Spare us the Patronising Statements

Aliran is perturbed by recent patronising public statements made by certain government leaders that are an insult to the intelligence of ordinary Malaysians.

These statements may be construed as trying to limit whatever democratic space and freedom of speech that Malaysians have and reflect poorly the calibre and intellect of the ministers concerned.

For instance, Deputy Home Minister Ong Ka Ting advised the public on 5 October 1998 to make use of the Internet to get ‘useful information’ only - and not information that “can lead to public disorder and threaten the country’s security”.

We concede that messages that might provoke communal sentiments and lead to public disorder should not clutter the Internet. But we also believe that many Malaysians have developed the capacity to discern right from wrong, the ethical from the unethical, and can distinguish credible information from crass propaganda.

The Internet and other forums provide a useful and civilised platform for many Malaysians to exchange views and discuss issues of public importance intelligently and rationally.

And discuss they should, as citizens of the country, irrespective of whether they are workers in the public sector or private sector.  Indeed intellectual exchange - whether it is done before, during or after office hours - is everyone’s right in a democracy.

That is why we find Deputy Transport Minister Wira Mohammad Ali Rustam’s recent directive  to taxi drivers  - to stay clear of the Anwar issue if pressed by their passengers  - so ridiculous. It is certainly a crude attempt at thought control.

In the name of justice and democracy, we urge ministers to refrain from making public statements that will undermine the right of Malaysians to express their views.
 

Aliran Executive Committee
7 October 1998