YOURSAY ‘So the burning of effigies of opposition leaders is considered okay?’

Photo stomping culture can lead to downfall, warns Ali Rustam

Kingfisher: There is no excuse for the despicable behaviour of those involved in the "stepping of pictures" of PM Najib Razak and PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang.

And if there are appropriate laws to sanction such actions let relevant authorities take necessary punitive action against the wrongdoers.

But National Silat Federation (Pesaka) president Mohd Ali Rustam, a single sparrow does not make a summer.

To identify a whole community as being in default and to mobilise a massive action against a whole community is stretching one's legitimacy to dissent a little too much and possibly also irresponsible.

And especially for a former menteri besar of a state with so much historical significance of Malay civility and Chinese contribution. Does he have a personal grievance due to his loss in the last election... one wonders?

Goldee: The "stomping act" was unfortunately done by a young innocent girl and boy, who had surrendered to the police and apologised for their stupidity. Why raise this issue to no end?

Ipohcrite: Sure, photo stomping is bad, uncouth and rude. But then, is burning effigies by Umno members, who are Muslims, acceptable? Isn't that indulging in deviationist beliefs, akin to idolatry?

CQ Muar: So the burning of effigies (a ceremonial ritual of Chinese for the decease) of opposition leaders is considered okay and acceptable?

Especially when the disgraceful incident was carried out by 'holier than thou' Muslims.

Anonymous 2305141436452229: Clearly stepping on pictures is more severe than pouring red paint over cardboard cutouts of leaders, burning effigies, hurling racial profanities and calling minorities ‘pigs’.

The sad part is the actions of two people, who probably have nothing to do with DAP, has been deliberately turned into a racial attack on “DAP Chinese”.

Stop beating around the bush. One is not born a DAP Chinese and you cannot tell whether a person is DAP Chinese or any other Chinese just by looking at them on the streets.

Samurai: Funny, but Umno leaders and particularly Najib, has never said photo stomping would lead to downfall when the photos were of opposition leaders, or even BN chief ministers like Koh Tsu Koon.

I suppose there is a difference when Umno people do it, it is defending this or that, or they were "provoked" and not to be blamed, unlike the others?

Ahmet Al Tarabulshit: Really? Stomping on pictures of our leaders can lead to a downfall of the government? Well than, we need to do more stomping.

Jamal: Chinese must share Petaling Street spoils with Malays

CQ Muar: Red shirts’ spokesperson Jamal Md Yunos, it takes people like you to shame the Malay race.

The New Economic Policy (NEP) and other Malay rights have been implemented for over 45 years, and here, instead of using your initiative to work hard, you display such gumption to ask for a share of the success of the Chinese traders in Petaling Street.

I suggest you look beyond the forest, and see for yourself the many progressive, successful and industrious Malays. Emulate and learn from them the secret of success. Stop being a parasite by demanding for rights, assistance and sympathy.

Odin Tajué: Jamal, you are saying all sorts of things to irritate the Chinese for only two reasons.

1) to divert the public's attention from the US$681 million that PM Najib Razak allegedly stole, and the missing US$1.4 billion of 1MDB money; and

2) you know very well that you will not be charged in court, as attorney-general Mohamed Apandi Ali is Najib's servile serf.

Existential Turd: The Chinese never claim to own Petaling Street. Anyone can go there, as long as they do not intent to cause havoc and disruption.

The same can be said of any part of Malaysia. So asking Chinese to share Petaling Street is wrong-headed.

Benghazi: Sungai Besar Umno chief Jamal is attention seeker. He wants to be noticed by Najib to improve his chances of being moved up the political hierarchy.

Maybe he's thinking of a cabinet post in the next reshuffle. Who wants to remain ‘ketua bahagian’ (divisional leader) for life?

Justine Gow: Is there any law that forbids any Malaysian from setting up stalls or shops in Petaling Street?

What is stopping Jamal is himself - his lack of ability and confidence to compete with the others there. What he seems to be demanding is not the opportunity to do business, but a share of the fruits of others’ labour.

Anonymous#007: Soon, they will demand spoils from Little India, Brickfields and Orang Asli reserve land.

It is clear their intention is to ultimately remove all signs of Chinese Malaysian contribution in our country, starting from the Chinese Malaysians who helped negotiate Malaysia's independence from the British.

And the Chinese Malaysians who contributed immensely to the economic development of Malaysia. The Chinese Malaysians who have led Malaysia to victories in sports. The Chinese Malaysians who - out of goodwill and patriotism - had agreed to the NEP to help the Malays stand on their own feet.

How patriotic would these protesters be if asked to make a similar contribution to this country? What can I say - a leader is only as good as the company (or supporters) he keeps.

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