The final phase of the 'Rock 4 Rights' and ‘Myconstitution' campaign, which kicks off tomorrow at Fort Cornwallis, Penang, is aimed at educating youth on their fundamental rights, weaning them away from total dependence on politicians.

Outgoing Constitutional Law committee chairperson and Myconstitution campaign chief Edmund Bon said the campaign seeks to empower Malaysian youth.

"We want to empower the youth so they know their rights in the country. They can be independent and show that they can be productive. Youth of today should empower themselves and not be swayed by anyone including politicians or depend totally on them.

"By knowing the constitution they will know their rights," he said.

The 12–hour non-stop concert and carnival is jointly organised by the Bar Council, Saya Anak Bangsa Malaysia, Frinjan, and the My Constitution committee, with Malaysiakini as the media partner.

The ninth and final 'Myconstitution' campaign is themed 'The Rakyat - Guides to Election and Democracy', and offers various programmes, including voter registration, in a carnival-like atmosphere from noon to midnight.

The earlier themes were 'What is the Federal Constitution?', 'Constitutional Institutions & Separation of Powers', 'Federal-State Relations', 'Parliament', 'The Executive', 'Sabah and Sarawak', 'The Judiciary', and 'Fundamental Liberties and Citizenship'.

The MyConstitution campaign began in November 2009.

scah ipcmc talk 181207 edmund bon Bon ( left) said the ninth and final theme came was a coincidence with the Sarawak elections looming and speculation of a snap general election making the rounds, when it was actually planned two years ago.

"However, I have to stress that the Bar Council and MyConstitution are apolitical as we do not support any political party. We are holding this event in Penang but in the past, we have also held it in Sarawak with Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud opening the event," he said.

The Penang event will be launched by Deputy Chief Minister II P Ramasamy.

Reaching out to rural youth

While the response to the MyConstitution campaign has been encouraging in urban areas, incumbent MyConstitution chairperson Syahredzan Johan said the committee will take the campaign to rural areas and public educational institutions.

"However, the approach to the youth in the rural areas would be different and the Bar Council is willing to work with any organisation, including government departments and agencies, on this."

NONE He added that while access to private universities was not a problem, public institutions of higher learning pose difficulties.

In an effort to find a solution they have approached the Higher Education Ministry to brief them on their programmes, Syahredzan said.

Educating and informing the youth of today on their constitutional rights, he said, is vital as they would better understand themselves as Malaysians and respect each other's rights in a civil society.

"Hence, we have the theme 'Empowering the Youth' for the event," he said.

Nurul Izzah to perform too

Syahredzan said Saturday will be a fun-filled evening of music and festival, as they get a better handle on the concept of elections and democracy; while boosting youth participation in the Malaysian political process.

nurul izzah interview 090910 Besides this, there will be 18 bands performing, as well as a presentation by Lembah Pantai MP Nurul Izzah Anwar ( right ).

Syahredzan said the Radio Demokratika album, containing 12 original songs written and performed by 12 local independent bands will also be launched.

"All the songs concern human rights, democracy and constitutionalism. All the songs are written in English with one in Bahasa Malaysia.

"We are looking forward to working out another album with increasing participation and recorded in other languages as well," he said.

After stops in Kuala Lumpur, the event was also held in Johor, Negri Sembilan, Ipoh and also Sarawak, with Penang being the final stop.

Syahredzan said in line with the final theme 'Elections and Democracy', voter registration booths had been set up for youths to register themselves.

"There are still many out there who have yet to register themselves and we hope by holding this campaign it would encourage them to register regardless of their political affiliation," he said, adding that Ramasamy will officially open the event at 8pm.

 

Malaysiakini is a Rock 4 Rights media partner.