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Some photos of the Anti-ISA Freedom Run by DAP, courtesy of a reader. Note the T-shirts that read “Bebaskan Makkal Sakthi 5″.

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First, let’s look at two different statistics:

NST:

He pointed out yesterday that during a month-long survey conducted by the state DAP, only 12 out of 100 respondents living in Jalan Silibin had voiced their reservations over the renaming of the road.

He said 55 residents and business operators had supported the renaming while 37 others were neutral in the matter.

55+37+12 = 114. This is more than 100 possibly because the combination of residents and business owners, but still need to clarify why 114 responses exist.

The Star:

He said of the 74 respondents interviewed, 55 supported the idea while 12 disagreed and seven were neutral.

“We made sure we got the views of a multiracial group of people so that all races were represented,” he said.

55 + 12 + 7= 74. Perfect fit.

But how can the Star and NST report two different set of numbers? Who to believe?

Let’s see both side of the arguments:

For change
- honor the late Patto
- the late Patto served Silibin area before
- The hassle for residents is minimal. (well, then perhaps the state government can cover the cost of the changes - MyKad, business cards, letterheads etc.).
- Jalan Silibin is not that well known, unlike Jalan Alor which is world famous
- No record of the history or origin of the name “Silibin” - claims Kulasegaran.
- 70% of residents affects agree to the change

Against change
- Its a hassle and unnecessary expense
- Will affect businesses
- Can rename a monument or park, or name a road in new housing area.
- Silibin has lots of historical significance.

A group of businessmen even sent a petition to Perak Menteri Besar protesting the proposed change.

I think there should be a study on the historical significance or origin of “Silibin”. It should be having some history behind it. Secondly, since 30 percent are opposing, perhaps the state government can hold a public forum to get more responses (being a transparent state, its should do so). The state can also identity other sites/roads that can be named after the late Patto. Being a caring government, it can reimburse the affected businesses and residents if the name is changed.

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Imagine you want to complaint against your school. The school says fine, but you cannot carry any banners, wear any clothing opposing the schools, nor say anything negative about the school. In other words, just stand in a place for a while until you feel contented or have achieved something, and then disperse.

That’s the scenario with the anti-ISA vigil held at PJ, which saw police attacking the crowd last week. This week, a permit was given, but with 12 conditions. Three of them are as follows:

One of the organiser of the gathering, lawyer and blogger Harris Ibrahim told Malaysiakini
that the police had given permission for the gathering on the provisions that no candlelight vigil was held, no anti-ISA T-shirts were worn by the participants and no speeches by politicians - all main ingredients of the pasts gatherings.

Anil Netto provides few more of the conditions:

• No candles allowed
• No T-shirts showing support for the Abolition of the ISA allowed
• “Penganjur dilarang melakukan sebarang aktiviti yang lain yang melambangkan simpati terhadap tahanan Akta Keselamatan Negara” (Organisers are prohibited from any other activity that suggests sympathy towards ISA detainees!)
• No banners or distribution of leaflets allowed
• No political speeches allowed

I got to say this: Only in Bolehland!!!

Well, as mentioned by commenter Novinthen in another post, the alternative is join the ruling party! You get permit, no questions asked.

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