On Abdullah’s tirade against upside down flag displayers:
Apart from the fact that this is the latest of a deplorable salvo against bloggers, a few words on the flag controversy.
If taken within context, this action makes some sense; that context being that it is a genuine practice of ships to fly an upside down flag to signal distress. Surely that is a somewhat accurate articulation of how many Malaysians feel.
That said, I can easily see how this display could be read negatively and be seen as hurtful. The flag after all, holds extensive emotional value for most Malaysians.
I think that the truth is the truth, but reality dictates that perception counts as well. On that reasoning, I imagine that there are indeed some alternative strategies that could be more universal in their appeal (hanging a BN flag upside down was one of the better suggestions :)
To me, it’s all about finding the most effective, universally resonant tool to get the right message across.
On the subject of perception, Abdullah’s attack suggests once again that BN is simply not adapting. All the Permatang Pauh strategies and this relentless demonisation of new media indicate an unwillingness to leave behind old strategies and approaches in favour of at least some reform. More on this later perhaps.
Of note, a number of bloggers were arrested in China recently, for trying to promote human rights.
I don’t know about you, but give me responsible freedom of speech over mega shows and fireworks anyday. (although, fireworks will always hold a special place in my heart).
Finally, on the subject of cyberspace, I noticed the Singaporean PM’s speech.
Predictably, I immediately thought of the kind invite to Singapore I received to present a little bit on the internet and March 8.
There, I stressed that the internet is an absolutely value-neutral medium, and that it wasn’t cyberspace that brought BN down, but BN itself.
Busybody that I was, I also couldn’t help but comment on Singapore’s own situation, likening the city state to a corporate group whose subsidiaries were all performing excellently except one: the arena of civic rights and being a mature democracy.
What the S’pore PM said were decent words and indicated a slightly more reasonable understanding (clearly due to my ‘brilliant’, ‘incisive’ presentation, lol). Whether or not it would translate into a true blossoming of more meaningful democracy with a free flourishing of non-’managed’ diverse views and discourse remains to be seen, but we stay hopeful.
To all the kind people in Singapore who hosted us and entertained us, a shoutout and warmest thanks once again - it’s always truly nice to make new friends :)
Tags: Responsible Free Speech // 3 Comments »
