Aliran Media Statement

The PM Slanders: Take Note, Ibrahim Ali!

Aliran regrets that the Prime Minister has recently succumbed to casting aspersions upon the country's opposition parties, saying that they will resort to employing "dirty tactics" in the coming general election and that they will be aided by foreign powers and the foreign media. He also alluded to the possibility of the Opposition using violence.

Such deliberate demonising of the Opposition doesn't augur well for a country where the ruling party professes to honour and practise democracy. In a living democracy, the Opposition has its due place in society—and the BN government must take cognisance of this.

We are against all forms of "dirty tactics" and violence especially if they are used to achieve political triumph. We are also against any political party becoming the lackey of external powers.

That said, the prime minister's slandering has serious implications, one of which is that it goes against the teachings of revealed religions. Our spiritual traditions caution us about the dangers of slander, which can lead to moral decline in society.

We completely agree with the King's recent advice to Malaysians that we should rid ourselves of the culture of slander and rumour-mongering.

Given the gravity of this scourge, we call upon the Prime Minister to refrain from uttering unsubstantiated allegations. Besides, Dr Mahathir's penchant for slandering could land himself into trouble with a band of UMNO legal eagles, led by the diligent Ibrahim Ali, who are out to curb bad-mouthing and other related activities.


Aliran Executive Committee
8 June 1999