I means seriously... why not?

I can't speak for the rest, but living in Australia has certainly opened up my mind. A lot. In case you haven't been following Karipap News, we've covered numerous public demonstrations here in Melbourne. Many of which concern human right issues in countries like Sri Lanka, Palestine and Burma (just to name a few).

So, you could say my eyes twitched uncomfortably (like this 'o.O'-> 'O.o') when I read today's news from sweet home, Alabam-err... I meant, Malaysia.

Here are some excerpts from the Star.

Foreign nationals living here were urged not to use the streets of Malaysia to protest political developments in their own countries.

Referring to the demonstration by 700 Iranians, mostly students, in front of Wisma UN here on Monday, Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishamuddin Tun Hussein said he had instructed the relevant authorities not to hesitate to take strict action against those that threatened the peace.

"I warned them: Do not use Malaysia as a stage and create disturbances and chaos.

"I have spoken to them and told them not to go overboard on Malaysian soil because the safety and security of Malaysians are most important," he told reporters in the Parliament lobby Tuesday.

I mean seriously... WTF? Creating disturbance and chaos? Why is the government so paranoid? Sure, maybe those Iranian folks should have applied for a police permit, but with due respect to the Home Minister, I think the police has been heavy handed in dealing with the protesters.


Oh yeah. Winning the hearts and minds of protesters. Pic: The Star.

Police presence is common in many of the public demonstrations that we have attended in Melbourne. And get this: The police played a role in guiding, protecting and supporting the demonstrators. I think suppressing non-violent public demonstrations with water cannon and tear gas has a detrimental effect that leads to disturbance, violence and chaos.

*Sigh* When will the Malaysian government understand that freedom of speech is for ALL? Including douche bags?


Oh don't get me wrong, I don't think these people are douche bags. On the contrary... Pic: The Star.