http://www.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/12/17/nation/19785939&sec=nation
Excerpt: From the star.
No to street protests
PETALING JAYA: A large majority of Malaysians are against street
protests and have backed the governments decision to use the laws
to stop anyone from threatening racial peace and harmony.
This was revealed in a survey conducted recently by the Merdeka
Centre.
Eight hundred and sixty one respondents from throughout the
country, who were randomly selected along the lines of state of
residence, ethnicity, gender and age (21 and above) were
interviewed over the telephone for the survey.
To a question on whether the Government should use all the legal
means it has to stop individuals and groups from threatening racial
peace and harmony, 73% agreed to such a tough stance.
However, 15% of those surveyed disagreed with such actions.
The survey also showed that 52% of Malaysians supported the Prime
Minister in the strong action taken against the Hindu Rights Action
Force (Hindraf) while 25% disagreed.
Fifty-two percent of the respondents felt that street
demonstrations were unacceptable for voicing ones views while 43%
said it was acceptable.
Fifty-nine percent said that demonstrations were not an effective
way to achieve the objectives of the protesters but 29% felt
otherwise.
The respondents said that street protests not only affected
business in the country but also gave Malaysia a bad name
overseas.
Eighty-two percent of the respondents felt that demonstrations
disrupted business activities and traffic in the city.
Seventy-three percent said it would affect the economy while 80% of
the respondents said the countrys image would be tarnished by such
activities.
To another question on whether they believed the allegations by
Hindraf that the Government carried out ethnic cleansing and
extremists-backed marginalisation of the Indian community, 72% said
No.
Fifty-six percent of the respondents felt that street
demonstrations or illegal public gatherings would likely turn
violent but 27% disagreed.
However, the response was almost evenly split on the question of
who or what was likely to be the main cause for some demonstrations
to turn violent.
While 32% said violence was caused by unruly demonstrators, 29%
believed instigators or provocateurs in the crowd were to
blame.
Twenty percent cited the actions of the police as being the likely
cause of violence.
When the respondents were asked if they were aware of the two
illegal demonstrations in Kuala Lumpur 54% said they were aware
of Bersihs protest on Nov 10 while 77% were aware of the illegal
Hindraf gathering on Nov 25.
Survey brings up more questions then answers.
Where was this survey done ?
I thought MY dont believe in surveys and statistics ?
Since surveys are done.. by minority ? I thought minorities are not
important ?
If peaceful protests is not the way... then by Voting ? Revolution
?
Are surveys done in Form 3 Moral classes ?
Does protests really always ends with violence like portrayed in
RTM 1, 2 and TV 3 ?
Personally i would think the HINDRAF rally has jeapordised the
system for reform.