Those who have read Tun Mahathir's 'How to Muzzle Your Critics' (both for the common citizens and the politicians), would certainly feel saddened. I can almost see a big heart, figuratively bursting with frustrations. It's not so much for the mistakes made - whatever they are Malaysia today is certainly far, far better than it was before Independence -but for the unfettered criticisms that are being directed at past policies which, many accused, had caused the current problems.
The NEP, the ISA, the Bahasa issue and even the Federal Constitution are now being held as the cause of today's problems. It is as if we've forgotten that all these had created what we are today - a progressive nation ready for take-off to become a developed country. The various policies, inspite of their shortcomings, have contributed to our progress and prosperity while the Federal Constitution had so far held the nation with its multiracial population together.
Of course we have problems, economic, political. social and constitutional, as a result of rapid development making some aspects of the old policies, regulations and people's attitude inappropriate or dysfunctional to the current need. Which nations do not face such problems? They represent the challenges that will propel us to greater heights of development and progress. But must we question all the policies, the understanding and the compromises of the past to allow us to make a dash into the unknown future? What we have is based on the past. Are you prepared to forgo that in order to seek a new future? The Malays have an old saying: Don't throw away a walking stick after crossing a turbulent river. You might need it again.
So do look into the benefits and advantages of the old policies, rules and regulations, before we clamor for a change by directing vicious criticisms at them and urging that they be thrown overboard.More importantly, let's not be ungrateful to those who have given us the rights, freedom and wellbeing we enjoy today, in seeking further fulfillment in life from our nation and society.
But certain attitudes held by the law-enforcement people must certainly change. Why make a peaceful gathering illegal or prohibit it, when the Police is capable of taking action if trouble breaks out between the participants themselves without external interference? Why are the complainants of a certain unfair dealings taken to task while the party alledged to be the cause of the problem walks around with a smile? Why use brutal force when people are cooperating willingly ( as in the case of
demonstrators being hauled away to the Police van)? Why hold people under detention for several years when they can be be released with a stern warning that any involvement in undesirebale activities after the release will require them to be taken in again? Why allow people in power but under investigation to continue dealing with people without restraint and those found guilty of 'politik wang' to continue holding powerful postions?
The government should begin to look at things the way common people do, not the way the Police or the politicians do? Only then can the slogan 'Rakyat di dahulukan, pencapaian diutamakan' boleh terlaksana.
4 comments:
Norzah, i don't have a strong statistical evidence to back me up but i believe history is one of the least favourite subjects in school.
If a person understand our Malaysia history whether its from the textbook or reliable reading sources, they might understand the rational behind the all those policies at the first place.
I disagree public demonstration as an avenue to address issues such as irrelevant or obsolete policies and I strongly feel that a public intellectual forum to discuss the matter unbiasedly should be allowed so as to get fresh opinion from the rakyat and decide on the new policy direction.
Having said that, it is also high time that rakyat should actually acknowledge that civil servants are NOT politicians. We serve and work for any parties that formed the government of the day ... (menyimpang dari topik pulak hehehe)
U certainly have a healthy view of govt policies and how we should express our opinions about them, J. But the politicians like to play up to the gallery, take things to the street to gather a show of support, and blow things out or proportion to justify their criticisms. BN people also do it. It's quite unfair if all
street processions are banned. Even small group having fun on the street. I like to see people dancing on the street like in Rio de Janeiro, sometimes. Not fighting, of course. Soalnya: demonstrators tu yg bikin kacau atau Polis? Kalau ada pesta street dancing u nak keluar tak? he he.
Norzah.. there is a HUGE different between street demonstation and street prossession (did I spell it rite?) ... like Mardi Gras or street dancing. Of course I nak join ... teringin nak experience it.
Yes, great difference between street demonstration and street procession or just friendly gathering, But now u need police permit for everything as if they don't recognize any difference.Nak minta permit pun paling susah. Pesta macam Mardi Gras sure tak diizinkan. Kalau u dan kawan-kawan menari2 on the street nak celebrate sesuatu pun boleh kena tangkap.
Itu yg bloggers marah.
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