I don't know about you but I sure am glad to read The Star's article today, Groups may cancel gatherings following King’s call against demos which reads:
The political temperature appears to have cooled following the King's call that street demonstrations will bring more bad than good to the country.
Yesterday, all the groups organising the various rallies this Saturday decided to take a step back and indicated that they would call off their plans if none of them march that day.
Hoping for a Royal audience, Bersih 2.0 steering committee chairman Datuk S. Ambiga said she would abide if it was the King's wish for the rally to be called off.
The King's remarks were issued through a special statement by Istana Negara yesterday.
Below is the translated full text of the King's statement:
“I am following closely the developments of the proposed gathering and procession by Bersih with the aim of handing over a memorandum to me as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, and how the Government, particularly the agencies and departments concerned, is handling the issue.
“However, I believe that the nation's leadership under Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak is capable of handling this problem in the best possible way.
“I urge that amid the political fervour of a section of the people to bolster democracy in our country, it must also be ensured that this demand on democracy does not bring destruction to the country.
“Generally, we cannot be following too much the practices in other countries, as harmony and stability are vital foundations for a country and which all quarters must protect.
“I also urge the Government to carry out everything that is entrusted to it by the people in a just and wise manner, and it is important that I, as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, do not want to see this country with a plural society in a situation where there is animosity among them or a section of the people being enemies with the Government, on whatever grounds.
“When any problem arises, we as a civilised society must resolve it through consultations and not follow our emotions, as the Malay saying goes Yang dikejar tak dapat yang dikendong berciciran (Not getting what we chase for and spilling what we carry).
“The fact is, street demonstrations bring more bad than good although the original intention is good. Instead, we should focus on our main objective to develop this country, and not create problems that will cause the country to lag behind.
“Remember that there is no land where the rain does not fall, there is no ocean that is not turbulent. That is how important moderation and compromise is, which has been long in practice by our nation's administration.” - Bernama
Source: Street demo will bring more bad than good, says King, The Star
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if we are to protest and demo with a goal for a better country, and in a peaceful way, and that the authorities would be more opened and forward thinking to accept feedback and listen to the people's voice, i don't see why this would be a problem.. my thought, what do you think??
ReplyDeleteI never support street rallies anyway so this is indeed good news! However, I think Bersih should still carry on with the rally NOT in the streets but in the stadium as offered by our PM : )
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