Mr. Ong Kian Ming says, “Wear black to protest Wong’s arrest“
Some of his actions, which some may interpret as ‘controversial’ or ‘provocative’, are a reflection of this passion. While some may disagree with his methods or his delivery, there are none who can question his love for the country and his respect for its institutions.
What Chin Huat has consistently demonstrated in his writings, in his words and in his actions, is a deep desire for wanting to improve the state of politics and governance in the country which he calls home.
I am willing to bet that many of his students at the university were inspired by his passion at the same time as they were imbibing knowledge from his lectures and classes.
That such a person would be targeted by the Malaysian government is a clear sign that there is little recognition of the value of someone like Chin Huat, as a lecturer, as an activist, as an academic, as a journalist and as a citizen of a country he clearly loves dearly.
A decent government with decent people in it would not treat someone like Chin Huat as a threat to national security and have him arrested under the Sedition Act.
“Don’t wear black tomorrow, warns IGP
Political party supporters were today reminded not to create tension by dressing in black and illegally gather in protest of the Perak state assembly sitting tomorrow.
The police warning came following the call by Bersih or Coalition for Free and Fair Elections, for the public to wear black as part of its 1BLACKMalaysia campaign in protest the "ongoing Perak coup" by the Barisan Nasional (BN) government.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan said party supporters should ignore the demand or appeal by the NGO to foil the assembly proceedings, or risk arrest by police.
"Police will not hesitate to take action, including arresting those who illegally assemble or prevent the state assemblypersons from entering the (Perak State Secretariat) building to thwart the assembly sitting.
Wong’s Black Day has more . . .
Sybreon went on to argue that arresting people who wear black is tricky.
"Not many people wear a bright yellow shirt. But for black, things are a little more dicey. Lots of people wear black, if only to blend in.
"Moreover, they have probably learned that it is difficult to catch the masses. Instead, they should focus on the ‘leaders’. However, what the police and the government may have failed to understand is the nature of the present fight. There are no ‘leaders’ per se."
The colour black is the focus of art blog ARTERI, in which a contributing blogger writes "On behalf of ARTERI, I stand firm in support of freedom of expression, and say that there is nothing to fear from either blackness or darkness. I ask that Wong Chin Huat be charged formally in court, or else be released without further delay."
Lawyer Haris Ibrahim also questions if wearing black clothing is unlawful. "What law is being broken when people choose to wear black in this country? Since when was it unlawful to urge your fellow citizens to wear a certain colour on a certain day to send out a strong message of disapproval for acts done by those who purport to act on our behalf in administering this country?" he wrote.
So, to wear or not to wear black? I’ve decided, so has the missus. And more then a few people I know. how about you?
The opening words from the ancient text gives a longer term perspective.
1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2 Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.
3 And God said, "Let there be light," and there was light.