| The faces of Johor Bahru Baru |
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| Written by straits-mongrel |
| Wednesday, 26 May 2010 19:49 |
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Physically, we had a bit more elbow room, but it was a psychological full house when it came to the QnA. The questions were varied, probing and the guests seemed keen on moving forward. You feel that this JB crowd knows its issues and wants to engage. More than a week ago - well, when the Keppel Road KTM Station was still very much Malaysian property - the Saya Anak Bangsa Malaysia Roadshow came to JB bringing with it our five key messages. We had some old faces with new looks.
Fahmi Reza had a tighter crop to his mod hair. He wore a T-shirt with the message Student Power, a project the activist has been busy working on this year. (If you enjoyed 10 Tahun Sebelum Merdeka, you'll get a kick out of Student Power.)
Al-Mustaqeem had an even tighter crop! Perhaps it's got something to do with the blistering heat the past couple of months. Compare al-Mustaqeem Baru with his former look during Penang Roadshow.
Since this Roadshow was distinct in terms of its citizen engagement, we thought it best to show you faces from the crowd instead of speakers this time round.
The young made up a good portion of the crowd that afternoon. They didn't just come to listen; they came to discuss.
We had seasoned social and political observers. Former Bar Council president Yeo Yang Poh (right) did an informative (if not painfully true) comparison of two societies, JB and Singapore, in his talk, A Tale of Two Cities. PKR Johor state chief, Dr Zaliha Mustafa (centre), also came with her family and friends.
There was good ethnic mix, better than the our previous Roadshows in the Peninsula. Here, SABM's Ee Chia (right) chats with newfound friends during tea-break.
The merchandise team was kept busy during the break. Thanks, people, for your purchases; it helps keep this initiative afloat. We assure you it's never spent on mindless teh tariks.
Over at KOMAS' table, response was equally hot. Selepas Tsunami, a KOMAS-produced film confiscated by the authorities during the Sibu By-election, was a very popular item. Terima kasih, PDRM, for giving solid publicity to the film.
When all is said and done, the SABM Roadshows are mere wake-up calls. We'll be the first to admit that. It is critical to take THAT next step. This young lady in the audience hit the nail on the head when she asked: How can the youths of JB take this awareness further?
It goes back to the individual candle and the collective flame. Good people of Johor Bahru Baru, there will be an e-group set up by our partner, SABM-Selatan. Join the group, talk, strategise. Finally act.
We can set things right.
If the spirit of that Saturday afternoon prevails, we know we can.
All pictures / Basil Foo
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| Last Updated on Wednesday, 02 June 2010 10:03 |
