Rolling back of Behemoth requires a civil society strategy

I congratulate the successful fundraising dinner organised by Aliran in Kuala Lumpur several weeks ago. I wish I could have joined the event to express solidarity, but I was needed on duty at the 'Remembrance as Resistance: Human Rights Art Exhibition' which was held in commemoration of the 7th anniversary of the passing of Teoh Beng Hock.

However, I found the Aliran chairman, Dr. Francis Loh's full speech interesting, which inspired me to share some views on the current state of our beloved country.

Francis provided us a very comprehensive analysis of the extraordinary strength of UMNO (United Malay National Organisation), pointing out that UMNO is no longer a political party, its political power has been penetrating the corporations and civil service as well as the military. The behemoth is too strong to be defeated. Which I agree no more.

超越赵明福？

赵明福命案转眼七年了。七年前此政治命案震惊全国，首相纳吉必须召开记者会回应党团的指责，人民联盟举办集会抗议政治迫害，公民社会团体发文告谴责反贪会及呼唤改革，全国各地陆续举办追思会，全民挺明福运动也在一年后诞生。

七年后，赵明福命案已非“时髦”的政治术语。无论是执政党、反对党或公民社会团体都越来越少提及，除了古来国会议员张念群继续在国会跟进警察调查进展，行动党每年举办公祭，赵明福民主基金会举办周年追思活动外，只有零星的追思会和热心的党团朋友关心。

晚近这三年来，我越来越常听到的疑问是，“为什么还执着于赵明福？我们应该超越赵明福议题，扩大关怀层面。” 或者 “为何我们不关心普遍的扣留所死亡议题或政策改革？为什么只为赵明福个人？” 作为这六年来参与这议题的志工，我无奈地一再回答这样的疑问，这次为文希望能比较系统解答疑惑。