Category: Activism

It was Friday morning and I had nothing to do.

So, upon finding out that DAP was holding a protest in front of the Indonesian embassy in Kuala Lumpur, I decided to crash the party. I must say that I had walked all the way from Jalan Ampang and Jalan Tun Razak to the embassy. I dare say it was a two-kilometer walk in the haze. I was just singing in the haze, what a glorious feeling and I’m choking again.

I had thought the Indonesian embassy was located nearby the American’s, right across the street. Thought I knew where it was. Unfortunately, that was the Singaporean’s instead. I was so happy to know Singaporeans were there to save the day. (Heh. To my Singaporean friends, I’m just joking. Love you guys. But, er, maybe love is too strong a word)

Anyway, I kept walking on down Jalan Tun Razak until I started to have doubt. So, I stopped by the Japanese embassy and asked for direction. A person at the Japanese embassy told me how to get there but not before asking “Are you walking?” and grinning.

I said, yeah and offered him my thanks. I did say thank you but considering that he was grinning upon learning that I was walking, what I had really wanted to say was FU, in a very mild and polite, eastern tradition.

A few coughing later, there it was – Kedutaan Besar Republik Indonesia.

At the embassy, it seemed that there were more police officers than there were protesters. Nonetheless, there were decent amount of sedated people – which, by the way, was disproportionately Chinese Malaysian. Sigh. DAP really needs to get more members with diverse background. Malaysia desperately needs a party that really transcends racial barriers but that is another lament for another day.

After awhile, Lim Guan Eng, I presume, came out after meeting the Indonesian ambassador. There was a mini press conference too, sort of.

While the DAP guy was courting the press, some Indonesians were probably worried.

And then little publicity with little “Jerebu Ancam Kita. Bayar Ganti Rugi” banner. Basically, DAP is demanding Indonesia to compensate Malaysia for the damages done. More about DAP’s demand is here. Heh, like Indonesia has anything left in its treasury to compensate us.

Know what I really think?

We should send everything to make the fire go away and help Indonesia strengthens its system. Maybe, we should even establish an ASEAN Court, just like the European Court in order to handle contentious transboundary issues. It might sound like a socialist’s prank but accounting for the externality, I’m convinced Malaysia should help Indonesia out even without compensation.

Ever heard about white men’s burden? Well, making sure that the region is stable in every aspect is increasingly becoming Malaysians, Singaporeans and Bruneians’ (is Bruneian the right noun?) burden.

Or, alternatively, we should invade Sumatra. Heh. Worried about the NEP? I’d rather worry about that racist policy than this damn haze.

And walauwei. Mamat ni main CS ke?

And Indonesia will be celebrating their independence day in August. Hence, the banner:

War is peace, ignorance is strength and slavery is freedom, dong!

And finally, ah! The landmark of the city:

No, not that two towers.

p/s – I’m not a member of DAP and I’m definately not a socialist commie.