reduced and recycled

I have been waiting for the change in government in silence, preferring not to second guess the moves made behind the scenes. Thus far, I feel that not saying anything about politics - especially when things are so volatile - would be best. Why add to the noise and drama (especially the drama - I don’t like dramas)?

But I can’t keep silent about Raja Petra Kamaruddin’s detention under the Internal Security Act. RPK has been sent to “Hotel Kamunting” and he remains there, alone but for the cohorts of so-called patriots making his life a living hell. If what I’ve read about these infamous detentions are true, they will be playing mind games with him, trying to break his spirit and his will to fight (if not live). Such torture is grotesque, horrible and inhumane.

RPK has committed no crime. He has been detained under ridiculous, outdated and outmoded Emergency Laws. He is being held without the benefit of a trial and now, without the benefit of a habeas corpus hearing. The entire legality of his incarceration is now placed so far beyond question, his rights and his freedom to those rights truly are now at the Home Minister’s pleasure.

I do not know RPK. I will not pretend to have a familiarity with the man. I do not agree with him always. I think he sensationalises real issues. I also do think that without RPK, Pakatan Rakyat would be poorer in every respect. RPK has the charm, wit and intelligence to convince voters of the rightness of Pakatan’s cause, and he has displayed these rare attributes in the service of Pakatan in the run up to the 8th March General Elections.

I want to see my Pakatan leaders do something. I want them to show the same fervour and outrage they showed when the got together in parliament to lobby for Teresa Kok’s release. Teresa Kok is our elected representative. She didn’t deserve to be held under the Internal Security Act for alleged statements or actions which she never said or did. She’s a member of parliament put in place by the support of the people.

But RPK’s our man.

He has been relentless, dogged and steadfast in his pursuit of justice and more accountability. He has made enemies of the Barisan Nasional cronies and faceless non-entities. He has rattled the cages, and he has unsettled the powerful. In a country where demagogues have risen to positions of prominence in the psyche of the Malaysian people, RPK is right up there with Anwar Ibrahim, Lim Kit Siang and Haris Ibrahim.

I do not wish to see my Pakatan leaders allow RPK to languish in prison. I do not wish to see RPK become a matyr for the cause of truth and justice in this country. I do not wish to see us - days, weeks, months or years from now - speak of RPK with fond but bitter memory.

Dear Pakatan leaders.

Hindraf continues to fight the good fight for the release of their leaders. You fought the good fight for the release of Teresa Kok. I want you to fight for RPK’s release. This man isn’t a member of parliament, he isn’t a politician, and he isn’t the leader of some community. He’s our man.

If you will not fight for him, then I hope to god you are shamed by the people who will.