vox populi small thumbnail ‘They want us to rise and cause a ruckus so that their actions can be justified, no matter what those actions may be. Rakyat , stand your ground and choose to choose peace.’

On ISA crackdown as Pak Lah faces dissension

Roy: I've watched with horror the sandiwara that has been unfolding across the nation ever since the previous elections. From where I stand, all I can repeatedly see is that these so-called leaders are, in one way or another, with rhetoric, threats and general inflammatory language, trying their level best to draw the rakyat into their political games.

I suppose then that this message is a plea to the rakyat in general. Although these politicians are supposedly ‘chosen’ by the people, be they in the ruling government or the incumbent one, their games are strictly theirs to play.

The overplayed tune of ‘every race for itself against external threats, perceived or actual’, does not reflect the reality of how most, if not all, Malaysians live.

So, as a Malaysian who wants to walk down the street at any time of the day and not to have to worry about my safety (as I'm sure most of us are), do ignore the repeated calls from those that we have supposedly elected to take to the streets in protest, no matter whose side you're on.

Theirs is like a self-fulfilled prophecy waiting to happen. They want us to rise and cause a ruckus so that their actions can be justified, no matter what those actions may be. Rakyat , stand your ground and choose to choose peace.

Forward As One: We the rakyat face an important test this weekend and over the coming days. It is difficult for each of us to remain calm when there are elements that seem to incite us to passion or anger.

This is particularly where the tools of provocation are sensitive issues in our multi-racial country. But we must pass this test with flying colours. Let us show in this pivotal moment, the political maturity that we - all the races in Malaysia - have attained after more than half a century of independence.

There is a saying, ‘the people get the government they deserve’. If we take the bait of anger dangled by irresponsible elements in our country, we would be undeserving of the greater democracy we seek.

The best argument for doing away with repressive laws is to show that today Malaysians of all races can handle discussion - even on racial issues - with maturity and in the spirit of harmony and unity that has characterised most of our 51 year history.

We have an opportunity to prove over the coming days that the political maturity Malaysian society has attained is the best defence against those that seek to destabilise us. In doing so, we can prove that repressive laws no longer have a role to play in our society.

We the rakyat have to deserve the government we want. I pray we will have the courage and the patience that the coming days will require of us.

Eileen: It looks like those who lose power are trying to create havoc between the races. These desperate politicians are trying very hard to stir up the hornet’s nest just to benefit themselves. Their baseless and irresponsible utterances are despicable. Therefore, let us, peace-abiding citizens be smart by not falling into their trap.

By the way, Raja Petra, we just want you to know that we are with you. You are a true Malaysian hero and remember that God will not forsake righteous people like you.

Dian Abdullah: In a horse race, the jockey will use his whip to hit the horse’s side to run faster to the finish line. Whether he wins or not will depend on how strong and healthy the horse is. But if the horse is already half dead, no matter how hard one whips, the horse will not be able to win the race.

This is exactly what is happening to Pak Lah. By using the ISA, he hopes it will frighten the people, especially the politicians who are going to cross over, to rethink and stay on in Umno.

But then, Pak Lah has always been slow to realise that he is the sickly horse that no amount of medicine can cure. History has shown many times that the supporters of a weak leader will eventually give up and join the enemy. No amount of persuasion, money or threat can stop the move.

Alfred Ho: I wish to condemn in the strongest terms the arrests of RPK, Tan Hoon Cheng and Teresa Kok on the instructions of the oppressive BN government. This cowardly act will certainly not go down well with all right-thinking Malaysians.

My thoughts and prayers go out to RPK’s wife, Marina, as she goes through the ordeal of having her husband taken away from her. It is my sincere hope that Pakatan Rakyat will not disappoint her and all other Malaysians. Pakatan must wrest power from this cruel regime as soon as possible so that all Malaysians will be treated equally.

Concern Malaysian: The ISA arrests got me thinking. Does this mean we should all keep quiet if someone plays up racial issues? Does this mean newspapers should only publish what the Home Ministry wants?

Where is democracy and freedom? Is this meaning of Merdeka?

A student overseas:

Release YB Teresa Kok now! She was only defending herself from unfair allegations. She certainly did not do something that threatened the peace and safety of the nation. Kok is a highly respectable politician who is not only liked in her constituency, but all over the country. Why is she even being targeted?

Dr Y:

RPK's arrest was not unanticipated, but speaks volumes of the mindset , attitude and mentality of the ruling government.

Cosmetic surgery will not suffice, radical surgery is required to cure the country of the disease that has infected every aspect of governance in this country.

Lim Keat Hoe: So the inevitable has occurred. That Umno took so long to act is testament to the influence RPK has. With Pakatan Rakyat now saying that September 16 will be deferred, I can only hope his cousin will exert his authority to get him freed as soon as possible.

RPK is only a threat to the public order Umno wants which is why, despite all the charges against him in courts of law, it has not been able to put him away legally.

From his writings I know he is a strong person, but I hope he will be able to bear with fortitude the tortures of ISA detention.

Sang Kancil: This is the most stupid move by Malaysian government. RPK is a true Muslim talking about his own religion. Religion is a relationship between God and man. Why is the government getting involve in the issue?

Raj: Before our relief on hearing that the ban on blogs has been lifted can sink in, we are hit by another shock, the arrest of RPK. This desperate and unwise move only suggests that this government has pressed the button for self destruction.