Syabas, syabas!

desiderata.civilsociety

I say "Syabas" to all those involved in initiating the "Malaysians Against Moral Policing" movement (see yesterday's Post) as well as all those who responded to the campaign by some 50 non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and individuals ; and "Syabas" too to the promptest response ever by the Government under Pak Lah.

Both The Star and theSun higlighted on Page 1, and the NST on Page 5, the initial success of the campaign, reporting that the "Cabinet has directed that all raids by religious departments must now be approved by district polic chiefs and accompanied by senior police officers," according to theSun (March 25, 2005).

Minister in the PM's Department Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz yesterday said after receiving a memorandum from NGOs at Parliament House: "So since we haven't edcided whether it (the law) should be reviewed or not, I've been informed that cabinet wants it (the raids) to be done with the approval of the police."

"This is a very serious matter; we do not want to see Malaysia turning into Afghanistan during the Taliban (rule). If this is not stopped, it may happen."

The Cabinet also ordered an immediate "stop" to the Mat Skodeng squad set up by the 4B Youth movement, who had been "spying" on couples and tasked with reporting on others involved in "immoral" activities. Malacca's Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam, who launched the "snoop squad" some weeks back, had to eat humble pie.

The NST quoted Ali as saying he understood the directive by the Cabinet. "It may lead to other parties following suit with their own snoop squads.

"That would pose a major problem then. Hence, I will tell 4B Youth to disband the squad."

This initial -- and partial -- success demonstrates the power of "Unity of Common Purpose" by all groups and individual Malaysians in fighting for their civil rights. I harbour hopes for more such demonstration of power by the people for the common good.