The scene that stood out to me was the scene that showed from a newspaper photo, Private Adams’ expression while he was being taken into custody by the police and military. I found it interesting because, for someone who had just shot and killed people, held a city hostage and needed negotiating to stand down, he looked happy and successful, with no signs of fear, which was contrary to the narrative saying he was scared.
It was rumoured that his brother was allegedly murdered by a member of the regional monarchies and there was no justice expected to come off his death. His brother was alleged to have been employed by the said “Agong”.
She said that she noticed a look of “freedom” on Private Adams’ face and that is what she wanted to feel. While others were afraid of him she was not but rather she envied him.
The “Historical Vantage” point, in my opinion was at the genesis of a political, social and academic reform which the opposition parties were trying to push for in the late 1980s. He subtly suggests that the shooting could have been a distraction to the on-going distabilising events which were occurring.
In the present, he shows disappointment that the younger generations are oblivious to those events among others. He touches on how Malaysians had grown since the racial riots of 1969, stating the fears of those who experienced it (1987 shooting) expected racial reprisals and were somewhat surprised when it did not happen. It also help mold the current political atmosphere, as the then Deputy Prime Minister (Anwar) became the opposition leader, flipping on everything that he had earlier on claimed to believe in and started the “Reformasi” movement.
Note: Anwar has attempted to shape perceptions of his movement across the parliamentary aisle by speaking of continuities between his political values and policies during his 16 years in the BN and his “Reformasi” politics.
He draws a connection from 1969 to 1987 to 1990s to his present day. 1987 was pivotal in carving the steady improving Malaysian socio-political atmosphere.
"Durian", not "dorian" which is the name of a character in Oscar Wilde's "The portrait of Dorian Gray". A must read novel on which two movies were based.
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