The Sun today quoted the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib commenting on the Hindraf demonstration in which more than 109 persons were reportedly arrested AHEAD of the rally which reportedly fewer than 500 people finally turned up, saying:

“We don’t want to use force, but they are hoping we will do so as they want to exploit the situation by painting a bad picture of Malaysia through the international TV channels.”

In 2007, Hindraf held similar rallies in which thousands of people turned up. As a result the nation, and the political leaders, became aware of the political power of the Indian community, the grievances of the Indian community. The country survived those demonstrations, and the world felt that Malaysians had matured politically when the ruling party suffered significant defeats in the 2008 general election.

As Malaysians we are very used to politicians telling us how to judge their own actions and how to judge the actions of their political opponents. The important thing about Najib’s statement is what it assumes, that indeed we should judge his intentions and those of Hindraf. So do you think Hindraf’s rally yesterday was about painting a bad picture of Malaysia as Najib claims? And do you think arresting 109 persons, including eight women, two freelance journalists, and persons as young as 18 years and as old as 66, was about showing restraint; so as not to use force? Or was it, as I think, an abuse of the police force to prevent citizens from letting their feelings and grievances known, in order to preserve the political power of the ruling party? Just as the police has consistently acted against peaceful citizens carrying candles in public places.

In that same article, a report of a speech by Najib to a gathering of Felda settlers, Najib was quoted commenting about Pakatan Rakyat’s plans to dispose of 300,000 ha of Felda Plantation land to be given to the second and subsequent generations of Felda settlers, that it would bring about a catastrophe, saying:

“This is because 51% of the investments in Felda Plantation belongs to Koperasi Pembangunan Felda with dividends of 14% being paid out to the settlers, which is much higher than the dividends paid out by the EPF and the unit trust. This dividend will no longer be available if the land is given to the children and grandchildren. So actually we have to consider the interest and future of the settlers’ children and grandchildren.”

So in the interest of the settlers’ children and grandchildren, Najib thinks it is better that they should receive 14% dividends rather than be given land that they can work on for their future. Again Najib invites us to think, which is better: let your assets be managed by the government and receive 14% dividend, or manage your own assets and receive the fruit (or loss) of your endeavour. The BN view is that we are better off relying on the government. What do you think?

Finally, the article tells us how Najib described government efforts in developing the settler community as based more on Islamic struggles rather than the struggles championed by Pakatan Rakyat.

“If we want to champion the cause of Islam, what type of Islam is it going to be? Poor Muslims? Those without land? Those with dilapidated houses? This is not the image of Islam championed by the government. We want an image that is strong and impressive in the eyes of the world.”

So, according to Najib, Pakatan Rakyat champions poor Muslims, those without land and those who live in dilapidated houses. And Barisan Nasional champions Islam, wanting it to be impressive and strong in the eyes of the world.

Once again Najib invites us to think. He clearly contrasts BN against PR. Pakatan Rakyat is about the poor, the disenfranchised, the needy. Barisan Nasional is about being impressive and strong in the eyes of the world. Pakatan Rakyat is about people. Barisan Nasional is about Islam, and a specific emphasis in Islam. What do you think? Is Barisan Nasional the type of government you wish, or would you prefer Pakatan Rakyat’s policies and emphasis?

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