I refer to Malaysiakini’s report 17 charged over Bersih rally.

The long arm of the law is being used by the present regime against the brave souls who dared to defy the government’s ban on public demonstrations. The attorney-general in personally leading the charge against the suspects and this is meant to send a clear message to those who intend to take to the streets.

A lot of Hindraf supporters have been charged with illegal assembly while those charged with attempted murder are denied bail. Now the ring leaders of the Bersih rally must also faced the music, along with some lawyers for participating in a supposed ‘illegal’ rally to mark International Human Rights Day last Sunday.

Threats and intimidation are being used by the police force to dampen people’s enthusiasm in protesting against government polices which doesn’t benefit the public and those asking for free and fair elections. Only in third world countries where democracy is but a name will you find such abhorrent behaviour by their despot leaders.

The arrest of several top opposition leaders who marched to Parliament House on Nov 11 shows that police threats would not cow these brave souls from voicing their grievances on the streets. Enough of the threats and intimidation! In this brave new world, the government cannot use draconian laws to silence their critics.

The prime minister said that public safety is more important than freedom of free speech and assembly. But that is debatable as the present regime does not want the public to exercise their right to voice their grievances. Such outbursts will only embarrassed the present government.

The thinking public should literally show the broom to the corrupt incumbents who refuse to change their old ways of doing business. This is detrimental to the interest of the nation. May the undercurrent of people’s disapproval open the eyes and minds of those sitting on fences. May it tell them not to be swayed by the empty promises of a corrupt government.