Bersih chief explains WHY WE ARE AT THE PEOPLE'S UPRISING RALLY...

Desi for unforseeeen cit=rcusmtances could not keep his date with his many friends at Merdeka Stadium today, BUT MY SPIRIT is wit' them awe the way! I have been privileged to have befriended as a speaker at a forum I helped organise -- she came across as an upright, committed and outspoken civil society leader. Of course she had oustanding credentials professionally, having served as a Bar Council chairperson;  so let's listen to  what a brave Malaysian leader has to say, and I fully support her in substance and spirit:). I  reproduce from The Malaysian Insider from which I follow the event as it develops~~~~

Why are we here today? ― Ambiga Sreenevasan

January 12, 2013

JAN 12 ― My friends, why are we here today?

Why have we chosen to give up our Saturday to gather here? Together. Again.

The answer is, we love our country. We care about Malaysia. We care about Malaysians. Our children, our parents, their future, our future.

And more importantly we are here because we have hope. We think that a better Malaysia is within our grasp. We know it is. I know it is. And it is all because of you ― a rakyat that cares enough to do something about achieving a bright future for our country.

As far as Bersih 2.0 is concerned, we just want clean and fair elections. If there is to be change in the leadership, we want to do it through the ballot box. Our objectives are clear and clean and fair. Our message to all the political parties is: Respect our rights as citizens, honour our vote, and, give us clean and fair elections!

Yet I have unhappy news ― by all accounts, GE 13 will be far from clean and fair. I will not go into the details, many of you know them. The recent fiasco with the overseas voters is yet another example. The suggested process is not clean, not transparent and the conditions that have been imposed on overseas voters are not, in my view, constitutional.

So why am I so sure the election will not be clean and fair? Well, one of the easiest demands to fulfil is to give free and fair access to the media to all parties. It takes just a phone call. Yet we see no move towards that and the mainstream media continues with its skewed and often dishonest reports. It shows a complete lack of political will to even the playing field between the parties.

Does that mean, however, that we throw in the towel? That we walk away in despair? On the contrary, Bersih has two important projects that we have launched which we believe will make a difference in the next elections.

The first is our project called PEMANTAU, a citizens’ observer mission. This is not a new concept as it has been carried out in numerous countries. Studies have found that citizen observer missions can reduce political violence and fraud.

We are excited about this project and we are looking out for approximately 10,000 volunteers to help us cover 30-40 per cent of the total number of constituencies.

The second project is to bring out the vote. (Keluar mengundi, lawan penipuan). Although our voter turnout is high, a higher turnout will help to mitigate fraud to some extent. Both these projects need your help and your input. Both are projects of the people, for the people and by the people.

So there is much work to be done. And we can all be involved to ensure as far as possible, that fraud and discrepancies can be minimised in the 13th GE. Knowing the rakyat I know you will rise to the occasion as the nation calls to you to take part in its future.

As that famous song goes, my fellow Malaysians, “This is it”!!

* Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan is the co-chair of Bersih, the movement for clean and fair elections.

* This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insider.

DESIDERATA: An important crossroads episode at the Rally now in progress (2 to 5pm) would be decided to see (BELOW)  if *****Carpetman DEEPAK JAIKISHAN -- who offered to speak up in detail about alleged Altantuya's links with PM and wife, the payoffs from PM's brother in which Deepak played a middleman role in passing on the money to PI Balasubramaniam in the famous/notorious Statutory Declarations 1 and 2 (made publis within 24 hours ...) and more. PROVIDED, Deep[ak says the PR gfovernment if it made it to Putrajaya, would gve him TOTAL IMMUNITY as he would qualify to be a State witness/Whistleblower and hence be given protection uder the recently-enacted Whisteblower's Act.


*****Deepak: Give me immunity, I'll tell all at stadium

Nigel Aw 10:51PM Jan 11, 2013

Carpet merchant Deepak Jaikishan said he was prepared to reveal all the dirt from his dealings involving powerful personalities in the government at Pakatan Rakyat’s mega rally tomorrow if the opposition coalition can guarantee him immunity if it comes to power.

“If they give me immunity tonight, tomorrow I will go on stage and reveal everything at Stadium Merdeka,” he told Malaysiakini in an interview tonight.

DESI2: can't reproduce the Mkini item -- my apologoies, K! --in full as it is only available to SUBSCRIBERS in full; Desi's NOT a subscriber.


DESI3: From mmail.com, the online edition of The Malay Mail:)~~~

Live updates: People's Uprising Rally

SATURDAY, JANUARY 12, 2013 - 14:59

by The Malay Mail Team

Location: 

KUALA LUMPUR

A participant of the People's Uprising Rally is pictured here. SHAHIR OMAR

THE People's Uprising Rally by the opposition alliance Pakatan Rakyat (PR) before the GE13, takes place today in Stadium Merdeka, as PR hopes to gather one million supporters in show of force.

As thousands march to the venue from different points of the city,The Malay Mail team is on the ground. The timeline will be updated as and when events take place.

2.35pm : Bersih chairman Ambiga Sreenivasan receives warm applause as she takes the stage. She stressed the need for clean and fair elections, saying Bersih is non partisan.

2.30pm : Police estimate 50,000 are inside the stadium and 7,000 more outside.

2.25pm : The People's Uprising Rally (HKR) declaration has 10 demands : Clean fair elections with free media; Uphold Felda's reputation and settlers' rights; Sabah and Sarawak as equals to Peninsular; 20 percent oil royalties to oil-producing states; increase professionalism of civil servants including teachers; clean and healthy environment; BM upheld and English elevated in the education system; freedom for all political detainess; protect all traditional villages and sites; better life for women.

2.20pm : Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and wife Datin Seri Wan Azizah Wan Ismail arrive at the stadium amidst much fanfare, with other Pakatan leaders. The stadium crowd is estimated to be about 50,000 now, with even the field in the middle filled.

2.15pm : The stadium is filled to its capacity, say reporters.

2.10pm : Sungai Siput MP Dr Jeyakumar says absolute power corrupts and estimates there are 40,000 people inside the stadium.

2.05pm : MTUC representative says that they will support anyone who is labour friendly.

2.00pm : DAP's Bukit Gasing potential GE13 candidate Kasthuri Patto among the first batch of speakers. She calls for "ubah" (change) in an emotional speech.

1.56pm : PKR leaders rubbished an SMS making the rounds calling PKR representatives to go collect their RM150 at Tropicana office from 12 noon. PKR leaders say it is clearly the work of BN saboteurs. 

1.55pm : Mat Sabu says that there is space for 5,000 more inside the stadium and a 10,000 crowd is on the way.

1.50pm : Himpunan Kebangkitan Rakyat (People's Uprising Rally) kick-starts with the rendition of the national anthem, Negaraku. Yellow of Bersih calling for fair elections is the dominant colour followed closely by the green of Himpunan Hijau anti-Lynas.

1.45pm : Stadium is almost filled to the brim and PAS' Unit Amal is redirecting participants to Parking Lot A to listen to speeches.

1.37pm : An elderly woman was reported by police to have lost consciousness but was immediately attended to. ACP Zainuddin said 20 per cent of stadium capacity has been filled – estimates a 20,000 crowd. 

1.35pm : A police helicopter hovers over the stadium crowd taking photographs.

1.30pm : The vuvuzuela horns have gone quiet in the stadium as people respect those praying. 

1.25pm : Crowds pray their afternoon prayer on the fields in the stadium. Earlier, crowds were asked to respect the azan – call to prayer. 

12.50pm : Datuk Husam Musa joined the crowd from KLCC at Jalan Gereja. Challenges Datuk Mustapha Mohamed to give Kelantan a 20 per cent oil royalty. He said a survey from an independent body in Singapore, in the  next poll, BN will only win  97 parliamentary seat and PR will win 125 seats.

12.40pm : Police have officially closed the roads by stages at Bulatan Dato Onn, Jalan Ampang – Jalan Tun Razak, Jalan Pudu-Jalan Sultan, Jalan Hang Tuah and Jalan Raja as participants march towards Stadium Merdeka. BrickfIelds is reported to be at a standstill as traffic police divert traffic.

12.30pm : Crowds have reached Kuala Lumpur Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall (KLSCAH). PSM and opposition leaders are on a vehicle with hailers directing the crowd of more than 10,000.

12.28pm : At the stadium, an old Chinese man is reciting a Malay sajak in support of the rally as a seven year old goes around selling raincoats to participants.

12.25pm : The crowd at Masjid Negara swells to about 7,000. This is the Selangor contingent. None of the police marshals are seen escorting any media.

12.20pm : Crowds fill into the stadium fast – one gate is too packed as Unit Amal redirects participants to other gates – a very festive mood. It has started to drizzle.

12.15pm : Crowds merge as they near Stadium Merdeka. Stall owners make brisk business.

Datuk Husam Musa (C) is flanked by other participants in Jalan Sultan. Pic by IKRAM ISMAIL

12.08pm : Police walk along with crowd from Jalan Sultan towards Stadium Merdeka. People pass free packaged water to marchers. 

12.07pm : Crowd from UM merges with crowd at Brickfields and swells to about 8,000.

12.05pm : About 1,000 people march from Jalan Sultan – mostly Bersih supporters with a parcel of Himpunan Hijau supporters.

12 noon : KLCC group comprising mostly of Felda worker-rights championing group ANAK members start marching to Stadium Merdeka. PAS MP Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad is among the crowd. There are senior citizens and children in the group. 

11.56am : Rally organising committee chairman Mohamad Sabu, Deputy President of PAS, arrives at the stadium as the mostly PAS crowd swells to about 25,000. 

11.55am : No road closures on Bukit Bintang and Jalan Pudu routes to stadium as of yet. 

11.50am : Crowd at Stadium Merdeka swells to more than 10,000 - minimal police presence as of yet. Unit Amal of PAS controls crowd as the back gate of the stadium opens and people start getting into the stadium. 

11.45am : Kelantanese crowd at Stadium Merdeka begins their rally chants with shouts of "We want Royalty!" to warm up the crowd. 

11.36am: PKR Youth Khairil Anuar halts the crowd to arrange the spreading. The march is now back to one lane of the road and resumes two minutes later. They ready to cross the Jalan Bangsar intersection, approaching Dataran Maybank.

11.30am: PAS MP Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad arrives at KLCC. Meanwhile, the Universiti Malaya crowd en route to Stadium Merdeka has swelled to some 5,000 people. They don all the theme colours for the day – even light blue for PKR members, red for SAMM, yellow for Bersih, green for anti-Lynas. They are also bearing flags of the parties and sAMM banners. However, they remain calm and are not causing any ruckus.

11.19am: Secondary school teacher Robin Yeow, 28, walks towards Bangsar with a guitar in his hands. Strumming chords as he walks, he says he chose to bring a guitar because "it's like a carnival." "The police said no violence will happen and it will be peaceful. So I'm not scared. It will be peaceful."

11.17am: A crowd of about 1,000 people, mostly wearing red, gathers in KLCC. Some main entrances into the shopping centre are closed.

11am: Stadium Merdeka receives bus loads of a crowd of some 3,000 strong Kelantanese, mostly wearing yellow.

11am: The crowd from Universiti Malaya passes Kelab Victoria, near Bangsar. Rally participants follow instructions from Unit Amal PAS marshalls. They appear to be calm and are even helping out to ease traffic. Meanwhile, in the city, business hours at Central Market is as usual.

A motorcyclist shows his support for the People's Uprising Rally in Kuala Lumpur. Pic by ASHRAF SHAMSUL AZLAN

11am: PAS deputy president Mat Sabu urges participants to move from the National Mosque in three stages, adhering to orders. He arrived at 10.45am and gave a 10-minute speech.

10.50am: About 2,000 people gather outside the al-Rahman mosque near Universiti Malaya. The march begins from there to Stadium Merdeka. Crowd from Amcorp mall has joined Solidariti Mahasiswa

10.50am: Meanwhile, more crowds gather at the Masjid Jamek LRT

Dataran Merdeka is a deserted spot for now as crowds gather at various spots to walk towards Stadium Merdeka. Pic by RAZAK GHAZALI

9.50am:A crowd of some 5,000 are seen gathering in front of Masjid Negara. The road into the National Mosque is closed