If all the facts presented in the article Jewish elements infiltrating local campuses are to be believed, Malaysia is under attack!

Alas, this attack is not an Israeli military invasion, but an assault on truth and integrity by - of all people - the government arm tasked with instilling love for our country.

The government expounds ideals of first world mentalities and world class universities. Can we name a single first world country or world class university where there are compulsory student seminars (organised by the government, no less) to 'enlighten' students as to which groups and individuals they should vote for in upcoming campus elections?

No 'developed' state would dare admit such defiance of democracy in their halls of higher learning.

The various tactics used by Biro Tatanegara (BTN) are even more disturbing.

First of all, perfectly in line with ethnocentric Barisan Nasional's mind boggling ability to espouse national unity with its left hand while playing racial cards with its right, BTN has chosen to create a culture of fear centred on the creation of bogeymen all over the world who are out to 'get us.'

The BTN claims that 'pro-opposition' student groups are indirectly funded by the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) which is in turn funded by American and Jewish interests.

They are correct insofar that the NED is funded by the US equivalent of Parliament. The impartiality of the NED remains a subject of debate among Americans, with detractors saying they fund only pro-American movements, while supporters claim that they are more even-handed and support any group that seeks to advance democratic principles.

Needless to say, there are some who must believe - in total defiance of whatever evidence that may be presented to the contrary - that since the NED is funded by America, it must therefore be funded by Jews, hate Islam and by extension, hate Malaysia.

Exploiting the Jews

Have any of the people who are so staunchly anti-Jewish actually met a Jew? Have they any idea what the differences between a Jew, an Israeli, the Israeli government and Zionists are? As is typical of racists, there is no appreciation for the diversity within any particular 'ethnicity' or social group.

The Jews I have met in my five years in the US remind me of every other ethnic group I have met - including Malays, Chinese, Indians, Ibans, Kadazans, Arabs, Latin Americans, etc - by virtue of the simple fact that while some are full of integrity, others are corrupt; while some are lazy, others are hardworking; while some are pro-Zionist, others are pro-Palestinian (believe it); while some are racists, others are humanists.

I therefore feel strongly against exploiting the Jews the same way Saudara Khairy Jamaluddin exploited the Chinese in Jerlun. Saying Jews are responsible for the existence of student groups critical of the establishment simply tak masuk akal (does not make sense); it is obviously the last desperate attempt of a bankrupt establishment completely unable to respond to those criticisms in any real, credible manner.

If BTN is really concerned about undue American influence in Malaysia and are so angry with American foreign policy, why not protest the signing of the Free Trade Agreement with America? Surely that is a more concrete way of expressing protest and dissatisfaction. After all, are we only willing to bash America insofar as it does not affect the flow of money into our pockets?

Speaking of Saudara Khairy, 'fervent' opponent of America and Zionism, where is this list he promised us of businesses that supposedly represent Zionist interests? Or did he finally come to realise that the interests of those businesses run a little too close to his own after all?

Taking exception to imperialist foreign policy is very well and good; but we must be consistent if we are to be at all credible.

Denying basic truths

Further bankruptcy of credibility is clearly demonstrated when BTN and university officials throughout the country attempt to deny the basic truths of the UPM fracas of July 17 in a spectacularly ridiculous, unspeakably hideous and devastatingly disappointing fashion: amongst other things, the tragicomic roadshow continues to maintain that the pro-establishment were merely singing songs!

If you looked at things the way BTN does, then what the UPM thugs were doing must surely be seen as nobly struggling against evil American/Zionist neo-colonials using the power of music. Much as my heart wants to subscribe to such romantic and inspiring interpretations, one is forced to stay committed to the truth and available evidence.

I firmly believe that the sheer depth of frustration and anger many of us experienced at hearing these continuous pathetic attempts at 'spin' can be experienced by any objective individual - regardless of background - who has sat down to watch the video of this fracas. It's really as simple as seeing everything documented onscreen beyond doubt.

The government's continuing dependence on a culture of fear is sickening on the one hand, yet encouraging on another. Those of us who believe in fighting this fear of the truth and embracing a culture of responsible openness and true commitment to integrity should see this dependence as the clear sign of weakness and desperation that it is.

Without a doubt, it is a signal that our efforts have gained ground and forced those in power to rely on wayang kulit to defend the indefensible. What better time to take heart and push on bravely?

NATHANIEL TAN believes in working for change. He is currently changing his blog, the older version can be viewed at justsense.wordpress.com.