By J. D. Lovrenciear
The
two fresh incidents of explosions and another incident of fighting
between opposing camp supporters would not have been the news of the day
as
we inch so close towards polling date if not for foul-mouthed
politicians. The defining truth is: do not blame the followers; blame the leaders instead. If only certain politicians and seeming veterans
had not
been preaching and admonishing and threatening of chaos, but instead
chose to engage and promote healthy discussions, banter and debates as
we march to the polls, we would not
witness such dangerous reports.
Yes, if there are explosives going off here and there and
physical break-outs between supporters who then is the culprit? Who sowed the
seeds of divisiveness? Who is screaming for blood in the first place? Who is
preaching ‘to win at all costs’? BN must take responsibility for it was UMNO that was screaming “over our dead bodies
and crushed bones”.
BN has to take responsibility for the disparaging remarks
of a certain individual against a particular faith and ethnic group and yet ending
up nominating him to be a choice candidate in the GE-13. BN
must be held
responsible because it is the UMNO supremoes who are getting away with
repeated belting of
race and religion sentiments hinging on sedition and treason. Such
actions by irresponsible politicians are bound to incense supporters as
much as it does ruffle the hearts of peace-loving Malaysians.
And lest we forget, what about the many attacks on the election-vehicles
of the opposition parties? These threatening and near dangerous attacks got
away scot-free from effective police action even when they were being reported
long before the announcement of the election date. Question: Did the PM or his Deputy or any taiko
within the BN machinery condemn such attacks vehemently and promptly?
People know that silence or delayed response also means approval..
In fact, do not blame the rakyat if they question all these
fresh incidents of trouble that are being reported. People are putting two and two
together and are becoming suspicious of these incidents of sabotage. Can we
blame them if they were of the opinion that it is BN who might be staging all
these dangerous incidents?
If only BN had led the way with gentleman politics; if only
BN leaders had set the pace for healthy debates and engagement-politics; if only
BN had demanded from the police quick, transparent and justice-anchored actions
on all reported incidents of attacks and sabotage right from day one when such
ugly behavior surfaced – today we will not have to see such arson-related acts. If only BN leaders had not militantly peddled
fear and chaos
premonitions, people will be already blaming the opposition for such
incidents that threaten the peace and sanctity of this nation, and not
suspecting
BN this late into the run-up to GE-13.
BN has successfully caused failure for
its own self image.
Desperate people broker for desperate measure in desperate
times – perhaps best summarizes the situation.
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