You don't bring me flowers* - Neil Diamond and Barbra Streisand

What is wrong with the police force???? Is it because they are called the police "force", they must act with force????

A group of people wanted to peacefully hand over a bunch of roses. Another wanted to give a press conference. The police react with water canons, tear gas, arrests, assault and battery. They say that these people are gathering illegally.

Let's look at the law regarding illegal gatherings - what is the purpose of it? Are so caught up with the letter of the law that we administer it blindly? Why should the law prevent a group of people trying to give roses to the PM? Why should the law prevent people from giving a press conference in public?

If you were caught in the horrible jam today in the Klang Valley, blame the police. If the country gets bad press regarding this, blame the police. They would want to pass the blame on the demonstrators. But none of it would happen if the demonstration was allowed to proceed peacefully and within limits.

We are in a democratic country! Let us have our say publicly, as long as we dun endanger anybody. Who do you think is more dangerous - a man armed with a rose or with a tear-gas gun?

I was in London when the muslim community staged a demonstration over the Danish Cartoons. It was well-organised and went peacefully. Traffic was disrupted but notices were given way ahead and at most, it just inconvenienced some people. Bobbies were around but they just observed quietly - no rude outbursts, no threats, no disproportionate show of force - in fact, there wasn't any show of force!

Why can't we have the same liberty here?

Some of my conspiracy theorists frens conclude that the government wants the police to act in that way - to incite the demonstrators, to get bad press and then blame the opposition.

I dun know how true is that - but i know who i'm not gonna vote for next month.

p/s - pics of KL above taken from BBC News Online.

*Both Neil and Barbra released the song as a solo piece before coming together and producing this no. 1 duet in 1978. One of the songs that reminds me of me childhood.