Article 11 forum

I had been unwell for a couple of weeks, so were the kids. Everyones almost ok now.

A few of us friends attended the Article 11 forum in JB last saturday. It was more out of curiousity as we were quite aware of the issues at hand and the problems related.

We arrived at New York Hotel and proceeded to a mamak restaurant near Hotel Selesa for breakfast. There were some people who didnt appear to blend into the surroundings. Jalan Abdullah Tahir was after all more like an entertainment belt, with a few night spots.

Entering the hotel wasnt a problem, there wasnt much of a crowd at 9am. We registered without a fuss and within minutes something struck my attention. There were CID and other policemen plus some other unidentified people taking lots of video and photos of all the participants. Somehow, personally, I felt like a criminal. It was intimidation to the max.

As for the speakers, what was presented was just a brief of what was discussed in KL earlier this year. We were listening to mainly the same stuff we had read about in the papers. But then again, we were there to hear it personally. There was a mixed crowd of chinese and indians plus a few malays. Old and young.

By 1115am, we were told to end. We were told to wait for a while first though. By then there was a crowd of 100 - 200 demonstrating at the hotel entrance. Now, how come these illegal demonstrators were not arrested? The rule of law fails, yet again.

We went downstairs and was politely adviced not to exit via the main entrance, but to use the side entrance. A friend had parked his car at the multi storey carpark within, so we tagged along to make sure he was ok. While we were waiting at the lift lobby, there were two guys taking photos and videos of us. I was tempted to ask if they wanted my autograph, or to confront them to stop. But then, knowing how the system works, the slightest sign of dissent was enough of an excuse for them to haul us up with wild accusations. We kept just laughed and ignored what was happening.

Disturbing events. All over again. People not being aware of the problems some citizens face, and being manipulated to demonstrate for the sake of demonstrating. The argument against an inter-faith dialogue, runs smack against all reason. How can one talk of compassion and respect for a fellow human being, and yet deny the existence of others or the problems others face. The seige mentality is so prevalent. Some people out there just dont like the world to be a peaceful place i guess.