A voice of reason but Najib is not listening

Finally, there was a voice of reason within the storm and the words of the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong were not meant for Bersih, but also addressed at Najib Razak, the Prime Minister of Malaysia.

It was a kindly reminder to all to refrain from taking actions that would split nation, and this was exactly what had happened with regards to the reactions of the Najib administration towards Bersih.

Though some have taken the Agong’s words as playing into the hands of Najib Razak, one only needs to read the statement release to know that His Highness is also siding with the everyday Malaysians.

Firstly, nowhere within the statement does the King mentions his support towards the hard-handed methods employed by the Najib administration. His Highness’s statement cannot be taken as an endorsement of Najib and his ways.

Instead, it is a kind reminder to Najib to be wise - "However, I believe that the nation's leadership under Yang Amat Berhormat Dato' Sri Mohd Najib Tun Haji Abdul Razak is capable of handling this problem in the best possible way.”

His Highness further adds, "I also urge the government to carry out everything that is entrusted to it by the people in a just and wise manner, and it is important that I as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong do not want to see this country with a plural society in a situation where there is animosity among them or a section of the people being enemies with the government, on whatever grounds.”

Najib should retreat

His Highness would have taken notice of the actions of the authorities against innocent citizens who have been treated like common criminals for merely wearing a yellow tee. No doubt, the King would have also read the various spins Utusan Malaysia have on the matter. But basically, in issuing a statement at this time, Najib should be aware that he is under watch and held responsible for his actions.

Najib must now retreat and clean up the mess his administration has created. For bear in mind, it was Najib and his establishment who were gung-ho in painting Bersih - a citizen’s movement - as evil. And this gentle reminder can also be levelled at UMNO to be wiser in their conduct.

In 2008, UMNO supporters took to the streets in Terengganu to protest the BN’s choice of candidates. This went on for a few days and none of it made the evening news - there was a convenient news blackout.

The King would have known about this since he is also the Sultan of Terengganu.

And then in 2009, it was in Terengganu again, that UMNO embarrassed itself when its own elected representatives refused to acknowledge the Sultan's decision to appoint Ahmad Said as Mentri Besar over the four-term former Idris Jusoh.

It is believed that the Terengganu Palace was unhappy with Idris, who during his four terms as mentri besar had used up the states’ monies on grand and lavish projects, like the staging of the Monsoon Cup and building the Crystal Mosque, benefitting business cronies of ex-premier Abdullah Badawi.

Should not Bersih think twice

By now, the King should be well-versed in how Najib Razak runs the government, and is fully aware who the real trouble-makers are. Thus, his royal reminder was timely. Not just to those who organised and wished to march with Bersih, but also to the Najib administration, which has clearly demonstrated how rowdy it can turn the country.

In asking Najib to meet with Bersih and to continue dialogue, the King wishes to give all the opportunity to voice their thoughts. Yet, it is once again evident that Najib is dense when instead of agreeing to the royal, he instead throws an ultimatum at Bersih. And in the next breath, the PM again denied there were any flaws in the election system/

By telling Bersih to hold the rally in a stadium 'or else', Najib has shown a real lack of class. Whether he manipulated the King or not, given a second, he could only exhibity the same sickening pomposity and lack of intelligence in handling the situation. A great leader would have been able to gather the people together under the warm umbrella of their King.

Perhaps, this was not possible because at the end of the day, what Najib needs to resist - even against the advice of the King - is to prevent any changes to a notoriosly 'dirty' electoral system. Given this scenraio, should Bersih not think twice. Why should Bersih be bowled over by Royalty when Najib doesn't give two hoots?

- Malaysia Chronicle