Today we are all Kanthan Farmers?

Selamat Pagi Malaysia. The centre of the universe for most Malaysians this morning is at Kanthan, Tambun where yesterday, a PTG officer had allegedly forcibly pushed activist Chong Yee Shanto (CYS) to the ground to make way for bulldozers and excavators to evict six farmers in Kanthan. Chong suffered injuries to her nose and mouth, as well as broken teeth, as a result of that alleged push by the PTG officer. .

Early this morning I went back to the video of the incident. At the moment of impact CYS was standing in the middle of the road in the path of a vehicle. The PTG officer was moving in front of the vehicle with his back to CYS, attempting to clear the path for the vehicle to move forward.

The officer's back was towards CYS and he was unaware that CYS was behind him. The officer did not forcibly or deliberately pushed Chong to the ground. Unseen by the officer, CYS was in his way as he moved backward to allow the vehicles to pass through. It was an accident.

It is obvious from the images above that work has already commenced on the land and I am sure an order has been passed to allow the work to begin and the farmers must have already been given eviction notice a while back.

I am told that DSAI have already met with the farmers "a while back". What was discussed between DSAI and the farmers is for DSAI and the farmers to disclose to us. SUARAM call for DSAI to be involved in resolving the farmers issues is uncalled for. He is already involved...which I am sure would have something to do with the fact that the affected farmers have already been promised alternatives for relocation by the Perak State Development Corporation - as confirmed by PSM who said that the farmers in Kanthan are waiting for PKNP to fulfil its promise to give them replacement land as offered in their offer letter issued on Nov 21, 2012.

PSRM involvement is moot.

At the very least, what happend at Kanthan Tambun yesterday was a photo opportunity to highlight their activism in helping the farmer there - which is good for them and the farmers.

Unfairly accusing the PTG officer of forcibly pushing the PSM activist to the ground and causing her injuries (a bloody mouth and missing teeth) is disingenious because that is not the truth.

PSM executive director Sevan Doraisamy, said that every government official, regardless of their position or role, bears the duty of carrying out their responsibilities with a commitment to fairness and integrity. This encompasses not only refraining from violence but also upholding the rights, well-being, and welfare of the individuals they serve, including activists advocating for vulnerable and marginalised communities....all this and more, that PTG officer is accused of deliberately doing.

In truth, what happened, as the video showed, was that PTG Officer had accidentely backed into CYS while doing his job. The injury to CYS is unfortunate.

Everything else...accusing the PTG officers of not conducting their duties fairly, lack of integrity, physical violence and arbitrary arrest, and actions that not only grossly violate the fundamental right to liberty and security of those involved but also contribute to injustices such as displacement, loss of livelihoods, and inadequate legal protection for the affected farmers etc etc .....is making a mountain out of a molehill.

DSAI is now in Cairo but you can be certain that he is aware of the situation in his constituency and has given instructions to his staff to do the necessary to resolve the matter.

Enough said.