New Zealand's Democratic Fascism

We appreciate Gary Griffiths' comment on the subtlety and hoax of "parliamentary democracy". We also agree entirely with him one should not be illusion of taking "parliamentary road" for future. Anyway, Gary seems to misunderstand the contents of the articles and letters appeared in Salient recently. We do not see there is any' sign of advocating for bourgeois democratic "freedoms".

We know very little about New Zealand politics. What is the "Kiwi-type democracy" as seen by us? It is the "democracy" for a minority of the ruling monopoly capitalists and dictatorship over the vast majority of the working people. This "bourgeois democracy" is based on the maintaining of counter revolutionary violence (i.e. armed forces, police, prison, court etc), the control of capitalist economic structure, the control of mass media, of bureaucratic administration, education, trade unions etc. In times of relative stability, the class rule of the monopoly capitalists assumes the facade of "democracy". Naked fascism is imposed when crisis arises. "Kiwi-type democracy" and ruthless dictatorship are two sides of the same coin. The history of New Zealand bourgeois democracy can be seen from the aggressive activities by New Zealand's role as a junior partner of imperialism abroad (for instance, the sending of army to South Vietnam and Malaya to suppress the national liberation movement), events such as the suppression of Seamen's strike, the sending of the army and police dogs to suppress the demonstrators at Mt. John, the government condemnation of the demonstration against imperialist PBEC meeting, the recent government cries for "law and order", the amendments to the industrial relations laws etc. The growing fascism is manifested by the forthcoming new legislations on industrial law against anti-Springbok tour; the training of large scale armed forces and police dogs against possible disruption during the visit of Springbok team; against the political demonstrations; the imposition of "law and order". All these have the support and approval of the so-called opposition party -- the social fascist Labour Party of Kirk. The emphasis of losing bourgeois dictatorship disguised as "parliamentary democracy". It is common sense that the ruling class will adjust the legislations to suit their purposes. The hypocritic debates at the parliament merely aim at keeping the fascist "Kiwi-type democracy."

It is apparent that all those parliamentarian roaders are nuts. After staying here for some years, we find out New Zealand is one of the most politically backward countries. New Zealand so-called parliamentary politicians are bloody ill-informed of the world and we doubt very much their ability of understanding the world politics even at ABC level. The so-called two party system at the parliament is merely a subtle and sophisticated form of bourgeois dictatorship. Both Muldoon and Kirk are no different to us. Essentially, New Zealand has no real freedom of speech, thought, protest, meeting, organisation if we remind ourselves of the existence of security serviced led by Gilbert. The NZBC and TV have become important machinery of the bourgeois propaganda. New Zealand newspapers are among the worst in the world. Poor coverage of the news, both domestic and international, is understandable while most important news is distorted.

The parliamentary system is a subtle system of confusing and dividing the people so as to prevent them from organising to overthrow the rule of bourgeoisie. The parliament has been used as a rubber stamp for more fascist legislations and to tie hand and foot the common people.

We are absolutely not "coloured by envy" In fact, we have a good opportunity to experience and understand the more sophisticated and subtle form of fascist "parliamentary democracy" in New Zealand. We can understand the feeling of political frustration after realising the hoax of "parliamentary democracy" in New Zealand. We can understand the feeling of political frustration after realising the hoax of "parliamentary democracy" because we ourselves have suffered for nearly 20 years. There are some Malayan students who have been deceived by the illusion i of "parliamentary democracy". These people are undoubtedly expecting to join with the reactionary ruling class J in suppressing the people.

We do not agree with Gary on his conclusion of "utter futility of the anti-Vietnam War and anti-French Test protest marches.". In contrary, such phenomena demonstrate the excellent political progress in recent years. No doubt, this sort of mass struggle is still at a very low level of political struggle within the sphere of parliamentary politics. New Zealand may take longer time to materialise the success of genuine revolutionary struggle. Revolution will not take place overnight. If Gary will recall the political situation a few years ago, he will conclude that the mass struggle in New Zealand is developing rapidly in recent years. One must look at politics in the long term, and a revolution is inevitably a protracted one.

Gary, we wish to thank you sincerely for your valuable advice and also to congratulate you on your comments on the true nature of "parliamentary democracy". We sincerely hope that you will also objectively analyse political incidents and be optimistic for the future. Revolution is the main trend of the world today! Our warmest revolutionary greetings and compliments to you and New Zealand People.

A Group of Malayan Students who Learn from New Zealand People