I have no qualms about speaking my mind about what the top management has said, whether its via twitter, facebook or even in the newspapers neither do i get sleepless night on condemning the opposition on certain stances they have. As i said, I say what i see fit to be said.
I shall try and work my way retrospectively to events that we all have seen and been through, that make us feel less proud to be a Malaysian. First topic of the day, is our newly tabled Peaceful Assembly Bill. Yeap, a newly tabled act for Peaceful Assemblies. When I had heard of this, I refused to get my hopes up, strictly thinking that there is a catch behind this. Boy, was I right. My sentiments were shared in the same context as paragraph 4 of this article. Though, I will not draw myself into a corner and put myself in the spotlight, showing people that I am anti-govt. I AM NOT.
This bill was passed in the Dewan Rakyat, with 3 opposition members. Only 3. They were allowed by Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia, the speaker of the house of commons, or Dewan Rakyat. Opposition had called for this bill to be reviewed and 6 amendments were made to the bill. When the newly amended bill was called to the table, opposition had staged a walkout.
Hardly a leadership quality, if you ask me. This bill was passed with NOT A SINGLE DISSENTING VOTE. If the opposition had sat there, they could have done something. Not a real guarantee, but they could have said, at least we tried. This is not a western country, where if the opposition walks out, the meeting is adjourned and the act will be reviewed once again. Not the case here, not at all.
This bill, was made to appease the citizens, apparently. Looking at it, I feel its more Curbing Peaceful Assemblies Act. It does give almost absolute powers to parties involved. First part of the bill, gives the OCPD (Officer in-Charge of Police District) powers to set restrictions and conditions for the assembly to take place. If, the host finds this too demanding, he may then appeal to the Minister of Home Affairs. Wait, hang on a moment. Hmmm, I stand corrected, it gives ABSOLUTE POWERS! In addition to that, if he does not comply with the rules, a RM 10,000 fine is in order. (Combo Breaker Baby!!) This does not take the cream of the cake yet.
2nd part of the bill, states that there cannot be a street protest, or within 50 metres of any "prohibited places" such as places of worship, airports, schools, petrol stations, railway stations and hospitals (Whoops, i wonder who fired tear gas there? hmmm) Where does that leave us, the Rakyat, to voice out? Stadium Merdeka? Stadium Shah Alam? Fat chance of getting those venues. If this is interpretation of freedom to assemble, I would hate to think what the story would be like if a State of Emergency is declared.
Anywhere with a street is out of the question, and generally, that means EVERYWHERE! Boo you. Cherry topped off with chocolate sprinkles on the cream this is. The piece de resistance.
However, the BAR council has decided to challenge this, by staging a march to the Parliament on the 29th of November 2011 to protest the sham that is this bill, Quoted from the story above. No stories I have read subsequently seemed to indicate the outcome of this march. Could they already have been informed? or was there insufficient time to notify? *shrugs* Bravo, BAR council. Bravo.
I am a fan of freedom, whether its freedom of speech to assembling for the right cause. I hate to think where we would be 20 years down the line, heck make that 5. With opposition not even standing their ground, choosing to walk out of that meeting or an Act such as this is created. Hardly an enticing thought if you ask me, should this carry on. Wouldn't you agree? I don't want this country to sink any further to the point of no return, no climbing out. For what the future holds, I don't know, but I cling on to that tiny glimmer of hope, that change is possible. I really do.
Signing off.
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