Politician, political observer and award-winning journalist, James Wong Wing On, with many feathers in his cap, for instance ex-Political Secretary for Opposition Leader, Member of Parliament for Kampar 1990-1995, ex-Senior Staff Writer of Sinchew who was the receipant of Malaysia Press Institute (MPI)’s Excellent Journalist Award for 1998 and 1999, just to name a few, and currently Chief Analyst of Malaysiakini’s Strategy Analysis Malaysia, has begun to chronicle his exciting life and sharp opinions through blogging. Selamat Datang ke dunia blogging !

Two distinctive blogs he has established. First, Freedom in Solidarity, contains a huge collection of many photographs, old and new, mostly about people and places he has visited while carrying out his assignments as journalist or politician. From Kampar to Kathmandu, from Manila to Muscat, his footprints can be traced.

Accompanying each picture is a caption, from which the background story of the story would be told. One may get a glimpse into the thoughts of this man, on worldly issues ranging form Operasi Lalang to Vietnam War and CPM’s violent armed rebellion which he passionately romanticised as campaigns “to liberate our land from fascism and colonialism”.

For those who are tempted to add some hilarious statements here (myself included), let us be reminded that one may or may not, and definately need not agree with all his views, but that’s the beauty of democracy isn’t it ? Ideological differences should not be the stumbling block in forging opposition unity. As our Indonesia national motto says, Bhinekka Tunggal Ika, or unity in diversity, which strike a cord with the very name of this blog, Freedom in Solidarity.

Second, Clare Street, named after the Ipohmari street now renamed Jalan Mustaffa Al-Bakri, where their family run kopitiam was located. When I first saw this name in his email addie that was published in Malaysiakini, I thought, it must either be his family home, or the operation hub of MPAJA. I was proven right. It was both :-p

This is where, I believe, you will see many observation and analysis on current events springing up in the coming future. Right now, there are a few reviews on fabulous books including that of Dr. Kua Kia Soong, my former MP from 1990 to 1995, as well as great pro-reformation writer, Kim Quek.

Enjoy the fantastic blogs. Do not hesitate to share your comments as and when you wish!

Thank you very much to Seong Khoon of Batu Service Center for the pointer :-)