PJ Vigil 02/2009 (14th) Full Moon & Full Force

Tonight, in the astrological world, is the "full moon in Capricorn". I am not a believer of astrology so for me, it is just a beautiful moonlit Sunday night! I did grow up with stories of the werewolf (a person who changes into a wolf in mythology, when the moon is full). So yeah, I did feel a little scared when I was little but not anymore!!!!!

Sorry about going off on a tangent there! Let me start again.

Tonight, in the real world, as has been happening for the last 14 Sundays, a gathering of peace-loving Malaysians met, to say “hello”, to shake hands, to give bear hugs, to exchange ideas, to champion a cause they believe in and finally, to proudly sing the national anthem before dispersing to another venue or home or a “teh tarik” or whatever. Sad to say, this gathering had been deemed an illegal gathering for reasons quite vague to me.

It seems to me that there is an unmistakeable shadow of fear, known only to the “powers that be”, with regard to our Sunday gatherings. What exactly are we doing that frightens them so? I’d really like to know!

(pic taken from kkitsam)

Although I will have to give them credit for not charging in, their sheer numbers do resurrect loads of questions about why they see us as their enemies. I believe that we are only doing what our conscience tells us to do. Is that a crime these days? I really need to know.

Sorry that some of the pictures are so blurred tonight. My HP camera is only good for close-up shots. But what was there to take when the vigil lasted less than half an hour. However, I am glad that I did manage to get a few pictures of tonight’s vigil!

A very special credit must go to Blogger delCapo for rising up to the challenge of leading tonight’s vigil with much aplomb. Also to James N for being second chair!

Extra special recognition to the rakyat, who were present tonight, who came from near and far, who stood proud together and who adhered to the police warning to leave and who bravely sang the national anthem before dispersing peacefully.

Finally, it would be remiss of me not to mention “what looked like the entire PJ Balai Polis” who apparently walked to MBPJ to advise us that we had five minutes to disperse, failing which, they would have to take further action. I cannot depend totally on my knowledge of Bahasa Malaysia but this is what I gathered from his warning. I did appreciate the fact that we were permitted to leave without undue harassment. Kudos also to the FRU who came out in full-force, on the main road, with their batons and their shields, and who were, just as quickly, sent away when it was obvious they were no longer needed.

(pic taken from kkitsam)

Whatever their reasons are, we do not know. We only have our reason for being there. It's clear to all of us. We pray and hope that the I.S.A. will be abolished. No hidden agenda, just plain and simple.

As it is not illegal to gather in a coffee shop, we met in smaller groups after watching the police parade returning to the Balai. Although they all looked quite spiffy in their uniforms, it appeared they were all dressed up with nowhere to go!

I am so glad that the night ended without any untoward incident. Before I end this post, I want to share this very interesting quotation:

We can believe what we choose. We are answerable for what we choose to believe.
John Henry Newman (1801-1890)Cleric and theologian

Read more here:

delCapo

Kkitsam

Sanjiun

Anilnetto

Jelas.Info