A May Day call to our leaders

 

Today is May Day, or Workers’ Day, which commemorates the historic struggles and gains made by workers and the labour movement. Traditionally, the movement observes the day with a rally with sometimes fiery speeches demanding reforms in the labour sector.

But for the past few months, Malaysians have had little to observe or celebrate. Continuous action by the authorities has directly or indirectly impeded our rights and personal freedom. Notwithstanding the problems faced with Covid-19, there’s nothing to observe but to watch in horror as the country slides down aimlessly and dangerously to the abyss.

There is little respite from an authoritarian regime that is not answerable to its citizens. Under the guise of the emergency, there’s no accountability, no check and balance, zilch. To put it accurately, it has been distressing.

Satire and wit have become dirty words and even commenting on issues of concern has been seen as a crime. The disparity in the dispensation of justice has gone somewhat haywire. It’s not the judiciary but the "little Napoleons" who have been given discretionary power albeit with no training or understanding of the law. To put it crudely, carpenters have been asked to carry out brain surgeries.

There seems to be a wide gap between the haves and the have-nots; the rich and the poor; the titled and the ordinary man. For the latter, justice is dispensed with instantaneous on-the-spot fines hefty but when it comes to the others, the process is different. Investigations have to be carried out, statements have to be recorded and investigation papers drawn up.

The police chief has asked those who have received hefty fines to appeal but where is the compassion and discretion? Can’t we treat others with empathy and consideration?

A minister who breaks the law gets a slap on a wrist; a millionaire is made to pay a paltry fine compared to her wealth while ordinary hawkers are slapped with heavy fines. A case of different strokes for different folks?

Rape has become a joke in the classroom and we have to wonder how many of them can be considered teachers. But there is a silver lining – a brave young girl stood up and offered a voice for the students.

Instead of applauding her, some narrow-minded citizens are spewing hatred and loathing on social media. Doesn’t she need protection?

Brain drain continues

Some are appeared to have been given a carte blanche to insult other faiths with total disregard for sensitivities on race and religion. Isn’t the right to choose religion enshrined in the constitution? Why then is there no action against those who repeatedly run down other religions?

So what is there to celebrate on May Day? Workers whose hard work turned their bosses into millionaires and billionaires continue to live in squalid conditions and the laws which are supposed to ensure minimum standards are met have taken a back seat. As it is said, money can be a great mover.

When a member of parliament goes out of the way to help people in need, he is accused of having a hidden religious agenda. The one who made these remarks continues to teach university students and shares mired thoughts.

Hi-tech factories and industries are packing up and leaving – a reflection of their confidence and stability in the government. Doesn’t anyone care? Of course, the politician will thump his chest and lead a rombongan and go on a lawatan sambil belajar under the guise of a trip to promote investments. But has anything benefitting the nation materialised?

Meanwhile, the brain drain continues. Talents “unwanted” by the government have found fame elsewhere as scientists, researchers, inventors and academicians. Isn’t anyone worried?

Two weeks ago, the prime minister said the country is running out of funds. A week, later billions appeared. Bingo! Like manna from heaven, the finance minister announces money is coming from the National Trust Fund. What will they do next?

We have been told over and over again that the mastermind of the missing funds from 1MDB is hiding in China. But we have yet to find him. But there is comic relief – 122 religious officers and a posse of police officers are still hunting for a crossdresser! Immigration officers at exit points have been placed on high alert. We know where the priorities lie.

So today, will we celebrate and recognise the contributions of the Malaysian workers or should we be sending out a “May Day” distress call to our leaders to stop the oppression of citizens and prevent the country from becoming a failed state?- Mkini

---

R NADESWARAN is a veteran journalist who has regularly written on contemporary issues facing his fellow citizens. Comments: citizen.nades22@gmail.com

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of MMKtT.