YOURSAY 'We cannot continue giving this corrupt regime life by fearing there will be an Arab Spring. Just because of this fear, we should not let things lie.'

Arab Spring can hit Malaysia, warns ex-IGP Musa

your say Cala: In plain words, what former inspector-general of police (IGP) Musa Hassan says is if the Umno-led BN regime continues to ignore the people's wishes for a clean, efficient, and moral government, Arab Spring may take place as the people are frustrated with the existing government.

But the ex-IGP is not advising the regime in which areas in particular it has to improve. I would have thought to bring back accountability, the first thing is for him to admit all the wrongdoings during his time as police chief and allow the return of rule of law by stopping the deaths of Indians under police custody and the pumping of bullets into innocent car drivers/co-drivers.

Gerard Lourdesamy: Is democracy, the rule of law and civil liberties haram ? Is a free press, the right to assemble peacefully, the right to express oneself or to associate freely also haram ?

I do not think that any religion condones corruption, abuse of power, injustice and the mistreatment of people.

Agreed that not all ‘Western' values are suitable for our society, but that does not mean that ‘Eastern' values tell us to remain silent, respect authority and allow ourselves to be subjugated to political and economic elites?

Musa, please get real. This is not the Cold War era with communists hiding behind trees for Malaysians to fear change or the future after change.

Thetruth: Did Arab Spring happened due to Western influence? I think the answer is big ‘No'.

Then why Arab Spring happened? The answer is simple. This is because the voice of the majority was being sidelined and in those countries, the minority is ruling the country.

The most important point is these Arab countries do not practice democracy and most of the time they conduct elections that were rigged to made sure they always win, therefore leaving no option and avenue for the majority voice to be heard.

Survivor: Musa, don't talk nuts. If there is good governance and the country is well-managed, then you can talk against change.

Even for that matter, we should respect the rule of law instead of rule by law by the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) and the regime. When the people are up in arms for the betterment of the country, you can't stop them. Learn from history.

Lin Wenquan: First and foremost, Malaysians will not subscribe to violence to express their frustrations and disillusionment with a government that has become decadent and self-serving.

The Arab Spring evolved from the tyranny, corruption, nepotism, human rights abuses and growing poverty that were endemic in the affected nations.

Musa conveniently blames 'Western values' as the driving force, which is a crass proposition. The Arabs were merely exercising their democratic rights out of exasperation to rid their countries of the aforementioned socio-political ills meted out to them by their rulers.

Musa uses Islam mischievously to exhort for more stringent control our citizens. This is a dangerous dalliance with could turn Malaysia into a police state.

But Malaysians zealously hold to the democratic process through the ballot box to choose the government we want, of course, unless our aspirations are thwarted by a docile Election Commission (EC) and traitorous National Registration Department (NRD) by cloning alien 'instant Malaysians'.

Hplooi: Malaysia is already 20 years behind. A whole generation of Malaysians are now the 'lost' generation. If the status quo remains, then it is guaranteed that we will fall further behind.

While we may achieve US$15,000 per capita income in 2020, but by then Singapore will reach US$35,000 per capita. Meanwhile, the previously under-developed countries around us would have raced ahead.

Geronimo: Musa, let me ask you this, "What choice do the people have if at all a kind of Arab Spring was to happen here?"

We have been cheated, lied to, traumatised, left in despair while the politicians continue to enrich themselves and decide all things arbitrarily, and if the Quran and hadith say these are okay, then there must be something wrong.

When you made that statement, are you also agonising in fear that should Pakatan Rakyat take over, you will be equally hauled up like the others to face justice?

If I were you, repent now and don't make anymore uncalled for remarks which will only heighten your guilt.

Tpn: Malaysians will only change a government by legitimate means, that is via the ballot box and not through violence.

Kit P: The yearning for freedom and accountable government is universal, regardless of whether in the Middle East or in Malaysia. The Arab Spring occurred because the masses, especially the youth, could see no way out through their existing political system.

That is why it is so important the government does not subvert the democratic process. Sabah's Project IC and the current loud whispers of unqualified instant foreign voters are serious symptoms of the ruling party attempting to drown out the voice of the people.

Democrat: If change will stop the corrupt from looting the country, then let the change take place. But peacefully, please.

We cannot continue giving this corrupt regime life by fearing there will be an Arab Spring. Just because of this fear, we should not let things lie.

Giudice: Musa, if you had done your job properly and professionally when you were the IGP, the chances of an Arab Spring happening in Malaysia would be less.

The above is a selection of comments posted by Malaysiakini subscribers. Only paying subscribers can post comments. Over the past one year, Malaysiakinians have posted over 100,000 comments. Join the Malaysiakini community and help set the news agenda. Subscribe now .