Of Protests & Rallys…

 

No Malaysian could have forgotten the BERSIH rallys that took place in our streets over the past few years, especially those who participated them. 20 000, 30 000 people took to the streets to protest against the unjust, biased and unfair electorate, and the protocols enacted to help the incumbent retain control over their respective constituency.

Despite denied the necessary permits to hold the rallies, the organisers persisted with their plans. Its participants, held on to attend the rallies despite the danger that they put themselves at risk at.

Tear gasses, water cannons, barricades, chaos ensured. Both BERISH and pro-government supporters claimed that the other party is responsible for the damaged caused during the rallies. Needless to say, the rallies received widespread publicity throughout the globe, with many criticising both BERSIH and the government for it’s inhumane handling of the whole crisis.

Over the years many had asked why I hadn’t attended these BERSIH rallies, or why I didn’t show support to their cause for a cleaner and fairer election.

 

Don’t you want what’s fair for yourself and your country?

 

In many ways, this country and it’s system is far from perfect, riddled with controversial policies and racial politics in almost every sector. Elections were far from transparent and cases of bribery and corruption are rampant from top to bottom. All these have become far more apparent when one (such as I)  had just returned after a 3-year absence away from this country.

 

More than anybody perhaps, I want things to be better, not because I want it to be. But because I love this country.

 

But why, why did I abstained from participating or showing support in these rallies that fight for a noble cause? Why didn’t I shout slogans or put on BERSIH badges on my Facebook account to show that I care for my country? Why did I choose against denouncing the way things are run in this country openly by displaying my support for their cause?

Why??

This is because such rallys, especially political ones, have far-reaching consequences that many are not aware of. Consequences, that in the long run will eventually cripple the country.

Revolution, though how glorious it may sound to be, has its price. At such point, Malaysia cannot really afford such a price in the name of revolution. Everybody desires better living standards, better education, better judicial system, better technologies. But at what price??

 

So my question to all BERSIH supporters; would you choose revolution at the price of stability??

 

The Egyptian coup d'état is one good example. A government elected democratically is literally thrown down from power by means of street protests and demonstrations. The numbers of casualty and damage caused by both faction (pro-Morsi & anti-Morsi) is both terrifying and saddening.

 

A government formed through illegal means is susceptible to fall through illegal means.

 

Once street protests, rallys or sit-protests is embedded into the Malaysian culture, anybody can overthrow the government just because they are the rakyat, the enlightened people that wield the people’s power. So much so that this creates a false hope in the people; If there’s enough supporters, the multitude can demand immediate change to suit their demands.

 

But I tell you, this is perverted democracy. Perverted justice.A power misused and corrupted.

 

There are means and channels that exists for the proper practice of democracy. The Parliament. The Court. The Electorate. Yes, I don’t deny that those in helm have manipulated these channels to maintain their authority and political influence. But have we exhausted all means available to strive for a better Malaysia?

ALL?

 

Street protests and rallys are the easiest platform to voice out dissatisfaction and disappointment towards the current regime. Because essentially they are just a VERY ANGRY MOB. HOOLIGANS. A little bit of fanning of the flames can cause a great fire. The government, might end up in self-destruct, having to deal with both dissatisfied multitude and international spotlight.

But nobody benefits from this. NOBODY. Even if the government were to be dissolved right away and replaced by the opposition, years later they can also be ousted with the exact means they used to secure control. If today the mob secures what they want through such means, soon protests and rallys would sprout all over the country at every single whim.

 

IS THIS WHAT YOU DESIRE??

 

You must wonder why I raise this topic out of nowhere. For the culture of street protesting/rallys has already poisoned our youths. Not long ago a group of students protested against the school for discontinuing contracts of several teachers during a graduation ceremony. These teachers (those that were laid off) led the mob crashing into the graduation ceremony to protest against the injustice that they have suffered. While the school didn’t response by employing water guns or tear gas canisters, the police were called in and electric supply was cut off to discourage these teachers from using the microphone.

What these teachers intend to achieve from their actions, I do not know. Nor do I care to learn which party is at fault. But I am absolutely distraught by the fact that these teachers manipulated the students into doing such atrocities. These teachers had breeched ethical conduct that educators should have abided to. A good teacher would never have allowed the students that they truly love to do such things. They have yet to exhaust all other means of dealing with such issue. Expressing their disappointment in a press conference would have made their cause more sympathetic and respectable.

 

For it is impossible to fight evil with evil, wrong with wrong.

 

Revolutions are always the bloodiest incidents in history. The French Revolution was characterised by execution at the guillotine, the Chinese decorated by years of civil war fought between warlords unleashed from the control of the Imperial Qing Dynasty. Revolution is probably the swiftest method to make everything right, but it is also the costliest, at the expense of the long term stability and prosperity of the country.

 

I, for one, would not like such version of Malaysia.

 

It should always be the very last resort, where all other means have been exhausted. I believe we have yet to reach that stage. There is still much that we can do. I believe that we can still educate our younger generations with love and principles that is becoming of a Malaysian. To educate and produce human resources that can identify shortcomings in the system, and overcome them with maturity and kindness.

This would be time consuming, physically and mentally exhausting. This may take decades, even centuries for such change to occur. But what is properly erected on a strong foundation will persevere against the flow of time. Which is the best way, I don’t presume that I know best.

 

But I know, with conviction, that street protests/rallys  must never become this foundation.

天长地久，还是曾经拥有？

天长地久,真的可能吗？

一手捧着包包，另一个紧握着手机，身子坐在公园里头的一座长凳上，你脸上挂着那灿烂的笑容可真沉鱼落雁。你没发现，也没发觉远方望着你的身影，你似乎对四周不闻不问。顿时一阵西风吹过，你不禁抖了一抖，双手抚摸双臂，顺手把手机放入包包。你望了手表一眼，东张西望了一番，双掌埋进暖衣两侧的口袋。

此时公园里来来去去的人不多，但沿着跑道散步的也不少。年轻力壮的，耳里塞着耳机，播放着流行音乐跑步。稍微年老些的，则一边漫步一边欣赏公园里秋天的景色。各做各的，你也不怎样在乎，偶尔对他们点头，微笑。没过多久，你又望着手表，开始有点不安。

忽然你转过身子，遥望公园四方，寻找那熟悉的脸孔。脸上挂着一阵无奈的表情，你走向湖旁，双臂放在栏杆上，遥望着对岸那对鸳鸯有如情侣一般在湖面上戏水。一时看得入神，时间好像慢了下来，你不禁微笑，显然很羡慕那恩爱又甜蜜的情景。

鸳鸯戏水，双宿亦双飞?

不一会儿，那对鸳鸯似乎不耐西风寒冷的催促，果然双双飞走，在湖面上残留它们一度风光的痕迹。觉得扫兴，你转身走回长凳，同时望着手表，脸上顿时闪过一阵不耐烦的表情。你深深叹了一口气，皱着眉头坐在长凳上，从包包里拿出手机。很熟悉地，你拇指在手机键盘上狂舞，若不是速打短讯，就是拨打一通电话。

顿时听见身后熟悉的电话铃声，你兴奋的转过来，要尽快找出铃声的源头。那旋空而绕的“滚滚红尘”曲子肯定错不了，因为是你自己设定的手机铃声。看见了一直渴望的脸孔，你心也安定下来，后双臂荡开，扑入怀中。稍微呜咽的笑声，含泪的笑颜由心而发，有如花儿含苞待放，春娇无比。时间不在流动，停顿于此时此刻。

曾经拥有，就该瞒足吧？

Bad Day

Right at this point all I could think off is how bad the day has been for me. So bad that I could barely walk 5 feet without my nose sneezing my face off. So much so that people think I could actually be Rudolf incarnated, even though Christmas is still at least 2 months away.

I brace myself against the autumn breeze, walking with my right shielding my reddened nose, the other fumbling for another piece of tissue from my side pocket. Apart from the breeze I am also avoiding bumping into everybody’s shoulders; apparently I am the only odd one out trying to head uptown after office hours.

Everything is just out to go against me today.

My nose. My clients. My superiors. It is supposed to be payday too, but hell be frozen over before I can lay my hands on it. By law they are supposed to pay on the 10th every month, but it is tradition that employees will only receive them a week later, later backdated to the date on record. This means my utility bills are always settled a week later, at the risk of my utilities being discontinued or suspension of services.

Red lights. Great. Now I have to wait for the lights to turn, right at the streets. Trying to hold my breath so that I won’t need to breathe in anymore pollutants, a hippy just walk by and stand next to me, smoking. Annoyed but unable to do anything about it, I gradually shift my body further away. He seems to notice and took offence, for he had that offended look in his face.

Rough day, mate.

My nose decided that it would like to run today, maybe trying to get some decent exercise that I have been depriving it off. The medication that my doctor prescribed really did a good job, seriously lowering the tendency for my nose to go berserk when there’s a slight increase in the pollen count. The numbers today are supposed to be good, probably 1 or 2 index higher than usual, but my nose decided to revolt anyway. Sometimes I wonder would my nose problems persist if I have them surgical removed, but that won’t make me popular with the ladies I suppose.

I swiftly pick up my pace as the lights indicate that it is safe to cross the road. Within several strides I leave the disgruntled hippy with his smokes behind. I avoid the florist, taking a detour down another street, trying not to aggravate my nose. But this means I will have to walk past my landlord. My rent is already a month behind, but the real problem is that she is a really a nice lady. A church lady. I would feel better if she would yell at me, instead she will always say it’s alright honey, next time then…and then minutes later sends me some newly baked cookies. Too good a Samaritan can really put you to shame.

She might be out at this hour. Almost time for her bible-study.

I decide that I can risk bumping into her, but I quicken my pace, thinking that this would reduce the odds of getting myself into another uncomfortable meeting. To my relief her lights are out, with no sign of life in her unit. As I turn into the corner I slow down into a walk, and take the leisure to sneeze several times. The surrounding neighbourhood is already fairly lightened up, families gathering in their dining room sharing their warm meals. I am still struggling to get myself home.

“God is good. God so love the world He gave His only son…”

Yeah right. If God is really good, I can use some good massage for my aching body, hot warm chocolate for my nose right now. If it really isn’t trouble, God, I would like to have a couple of million so that I won’t need to work my ass off for just 10 quid per hour. A model for a wife is definitely a bonus.

“…died on the cross for the sins of many…”

I must say, that old preacher has guts. For the past 5 years he has been standing outside his church preaching to everybody that thread passed his sanctuary. Not even the snow or the scorching heat would stop him. The only time he isn’t out there in the pavement is during Christmas Service and Sundays, technically which he would be preaching, as usual, in his pulpit inside the building.

I continue to walk as his voice grows faint. I resolve to myself that I will never be able to comprehend how he can do this day in, day out for years. My admiration for his resolve and determination in his passion is often overshadowed by my distaste towards his efforts of trying to convince the public that God is Love. To be honest, I don’t understand how one can carry out their duties with conviction, less work with such red hot passion.

Fool. A fool for Christ.

Then my thoughts wandered as I walk up the stairs to my door, puffing a sigh to celebrate my safe arrival at my own door. Letters in my doorsteps remind me of the errands at work; all the copying, typing and stapling. Nothing interesting apart from returning calls and e-mails. All work and no play. Apparently I’m still on probation; crucial information and important documents are off-limits to me, even though I’m already in my second year working for them.

Why?? Why in the world would a probation period last for two years?? My grades in school weren’t great, average at best. It was through a friend’s friend that I managed to secure a good. Being a nobody with no real importance, they keep kicking me from department to department. While doing so they insist that I go through the stupid probation period, and every time I do so I would have to re-enter my details, again. Apparently they’ve loss all my records on their books during the transfer. This is probably the bloody fourth time I had to re-enter all my personal records. No wonder I never got promoted; I’m probably just another new “recruit” in their database, considering how I always have to wipe their assess for them again and again.

Seriously, what are you paying Bill Gates for?? Those shitty database programmes are supposed to make life easier, not the opposite.

So pay’s always late. Yet to graduate from probation. And now there’s a rumour circulating in the office. The Boss’ son, freshly graduated from Imperial, is set to take over the department. What is wrong with the world? A young'un, barely out of his college-ish attire is set to take over the department, bypassing a whole list of senior officers. Just because he’s the Boss’ son?

So? Shall we address you as Boss Jr.??

Wondering why others are born with a silver spoon and I leading such a wretched life, I slam the door shut, toss everything aside and just hop into bed without undressing. Too tired to properly clean myself or take a proper bite, I just lay on the bed recounting what a bad day I had. Not entirely sure whether it is a blessing or a curse to come back to an empty house, I think to myself. Some colleagues are lucky enough to be welcomed home; the others constantly have to deal with divorces, child custody fights or other family issues. But right now I really hope that I am not the only living presence in the house.

Deciding that enough is enough, I reach for my flu pills in the bedside drawer. Then I notice the sleeping pills laying just next to it. They say it’s almost a peaceful death, unless they managed to get you to the hospital in time. Getting your digestion system forcefully cleared of the substance is like burning your organs inside out. But yeah, one can pass on in peace, provided that nobody interferes….

…hastily jamming my mouth full, I force myself to swallow the medicine with a glass of water. Then slumping back onto the bed, I could feel my eyes getting heavy, my mind gradually sliding off into oblivion. I wonder if anybody would miss me if I’m gone. I suppose we can always tell. I need a rest, and thank God, if God really do exist…that finally I get to have some…decent break…from all this…shit.

TH3 ULT!M@T3 M@L@YS!@N R3@L!TY SH0W

 

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Good evening to everybody tuning in tonight!! First we’ll have a brief recap of today’s big headline. So it’s official; as of 2400 hours tonight prices of the RON 95 petrol and diesel shall increased by another 20 cents (Malaysian Ringgit, if you wondered). Long before the official announcements were made the news had already spread across all social media mediums (Facebook, Twitter etc.)

 

Torrents of feelings and dissatisfaction are flooding the mass media this very second. Let’s tap in to tonight’s WHAT’S WHAT & WHO’S WHO - TH3 ULT!M@T3 M@L@YS!@N R3@L!TY SH0W!!!!!!!!!!!!
 

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First are the Horde. Angry Horde. People whose aim is just to tell others how pissed they are. Some were regurgitating past promises made by prominent leaders about NOT raising fuel prices. The others were battering the country for blatantly placing heavier burdens on the rakyat just to make good on a promise to give out cash freebies to everybody, and yes, everybody means everybody with a Malaysian IC (get my point?)

 

Then we have the Optimists. Mind you, they are pissed as well. But instead of being pissed at the inevitable or harbour toxic resentment against those in power, these people are clamouring to nearby petrol stations trying to get that one last tank of pre-increment fuel before the clock strikes midnight.  Though probably ain’t as long as the line waiting outside McDonalds to purchase Happy Meals that came with those HUGELY popular  Minions figurine(yes, pun intended).

 

Lastly we have the “Mohists”; The Indifferent and The Floaters:

 

The Indifferent don’t really have a say. Prices (not only fuel) fluctuate up and down and things are way beyond their control. They can only continue striving and working their ass off to make ends meet. Those who were lucky enough to get to work legally can make it through the day without much fuss. Those less unfortunate that were trafficked illegally would have far less to live with. With prices destined to rise, inflation to kick in, and with no income increment to check with, these people are doomed to resort to any means of survival, even the most unimaginable. 

 

As for The Floaters. Well, they make do with everything just as usual. Yeah fuel prices has only ever go up and seldom go down, but they count their blessings. They have enough, materialistically and intellectually, to keep their heads above the water most of the time. They float on the borders of water and air, living between the hot and the cold. They will survive, provided that they are diligent enough.

 

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And now looking at these prospectively…owh hei, who do we have here? Let’s hear an applause for The Game Poachers!! How glad of you to join us!! Now would you kindly illumine us about the situation we have here?? *whisper* Let’s just call you Poachie, eh?? *whisper*

 

********POACHIE CLEARS THROAT********

 

Let’s start with the  Horde. They can just shout or say what they want. They’re just a bunch of adolescents trying to be vocal or stand up for something. These people just want to feel that they have somehow contributed to the community, mainly through the social media, well sometimes through demonstrations and rallies. But to be frank this hasn’t been really working; they are all talk and no work. The Horde isn’t something I will lose sleep over. You clamp them down, but not completely; purposely leak something for them to exploit. Allow them to build resistance, i.e. Facebook Groups, LGBT Movements etc. Once in a while allow them rallies and demonstrations. But since it’s deliberated you can always be prepared to contain any fallout. That should keep them busy and not create any bigger fuss.

 

Next are The Optimists. They are like colony of ants attracted to spots with sugar, bees to where flowers are.You just have to give them a little preview, or sneak peek of some big policy you’re going trash out later. It doesn’t have to be loads,; even a speck of sugar can get the whole ant colony excited. If you’re lucky enough you can actually make tonnes out of this i.e. spread a rumour that bread prices are soaring, I can guarantee that the Optimists will come frantically stocking in flour.   If you’re smart enough to stockpile lots of flour prior to this then you’ll definitely have to buy me some booze and boobs *perverted laugh *

 

And lastly the Mohists; It’s really love-hate to me.

 

Let’s start with The Indifferent. They are there for a reason. Everybody hates them, yet everybody needs them. You can’t really pressed out much from them. But if you give them just enough (sometimes barely enough if you have a tight purse), they will work their assess off for you!! They are really a dedicated bunch, working 80-90 hours a week for the least amount of output.That’s what I call efficiency!!! Every Capitalists’ American Dream - minimum input for maximum output!!

 

Then we have the Floaters. I ABSOLUTELY hate them!! Detest them, if I must say. These people don’t contribute much; they can’t and won’t spend much glitters. But they would demand for more if the Horde’s feeble campaign gains momentum, then they can be quite a headache. They really are a troublesome bunch.They think they are the class honours and would so believe that they are entitled to the privileges and luxury that us Poachers have. Not in a million years!! What we have and own today came with a heavy price, founded on bloodshed and built with risks of death and  agony.

 

And yes, if you ever wondered, or perhaps you have already realised by now…

 

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WE ACTUALLY OWN ALL OF THIS AND WE RUN THE WHOLE GOD DAMNED SHOW!!!

 

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給比受更爲有福？

 

心底一沉，他伸出戰戰兢兢的双手,從她手中提出來的白金鑽石戒指拿過來。反手把戒指塔在手掌上，陽光照射而產生的反射瞬間閃過，他不由閉上了雙眼。想不到單單一枚戒指，這時拿在手上，竟然有那無比的沉重。

“對不起，你...這份心思，我...算是心領了。”她不曾擡起頭來，更提不起膽量望著他，只以那細密的歉意作爲對他的回復。這時湖邊忽然吹來一陣西風，數千萬焦紅色的樹葉頓時由天而降，已剩乾枯的樹幹微微隨風搖擺。

棄者難留，他深知，一切已成定局。她，也比很多人更有勇氣，選擇了向他坦然，一了百了。那深至入骨的失望依然在胸中徘徊，一陣苦，一陣酸，很是難受。多年來的暗戀，數月來的心思因一句不到十秒鐘的“對不起”化爲烏有。心中明白，戰敗也得敗的得體大方，便提起丹田中又憂傷又氣餒的的一股氣，擺上一副從容的面孔，開口慾要説話。但未及開口，卻被她搶先一步。

“你這份禮物，實在太貴重，”她身子黯然地轉向大湖，深深嘆息了一口氣，才輕聲接道，“我...實在...受不起。你...還是把它暫且收藏，日後送了給別人吧...”話一說完，她又低著頭，雙掌伸入那深藍色的牛仔褲。一時不知如何回答，他惻然得望著她那微微抖著的背影，不由自己也嘆了一口。

遠望著大湖水面上逐漸黃昏的天空，加上四周通紅的景色，他提起沉重的腳步站到她身邊，腦子裏盤算著無數的話語，一時不知從何開始。片刻后把心一狠，咬著牙根，決定不再顧慮那麽多。

他舉起右手掌説道，“你可知爲什麽給...”,頓了一頓把手攤開,那銀色戒指又再次反映它輝煌的燦爛。他繼道，“...給遠比受更為有福？”

她搖了頭。望著她滿腹赫然及一幅充滿好奇心的表情，他胸襟頓時充滿信心。

“儅一個人付出的時候，無論是物質，金錢，甚至感情，往往都是一廂情願的。”

“一廂情願？”

他默然點頭，堅持他並沒說錯。

“一廂情願，是因爲這種人從不必計較對方的感受，也不必對方的認同。他們只在乎的，是自己付出以後的滿足感。後果如何，實在不再任何人的控制範圍内。”

他轉過身子面著她，雙人臉頰距離不出兩尺，隱隱約約能聞到她身上傳來的玉蘭花香水味。片刻后拿起她的右手，把戒指塞了給她，未讓她有機會拒絕就把手收回去了。

“心願也是如此，心思也是如此，禮物也是如此。當初我買下了這枚戒指，指定你是它唯一的主人。既然全都交托給你，全都是你的了。我心已碎，也無緣留給你。”

此時兩人淚已滿襟，他卻未盡説心裏的話。

“...唯一可留給你的，就是這枚戒指。要留要丟，慾買慾存，你自己決定好了。”

話説完后，他轉過身子，瀟灑的走開。被他的氣概有所感動，她轉過身子，一陣傷感，一陣感觸，心裏忽然一時衝動，差點突出口，要求他留步。但她始終沒把他留住，眼睜睜看著他背影漸漸離去。

此時湖邊一片寧靜，耳邊仍然旋環著他那一席話，但四周的淒涼卻遠遠不及她心中那突兀的寂寞孤單。