Protests: Our Eye on Malaysia

This boy, no more than four years old, had a vantage view from his father’s shoulders at the Balai Polis Puchong. He was looking at the ebullient crowd that had gathered awaiting the release of the 15 toll protestors yesterday. I remember his big, beautiful eyes that seemed to drink in the scene. He has many years left in him. Will he grow to see a fairer Malaysia after this generation passes on?

This little girl – six years old maybe? – was happy to play model when I asked her. She gamely posed this demure look. She had oversized white gloves on. Was her dad a cop? Years later, when she's a demure woman, will she recollect this evening? Will she remember this period as a transition in the country, that even as the Eye on Malaysia spins lazily over at Tasek Titiwangsa, many more citizens’ eyes are being trained onto the misdeeds of the existing govt. And the eyes are now matched with a growing voicebox.

The toll protests continue. As do the arrests. Higher-ups requested for it. How high up? High as the chopper that circled inquisitively over this peaceful assembly, one suspects.

Where on earth the organizers get their strength, I wonder but I am thankful. I am thankful that fists and cuffs amidst a sea of red armour cannot snap the sinew of those who demand fairplay. I am thankful for the many who stand because they are sick and tired of a baron-style Cabinet hiding behind every crony deal, vesting more and more power onto itself, and being the padang’s bully.

I am thankful that more and more are asking for their end of the deal... of a pathetic leader's Promise yet unkept.


ps more posts here, here and here