Right to demonstrate, yes, but not right to bully

YOURSAY 'We have to be able to tell the difference, for it is at that point where we stop being a group of concerned citizens, and start becoming bullies.'

Lawyer defends right to do 'butt exercises'

Lim Tuck Sun: I was there at Bersih 2.0 and 3.0, and to me, the right to peacefully assemble involves the right to assemble in a public place to express a point of view.

Gathering in front of a private residence to target an individual or his family is not an exercise of that right, even if you happen to be standing on the sidewalk.

It is an exercise in intimidation, pure and simple.

We have to be able to tell the difference, for it is at that point where we stop being a group of concerned citizens, and start becoming bullies.

For example, I may disagree with a BN politician's views, but for decency's sake I will respect his right to go home in peace.

It is sad to see that some supporters of the government of the day do not reciprocate that courtesy, but I think the majority of Malaysians do know better.

However, we cannot condone such antics which to me only parodies the rights that so many Malaysians are fighting for.

Bystander: Lawyer Edmund Bon, please be more specific in your opinions.

Yes, I agree with you that anyone has the right to do "butt exercises" or even more amorous exercises such as thrusting your private parts forward... but then do it in a proper place like in a gym or even in a park, but surely not in front of the driveway of Bersih co-chairperson Ambiga Sreenevasan's house.

Surely, you are smart enough to know their ulterior motives for doing so. Why do they need to travel all the way to the Bukit Damansara housing area to do their stupid ‘butt-exercise' right in front of Ambiga's house?

It's about intimidation, harassment, creating mischief, etc. How would do you like it if a group of such people did a forward thrust of their private parts facing your driveway and right in front of your house?

Yellowsubmarine: They not only embarrassed her, they warned and threatened her. They harassed her.

So where do we go from here? Wait for something serious to happen? In the first place, Bersih is not about her - it is the rakyat asking for a fair government.

AGM: The new article says Bon was contacted by the Malaysiakinireporter for his legal opinion. He gave it correctly.

The right to peacefully demonstrate is at least a part of what the opposition and Bersih are fighting for.

Surprisingly, some people here don't seem to grasp what democracy means. It's messy, get used to it. The only question is whether the law is applied evenly and fairly.

Good men: They have the right to demonstrate. And they have demonstrated quite clearly that they are a bunch of morons.

Anonymous: I think Bon is right in what he said, but Bon, will you defend my right to set up a stall in front of PM Najib Razak's house with pictures of Rosmah Mansor pasted around along with all the allegations made against her, and at the same time to barbeque pork sausages and ham there?

It is a protest similar to the one being carried out in front of Ambiga's house. I do not have the means, but if you will defend me I'll be there next week.

Anonymous #12566075: While in principle I agree with Bon that peaceful demonstration is the right of every citizen, I would ask if he agrees that "shaking butt" is a proper way of doing it.

Can I also go to minister's house and shake my butt without being arrested by the police guard at the house?

Vgeorgemy: Bon, we have sacrificed enough for the peaceful dissent in this country. It is well written in the history of democratic Malaysia.

Our issue with certain groups' protests in front of Ambiga's house is not because we don't want any dissent from our opponents. Look at the type and action of protestors.

One opened up food outlet in a place it doesn't have basic hygiene facility. This is nothing but harassment in the name of peaceful dissent as camel-riding tourist guides charging at the protestors for their loss of business during the dying days of Hosni Mubarak's regime in Egypt.

Same goes for the Malaysian Armed Forces Veterans Association. Does Ambiga steal benefits or welfare of their members? What is their loss during the Bersih 3.0 protests?

Cannon: Why target only Ambiga? Just because she is a woman and not a Muslim?

The more these imbeciles continue with this charade, the more the Indian votes for BN will lessen due to the simple fact they are attacking only one individual and not the rest.

This is grossly unfair and biased. What about 'nambikei' and ‘1Malaysia'? Finally the Indians will have a better reason not to vote for BN as this act of foolishness and stupidity will linger in their minds for a long time to come.

1M: "I don't agree (with the group's message) because, as I understand it, the message was merely to embarrass Ambiga," said Bon.

I don't see any reason for Ambiga to feel embarrassed by the action of this group of so-called ex-army, rather their wives should be the ones to be embarrassed to see the buttocks of their husbands exposed to public. - Malaysiakini