Kuala Lumpur, Dec 31 – The majority of Malaysians woke up on the last day of 2013 eager to usher in the new year at midnight but apprehensive of the street protests planned for today allegedly to topple the government.
They have had it “up to here” with these street protests in the run-up to 13th general election held in May and had just cherished some months of peace and quiet.
Peace-loving Malaysians have condemned the planned protests, to be held purportedly in protest against the rising cost of living and the inevitable price increases of goods and services.
NGOs and other organisations have lodged police reports against the organiser and would-be participants of the protests. Others, among them individuals, have given some good advice.
From Perlis to Johor and right up to Sarawak and Sabah, the message of dozens of these organisations is loud and clear: the authorities must come down hard on those intent on causing chaos and the people must not fall prey to the propaganda.
Communication and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek said the time and energy wasted in organising and participating in the street protests would be better spent helping the thousands of victims of the recent floods put their lives back in order.
Early this month, Pahang, Terengganu, Kelantan and Johor were badly hit by floods following incessant heavy rain that caused rivers to burst their banks in several areas, forcing thousands of residents to be evacuated and incurring massive damage to property.
Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Ahmad Maslan said there was no reason to topple the government through street protests over the rising cost of living as the leadership was doing its best to deal with the situation.
The street protests also would not be able to resolve the current problems the people faced, said Malaysian National Silat Federation (Pesaka) president Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam.
The police had issued a stern warning that individuals or groups would be charged for holding illegal rallies and they would not hesitate to detain those attempting to spark unrest under the Penal Code and the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (SOSMA).
Last Friday, the police remanded for five days a Facebook account holder who went by the name of Asmaelz Hadzeny II to help in the investigation into an alleged attempt to incite people to join tonight’s illegal gatherings.
In accordance with the government’s desire to practice more prudent spending in the new year, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak yesterday announced 11 measures to slash public sector expenditure beginning Jan 1, 2014.
One of these measures is the reduction by 10 per cent of the entertainment allowance of ministers and deputy ministers.
While the tough stand adopted by the authorities on those behind the proposed rally has been welcomed, the people also hope that the celebration to usher in 2014 would be peaceful and not jeopardise national security.
– Bernama
