By Dr Rahim Said
I refuse to believe the Blood Moon carries bad omens for ASEAN. Science, after all, tells us it’s nothing more than the Earth’s shadow rudely photobombing the moon during a planetary alignment.
A perfectly normal celestial event. No need for incense, chanting, or running to the nearest bomoh.
But, ah, coincidences. Those are trickier. Just as the moon turned red, Sabah erupted in grief over the death of an innocent child. Indonesia went into flames—literally—after a Gojek driver’s death sparked demonstrations that torched part of the People’s Assembly. Thailand, not to be outdone, decided it was time to oust its Prime Minister.
And this is just the regional soap opera. Earlier, Thailand even sparred with Cambodia in a border quarrel, while closer to home, PKR decided to test its party unity with the usual backstabbing and whispers of impropriety.
A “Turun Anwar” rally quickly followed, fuell d by a landmark court ruling that—shock! horror! — reminded everyone that demonstrations are actually constitutional rights.
Further afield, China staged its biggest-ever military parade to celebrate victory. A few days later, the United States—never one to be upstaged — quietly rebranded its Defense Department as the Department of War. Subtlety has never been Washington’s strong suit.
So, does the Blood Moon signal calamity? Most old religious traditions say yes. Scientists say no.
Cynics like me? Well, it’s a little hard not to notice how the script reads like a B-grade disaster film where every scene gets progressively more dramatic.
Coincidence? Of course. But then again, if ASEAN politics has taught us anything, it’s that cosmic timing has an oddly theatrical sense of humour.
Perhaps the Blood Moon isn’t an omen of doom — it’s just holding up a giant red mirror, reminding us that when the world burns, we don’t need the heavens to curse us. We’re doing just fine on our own.
(The views expressed here are entirely those of the writer)
WE