Flowing with people’s wishes or forcing them to rebel

Kwong Wah, Editorial, 30-06-2015

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Shahidan earlier proposed a ban on business hours of 24-hour eateries in this country. The proposal caused an uproar. Prime Minister Najib, after listening to public opinions, made a quick announcement saying that 24-hour eateries and Mamak stalls would not need to change their business hours to safeguard our reputation as a 24-hour food paradise.

One of the reasons for Shahidan’s proposal was that the 24-hour food paradise had not brought about much economic benefits to make up for the cost of social problems and thus, the need to ban food business after mid-night.

As a matter of fact, to safeguard public safety is the responsibility of the Police and Government and has nothing to do with the availability of cooked food at night.

By comparison, the Government has not been so swift in reacting to the numerous sarong incidents. Even though the minister or head of the government departments concerned have apologized, the issue has not ended. On the other hand, it has become worse as UMNO receptionists banned woman reporters even with proper dressing from going in to cover their meeting.

People should dress properly when they go to government premises to settle things. However, in the over 10 cases where lady visitors had been barred, their skirts were not really too short. But they were considered inappropriate. Obviously, the authorities have gone overboard, some even used conservative religious standard on people with different cultures and religious beliefs.

Government standards have been set for effective social management and not to serve the value system of any single religion. At this time and age which upholds services and human rights, the Government should be people-oriented and cannot take a confrontational stance against the people, or make things difficult for them.

And before laying down a standard or making a policy, consideration must be given to universal value and the larger public interest. We should not apply or force down a standard or policy decided by a minister or a few decision-makers on the masses.

This will not benefit the masses, even worse, it turns people into opposition party. People are against GST, against stopping 24-hour eateries and against any move that erodes our freedom to dressing.

Original Source: 顺应民意/官逼民反！