Conference in KL

The opportunities I have enjoyed continue to amaze me. Wednesday I joined colleagues from CenPRIS (Centre for Policy Research) to attend CenPRIS sponsored conference, the "Religion in the Quest for Global Justice and Peace" in KL. Along the way we stopped for lunch at an area that included a prayer room, Dunkin' Donuts, \Baskin and Robbins and an array of fruit stalls and eating stalls. It was far cry from the grimy, dark, and dusty rest areas of previous years. On the way I learned why the students are reticent to discuss politics. Political involvement, including political speech, is prohibited by law. (I think of it as "don't bite the hand that feeds you" law.) [With a bit of googling I ascertained that change is slow. If interested google Universities and University's Colleges Act - also the Internal Securities Act. Numerous blogs and short articles will show up on google. Here is on that seemed informative http://www.amnesty.org/en/library/asset/ASA28/034/2001/en/dom-ASA280342001en.html)

The Prime Minister opened the conference with a presentation in Bahasa Malaysian and then English. It made for a long first session and my attention waned more than I would like to admit. During the course of the first two days I met many interesting, involved people which has enriched my understanding of Malaysia and the variety of concerns of its various ethnic groups. In addition to lectures, panels, and interaction sessions there were assigned workshops. I heard workshop participants discuss in personal terms their experiences with religion and multi-racial relations. People of my generation regretted that the racial/ethnic groups have become more separated – during their school they experienced close friendships across racial lines.

At dinner I heard those odd observations that stick in one's mind for a long time. One man pointed out that Malaysia has “no weather.” It either rains or it doesn’t. Either way one wears the same clothes and carries an umbrella to fend off the rain or sun depending on what it going on. Furthermore, he pointed out Malaysians never comment on the weather. Instead they say “have you eaten?” This solved my puzzlement by how often I am asked this question as I arrive on campus.

No pictures – I brought my camera, but not the cable to link it to the computer.