Lesson from troubles in Pakistan

(The Star) – The assassination of former Pakistan Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto shortly after she held a political rally showed why Malaysia was against street demonstrations, said Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar. 

He said demonstrations could lead to violence and Malaysia rejected all forms of violence, including that involving militancy. 

“We have to make many political compromises if we want to maintain the peace and harmony enjoyed by all the races in the country. 

“We don’t want a democracy that can cause havoc and deaths,” he said after opening a forum on Malay culture here yesterday. 

He said total democratic freedom demanded by certain parties in Malaysia would have a negative effect if people were free to demonstrate and create havoc. 

Syed Hamid, who is also Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group chairman, said he planned to visit Pakistan soon as the group needs to make an assessment after the country holds its general election.