Some have said that HINDRAF members had it coming. As for me, I never expected it to come so soon.
Yes. The much-dreaded and draconian Internal Security Act (ISA) was finally invoked against five key members of the said organization this afternoon. The members were charged under Section 8(1) of the act.
In light of the government's actions, I suspect a two-year period was used, instead of the preliminary 60 days, to effectively dissipate all the attention, hype and political mileage that has been created by HINDRAF so far. Furthermore, such a move will likely cripple the group since the members are now without it's leaders.
Apart from that, the government has recognized that the two-year detention will prevent undue hindrance and interfere from opposition parties, allowing BN to attain a landslide victory in the impending general elections.
Additionally, this event will serve as a warning, if not a precedent, to other organizations critical of the government, such as BERSIH and whatnot.
However, the upside of this event is that, while it may adversely affect our image as a 'democratic' nation in the international community, it will also place Malaysia under the international spotlight. Foreign media channels such as Al-Jazeera, BBC and CNN will be more than happy to report on the authoritative Malaysian government and its handling of political dissidents. Hence, HINDRAF and BERSIH's stories may be heard by many around the globe.
Also, the arrests of HINDRAF members may further inflame the already angered civil society. The BAR council, as well as various non-governmental organizations may feel more inclined to stand up and voice out their dissatisfaction with the current administration.
Nonetheless, I find this event both shameful and outrageous!
Yes. The much-dreaded and draconian Internal Security Act (ISA) was finally invoked against five key members of the said organization this afternoon. The members were charged under Section 8(1) of the act.
In light of the government's actions, I suspect a two-year period was used, instead of the preliminary 60 days, to effectively dissipate all the attention, hype and political mileage that has been created by HINDRAF so far. Furthermore, such a move will likely cripple the group since the members are now without it's leaders.
Apart from that, the government has recognized that the two-year detention will prevent undue hindrance and interfere from opposition parties, allowing BN to attain a landslide victory in the impending general elections.
Additionally, this event will serve as a warning, if not a precedent, to other organizations critical of the government, such as BERSIH and whatnot.
However, the upside of this event is that, while it may adversely affect our image as a 'democratic' nation in the international community, it will also place Malaysia under the international spotlight. Foreign media channels such as Al-Jazeera, BBC and CNN will be more than happy to report on the authoritative Malaysian government and its handling of political dissidents. Hence, HINDRAF and BERSIH's stories may be heard by many around the globe.
Also, the arrests of HINDRAF members may further inflame the already angered civil society. The BAR council, as well as various non-governmental organizations may feel more inclined to stand up and voice out their dissatisfaction with the current administration.
Nonetheless, I find this event both shameful and outrageous!
