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Why are ministers acting like loan sharks? – J.D. Lovrenciear

It has been widely reported that the Housing, Urban Wellbeing and Local Government Minister Datuk Abdul Rahman Dahlan now “vows to send all the rubbish generated from future Bersih rallies to the NGO Bersih 2.0’s doorstep”.

I thought in Malaysia only Ah Longs (unlicensed money lenders or loan sharks) splash red paint on a borrower’s doorstep when repayment is not forthcoming.

What do we make out of such threatening statements from a newly appointed minister?

It is reported that the minister said this would happen if the Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections refuses to pay the RM65,000 bill from City Hall for clean-up efforts for the Bersih 4 rally on August 29 and 30. 

“If Bersih refuses to pay, the next time they hold another illegal demonstration in Kuala Lumpur, perhaps I should dump the rubbish in front of their office.

“Then, I can guarantee Bersih that I will send the rubbish to the correct address!” he said in a Facebook posting.

Malaysians are familiar with operatives of loan sharks. They do not hesitate to threaten to throw red paint on your premises if you default in payments. The thinking is to bring shame on the borrower as everyone will take notice. 

It now looks like even government leaders are showing the same mindset that is the standard operative of thugs and thieves. Hope they do not next threaten to tattoo the foreheads of Bersih leaders if they refuse to pay the next time.

At the rate statements are being spewed out, would it be any surprise anyway?

Datuk Seri Najib Razak, please drive some logic and sense and, above all, noble values in your fleet of oarsmen now on your Bugis warrior ship.   

Our reputation is already stinking to high heavens subsequent to the statements made by the council of the recently concluded International Anti-Corruption Conference. Please do not keep adding to our national reputation woes. – September 8, 2015.

* J.D. Lovrenciear reads The Malaysian Insider.

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

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