When the rakyat take to the streets in peaceful march, the authorities will gun them down with water cannons and tear gas.
 
When we make our choices through the ballot box in a democratic manner, the outcome gets ignored and sidelined.
 
When leaders of 'opposing' voices seek for police permits they will be turned down by the authorities.
 
When the gifted take the trouble to express their two-cents worth through the mainstream media, it gets filtered or worse, binned, for fear of ruffling feathers.
 
When the tech-savvy vent on the cyberworld, they get spasmodic threats and some end up being detained without trial.
 
When a daring and convinced individual rises amidst the rubble with promises of hope and leadership for a troubled nation, he gets vindicated with all kinds of obstacles.
 
When even leaders within their own pacts raise views similar to those from 'opposing' quarters, these get ignored.
 
When ministers walk out under protest, still the message does not get across.
 
When foreign powers blow a warning whistle, the powers that be will make snide remarks or dismiss these with 'do not interfere' statements.
 
But, seriously, even the ruling party is embroiled in conflicts. So how then can the leaders claim that they have our welfare and the nation's pride at heart?
 
And when we cry out to the rulers and his majesty, silence greets the nation.
 
So, what are we, the citizens who are crying out for justice, peace and progress without racial and religious undertones and free of corruption supposed to do when we get sandwiched from all corners?
 
Do our leaders not understand physics and the law of nature? When things go sandwiched for far too long, implosion sets in.
 
Surely, we do not want this nation we all call home to suffer such a fate. So, why are we still finding it so difficult to let reason, logic and decency prevail?
 
Who then will pay the final price for all these wrong-doings?