When little Napoleons abuse their power

 

The video of an elderly man being roughed up by MBPJ officers during an operation to capture stray dogs had gone viral.

From Clement Stanley

It must be really exciting to wield power, even for a fleeting moment and for the wrong reasons.

Just take the case of the Petaling Jaya City Council dog catchers who decided to use force on an elderly gentleman whose only crime was to love and care for his dogs.

They flexed their muscles and were brazen enough to act in such an uncivilised manner despite knowing they were being recorded.

But in truth, the old man – who was punched in the face – was braver than these enforcers.

The difference lies in the power they were given and which they abused. And that’s just shameful. Even more shameful is the fact that the elderly man will be charged tomorrow for obstructing public servants from carrying out their duties.

Then you have security guards stationed at hospital entrances with power in their hands to decide if you can or cannot go any further based on the way you dress when visiting patients.

What one wears is probably the last thing on one’s mind at that point in time.

After all, people who go to hospitals are either those seeking medical attention or visiting patients.

All the security guard knows is that he has the power to turn someone away because they are “inappropriately” dressed.

The question is, why do men or women in uniform go over the top when exercising their power?

Shouldn’t there be some sense of politeness and compassion when dealing with a fellow human being who is unaware of an existing “dress code” at a government department or agency?

Who are these guardians of morality?

What many of us cannot understand nor can we accept is the lack of understanding and compassion shown by these little Napoleons.

Today it is the dog catchers against one old man. Tomorrow it might be worse. Who knows? Power in the wrong hands will lead to chaos and ruin our nation. - FMT

Clement Stanley is an FMT reader.

The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of MMKtT.