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It is a fascinating story culminating in the 1947 drafting of the People’s Constitution by this coalition of the left as an alternative to the Constitution of the Federation of Malaya, and a nationwide hartal (general strike) that saw significant parts of the country stop working for a day in a potent show of political dissent when the British refused to acknowledge the alternative constitution. (Who says protesting isn’t part of our nation’s make-up?).

The People’s Constitution was an amazingly progressive document that demanded independence, with equal political rights, a new nationality of “Melayu”, equal citizenship rights and an inter-ethnic council with the job of getting rid of all racially discriminating laws.

It was a truly Malayan document designed to create a nation consisting of Malayans.

The concept of a Bangsa Malaysia existed in 1947.

The hartal which scared the British into taking harsh measures like declaring an emergency and imprisoning and deporting the men and women involved was also an eye-opener.

It was embraced by the people of the country across ethnic lines and goes to show that ordinary Malaysians of the time were politically courageous and willing to accept the progressive, liberal and inclusive People’s Constitution….

READ MORE HERE: http://harismibrahim.wordpress.com/2008/09/14/the-nationwide-hartal-of-1947/

Comments (13)

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written by cheekhiaw, September 14, 2008 02:08:35

We are all the same.
Except that bunch of thieves, liars and murderers who think they are boss.

xxx

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written by Corporate citizen, September 14, 2008 02:17:00

Thank you for this. I personally feel this will work. The present UMNO government is no different from the Colonist. Same tactic, same laws, divide and rule and Etc. Present generation take note. Trade Union lead the nation in peaceful disobedience. I have a dream, I hope in my lifetime, Malaysia shall be another Sweden in terms of GOOD GOVERNANCE. Result in good governance, GDP usd40,000, features of 1st world Nation. God save Malaysia.

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written by southallman, September 14, 2008 03:26:06

Day of Prayer and Fasting – Sep 16 2008

Menteri Besar/Chief Minister of the 5 Pakatan Rakyat Opposition control states should declare Sep 16 2008 a public holiday commerating Malaysia Day – a day of prayer and fasting.

It is 48 hours left to 16th Sep 2008 and it is still possible to act. Malaysians in other states can follow the example set by the 5 Pakatan Rakyat states and follow suit by joining in and observing this Day of Prayer and Fasing – Sep 16 2008.


My fellow Malaysians of all races and faiths should go to their places of worship be it a Mosque, Temple, Gurudwara and pray for the well being of Malaysia our homeland and our friends and fellow Malaysians held under ISA.

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written by southallman, September 14, 2008 03:53:39

Martin Niemoeller's poem

When the Nazis came for the communists,
I remained silent;
I was not a communist.

When they locked up the social democrats,
I remained silent;
I was not a social democrat.

When they came for the trade unionists,
I did not speak out;
I was not a trade unionist.

When they came for the Jews,
I remained silent;
I wasn't a Jew.

When they came for me,
there was no one left to speak out.

Malaysian version

When the UMNO Nazis came for RPK,
I remained silent;
I was not a Blogger.

When they locked up Journalist Tan Hoon Cheng ,
I remained silent;
I was not a Sin Chew reporter /journalist.

When they came for Teresa Kok
I did not speak out;
I was not a Pakatan Rakyat opposition MP

When they shut down Malaysia Today
I remained silent;
It wasn't my blog.

When they came for me,
there was no one left to speak out.

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written by citizenken, September 14, 2008 03:56:03

when does this beloved country belong to UMNO leadership, it about Malaysians Malaysian. How low can you get 3rd class UMNO polictians? public anger never so high after tsunami. Is ISA ur best excuses to avert and spin the truth to public's perception. let hope your get the taste of ur own medicine . it never about Malays or malaysians right. it about UMNO political career and the gravy train

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..., Lowly rated comment [Show]

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written by A MI, September 14, 2008 06:52:16

We all know the power of prayer and that the power of group prayer is ever more powerful.

Can all of us take 1 minute to pray at exactly 8pm every night from today
for RPK and all ISA detainees' safe re;ease,
for success of a change in government,
for prosperity for our beloved nation and its people
and to extinguish evil?

Join me?

Blessings

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written by DreamLady, September 14, 2008 07:13:03

I have yet to come across any suggestion by anyone of you, to plead with our
Agong for help. Why not give this idea a try? Let's say everyone on this block plead in unison, and I am sure His Royal Highness will be able to spot the overwhelming enthusism of our plea, I bet he is keeping track of the situation constantly, remember that he is highest authority in our country, and am sure he could hear our voice loud and clear.

After all, it is his concern that the rakyat's well-being is well-taken care of.

Please, send SOS to him!!!

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written by A MI, September 14, 2008 07:31:31

The Consitution since 1957 has seen more than 650 amendments according to a Law Professor Shad Faruqi and along the way I, may be worng, the powers of the Rulers have been " clipped" sizeably. I don't think they will intervene. Knowing this this "the gang of thieves" mentioned above have been merrily abusing power and plundering the nation.

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written by Tom n Jerry, September 14, 2008 07:41:12

A MI your contents noted;I am also doing regular prayers but at 5am because 8 pmis not convenient for me;anyone wants to join in(synchronize)just focus your mind on *tom & jerry)or master bodhigoon;and you all can well tune in to my frequency;may you all be well & happy!

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written by Fat Zorro, September 14, 2008 08:29:04

Nie
Pls explain how did this "particular race" come to own heavy machineries for construction industries and rice mills to the extent that they control the construction and rice industry in this country.

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written by uncleleow, September 14, 2008 10:06:57

This is 2008 not 1947,situation is different. Hartal will never work. In those days our economy is self contained, we only export, import is minimum. 2008 is very different. Our economy is very well connected with the world. Should we proceed with Hartal for a few days, foreign investor; which we badly needed; will run in droves especially to neighbor countries where all our labor force came. So when Pakatan Government comes, we face more difficulties. We are not Thailand, we are more democratic. If we can only get 25K out of 150k signature, I dont think the country is ready for this kind of activity. By the way most of the reader in MT is non-malay.

I would like to suggest, that we make effort to bring this to the United Nation attention. Where they will have forum to denounce the government current actions. This is more peaceful and more democratic than Hartal.

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written by cheekhiaw, September 14, 2008 14:37:44

Nye,

With a bunch of thieves, liars and murderers like you running the country, you fellas could have just stolen all the heavy machinery, rice mills, retail shops etc. and setup your own construction companies, retail shops, rice mill etc. and avoid you and your Malays being cheated by the other 'particular' race of people.

Or may be your 'particular' type is just too lazy to even do that?

xxx

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