Monday, May 5, 2008

Equally ridiculous proposal

The Foreign Ministry has come out with another outrageous plan following criticism against its proposal that women travelling alone overseas must bring along consent letters from their families or employers. The ministry has now clarified that the proposal was only meant for those below 21 years old. Some consolation. This is an equally ridiculous suggestion and don't expect Malaysians to accept it. This time, Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim, who is facing the barrage of attacks, has said it was a media misunderstanding. But Home Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar has shot down the idea, saying it was impractical and a violation of human rights. Drug mules or smugglers, whether women or men, know precisely what they are doing. Travellers are asked at airport check in counters whether they have packed their bags themselves. Drug smuggling is certainly an offence and let's not pretend they don't know. There will always be people who are prepared to take the risk for quick money. Use the media, youth groups and colleges to tell the young that the risks is just not worth it. They could face death sentences in some countries. Can the Foreign Ministry just end this and admit it is a stupid idea? Or pretend it didn't happen.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Mr. Wong, from the way you penned the above piece I am beginning to see that you are becoming what you truly are - a true-blue journalist at heart. Unshackle yourself of the burden of sycophancy to the political masters behind the MSM.
If you seek the ttuth, the truth will ultimately set you free and whether you realise it or not, you help free us all in the process.

By pursuing the course, it's a win-win situation for the freedom of expression in this godforsaken Bolehland country. However, your wretched paymaster may be riled and ruffled in due course. Dare you take the risk?