A world record size Piranha

The reason why people will not go for a swim in the Amazon

Contributed by : Sokewong.

The Return of Elizabeth Wong

SUARAM welcomes the decision by the Selangor State government to retain Elizabeth Wong’s as state executive councilor and Bukit Lanjan assemblyperson. .

We view the Selangor state government’s decision as one which is in line with the will of the people. This decision is a watershed in the promotion of “new politics” – a concept which adheres strongly to human rights practices, especially the respect for the rights to privacy in this particular case.


Suaram is heartened with the statement make by Selangor Menteri Besar that “the State government is equally concerned in protecting the rights to privacy and will do its utmost to protect that right.”

We also view this decision as a step in the right direction in the battle against acts of gross violation of human rights and personal attacks by irresponsible individuals for their own political agenda. This is a minor victory in our quest for new politics in Malaysia .

We strongly deplore the statement made by Selangor state assembly opposition leader Khir Toyo that they will continue exploit this issue. Instead of scoring these cheap political points he should focus on other important and pending matters, including answering the accusation that he had misused state funds when he was the Menteri Besar of Selangor.


Suaram urges our politicians to focus their energies instead on building democratic governance and a vibrant human rights culture in Malaysia.

The return of Elizabeth Wong is strongly supported by the people. Her work as state executive councilor, especially in protecting the environment and implementing the practice of good governance, is highly recognised by the people at large. As such, the people will continue walk with her and defend her from any further attacks.

Suaram looks forward to working together with Elizabeth Wong on issues related to good governance and human rights.



Secretariat of
Suara Rakyat Malaysia (SUARAM)
16 April 2009.

Mystery – It Ain’t Heavy, It’s My Load.

The body structures of commercial vehicles that transport goods are designed for a specific purpose. By ignoring the importance of road traffic safety, then deaths, injuries and property damage will be imminent resulting from crashes. To reduce such harm, overloading should be avoided be it goods or passengers.

Pedestrians and cyclists can be difficult to see on the roads, which increases their risk of road traffic injuries, what more when their poor visibility is the cause from overloading.

The human factors such as inexperienced drivers, distractions and speeding are the major culprits. But, when it comes to situations without an alternative choice, taking chances and exposing oneself to risks become inevitable.

Bicycle is the cheapest mode of transport. Bicycle is designed to cater to a certain capacity and weight. Failing to comply to such specification, it can invite accidents as well.

Let’s ask ourselves.

Do they have a choice to deliver what they are selling when they are struggling to make ends meet?

What choice he has when his livelihood is depended on his sole mode of transport to go about his work?

The load may not seem heavy but the bulk of it that impedes visibility should not be ignored. He knows better about his own safety if only he could afford!

When a bicycle is used for different purposes, the cyclist has to take responsibility to what he is carrying or transporting. When irresponsible attitude prevails, then he is courting danger along his way.

This guy has his priority wrong! He is gambling on his Lady Luck to reach his destination safely before enjoying his binge.

Motor-cyclists make no difference too. Between safety and accident, he takes his chance against the omen of disaster.

In various parts of the world, such common sight is a daily affair. The affordable transport that could serve a direct linkage to the poor farmers is impinging upon them. The only avenue that they can get connected to the mainstream economic and how they endeavour to sustain a livelihood is to take the calculated risk.

When motorized transport replaces animal-drawn carts, people tend to shift from hardship to convenience without an iota of the imposing danger to themselves.

The results of overloading can have serious consequences in terms of passenger safety. Too much weight on a vehicle will spell danger because it is difficult to drive and to stop. In cases of serious overloading, brakes can fail completely, particularly on steep hills.

This is the life that people live and who could tell them to prioritize safety when they have to maximize what they can afford!

The candid photos are the reasons why it is a disadvantage to be a car, autobiographically speaking!