Would Caligula Feel at Home in Malaysia?

No, don’t get this mixed up with PETRONAS’ Carigali – that would be a different story.
Caligula was the Roman Emperor of the first century; that is almost 2000 years ago.

You should be able to get a copy of the DVD from your friendly neighborhood shop. However be warned, you should not watch this movie with your children unless you are prepared to impart some sex education at the same time.

This movie will surely knock the socks of the Film Censors Board, those self-righteous fuddy-duddies who believe that even kissing is taboo.

Back to the story line and the comparisons.

 Absolute power. The emperor had direct power over life and death. We are slightly better. We have laws like ISA, OSA and sedition laws that provide little avenues for dissent.

 Grandiose projects. The emperor spent vast sums on massive projects that did not benefit the public. We have the Twin Towers and Putrajaya.

 Caligula put on grand festivals of orgies and feasts. We provide free food to the masses at festivals.

 Rubber stamp laws. The emperor seems to be more efficient. He just rubber stamped all proclamations. We pay hundreds of MPs to do the rubber stamping.

 Incest and rape. The emperor encouraged and even participated in such behavior. In Malaysia, it is reported regularly among the general population. But big shots who do it get away scot free.

 Failure of Law and Order. In Caligula, the law enforcers were utterly corrupt and took the law into their own hands. In Malaysia, we have the Report of the Royal Commission on the Police pending action.

 Corruption. It was the way of life during Caligula’s time. In Malaysia, the great debate is still going on.

So a movie that portrayed life 2000 years ago can provide some lessons for the present.
Come to think about it, Caligula will feel quite at home in Malaysia.