Dear All,
With reference to the words ["burn" the minister] I may like to think, given all reasonableness, his expression is not to physically hurt the minister. Given the context, it being an online discussion, the term "burn" can also mean to "flame" as in to attack his credibility and highlight ineptitude. The term "grilling" too is often used to take someone to task. One should not be quick to jump to connote negativity and a preponderence towards violence as the first resort.
I know some of you will ask if there is reasonableness in the courts - that is not for me to answer. As some of us know one judge has said it depends on what the judge had for breakfast as it's often quoted.
So what if the PAP has an aversion to fire and words that are related to it? Does it mean that these words cannot be used with reference to a politician? That is absurd!
If he is smart enough, he would use this as a defence should there be a trial, but I am quite sure the poodles would not proceed with prosecution but let him off with a warning. They wouldn't want to appear to be heavy handed, like the article reported.
Also it would be rather bad publicity, given the coming elections, if the MP Zaqy's name is brought into the whole thing since the Malay community would view this as "a betrayal of one of their own" by someone in govt as opposed to looking out for their own. As a minority candidate that is within his job description.
Malays are known to have long memories and if Zaqy is willing to throw Malik under the bus, then it would not bode too well for the PAP in general since the Malay vote is a good 30%. A mere swing of 5% would be disastrous for the MIW. If the Malay opposition politicians were to ratchet this up just imagine what sort of repercussions would ensue.
I hope for the young man's sake, the poodles come to their senses and not proceed.
Cheers,
MM