Biking to Parliament
Jun 23rd, 2008 by Tian
This morning (23 June), a few of KeADILan MPs decided to ride bicycle to the Parliament. Gobalakrishnan, Hee Loy Sian, Zulnordin and I gathered at Bank Negara and biking to the Parliament House.
The action was to highlight the hardship and impracticality of changing lifestyle. Even if the people wanted to change lifestyle: using bicycle, or taking public transport, it can be quite impossible.
Today, Shahrir Samad the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister tabled a motion to get endorsement from the Parliament on government’s decision on fuel hike. The motion is hidden behind the call for support of government’s measures to control food price and inflation.
In reality, it is nothing but an academic exercise to seek retrospective support. This is definitely not a gesture of consultation, if the government were serious, the discussion should have taken place before the announcement of fuel hike.
The so-called restructuring of fuel subsidy is an afterthought. The decision of price hike did not come with any measures to buffer the negative impacts on the economy. Neither the Parliament was properly informed regarding to the profits and expenditure of Petronas.
The announcement led the people to lose all confidence in the PM and his cabinet. We don’t need Yong Teck Lee and SAPP tell us that.
Before we see any motion of no-confidence against the PM, Pakatan Rakyat MPs will reject the motion supporting fuel hike. Our vote is also a vote for government accountability.
Tahniah YB,
Mungkin rakyat jelata wajar mencontohi YB agar menggunakan basikal sebagai alternatif untuk urusan harian. Dalam kenaikan harga minyak tempohari, ia sedikit sebanyak dapat mengurangkan beban kewangan rakyat.
Green The Planet.
PS: YB wajar pakai helmet semasa menunggang basikal.
Hey, Tian Chua, why only 4 of you biking to Parliament House? You should organize a 40,000 people biking to protest. Let us show the government our discontent.
Meanwhile, Mohd Nazri Abdul Aziz told reporter, “they (the biking MP) shouldn’t make a gimmick and this is not in line with their status as (MPs).” What I want to ask Nazri is what is in line with the status as MP? Sitting inside his luxury car escorted by dozens of police officers?
I went to parlaiment too using LRT and a cab. On my back I walk to Masjid Jamek LRT station.
Hi Tian,
You might not remember me, but i was once part of DEMA family.
I just watched your biking video. As i am now also a cyclist in London (when going to university), I have few comments to make about your cycling practice. I think you guys should cycle on the side of the road, definitely NOT in parallel but one after another. As you guys were doing that, you blocked the traffic flow all the way. As a cyclist, you must be considerate to the motorists also, then only they would do the same.
What you voiced out is very true, leave alone cyclists, there is even lack of motorcycle-designated routes, exposing them in great danger too. One thing about cycling in KL city, the risk of doing that often is almost comparable to begging for accidents to be happened. I don’t want you to discourage you to go on cycling, but taking good care of yourself should also be a priority. Cycling once in a while is Okay… people will be saying that what you are doing is just a stunt for publicity. Well, i guess it is fair enough, for raising awareness. This just prove the point that cycling in city is impractical, while public transport is still like Sh**, there is no way people won’t get affected by the fuel hike (don’t mention bout the chain effect leading to high inflation). So, what is next? Jogging to Parliament?
Hello Tian Chua,
I know of your good deed but an unrelated issue arises.
Please wear protective gears when biking!
Bicycle helmet is a must in promoting road safety awareness.
Don’t show bad example to the people. Set a standard on every little thing you MPs do.
Honestly i prefers to see my own MP making his rounds on a motorbike or cycling.
I do not think it is a cheap stunt you did by cycling to the parliament.
But rather it was a good example to all MPs , ministers and voters.
Hey , if my MP cycles to his/her meeting place so can i !
Its not just about cost of fuel , parking rates and “status”
Was very snobbish of nazri to say it was a childish act.
Its all about our environment. The Environment !
If need to use the car, please use NGV.
Do suggest that ALL OFFICIAL government vehicles to run on NGV only. Ask the Pm and najib this question.
Forget about asking nazri, as his head is empty
i fully supported cycling from now and future as fuel price increase is effecting everyone. it is not childish but a very good form of exercise and preserving the environmental.
pakatan rakyat show the way. long live pedal power!!