tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-95519442012-08-10T12:56:32.348+08:00Random ThoughtsK V Soon Vidyanandanoreply@blogger.comBlogger288125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9551944.post-61531118174325890712011-09-27T00:19:00.000+08:002011-09-27T00:19:27.895+08:002011-09-27T00:19:27.895+08:00Point of View, who is in control matters<br />
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What's wrong with this video? Nothing and everything! It is a matter of who is in-charge of what, who has control and who is in power. If I own the TV media, and if I deem that this video is offensive and if it should be taken off the air. Right? Then again, does it matter if the TV media is not important, what does control and power mean?<br />
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The fight for this video is really about changing the paradigm of power and control. This is what this video is all about.<br />
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The question is can we do it?<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/-1hllAhSXLA" width="560"></iframe><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9551944-6153111817432589071?l=here-n-there.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>K V Soon Vidyanandanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9551944.post-37995066072663792532010-08-06T08:58:00.000+08:002010-08-06T08:58:18.066+08:002010-08-06T08:58:18.066+08:00Pray for PeaceWe still remember, we must not forget. Pray for peace!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s240/ahboon17/Hiroshima17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="237" src="http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s240/ahboon17/Hiroshima17.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hiroshima, Aug 6, 1949</td></tr>
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Let's not forget the great destruction humans can do, let's remember that we have the capacity for love. Pray for peace.<br />
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Let's continue to strive to bring out the best in us all.<br />
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May all beings be well!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9551944-3799506607266379253?l=here-n-there.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>K V Soon Vidyanandanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9551944.post-8382714824026314592010-08-05T23:23:00.000+08:002010-08-05T23:23:53.636+08:002010-08-05T23:23:53.636+08:00August 1, 2010 (1)Right after the forum, I was planning on heading to Amcorp Mall. It just took too long to get there. Reading the tweets and sms message, I knew it was going to be an ugly scene. It really saddens me when people are not given the opportunity to speak out against an oppressive law. <br />
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I am posting this (although late) to remind us that this not just a Aug 1 event,<br />
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<blockquote><i>On 1 August, the Internal Security Act (ISA) will have been in existence for 50 years. The ISA was enacted in 1960 on the premise that it was needed to address the threat posed by the Communist movement. The original Act incorporated various mechanisms to prevent its abuse, including provision for judicial review. A promise was also made that it would be used solely to counter the armed Communist insurgency. Eventually the Communists laid down their arms, but the ISA remained on the books, and is still in force today. It was even "enhanced" in 1989 when the provision of judicial review was removed, rendering it even more unjust and controversial. </i><br />
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<i>The scope of the ISA has also been broadened; the list of its "victims" has grown ever longer. Over the years it has been used to detain people said to be members of Jemaah Islamiah (JI), KMM (Malaysian Militant Group), the Al-Maunah and Al-Arqam groups, Shiah adherents, political activists, reform activists, students and human rights activists. It has even been used to detain people alleged to have forged identity cards, cloned telephones, made counterfeit coins and harboured illegal immigrants - cases which have been considered very controversial.</i><br />
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<i>The ISA has become a ready tool to be used in place of professional, thorough and painstaking investigation by the police. In addition, the reasons and process of arrest under the ISA, as well as the methods of interrogation used, have often clearly contravened humanitarian and religious principles. In short, the entire set-up is riddled with controversy. Every arrest made under the ISA represents a failure on the part of the police to conduct investigations which fulfil the criteria required by the Attorney General to proceed with prosecution. This collaboration between the police and the Home Ministry to curtail the proper process of justice is in itself a gross injustice, by any standard.</i><br />
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<i>The ISA has also long been used by the ruling coalition to suppress political dissent. It has been used to punish critics, to try and silence dissenting voices, cover up their corrupt and unethical practices, and deflect pressure from the international community. All this is done in the name of "national security", but instead constitutes a deliberate hobbling of the country's system of justice. To their way of thinking, the interests of national security override the principles of justice, and this in itself is controversial.</i><br />
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<i><b>2. THE ISA SHOULD BE REPEALED WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT</b></i><br />
<i><br />
Facing widespread criticism both at home and abroad - the ISA has badly damaged Malaysia's reputation - the government has finally proposed to review the ISA. However, it is clear that they have no intention of relinquishing this formidable and invaluable crutch of power. They are going all out to sell the idea of amendment, rather than repeal. Considering the history of the ISA, it seems very likely that these amendments will be minor and merely cosmetic, and will not achieve anything in terms of removing its elements of injustice and abuse of human rights.</i><br />
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<i>At the present time, 16 people are still being detained under the ISA. The longest-standing detainee is Shamsuddin Sulaiman, alleged to be a member of JI, who has been detained for more than 8 years. The newest detainee, arrested on 15 July 2010, is Fadzullah Bin Abdul Razak, alleged to be a terrorist. Since April 2009, a total of 12 people have been detained under the ISA. This is despite the fact that in April 2009 the Prime Minister announced that a number of ISA detainees would be released and the ISA itself reviewed.</i><br />
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<i>The review of the ISA has been limited to only five aspects, and the proposed amendments to the Act, promised for more than a year, have yet to be tabled in Parliament. The five aspects are: detention without trial; the broad powers of the minister; the length of detention allowed; the rights and treatment of detainees; and the public perception that the ISA is used as a tool of political oppression. GMI would like to expand on these five aspects.</i><br />
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<i><b>a) Detention without trial</b><br />
Detention under the ISA is not protected by effective judicial review. The court only allows a challenge to be mounted based on technical grounds, that is, habeas corpus; there is no avenue to challenge the grounds of arrest. In many cases there has been no sound reason to invoke the ISA, since the charges could have been dealt with under existing criminal laws.</i><br />
<i><br />
<b>b) Powers of the Minister</b><br />
The power currently invested in the Minister to decide to detain a person for a period of two years is clearly far too broad. It also implies that the Minister has no respect for the judicial process or for the executive arm of the government. It thus fails to adhere to the principle of separation of powers. </i><br />
<i><br />
<b>c) The Period of detention</b><br />
The 60-day period of detention is used for interrogation of detainees by Special Branch officers, who routinely employ physically and psychologically abusive methods. A person should only be detained if there is evidence against him/her, and if the police fail to come up with such evidence the person should be released. As a matter of principle, no-one should be detained for 60 days without recourse to judicial process.</i><br />
<i><br />
<b>d) Rights and treatment of detainees</b><br />
Both GMI and SUARAM have gathered and published extensive documentary evidence of abuse and torture of ISA detainees. During the 60-day detention period detainees are denied access to lawyers, and there have been a number of cases where detainees were not informed of their rights at the time of their arrest. The authorities justify torture and abuse by saying that it is necessary for the successful completion of the investigation. In addition, detainees and their families are often subjected to pressure and psychological abuse.</i><br />
<i><br />
<b>e) Public perception of misuse of the ISA for political purposes</b><br />
It is common knowledge that many of those arrested under the ISA have been political activists and dissidents, or anyone who has criticized the government and its policies.<br />
GMI is of the firm opinion that amending these five aspects alone will not prevent the ruling coalition from continuing to abuse the ISA in this manner to perpetuate its hold on power. The only way to restore public confidence would be to repeal the ISA, ensure that police carry out their investigations in a professional manner, ensure that judicial oversight is not excluded, and for the government to uphold norms and principles of justice and human rights.</i><br />
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<i><b>3. The People's Role in Repealing the ISA</b></i><br />
<i><br />
Public pressure in demanding the repeal of the ISA is crucial. The importance of the support and active engagement of the people, regardless of political affiliation, religion or ethnic and social background, cannot be overstated. The Abolish ISA Rally held on 1 August 2009 was witness to the effectiveness of such broad public participation. </i><br />
<i><br />
Accordingly, GMI will continue to invite the people to play an active role in this campaign. To mark the 50th anniversary of the ISA, GMI is organizing a series of events, among them are:</i><br />
<i><br />
1. Arts Night: "Detention without Trial", to be held on 24 July 2010, at the MBPJ Multipurpose Hall in Jalan Nuri, Section 7, Kota Damansara, starting at 8 pm.<br />
2. Distribution of leaflets simultaneously in Kuala Lumpur and state capitals, on 1 August.<br />
3. Candle-light vigils to be held simultaneously at locations around the country, also on 1 August.</i><br />
<i>4. The People's Demands</i><br />
<i><br />
GMI will never compromise in the issue of detention without trial. All Acts which allow or have resulted in oppression, torture and abuse of people should have no place on the statute books, and should be abolished without delay. </i><br />
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All groups and organizations which are part of the GMI coalition are urged to give their support to the demands listed below, in an effort to maximize support from all partners.</i><br />
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<i>We hereby demand that the government:<br />
1. Abolishes all existing unjust laws such as the ISA, EO (Emergency Ordinance), DDA (Dangerous Drugs Act), and the RRA (Restricted Residence Act), with immediate effect. All of these laws go against the spirit of the Federal Constitution, as well as contravene Articles 9, 10 and 11 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1981). This appeal is in keeping with similar recommendations made by the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention (WGAD) and the Malaysian Commission for Human Rights (SUHAKAM), as well as by various other human rights organizations such as Amnesty International (AI), Human Rights Watch (HRW), the World Organization Against Torture (OMCT), and the Islamic Human Rights Commission (IHRC).</i><br />
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2. Either releases, or charges in an open court, all those currently detained without trial.</i><br />
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3. Close down immediately all detention centres for detainees held without trial, such as Kamunting and Simpang Renggam.</i><br />
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4. Awards compensation to all those who have been detained without trial, for being unjustly deprived of their liberty and denied their due rights.</i><br />
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5. Makes a public apology to all such detainees, past and present, and compensates them for the injustice, abuse and suffering inflicted on them during and as a result of their detention.</i><br />
<i><br />
6. Utilises instead existing criminal laws such as the following:<br />
a. Section 489B of the Penal Code: counterfeiting money;<br />
b. Section 56 of the Immigration Act: falsifying passports;<br />
c. Section 298A of the Penal Code: issuing statements or spreading rumours to incite religious hatred;<br />
d. Section 499 of the Penal Code: issuing statements to incite racial hatred;<br />
e. Section 499 of the Penal Code: distributing false information; or<br />
f. Chapter VIA of the Penal Code: terrorist offences.</i><br />
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7. Investigates all complaints and cases of abuse, torture, inhuman treatment and abuse of power perpetrated on any detainees, past or present; prosecutes those responsible and sets up a Royal Commission to conduct investigations.</i><br />
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8. Debates the SUHAKAM Annual Reports in Parliament and implements its recommendations.</i><br />
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9. Recognizes respects and restores the proper powers of the judiciary, as an independent body, to provide a check and balance on the power of the police and executive, and repeals all laws which have removed such judicial oversight.</i><br />
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<div><i>Released By,</i></div><div><i>Gerakan Mansuhkan ISA (GMI)</i></div><i>PRESS STATEMENT: 26th July 2010</i></blockquote><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9551944-838271482402631459?l=here-n-there.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>K V Soon Vidyanandanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9551944.post-46480854218965134272010-07-27T09:02:00.001+08:002010-07-27T09:03:49.739+08:002010-07-27T09:03:49.739+08:00Get your candles ready. Aug 1, 2010<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0xu1SINxR8g/TE4voOgrqMI/AAAAAAAABxU/mcvL0JycdXA/s1600/182010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><strong></strong><strong> </strong></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0xu1SINxR8g/TE4voOgrqMI/AAAAAAAABxU/mcvL0JycdXA/s1600/182010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0xu1SINxR8g/TE4voOgrqMI/AAAAAAAABxU/mcvL0JycdXA/s1600/182010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0xu1SINxR8g/TE4voOgrqMI/AAAAAAAABxU/mcvL0JycdXA/s400/182010.jpg" width="400" /></a><strong><a href="http://sayaanakbangsamalaysia.net/" target="_blank">http://sayaanakbangsamalaysia.net/</a></strong></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9551944-4648085421896513427?l=here-n-there.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>K V Soon Vidyanandanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9551944.post-3013615052681012732010-07-21T00:28:00.001+08:002010-07-21T00:29:25.291+08:002010-07-21T00:29:25.291+08:00Higher Education: Where Got Crisis?By Fahmi Reza<br />
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<div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="wp-caption aligncenter" id="attachment_10491" style="width: 348px;"><img alt="Where Got Crisis?" class="size-medium wp-image-10491" height="254" src="http://loyarburok.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Fahmi-Reza-400x300.jpg" title="Fahmi Reza Krisis IPT Education" width="338" /><br />
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<div style="color: black;"><i><b>Picked this up from from LoyarBurok.com </b></i></div><br />
<div style="color: black;"><i>Watch PopIN’s Minister of Higher Education YB Fahmi Reza’s slideshow presentation and the video of his address </i><i><span id="EpisodeDescription">on the crisis of Higher Education in Malaysia recorded during PopIN PopOUT 3: PM PM! event at Central Market Annexe, on 12 June 2010</span>.</i><i> He takes us through the shift in access to higher education in Malaysia from colonial days to the recent 10th Malaysia Plan – to illustrate how the Government is going against Article 12 of the Federal Constitution. </i></div><span style="color: black;"><i></i></span><br />
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</b></i></div><div style="color: black;"><i><b>Stupid Me! Week </b>at LoyarBurok kicked off yesterday with a stellar article that required actual reading (as opposed to cursory glances at 140 word messages). So on day 2, sit back, turn up the volume and you shall receive.<br />
</i></div><div style="color: black;"><br />
</div><div style="color: black;"><i>Watch PopIN’s Minister of Higher Education YB Fahmi Reza’s slideshow presentation and the video of his address </i><i><span id="EpisodeDescription">on the crisis of Higher Education in Malaysia recorded during PopIN PopOUT 3: PM PM! event at Central Market Annexe, on 12 June 2010</span>.</i><i> He takes us through the shift in access to higher education in Malaysia from colonial days to the recent 10th Malaysia Plan – to illustrate how the Government is going against Article 12 of the Federal Constitution. </i></div><div style="color: black;"><br />
</div><div style="color: black;"><i>Press play and get educated. </i></div><div style="color: black;"><a href="http://draft.blogger.com/goog_382766027"><i><br />
</i></a></div><span style="color: maroon;"><i><a href="http://loyarburok.com/human-rights/stupid-me/where-got-crisis/"><span style="color: black;">Read on HERE</span></a></i></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9551944-301361505268101273?l=here-n-there.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>K V Soon Vidyanandanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9551944.post-67614891301798444862010-07-20T09:00:00.000+08:002010-07-20T09:00:34.446+08:002010-07-20T09:00:34.446+08:00Learning@ Home (Jul 24)Together with Wai Leng, we will be sharing our thoughts on learning at home. This is to help parents understand and appreciate the fact that learning is not just about academics but involves creativity, expression and communication. In this session we will share our thoughts on learning, different approaches to learning as well learning styles. <br />
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This session also serves as a platform to dialogue on homeschooling - if homeschooling is the way for you children, or if you just want to find out more.<br />
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It's not about tuition, special classes - it's about getting involved with our children. <br />
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Check us out at <a href="http://learningbeyondschooling.org/learning-beyond-activities/">Learning Beyond Schooling</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9551944-6761489130179844486?l=here-n-there.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>K V Soon Vidyanandanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9551944.post-86703923799826974512010-07-19T17:28:00.002+08:002010-07-19T17:30:02.189+08:002010-07-19T17:30:02.189+08:00Datuk Paul Low on Corruption in MalaysiaInteresting, if you have missed this earlier this morning....<br />
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Interview on BFM Radio <br />
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<object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab" height="100" width="230"></object><br />
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<param name="movie" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" value="http://podcast.bfm.my/podcast/e?file=assets/files/Breakfast Grill/2010-07-19_BG_PaulLow.mp3&t=Tackling Corruption" /><param name="wmode" value="transparent" /><embed height="100" src="http://podcast.bfm.my/podcast/e?file=assets/files/Breakfast%20Grill/2010-07-19_BG_PaulLow.mp3&t=Tackling%20Corruption" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="230" wmode="transparent"></embed><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9551944-8670392379982697451?l=here-n-there.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>K V Soon Vidyanandanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9551944.post-71715496226045724362010-07-16T22:43:00.000+08:002010-07-16T22:43:39.817+08:002010-07-16T22:43:39.817+08:00One year ago...we remember.I do not know him. I have not personally met him. Yet, I feel grief on this day - for it was one year ago that his life ended tragically. Circumstances surrounding <a href="http://www.thesundaily.com/article.cfm?id=49490">Teoh Beng Hock</a>'s death is still a mystery. As I read the news on the blogs and online media - I still find it hard to believe that such a thing happened. <br />
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What's more shocking is that during ministerial reply in Parliament recently it was reported that between 2003 and July 16, 2009 there were a total of <a href="http://www.sayaanakbangsamalaysia.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=417:a-moment-of-silence&catid=1:letters&Itemid=88">1805 deaths in custody</a>! This translates into 3 deaths in every 4 days! Shocking, appalling and sad! People accountable should have resigned and take responsibility. Yet, we cannot run away from this fact.<br />
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I feel that I need to do better - much, much better than this! We must strive to make this fact known and that we cannot accept such things happening in our country. Spread the word! REMEMBER. <br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thenutgraph.com/user_uploads/images/2009/07/20/TeohBengHock-sketch500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://www.thenutgraph.com/user_uploads/images/2009/07/20/TeohBengHock-sketch500.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Teoh Beng Hock (<a href="http://www.thenutgraph.com/"><i>Source</i></a>)</td></tr>
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This evening I cannot be at the Bar Council as I so much liked to go or at be at <a href="http://www.malaysia-today.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=33063:1st-anniversary-of-teoh-beng-hocks-passing&catid=18:letterssurat&Itemid=100129">KLSCAH</a>, I offer my prayers to the departed that their souls and spirit be free. To their friends and family members, may you all be strong and remain strong.<br />
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May all beings be well and happy!<br />
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May justice and truth prevail!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Namo Buddhaya!</b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0xu1SINxR8g/TEBufkZzJOI/AAAAAAAABxQ/AfHbQjujl1w/s1600/IMGA0691.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0xu1SINxR8g/TEBufkZzJOI/AAAAAAAABxQ/AfHbQjujl1w/s200/IMGA0691.JPG" width="151" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9551944-7171549622604572436?l=here-n-there.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>K V Soon Vidyanandanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9551944.post-42182938004793656802010-07-15T15:47:00.000+08:002010-07-15T15:47:00.358+08:002010-07-15T15:47:00.358+08:00TI-M Press Statement on Freedom of Information Enactment Bill 201015 July 2010<br />
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STATEMENT FROM TRANSPARENCY INTERNATIONAL – MALAYSIA<br />
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Tabling of Freedom of Information Enactment Bill 2010 (FOI Bill) in Selangor State Assembly Transparency International Malaysia (TI-M) commends the Selangor state government for taking the first and important step towards Freedom of Information (FOI) legislation in Malaysia. TI-M and many organisations have been advocating FOI legislation at all levels of government, for transparency the people's right to information. FOI is a crucial component of a national integrity system for integrity, transparency and accountability.<br />
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We urge all politicians to view this Bill positively, and to debate in an open and constructive manner. The Selangor government should then implement and enforce the legislation wisely for the good of the people.<br />
TI-M calls on the Federal government and all other state governments to enact legislation to acknowledge the public's right to information while protecting truly sensitive information with such protection having to be justified instead of being automatic, and for the Federal government to repeal or at the minimum to revamp the scope of the Official Secrets Act.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>About Transparency International - Malaysia<br />
Transparency International – Malaysia is an accredited chapter of Berlin based Transparency<br />
International. It is a non-governmental organization to counter corruption nationally as well as<br />
internationally.<br />
</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Our mission is to curb corruption through international and national coalitions encouraging governments to establish and implement effective laws, policies and anti-corruption programmes. We strive to strengthen public support and understanding for anti-corruption programmes and enhance public transparency and accountability in international business transactions and in the administration of public and private procurement.</i></span><br />
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Issued by :<br />
Datuk Paul Low<br />
President<br />
Transparency International – Malaysia<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9551944-4218293800479365680?l=here-n-there.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>K V Soon Vidyanandanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9551944.post-35315499532392589352010-07-14T18:01:00.000+08:002010-07-14T18:01:00.830+08:002010-07-14T18:01:00.830+08:00Found in Conversation, Come join us.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I will be there too. July 25, 2010. Details below. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Should be interesting.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0xu1SINxR8g/TD2KL1sGjhI/AAAAAAAABxI/dm1aBG1G3DQ/s1600/ANGULAR+BUBBLE_EDUCATION.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0xu1SINxR8g/TD2KL1sGjhI/AAAAAAAABxI/dm1aBG1G3DQ/s400/ANGULAR+BUBBLE_EDUCATION.jpg" width="253" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9551944-3531549953239258935?l=here-n-there.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>K V Soon Vidyanandanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9551944.post-14509472764626000752010-07-09T20:43:00.001+08:002010-07-09T20:44:36.299+08:002010-07-09T20:44:36.299+08:00TI-M Press Statement: Statement on Contract Award to PLUS<i>Another one, if cannot find this in our local press: </i><br />
<br />
PRESS RELEASE<br />
<br />
9 July 2010<br />
<br />
Statement on Contract Award to PLUS<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
TI-M calls on the government to implement the key initiatives identified by PEMANDU to improve<br />
transparency and accountability, specifically to disclose details of procurement contracts. The details<br />
of all concession contracts are of interest to all Malaysians as they involve public funds and costs to<br />
the public. TI-M calls for the disclosures of all concession contracts; the government, if it has the<br />
political will, should be able to disclose publicly all contracts either by providing for disclosure in the<br />
contracts or getting the contractors to agree to disclosure. Since this contract seems to require public<br />
funds and Government support and the public will be paying tolls, the contract should be awarded by<br />
open tender or some other means to ensure that the contract is, at the minimum, competitively priced.<br />
<br />
<br />
<i>About Transparency International - Malaysia</i><br />
<i>Transparency International – Malaysia is an accredited chapter of Berlin based Transparency</i><br />
<i>International. It is a non-governmental organization to counter corruption nationally as well as</i><br />
<i>internationally.</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>Our mission is to curb corruption through international and national coalitions encouraging</i><br />
<i>governments to establish and implement effective laws, policies and anti-corruption programmes. We</i><br />
<i>strive to strengthen public support and understanding for anti-corruption programmes and enhance</i><br />
<i>public transparency and accountability in international business transactions and in the administration of public and private procurement.</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>Issued by :</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>Datuk Paul Low</i><br />
<i>President</i><br />
<i>Transparency International – Malaysia</i><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9551944-1450947276462600075?l=here-n-there.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>K V Soon Vidyanandanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9551944.post-20835240974008664152010-07-09T20:41:00.002+08:002010-07-13T15:59:56.323+08:002010-07-13T15:59:56.323+08:00TI-M Press Release: Statement on Appointment of Selangor Local Councilors<i>If you do not find this is the press.</i><br />
<br />
<i> </i> <br />
PRESS RELEASE<br />
<br />
9 July 2010<br />
<b><br />
Statement on Appointment of Selangor Local Councilors</b><br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
TI-M applauds the Selangor Government for allocating state Local Council seats to representatives of<br />
NGOs. This represents an important step in allowing the voices of the people’s representatives to be<br />
heard at the local level. We however view with concern the delay in naming of new local councilors.<br />
<br />
TI-M believes that this process should be done in a transparent manner, and calls on the Selangor<br />
government to engage with and seek the views of ratepayers before naming new councilors.<br />
Countries such as Bangladesh have adopted a Report Card model that allows ratepayers to rate the<br />
performance of councilors. TI-M suggests that details of new councilors be made available to the<br />
people and their views taken into account before appointments are made.<br />
<br />
This will help in ensuring that the most important stakeholder in this exercise, the ratepayer, is<br />
involved in the selection process.<br />
<br />
<i>About Transparency International - Malaysia<br />
Transparency International – Malaysia is an accredited chapter of Berlin based Transparency<br />
International. It is a non-governmental organization to counter corruption nationally as well as<br />
internationally.<br />
</i><br />
<i>Our mission is to curb corruption through international and national coalitions encouraging<br />
governments to establish and implement effective laws, policies and anti-corruption programmes. We<br />
strive to strengthen public support and understanding for anti-corruption programmes and enhance<br />
public transparency and accountability in international business transactions and in the administration of public and private procurement.<br />
</i><br />
<i>Issued by :<br />
Datuk Paul Low<br />
President<br />
Transparency International – Malaysia<br />
</i><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9551944-2083524097400866415?l=here-n-there.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>K V Soon Vidyanandanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9551944.post-86437957596085112012010-07-07T09:05:00.001+08:002010-07-07T09:06:28.572+08:002010-07-07T09:06:28.572+08:00It's not about spelling too!Met a friend recently. He lamented that his son, aged past 10 - could not spell (in English of course) properly. My answer, what's the problem?<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
What's spelling for? What do people need to learn to spell and memorize words? What's language for?<br />
<br />
Passing examinations? Some will think so. Some will think it is important for a job in the future?<br />
<br />
I feel language is a tool for communication. A tool to express the thoughts, feelings and emotions of an individual. It is also to express the ideas and exchange them, and from there to be able to learn more. To further improve those ideas. So, do we deal with learning how to express one's ideas and feelings first or learn to spell first?<br />
<br />
So, let's not worry about about language and spelling first - let them express in words, in drawing, music, dance, whatever. Allow them the space to come up with ridiculous ideas, let them find out how they can be changed and gradually they will see the need to improve on their spelling. Children (even adults) needs to see purpose in their learning - help them find it.<br />
<br />
If all else fails, there's the spell checker on your PC ;-)<br />
<br />
Good luck!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9551944-8643795759608511201?l=here-n-there.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>K V Soon Vidyanandanoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9551944.post-69171159994260441192010-07-07T08:53:00.001+08:002010-07-07T09:06:04.737+08:002010-07-07T09:06:04.737+08:00It's not the exam-lah!I receive more emails regarding the previous article - I would like to stress that it is not about the examinations-lah, it is about education. Examinations (no examinations) DOES NOT EQUALS education! We cannot just make small fixes and expect things to work.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
We need to look at the bigger picture, yet be very focused on our child(ren). They are not products to be passed through a production line. The are people, we need to infuse them with values, inspire them with creativity and bring out passion to be what they can truly be. <br />
<br />
That's why some have come out of the system to take alternative routes - I think the more alternatives there are, the better. Each child is different, and special.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9551944-6917115999426044119?l=here-n-there.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>K V Soon Vidyanandanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9551944.post-12415575418093312512010-07-06T08:58:00.000+08:002010-07-06T08:58:16.557+08:002010-07-06T08:58:16.557+08:00PMR/UPSR - to abolish or not?The world seems divided - yes or no? I personally think that this is not the issue. <br />
<br />
If a 50 year old car is not working and cannot take the driver and the passengers to it's intended destination, the car needs to be replaced! Simple! One cannot think of merely replacing parts, discuss if it needs to be replaced and expect the car to run on forever.<br />
<a name='more'></a> Firstly, the car needs to be replaced! It's old and not working the way it was intended. The roads have also changed. Many things have changed. We need to acknowledge that there need to be a deeper rethinking of education to be in line with the developments of the world. The industrial age demand for manpower does not apply any more and knowledge-based industries are on the rise (I know, sounds cliche ;-( ). There is also greater acknowledgment of the need to respond to the learning needs of the children, help them develop their skills, build passion and and inspire creativity. Education should not be just about paper qualification. Much more can be said here. Suffice for now. <br />
<br />
Next, the drivers need to be changed - don't expect your great-grandfather to drive you around all the time. They need the rest and enjoy and fruits of their success. Above all, <u><b>share</b></u> their knowledge with new drivers, not drive or merely tell them what to do! So too, new and innovative ideas which are engaging with the development of our society needs to be in place. So, ministers and "leaders" if you do not know what to do - get new and young people in and work with them.<br />
<br />
<br />
Lastly, move in a car is about safety. So too, education is not just getting to a destination. It is about bringing out the best in us all - especially our children. It is about helping our kids find their passion. It is about being happy too. Education is about <b>head</b>, <b>heart</b> and the <b>spirit</b> (soul, if you like).<br />
<br />
<br />
So, look beyond schooling and examinations - we need to do more - much, much more than just thinking about abolishing certain examinations.<br />
<br />
Can we do it? We must! <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
We ALL (parents included) need to think about how to prepare our children for a future we cannot even accurately predict. There is much work to be done!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9551944-1241557541809331251?l=here-n-there.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>K V Soon Vidyanandanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9551944.post-21688960199389507922010-07-06T08:17:00.000+08:002010-07-06T08:17:08.052+08:002010-07-06T08:17:08.052+08:00Back on line!After about 3 months, finally we are back on line at home! Now can get back to those long outstanding emails. Cannot believe that it too our service provider to solve a problem as simple as updating some setting on the modem! *sigh*<br />
<br />
It took so many calls. Many more emails and a lot of tweets to get their attention.<br />
<br />
A word of thanks to the people who gone out of the way to resolve this issue. Thank you!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9551944-2168896019938950792?l=here-n-there.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>K V Soon Vidyanandanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9551944.post-19624168477488672702010-06-14T17:24:00.001+08:002010-06-14T17:54:04.517+08:002010-06-14T17:54:04.517+08:00Cannot understand RMK10No money... but can build new parliament building, new istana (palace)<br />
<br />
No money... but can spend on MRT, most expensive development ever at RM60b. <br />
<br />
Talk about human capital development, yer nothing on education transformation or review.<br />
<br />
So how? Who's getting rich, who getting poor?<br />
<br />
*sigh*<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9551944-1962416847748867270?l=here-n-there.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>K V Soon Vidyanandanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9551944.post-29988286962028821192010-06-14T00:19:00.003+08:002010-06-14T18:07:18.974+08:002010-06-14T18:07:18.974+08:00Rethinking Schools (1)Just thinking out loud:<br />
<br />
We send out kids to school, we get locked out. They spend between 5 -<br />
8 hours a day without us parents. Parents cannot go into schools and<br />
no freedom to check on their children. Must have letter, permission and all the<br />
paperwork involved. We see the teachers once or twice a year only to<br />
collect report cards. That's when the teachers tell parents what's<br />
wrong with our kid and we need to take note. The information is almost<br />
useless, historical in nature because any situation to address any<br />
isssues would be too late. Then again, if the school calls us parents<br />
up - it is usually not good news. It is almost like doing time.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
How many time have we heard the teachers or a school for that matter,<br />
suggest proactively actions and strategies for improvement, Or even<br />
suggest they work together. Unheard of, right?<br />
<br />
In the revent school bullying case posted on youtube, the minister<br />
went for the parents first! How convinent! Clearly, schools are not<br />
doing a good job! in outsourcing terms, this is a bad deal - it is<br />
like saying: "Pay me, I do my job but if I screw up, it's not your<br />
fault"!<br />
<br />
The really sad thing is people accept it!<br />
<br />
Need to rethink schools & eduction if we really want to be serious<br />
about human capital. Parents need a change in mindset.<br />
<br />
mobile blogged<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9551944-2998828696202882119?l=here-n-there.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>K V Soon Vidyanandanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9551944.post-49474305660364787072010-05-27T08:50:00.001+08:002010-05-27T08:51:21.428+08:002010-05-27T08:51:21.428+08:00Sir Ken Robinson: Bring on the learning revolution!IT'S ABOUT PASSION - WHAT EXCITES OUR SPIRIT AND OUR ENERGY.<br />
<br />
So,<br />
<br />
What are you doing about it - waiting for the revolution or <b><u>BE</u> </b>part of it?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<object height="175" width="284"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/r9LelXa3U_I&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/r9LelXa3U_I&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="580" height="360"></embed></object><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9551944-4947430566036478707?l=here-n-there.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>K V Soon Vidyanandanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9551944.post-78694191132574801142010-05-18T13:34:00.000+08:002010-05-18T13:34:31.982+08:002010-05-18T13:34:31.982+08:00All Lives are Sacred: A plea to put an end to massive killing in Bangkok<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><b>Public Statement</b></span><br />
</div><div style="margin: 1ex;"><div> <div align="center"><span style="color: red; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: large;"><b>All Lives are Sacred: A plea to put an end to massive killing in Bangkok</b></span> </div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><span style="color: navy; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><b>International Network of Engaged Buddhists (INEB)</b></span> </div><div align="center"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">Since the beginning of the demonstration by the United front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD), aka “Red Shirts”, on 12 March 2010, there have been many hundreds of casualties. In the past five days, attempts to disperse the demonstration in Ratchaprasong have become been violent, with a further effect of provoking violence. The government’s actions have so far failed to deter the demonstrators. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">The present clash of political views is one of the great crises in Siam’s modern history. The country was previously acclaimed for settling conflict peacefully and democratically. Now it appears that both sides, the government and the UDD, are clinging to an illusion of victory over another. The entire nation is hostage to their conflict. Buddhist wisdom is relevant for those absorbed in hatred, greed and delusion. The<i> Dhammapada</i>, Verse 201 says:</span><br />
<br />
<blockquote><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;"><i>Victory breeds hatred, for the conquered is unhappy. Persons who have given up both victory and defeat, the contented, they are happy.</i></span><br />
</blockquote><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">The International Network of Engaged Buddhists (INEB), representing a diversity of socially engaged buddhists from around the world, is gravely concerned about this standoff. We wish for all parties address the conflict with reason and tools of peace, to recognize the ancient Buddhist wisdom that neither the so-called winner nor loser will be contented and happy. We encourage those who do not fall into one of the two camps can help this process wherever possible. Only through peaceful negotiation and dialogue can all parties concerned return the country to its true nature as a flourishing democracy and a peace-loving nation. </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">Our heartfelt plea is for both parties to stop any act that may cost lives and injuries; to reclaim the time-tested wisdom of reconciliation and nonviolence. </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">Whenever INEB can help bridge the gap between the opposed parties we are willing to do all that we can.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">We trust that in the light of upcoming international Vesakh celebrations in Thailand, supported by the United Nations 22-26 May 2010 and the subsequent local Vesakh celebrations, commemorating the birth, enlightenment and the passing away of the Lord Buddha, all parties will unite in taking responsibility for their conduct and for bringing about lasting peace, transformation towards social justice and shared wellbeing for future generations. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">To close, in Verse 5 of the <i> Dhammapada</i> the Buddha proclaims:</span><br />
<blockquote><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;"><i>Hatred is never appeased by hatred in this world. By love alone is hatred appeased. This is an eternal law.</i></span><br />
<br />
<br />
</blockquote><a href="" name="0.1_graphic02"></a><span style="color: navy; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: large;"><b><img alt="Your browser may not support display of this image." height="1" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/?name=d33be9805ff33117.jpg&attid=0.1&disp=vahi&view=att&th=128a99ecc54927a8" width="1" /> International Network of Engaged Buddhists (INEB)</b></span><br />
<a href="http://www.inebnetwork.org/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;"><b><u>www.inebnetwork.org</u></b></span></a><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;"><b> </b></span><br />
<span style="color: #993300; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;"><b>Patron, Advisory Committee and Executive Committee Name Lists</b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;"><b><u>PATRONS</u></b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">His Holiness the Dalai Lama Tibet</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">Venerable Thich Nhat Hanh France/Vietnam </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">Venerable Phra Rajpanyamedhi Siam (Thailand) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">Venerable Bhikshuni Chao Hwei Taiwan</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;"><b><u>ADVISORY COMMITTEE (AC)</u></b></span><br />
<br />
<a href="" name="0.1_table01"></a> <div align="left"> <table style="width: 648px;"><tbody>
<tr valign="top"><td><span style="color: navy; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;"><b>Name</b></span></td> <td><span style="color: navy; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;"><b>Organisation</b></span></td> <td><span style="color: navy; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;"><b>Country</b></span></td></tr>
<tr valign="top"><td><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">Sulak Sivaraksa </span> <span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">(Founder Chair)</span></td> <td><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">Santi Pracha Dhamma Institute</span> <a href="http://www.sulak-sivaraksa.org/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;"><u>www.sulak-sivaraksa.org</u></span></a><span style="color: navy; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;"> </span></td> <td><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">Siam</span></td></tr>
<tr valign="top"><td><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">Raja Dharmapala</span></td> <td><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">Dharmavedi Institute</span></td> <td><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">Sri Lanka</span></td></tr>
<tr valign="top"><td><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">Jill Jameson</span></td> <td><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">Buddhist Peace Fellowship Australia</span></td> <td><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">Australia</span></td></tr>
<tr valign="top"><td><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">Dharmachari Lokamitra</span> </td> <td><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">Jambudvipa Trust</span> <a href="http://www.jambudvipa.org/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;"><u>www.jambudvipa.org</u></span></a></td> <td><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">India</span></td></tr>
<tr valign="top"><td><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">Ven. Tsering Palmo</span></td> <td><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">Ladakh Nuns Association</span></td> <td><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">Ladakh/India</span></td></tr>
<tr valign="top"><td><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">Phra Maha Boonchuay</span> </td> <td><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">Mahachulalongkorn University</span> <a href="http://www.mcu.ac.th/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;"><u>http://www.mcu.ac.th</u></span></a><span style="color: green; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;"> </span></td> <td><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">Siam</span></td></tr>
<tr valign="top"><td><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">Phra Phaisan Visalo</span> </td> <td><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">Buddhika Network for Buddhism and Society</span> <a href="http://www.budnet.org/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;"><u>http://www.budnet.org</u></span></a><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;"> </span></td> <td><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">Siam</span></td></tr>
<tr valign="top"><td><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">Bhikkhuni Dhammananda</span> </td> <td><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">Songdhammakalyani Monastery</span></td> <td><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">Siam</span></td></tr>
<tr valign="top"><td><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">Venetia Walkey</span> </td> <td><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">Dhamma Park Foundation</span> <a href="http://www.dhammapark.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;"><u>www.dhammapark.com</u></span></a><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;"> </span></td> <td><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">Siam</span></td></tr>
<tr valign="top"><td><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">Ven. Pomnyun Sunim</span> </td> <td><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">Jungto Society</span> <a href="http://www.jungto.org/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;"><u>www.jungto.org</u></span></a></td> <td><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">South Korea</span></td></tr>
<tr valign="top"><td><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">Rev. Alan Senauke</span> </td> <td><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">Clear View Project</span> <a href="http://www.clearviewproject.org/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;"><u>www.clearviewproject.org</u></span></a><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;"> </span></td> <td><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">USA</span></td></tr>
<tr valign="top"><td><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">Ven. Sumanalankar</span> </td> <td><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">Parbatya Bouddha Mission</span> <a href="http://www.pbm-cht.org/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;"><u>www.pbm-cht.org</u></span></a><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;"> </span></td> <td><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">Bangladesh</span></td></tr>
<tr valign="top"><td><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">Hisashi Nakamura</span> </td> <td><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">Ryukoku University</span> <a href="http://www.ryukoku.ac.jp/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;"><u>www.ryukoku.ac.jp</u></span></a><span style="color: green; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;"> </span></td> <td><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">Japan</span></td></tr>
<tr valign="top"><td><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">Rev. Masazumi Okano</span> </td> <td><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">International Buddhist Exchange Center</span></td> <td><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">Japan</span></td></tr>
<tr valign="top"><td><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">Swee-hin Toh</span> </td> <td><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">University for Peace</span> <a href="http://www.upeace.org/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;"><u>www.upeace.org</u></span></a><span style="color: green; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;"> </span></td> <td><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">Costa Rica</span></td></tr>
<tr valign="top"><td><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">Frans Goetghebeur</span> </td> <td><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">European Buddhist Union</span> <a href="http://www.e-b-u.org/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;"><u>www.e-b-u.org</u></span></a><span style="color: green; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;"> </span></td> <td><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">Belgium</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;"><b><u>EXECUTICE COMMITTEE (EC)</u></b></span><br />
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<a href="" name="0.1_table02"></a> <div align="left"> <table style="width: 655px;"><tbody>
<tr valign="top"><td><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;"><b>Name</b></span></td> <td><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;"><b>Organisation</b></span></td> <td><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;"><b>Country</b></span></td></tr>
<tr valign="top"><td><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">Harsha Navaratne (Chairperson)</span></td> <td><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">Sewalanka Foundation</span> <a href="http://www.sewalanka.org/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;"><u>www.sewalanka.org</u></span></a><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;"> </span></td> <td><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">Sri Lanka</span></td></tr>
<tr valign="top"><td><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">Hans van Willenswaard </span> <span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">(Vice Chairperson)</span></td> <td><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">GNH Program</span> <a href="http://www.schoolforwellbeing.org/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;"><u>www.schoolforwellbeing.org</u></span></a><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;"> </span></td> <td><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">Netherlands/</span> <span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">Siam</span></td></tr>
<tr valign="top"><td><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">Somboon Chungprempree (Interim Executive Secretary)</span></td> <td><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">Spirit in Education Movement (SEM) </span><a href="http://www.semsikkha.org/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;"><u>www.semsikkha.org</u></span></a><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;"> </span></td> <td><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">Siam</span></td></tr>
<tr valign="top"><td><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">Douangdeuane Bounyavong</span> </td> <td><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">Buddhists for Development</span> <a href="http://www.bdp.org.la/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;"><u>www.bdp.org.la</u></span></a><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;"> </span></td> <td><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">Laos</span></td></tr>
<tr valign="top"><td><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">Hsiang-chou Yo</span> </td> <td><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">Fo Guang University</span> <a href="http://www.fgu.edu.tw/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;"><u>www.fgu.edu.tw</u></span></a><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;"> </span></td> <td><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">Taiwan</span></td></tr>
<tr valign="top"><td><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">Jonathan Watts</span> </td> <td><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">Think Sangha</span></td> <td><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">USA/Japan</span></td></tr>
<tr valign="top"><td><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">Anchalee Kurutach</span> </td> <td><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">Buddhist Peace Fellowship</span> <a href="http://www.bpf.org/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;"><u>www.bpf.org</u></span></a><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;"> </span></td> <td><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">USA</span></td></tr>
<tr valign="top"><td><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">Poolchawee Ruangwichatorn</span> </td> <td><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">Spirit in Education Movement (SEM) </span><a href="http://www.semsikkha.org/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;"><u>www.semsikkha.org</u></span></a></td> <td><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">Siam</span></td></tr>
<tr valign="top"><td><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">Pipob Udomittipong</span> </td> <td><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">Sathirakoses-Nagapradipa Foundation (SNF) </span><a href="http://www.snf.or.th/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;"><u>www.snf.or.th</u></span></a><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;"> </span></td> <td><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">Siam</span></td></tr>
<tr valign="top"><td><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">Ros Sotha</span> </td> <td><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">Buddhists and Khmer Society Network</span> <a href="http://www.bksn.wordpress.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;"><u>www.bksn.wordpress.com</u></span></a><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;"> </span></td> <td><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">Cambodia</span></td></tr>
<tr valign="top"><td><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">Mangesh Dahiwale</span> </td> <td><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">Jambudvipa Trust</span> <a href="http://www.jambudvipa.org/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;"><u>www.jambudvipa.org</u></span></a><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;"> </span></td> <td><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">India</span></td></tr>
<tr valign="top"><td><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">Prashant Varma</span> </td> <td><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">Deer Park Institute</span> <a href="http://www.deerpark.in/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;"><u>www.deerpark.in</u></span></a><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;"> </span></td> <td><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">India</span></td></tr>
<tr valign="top"><td><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">Erica Kang</span> </td> <td><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">Jungto Society</span><span style="color: green; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: x-small;"> </span> <a href="http://www.jungto.org/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;"><u>www.jungto.org</u></span></a><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;"> </span></td> <td><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">South Korea</span></td></tr>
<tr valign="top"><td><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">Minyong Lee</span></td> <td> </td> <td><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">South Korea</span></td></tr>
<tr valign="top"><td><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">Eddy Setiawan</span> </td> <td><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">HIKMAHBUDHI</span> <a href="http://www.hikmahbudhi.or.id/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;"><u>www.hikmahbudhi.or.id</u></span></a><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;"> </span></td> <td><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">Indonesia</span></td></tr>
<tr valign="top"><td><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">Matteo Pistono</span> </td> <td><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">Nekorpa and RIGPA Fellowship</span></td> <td><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">USA</span></td></tr>
<tr valign="top"><td><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">Tashi Zangmo</span></td> <td> </td> <td><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">Bhutan</span></td></tr>
<tr valign="top"><td><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">Vidyananda (KV Soon)</span></td> <td> </td> <td><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">Malaysia</span></td></tr>
<tr valign="top"><td><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">Harn</span></td> <td> </td> <td><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;">Burma/Myanmar</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9551944-7869419113257480114?l=here-n-there.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>K V Soon Vidyanandanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9551944.post-88108020610642980842010-05-01T16:41:00.000+08:002010-05-01T16:41:05.128+08:002010-05-01T16:41:05.128+08:00Inter religious Dialoge @ KajangHad a very good Inter-Religious Dialogue at the Holy Family Church in Kajang this morning, good presentation - sad I could not stay till the end.<br />
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Hope this initiative continue to evolve into a greater platform for social transfromation<br />
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As promised, those who wanted a copy of my slides (with pictures) can download it <a href="http://www.4shared.com/document/95BancxF/intro2buddhism_5010.html"><b>HERE </b></a><br />
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Have great weekend everyone.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9551944-8810802061064298084?l=here-n-there.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>K V Soon Vidyanandanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9551944.post-49672996024489422472010-01-11T08:49:00.000+08:002010-01-11T08:49:40.789+08:002010-01-11T08:49:40.789+08:00PRAYAs the days go by, and we read about more attacks on churches, the black mark on our history is becoming bigger. The concerns for our security becomes greater. I fear this will lead a spiral path of the downfall of our community and our nation.<br />
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I have been called to join this group and to join that group - especially on Facebook. Being a non-Muslim, most people would expect me to join in the group to support the use of "Allah" for all Malaysian. I think we need to stop joining groups - in support of neither group.<br />
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It is really sad to see ourselves quickly becoming some fundamentalist to the extent of being terrorists. We are now dealing with emotions, taking any sides will mean that we support one or another - it may mean that "you are either for us, or against us" (whoever the "us" is). In short, this is now in emotional domain, rationality has just been "bombed". People are not interested in the historical aspect of the the word. There is a lot of emotions, nobody really care if Malaysia is the only country in the world that restrict its usage and to claim ownership of words and names.<br />
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I have said it earlier that we cannot take sides in an emotional battle. If there is any side to take, it would be on the side of peace and reconciliation. If there are enough people to for this "third" side, we should go ahead to form it.<br />
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What we need now is to deal with emotional matter on the emotional level. The most positive emotional thing to is to PRAY! Pray in silence, in our hearts. In silence of our hearts too, call our Gods in whatever name we feel comfortable with and pray we raise above. <br />
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May we find peace in our hearts, peace with God!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9551944-4967299602448942247?l=here-n-there.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>K V Soon Vidyanandanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9551944.post-28055454091280854002009-12-18T22:15:00.000+08:002009-12-18T22:15:19.761+08:002009-12-18T22:15:19.761+08:00Going against conventional wisdom<a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Petaling-Jaya-Malaysia/Learning-Beyond-Schooling/32655653850#/notes/learning-beyond-schooling/going-against-conventional-wisdom/207418872346">Facebook Learning Beyond Schooling: Going against conventional wisdom</a>:<br /><br />"It is empowering to know and act upon the fact that there are alternatives to educating our children and actually exercising our right as parents to adopt them. Through homeschooling, our children has grown in ways others thought were not possible.<br /><br />As challenging as it may be to be going against conventions, we believe that this is what makes a real difference. A difference that comes from our hearts for the love of our children and an appreciation of the world they will live in the future.<br /><br />We invite you challenge convention wisdom to find your own alternatives. The world in the future is way beyond schools as we understand today.<br /><br />(A brief reflection of the day)<br /><br />Warmly,<br />KV&WL"<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9551944-2805545409128085400?l=here-n-there.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>K V Soon Vidyanandanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9551944.post-46981089328922392462009-12-09T10:44:00.002+08:002009-12-09T18:56:38.039+08:002009-12-09T18:56:38.039+08:00Copenhagen 2009: Track what's happening to negotiations<div>You can do something...</div><div><br /></div><div>check out minute by minute update <b><a href="http://www.google.com.my/search?q=climate+change+conference+in+copenhagen&hl=en&safe=off&rlz=1C1CHMI_enMY356MY356&sa=G&tbs=rltm:1&tbo=u&ei=CHsfS_zSLM6HkAW2mZjzCg&oi=realtime_result_group_more_results_link&ct=title&resnum=7&ved=0CDQQ5QUwBg">HERE</a></b></div><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://widgets.clearspring.com/o/4b0afdf054484c54/4b1f0f104943bec7/4b0bd9e53e5935f6/c4ec5aa8/widget.js"></script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9551944-4698108932892239246?l=here-n-there.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>K V Soon Vidyanandanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9551944.post-67497208095856113532009-12-07T06:48:00.001+08:002009-12-09T18:52:28.161+08:002009-12-09T18:52:28.161+08:00The Editorial: 14 days to seal history's judgment on this generation<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i>for Malaysia, I took this from T</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i><a href="http://www.thesundaily.com/article.cfm?id=41063">he Sun</a></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><b>14 days to seal history's judgment on this generation</b></div><div><br /></div><div>By: (Mon, 07 Dec 2009) </div><div><br /></div><div>This editorial was published yesterday by 56 newspapers around the world in 20 languages including Chinese, Arabic and Russian. The text was drafted by the editors at the Guardian newspaper in UK during more than a month of consultations with editors from more than 20 of the papers involved.</div><div><br /></div><div>LONDON: Fifty-six newspapers in 45 countries today took the unprecedented step of speaking with one voice through a common editorial. They did so because humanity faces a profound emergency.</div><div><br /></div><div>Unless we combine to take decisive action, climate change will ravage our planet, and with it our prosperity and security. The dangers have been becoming apparent for a generation. Now the facts have started to speak: 11 of the past 14 years have been the warmest on record, the Arctic ice-cap is melting and last year’s inflamed oil and food prices provide a foretaste of future havoc. In scientific journals the question is no longer whether humans are to blame, but how little time we have got left to limit the damage. Yet so far the world’s response has been feeble and half-hearted.</div><div><br /></div><div>Climate change has been caused over centuries, has consequences that will endure for all time and our prospects of taming it will be determined over 14 days. We call on the representatives of the 192 countries gathered in Copenhagen not to hesitate, not to fall into dispute, not to blame each other but to seize opportunity from the greatest modern failure of politics. This should not be a fight between the rich world and the poor world, or between east and west. Climate change affects everyone, and must be solved by everyone.</div><div><br /></div><div>The science is complex but the facts are clear. The world needs to take steps to limit temperature rises to 2°C, an aim that will require global emissions to peak and begin falling within the next 5-10 years. A bigger rise of 3-4°C -- the smallest increase we can prudently expect to follow inaction -- would parch continents, turning farmland into desert. Half of all species could become extinct, untold millions of people would be displaced, whole nations drowned by the sea. The controversy over emails by British researchers that suggest they tried to suppress inconvenient data has muddied the waters but failed to dent the mass of evidence on which these predictions are based.</div><div><br /></div><div>Few believe that Copenhagen can any longer produce a fully polished treaty; real progress towards one could only begin with the arrival of President Obama in the White House and the reversal of years of US obstructionism. Even now the world finds itself at the mercy of American domestic politics, for the president cannot fully commit to the action required until the US Congress has done so.</div><div><br /></div><div>But the politicians in Copenhagen can and must agree the essential elements of a fair and effective deal and, crucially, a firm timetable for turning it into a treaty. Next June’s UN climate meeting in Bonn should be their deadline. As one negotiator put it: "We can go into extra time but we can’t afford a replay."</div><div><br /></div><div>At the deal’s heart must be a settlement between the rich world and the developing world covering how the burden of fighting climate change will be divided — and how we will share a newly precious resource: the trillion or so tonnes of carbon that we can emit before the mercury rises to dangerous levels.</div><div><br /></div><div>Rich nations like to point to the arithmetic truth that there can be no solution until developing giants such as China take more radical steps than they have so far. But the rich world is responsible for most of the accumulated carbon in the atmosphere – three-quarters of all carbon dioxide emitted since 1850. It must now take a lead, and every developed country must commit to deep cuts which will reduce their emissions within a decade to very substantially less than their 1990 level.</div><div><br /></div><div>Developing countries can point out they did not cause the bulk of the problem, and also that the poorest regions of the world will be hardest hit. But they will increasingly contribute to warming, and must thus pledge meaningful and quantifiable action of their own. Though both fell short of what some had hoped for, the recent commitments to emissions targets by the world’s biggest polluters, the United States and China, were important steps in the right direction.</div><div><br /></div><div>Social justice demands that the industrialised world digs deep into its pockets and pledges cash to help poorer countries adapt to climate change, and clean technologies to enable them to grow economically without growing their emissions. The architecture of a future treaty must also be pinned down – with rigorous multilateral monitoring, fair rewards for protecting forests, and the credible assessment of "exported emissions" so that the burden can eventually be more equitably shared between those who produce polluting products and those who consume them. And fairness requires that the burden placed on individual developed countries should take into account their ability to bear it; for instance newer EU members, often much poorer than "old Europe", must not suffer more than their richer partners.</div><div><br /></div><div>The transformation will be costly, but many times less than the bill for bailing out global finance — and far less costly than the consequences of doing nothing.</div><div><br /></div><div>Many of us, particularly in the developed world, will have to change our lifestyles. The era of flights that cost less than the taxi ride to the airport is drawing to a close. We will have to shop, eat and travel more intelligently. We will have to pay more for our energy, and use less of it.</div><div><br /></div><div>But the shift to a low-carbon society holds out the prospect of more opportunity than sacrifice. Already some countries have recognised that embracing the transformation can bring growth, jobs and better quality lives. The flow of capital tells its own story: last year for the first time more was invested in renewable forms of energy than producing electricity from fossil fuels.</div><div><br /></div><div>Kicking our carbon habit within a few short decades will require a feat of engineering and innovation to match anything in our history. But whereas putting a man on the moon or splitting the atom were born of conflict and competition, the coming carbon race must be driven by a collaborative effort to achieve collective salvation.</div><div><br /></div><div>Overcoming climate change will take a triumph of optimism over pessimism, of vision over short-sightedness, of what Abraham Lincoln called "the better angels of our nature".</div><div><br /></div><div>It is in that spirit that 56 newspapers from around the world have united behind this editorial. If we, with such different national and political perspectives, can agree on what must be done then surely our leaders can too.</div><div><br /></div><div>The politicians in Copenhagen have the power to shape history’s judgment on this generation: one that saw a challenge and rose to it, or one so stupid that we saw calamity coming but did nothing to avert it. We implore them to make the right choice.</div><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9551944-6749720809585611353?l=here-n-there.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>K V Soon Vidyanandanoreply@blogger.com0