Zaid Ibrahim: You have been warned
Are Malaysians afraid? Does their apparent apathy, or fear, stem from real concerns about the threat of the ISA? Surely the least they could do was to vote for change or be more vocal, for a better society in Malaysia. If they are not prepared to do this, then Zaid is defeated even before he has begun.
By Miriam Mokhtar, Malaysian Mirror
MALAYSIA gained its independence from Great Britain, but after decades of BN rule, many feel that they traded their personal freedom for their country’s liberty. Thousands have been charged under the ISA, people have suffered from police brutality, and many have been victims of corruption: These are citizens who have first-hand experience of having their freedom curtailed. They also feel betrayed at being denied justice.
Speaking at the launch of the Friends of Pakatan Rakayt on July 4 in London, Zaid Ibrahim said that after 53 years, the BN government had destroyed all sense of fairness, sabotaged democratic values and completely disregarded the core values which all humans subscribe to.
From his speech, it would appear that Malaysia is facing a serious dilemma, which demanded immediate action to restore its dignity. Zaid’s tone may have been one of urgency but it was not meant to create panic. Instead it was to mobilise and motivate concerned Malaysians.
Under BN rule, no one is allowed to scrutinize any of the governments’ policies. Votes are bought openly and without shame; the Prime Minister’s Department is disproportionately bloated with staff, resources and funds; Petronas is treated like a personal kitty.
Zaid said that those with so much to hide, could not afford to be transparent: “BN is in a state of panic. They see enemies everywhere.” He then urged the crowd of overseas Malaysians to begin the process of rebuilding the nation.
Are Malaysians afraid?
Back in Malaysia, Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin lashed out at Malays who ‘threatened’ Umno and BN because they dared question government policies. In addition, the Home Minister was ‘reviewing’ the publishing permit for Suara Keadilan, the newspaper of the opposition PKR, which expired on June 30. It was deemed necessary after a report appeared which alleged that the Federal Land Development Authority (Felda) was bankrupt. However, Suara Perkasa, the paper of the Malay rights NGO Perkasa, was let off with a warning even though it had jeopardised national unity.
Are Malaysians afraid? Does their apparent apathy, or fear, stem from real concerns about the threat of the ISA? Surely the least they could do was to vote for change or be more vocal, for a better society in Malaysia. If they are not prepared to do this, then Zaid is defeated even before he has begun.
