Had
early dinner with Haris Ibrahim yesterday evening before we went off to the
multicultural centre in Melbourne for his talk on OPPOSING AUTHORITARIANISM IN
MALAYSIA. Good turnout and a lively Q & A session after.
The
images that he posted of himself on his blogs does not do him justice. Bukan
handsome sangat but ada class and a touch distinguish looking. It was good for
me to have an actual face to relate to the things I have read and heard about
him. He did not disappoint me. Easy conversation, good company but committed
and confident of his facts in
putting across his beliefs and the rationale for his activism in wanting change
because what matters is the common good of the people. Listen when he speaks
because he has a lot to tell.
I
listened to what he had to say and one thing stuck in my head. PIL – Poverty
Line Indicator. Pride did not allow me to tell Haris that I have never heard of
PIL but I listened intently and had enough sense in me to understand what it
was he was telling me as things unfold. And by the time the night was over I
wanted to write about it today – not only what Haris had told us all but also
my thoughts on it…and that is what I will write today.
And he talked about Petronas. Imagine this. Since its inception Petronas has brought in about RM3 trillion. Only our PM is privy to Petronas account. Why is this so? Why
is the financials of a company that is the largest contributor to our country’s
wealth – 45% of the government’s budget is dependent on dividend from
Petronas - for the eyes of the Prime
Minister only? Why is this so...and more inportant - where has the money gone to?
I know what I will write about today....so excuse me...I have work to do.
As for Haris....I am the better for making his acquaintance.
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