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Civil Disobedience 101 (with Mandarin translation) PDF Print
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Thursday, 22 January 2009 11:32

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It appears like the government refuses to allow Malaysians to assemble for picnics or whatever unless they first apply for a police permit. The problem is, when you do apply for one, they will reject your application. So it is a Catch 22.

NO HOLDS BARRED

Raja Petra Kamarudin

Some have asked me about the meaning of Civil Disobedience (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Civil_disobedience). It’s actually quite simple. You defy the powers-that-be, but you do it in a passive, not active, manner. You do not resist. You just do nothing. And is this not what Malaysians are good at, doing nothing?

For example, when they charged me in court and asked me to plead ‘guilty’ or ‘not guilty’, I refused to enter a plea. I told the judge, “I shall not respond to the charges on the grounds that the charges are both mala fide and defective.” The judge, however, took that as a ‘not guilty’ plea.

I then raised my voice and told the judge, “I did not plead not guilty! I said I refuse to respond to the charges.” He still took that as a ‘not guilty’ plea and I now face trial.

In another earlier case, I pleaded ‘not guilty’ and the court set bail. I then refused bail and was sent to the Sungai Buloh Prison for three days. My wife came to prison at the behest of the prison authorities who were worried about my safety. Sirul and Azilah had threatened me in front of a senior prison officer, Thana, and they were worried that I might not survive prison.

I told my wife they should not have phoned her to come to prison and that I still refuse bail. Even the tears my wife shed would not move me until she told me they were throwing a party at the Selangor Club on Friday and that I was invited. Hmm…..a party. I am a softie when it comes to partying.

Okay, I told her, prison can wait. Partying comes first. I agreed she post bail and made the party that Friday. Okay, not everyone’s perfect.

Now, how do we take Civil Disobedience to the next level?

Tomorrow, at 9.00am, they will be charging 24 people in the Petaling Jaya Court for the alleged crime of ‘illegal assembly’ during an Anti-ISA Candlelight Vigil at the PJ Civic Centre on 9 November 2008. On Sunday last, they broke up a picnic that was attended by about 200 people at the same PJ Civic Centre. The police declared the picnic an illegal assembly and threatened to use force if the crowd did not disperse.

It appears like the government refuses to allow Malaysians to assemble for picnics or whatever unless they first apply for a police permit. The problem is, when you do apply for one, they will reject your application. So it is a Catch 22. You are breaking the law if you assemble without a police permit but when you apply for one they will refuse to give it to you.

Now, let us look at a hypothetical situation. This is just hypothetical mind you. I am not suggesting we actually go out and do this.

Say, this Sunday, four of us sit down on the ground holding candles in front of the PJ Civic Centre. Just four people -- not more than four people. That would be considered an illegal assembly. The police will then come to arrest us and we shall spend the night in the PJ Police Station.

We would then be brought to court and charged for participating in an illegal assembly. When the charges are read out in court and we are asked to plead ‘guilty’ or ‘not guilty’, we tell the court, “Guilty and proud of it.”

Depending on the mood of the judge, we will either be fined or a jail sentence will be imposed, or both. We then refuse to pay the fine and go to jail.

The following Sunday, another four people do the sit down with candles in front of the PJ Civic Center and we go through the whole process again. Another four people will go to jail. We continue doing this until the jails are full and there is no more space to house us. As it is now the jails are already full. Sungai Buloh Prison is filed up to twice what it was built for, as are the other jails all over the country.

We keep sending four people to jail every week until they abolish or waive the ridiculous law that requires an assembly of four people to apply for a police permit.

That is what is meant as Civil Disobedience. I am not, of course, suggesting we actually do this. I am just giving you an example of Civil Disobedience, which is what Gandhi did to bring the British government down and which eventually gained independence for India.

Anyway, in the meantime, while you ponder on the above, read this item which was e-mailed to me by a close friend:

The Umno ‘Wow Factor’

A farmer named Lakbir Singh was overseeing his herd in a remote pasture in Bolehland when suddenly a brand-new BMW advanced out of a dust cloud towards him.

The driver, a young Malay man in an Armani suit, Gucci shoes, RayBan sunglasses and YSL tie, leans out the window and asks the farmer, "If I tell you exactly how many cows and calves you have in your herd, will you give me a calf?"

Lakbir looks at the man, obviously a yuppie, then looks at his peacefully grazing herd and calmly answers, "Sure, why not?"

The yuppie parks his car, whips out his Dell notebook computer, connects it to his Cingular RAZR V3 cell phone, and surfs to a NASA page on the Internet, where he calls up a GPS satellite to get an exact fix on his location which he then feeds to another NASA satellite that scans the area in an ultra-high-resolution photo.

The young man then opens the digital photo in Adobe Photoshop and exports it to an image processing facility in Hamburg, Germany. Within mere seconds, he receives an email on his Palm Pilot that the image has been processed and the data is stored. He then accesses a MS-SQL database through an ODBC connected Excel spreadsheet with email on his Blackberry and, after a few minutes, receives a response. Finally, he prints out a full-colour, 150-page report on his hi-tech, miniaturized HP LaserJet printer and finally turns to the farmer and says, "You have exactly 1,586 cows and calves."

"That's right. Well, I guess you can take one of my calves," says Lakbir.

He watches the young man select one of the animals and looks on amused as the young man stuffs it into the trunk of his car. Then Lakbir says to the young man, "Hey, if I can tell you exactly what your business is, will you give me back my calf?"

The young man thinks about it for a second and then says, "Okay, why not?"

"You're a graduate from Oxford and a Member of Parliament for Umno," says Lakbir.

"Wow! That's correct," exclaims the yuppie with the customary Umno's Wow Factor, "But how did you guess that?"

"No guessing required," answered Lakbir. "You showed up here even though nobody called you; you want to get paid for an answer I already knew, and to a question I never asked. You tried to show me how much smarter you are, and you don't know a thing about cows. This is a herd of sheep. Now give me back my dog."

 

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《毫不留情》公民不服从入门

 

看来政府不准马来西亚人聚在一起野餐,除非他们向警察申请准证。问题是,如果你申请准证,他们就拒绝你的申请。所以这是一种进退维谷的局面。


有些人跑来问我什么是公民不服从(或公民抗命)。那其实很简单。你不服从当权者,但是你以消极被动,而非积极主动的形式来表示。你不对抗,只是什么也不做。马来西亚人最会这样的了,什么也不做,不是吗?

例如说,当他们在法庭上提控我,问我 '认罪'还是'不认罪', 我拒绝回答。我告诉法官说∶"我不回应这提控,因为这不只是恶意的,也是无效的。"无论如何,法官则把这当作是一个'不认罪'的回应。

我提高我的声调告诉法官说∶"我没有说我不认罪! 我说我拒绝回应这个提控。"他还是当作是'不认罪'的回应,然后我现在就面对审讯。

在较早之前的那宗官司,我说我不认罪,法庭就定下保释条件。我拒绝保释外出,因此被送入双溪毛糯监狱三天。由于监狱当局担心我的安危,因此指示我老婆来监狱。Sirul和Azilah在一名叫Thana的高级监狱官面前威胁我。他们就非常担心我在监狱里的安危。

我告诉我老婆说他们不应该打电话给她,要她来监狱,因为我还是拒绝保释。甚至我老婆都掉泪了,我还是无动于衷。一直到她告诉我他们已经邀请我出席在星期五在雪兰莪俱乐部开的爬地,我就…..唔…..爬地呢,我一直以来都很难抗拒爬地的。

好吧,我告诉她,监狱就等下好了。爬地比较重要。我才同意保释外出来去那星期五的爬地。哎呀,我非圣人也。

现 在,我们要如何把公民不服从提升到另一更高境界呢?

明 天早上九时,他们就会在八打灵再也法庭提控24人'非法聚会',因为他们在2008年11月9日,在八打灵再也公民中心参加一个反内安法令的烛光会。在上 个星期日,他们在同样的地方遣散一场200人参加的野餐会。警察宣布有关野餐是非法聚会,若公众不散去,他们就会采取强硬手段。

看来政府不准马来西亚人聚在一起野餐,除非他们向警察申请准证。问题是,如果你申请准证,他们就拒绝你的申请。所以这是一种进退维谷的局面。你无准证集会就犯法,你若申请准证他们就不批准。

现在,让我们来看一个假设的情况。听好来,只是假设罢了。我不是提议你们真的去做的。

假设这星期天,我们四个人坐在八打灵再也的公民中心前面的空地上拿着蜡烛。四 个就好了,别超过四个。那就算是非法聚会了。警察就会来逮捕我们,我们就要在八打灵再也警察扣留所中过夜。

我们过后就会被带到法庭,被控出席非法聚会。当法庭读出我们的控状,问我们是否认罪的时候,我们就告诉法庭"认罪并且引以为荣。"

根据法官的心情,我们会被判罚款或坐牢,或两者兼施。我们然后拒绝付罚款,然后去坐牢。

接下来的星期天,另四名人士同样地,坐在八打灵再也的公民中心前面的空地上拿着蜡烛。然后我们又经过同样的过程。那么另四个人就去坐牢了。我们重复同样的事情,直到监牢都满了,没有空间容纳我们了。然后各地的监牢也一样。

我们继续在每个星期送四个人进牢。直到他们废除这个要求四个人集会就必须申请警察准证的荒谬法律。

那就是所谓的公民不服 从。我当然不是提议我们真的这么做。我只是给你一个例子什么是公民不服从而已。这就是甘地把英国政府拉下台的方式,还让印度得到独立呢。

无论如何,当你在消化以上文字的时候,读一读以下的小品,这是我一个好友给我电邮过来的。

巫统式惊艳之叹

在Bolehland郊外有一个叫做Lakbir Singh的农夫正在放牧。突然一辆崭新的宝马汽车滚滚烟尘中冒出来。

司机是个年轻马来人,身穿Armani上衣,Gucci皮鞋, RayBan太阳眼镜和YSL领带。他从车窗探出头来问农夫说∶"若我能够准确地告诉你,你的牛群里有多少只牛和小牛,你可以给我一只小牛吗?"

Lakbir看着这明显是一个优皮士的年轻人 ,然后望着他的牛群,平静地回答说,"当然,为什么不呢?"

这优皮士泊好车,拿出他的Dell笔记电脑,连接上他的Cingular RAZR V3手提电话,浏览美国宇航局的网页,以全球定位卫星找到他的所在,再接上另一个美国宇航局的卫星,把那个地区扫描到一张高清晰度的相片中。

年 轻人然后打开电脑中的Adobe Photoshop,把图像送到德国汉堡的一家图像处理中心。在几秒之内,他的掌上电脑Palm Pilot就收到已处理好的图片电邮。他然后利用有开放式数据互连的视窗办公室的Excel的黑莓手机接通一个微软的MS-SQL数据库。经过几分钟,就 得到回应了。最后,他以他的先进微型HP镭射打印机印出一份150页厚的彩色报告出来。他转向农夫说∶ "你一共有1,586只牛和小牛。"

"对极了。好,我想你可以拿走我一只小牛。"Lakbir说道。

他看着年轻人选了一只,然后觉得好笑地,看着他把他的战利品放进车厢后。Lakbir就对这年轻人说∶"嘿,若我猜得出你是干什么的,你可以还回我的小牛吗?"

年轻人考虑了一下就说∶"好吧,为何不呢?"

"你是牛津毕业生,现在是巫统的国会议员。"Lakbir说。

"哇!全中呢。" 优皮士以巫统式的惊艳之叹喊起来。"你是怎么知道的?"他问道。

"不必用猜的。"Lakbir回答说∶"你不请自来;我既没有向你提问,你却向我讨取代价来告诉我一个我已知道的答案。你试着想表现你比我有多聪明,但你对牛却一无所知。这是一群羊。现在,把我的狗还回给我。"

 

原译:ecs283

编辑:Pratamad

Comments (77)Add Comment
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written by Newkidonblog, January 22, 2009 11:46:30
They just lost out on the WOW factor and soon they will gain much much more HATE factor if they continue to BULLY these 24 innocent and harmless souls.

UMNO is a big BULLY!

To the famous 24, Gong Xi Fa Cai!, if you are one who is celebrating the Lunar New Year.
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written by Badaksumbu, January 22, 2009 11:51:33
Not too worry too much , wind of change is surely on the way. Perhaps may be it is wise not too expose too much to BN and UMNO men of the secret recipe that would likely to pull them down. I know they are hard to change but let them be.
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written by blackpea, January 22, 2009 11:52:51
I can't stop laughing at the last paragraph smilies/grin.gif
thanks RPK
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written by Argus Eye, January 22, 2009 11:53:38
It was evident in KT that this chap really thinks he's smart. He went over and over telling the KT folks how he tricked and pushed Husam Musa into making the Hudud claim.

But just like our Lakbir Singh, even the KT farmers would know where he actually stands.
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written by viveg, January 22, 2009 11:53:45
Why don't we turn the table on them!! Why don't all us flood the police stations with permit application for birthdays, naming ceremonies, weddings, dinners, open house, barbeque party and what not. Lets give them tons of paper work so that they will have no time to torture and murder people in their custody or even come out to harass the public enjoying their picnic. The Chinese New Year gatherings will be a good place to start
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written by kl_wong, January 22, 2009 11:56:15
Lets go and get permit for those who celebrating Chinese New Year Open House.
smilies/grin.gif GONG XI FATT CAI to everyone and wish you and your family stay healthy !
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written by wartank, January 22, 2009 11:59:59
RPK,
You are not Gandhi but partying aside, you came close.

Good suggestion on the 4 person gathering.
Sounds interesting..but thought it would be more effective doing it nightly.
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written by born2reign, January 22, 2009 12:00:05
Viveg, I really like the permit applications program for all gathering. I guess this CNY reunion, there'll be 13 family members on my side and 18 on my spouse's side. Do we need a police permit to gather at a private property?
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written by wartank, January 22, 2009 12:01:58
Your close friend knows UMNO better than they know themselves..Ha,ha,ha.

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written by msiaman, January 22, 2009 12:03:25
If these smart alek can stop making big fuss out of minor issues that everyone knows but chooses to ignore for the sake of country's unity, then the country will be more united. These guys want to appear as they just discovered the Newton Law and going about town harping on the issues without thinking about its sensitivity to certain quarters, that is irresponsible use of knowledge and power. No matter how smart he is and how influential, he will still be the bad guy if not branded the biggest idiot in Malaysian Politics.
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written by Krepot, January 22, 2009 12:06:58
That is a bloody good recycled old joke!
I had yet another good laugh!
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written by malaysianohope, January 22, 2009 12:07:56
Maybe it will be acceptable to PDRM if all we protesters wear loin clothe like what Ghandi worn in the name of passive disobedience.
As for the lembu sil, he can drive a BMW, wear Armani suit, Gucci shoes, RayBan sunglasses and YSL, for all the trappings (tainted) of a good life, but has got no class when selecting a mate. Guess you can't have everything in life.
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written by steviewonger, January 22, 2009 12:08:57
Hey Pete, this coming Sunday, all Malaysian Chinese will be having their reunion dinner. Are we required to get a POLICE permit because these gatherings will definately be more than 4 persons.
Anyway, GONG XI FA CAI to all Malaysians.
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written by cahaya, January 22, 2009 12:09:25
Good story about the “wow factor”. A young adult who cannot tell a dog from a sheep? Such a disgrace to his kindergarten!
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written by pinsysu, January 22, 2009 12:09:39
hehehe, i thot it's beijing 101 ad. helps u to keep or grow more hair. nice spinoff from da movie fantastic 4. 1x1=4, 2x4=8, 3x4=12 ... but 52x4 oni gives u 208 p.a. memang tak cukup impact. maybe try convincing da soon to-be-jobless (no offence intended) to join da cause ... free clothing & food. nevertheless sth to ponder over da weekend.

here's wishing MT, MT readers, RPK & family:
A WONDERBULL LUNAR NEW YEAR!
Take care & dun over eat during da festif season.
God bless you all good persons.

p.s. avoid char-kuay-teow. smilies/grin.gif
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written by malaysianohope, January 22, 2009 12:17:22
Abang,
After reading the article I suggest we should prescribe Civil Disobedience 101 as " Lakbir vs SIL Law" or plainly speaking "Lembu Law", no thank to PDRM!!!!
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written by DreamLady, January 22, 2009 12:18:35
Hi, Raja Petra, there is something I fear most might take place the moment najib takes over the reign as PM: the emergence of Imelda Marcos of Malaysia!!! There would be rampant destruction of human rights, the nation shall be plagued by poverty, lawlessness seeps through the system and cause havoc to the existing day to day routine of the ordinary folks, as for Phillipino Imelda, she is obsessed with shoes, but for Malaysia's Imelda, buying and owning watches are her obsession. Till the time when the country is too weak and feeble to stand on its feet again, exactly the same sorry state like the present state of Phillipines encountered during the Reign of Terror at the peak of power enjoyed by Marcos and his wife.......

I pray and hope that my fear is unfounded!

Have a wonderful and adventurous day, my salam to Marina, your children, and most of all, to you !!!
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written by Richard Lo, January 22, 2009 12:18:51
"No guessing required," answered Lakbir. "You showed up here even though nobody called you; you want to get paid for an answer I already knew, and to a question I never asked. You tried to show me how much smarter you are, and you don't know a thing about cows. This is a herd of sheep. Now give me back my dog."
-------------------------------------------------------
smilies/cheesy.gif RPK, You are hilarious!!

Also wanted to congratulate you for your the tremendous and excellent campaigning in KT! We the Rakyat love you and your wife and all the bloggers who assisted in KT!!
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written by Zym Zym, January 22, 2009 12:37:11
Need 4 persons? Ok Count me in. I don't mind the free prison food and accommodation.
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written by cahaya, January 22, 2009 12:42:35
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
Found a most helpful document (both in English and Malay) on the Malaysian Bar website. It explains what to do if a police person stops you. How to answer questions from the police if not arrested, or questions to ask if arrested. What to do if you are detained or have to go through a body search.

RED BOOK: Know Your Rights (English Version) http://www.malaysianbar.org.my...Itemid=332

BUKU MERAH: Polis Dan Hak-Hak Asas Anda (Bahasa Malaysia Version)
http://www.malaysianbar.org.my...Itemid=332

If you are planning a gathering with more than four persons (whether to light candles, ride bicycle, have picnic, etc.), perhaps you should read this document.
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written by Thian, January 22, 2009 12:42:58
In Obama inauguration speech to Malaysia - ‘To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.'

So government listen well, listen to the people, listen to all that is on the right side of the history. Stop turning Malaysia like rate country with leaders like Mugabe. Malaysia is not yours, a few elite power, abusive bullys. This arrogance and abuses are endemic; an established ethos in UMNO, the government, the public institutions (PDRM etc) and everything they touch; promoting their flaw logic with underdeveloped exclusive mindset.

People are not blind or not stupid or even as immature as you think. How long can this abuses go on? How long must we wait? The Civil Obedience which is very applicable and I am sure it will come in handy.
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written by Kunta Kinte, January 22, 2009 12:53:39
Yup, think the Chinese should now start applying for permits to have their reunion dinner.
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written by hellosunshine, January 22, 2009 13:03:27
History has shown us that there will come a time when the people cannot take the abuses anymore from any oppressive regimes, be they colonists, communists, dictators aka Maha-Mugabe types together with their Gestapo/KGB or police equivalent. After 52 years of abuses and plundering, we say 'Enough is enough!'
smilies/angry.gif
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written by Sagaladoola, January 22, 2009 13:20:28
Hahahahha .. Cow Story... Cow Sense smilies/cheesy.gif

First of all, Happy Niu Year to all Chinese Malaysians.

Anyway, now I am worried to go to mamak stalls to drink teh tarik with my friends for fear of being said to be part of Illegal Assembly.
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written by ASK4u, January 22, 2009 13:29:29
Hypothetical assumption to a hypothetical situation. Prison won't be crowded because they will release us the next day. Remember, there is a one week gap in between. To be effective, it has to be a daily affair.
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written by ahmadneil, January 22, 2009 13:37:31
Dear Pete,
So now I have a problem.I have a family of 6 members,so if we go out together will we be arrested.
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written by ahmadneil, January 22, 2009 13:42:39
Lets now follow the civil disobedience way and fill up the prison.
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written by asyrafMuhammad, January 22, 2009 13:53:40
I suggest to those who will attend the "makan besar" on cny eve, go and apply for permit at ur nearest police station, let them bz approving ur permit, if they dont, just make an extremely long queue in front of their door for permit approval..i remember a phrase "if stupidity worth a penny, damn they're billionaire"

Happy CNY to all Malaysians who celebrate cny no matter color u're
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written by myke, January 22, 2009 14:02:36
Hahahahaha....is it actually that bad already. What a joke on those jokers from umno.
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written by justinlian, January 22, 2009 14:06:34
Happy Chinese new year to all,
This chinese new year there will be alot of gathering so why dont the govt arrest all the malaysian for gathering and put them in jail.
I think it would be nice to see everyone in jail for retreat.
This govt is getting more ridiculous then before .
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written by varvoom, January 22, 2009 14:08:25
Thanks Pet, jolly good laugh to make my day
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written by lawa88, January 22, 2009 14:14:06
Help... help... help... KJ wants someone's "kambing pendek"
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written by Saint, January 22, 2009 14:42:19
Dear RPK, the joke was good but that was of little interest to me.
50 instead of 4 is a sure catch. If the 50 are not arrested then double it to 100 the following week. I fear that if only 4 are present and after a month the police become lazy (as the usual case) only 16 will be miserable. Joking just like you.
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written by Chimera, January 22, 2009 15:00:30
hahaha..gud1 pete
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written by Ken Liew, January 22, 2009 15:11:23
dam, RPK, you make be burst my mouth full of coffee to the monitor screen....

What a Joke it is for the WOW factor!
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written by sueteh, January 22, 2009 15:35:25
wa lalu..court make money lah thru all these fines. oh, the judge deliver judgment and decision based on their moods lah...this deemed not professional lah, i also can do that, no need to go and study law and a bloody insult to the law professions, ha!

Rembau export Lembu ke tingkat 4, putrajaya..wah..so unlucky you to married a non Negeri woman..otherwise, you tinggal sehelai sepinggang!

Pak Polis, cepat sedia-kan permit banyak..kita orang nak buat CNY reunion dinners, nak buat party bbq, mesti efficient tau bila keluar permit, laju macam renew driving lesen kat post office. U bagi i permit..i jemput you mai i punya gathering ya.
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written by trulyMalaysia, January 22, 2009 15:59:49
He actually dare to claims to be Oxford graduated? If taking a 3 month management course in Oxford can be considered a graduate, then we will have a lot of Oxford grad in Malaysia. Shame shame...this chat who thinks he is so smart claiming to be Oxford grad when he is really NOT! He will be wipe out of political scene very soon come March after the In Law step down!
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written by steviewonger, January 22, 2009 16:11:08
YUP! before I forget all car drivers must apply for a POLICE PERMIT if your car have 4 or more passengers inclusive driver.
Or you will be hauled up for illegal gathering in a car.
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written by Counterpointer, January 22, 2009 16:15:37
WOW, UMNO is so famous for their Cow mentality factor; MCA,Gerakan,MIC,PPP are so famous for their Kow-Tow mentality factor; and the PDRM for their Bow-Wow mentality factor.
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written by carribeanking7, January 22, 2009 16:44:39
Dear Pete,
The charges laid against these protesters are in violation of their right to freedom of assembly enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights,it also goes against freedom of speech under article 10(1) of the Federal Constitution. In 2005 they even charged 66 Myanmar nationals under the arcane police act 1967 for illegal assembly. It seems that the police act 1967 has multipurpose (ab)uses like the ISA. A gathering of 3 or more persons and not 4 is deemed illegal (correct me if I am wrong), heck if this was followed to the letter it would crush the economy which we do not want
So I offer a few hypothetical ideas as well :-

1) Candlelight relay
to circumvent the act, schedule for only 2 persons to hold the candles (with placard or tshirt messages), just before it burns out, lay it on the ground and walk away. another 2 with fresh candles light theirs from the earlier candle, participants can vary the message and theme, if scheduled and organized properly the flames will burn perpetually for days on end like an Olympic torch. Ask individuals and corporates to sponsor these candle bearers as they do in walkathons and marathons, all proceeds of course go to charity.

2) Civil "obedience"-
9 days before going out for a picnic, a trip to the mall, bowling or any activity that involve more than 3 persons or more, dutifully apply for a permit, flood the police with hundreds of thousands of applications and heckle them if they don't reply within 3 days.

3) Boycott
Don't attend any public functions organized by BN government, not even out of curiosity, lest they say that the good turnout is because the people still support them, assign limited blog reporters to take pictures of what a pathetic "no show" it was and report on the wasted food and resources. Mainstream media boycott should extend beyond not buying personally, I usually berate friends and colleagues who read Star, NST , Utusan etc or watch TV3 or Bernama news, I know one person who even hides his NST copy to escape a lecture from me. The message is if you do not allow me to gather peacefully, why should I attend your gatherings and read the crap you publish justifying your actions.

4) Discontinue membership-
Political parties love bragging rights as to their membership numbers, for example Samy Velu brags that MIC has 600,000 members, bur we all know that in the last general elections MIC could not even garner 200,000 of the popular vote, similarly UMNO could not even get the support of all UMNO members in the Permatang Pauh by-election.So all who voted Pakatan but still have active memberships with any BN component party to send in their resignation letters and give a copy to the nearest Pakatan assemblyman as proof lest BN denies mass resignations. Cite the police act and ISA as the reason for resignation.
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written by advocatusdiaboli, January 22, 2009 17:11:59
Lakhbir Singh, the drinks are on me.
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written by kkselvam, January 22, 2009 17:31:44
Lakbir should have asked if he can have his dog back together with GRO Rosmah as his company for one night! WOW!!! That would have been really nice! smilies/grin.gif
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written by doggone, January 22, 2009 17:35:04
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written by Futurist, January 22, 2009 18:05:18
It's not the WOW factor that's needed. It's the ZZZ factor to put the UMNO & BN goons to sleep permanently.
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written by mick_err_stan, January 22, 2009 18:08:55
24 to charge for illegal assembly’ during an Anti-ISA Candlelight Vigil at the PJ Civic Centre on 9 November 2008, but no one arrested when about 5,000 UiTM students assembled in front of the state government administration building, Bangunan Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah (SAAS) to protest against the quota suggestion by Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim.

Why are peaceful Rakyat holding candle vigil to abolish a ISA being charged but racist students were allowed to protest with no arrest.

I will do my utmost best to ensure that the present government is voted out in the next election. Everyday the rakyat is getting more and more frustrated with the authorities....zombies that do not think what is right for the rakyat but for their masters. Sickening !!!!!!!!
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written by cruzeiro, January 22, 2009 18:25:01
Legally speaking, all Malaysians are criminals from the day we are born, for defying the Police Act 1967 - "somebody" planned his way to power very well back then. So now, we are at the mercy of some goons - and we have been a police-state ever since.
The only thing is - we never realized it, they never "actively enforced" it and were allowed to be "free" because we have a "compassionate" security services/govt - as long as they were comfortable in their thrones.

Next, the the 'guardians of peace', namely the Fascists in "HM, Goons & Co" will say that all courts, all worship ceremonies (mosques, churches,temples) will need permits for them to have a gathering - then we had it!

I wouldn't be surprised that this is what will happen if and when the "thrones" are shaken, and some other goon wishes to take over the the reigns of power ....
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written by clarity, January 22, 2009 18:27:15
Guys, make sure when you cross the zebra lights not three people are there also. Otherwise somebody will appear and proudly declare he is charge to arrest you for illegal assembly.
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written by *********, January 22, 2009 18:31:31
Hamid Albar claims: "To me, it seems that it (Herald) purposely wants to create a collision or a conflict. It should remember the rights of other races, too. We respect other religions and cultures and we expect it to do the same thing." The whole truth here is that, Syed Hamid Albar, like all the other hypocrites in Umno are trying to show to the Malays and Muslims that they are the protectors of Islam when in actual fact they are nothing but pagans masquerading as Muslims. All their piety is nothing but hogwash to maintain political relevance in the eyes of the Malay/Muslim electorate.

This will also explain the double standards practiced by Malaysia when dealing with the genocide in Palestine as compared to other genocides going on such as that in Myanmar and Sri Lanka where the victims are non Muslims. Lets face the fact, Malaysia will only make noise if and when the victims are Muslims. People like Dr. Jemilah of Mercy Malaysia and the other NGO's in Malaysia just like BN/Umno are nothing but first class hypocrites! This is what my Arabs Brothers are calling Malaysian politicians anyway...More http://*********.********.com
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written by cruzeiro, January 22, 2009 19:35:55
I I were wrong here, Mercy Malaysia would long ago have been in Darfur, and the few idiots who indulge in flag burning (while enjoying the fruits of their perceived enemies' technology and wealth), would long ago have been protesting against the despots who rule "Islamic" nations of the world!!
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written by cruzeiro, January 22, 2009 20:47:46
nana,
How nice of you to prove my point!!
Never have I bashed Islam here.
A person with your mindset will fail to see the difference between criticism of self-proclaimed Muslims and Islam.
This is why RPK faced all the criticism for apparently insulting Islam - they too don't see the difference.

While I stand corrected, where Mercy Malaysia is concerned, I don't remember any publicity given to the protests in the streets coming from these guys who today shout about persecution of Palestinians or deaths in Police custody ...
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written by cruzeiro, January 22, 2009 20:56:58
BTW,
Why has my comment about "perceptions" been deleted - it was in that context that the above comment was to be read.
Admin - you might as well delete the whole comment lah. This way, you have given my comment a different meaning .....
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written by malsia1206, January 22, 2009 21:36:13
Calf, sheep or dog. Whatever. They all have more decent sense than UMNO.
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written by teo siew chin, January 22, 2009 21:46:24
WOW YM RPK !!!! I laughed so hard I nearly pee-ed in my pants!!

And as for your hypothesis, hows about the next time there is a gathering, if they haul even one up the pohlis truck, every one of all the other attendees get up the truck voluntarily too, sms all family and frens to meet at pohlis station and party there la! bring candles jugak.
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written by advocatusdiaboli, January 22, 2009 21:53:36
My wife and I planning to have another kid and oso to bring over our old folks to stay with us. Have to apply police permit aaa? hehhehehehe... Bodoh baghal punya polis. Takde keje lain ke kecuali buat benda bodoh. Pergi tangkap pencuri dan penyamun la tapi jangan pukul sampai mati tau!
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written by PangurBan, January 22, 2009 22:11:12
carribeanking7, January 22, 2009 16:44:39, wrote:

3) Boycott
Mainstream media boycott should extend beyond not buying personally, I usually berate friends and colleagues who read Star, NST , Utusan etc or watch TV3 or Bernama news, I know one person who even hides his NST copy to escape a lecture from me. The message is if you do not allow me to gather peacefully, why should I attend your gatherings and read the crap you publish justifying your actions.
==================================
Another way to make this boycott of The Star, the NST, etc, bite, is to boycott their advertisers. Flood them with postcards, letters, politely asking them to stop advertising in The Star, the NST, etc failing which we shall refrain from giving them our business or making use of their services. Tell them politely in our postcards, letters etc that we don't think it is ethical to advertise in media which spread lies and which are brazenly used as propaganda machines by the ruling party.

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written by biggun129, January 22, 2009 22:12:39
I think we should continue the Anti-ISA candle's vigil, and I support the present ruling government to let the Blue uniform guys carry out their duty, since, we want a 'Change of ruling Government',why protest on their actions?If we stopped the present situation, then there will be no 'Change' of the Government?I support the present government to catch as many RPK's followers as possible, put all these people in jail, make it a big issue, then we will see the difference!!!
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written by zam3886, January 22, 2009 22:43:05
My well wishes to the 24 detainees and all the MT folks.

Wow, RPK's cheekiness is back in full swing, like what the Chinese says - they try to bite your head but it is too hard; they try to bite your ass but it is too stinky. Haha...happy new year.
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written by smeagrooo, January 22, 2009 22:48:54
u want civil disobedience? putting 4 fellas in jail every week isnt a good option.

why not everyday we send someone to apply for permit for picnics? not vigils mind you, but just simple real picnics. and when the police says no need, just show them the proof. cos u can say picnic was meant to celebrate a fren's b'day and there will be candles.
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written by cahaya, January 22, 2009 23:34:58
RPK, Some further thoughts on your article. Finally figured out the connection between the first and second parts.

The reason why the police appear to be abusing their authority (e.g. dispersing peaceful gatherings, or else arresting and charging innocent people with alleged offences) is because they cannot tell the sheep from the goats. Either they never learnt how to distinguish sheep from goats, dogs, cows, etc., (must go back to school?) or they have become confused by their bosses silly instructions.

A long time ago, when we (older generation) were young, sometimes our elders would warn us that the police will come and catch us if we are naughty. These days, older folk don’t know what to tell their children about the police. Instead of catching the naughty people who commit crimes (the murderers, robbers, traffic offenders, etc.), nowadays the police are busy with other activities such as creating road blocks during by-election, beating up individuals in custody, etc. Soon, many police will be busy processing (listening to appeals for) permits so that more than four persons can gather in a public place during CNY, birthdays, etc.

Perhaps the civil disobedience (passive resistance) that you mentioned involves being more like a Pak Lakbir Singh, the wise farmer. Lakbir was not intimidated by the arrogant and greedy man who came without invitation. He wasn’t upset when the nerd showed off computer tricks. Lakbir was polite and calm to this trespasser on his pasture. He didn’t argue when the smart aleck took one of his animals. Lakbir waited until the fellow was off-guard. Then, he fired back with his own logic. What a nice victory he won! In other words, let the police threaten, arrest, whatever, but you do not break any law. Then you will win your freedom.
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written by venna, January 23, 2009 00:06:21
RPK you are incredible. Your sense of humor amazing.....you made my day.
Cheers smilies/wink.gif
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written by Milo, January 23, 2009 00:38:10
Now RPK, you got me worried! My family members exceed four persons. Do I need a permit each time I assemble in a hotel for dinner or group for a swim in Port Dickson?
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written by Daryl, January 23, 2009 04:44:58
Lakbir got my vote.
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written by densemy, January 23, 2009 08:12:09
Nah... that story doesnt ring true... The UMNO guy failed to resort to religion to tell the cowherd what to do
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written by antiilluminati, January 23, 2009 10:52:48
I agreed.
In bolehland, anything is possible. I am yet to witness cows flying .
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written by nanakassim, January 23, 2009 10:58:36
cruzeiro, OK, you did not bash Islam, but I did not "fail to see the difference between criticism of self-proclaimed Muslims and Islam" as you put it. Instead, you have failed to resist the temptation to link Islam with any act carried out by one who is perceived to be a follower of Islam. Read again what you wrote: Mercy Malaysia would long ago have been in Darfur.... What drove you to link this NGO with Darfur? The common factor in both is that they involve Muslims and you felt that you have to link it with Islam.

BTW, cruzeiro, maybe part of your comments (January 22, 2009 19:35:55) were deleted because you were shouting??
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written by sam65, January 23, 2009 12:45:53
Wow, 4 in a group in a public place makes a illegal assemble..........
so if i'm to take an family evening stroll to PJ Civic Centre on a Sunday nite after dinner with my 3 children and 'happen' to be holding up candles just for the fun of it, we can get arrested for illegical assembly.........cool man.... smilies/cheesy.gif smilies/wink.gif smilies/grin.gif..........what a stupid law!!!!
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written by benny loh, January 23, 2009 13:01:59
WOW! WOW! WOW!
http://malaysiancartoons.*****...e-any.html
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written by LKO, January 23, 2009 13:04:30
RPK, I think we should have a Civil Obedience action too. Everytime more than 4 people goes somewhere public, we should apply too. Picnics, barbeques, open air food court, pasar malam.
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written by johntyc, January 23, 2009 13:46:55
It is right to protest against unjust law through non-violent ways. Protesting against unjust law is not a departure from democracy. It is absolutely essential. It is disruptive and troublesome, but it is a necessary disruption, a healthy troublesomeness.

"An unjust law is no law at all"-St. Augustine

"An unjust law is itself a species of violence. Arrest for its breach is more so"-Mahatma Gandhi
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written by Motherchell, January 23, 2009 13:54:06
Umno members just are empty vessels -- like when Baginda was acquitted-- it takes an OXFORD educated UMNO idiot to say the things he said at the Press Conf . They love the style , but have nothing upstairs . They rule by cronyism , mafiosim and divisions . This is all they learn from places like Tata biro--- the PM should be ashamed its under his wings !! http://sjsandteam.*********.com/

The last para is a great piece Pete!
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written by evaangel, January 23, 2009 14:33:46
written by LKO, January 23, 2009 13:04:30
RPK, I think we should have a Civil Obedience action too. Everytime more than 4 people goes somewhere public, we should apply too. Picnics, barbeques, open air food court, pasar malam.


OMG I LOVE THAT IDEA! Blind obedience (especially one that increases the workload) is just as annoying.

Before you guys try anything hypothetical (not that anyone is advocating anything specific of course) make sure you make the international media/amnesty international and other human rights organisations aware. They will be less likely to beat a person sitting peacefully at a candle when the eyes of the world are watching.
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written by cruzeiro, January 23, 2009 15:26:45
Hi nana,
We're off to topic here ... and this might be deleted - hopefully u'll read it before it disappears.
The reason I used "Mercy" was to illustrate a "reflex action" which many Muslims are prone to - no doubt, it was a bad example.

However, I never linked it to "Islam" per se - obviously, you did.
Nana - there's a big difference between "Islam" and the general attitude which many Muslims stand up for.
Speaking about Muslims (or whacking them) has nothing to do with "Islam" per se.

That is why spoke of what I wrote about "perceptions" which was deleted ....
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written by ibabonma, January 23, 2009 15:49:20
To solve this problem, just amend the Police Act and the Criminal Procedure Code and the police will be toothless and that will make it easy for me to bite the corrupted policemen that misuse their powers!
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written by JUST, January 23, 2009 16:14:53
"To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist."

< Barack Obama >
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written by Dreamlander, January 23, 2009 16:46:21
MT Readers:
(1)The operative phrase missing, as mentioned in Article 27 (1) of Act 344 (The Police Act 1967) is "in PUBLIC PLACES". Otherwise, for a family with more than 4 members staying together at home, we have to apply for a permit everyday.
(2)In Article 27 (5) it mentioned that "any assembly, meeting or procession (a) which takes place without a license issued under subsection (2); or (b) in which three or more persons taking part neglect or refuse to obey any order given under subsection (1) or subsection (3), shall be deemed to be an unlawful assembly,

It was not clearly defined the proximity (separating distance) of members participating in any assembly. Supposed we have 100 small groups of two persons each, all carrying candles, not communicating with one another as if they are complete strangers, and each group of two are separated 10 meters apart but all present at the Civic Centre at the same time. Will such an event constitute an illegal assembly?
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