Now why would I be rooting for a person who's not even contesting in my own constituency (apart from partisan solidarity of course)? Well, she's contesting in Lembah Pantai, where my own congregation is located. Good enough? No? Hmm .. ok .. I've met her a handful of times and she comes across as being a very articulate and intelligent person and I really think the people of Bangsar and Lembah Pantai would benefit from having her as their representative in Parliament than the incumbent Mdm Hairspray. Better? I thought so.
Incidentally, I had an opportunity to catch her in action in USJ a few days ago during a whistle stop at DAP's Hannah Yeoh's mammoth rally where KeADILan's candidate for Kelana Jaya, Gwo-Burne Loh was also present :
Seriously, those of you who think she's a pushover and merely acting as a proxy for her father, Anwar Ibrahim, will be sorely disappointed. This is one assertive person with her own mind and will be a definite asset to those of us who follow the proceedings in Parliament. I had the advantage of getting an advance copy of her campaign profile which I reproduce here :
The bi-lingual flyer can be downloaded here.Nurul Izzah Anwar
A Fresh Face A New Voice A Next Generation Candidate SHE HAS THE EXPERIENCE
Nurul Izzah Anwar has been active in international forums volunteering for the Global Health Watch report, serving as a steering committee member of the Women Leaders Intercultural Forum in New York and contributing to the Imagining Ourselves project by the International Movement of Women based in San Francisco. On the local scene she has been closely involved with the political process and dynamics during the long years of her father’s incarceration even meeting with other heads of government.
SHE HAS THE EDUCATION
She received her MA in International Relations from SAIS, John Hopkins University, Washington DC in May 2007. She graduated with a Bachelor in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Universiti Tenaga Nasional in September 2004. She was previously educated at Assunta Secondary School, PJ; SM Sri Hartamas, KL; and SK Bukit Damansara, KL.
SHE HAS THE VISION AND THE COMMITMENT
She is for reform, change, and returning the power back to the People.
SHE HAS THE CHARACTER AND COMMONPLACE VALUES
She is very down to earth and without airs, respectful of others. She is humble and always ready to learn. She feels deeply for victims of poverty, discrimination and abuse. She is very approachable, pleasant and a pleasure to meet with.
SHE IS YOUNG, ENERGETIC AND THINKS GLOBALLY
She will be a diligent MP, attending parliamentary sessions and attending to the plight of her constituents. She will rigorously promote her party’s manifesto to create a vibrant economy for all; “For Malaysia to stand again amongst the giants (of Asian economy), we must play by the rules of the global game as well as eliminate corruption and wastage.”
SHE HAS THE COURAGE AND DETERMINATION
to speak up and act for the People and stand firm on her principles and values. She is conversant in three languages including Mandarin. She says,“I believe the opposition is better qualified to become MPs because we can stand up against policies which do not benefit the people. I could speak without fear or favour.”
NURUL IZZAH IN HER OWN WORDS ..LET US NOT GIVE ANY GOVERNMENT THE LUXURY AND TEMPTATION OF A TWO-THIRDS MAJORITY IN PARLIAMENT so that they canEMPOWERING THE PEOPLE
“We should establish local elections again, which were abolished in the 1970s. That will (give) the mayors and local councillors a sense that they are responsible and answerable to the people rather than the political powers-that-be who appointed them.”
STATE-OWNED COMPANIES
“There has to be a way to make them accountable (for they are custodians of our national treasures.)”
UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN PEOPLE OF DIFFERENT RACES AND RELIGIONS
“We really have to find serious ways to address this issue. We are a multiracial nation and a lot of problems can arise if we don’t handle things properly. We can’t just sweep everything under the carpet, it just won’t work. I have friends who wanted to enter university but couldn’t even though they had exceptional grades.
“Looking back, I was in Assunta School and most of my friends were Chinese and Indians, so it was easier for me because I grew up with them. My best friend is a Catholic, I have no qualms about that. We always try to find common areas of interest and belief.”
LET US SEND NURUL IZZAH TO PARLIAMENT to be a voice for women and youth and the people of Lembah Pantai articulating our concerns about
- act with impunity without adequate accountability to the People
- amend the Federal Constitution any time or anyhow they wish
- become arrogant and usurp the rights and position of the People
- suppress freedom of assembly, association, speech, and information
- muzzle the press and media
- create economic monopolies as they wish
- the direction, resources, and future of our nation
- abuse of power and resources
- rising cost of living
- crime and public safety
- national unity and harmony
- fundamental liberties
- the independence of the judiciary
TO MAKE MALAYSIA STRONGER, MORE HARMONIOUS, SAFER, FAIRER, COMPETITIVE AND PROGRESSIVE
VOTE FOR CHANGE VOTE FOR ACCOUNTABILITY VOTE FOR OUR CHILDREN’S FUTURE
VOTE NURUL IZZAH
Oh yeah, did I forget to mention that she blogs too and is also a proud mother of a four month old baby girl, merely a few months younger than my youngest daughter. That gives her two extra brownie points from me!
I can see where the "vote for our children's future" really makes sense now. If you are a parent, what type of Malaysia would you want your kids to be in a decade from now?
If you liked this post, consider buying me some coffee. Suggested price is $1.00 for a cup and $10.00 for a 1 lbs bag (personally I am a big fan of Ethiopian Yirgacheffe).
Categories: 12th General Elections
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