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
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