Not exactly a chip off the old block

Malaysiakini Your Say | Jul 17, 11

‘Whichever way we look at it, we should be happy that there are people like Marina. The PM should take note of her comments.’

Marina ticks off gov’t in its handling of Bersih

David Dass: Marina Mahathir is an extraordinary person. Strongly principled and steadfast. It says something about her father, Dr Mahathir Mohamad. Like him or not, agree with him or not, it is clear that freedom of expression is something that is allowed within the Mahathir family.

Whichever way we look at it, we should be happy that there are people like Marina emerging from within the country. The PM should take note of her comments. Many support the sentiments expressed by Marina.

S Ambiga is perceived to have done something good. She is not perceived in racial terms. Bersih is not perceived to be a non-Malay, Christian-funded and communist-inspired organisation.

Imprisoning Dr D Jeyakumar is really madness. He is no communist. He is no extremist. He is no threat to the security of the nation. He is a compassionate doctor, a specialist who has dedicated his life to the welfare of the people.

He has embraced socialist principles, and like PAS and Umno, is pursuing the welfare state. He should be commended, not remanded.

Stories: Marina, you should really lay the blame squarely where it belongs – your father’s feet. If not for his manipulation of the executive, judiciary and all the levers of power, we would not be in this position today. Isn’t PM Najib Razak one of his proteges?

This smacks of hypocrisy. I agree with your sentiments on July 9, but you are unfortunately tainted and thus not credible. You need to prove yourself more. This isn’t quite enough, I’m afraid.

Anonymous_3dba: We can’t put the blame on Marina. She did not choose to be Mahathir’s daughter. The fact she stood up and speak her mind is a good indication of a right-minded person.

To me, she is another force to be reckon and should be recognised. Hats up to you, Marina.

Quigonbond: I like how Marina puts it – we respect each other’s views and that’s it. If only Mahathir would have been kinder to others before throwing them into Kamunting or retiring them from politics on false accusations.

One treatment for family and friends, another for the rest.
Anonymous_3ee5: Marina, how about speaking up on behalf of the detainees during the 1987 Operasi Lalang crackdown, Hindraf and the fight for a clean judiciary?

Survivor: Whether Marina speaks to her father is none of our business. Both are adults and have their own views and inclinations.

If we have to despise Mahathir but love Marina, because one has a different viewpoint or done something we may not like, and the other may have views that are in syn with you, then to me, that is democracy.

Let’s respect each other. Personally, I may have great reservation on Mahathir for his support for Perkasa, I do not have bad things to say about Marina. But for Mukhriz, I sigh.

Rayfire: Marina, a big thank you from the Bersih generation. You are a true leader and we respect you for your stand on Bersih. God bless you.

Black Mamba: Marina must know the ills that are with Najib’s administration today were the creation of her father. She can’t forgive the sins of her father nor can the people forget his evil actions while he was PM.

By getting rid of Najib does not make her brother, Mukhriz, any more qualified for the deputy prime minister’s post.

KJ John: My highest respect for Marina in her ability and posturing of “agreeing to disagree with her father in an agreeable way.”

That is the mark of a solid and three generational family culture and it augurs well as a role model for other ‘3G’ families. I too totally disagree with my dad over many issues and yet we remain good friends.

Sarajun Hoda: Personally, I have nothing against the government, although sick of their acrid excesses as if they own this country – beg for power, steal from the coffers and yet expect the very people who put them into power to be grateful to them.

Too much power has concentrated at the top, made them so very arrogant, haughty, self-aggrandising and the selected few up there failing the nation’s trust very miserably.

It really does not look like BN will continue to be in power after the next GE. I predict they will lose 10 states and Putrajaya.

I have always reminded the government, if it falls, it will entirely be the blunders of the police which have too much power and can continue on with impunity and attorney-general Abdul Gani Patail’s handling of investigations and his selective prosecution. BN, whatever comes in future is your own doing. Please do not blame others.

It is time BN is reminded to feel grateful to the people for keeping them so long in power. Say thanks, Najib.

Wira: If you ask a thief whether he would support the presence of a vigilante corps, what do you think the answer would be?

I believe Putrajaya responded reflexively to Bersih. When they started to think, it was probably already too late.