Upwards |
Written by straits-mongrel |
Sunday, 24 January 2010 22:53 |
BLOG UPDATES: You can read the thoughts and opinions about the recent Klang Valley Roadshow at the following blogs.
If you have a posting, or know of one, do let us know.
There is a heartbeat in the Klang Valley. It is but a baby's, but it is strong. We heard it Saturday afternoon - felt it - up in the nosebleed section of the KL-Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall. The grungy MCPA Hall on the top floor was filled to the brim with people of different age groups. There were songs, film, and drums. And messages we hope to share with all who want a better home.
Below are some snapshots of the SABM Klang Valley Roadshow.
"Eh, chuak lah saya," groans SABM's Hasbee. The otherwise gungho Sarawakian steals a quiet moment to practise his song before the crowd showed up. And to think he wasn't even on vocals.
Half-an-hour to go and the crowd builds up: Taylor's College Canadian Pre-U program came with a 30-plus-strong group.
Friends from the local indie scene: Nik (right) and Meor opening the show with an acoustic set.
The founding of the nation: Fahmi Reza delving deeper than history textbooks would care to reveal. He talked about the formative period after World War 2 leading up to independence, paying special attention to the Putera-AMCJA coalition and its People's Constitution.
Aman: Original composition by Rahmat Haron (right), backed up by Meor. There's something about the no-frills dark walls that seem the perfect backdrop for the performers, indeed the entire event itself.
'Chuak' or not, it's on: SABM's DelCapo doing his own version of the timeless All Along The Watchtower with Hasbee (face hidden) and Adi.
Pulsating: Tugu Drum Circle getting more than just the heart pumping. The group brought all kinds of drums and percussions and invited the crowd to join in.
Soloist: Amazing how this boy, his hands a blur, could make a rumble feel so sweet.
Human beings, all born free and equal: Jahaberdeen covering facts from the UNDHR, and faith from the Islamic perspective.
...and Rev Sivin Kit does the same with the other faiths in Malaysia. Bottom line: God doesn't discriminate, so why should we?
His articulate self: Lawyer Azahar Harun, better known to the internet-enabled as Art, clearing some of the misconceptions about the Federal Constitution. He covered the hot issues of Islam as the official religion of the federation, and the special position of the Malays and natives of Sabah and Sarawak.
Nation in distress? Did we let it happen?: Lighter moment shared between Haris and Sivin. It hardly remained in this tone as Haris started tearing into the records of wimpy nation-building and, the core of it all, personal responsibility.
The slide says it: Jaya closing with the final message for the evening. A dialogue session took place right after with the panelists and the audience. For those who came, we thank you. It couldn't have been easy staying attentive for the whole afternoon, and yet you did. There were many who helped behind the scenes - the performers and guest speakers, GMI for their Anti-ISA exhibition, voter registrars, the four from the kebun, Frinjan, Malaysiakini and Malaysia Today for their kind publicity. Six from ABM-Selatan (Johor-Singapore) drove up all the way to attend the Roadshow. That's Believe for you. This baby will grow. Its heartbeat will get stronger. And with that, so will this nation. Together, let's mind it, nurse it well.
p.s. Ipoh, you're next! |
Last Updated on Monday, 25 January 2010 16:30 |