ISA vigil in Penang

There will be a peaceful vigil in front of the Dewan Sri Pinang at 9.00pm today. The objective is to urge for the release of all ISA detainees and also a repeal of this undemocratic law. Those interested are asked to bring along candles or torchlights.

An Update:

The vigil was very well attended by people from all walks of life. Some from civil society groups and political parties while others were ordinary Malaysians concerned with the recent use of the undemocratic ISA by the BN government against blogger Raja Petra Kamarudin and politician/blogger Teresa Kok and also the recently freed Tan Hoon Cheng.

The speakers and the crowd called for the immediate release of Raja Petra, Teresa Kok and others who are still under ISA detention and also the repeal of this immoral ISA.

There were speeches from representatives of civil society groups, the Penang State government and political parties. There were songs too that were sung by members of the highly spirited crowd.

Recently freed Sin Chew Daily senior reporter, Tan Hoon Cheng, made a brief appearance. She thanked the crowd and other concerned Malaysians for the support given to her.

At the end of the vigil the spirit was still high especially when the crowd was given a moral boost from the passing cars nearby that gave honks of approval.

For elaborate report and pix of the vigil, check here and here.

Freed Tan stands her ground

Sin Chew Daily senior reporter, Tan Hoon Cheng, who was released yesterday after being detained under the Internal Security Act (ISA) stood her ground, indicating her commitment to professional journalism.

Tan, whose brief detention Home Minister Syed Hamid Albar said was meant to ‘ensure her safety’, insisted that she wrote what she heard on the night when then Bukit Bendera UMNO chief Ahmad Ismail allegedly made some racist remarks.

As if unfazed by this recent development in her career, Tan said she would not quit and instead ‘will continue to work as a free and fair journalist’. A brave and encouraging comment and an unwavering commitment indeed.

Living in the holy month of Ramadan

Ramadan, the ninth month of the Muslim year, is a time to fast for the sake of God, and to offer more prayer than usual.

During Ramadan, Muslims seek forgiveness for past sins, pray for guidance into the future and for ways of avoiding daily evils, and also to try to purify themselves through self-restraint.

It is also during this month that Muslims are required to make extra efforts to spread love, peace, harmony and goodwill.

Hence, in the spirit of Ramadan, I pray that Malaysians, irrespective of their ethnic and religious backgrounds, would make an extra effort to work together towards our collective happiness, peace and harmony.

Furthermore, in the spirit of love and peace, I also pray for the early release of ISA detainees Raja Petra Kamarudin and Teresa Kok as well as other detainees in Kamunting.

May God bless us all.