This came out last Sunday in my favourite section of Daily Express
Pay attention to grouses and seek solutions
WHAT is Twest Awfa? I heard this phrase coined by someone back in my university days. It's actually Together We Stand (TWEST) Apart We Fall (AWFA) loosely translated from the Malay saying, Bersatu Teguh Bercerai Roboh - or is it the way round?
Malaysia is, indeed, a harmonious and peaceful country.
May 13, 1969 was indeed a tragic moment in our infant nation prompting the Government to promulgate and enforce certain rules and regulations to ensure that matters deemed sensitive will not be transgressed upon by anyone.
Since then we all live in a relatively peaceful environment. Everyone is getting familiar with such condition. Thus anything seen as sensitive will see action taken.
Pak Lah's predecessor, Tun M in the 80's took a wider approach through his Operasi Lalang where many opposition leaders were detained under the infamous ISA. Since then, the executive part of the nation had tightened its grip over the so-called freedom of speech among its citizens.
This continued until Tun M stepped down in 2003. Hence some welcomed Pak Lah's reign as a new height in the history of our young but matured nation. Well certainly before the Hindraf incident.
Suddenly, the dreaded ISA emerges once more only because of the barred Hindraf assembly. Therefore, what are we going to do? We are living in a time where everyone values freedom but then are we comfortable with utmost or unlimited freedom to the extent of hurting others' feelings? Or we prefer some kind of restriction to freedom?
Kudos to Pak Lah for his new approach of administration many luxuries which are not available during his predecessor are now enjoyed by Malaysians. At least, the opposition and of course us are free to voice certain matters without fear or favour.
We are free to share our views through various channels, including the mass media be it the main or alternative media such as the Net.
Nonetheless, some feel that these are not enough as there are countless issues which remain unsolved through the years simply because of the existing laws, approach by certain quarters and, of course ourself consciousness and reservation, fear and respect of other people feelings. Therefore, we resort to more tacit and diplomatic ways - through discussion and dialogues. Some are entertained while the rest go unnoticed, swept under the carpet. Sad but true. Hence we have the street demonstrations or malicious words on the Net!
Freedom is never absolute as absolute corrupts. This is evident in our own Federal Constitution. Article 11(4) states inter alia.. federal law may control or restrict the propagation of any religious doctrine or belief among persons professing the religion of Islam". The study of law itself states that if there is a general rule it is bound to have some exceptions.
These exceptions are analogous to restriction of our freedom be if it speech, assembly or whatsoever.
Living in a multiracial and religious nation like ours certainly demand certain restrictions. Therefore, we have the agreed social contract upon the formation of our beloved nation. Such unwritten as well as written contract should be observed by everyone at all times regardless of his status.
What transpired in other countries where clashes among people are common can be attributed to limitless freedom.
I am certain that all will not want our peaceful nation torn apart because of unchecked freedom.
However, as mentioned above, the Government or everyone for that matter should never turn blind eyes or deaf ears to grouses by viewing them as trivial and unimportant.
They should really pay attention to grouses and complaints presented before them while at the same time do their utmost to offer satisfactory solutions to concerned parties.
Even the dreaded ISA will be able to control an outburst over some unresolved matters. Do not take for granted the feelings and sentiments of our fellow countrymen. Look and remember when Ferdinand Marcos who saw himself as invincible due to America's strong backing was finally defeated by popular masses. What happened in Pakistan to Musharraf, too, should serve as a stern reminder to everyone.
Some may say that Musharraf was a dictator by crushing the protesters but has it ever occurred to us that he was also trying desperately to save his nation as he feels responsible towards it.
We have gone through much sufferings and I sincerely do not want my only homeland to turn into disarray.
Watan Marhaen
What Say You?
http://www.wangrakyat.net?reff=caeser76
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