When I first read in Malaysiakini the “sad news” entitled: No royal support for Bersih rally where it reports that the Yang di-Pertuan Agong said neither he nor Istana Negara had directly or indirectly supported the massive Bersih rally.

Bernama also reported that the King expressed regret over the claim that he and the palace had supported Saturday’s illegal gathering. Bernama even said that the King made what was a rare press statement.

Josh, the King looks like he has washed his hands bersih (clean)! Hahaha, I told you what - all your march and rally big talk was pointless! There is no hope for democracy in Malaysia - just accept it!

I hear got this snigger in my office today from so-called cynics (who do nothing but play it safe). Even some blogs quickly posted sad and pessimistic views.

If one has observed the politics in Malaysia long enough, you know there’s more than meets there eye. And it would be foolish to jump into conclusion (in this case depression or pessimism) too soon.

Someone who would know the in-and-outs of the Royal palace - you can turn to Raja Petra for the real scope.

Here is what he said:

Today’s press announcement did not come from The Agong. It did not even come from the Keeper of the Royal Seal whose job it is to make official statements on behalf of The Agong. It came from a glorified chamber maid planted in the Palace as an enemy in the blanket. These are the worst kind of slime-balls and scumbags. They smile and call you friend. Then they stick a dagger in your back.

That my friends is how our government play ball - and my guess is tomorrow’s front pages will be filled with this Bernama Royal Bull to dash the hopes of all Bersih supporters.

Read the full scoop from Malaysia-today

RPK also had this to tell you - about where the Royal Malay Regiment stands.

When the first volley was fired on the assembled marchers around the Masjid Jamek-Masjid India area, word was passed down the line that the 19th Brigade of the Royal Malay Regiment or Regimen Askar Melayu Di-Raja (RAMD) was on stand-bye, to move in if there are any fatal casualties. Fourteen armoured cars (kereta perisai) had earlier arrived from Sungai Petani and were parked at the Sungai Buloh military camp, ready to roll at a minute’s notice. It would take them ten or fifteen minutes to arrive at the scene of any violence against the rakyat.

Panic buttons were pressed and alarm bells rung. This had happened once on 13 May 1969 in Kampong Baru. The Royal Malay Regiment is not one to mess around with. The Agong is their Commander-in-Chief and soldiers are trained to obey their Commander-in-Chief at no consequence to their own lives.

The police backed off. They were reduced to traffic control where those positioned at junctions stopped cars to allow the marchers to safely cross the road. The RAMB remained on stand-bye and the next morning the fourteen kereta perisai quietly slipped out of Sungai Buloh and went home.

This has worried the government. The Agong did not say he did not wish to meet the representatives of the 100,000 marchers. He in fact asked for their names. And when the government issued threats of violence against the marchers, the 19th Brigade of the RAMD was brought into Kuala Lumpur with fourteen kereta perisai. This was The Agong’s way of saying that if you shoot the marchers, just like you did in Batu Burok in front of The Agong’s palace in Kuala Terengganu, then all hell will break loose.

So the government backed off. They had no choice. The 100,000 rakyat wanted to meet The Agong and His Majesty had said yes. And the 19th Brigade of the RAMD came to town to ensure that yes means yes.

Go read the full article - here

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