Let the voice of the dissent be heard

Malaysians as a whole are generally a contented lot as far as politics are concerned. However grave a political issue that may hover above their heads, yet their sensitivity are seldom touched. Issues come and go mostly without having any lasting impact on them or the way they think. Malaysians don't normally react fast and spontaneously against an issue however serious and threatening they may be. More often than not, only a small minority would choose to be vocal and fight back, thus becoming the victims of the wrath of authorities concerned, while the rest sit back and watch with total apathy. This "tidak apa" attitude is almost second nature to most Malaysians. When they are asked to make a stand, in most instances, their reaction is "As long as my livelihood is safe and well, who cares!" 

  Malaysians have seen for themselves numerous extra-ordinary events in the past unfolding before their very eyes. To begin with, Malaysians once saw the irresponsible sacking of the distinguished Lord President Tun Salleh Abas who was given the boot merely for daring to speak out against the obtrusive Executive body headed by the Prime Minister. Then we saw the protest resignation of Musa Hitam from his Deputy Premiere post by accusing the Prime Minister of being an autocratic leader that would not tolerate any dissent but busy protecting his many blue eyed boys. Remember the challenge to the UMNO Presidency by Tengku Razaleigh and his Team B and the many exposures by the group of wrongdoing and irregularities committed by Mahathir and his cronies in government. These incidents were followed by the landmark Johor Bahru by election, the outlawing of UMNO and this list could go on and on, yet in the end all that the Malaysian public did was to sit back showing "the tidak apa" attitude, thus forgotten are the issues and injustices that it followed. 

Nevertheless of late it could be seen that the volatile economic and political situation has slowly but surely changed the lacklustre attitude of the Malaysian public as a whole particularly those in the urban areas. Their "tidak apa" attitude like it or not seems to be fading as they are exposed to serious problems that grips them hard and direct. Serious economic and political upheavals coupled with scandals, corruption, conspiracies, irregularities, immoral activities are pushing them to a corner. These are challenging their intelligence and integrity and forcing them to stand up and defend their rights including that of those of others. 

Today we are actually witnessing atrocious acts being committed by those in power for wanting to remain in power without any respect or regards for others and their families. Corruption, nepotism and crony capitalism rule the day. Any voice of dissent however small insignificant shall be vigorously traced and if found shall be subjected to various harassment and intimidation. The Draconian Internal Security Act (ISA) are liberally used even though the original spirit of the law was that it be used only against terrorists and subversive elements that threaten the security of the country. Coincidentally Mahathir distinguishes himself as the prime minister with the outstanding record arrest of ISA detainees in one single swoop as we saw during the infamous "operasi Lalang" of October 1987 when 119 innocent people were detained. 

In the words of Tun Salleh Abas the former Lord President who himself was once victim of evil conspiracy: "But far more important than any of these is that society as a whole believes passionately that every human being deserves to be treated justly; that when one human being is manifestly denied justice then we are all in real danger of being denied it. And justice cannot be done hastily. And justice cannot be done in the dark. It has to be done with due deliberation in full view of the people in whose name it is done. For is done for them. (Tun Salleh Abas- May Day for Justice, 1989) 

As a result of these ill treatments and the high handedness of the government which arouse public sympathy and outcry, today we are seeing Malaysians of all walks of life openly supporting and participating in peaceful protest and demonstrations against the government of Mahathir. And above all we are also seeing political parties and NGOs of various backgrounds and ideologies setting aside whatever differences among them and work from one platform and voicing their concern and dissatisfaction. The setting up of Majlis Gerakan Keadilan Rakyat or Gerak spearheaded by PAS and other parties and NGOs has received widespread support throughout the country. 

The recent sacking of the Deputy PM Anwar Ibrahim and the ISA detention of his allies and himself besides other events relating to it have indeed opened the eyes of many Malaysians. Through various alternative media sources, the public are now exposed to the real situation. The public is now directing their anger towards Mahathir the PM who had been in power for more than 17 years since July 1981. They now blame him for leading an authoritarian government and leading this country of ours towards becoming police state. The loud voice of dissent is increasing by the day although those in UMNO choose to remain deaf and blindly loyal to their demigod leader. Little do they realise that their paramount leader is actually hoodwinking them for his personal survival and protecting the interests of his cronies. 

Ironically it was Mahathir himself in the late 60s out of anger and frustration towards the Tunku's leadership wrote: "But power corrupts, and the near absolute power that the ruling party obtained corrupted the thinking of the leaders almost absolutely... The PM in particular (the Tunku) became so powerful both by virtue of his office and by popular acclaim, that the party became subservient to his person...." (The Malay Dilemma 1970) 

This statement by Mahathir in his book was perhaps true of the Tunku those days. But the statement were even truer of Mahathir's own leadership today. Mahathir today is becoming too powerful that not only the party became subservient to him, but also other apparatus of the government and corporate leaders. Therefore in the interest of safeguarding and maintaining justice and fending off wrong doings, abuse of power and corruption, Malaysians should now stand up and register their protest openly. Some may choose to go to the streets, some thorough distribution of leaflets and cyber messages, but the only effective and practical way available for us is through the ballot box. Come the next general elections, all peace loving Malaysians of all walks of life should earnestly come out together and reject the despotic and slavish Barisan candidates.. Together we should stand and free ourselves from the sordid state we are in today and prepare for a better tomorrow.. Let our future generation be proud of us that we saved this country from anarchy and chaos.