Your comments, criticisms ... and photos

Malaysia's ISA protests, Nigeria's sect leader killed, Johnny v Madonna

by Tony Cross

Article published on the 2009-08-07 Latest update 2009-08-09 09:21 TU

Malaysian MP, Sivarasa Rasiah (C), who has been interviewed on RFI in the past, leaves a court on bail after being arrested at the ISA protest
(Photo: Retuers)

In this week's look at your comments on our site, our interview with Malaysian opposition politician Wan Azizah Wan Ismail stirred interest. Another opposition chief, this time in Nigeria, prompts criticism on that country's government. A Madonna fan takes umbrage with a comparison to a French rock idol and a DRC charity worker sends us his photos.

Our interview with Malaysian opposition leader Wan Azizah Wan Ismail after security forces dispersed a demonstration against the Internal Security Act (ISA) attracted many comments - not on our own site but on a Malaysian one. Since the site reprinted our article, with a link to the audio, I feel free to quote its correspondents.

The site is clearly popular with opponents of the government. So the comments are not exactly favourable to the United Malays National Organisation (Umno) and its allies in the Barisan Nasional (National Front).

"BARISAN NASIONAL is no more RELEVANT," writes Panah Hijau. "UMNO been just a BIG BULLY ... What the hell is the whole MALAYSIAN waiting? Are we not going to cast this Bullying Regime out?"

"The Government can say whatever they want," writes CheGUevara (one suspects a pseudonym). "If people do not respect the Government, they are bound to take every opportunity to protest. The sooner BN understands this, the better it is for all. In any case, the Rakyat [people] no longer fear the Government, so all these heavy-handed tactics will only harden the Rakyat's resolve. BN can expect a whipping in the next elections."

"Who is [Prime Minister] Najib trying to kid," asks ganbing. "Malaysian are now fully Awakened. ISA is to be reviewed. I bet you that is only cosmetic. Don't waste the resource to review as it is outdated and uncivilised. Just Abolish the act and I assure you that UMNO/BN will win the next GE with bigger majority."

There's more in the same vein, to be found on Malaysia-today.net. We're happy to see an increasing number of sites quoting our articles but would remind anyone thinking of doing so that they should contact us on [e-mail], link to our original and observe our terms and conditions.

Any Umno supporters out there may feel moved to reply.

“Femi Falana is right on the problem in Nigeria,” writes Nchedo Obi-Igweilo from Ireland, in response to out interview with the Nigerian opposition chief.

“Sharia in Nigeria is political motivated one. President Umaru Yar'dua's trip to Brazil while his country is in serious conflict is very irresponsible act. Shows lack of leadership in Nigeria. Femi's Action Congress should know that many Nigerians do not need Yar'Adua's apology but his immediate resignation from the office.”

(Photo: Luis Mupemu)

Luis Mupemu in the Democratic Republic of Congo sends us some photos of projects he says are dedicated to helping orphans in DRC and Zambia.

 “Here in DRC the government is not doing well in financial and employment of people,” he comments.

And some remarks about Madonna in Alison Hird’s article about French rocker, Johnny Hallyday, have upset Didier Niclaes of Belgium, the country of Johnny’s birth.

“Johnny is certainly a huge french Artist but it is not a argument to unfairly criticize Madonna,” he writes. “Madonna is the best show woman on earth, her dance routines are the best, she sings mainly live (with some limited exceptions when choreographies are too hard) and she is on stage for 2 hours. So Vive la France mais vive Madonna, the ultimate Sex Goddess.”

News about RFI:

Francophones in the US (yes, they do exist!) can now hear RFI in French on their mobiles, in five cities for now and another coming up.

Most read on RFI English this week:

• Mass held for Corazon Aquino, no state funeral;
• Police crackdown on protest atrocious, says opposition;
• Boko Haram vows to continue attacks;
• Thousands protest as Chavez closes broadcasters;
• Clinton says communist state has no friends left.

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