will be a direct by product of the Lynas operation.
Governments are elected on a majority, not a minority. They won't be held to ransom by the rambling few.
Wake up and realise that Lynas is a GOOD THING for Malaysia and the Malaysian people. Even the Malaysian royalty have worked that one out...
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