My first "ceramah" in Port Klang: Tien Hock Temple 27th Feb 2008

I attended my first ever "ceramah" last night, organised by DAP in Port Klang. Part of the reason i was intrigued and eager to attend the event was because of the speaker lineups: Lim Guan Eng, Raja Petra Kamarudin, Cikgu Loot Ting Yee (Chinese Education Activist), Teng Chang Khim (incumbent DUN for Sg. Pinang, Klang) and Gobind Singh (son of Karpal "Tiger of Jelutong" Singh). Besides that, the opposition candidates were also there to gather support from the local communities: Charles Santiago, Ronnie Liu, Mrs M. Manoharan (the wife of ISA detained HINDRAF leader) and Badrul Hisham (the PKR candidate going up against Zakaria's daughter in-law).

The "ceramah" mainly was conducted in Hokkien dialect (Klang or "Par Sang" is populated by mostly Hokkien speakers like me) and Bahasa with the occasional Tamil and Mandarin. The first speaker was Lim Guan Eng and his arrival and speech was warmly received by the big crowd that has gathered for the event. After him, "Cikgu" Loot - a highly outspoken and respected Chinese education activist took to the stage. Later, it was the turn of the candidates.

One of the "superstar" of the night was guest speaker Raja Petra who drew loud cheer when he spoke. It was the first time i've actually met and hear him speak. All i can say is, he really blew me away.

By the time the clock hit 11:15pm, it was the turn of Teng Chang Khim. He is a well know politician and lawyer around this part of the world. Infamous for being suspended from DUN Selangor, and one of the guys who exposed Zakaria ( the famous Chiak Ka Liau).

Due to the nature of the police permit that prohibits "ceramah" from continuing after 12 am, time ran out and Ronnie Liu did not have the opportunity to speak. Gobinh Singh couldn't make it for this "ceramah" due to his hectic schedule of campaigning in the PJ, Puchong and Subang area.

I'd say this was a great start to my adventures of attending "ceramah." Never had i thought that i'll actually have fun listening to speeches all night long. Looking forward to attending more, with Lim Kit Siang and other opposition leaders scheduled to grace events in Klang. Heck, i might event attend those in PJ and Subang.

Just Change It!