Subscribe in a reader | Subscribe by Email AMBIGA SREENEVASAN
THE release of those detained under the ISA is at the top of the Bar Council’s wish list for the New Year, says its president Ambiga Sreenevasan. “If there was anything that I could change in 2007, it would be the recent arrests of those involved in the assemblies and during our Human Rights Day celebration and the arrests made under the ISA. Unfortunately, it is not within my power to change,” she says. Apart from that, the Bar’s priority next year is to work with the Judiciary towards strengthening the administration of justice and “to heed the call of the Chief Justice for each of us (namely the Bench and the Bar), to be vigilant in eradicating unsavoury elements in our midst”. The year 2007 has certainly brought many memorable moments for the Bar from its Walk for Justice, dialogue with the Prime Minister, positive changes in the Judiciary to the appointment of the Royal Commission.
DEBORAH PRIYA HENRY
FOR Deborah Priya Henry, 22, the past year has flown by rapidly as she embarked on an exciting journey preparing for the Miss World pageant in China. “This year has been full of surprises and the year has taught me to always be prepared and to always be open to possibilities and opportunities. Sometimes the things we pursue are not necessarily the best for us,” she says. For 2008, Deborah has some big plans; among them are working her way into the entertainment industry and establishing a charity fund-raising project concentrating on rural development. “I have always lived in the big city and have never been to the rural areas. I am sure there are a lot of issues which could be resolved there,” says Deborah, who is also World Vision Malaysia Children’s Rights Advocate.
S. KRISHNAMOORTHY
LIFE has not changed much for S. Krishnamoorthy, who risked his life to valiantly save 18 lives during a ferry fire off the coast of Mersing last October. “There’s not much difference really,” says Krishnamoorthy, the third of five siblings. For the 19-year-old, it’s all about surviving as he is helping his family pay off debts for their house in Pandamaran, Klang. Krishnamoorthy dropped out of school when he was 12 and was forced to work, as his father was involved in a road accident and could no longer support the family. His mother meanwhile had to stop work recently because of asthma. Krishnamoorthy has since opened up his own wiring business. “My former boss told me that I could do it on my own. There are times when you just sit down at home waiting for customers. It’s not an easy life. I just hope for my business to expand,” he says.
