Comments on: Twitter: I take it back http://www.andreamann.com/blog/twitter-i-take-it-back Jazz Vocalist Wed, 21 Jul 2010 21:27:03 +0200 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.6 hourly 1 By: Andrea http://www.andreamann.com/blog/twitter-i-take-it-back/comment-page-1#comment-110 Andrea Tue, 16 Jun 2009 10:28:09 +0000 http://www.andreamann.com/?p=924#comment-110 Thanks for your comment Sam - and yes, I recognise much of what you describe from my time in Malaysia. When I refer to the opposition movement as youthful and liberal, I'm referring more to the supporters of that movement than the politicians they elected. ie the fact that there were massive opposition rallies across the country shortly before the election, many (most?) of which seemed to be attended by young people who had spread word about them and galvanised each other via text messages and the internet (the Twitter of last year ;-)). This, and the shock of a ruling party who control the old media at understimating the power of this new media, is what events in Iran reminded me of. You are right that it will take some time to achieve the change that you and I and others desire in Malaysia; possibly until the current young generation can take power themselves. But I was certainly heartened by what I saw happening there last March. Thanks for your comment Sam – and yes, I recognise much of what you describe from my time in Malaysia. When I refer to the opposition movement as youthful and liberal, I’m referring more to the supporters of that movement than the politicians they elected. ie the fact that there were massive opposition rallies across the country shortly before the election, many (most?) of which seemed to be attended by young people who had spread word about them and galvanised each other via text messages and the internet (the Twitter of last year ;-) ). This, and the shock of a ruling party who control the old media at understimating the power of this new media, is what events in Iran reminded me of.

You are right that it will take some time to achieve the change that you and I and others desire in Malaysia; possibly until the current young generation can take power themselves. But I was certainly heartened by what I saw happening there last March.

]]> By: Sam http://www.andreamann.com/blog/twitter-i-take-it-back/comment-page-1#comment-107 Sam Tue, 16 Jun 2009 03:42:04 +0000 http://www.andreamann.com/?p=924#comment-107 I think twitter is a bad idea too... As for Malaysian politics, the opposition coalition maybe energetic but it is far from liberal or youthful. Heard of PAS? Well, a vote for the Anwar run oppposition is a vote for them too, a hardline muslim party. It's bad enough that the country is currently run by bigots and morons. I do not want a sexist ultra-religious muslim cleric issuing fatwas against women's support groups and banning live music and alcohol too! To put it bluntly, both ruling and opposition parties in Malaysia are massively corrupt. If British MPs with dodgy expense claims thought they were bad-ass, they obviously haven't met these guys. Both have useless leaders but only one has Islamic fundamentalism written all over it. Sadly, voting the current gov is the only logical choice...the lesser of two evils. The status quo should be maintained until a more suitable candidate presents itself. Some kind of Obama-esque leader. That will take some time. We're still figuring out if we should make English a compulsory pass subject in school and whether Maths and Science should be taught in English. That was 5 years ago and no decision has been made...how very bloody Malaysian. I think twitter is a bad idea too…

As for Malaysian politics, the opposition coalition maybe energetic but it is far from liberal or youthful.

Heard of PAS?

Well, a vote for the Anwar run oppposition is a vote for them too, a hardline muslim party. It’s bad enough that the country is currently run by bigots and morons. I do not want a sexist ultra-religious muslim cleric issuing fatwas against women’s support groups and banning live music and alcohol too!

To put it bluntly, both ruling and opposition parties in Malaysia are massively corrupt. If British MPs with dodgy expense claims thought they were bad-ass, they obviously haven’t met these guys. Both have useless leaders but only one has Islamic fundamentalism written all over it.

Sadly, voting the current gov is the only logical choice…the lesser of two evils. The status quo should be maintained until a more suitable candidate presents itself. Some kind of Obama-esque leader.

That will take some time. We’re still figuring out if we should make English a compulsory pass subject in school and whether Maths and Science should be taught in English. That was 5 years ago and no decision has been made…how very bloody Malaysian.

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