Turn It, Brother!
My previous post on the Ahmad Ismail-Koh Tsu Koon episode was published in the Micah Mandate website today, albeit with some alteration (too partisan?? hehehe…)
I have been receiving SMS-es to boycott nasi kandar restaurants for their purported support of Ahmad Ismail’s unapologetic racism and just a few moments ago another SMS asking people to stay away from a certain petrol station which supposedly belonged to Ahmad Ismail.
Gerakan, on their part has severed all ties with Penang UMNO after the tearing of Koh Tsu Koon’s photo by one of Ahmad’s supporters (one begin to wonder whether Penang UMNO is an empire of its own separated from the other state UMNO and Barisan Nasional). Several Gerakan Youth leaders have resigned from Penang BN Youth as protest to Ahmad’s stance and the photo incident. Gerakan Wanita meanwhile called for ISA to be used on Ahmad. MCA too has also threatened to part ways with Penang UMNO if Ahmad is still unrepentant.
There are many different reactions to the incident but so far, I believe outside Barisan Nasional, things are pretty much in control. This is not 1969, the Rakyat are not so easily provoked to madness because not only we have learnt our lessons but there were much more at stake for everyone compared to the disparaging economic situation in 1969. Malays are seeing Ahmad’s self-proclaimed heroism as unnecessary and uncalled for, even to the brim of extremism, while the Chinese are reminding one another to keep the cool and not to fight fire with fire. We are keeping ourselves in check and that’s a good sign of maturity. But we definitely cannot take things for granted especially considering the delicate mood which this incident has created.
Alwyn’s suggestions on how we can respond to Ahmad is a gem. Here are some excerpts:
1. Turn your left cheek.
Surprise your enemy (via your own vulnerability) by inviting him to punch you with his right fist, an act which confirms his equality with you. A back-hand slap means the slapped is inferior; and no one hits another with his left hand (it’s taboo).
Love your enemy by showing you are willing to suffer for the sake of an equal relationship.
2. Let him have your cloak too.
Surprise your enemy by giving him more than he forced you to. The world will see him for the oppressor he is.
Love your enemy by your sacrificial (and revealing) generosity.
3. Go with him two miles.
Surprise your enemy by serving him more than his exploitation desired. Show him that you’re willing to look past his predatory demands and be his willing servant.
Love your enemy by your self-giving service.
Very powerful responses indeed, evident of saner minds among us. Bob, however gave a sobering call; we have ideas and we have ideals, but when it comes to putting them to practise, that’s another story totally. Lord have mercy. And then again, we can count on Bob for cute little posters on the whole episode:
