PERHAPS Malaysians should consider themselves fortunate as efforts to facilitate power transition – whether this will occur as soon as today or may take a while longer – is happening in a peaceful or diplomatic manner.
Fingers-crossed, even if emotions were to flair, they are likely to be limited to a few shouting matches which are non-physical or non-violent.
Such has been the trend since the country gained independence from the British in 1957 and hopefully the nation shall clock 64 years in a fortnight’s time by being able to conserve that unwavering track record.
As Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin heads to the National Palace for an audience with the King this morning – with rumours rife that he is expected to submit his resignation –the ultimate hope of every citizen is that the successor is capable enough to steer Malaysia out of the pandemic doldrums soonest possible.
As Malaysians await the official outcome today, it is hoped that peace and common sense will prevail to ensure a smooth power transition with the best man for the job getting appointed.
In contrasting style, however, Malaysians should take a chapter from their northern neighbour where Thai police clashed with protesters near the residence of Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha on Sunday (Aug 15) for a fifth time in the past week with officers using water cannon and teargas against demonstrators hurling projectiles towards them.
On Friday (Aug 13), Reuters reported that police also clashed with demonstrators after hundreds defied a ban on gatherings to rally in central Bangkok where they attempted to march on the prime minister’s residence to demand his resignation due to his failure in managing the country’s coronavirus crisis.
Police fired tear gas canisters and rubber bullets from an elevated highway in response to demonstrators who tried to pull down containers that were being used as roadblocks in a third day of confrontation last week.
Thailand’s youth-led anti-government protest movement appears to have regained momentum with its support having broadened after demonstrations last year attracted hundreds of thousands of people before a crackdown by the authorities.
Other political groups, including some of Prayuth’s former allies, are now joining the protests as the country struggles to cope with its worst wave of COVID-19 with many blaming the Government’s handling of the crisis. – Aug 16, 2021
