The government is now in a defence mode .This is pathetic.The defence mode is the realm of the accused and not that of the prosecutor . Statements from the Home Minister that the government is preparing video recordings of the rally for public viewing in reply to accusations made by Bersih supporters that there was police brutality during the Rally and that of the Defence Minister to say that political problems could not be solved through street demonstrations are all gasps coming from the loser's corner saying that reasons will be provided for the dismal failure .These are not the typical chest beating cries of a Government .The government stays on top of any situation and will only admit failure under very extraordinary circumstances .Bersih is certainly not one of those circumstances .
In the case of the video tapes ,the Minister should have said that the police had acted under extreme provocation .If there were scuffles between the protesters and the police they were unfortunate incidents and that the police acted in line of their duty to prevent further injuries and damages.
Likewise the Defence minister should have kept his mouth shut .His statements should have been made before and not after the event . Statements like these gave the protesters a moral victory as they echoed those of the protesters who through Bersih had always wanted the issues of free and fair election settled within the ambit of the political arena .
Sadly even the police were on the defensive when they commented on the arrest of the 1600 protesters . There was no need for the police to make a public announcement that all those arrested were given royal guest status at a sumptuous dinner that cost the taxpayer 30RM per head .Such statements were totally unnecessary .If one is under arrest then the normal procedure should follow irrespective of who and what are involved . The police do not run a welfare catering center and those arrested cannot expect to be feted in that extravagant style . Why must those arrested be treated differently from the normal practice unless of course it is a form of apology . Is this the case ?
The aftermath must be a time of soul searching .It is a time of stock taking and not a time to put on your fighting gloves and further arguments . As a government you are obliged to explain your actions , if so needed , to Parliament and not to the media. .
Lets be quiet .
In trying to justify Their actions, the government has inadvertantly put their feet in their mouths. Najib, by commending all those who came to his function, swung fence sitters over to the other side by not acknowledging that this was an issue that had better solutions. Pretending that it doesn't exist doesn't make it go away.
ReplyDeleteIt requires a little bit of leadership savvy that he obviously doesn't have.
Dsai is playing the downtrodden victim by playing up.his injury, and no one seem to realize what an irresponsible parent he was bringing his teenage daughter to the rally. Of course the rally was supposed to be peaceful, but with police lockdowns and all, one would be very naive not to expect any danger.
What future is there, oh Malaysia?