JARINGAN RAKYAT TERTINDAS ( JERIT)
TOGETHER WE BUILD THE PEOPLE'S MOVEMENT TO FACE CHALLENGES AHEAD
31/12/2008
2008 has come and went .What an eventful year. We started the year with the Protest Against Oil Price Hike in January 2008 where more than 50 people were arrested. Then we were busy with elections in March 2008 where the Tsunami for Change saw 5 states falling to Pakatan rakyat and 2/3 majority was denied in Parliament for BN. Then Oil prices went up, people were angry and there were more protests organized demanding the oil price to be reduced.
A large rally was organised in July 2008, initially on the streets but last minute changed to Stadium Kelana Jaya which was controversial as it was questioned why do a protest in stadium. August 2008 - September 2008 was all about September 16 which came and left without much political change. Of course along the way , there were many issues involving the people and politics. Anwar's comeback into the Parliament, reduction of oil price that was done to boost the image of BN but also because of the protests that shook the government and of course the power transition agreement between Najib and Pak Lah.
Hindraf was " banned" but despite that they won the SUARAM human rights awards, Pak Lah had an eventful Hari Raya open house this year. In December 2008, JERIT organised " The People : The Force of Change " bicycle campaign. A campaign that was aimed in bringing awareness to the people's issues and demands. A campaign which was full of police harrasment but then we ended the year in a high note. 120 people entered parliament with 12 cyclists and bicycles to handover a memorandum to the government and pakatan rakyat on the people's demands.
A great victory for the Rakyat after days of intimidation,. harrasment and arrests to stop the campaign as suddenly the police said cycling in groups is a crime in Malaysia. Not only the 6 demands of the people was higlighted but also issues on police abuse of power and children rights's was also highlighted in this campaign. The cycling campaign is a good lesson to all, that perseverance and determination in the people's struggle will help us to reach our destination. Solidarity support is also crucial especially in times of arrests and detention.
The struggles before this by many other groups and communities and struggles to come will again and again reiterate this message to all of us and give us strength to move forward. 2009 : is a big challenge to all of us. With a very bad recession hanging above our head and existence of draconian laws silencing the rakyat , it will be a a challenging year as the workers face retrenchment, cut in salary, shut downs and also price hike . The government will continue to silence its critics using the police and ISA .
Thus is it important for us to unite as a movement to face it together and bring significant change. Let's put forward the People's Demands for a better salary, good housing, good public facilities and abolishment of draconian laws such as ISA. Together we unite as one that is Rakyat Malaysia to struggle for the betterment of the nation and its people. As only the people and the people's power alone can bring real change in the country. The year is almost gone, but it has also made us strong . The path was long but we walked it with hope and strength. There were struggle and fears but people's victories gave us reasons for cheer.
Bye Bye 2008 Welcome 2009 Happy New Year to all comrades, supporters, friends of JERIT, NGO friends, bloggers, media friends and friends in the people's struggle . People the Force of ChangeRakyat Pengayuh Perubahan .
Kohila
JERIT Secretariat
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