Aliran Media Statement
Who's Tarnishing the Country's Image?
First of all, we urge Abdullah to name those individuals who have smeared the good name of Malaysia. Sweeping statements like this can only create unnecessary suspicion and anxiety especially when the accusation questions one's loyalty to the country.
Equally important, he should clarify what is meant by the 'shameful' act of tarnishing the country's image. Does this mean criticising the government over its lack of transparency and its use of undemocratic laws such as the ISA? Malaysian citizens have every right to make constructive criticism in line with their noble desire to protect our democratic rights. Surely, this should be welcomed as a patriotic act rather than branded as treason.
Besides, criticising the government for its shortcomings is part and parcel of the democratic process and must not be construed as tarnishing the good name of the country. It is crucial that this distinction should not be blurred.
Ironically, certain undemocratic or ill-conceived official policies - like the ban on holding hands in Ipoh - are more likely to ridicule the country's image in the eyes of the international community.
When we trample on universal values such as justice, freedom and compassion, it is natural that this would raise international concern. Under the circumstances, it should not surprise us if parliamentarians, civil society groups and individuals in other countries express concern for Malaysians whose human rights have been blatantly violated. Such concern is praise-worthy as universal values have no national boundaries.
By contrast, ASEAN should be condemned for its blinkered view, which hypocritically overlooks the gross human rights violations in Burma and Aceh.
The support for universal values should not be construed as interference with the internal affairs of a sovereign country. That is why our government has rightly taken a public stand against the unjust occupation of Palestine by the Israeli regime, the invasion of Iraq or the brutality in Bosnia. Nobody in their wildest dreams has accused Malaysia of interfering in the internal affairs of those countries.
By the same token, the Malaysian government should be openminded enough to expect similar concern and expressions of solidarity from citizens of other countries who give moral support to Malaysians deemed to be victims of human rights violations.
In speaking out for values and basic rights, one doesn't tarnish the image of any country. Rather it is the undemocratic actions of a government or its refusal to speak out against violations in any part of the world that really tarnishes a country's image.
Aliran Executive Committee
This statement was sent to the local media including The Star, New Straits Times, and The Sun.
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