Speech of Dato’ Syed Ahmad Idid at BUM2008

Thursday, 01 May 2008 16:00

Speech of Dato’ Syed Ahmad Idid at BUM (Bloggers Universe Malaysia) 2008 held at the Lake View Club, Subang Jaya on 1st May, (Labour Day) 2008. (in conjunction with World Press Freedom Day)

With compliments from Dato’ Syed Ahmad Idid (Former Judge of High Courts for Borneo & Malaya. An Invited Guest at BUM 2008.)

Dear Mr Chairperson, Fellow panellists and Bloggers of all shapes and sizes, colours and antecedents, whether you blog and turn MPs or you were VIPs now turn bloggers. I am neither.

I am asked to say that “bloggers are smart people with forward thinking views”. I agree in a majority of cases and I heartily congratulate you.

I am glad we have several professionals in the house and that none of the doctors “is a person who kills your ills and kills you by the bills”. Luckily you call this an event. If it is a conference then you can have the confusion of the speakers multiplied by the number present.

Thank you for this invitation to meet bloggers and to speak at such a significant event. I was informed that this meeting is open to those in the Government and the Opposition and is meant to be a happy hunting ground for both.

I had been afraid that I was to come in pyjamas because some time in March a company, claiming to be “Asia’s first and leading” in blog advertising, had assembled about 300 young male and female bloggers of Malaysia and Singapore for fun and games…in pyjamas! Thankfully we are not in that grouping.

Oon Yeoh of the Star has commented (on 24th April) that “socio-political activists, retrenched editors and Opposition politicians used to be the only people who did political blogging. These days Barisan National Politicians are falling over themselves trying to get into the act. A former BN Menteri Besar, a current BN Chief Minister and a current BN Federal Minister have started blogging”.

We also have Mr Lim Kit Siang and Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim and other Pakatan Rakyat leaders holding their own blogs and “speaking” to whoever wish to engage with them.

In the spirit of blogging, I shall save time by not addressing anyone like Tun, Tan Sri, Datuk and so on. In that way, I do not disappoint anyone that I may miss out. I must however do justice today by noting that I am among seasoned journalists[2] or SOBs [3]. I will just note them in my Paper here (in the session “Fostering Civil Society – Various Voices”: Ahiruddin Atan @ rockybru, Prof Dr Azmi Sharom (of University of Malaya), Dr Lim Teck Ghee (Director of Centre for Policy Initiatives) and Ms Jacqueline Ann Surin (Journalist). Then the next session (“The Fifth Estate (Bloggers) as Agency for Change”) will have YB Jeff Ooi (now MP), YB William Leong (Lawyer MP), Haris Ibrahim (Human Rights Advocate), R Nadeswaran @ Citizen-Nades plus a special (mystery YM Raja Petra Kamarudin) guest.

Without any further introduction, let us dash into the topic “Fostering Civil Society – Various Voices”[4]. From what you have placed before us, you accept that we are not yet a Civil Society. And BUM 2008 want us to inch our way or drive there or surf the net until we can improve our society which earns the description of “Civil Society”.

At this juncture, Ladies and Gentlemen, let me point out that “Civil Society” itself has two meanings at least…firstly that such society comprises of voluntary civic and social organisations as opposed to the force-backed structures of a state. Those interested can refer to Adam Ferguson and Georg Wilhem Friedrick Hegel[5] and some writings by Malaysians. Believe me when I say that “civil society actors have obtained remarkable amount of political power without anyone directly electing or appointing them”.[6] In this respect, just about any organisation outside of Government or GLC[7] can be within the Civil Society.

The second meaning is that Civil Society is the “Third Sector” as distinct from the Government and the Business.

But be warned: “A regime in which only civil society existed would be a regime of anarchy”…hence the requirement for Law & Order or Governmental regulations whereby the conduct of the population is maintained for the greatest good of the majority.

The growth of civil society has been one of the most significant trends in international development.[8].

I managed to peep into Greece…they have a Civil Society Index Diamond[9]. But after research, they found that their situation is not balanced … the four dimensions are the structure, environment, values and impact.

I think what the BUM 2008 organisers have in mind when they put “Civil Society” in the topic is one where our Society or population conducts itself in a civil manner! Hence the two definitions that I had dealt with do not apply except that you know that bloggers come within the description of “Civil Society”.

That being the case, it is now time that we seriously think, weigh and consider the blogs that we have and what these blogs can do for our country.

First the BUM 2008 Chairman Mr Y L Chong (or Desi) appeared in the daily under the title “Change mindset on blogging”. U-en Ng writing a letter to the newspaper said that “Blogs (are) merely a medium of communication” (25/4/08). The executive director of the Centre for Independent Journalism, V Gayathry, cautioned that “leaders should look into the content, the messages and not the blogs”. This is where differences emerge – blogging can empower each of us to have our own website and we can express our thoughts, deliver ideas and share our experiences. Generally bloggers try to be honest in their postings but then again some can be biased or offer unfair comments (and a few can even be downright liars!) So we must start with ourselves…if we can offer the truth and convince our readers and those whom our blogs can reach, we can have a fresh start to getting them to act in the best interests of the community.

If any blogger, just because he/she sees himself or herself as being free to write anything vile or vicious or seditious takes the opportunity and brings out bad vibes, then that blogger is not a credit to our happy bloghood[10] and ought not to operate in the blogosphere[11]. Having said that, bloggers appear to be free to move about and help our community to achieve “Civil Society” status.

Bloggers should be aware of their limitations in respect of copyright, trademark, defamation[12], Official Secrets Act and Sedition. (You might want to read “Blogging – Are you exposing yourself to legal liabilities?” by Sabrina Mohamed Hasshim (2007) 2 CLJ i.)[13] and some 12 Dos and Don’ts for Blogging and Copyright Law. I have provided the organisers a copy in case some of you might want to read at leisure.

Now comes the crunch.

Since you have asked me to deal with “Fostering Civil Society…” I take it that you want suggestions as to what bloggers can or must do to achieve such a noble objective. And I think what you meant was “Civic Society”. (Civic with a “c” and not “l”.)

We must be quite relieved that the situation in Malaysia is unlike in the Philippines, some countries in South America and Africa (Zimbabwe included) and recently in Sri Lanka. You can recall that President Musharaf, upon taking office, allowed the increase in radio/TV stations and newspapers. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Hj Ahmad Badawi allowed more discussions and publications among Malaysians and did not fetter the printing of news and complaints. Result? Both in Pakistan and Malaysia, the Press (and naturally the Alternative Media or the Blogs) heavily criticised the Government leading to their current political situations.

The PM admitted that the BN lost the online war. “We did not think it was important. It was a serious misjudgement”. (at the Invest Malaysia Conference). But compare the Singapore Prime Minister’s cautious stance: “….laws would be relaxed but only carefully…” Some observers believe that the Malaysia-style digital coup is not possible in the island republic.

What I wish to stress here is that the Blogs can be used and/or misused. And I am happy that for this event, we want to know how Blogs can foster Civic Society. (And so I shall not touch the politics or politicians…may they behave themselves in and out of Parliament or the State Legislature, especially those who smoke cigars).

There are many and various problems we confront daily. As a result we are not yet a civic society. The challenge is for bloggers who are present here today and members outside to wield your power (of persuasion) and your authority (via your expertise and knowledge) to reach more Malaysians, get them to be active in their community and interact in order to identify non-civic problems and those situations which cause our country to be less civic!

First and foremost let us examine each of us. How civic-minded are we? How do we treat our neighbours? How do we conduct ourselves and driving on the roads? The accident rate is excessive for a nation of “sopan santun”. And our buses run Off the Roads into ravines? Is it because the tolls are too high and too many? Is there hanky-panky in the licensing of bad drivers? Or we paid too much for low-quality roads? This is a fertile ground for bloggers to delve into and raise the issues in the blogosphere and then get more citizens to be concerned.

Safety and security: do citizens have to be fully responsible for our own – at home, in offices, outside, while travelling? Or do the Authorities and Police have a bounden duty to perform? Here the bloggers can investigate the misconception (eg what are taxes for?), areas of responsibility and duties and bring to bear to all concerned so that a good system can set in and a proper standard of safety and security can be maintained…for the sake of our families and children (and their future).

The Poor….how can our rich country still have very (or hard core) poor in our midst? There are cries that in many areas, where money is collected, a lot of cash have slipped away or mismanaged. From my rough calculation, if every sen (or now every 5-sen) is honestly collected, we can build a luxury kampong every few months. We can provide the poor with houses complete with water and electricity and organise an industry in which they can work in. Poverty is then eradicated. Some bloggers can go into this area and figure out the “leaks” and put your corks to safeguard the cash.

Remember also the women and children.

New Information Minister Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek has said that “bloggers are important” And he wished he could see bloggers[14]. He added that “everybody wants to know what’s happening in the country”. This naturally is one clear path on which bloggers walk on. Here then is testimony that bloggers can do your part in fostering civic society.

The services by local and city councils can and must be monitored. Their work impacts on how our daily lives are geared and whether we pay more for less or do we get value in the process. The activities in the respective constituencies and areas help in the development of civic consciousness which in turn fosters the civic society that this event BUM 2008 desires. So some bloggers will need to dig deep into the various aspects and write (and be read by as many) in order to gain the involvement of the residents.

I need not list here the various aspects as we can discuss these and come to come conclusion in due course. But write you must and get readers to be interested. In the billions and billions[15] of words posted by millions and millions of bloggers world-wide, one outstanding element helps spread the importance and impact and that is “the connection” or links that each blog can garner to reach the wider audience…

Cleanliness and health. In these areas of concern, bloggers can find out the respective facilities that exist and those that are lacking and bring to the attention of those given the duty to take care. Are the medicines genuine? Is there any shortage of medical staff and doctors? What can be done? Bloggers (or other citizens) ought not to just complain but should suggest solutions. Are the aged and the disabled being adequately taken care of? If not, why not? The standard of civic conscience and civic conduct is measured by the care we give to the parents and grand-parents, the infirm, and the disadvantaged.

When we reach a certain standard in this aspect, we can say we have achieved Civic Society quality.

I hope these broad areas will open your eyes to more details and minor issues of concern.

All in all, when all of us conduct ourselves well in the world arena and within our community, we can truly claim that our Civic Society is of international status and we can justly be proud. To bloggers who help in this direction, I say “Heartiest Congratulations” and “Thank you”.

By Dato’ Syed Ahmad Idid



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[1] Former Judge of High Courts for Borneo & Malaya. An Invited Guest at BUM 2008.

[2] “Bloggers can be journalists and journalists can be bloggers. See Apple v Does.

[3] Successful and Outstanding Bloggers.

[4] There are differing definitions, interpretations and meanings to “Civil Society”.

[5] A German Philosopher.

[6] Wikipedia.

[7] Government Linked Corporations.

[8] The World Bank.

[9] Do you know that our Malay dictionary describes this as “bentuk ketupat”.

[10] Collection of local blogs.

[11] Collective Community of all blogs.

[12] Remember the lawyer who wrote the judgment for the Judge and put high liability?

[13] I am grateful to Encik Hamid Ibrahim (you all know him in CLJ) for bringing this to my attention.

[14] Bloggers…where are you? Why did you not invite the Menteri to this event?

[15] Do you wonder where those words (you write, you delete?) go to? One pessimist thinks these billions are being collected by an unseen (and misunderstood force) and kept in the stratosphere and will in due course cover and blanket the earth in darkness. BB Bloggers beware!

MSM Coverage of BUM2008

The BUM2008 Organising Committee thinks it's Worthwhile for Bloggers to Engage the Fourth Estate! Some 20 members of the mainstream media attended the Bloggers Universe Malaysia Gathering. It's a New Landscape out there at the Fourth Estate vis-a-vis interacting with the Fifth Estate, and such discourse and conversation will only contribute to a Better Malaysia ~~ Desi

Saturday May 3, 2008
Bloggers organise discourse to network and brainstorm
By JADE CHAN

BLOGGERS are here to stay. Relegated once to the insignificant list, the latest shift in the political arena has redefined their presence and given them the due recognition.

As a testimony to their emerging influence, a special discourse was held recently featuring several personalities from the blogging world, media and academics. More than 150 bloggers and non-bloggers attended the Bloggers Universe Malaysia (BUM) 2006, a half-day discourse at the Lake View Club.

Themed Towards A Civil Society, BUM 2008 was organised by a group of bloggers in their individual capacities in association with the Centre for Policy Initiatives.
Journalist and blogger: National Alliance of Bloggers president Ahirudin Attan @ Rockybru questioned whether self-censorship would be imposed on blogs and online news.

“This event is an avenue for people to come together to network and brainstorm with leading members in specialised areas, in light of the tremendous changes in the political landscape and even media field,” said BUM 2008 organising committee chairman YL Chong @ Desi.

“We need to engage each other, whether those from the fourth estate (mainstream media) or fifth estate (new media).

“A blog is merely a channel; the brainpower behind it determines its quality and contest so the cyberworld can accept it,” said Desi, stressing that newcomers in blogging need to know their core strengths and specialise in that area in their blogs.

The talk's afternoon session featured National Alliance of Bloggers (NAB) president Ahirudin Attan @ Rockybru, ex-judge Datuk Syed Ahmad Idid, academician Dr Azmi Sharom, Centre for Policy Inititatives director Dr Lim Teck Ghee and journalist Jacqueline Ann Surin speaking on the topic Fostering Civil Society - Various Voices.

The evening session, entitled The Fifth Estate (Bloggers) As Agency For Change, featured laywer-cum-MP William Leong, human rights advocate Haris Ibrahim, journalist R. Nadeswaran and blogger Raja Petra Kamarudin.

Rockybru outlined the possible challenges for blogging and the civil society, and questioned whether self-censorship would be imposed on blogs and online news.

On an ideal civil society, he said: “If the judiciary and media aren't free, it won't create the civil society we're hoping for.”

Dr Lim paid tribute to the community of political bloggers who have provided important information, analysis and feedback on key issues taking place in the country.

He said the impact of bloggers could be seen in the results of the recent general election.

Syed Ahmad pointed out that “civil society” had two meanings. “Firstly that such society comprises voluntary civic and social organisations as opposed to the force-backed structure of a state.

“The second meaning is that civil society is the 'third sector' as distinct from the Government and the Business,” he said.

“But be warned. 'A regime in which only civil society existed would be a regime of anarchy', hence the requirement for law and order or government regulations whereby the conduct of the population is maintained for the greater good of the majority.”

Dr Azmi said one could be within society and make a change.

“My students were excited after the recent election. For the first time, young people saw that their vote made a difference and that it mattered.

Paying tribute: Centre for Policy Inititatives director Dr Lim Teck Ghee speaking at the discourse.

He said the internet could provide an alternative to the mainstream media.

Surin focused on blogging becoming an alternative source of news and guidelines for posting comments on blogs, citing MalaysiaVotes.com, the site she created with two journalists to cover the recent general election.

“News publishing doesn't belong to major establishments anymore. As a result of shift in power, there is a higher level of participation in newsmaking, thus creating a more vibrant democracy,” she said.

Seri Setia assemblyman Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, who is also a blogger and a guest at the event, said it was good to see that bloggers were given the recognition they deserved.

“I hope this trend continues to grow and that bloggers become a force to be reckoned with,” he said.

A blogger who wanted to be identified as Shanghai Fish said BUM 2008 was a good way to meet and socialise with fellow bloggers, while getting new input from the speakers.

“As a blogger, I don't write anything I don't take full responsibility for. Everything that I've posted was done with a clear and honest conscience,” said the NAB member.

The above article & photo taken from the Star

MSM Coverage of BUM2008 - Sin Chew

賽阿末：避免對已故或退休者不敬‧不公佈12法官貪污事

2008部落客大會主講人與大會職員、主持人合照，前排左三及左四分別為林德宜和拉惹布特拉，右一、右三及右四分別為梁志堅、鍾仁隆和前法官賽阿末；後排右起為部落客全國聯合會主席阿喜路丁、阿斯米薩侖博士和新聞從業員納迪斯。（圖：星洲日報）

（雪蘭莪‧首邦市）被形容為司法界吹哨者的前法官拿督賽阿末表示，他不會在部落格公佈其1996年以匿名信方式暴露12名法官貪污與濫權事件，以免對已故或退休的法官不敬。

即使他已不在司法界活躍，他仍掌握司法界貪污濫權的情況；因為現任法官不時找他約會，告知內情。

他強調，這些能找他揭露內情的法官，多是屬於清廉、公正的一群。

暴露法官貪污濫權被迫辭職

賽阿末曾於1996年以匿名信方式暴露12名法官貪污與濫權，結果被迫辭職。

自稱從未使用過部落格的賽阿末也是2008大馬部落格大會的主講人之一，他說，當年他在匿名信所提到的12名受賄法官，一些已退休，一些已逝世，如果他再度公佈，不僅對他們不尊敬，也沒有必要。

他是在問答環節，受聽眾詢問時說，由於海外的聘約工作繁忙，儘管他沒有時間設部落格，但他絕對站在正義的一方。

他引述一位前部長說過的話，“寧願政治人物受賄，也不能讓法官貪污”。

http://www.sinchew.com.my/node/64356?tid=1

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林德宜：勿僅批評政府‧馬哈迪應交代任內課題

* 國內

2008-05-02 19:57

（布城）馬哈迪的部落格不應只集中批評現任政府，他也應交代在他任內發生的司法醜聞、種族問題，以及用政府資金拯救官營大企業等課題。

政策研究中心主任林德宜博士接受星洲日報訪問時發表上述談話，他也是週四（5月1日）晚上在梳邦再也舉行的2008部落格大會主講人之一。

他表示，他不想看到馬哈迪自設的部落格，只是為了本身的政治議程，做出辯解。

盼部落格不含私人議程

他認為設置部落格是個人的權利，如今前首相馬哈迪也設本身的部落格，相信馬來西亞人都樂於閱讀馬哈迪的部落格，但同時希望他主持的部落格內容，是確實和能令讀者有收獲，而絕沒有私人議程在內。

他指出，很多馬來西亞人已對馬哈迪時代，犯下的錯誤和成功的一面，都已有更深入的瞭解，並認為他須為任內發生的事件負責。

因此，他說，他希望馬哈迪利用部落格，針對任內發生的司法醜聞、大企業拯救計劃、種族問題等，做出解釋，甚至給予詳細的解答，列出事情的過程，讓真相大白。
星洲日報‧2008.05.02

http://www.sinchew.com.my/node/64359?tid=1

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林德宜：鼓吹馬來人至上主義‧國家原則局誤導新生代

* 國內

2008-05-02 19:51

（布城）經濟學者林德宜博士認為國家原則局（Biro Tata Negara）是鼓吹馬來人至上主義的政府部門，使馬來青少年新生代，自小就存有馬來主義至上的觀念。

他建議部落客採取各種管道，揭露類似政府部門，並提醒新生代這是狹窄思維的作為。

林德宜認為，這個根源不解決，國家永遠會陷在種族主義惡性循環的圈子裡。

種族問題根源所在

林德義是於週四（5月1日）晚上在梳邦再也湖濱俱樂部舉行的2008部落格大會上發表演說。

他認為此類政府部門的作為具偏差，它傳達不確實的訊息，讓馬來青少年和新生代，自小就存有這種牢不可破的種族觀念，這也是國家種族問題根源所在。

他表示，本屆大選的成績顯示，政治部落格為大眾提供關於國家大課題的訊息和分析，揭發政府濫權和貪污事件，已產生很大影響。

他認為，這反映公眾普遍上視部落格提供的訊息來源是可靠的。

他吁請當局勿視部落客為敵人，應該鼓勵他們為國家建設及進行對話。

http://www.sinchew.com.my/node/64357?tid=1

MSM Coverage of BUM2008 - Nanyang Siang Pau

- 国内新闻 -

林德宜：政府打压失民心 “勿把部落客当敌人” 2008/05/02 18:13:33
●南洋商报

（吉隆坡2日讯）政策倡导中心主林德宜呼吁政府勿把部落客视为敌人，反之应鼓励他们对促进国家建设及国民发展对话的贡献。

他说，当局若打压部落客的言论，将导致公众对政府失去更多信心。

他说，本届大选显现出部落客所发挥的影响，许多国內外分析员皆赞同，部落客在开拓开放讨论空间所扮演的角色。

他出席该中心与一群部落联办的“迈向公民社会”研讨会上，提到部落客对政治的影响时说，在主流媒体持续受到钳制下，很多公众认为，部落客所写的评论更加诚实可信。

打造更好言论氛围

为此，他预测国内部落对政治的影响及受欢迎程度将持续增加。同时，他表示为了确保更高层次的影响，他促请部落客打造更好的言论氛围。

另一方面，这次研讨会主要提供交流平台，让公众针对作为第五权的部落客所扮演的角色，以及如何推动公民社会的发展作出探讨。

研讨会出席者包括2008年部落客世界筹委会主席钟仁隆、联合主席邱登水、马来亚大学法学院讲师阿兹米、《票选大马》网站编辑洁克琳、士拉央区国会议员梁自坚、人权律师哈里斯、《太阳报》副总编辑纳徳斯华兰、《今日大马》主编拉惹佩特拉。

也是著名部落客之一的民主行动党日落洞区国会议员黃泉安未克出席研讨会。

http://www.nanyang.com/index.php/images/view.php?ch=7&pg=10&ac=839461

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- 国内新闻 -

部落格设求变议程 “我们应拿回决定权” 2008/05/02 18:13:45
●南洋商报

《今日大马》主编拉惹佩特拉说，透过部落格平台建立广大群众想要改变的议程，可让2008年大选有不一样的改变。

“我们应该取回决定权，来决定应该将哪个政党或政府送进国会。”

他指出，人民的选择可以促使我国政党政治互相制衡，也將能夠让服务人民的代议士意识到他们是由人民委任出来的。

“我聘请你，我也可以辞退你。”

他说，未来我国社会的趋势是人民代议士将以服务人民为己任，并非以政党的事务为先。

http://www.nanyang.com/index.php/images/view.php?ch=7&pg=10&ac=839464

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- 国内新闻 -

阿希鲁丁赞扬部落客 推动公民社会有贡献 2008/05/02 18:13:45
●南洋商报

全国部落客联盟主席阿希鲁丁说，过去一年部落客在推动公民社会发展方面已作出许多努力，尽管目前司法制度改革已经看见希望，但新闻业未见有任何改变。

他是引述前最高法院院长敦沙烈阿巴斯过去提及我国要达到公民社会的境界，惟有司法制度及媒体能夠获得自由的谈话这样说。

他说，不然，我国离开公民社会还有有一段长远的路。

部落客应提出建议

另一方面，前高等法院法官赛阿末则提出另一看法，他提到针对每天各种不同的社会问题，部落客不应只是批评，而是提出建议。

他说，部落客世界是可以让个人拥有自己的网站，可以表达、传递及分享观点。

他強调，部落客的挑战是在于以他们的说服力及专业知识，以传达讯息给于人们，使公众活跃互动，谈论社会课题。

http://www.nanyang.com/index.php/images/view.php?ch=7&pg=10&ac=839465

Bloggers Buzz at the BUM2008!

Picture taken from jaffpoint.blogspot.com/

Since Desi was dead-tired from running helter-skelter for past 24, here's mitigation for stealing one back from mGf Ahirudin Attan, also President of Interim Council of the National Alliance of Bloggers (All-Blogs), drinking bir (rut ke?) dan tehtarik at rockybru.blogspot.com, just one pint! :) ~~:)
Those who did not find time nor the dime to land at Lake View Yesterday -- when all Bummers' troubles seemed so far away -- YOU really missed the Hap Bloggers' Event of the Year! But, never mind, come to BUM2009; meanwhile, here is a Virtual journey back 24! ENJOY! ~~ Desi

Bum2008

The 4th estate has failed us? Politically-appointed editors to blame?

The role of the mainstream media (MSM) came under heavy scrutiny at the Bloggers' Universe Malaysia 2008 held for the second year in a row at the Lake View Club, Subang.

Pics taken from Maverick's blog

Haris Ibrahim of People's Parliament says the 4th Estate has failed the people and called on Malaysians to reclaim the integrity of the profession.

Citizen Nades defended journalists and blamed politically-appointed Editors and draconian Press laws for the failure of a big chunk of the
MSM in serving the people.

Zorro, Kee Tuan Chye, Jeyapelan Mahesan, and Desiderata, among others, spoke on the the issue.

Jeff Ooi took part in the conference via a pre-recorded video clip. Steven Gan could not make it but BUM 2008 had Nades and RPK.

I spoke of what the National Alliance of Bloggers was up to the last one year and of my fear that the New Media, bloggers in particular, may one day entertain self-censorship as a compromise with advertisers and Government. The 2pm-midnight event attracted some 200 bloggers, activists, journalists and politicians.

Desi and Zorro moderated the two sessions and they have both kindly agreed to plan for BUM 2009. (Rocky, Did I? Zorro, I did? Someone or me was high on rut bir! ~~ Desi) Syabas to Desi and Gang for another excellent party!

p.s. RTM, Bernama, the Star, Utusan, the (new!) Malay Mail and several other papers covered the event.

PS: Mine, desi's -- knot rocky's, as Chair of BUM2008 Organising Committee, I have delight in abusing my privileged position!) so that the following ONE-LINER can be used as evidence in any court of law only against desi, not rocky! ~~ As Chair, I invited the MSM to the Hap Event everyone, who just has one eye open, would agree that the Malaysian landscape, including in the mainstream media (MSM), has changed lots since March 8, 2008; hence, in accord with the spirit of BUM2007's theme, let's all "Engage and Embrace", whether you're in Fourth, or Fifth, or real or virtual Estate!

LINKS:

* BUM2008 Report: http://www.cyusof.blogspot.com/

* Coverage at BUM2008: http://melvin-mah.blogspot.com/

* BUM2008 Fantastic Night: http://maverickysm.blogspot.com/

* Scenes from Around BUM2008 in Subang Jaya: http://howsy.blogspot.com/

* BUM 2008 - View from the Bridge :) http://jaffpoint.blogspot.com/

Dear Esteemed Readers (ER in blogspeak:):

Please send a Comment here if you have a Post covering BUM2008, and we will pick it up
to LINK HERE - alike the above first Famous Five (OMG, do you still read Enid Blyton's! That's a rhetorical Q!:) -- for posterity. Desi's not compleatly altruistic hear! -- enhancing his Blue Heaven to try reach that rainbow of 20million. See you here, or there, or wherever GreAt Minds Think, not necessarily Alike, as long as you defer to Desi, last word from the Chair. I promise -- Thanks mateys awe:) "Mucho Gracias", in the words of Sdr Teck Ghee, who I must say enpowers Desi lots in this Bloggers' Abencha!

* Double Happiness & BUM2008: http://allofhelen.blogspot.com/

* BUM2008 Buzz: http://primroses.blogspot.com/


* Standing Out or Fitting In?
http://joshburped.blogspot.com/search/label/issues

* Gathering of Malaysian Bloggers 2008: Live Blogging
http://lifefull2020.blogspot.com/2008/05/gathering-of-malaysia-blogger-2008-live.html