Did you know that many Revolutions began in little cafes?

Yep. Little smoky cafes in political strife-ridden French cities once hosted not only the innovative and revolutionary minds of the likes of Jean-Paul Sartre and Simon de Beauvoir, but also the coming together of such minds–to examine and discuss the politics and issues of the times, then brainstorming ways they could fight a seemingly insurmountable enemy. And although they may not have stopped any wars, the Surrealists changed many, many minds…and who knows, may have really impacted either the course of the war, or the rebuilding period after it.

The Malaysian equivalent of these smoky Parisian cafes? The humble local mamak stall.

I just attended a session of Adil Sembang tonight, with my brother and some other rather cool and interesting people, at Maju Curry House in PJ. Adil Sembang is basically just meant to be a neutral space in which people can gather to talk about Malaysia, politics, what we can do to make our Malaysia a better Malaysia, and anything else really. It was actually really kind of great to meet new people who were so knowledgeable and more importantly so passionate about Malaysia–that always rejuvenates my revolutionary spirit. This is something I kind of want every Malaysian to feel–that although it may be an uphill battle, there are still loads of intelligent, passionate people who are willing to make the trek with you. But while they’re supporting you, you need to support them too. One way you can do this: read here.

And, have your own little Adil Sembangs (or just discussions, or mini-debates, or whatever, really) at your own local mamak stalls with your friends/family/random strangers. I think that I’m going to try to organize a few of these on the East Coast in America next semester…if you’d like to help, or attend, build a network, or anything really, let me know! Drop me a line here, email me, whatever. I think that we could make an Adil Sembang US work.