The foretelling of George Orwell in his book 1984 has been realised. The persistent and repetitive use of slogans by the establishment/ Big Brother in maintaining social control "War is peace", "Freedom is slavery", "Ignorance is strength" is holding true in Malaysia.

The contrasting attitude shown by the authorities, its agencies and the mainstream media in the treatment of two differently organised anti-war demonstrations o­ne by the Umno Youth-led Peace Malaysia and the other by the Stop War Coalition comprising opposition parties, NGOs and student groups clearly illustrates the double standards, improper motives and undemocratic behaviour that have rooted in the country.

I am angry, saddened and aggrieved because the entirely legitimate Stop War Coalition demonstration instead of being supported by the authorities, was greeted with tear gas, arrests, threats and intimidation . o­n the other hand, the Peace Malaysia demonstration (or rally as it is affectionately called) was not o­nly allowed but further assisted by the police and government machinery.

Although the intention of the Peace Malaysia event is ostensibly noble, the 'demonstration' as orchestrated at the end of the day turned out to be more akin to a show, garnished and garlanded with 'live' telecast, entertainment personalities, performances, media announcements, scenes of 'protesters' having a wonderful time and of special 'importance' interviews with Caucasians.

These shenanigans in an environment that reeks of sterility, automaton behaviour in thought and action, soulless and organised - mock the gravity of the cause and tremendous effort of the global anti-war demonstrations held by the people of the world for the people of the world.

War is Peace; Freedom is Slavery; Ignorance is Strength How true!

Demonstration is depicted as unlawful, violent and a nuisance to society. To go to war with opposition parties, civil society, students and members of the public who are o­nly asserting their civil and political rights to free speech, assembly and association is deemed to be necessary for peace .

Freedom

to these groups and others is deemed to be slavery to the West, western 'inspired' universal human rights values, instability and economic doom and gloom.

Ignorance

to human rights, constitutional rights, democratic principles and injustice is strength as the country would be stable and prosperous thus providing conducive climate for economic progress, peace and tourist arrival.

War is not peace; freedom is not slavery; ignorance is not strength.