Confused

After the successful 10/11 rally last week, UMNO must be falling over themselves trying to limit the damage (why UMNO? because there's hardly a peep out of MCA, MIC or Gerakan!) First the quarter-hearted fiasco by Zam Zam Alakazam...then 101 East interview with SIL and Naz(r)i (who seems not to know anything...), and the latest this denial from the Istana. Well the headlines screamed "No Consent" but there are a few things we need to ask for ourselves:

1. Did we ever ask for any consent for the rally? As far as I know, the rally was to call for electoral reforms, and the memorandum for reforms was to be handed to the Agong; at no point was the Agong's consent asked for. And the only consent I know of was that the Agong 'consented' to receive the memorandum via palace officials!

2. Who is this Comptroller of the Royal Household joker anyways? This is the first time I've heard of him! Again, as far as I know, announcements from the Agong is issued via the Royal Keeper of Seals (something like that la!)...so why the sudden change in protocol?

3. Another break in protocol: the media was called in for a press release instead of the usual release-by-fax...is the peaceful rally so serious as the Comptroller made it out to be? And serious to who: the Agong, the people, or to UMNO?

RPK came out with a twist though, lightning quick: Silap mata

While I think his version is more believable (he is of royal blood after all), we must always take care not to be easily hoodwinked (like most Malaysians!??) and used for some different agenda. It can easily be confusing - on one hand we can totally write off the mainstream media, but while blogs can be useful sources of truthful and up-to-date information, we have to discern!! Not all blogs and writings have the people's interests at heart...

Anyway today is a Saturday - so out with the royal colours everyone!!