Malaysia has never been at peace with itself, and we are still facing a dilemma – politically, economically, socially, culturally. But perhaps, the biggest political dilemma facing our nation today, is that we are being asked to choose between two political coalitions which have proven to be equally disappointing.
Neither coalition is willing to seriously tackle the thorny issue that plunged the country into a dysfunctional funk, ie. that of racial polarisation, exacerbated by the New Economic Policy post May 13th, 1969 and the dominant ethnically skewed neo-liberal policies focus on self-serving short-term gains and thus fail to address complex systemic issues: climate crisis, wealth inequality, land use, water, and food security by protecting our environment and public resources for future generations.
‘The Malaysian Dilemma: My Memoir & Manifesto’ follows Kua Kia Soong’s extraordinary life journey as an activist, an educationist, and a social scientist, where he dedicates himself to resolve this ‘Malaysian Dilemma’. His memoir weaves together the threads of his lived experience as a citizen of Malaysia, in many respects, not unlike that of all the other ‘non-Bumiputeras’ in the country. As a passionate thinker, writer, and activist, he reflects on his life as a Malaysian human rights defender and civil rights activist. His book is also written as a manifesto for our young Malaysians in the hope that they will succeed in resolving this challenge in the not-too-distant future.
KLSCAH Youth cordially invites you to join us in our two-part event: The launching of ‘The Malaysian Dilemma: My Memoir & Manifesto’ and subsequently a public forum, where esteemed panelists will discuss what is to be done in the next General Election to resolve the ‘Malaysian Dilemma’.
Light refreshment will be served, and a special discount is available on the book during the event. This event is co-sponsored by Gerak Budaya.
Details:
Date and Time: 12th July 2022, 8pm
Venue: KLSCAH, The Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall
The Launching of ‘The Malaysian Dilemma: My Memoir & Manifesto’
Guest Speaker: Dr. Mohd Nasir Hashim
Dr. Mohd Nasir Hashim is the former president of the Socialist Party of Malaysia (PSM). Along with Dr. Kua Kia Soong, he was arrested and detained under the Internal Security Act 1960 during Operasi Lalang.
Author: Dr. Kua Kia Soong
Forum: The Malaysian Dilemma & GE 15
Panelists:
Arulchelvan
Arulchelvan is currently the Central Committee member of PSM and also a full-time grassroots activist for over 30 years. Among other things, Arul was instrumental in assisting SUARAM and has worked in SUARAM from 1995 till 2006.
Nadiah Quarantasei
Nadiah Quarantasei is the founder of the environmental group, Klima Action Malaysia (KAMY). KAMY is a climate justice and feminist organisation led by young people to push for the climate emergency declaration in Malaysia.
Josh Hong
Josh Hong is a cat lover and a passionate believer of the dictum ‘humanity is my nationality’ and a writer focuses on the politics of migration and rights of refugees. A keen watcher of domestic and international politics, he longs for the day when Malaysians master the art of self-mockery.
Moderator:
Azura Nasron
Azura Nasron is the Senior Program Coordinator for SUARAM. Aside from being a human rights defender focusing on detention without trial, prison reform and youth politics, she is also one of the contributor to the book Nusantara Bergerak: Sanggah Semula.
