What has become of Malaysia?

// August 2nd, 2009 // News, Politics

My beloved country, Malaysia was sucked into chaos yesterday (Aug 1, 2009) when two groups, those for and against the controversial ISA (Internal Security Act), took the streets in what was supposed to be a peaceful march from the heart of Kuala Lumpur (Masjid Jamek and SOGO) to the Royal Palace but was met with brute police intervention. Each of the groups was supposed to hand in their memorandums regarding the ISA. The Anti-ISA group wants the government to abolish the draconian law of ISA which allows the government to detain indefinitely anyone suspected of undermining the stability of the nation without trial while the Pro-ISA maintains the need for a law, created to capture and put to trial Communist Members back in the 1960’s <–Click here for wiki on ISA. The ISA has been the subject of abuse by the government and there have been many horrors stories related to the ISA.

The New York Times reported the ruckus here.

The Anti-ISA rally was dispersed by the Royal Malaysian Police through unnecessary shots of tear gas and chemical-laden water. A supposedly peaceful march turned into a scene of police abuse and brutality. “There was no need for the firing of tear gases or the chemical-laced water to disperse the march because it was a peaceful one”, said one of the rally members.

While elsewhere:

Malaysia, once a peaceful and developing country, is now faced with heavy corruption from all levels and ever increasing crime rate. Many Malaysians, feeling unsafe, even in their own homes during broad daylight, are taking matters into their own hands <– click for news . They are organizing their own crime watch groups, similar to that of Rukun Tetangga back in the days. (I foresee an opportunity for a new group of elite security forces for hire, consisting of foreign or local ex-police or ex-military personnel). The government has abused their power while the police force is good for nothing.

IMHO:

Malaysia needs change badly but I don’t foresee it happening overnight. Even the French Revolution lasted for 10 years and within the lost decade, many people sacrificed their lives for such change.

Let all Malaysians rise to the tyranny of the Government and make the necessary changes for a better tomorrow for our future generations.

We need a Malaysia for all Malaysians with low crime rate, high job opportunities, zero – corruption and Freedom of speech and press!

-Boon