Merdeka Dialogue: Whither Bangsa Malaysia?

50 years ago, we were promised democracy. We were promised justice. We were promised equality. We were promised to be treated with human dignity. We were promised freedom.

In 1963, we became Malaysians and the notion of a Bangsa Malaysia was born. This was given form and substance by former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad in his Vision 2020 that set out 9 challenges for Malaysians to achieve a developed country.

No mention is made of Bangsa Malaysia by the Abdullah administraton. Is the concept of Bangsa Malaysia still important or relevant in the light of failed promises in our original social contract?

The DAP is holding a Dialogue in conjuction with the 50th Merdeka Anniversary celebrations this coming weekend.

Date: 19 August 2007 (Sunday)
Time: 2.00pm
Venue: Crystal Crown Hotel, Petaling Jaya

The panel of distinguished speakers include:

• Y Bhg Tunku Abdul Aziz, former President, Transparency International Malaysia
  
• Datuk Param Cumuraswamy, former Special Rapporteur on the Independence of Judges and Lawyers, United Nations
  
• Mr Yeo Yang Poh, former Malaysian Bar Council Chairman
  
• YB Lim Kit Siang, Parliamentary Opposition Leader
  

Following the session, a dialogue will be conducted with the participants hosted by another distinguished panel (subject to change):

• M Manogaran, President, Malaysian Tamil Education & Research Foundation
  
• Haris Ibrahim, Human Rights Lawyer
  
• Jeff Ooi, Prominent Malaysian Blogger
  
• Dr Oh Ei-Sun, East Malaysian Socio-Political Analyst
  

To ensure sufficient seats allocation, please register in advance with Lim Swee Kuan (03) 79578022 or via email at limsweekuan(at)gmail.com.

At the same time, the Party will take note of the views and opinions of the participants in formulating our vision for Malaysia, more pertinently, in preparation for the upcoming general elections. ;)