Two protests were scheduled in three days for different causes.
Last Saturday, it was against the nation's most significant crisis – corruption - and the other, on Monday, for the support of those whose products put food on the table for all of us.
That is where the similarities ended. One was told a flat “no” when notifying the police of the impending protest with a warning to participants.
In contrast, the other party was not directed or requested but a polite plea was made to reschedule it.
Last Saturday’s protest, organised by Sekretariat Rakyat Benci Rasuah, would have been the perfect platform to reignite and relaunch Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s waning crusade against corruption.
Unfortunately, he was away in Davos when officialdom put obstacles in place, but his late intervention allowed it to proceed.
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It was not until Anwar’s directive (he had previously led such protests both as a student leader and as an opposition leader) that the protest went ahead.
Obstruction by authorities
Although the notice was served within the stipulated time, Dang Wangi police chief Sulizmie Affendy Sulaiman said it was incomplete as it lacked the consent of the venue’s owners or occupants.
Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail echoed similar views on the need for consent from the owners of the premises where they will gather.
“Does Dataran Merdeka have an owner? Yes, it does. So, seek permission from the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) first.
“If it’s outside Sogo, get approval from the Sogo owner. That’s what the law requires,” he said.
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Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil, who is also the government spokesperson, sang similar sentiments from the same score sheet.
Calling on all Malaysians, regardless of political affiliation, to respect and adhere to this requirement, saying: “The law explicitly states that permission must be secured from the property owner for any assembly to take place.”
But Anwar disagreed and vetoed them: “The problem of corruption raised in the rally should be based on facts and not merely focused on old issues.
“The issue of corruption is now being raised. I have been prime minister for two years; what corruption problems are there? That should be the focus.
“Some are bringing up old issues. True, some we have resolved, and some we have not been able to. When we highlight the loss of billions of ringgit, there’s no voice, no support, and some even defend it.”
The farmers’ protest had a minor hiccup too. On Sunday, Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain “advised” farmers to reschedule their rally on Monday outside the Prime Minister's Office due to Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto's visit.
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Anwar joined the imploration: “I do not oppose the gathering to submit a memorandum to the agriculture (and food security) minister, feel free to do so.
“But when organising such matters, please set an appropriate time.”
A case of double standards or putting roadblocks against the anti-corruption crowd? Or was it a case of different strokes for different folks?
If permission to use Dataran Merdeka must be sought from DBKL, which authority or body can permit gathering outside the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry in Putrajaya?
Both public places had been chosen as venues for the protests. Yet, the police told the organiser to seek permission from the “owners” of DBKL but not that of the ministry.
The public perceives the police force as biased, taking sides in what is every citizen’s basic right to gather peacefully and say their piece.
When one is charged with disparaging remarks on one religion, he is arrested, charged and sent to prison. However, others seem to enjoy immunity when they make more serious and derogatory statements about another religion.
Twenty years ago, we had never heard of gated communities with barriers and boom gates in housing estates. Why do they have to do this when the police force is expected to provide for their safety and that of their property?
The perception is that the police cannot be trusted to deploy manpower to provide such vital services. Besides, they see the police giving higher priority to other “petty political” issues and view the police force as selective in carrying out their duties.
Double standards?
Back to the two protests: Why was the government insistent on preventing one and facilitating the other?
Were the issues discussed and debated? Did it not occur to Saifuddin and Fahmi that this goes against the government’s reformist image, and would such a stance take a hit as the DAP MP Syahredzan Johan said?
Why did they ignore the pleas from two former deputy law ministers - Mohamed Hanipa Maidin and Ramkarpal Singh?
Were the views of the attorney-general or the current law minister sought on the “ownership” of public spaces?
Could we have clarity on the ownership and use of public places? When foreign tourists can enter areas like the Dataran Merdeka unhindered, what about fellow citizens? Are locals seen as lesser mortals?
Was it logical for Saifuddin to claim permission to enter Dataran Merdeka? If the same logic is used, we need permission to travel on public roads because the local council, the state, or the federal government maintains them.
Some government politicians and civil societies have revised “reformasi” to “reformati.” If no serious effort is made to fulfil the many pre-election undertakings, the government risks losing the people's support and ending up as a one-term government or may even be unable to complete the current term. - Mkini
R NADESWARAN is a veteran journalist who writes on bread-and-butter issues. Comments: citizen.nades22@gmail.com
The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of MMKtT.
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