Merdeka musings 2015

Negaraku
Tanah tumpahnya darahku...

Every so often, our politicians make statements that amuse me (cue various volumes of Malaysian Politicians Say the Darndest Things). I think it is fair to say many fellow Malaysians would agree that it is difficult not to be amused, even if these statements are disturbing and infringe on our freedom of speech.

Recently, a mystifying statement made in conjunction with the Bersih 4 rallies drew my attention. It seems that the foreign ministry is on a witch-hunt.

The deputy minister of foreign affairs announced that the ministry is in the process of identifying Malaysians abroad who participated in the Bersih 4 rallies for "eventual legal action against them".

The action of Malaysians abroad was branded as "tarnish(ing) the image of the country at the international level."

Sad to say, Malaysia's international image is already tainted and the government bears direct responsibility for this representation. Racially divisive politics, gender and sexual discriminations, corruption, and more have dominated the headlines for the past decade. Only someone residing in a political bubble brought on by a privileged position could deny that the poor reputation of the country internationally is a direct result of the government's policies.

A sound democracy with respect for human rights and freedom of speech would surely be a powerfully positive story to appear in the international press. How then can the rallies by citizens, for citizens and country, to demand clean elections and government, the right to dissent, strengthening parliamentary democracy, and saving the economy possibly tarnish Malaysia's image?

Surely the US$700 million – allegedly from the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) fund – deposited into the Prime Minister's private bank account, among other scandals (e.g., the French submarine contract), has already tarnished the country's image.

If tarnishing the image of the country is cause for legal action, there are indeed more worthy targets for the ministry's attention.

It seems to me that Malaysians abroad are convenient targets upon whom to hinge accusations of "unpatriotic" actions.

Recall that this group was also chastised by the Prime Minister as those "who will criticise the country, but they do not have any idea of how to contribute to the country".

Well, some Malaysians abroad who have come together to organise as Global Bersih (GB) do indeed have ideas for a more democratic Malaysia, only to be overlooked and vilified.

In solidarity with Bersih 4, there were GB rallies in more than 80 cities in over 35 countries with about 15,000 participants even as they were intimidated and threatened. Scholarship students were warned that their scholarships could be revoked while Malaysian embassies discredited GB rallies with misleading information to local law enforcement agencies.

Most Malaysians abroad work hard to further their careers in industries that are not always available at home, while also juggling transnational families and obligations.

They send money home and hone expertise in fields that are much needed by the country, such as education, engineering, and technology. Some eventually return, but others may not.

Whatever the circumstances, the Malaysian diaspora has an important role to play in the present and future of the country. Moreover, a large, well-integrated diaspora is a sign of strong global presence for Malaysia.

The deputy minister of foreign affairs stated: "It is not that we do not have room for the people to express themselves. Malaysia is not a dictatorship."

But it is not a democratic country either, is it? The government attempted every avenue possible to intimidate and criminalise Bersih 4. The rallies were declared illegal because Bersih is not a registered organisation and Bersih 4 did not adhere to the notice conditions of the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012.

While university students can participate in the rallies, they were dissuaded and threatened with suspension or expulsion by those in power, who referred to Bersih as a threat to national sovereignty, racial harmony, public order and safety, and economic prosperity.

Similarly, civil servants were warned that participation in Bersih 4 might be "detrimental to their own careers".

The Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) blocked two central Bersih websites from disseminating information about the rallie, www.bersih.org and www.globalbersih.org.

And lest we forget, there was the Federal Government Gazette that prohibited any yellow clothing that carried the word "Bersih 4" and any printed material or pamphlet that led to Bersih 4.

The deputy minister went on to say: "…freedom of speech must not be seen as absolute freedom to say anything by any way. Are we going to legalise everything in the name of freedom of speech or human rights?"

Freedom of speech is precisely what it is: the freedom to exercise an opinion without fear of censorship, intimidation, punishment, or violence.  Without freedom of speech, along with other institutional mechanisms for the functioning of a democracy, then authoritarianism, despotism, and tyranny will prevail. 

The Minister suggested that Bersih 4 demonstrators were "not patriotic" simply because they chose to stage the rally close to the Merdeka Day celebration.

What could be a more forceful show of patriotism than hundreds of thousands of citizens uniting to dream of a better future for themselves, their partners, their families and friends, their children and grandchildren?

And to do so close to the day that Merdeka was achieved in a manner that is spirited, peaceful, and religiously harmonious?

Malaysian citizens of various faiths, class, and backgrounds have spoken loud and clear for 34 hours: they preferred to choose the manner and venue to demand justice, integrity, and respect for their cherished country. In doing so, they chose to uplift instead of tarnish Malaysia in a time of crisis.

Negaraku,
Tanah tumpahnya darahku...  – September 2, 2015.

* This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insider.