I went down to the HINDRAF Solidarity Against UMNO Racism with full expectations of being tear-gassed and sprayed with chemical-laced water.
Nothing of that sort happened. It was a non-event.
Instead of the violence in previous demonstrations, this time the participants and even suspected allies like citizen journalists were arrested on sight.
The government does not want any publicity. Not now.
In fact, Najib has been caught whining about how HINDRAF has cruel intentions :-)
Hindraf deliberately creating bad publicity for Malaysia, says PM
Bernama
Sunday, February 27th, 2011 16:03:00
TEMERLOH: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak regards the action by Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) members of holding a demonstration in the federal capital today as deliberately creating bad publicity for Malaysia through the international media.
He said the group was actually hoping the police would use force on them so that the Malaysian government would be seen as a brutal and autocratic regime.
"We don't want to use force, but they are hoping we will do so as they want to exploit the situation by painting a bad picture of Malaysia through the international television channels," he said after attending a gathering with Felda Jengka 25 residents, here, today.
The prime minister was referrig to the incident where more than 15 people, believed to be Hindraf members, were arrested by police for holding a demonstration protesting against the novel "Interlok", at the Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC) grounds, here, this morning.
In my personal opinion, Najib could have avoided the bad press entirely by allowing the protest to go on as planned.
But the bigger fear was that it would evolve into the crises in the middle east. I don't think the BN government will step down as easily as Mubarak of Egypt did, and even that was no easy feat, mind you.
This is not a good setting to call for the general elections.
4 comments:
Yes, Malaysia is very unlike other countries. The majority of us have a laid back attitude of 'Tidak Apa'. Hence the crowd at such gatherings wouldn't make a significant difference even if they break a chair or two. Most of us would prefer to rest at home during the weekends...
Cruel intentions? My ass!
Muted as it may have been, I'm glad they voiced their dissent over the foisting of a 3rd rate book on our 5th Formers with evil intentions of further promoting the BTN agenda.
Every little shout and protest against a racist Govt will contribute to its downfall soon.
dpp
we are all of 1 Race, the Human Race
Met a whole bunch of Hindraf people recently when I was invited to speak at a conference on marginalized communities they hosted at the Chinese Assembly Hall. I was energized by their defiant spirit and resolve to effect fundamental changes in the way this country has been mismanaged for far too long. As far as I'm concerned, the people in Hindraf are sincere and courageous - and I offer them my wholehearted support.
Joshua Lopez - we will pay for all that apathy and indifference
donplaypuks - I hope all our efforts culminate in BN's downfall
Antares - you're a busy man :-) But yes, I think they have been marginalised but I'm glad they're not taking it lying down.
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