In Conversation with Leader of the Malaysian Opposition Anwar Ibrahim, Exiled Political Commentator & ex-ISA detainee Raja Petra Kamarudin and Opposition MP Tian Chua
On Saturday the 2nd of October 2010, three key figures in the fight for a fair and democratic Malaysia will take centre-stage together in London for the first time. Come and listen to an exciting dialogue session that unfortunately would be impossible on Malaysian soil. These three renowned personalities will be exploring some of the difficult questions and real stories behind the news that in recent times have dominated Malaysian headlines.
The three men are no strangers to the perils of political life in Malaysia.
Anwar Ibrahim, the leader of Opposition, is in court again to answer to charges of allegedly sodomising a political aide. He denies the claims, saying they are part of a government conspiracy to undermine his increasingly strong opposition alliance. When not firefighting to defend against personal attacks, Anwar Ibrahim travels the country to garner support for the Opposition, acting as a unifying figure for Malaysia's diverse political groups.
Raja Petra Kamarudin (RPK) was twice detained without trial under the notorious Internal Security Act (ISA). He has been charged with sedition and criminal defamation for allegedly implying that the current Malaysian Prime Minister and his wife were involved in the sensational murder of a young Mongolian female translator. Today, Raja Petra remains in exile, unconvinced that he will be afforded due process and justice in defending himself against these charges and in responding to the appeal regarding his ISA detention.
Tian Chua is appealing against his conviction and sentence for biting a policeman's ear in 2007 while resisting arrest in an alleged illegal assembly. He was arrested as he tried to deliver a memorandum to Parliament to protest a Bill to extend the Election Commission members retirement age from 65 to 66. He is currently facilitating French prosecutors in an investigation into a deal between the Malaysian government and a French shipbuilder (DCN) where DCN paid a commission of $150 million (114 million euros) to a company called Perimekar, which is linked to Abdul Razak Baginda, a close associate of Prime Minister Najib Razak.
The sensational headlines in the mainstream media often overshadow the aspirations of Pakatan Rakyat which are left unreported. What does Pakatan Rakyat hope to do for Malaysia? How can civil society contribute to the fight for social justice and the process of nation building? Where is help needed and how you can assist, are two key questions that will be explored. Do join us for an afternoon to catch up with these two leaders of the Malaysian political opposition and an exiled political commentator.
In conversation with Anwar Ibrahim, Raja Petra and Tian Chua
Date: Saturday 2nd Oct 2010
Time: 1-4.30pm
Venue: University College London (UCL), Cruciform Lecture Theatre 1, Gower Street WC1E 6BT
Nearest Tube stations: Euston Square, Warren Street
Register at http://fprconversation2october.eventbrite.com
Please book your place by the 30th of September 2010, spaces are limited
Fundraising Dinner for Pakatan Rakyat
A fund raising dinner has been organised for the evening.
Date: Saturday 2nd Oct 2010
Venue: Holiday Villa Hotel, 37 Leinster Gardens, London, W2 3AN
Time: 7.30pm
Nearest Tube stations: Bayswater, Queensway
Proceeds of the dinner will go towards election campaign initiatives in Malaysia and help fund new candidates in key constituencies in the run up to the next General Election, which some forecast may be as early as March next year. This dinner will provide an opportunity to meet and engage with the leaders of Malaysia's opposition coalition who hopefully, with all our combined efforts and support, will go on to form the next Malaysian government.
Minimum donation for dinner tickets: £50
Student concessions: £20
Our fundraising target is RM 25,000.
We appreciate your generous and ongoing support
To book a place please contact :
Brian Morais (0773) 8557888 bmorais@btinternet.com
Ben Singh (0795) 6670696 ben.singh@lineone.net
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