KoSong: What if Bersih calls off its march?

How should we judge a government?

In Malaysia, if you don't watch television or read newspapers, you are uninformed; but if you do, you are misinformed!

"If you're not careful, the newspapers will have you hating the people who are being oppressed, and loving the people who are doing the oppressing." - Malcolm X

Never argue with stupid people, they will drag you down to their level and then beat you with experience - Mark Twain

Why we should be against censorship in a court of law: Publicity is the very soul of justice … it keeps the judge himself, while trying, under trial. - Jeremy Bentham

"Our government is like a baby's alimentary canal, with a happy appetite at one end and no

responsibility at the other. " - Ronald Reagan

Saturday, July 02, 2011

What if Bersih calls off its march?

I think even if Bersih were to heed the call by the Home Minister and Police, it would have already served its original purpose to a certain extent. What we have seen so far: the online polls in The Star website, the numerous articles and comments, mostly in favour; the overreaction by PM, Home Minister and Police, aided by other government bodies like Election Commission, MCMC and so on; have shown to the general public and those elsewhere watching, that Bersih has become immensely powerful in its influence at the coming general elections.

Bersih, in its noble quest, has been met with an unreasonable government out to stop their march for fear of its huge success which could be detrimental to their chances at the next election. Again, if they have what it takes, they should have nothing to fear. But we are not having a reasonable response but leaders who are out to create havoc and conveniently blame it on the organizers which include opposition leaders. The worst case scenario could be declaration of emergency after some provocations and natural reactions, with the top opposition leaders arrested under the notorious ISA. If this happened, many people would look back and say that the opposition leaders walked into a trap. On the other hand, if Bersih calls off its march, which I would consider it as being gentlemanly (sorry for being sexist), then you can bet BN leaders, Perkasa and Umno Youth will declare victory and said there were poor response! But let them feel good for now. The message would have gotten through to the voters.

To avoid expected public disturbance on July 9, it may be wise to call off the march. Bersih can continue its efforts towards getting the EC to improve the electoral system, with the public already better informed and able to keep an eye on BN leaders. We have seen how they have not been able to honour what they have pledged or insisting that the system had always been perfect. The voters can quietly vote overwhelming against the BN, in such numbers that any form of manipulation would not be able to cover.

Why not have a virtual march on July 9? If we can create a foolproof way to conduct a poll, then we can show everyone how many people wish for a change in the electoral system. The online poll could include NRIC numbers to make each vote exclusive to a citizen.

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