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Poems: Enforcement and Political Mileage

Sketch by Aliran member Wong Soak Koon

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Two more poems by Dave Anthony touching on movement restrictions and politicians capitalising on the provision of relief supplies during the coronavirus pandemic.

7 April

Enforcement

Discipline preach, then admonish

Failing which, punish

To fit the crime.

We have an unprecedented abnormal situation

Calling for anomalous implementation.

Standard operating procedures

No longer standard, but

Non-normative operating procedures

Call for non-conventional operations

Respect, dignity, human rights values

In proportion, facilitative,

Handcuffs, chains, non-bailable lock-up

Out of proportion, punitive,

Police power abuse detestable

Hold them accountable.

Coronavirus emulate

Do not discriminate.

For the enforcer, establish guidelines

For the law-breaker not to cross the lines.

Harassment, victimisation avoid

Movement control order abide.

******

8 April

Political mileage

Covid-19 unites Malaysians

Cutting across race and religion

Malaysians rise to the occasion,

Community members step up

With timely resourceful help

Across class lines, stretching

Those on the brink of survival, reaching,

Spirit of generosity, the motive

Highly laudable!

Politicians with gifts of basic commodities

Also commendable, but with ulterior motive?

Gift packs plastered with politician’s image

Cashing in on political mileage.

Food aid is free but please pay

Remember me on voting day,

Even a crisis is an opportunity

For politician to seek popularity,

Shamelessly selfish

Politician’s elected blemish.

Don’t mar your magnanimous act

By promoting your personality cult

Politicians are mere executors

Taxpayers are real donors

The views expressed in Aliran's media statements and the NGO statements we have endorsed reflect Aliran's official stand. Views and opinions expressed in other pieces published here do not necessarily reflect Aliran's official position.

AGENDA RAKYAT - Lima perkara utama
  1. Tegakkan maruah serta kualiti kehidupan rakyat
  2. Galakkan pembangunan saksama, lestari serta tangani krisis alam sekitar
  3. Raikan kerencaman dan keterangkuman
  4. Selamatkan demokrasi dan angkatkan keluhuran undang-undang
  5. Lawan rasuah dan kronisme
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