Politics in this part of SE Asia is turning out to be a quite a spectacle. The three neighbours; Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore; all profess to be democratic in governance, yet reality offers a different opinion. And it's bemusing when one looks at the going-ons in these three historically-linked nations.
Here in Malaysia, people are fighting against the debilitating corruption and draconian ISA laws that continue to hold the country back. Some say the highly-oppressive Internal Security Act is akin to kidnapping, and not many will disagree, barring the perpetrators of course. Corruption is so ingrained that it's been sexed up and rebranded as money politics, which is widely embraced in certain ruling parties.
A two hour flight up north, and we find ourselves in Krungthep, the most happening capital city in Asia. It's so happening that it's seen one street party after another, since December last year. Alcohol, party revellers, tanks, guns, soldiers, barricades, protesters and pickets. The Government House is probably the most preferred choice of accommodation, with capacity reaching the thousands. While people in other developing and semi-developed countries continue their quest for greater democracy and freedom, here in the land of the Wats, a minority clamours for greatly reduced representation of elected MPs in the Parliament. They steadfastly believe the poor rural hillbillies are incapable to voting for the 'correct' party and as such, should not be given the responsibility of determining their nation's future. Only in Thailand, mind you, can this happen.
A quick drive to Suvarnabhumi, and we're off to that tiny speck down south where free speech is raucously silent. Mention politics, and you'd hear a pin drop. In terms of political activism, welcome to the land of the Ostriches. Speak, and be sued. That's the name of the game here. So forget mouthing off political ideals, and just immerse yourself in shopping, sightseeing and gambling. There's a reason why the blissfully ignorant go far in life.
Yeah, three countries, three approaches, one issue - democracy. No pun intended when I say this has Greek tragedy written all over it. A tragedy for the poor, a tragedy for integrity and a tragedy for the mind.
Myanmar, anyone?
Here in Malaysia, people are fighting against the debilitating corruption and draconian ISA laws that continue to hold the country back. Some say the highly-oppressive Internal Security Act is akin to kidnapping, and not many will disagree, barring the perpetrators of course. Corruption is so ingrained that it's been sexed up and rebranded as money politics, which is widely embraced in certain ruling parties.
A two hour flight up north, and we find ourselves in Krungthep, the most happening capital city in Asia. It's so happening that it's seen one street party after another, since December last year. Alcohol, party revellers, tanks, guns, soldiers, barricades, protesters and pickets. The Government House is probably the most preferred choice of accommodation, with capacity reaching the thousands. While people in other developing and semi-developed countries continue their quest for greater democracy and freedom, here in the land of the Wats, a minority clamours for greatly reduced representation of elected MPs in the Parliament. They steadfastly believe the poor rural hillbillies are incapable to voting for the 'correct' party and as such, should not be given the responsibility of determining their nation's future. Only in Thailand, mind you, can this happen.
A quick drive to Suvarnabhumi, and we're off to that tiny speck down south where free speech is raucously silent. Mention politics, and you'd hear a pin drop. In terms of political activism, welcome to the land of the Ostriches. Speak, and be sued. That's the name of the game here. So forget mouthing off political ideals, and just immerse yourself in shopping, sightseeing and gambling. There's a reason why the blissfully ignorant go far in life.
Yeah, three countries, three approaches, one issue - democracy. No pun intended when I say this has Greek tragedy written all over it. A tragedy for the poor, a tragedy for integrity and a tragedy for the mind.
Myanmar, anyone?
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