UPDATED:

Here's a video promo for our second key message: Founding of the nation: The truth. Clip edited from the original 10 Tahun Sebelum Merdeka by Fahmi Reza.

"Rakyat yang menjadi hakim

Rakyat yang menjadi hakim"

So go the final verses of the pre-Merdeka anthem, Darah Rakyat. If a textbook on the alternative history of Malaya were to be written, you'll get to read much more about people such as Burhanuddin al-Helmy, Ahmad Boestamam, and Pak Sako. They were the first to call for Merdeka (sorry, that's something former PM Mahathir will just have to come to terms with).

They were based in Perak, schooled in the fine institutions of the Malay College Kuala Kangsar, Clifford School and Sultan Idris Training College. Through their writings and fiery oratorical skills, Perak became the cradle for democratic discourse in this land.

It was infectious. Soon after the War, the spirit of nationalism rapidly caught on throughout the peninsula and culminated with the forming of the Putera-AMCJA, a multi-ethnic political coalition tasked to win independence for this country.

Flashback to 1947: The People's Constitution was released as a response to the British colonist's limited Federal Agreement. It made the rakyat believe, enriched their marrow, made them stand. And when nothing favorable emerged from the proposal, there was the Rakyat's Hartal. The seeds from Perak were to reach full bloom across the land. In 10 years, Merdeka would happen, albeit in a meandering journey we now know as the official history.

Fast forward to 2009: On Feb 4, PM Najib announced that three ADUNs from the state's ruling coalition had left their parties to be independents, and claimed a successful takeover of the state government. There was never a count taken at the State Assembly to verify that claim. The case is mired in court. Calls to let the People decide through fresh elections were ignored.

Democracy died a year ago in Perak, the very birthplace of the idea.

On Feb 6, Saya Anak Bangsa Malaysia wants to talk about pride. We want to remember the Cradle - and the Grave - and how only a People's self-belief and pride can provide the remedy. We want to share perspectives; that this isn't just about Perak in the end, not about the loss of face nor a Camry, but instead a national distress call to own up to our collective responsibility.

Saya Anak Bangsa Malaysia believes Perak is ready for its renaissance. We'll see you in Ipoh.

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Ruddy Hartonno  - Sdr. |2010-02-06 15:27:53 :cheer: U have my full and loyal support. All of u r TRUE Malaysians, like ME! Onward 4 ALL "APM" = Authentic Patriotic Malaysians. RH

peng  - Thank you for bringing SABM to Ipoh! |2010-02-07 21:55:00 To the team who brought SABM to Ipoh and the speakers.. I want to say a big thank you for organising this forum. It was a good and fruitful 4 hours - learning about pre-Merdeka history, my rights as a Malaysian and why it's time I cannot continue to 'look the other way' while the nation's system is being abused. However, there's one regret that many Ipohians did not get to listen to the speakers, so if there's a way of me getting a VCD of the event, I would gladly pass it to family and friends to view. The SABM team has done a good job and I am grateful for your selfless efforts and commitment in sharing these initiatives. God bless you all.

Suresh |2010-02-11 11:21:49 Hey Guys in SABM, Thanks for coming down to Ipoh, the talk was worth attending and I think you're movement will only grow bigger with the passion and support that you guys are building up. A special mention to the webmaster and photographers here, lovely website and the picture and tale in ten feature is really good. Bottomline, keep your efforts and you are winning supporters. Suresh

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