Cross Straits Relations has always been a highly sensitive issue handled by the politicians in both societies. This high echelon network hence dictates how the relationship between both sides should be developing. While there are obvious merits of this particular approach, however within this framework, it harbors one distinctive disadvantage. Absolute politics should not be allowed to shape the truth & realities of cross-straits ties. The layperson on both side of the causeway must take a pro-active role in cultivating friendly ties between the 2 countries.

In the light of the above, The Think Centre took up the initiative by accepting an invitation of SUARAM (a Human rights grouping) for a causal 'Chit Chat' session with a few other Malaysian representatives from both the political and NGOs sphere. James & myself represented Think Centre in this introductory JB visit. The trip to JB took us close to an hour, largely due to jamming of the causeway by northern bound motorcyclists cruising gleefully on motorcar ways. We met our contact person, Eugene who led us to the meeting point.

There were 5 Malaysians representing 4 organizations. Eugene Tan & Rashid Kang representing Suara Rakyat Malaysia (SUARAM: Voice of the Malaysian), A Razah Ahmad representing Party Rakyat Malaysia (PRM: Malaysia Peoples' Party), Yang Pei Keng representing Persatuan Kebangsaan Hak Asasi Manusia (HAKAM: National Human Rights Society) and Mohd Salleh representing Jawatankuasa Sokongan Peneroka Bandar (Urban Pioneer Settler Support Committee).

Amongst the various topics we discussed, we extensively talk about cooperation opportunities between Think Centre & Malaysian NGOS. The Malaysian representatives are somewhat interested in Think Centre's strategies for the coming months. Particularly, our counterparts are rather enthusiastic about lending their hand helping Think Centre arrange a press conference & book launch on James's Self-Censorship -Singapore Shame in JB. A study tour to the various Malaysian NGO headquarters hosted by SUARAM was mooted; as we felt that there are much to be learnt via this process, of which our counterparts will be sharing with us their difficulties, mode of operation & experiences.

One concrete outcome from the 'Chit Chat' is the rectification of the Singapore-Malaysia dialogue proposal. The first Singapore-Malaysia dialogue will be held later this year in Singapore, drawing NGO participants from both side of the causeway, however due to the cross boundary nature of such a dialogue, the licensing aspect might be in suspect! In the event this doesn't work out, an alternative venue will be either in JB or KL.

Personally I felt that this JB 'Chit Chat' session is a tremendous success, not just that we established our first contacts but we have also path the future road of cooperation for non-governmental people from both sides of the Straits to work closely together, so as to create mutual trust and friendship.

	P21