Been arrested yet?

ARCHIVES 2009

By admin-s On Jun 1, 2009

WEARING black, lighting a candle or simply putting up a tent is an offence that can get you arrested these days. The target of these arrests are Pakatan Rakyat (PR) politicians, lawyers, general workers and members of the public who simply want to make a statement.

By KW Mak (The Nut Graph)

While public outrage has been expressed time and again, few express surprise at the dubious actions or judgments that have occurred. Arrests are becoming so commonplace that getting arrested, it seems, is a badge of honour among some of my political colleagues. The perception seems to have spread to the public too, as I have friends who ask me when I am going to get arrested.

I understand the need to stand firm on one's beliefs, but this cannot be done at the expense of other things that are equally, if not more, important.

Work, work, work

Frankly, many of us don't have time to get arrested, as there are a hundred and one things that need to be fixed within government.

Where do I start?

Work that requires the input of several departments can't be coordinated online and is exceptionally slow. Customers cannot even get a proper update on the status of their application with the local council and invariably go to councillors to seek help.

Complaints from the public, about broken drains and licenses, come to the councillors because complaining officially does not work. The excuse that there aren't enough personnel is sometimes given, but there are more than 1,700 workers employed by the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ).

I believe councillors should be given the power to sack an officer for each complaint that comes to them, but sadly, I am not thus empowered. Government officers are protected by a litany of bureaucracy. At best, they will get a black mark on their record.