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By Pat Lu, Co-Founder, Pahlawan Volunteers Last Sunday's Mesra Rakyat (Goodwill Gathering), formerly known as Anti-ISA Vigil, was very special for me. My mom and my son attended for the first time. A miracle! Together, we represented three generations in one family attending a vigil together.
Now, how in the world did I manage to get my mom to attend? One who experienced May 13 first-hand as my late-father was part of the team to send people to hospitals and delivered food to the neighbourhoods during the curfew? First, it helps to share the experiences you had at each vigil with family members all week (for as long as it takes to get them there) and tell them you’ll be attending every Sunday. It’s Mesra Rakyat, a “Goodwill Gathering” at PJ’s own “Free Speech Square”. It’s not just about Anti-ISA. People talk about everything that concerns fellow Malaysians. It’s like an “open house” every Sunday, only better. The impromptu speeches are entertaining from people from all walks of life, practically all stand-up comedians and inspiring too, blah blah blah… Then, surprise, surprise! Come Sunday, treat them to dinner. It’s harder for them to say no after that. At the restaurant, remind them that you’ll be attending the vigil after dinner and say it would be nice if they will join you too, just for the experience of it. After all, it’s only for a short while. Of course you’ll hear no end of their fears and consequences, and the “no no no, definitely not going”, etc etc etc. Keep your cool, enjoy their company and the food. Then… Here’s what I did after dinner… They had no choice in the matter really. I was the only driver between the three of us. So I insisted they either take a cab home or accompany me for just one and half hours at the vigil. It starts in 10 mins. The time I need to get there on time. So there, a simple answer how to get your family members to attend vigils. :D Now I’m thinking how to get my siblings and in-laws to attend too… all in one car. ;) View montage and videos below: 
More pictures at http://picasaweb.google.com/pahlawan.volunteers/081207MesraRakyat Watch the videos: A picture speaks a thousand words. Below are the videos of the entire vigil so you can hear every word. Please listen to RPK’s speech especially.
The 9th Mesra Rakyat PJ – Sunday 7 December 2008 at MBPJ Civic Centre.
http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=1BCD7EB7E881D1EA
Short synopsis in titles, view http://www.youtube.com/ngyueshin The 8th Mesra Rakyat PJ – 30 November 2008 at MBPJ Civic Centre.
MUST WATCH Norlaila Othman wife of ISA Detainee and The Girl who was assaulted by Pewaris pro-ISA demonstrators share their experiences.
http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=5BB62B46AB80589D No permission required to share these videos.
Subscribe to Pahlawan Volunteers channel for updates. Join us @ Facebook Group: http://www.new.facebook.com/group.php?gid=33559455073 See you this Sunday, at the 10th Mesra Rakyat, same time (8pm - 9.30pm), same place (MBPJ Civic Centre, PJ.) Can’t make it? There’s always the following Sunday till ISA is repealed, I was told. Please add on to this article how to get reluctant family members and friends to attend vigils. Pat Lu 
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