But recently, watching the Americans deal with their abysmal politics has been bringing back memories of a different time in Malaysia. Not that things have changed that much, just that they aren't as ridiculous as they have been in the past (though mostly because people aren't pushing any boundaries).
I got this off Qasim Rashid's substack.
13 Rules to Protect Yourself While Protesting
1. If you are undocumented or your immigration status is in processing, it is highly advisable you avoid these protests altogether.
2. Ensure your loved ones know where you are and what time you will meet them at a pre-determined location. Do not leave your location to chance—ensure your loved ones are in the know.
3. Have the phone number’s of your lawyer and loved ones memorized in case you need to call them from memory.
4. If stopped by law enforcement for any reason, ask simply if you are free to go. If they answer yes, then walk away and do not double back.
5. If the answer is no, do not voluntarily talk to police, the military, ICE, or any member of law enforcement, and do not volunteer any information about yourself. Do not initiate conversation. You always have the right to remain silent.
6. Remember that law enforcement can lie to you to get what they want. You cannot lie to law enforcement. Under no circumstance should you lie to law enforcement. The best way to not lie, is to not speak. Simply remain silent.
7. If you are in fact detained or arrested, do not sign anything, do not admit to anything, and do not confess anything. Simply ask to speak to your lawyer. Repeatedly ask in the clearest terms possible that you would like to speak with your lawyer. Period.
8. You can lawfully ask any law enforcement officer or military person to share their name and badge number with you, and what department they represent. You should do this if your rights are violated. But do not volunteer any information about yourself. Some states require you to disclose your name. Here is a helpful resource to determine if your state is one such state.
9. You can lawfully record in any public space, anything that is in plain view.
10. You can march in the streets or on any public space and the police cannot arrest or detain you. However, if you are deliberately obstructing public throughways, you can be detained.
11. Be aware of states like Florida where the MAGA Governor is a known extremist who supports drivers for running over protestors if “they feel threatened.” (That “feeling” definition remains subjective). Here is a brief overview of the states that allow drivers to effectively run over protestors. Observe your safety in these and other red states.
12. Generally speaking, law enforcement can ask you to unlock your phone by Face ID or finger print, but not by entering your passcode. Set your phone security to require your passcode to unlock it. Do Not Voluntarily Unlock Your Phone For Law Enforcement For Any Reason.
13. Be fearless and speak truth even if your voice shakes. Know that you are standing on the right side of history, of protecting our Republic from fascists. Godspeed my friends.
