I pray Malaysians won’t start self-censoring their thoughts

A few prominent people who have been either arrested, charged or investigated under the grand old Sedition Act 1948 in the country these past few months are a cause for concern.

Associate professor Azmi Sharom, professor Aziz Bari and lawyer Edmund Bon have been hauled up for speaking about subjects that they are considered experts in.

They spoke based on their vast knowledge, research, experience and observations, yet what they said has been considered by certain people to be seditious in manner.

Unfortunately, under the law, the authorities have all the right to investigate, probe, interrogate, detain, arrest and charge them because of the vagueness of the act.

But just because something is the law doesn't mean it is just and fair. It all depends on context. The act, as we are all aware, was created decades ago at a time when it was necessary.

But what about now? Yes, as we all know without having to explain much, it is an archaic law which has the potential of being abused to stifle dissent, or anything else.

If they, who are considered experts in their fields, were probed for things they said which should be considered under their jurisdiction, then what about ordinary folk like me and you?

What would stop the powers that be from coming after us if we were to express an opinion or thought that they didn't agree with?

It shouldn't be a crime to have different opinions. It shouldn't be a crime to be offensive. It shouldn't even be a crime to be racist or deliver hate speech.

All this shouldn't be a crime because if everyone were to keep quiet, then there would be no discourse, no debate and no sharing of ideas and knowledge.

Then the ignorant would continue to be ignorant because, who knows, if they were to listen to a different perspective, they could actually come to their senses and become better people.

But with all the intimidation going about under the act, I am worried that people will be scared. As it is, a number of students and ordinary folk on social media have also been investigated.

It will be a sad day indeed when we, as Malaysians, become too scared to voice our opinions and start self-censoring our thoughts before we even say anything.

Personally, it worries me even more that a fellow journalist, Susan Loone, was also arrested under the act for an article she wrote in which she only reported what other people had said.

I honestly have yet to self-censor myself while working in my profession. And I pray the day never comes when I start fearing what I have to say even before I say it out aloud. – October 3, 2014.

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