new A few weeks back I marched against the war in Iraq. Not because I am a pacifist. I am not, as I happen to believe that some wars are necessary.

Human existence in its infinite varieties will always have its share of low-life that may o­nly be removed by force, like Saddam Hussein.

But I am against this war. Because it is illegal, borne out of the hypocrisy of the mighty and the powerful. I see injustice, bullying, intimidation and coercion in the development of its support. I see democratic institutions like the United Nations held at ransom.

I see greed, sycophancy and cronyism among nations. In the bigger picture, I see the threatened destruction of the fundamental sovereignties of an independent nation.

Sadly, I see the same things at home too.

A microcosm of the same injustices and corruption. I see the threatened destruction of a man simply because he dared challenge the mighty and the powerful. I see state institutions destroyed in the process of covering up for the excessive reaction of those at the top. I see the rape of the fundamental liberties of those who dared voice their support for him.

I did not march at Dataran Merdeka last Saturday even though I am still against this war. I cannot pretend even for a few hours that the movers of that march under Peace Malaysia are not as guilty of the same indiscretions as Bush and his neo-cons. Given the same power and theatre as Bush, these same people would prove to be even worse, albeit pathetically, given their previous record in a much smaller arena.

Organising this march to demand justice for the people of Iraq does not redeem their lack of respect for justice at home. It is sheer hypocrisy that I am not allowed to march in support of this man who have touched my life, and yet I am encouraged to do so last Saturday for people of faraway land. It's the same thing. It's called the right to peaceful assembly, no matter who I assemble for.

The people of Iraq who know exactly what it is like to suffer in the hands of a despot, and now at the hands of an international bully, will forgive me for not joining in a march organised by these people. The fight for justice is noble, not a cheap platform for fame and quick riches.

Knowing Anwar Ibrahim, he would want me to set aside this reservation and still march for a 'bigger cause'. I am sorry Datuk Seri, no cause is bigger than highlighting hypocrisy, for it is that callousness that gives birth to all that we detest in our society today. And why bail, which is normally available to most who qualify, was not granted to you.

I heard there were many politicians from Barisan Nasional component parties braving the rain o­n Saturday at Dataran Merdeka, doing what they do best - parroting.

It was ironic that their farcical ceremony in laying wreaths for the death of democracy, justice and liberty took place at the same hallowed grounds where Anwar last made his call for democratic reforms, and in front of the building which houses the kangaroo courts that robbed him of his liberties. Hypocrisy knows no bounds!

I suppose, there were also well-intentioned people at the march. I respect that, but like I said - I am no pacifist - especially for injustices at home.