Remember 308 in Penang

Election heat in Penang soared with an unprecedented turnout of almost 30,000 people at DAP's final election rally leading up to the polls.

As early as 7pm, thousands had already gathered at the Han Chiang school field - the same venue that hosted the 10,000 who attended a joint PKR-DAP ceramah. At the peak of the ceramah, the crowd of about 30,000 spilled out onto the school compound and outer perimeters to listen to DAP candidates speak.

Organisers have hailed this as the biggest rally organized by BN opponents in Penang thus far. DAP leaders - Secretary-general Lim Guan Eng, party supremo Lim Kit Siang and party chairperson Karpal Singh - received thunderous welcomes as they arrived at different times of the night. It was a sea of red - with many supporters donning the colour -the color of DAP, listening attentively and cheering each time as the speaker drove home a point or took a swipe at the BN.

Taking the stage first, Datuk Keramat state candidate Jagdeep Singh Deo restated the case for a pro-opposition vote. "We are not asking for a change of government, we are asking for a stronger opposition in state and parliamentary (representation)," he said.

Addressing the crowd of all ages, Bayan parliamentary candidate Lim Guan Eng also urged Penangites to "lead the change". "Let us translate this show of force, people power into a people's victory," Lim added, prompting the crowd to cheer at length. Drawing on Mahathir's comment that Malaysia needs a strong opposition, Lim asked the crowd to applaud the former premier for his remark. "It's a bit late but better late than never," Lim quipped.

The atmosphere turned carnival-like as Jelutong parliamentary candidate Jeff Ooi took to the stage with an electric guitar to sing instead of deliver a speech. The popular blogger-turned-politician belted out a medley of three songs - two popular Chinese songs and the official "Marilah mengundi (Let's vote)" song with a few humourous twists.

Other DAP candidates in attendance included Bukit Mertajam parliamentary candidate Chong Eng, Bukit Bendera parliamentary candidate Liew Chin Tong, Komtar state candidate Ng Wei Aik.
(source: youtube)

The opposition won the 2008 state election and formed the new state government. Lim Guan Eng become the 4th Chief Minister of Penang.

Penang people are still excited about the 308, it was a historical day in history for the state......

It should be celebrated, isn't it?.....each year, to remind the Penang lang the event of the day 308, a political tsunami that was no equal in Penang history. A day to remember.....

Happy 308 day.....

Is that any changes in Penang state after 308? certainly there are. But since it is also the International Woman Day on 8th March 2011, we would like to know what happen to woman welfare in the Penang state......

Recently, prior to 8-3-2011, the state government has appointed urban planner Maimunah Mohd Shariff as new head of the Seberang Perai Municipal Council (MPSP), the second local council in the state to be headed by a professional woman.

In March last year, architect Patahiyah Ismail was sworn in as president of the Penang Island Municipal Council (MPPP).

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said this was the first time the MPSP – the largest municipal council in the world in terms of land size (490 sqkm) – was being headed by a woman.

We know that the state government has now appointed two women to head the two state local councils in Penang. This is how the state provide capable woman from the state the opportunities for them to excel in their life. They are many woman from the state, who are professionals, teachers, nurses, factory workers, hawkers, and others from various economic sectors, including the housewives(home manager); who have contribute greatly to society.

Penang woman is now capable of achieve the best in their life; who know there will be possibly a woman Chief Minister in future....

The appointment also proved that the state government value capable talents from the state, regardless of race, gender, religion, and background. Both woman chief of local councils(MPPP & MPSP) are professionals, senior staff of the respective local councils. The appointments are based in their capability, not race or gender.

Congratulation, Penang woman.....



International Woman Day

International Women's Day (IWD), originally called International Working Women’s Day is marked on the 8th of March every year. It is a major day of global celebration of women. In different regions the focus of the celebrations ranges from general celebration of respect, appreciation and love towards women to a celebration for women's economic, political and social achievements.

Started as a Socialist political event, the holiday blended in the culture of many countries, primarily Eastern Europe, Russia, and the former Soviet bloc. In many regions, the day lost its political flavour, and became simply an occasion for men to express their love for women in a way somewhat similar to a mixture of Mother's Day and St Valentine's Day. In other regions, however, the original political and human rights theme designated by the United Nations runs strong, and political and social awareness of the struggles of women worldwide are brought out and examined in a hopeful manner.

The first IWD was observed on 19 March 1911 in Germany following a declaration by the Socialist Party of America. The idea of having an international women's day was first put forward at the turn of the 20th century amid rapid world industrialization and economic expansion that led to protests over working conditions

International Women's Day was first observed as a popular event after 1975 when the united Nations General Assembly invited member states to proclaim March 8 as the UN Day for Women's Rights and International Peace.

(source; wikipedia)

Happy International Woman Day, Penang.

What a good way to celebrate the double happiness, the historical day of 308 & the International Woman Day in Penang.....

Should 308 be a state holiday in Penang?......

Related articles

1. Urban planner named new MPSP chief, http://www.thesundaily.com/article.cfm?id=58291
2. Patahiyah set to become first woman council chief, http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/2/21/nation/5716820&sec=nation