We Can't Suppress The Indian Problem : Chinese Newspaper

We Can't Suppress The Indian Problem : Chinese Newspaper

2007-12-11 17:26

It is worrying to see that the situation our country remains alarming when I return to Malaysia after being away for one week.

In a democratic country, demonstrations are very common. But the demonstrations have become more and more serious.

Minor demonstrations are still going on even though some have been arrested and charged in court or pressure put on them. Some demonstrators wear mask, but this cannot hide the grudges held in their hearts.

There are actually three options to deal with mass demonstrations. The first is to forcibly suppress them. The second is to do what is right coupled with advice and guidance. Last but not least is to have a well-thought-out plan and use both hard and soft tactics.

"The bottom rungs of the Indian community are indeed facing some problems."

It is not pleasant to see that our Indian compatriots had to take to the streets recently to air their grouses. We should treat the issue seriously. However, the prerequisite is the issue should be properly addressed. Forcible suppression is a bad plan while giving advice and guidance is a good plan. Using both hard and soft tactics is the best of all plans, but it requires sophisticated political wisdom and peaceful response tactics.

Street politics is a double-edged sword. It could be very violent, or it could be a very peaceful and very rational. The street demonstrations in Hong Kong and Taiwan in the recent years involved more than a hundred thousands of people. However, the demonstrations were all orderly. There were no clashes between the police and the public. Most importantly, the grievances of the people could be unleashed and their petitions could be delivered. At the end of the day, it depends on how the government face the situation with changed behaviours. Tomorrow can still be a good and nice day.

The worst is when things start going wrong and the situation becoming serious with some resorting to violence. These people are ready to risk everything, including their lives, because poverty drives them to it.

The bottom rungs of the Indian community are indeed facing some problems. As the former Deputy Prime Minister Tun Musa bin Hitam said: "Obviously, they are in despair... In many cases, there are really discontent and indignant."

Musa pointed out certain facts. As the Indian ethnic is a minority group, they can't form an important force. As the result, the people have overlook them in the past. We can't ignore their discontent and indignation anymore.

We can communicate with each other after we have listened to them sincerely.

Communications can make the facts clearer. When we recognise the fact, then only can we find suitable remedies. After all, the problem could be solved amicably. (By LIM MUN FAH/ Sin Chew Daily)

( The opinions expressed by the writer do not necessarily reflect those of MySinchew )
MySinchew 2007.12.11 http://www.mysinchew.com/node/4409?tid=12