The right to dissent

To question and to argue are basic intellectual human traits. That is how society evolved to be in its current state. That is how we learn, grow and develop as a cohesive society. To disallow or suppress dissent is to deny people a basic human right. Therefore, conversely, to force people into submission, to accept an idea that they otherwise reject would be tantamount to bullying.

But Malaysian society has become somewhat immune to this sort of bullying. No statement by a person in authority, no matter how absurd, surprises us anymore. No action by the police, no matter how high-handed or biased it seems, irritates us anymore. We find far fewer outcries now than we did a decade ago.

Perhaps we have lost our moral compass? Perhaps we’re wilfully becoming ignorant. Or perhaps we are just too tired. Or perhaps there are just far too many things to cry out about that we just don’t have enough voice.

While some issues like those pertaining to religion and race could be considered sensitive in a multiracial country like ours, it should not be taken as license to turn black into white. Recently, every other thing seems to be considered sensitive in nature. The blanket usage of the 3Rs – race, religion and royalty – has been used to cover inept handling of issues and put a lid on arguments that cannot be reasoned against. For example, the Teoh Beng Hock issue was at times painted as racially-slanted, Malay versus Chinese, when it had nothing to do with that.

The same thing was done with the last two elections results. When questions were raised over the PDRM, critics of the questioners pointed at the “royal” tag, suggesting that those questioning were in fact questioning the king himself. Such reasoning is not only illogical, it is also dangerous.

What if the argument were extended to everyone who holds a royal title, or can trace some semblance of royal lineage?

The extent of religious authority as well, seems to have extended beyond their usual reach. In the past, it was unthinkable that non-Muslims be subjected to any form of supervision or authority by the Islamic authorities and Shariah courts. Recent cases seems to suggest otherwise. The Publication Control and Quranic Texts Division of the Home Ministry now not only monitors the imports of Bibles, they have also come up with SOPs on the same.

While certain topics like the Altantuya Shaariibuu case may be considered issues about personality and characters which don’t really involve the public, national governance issues like the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) issue should never be considered taboo or off the plate.

Even more absurd, cartoons depicting not only our national leaders but their wives, were considered by the police sufficient to warrant an investigation under the Sedition Act! So now it would seem, most national issues, national leaders and their wives are off the plate. And today, even the Cabinet has been told to stop questioning 1MDB.

If a former prime minister, arguably the most powerful and influential one during his term, can be told off by his hapless party juniors for highlighting what everyone else is thinking, and a prominent social figure no less than his daughter told not to comment too much by the editors of the biggest BM daily, what little hope remains for Johan Awam (Joe Public)?

The arguments employed to support stifling this dissent have, in themselves, become more ridiculous. It used to be about the stability of government and country. Then it was a conspiracy by the West or Western powers to take over the country. Later, a conspiracy by the jealous Jews because Malaysia is a model Islamic nation. Now, everyone from Christians to the LGBT community have an agenda. No one can accurately spell out what that agenda is, but what’s important, it seems, is to pin every dissatisfaction down on an external party. Nothing appears to be the fault of the ruling government. There can be no wrong decision or error of judgement on their part – that would be ridiculous!

The enforcement, however, doesn’t seemed balanced. On one hand, comments and threats against the government are often swiftly and strictly dealt with. On the other side of the fence, the wait would be… longer. Perhaps the queue is longer, that’s why.

But clamping down on dissent isn’t the way to win assent. And our Johan Awams should not be silenced. – June 2, 2015.

* This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insider.