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Malaysiakini
4 hours ago
- Politics
- Malaysiakini
Freedom not licence to hooliganism
YOURSAY | 'It is not a licence to hooliganism.' Whip of dissent: Waytha condemns arrest over PM effigy flogging Why nab protester if govt respects freedom of assembly, NGO asks EmEmKay: Malaysian Advancement Party (MAP) president P Waythamoorthy, I do not agree with you. The situation at the Turun Anwar rally took a disturbing turn when some individuals were seen flogging an effigy of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. In addition, previously, there were incidents where certain protestors stepped on or burned the flags of other countries - acts that sparked outrage both locally and internationally. These kinds of actions are deeply troubling and do not reflect the values of a mature democracy. In any functioning democratic society, public protest and dissent are legitimate forms of expression. However, resorting to violent symbolism, personal attacks, or showing disrespect to other nations crosses a line. Such behaviour not only undermines the protesters' credibility but also embarrasses the wider movement and harms Malaysia's reputation on the world stage. Ultimately, protests should be rooted in principle, not hate or provocation. Mature democracies thrive on debate, respect, and responsible activism, not on displays that incite anger or degrade others. Chiakberliao88: Amnesty International Malaysia's freedom of expression campaigner Kiran Kaur said it was a peaceful assembly. In that case, Bersatu leader Badrul Hisham Shaharin, popularly known as Chegubard, should adhere to its motto, 'Peaceful', and they should be allowed to express their views freely. Why did he resort to canning an effigy of a leader he disliked, in this case, Anwar? Though it was only an effigy, it was like a provocation which could spark reciprocal actions. I am not a fan of Anwar, but the way Chegubard did it was wrong, in my opinion. As I have said before, the best and ultimate way to determine a government is by the ballot box. If Badrul dislikes Anwar so much, then stand against him in whichever constituency he may stand and let the voters be the judge. BlueCougar1744: Freedom to assemble, freedom of expression as enshrined in our Federal Constitution cannot and must not be misconstrued to the extent of slandering, whipping of a mocked effigy of leaders. These cannot be tolerated. If these are allowed, and if the protestors do not like certain leaders, they can do what they deem is right, then it must be condemned and brought to justice. We cannot allow such a culture in our society, as this is not our culture. I may not like what the government has failed at, and that does not allow me to slander or make effigies out of them to whip them out of my displeasure. We cannot behave like hooligans. Just a Malaysian: I am no longer a fan of the Madani government, but I feel Anwar gave more freedom to air opposing views when compared to previous prime ministers. But many, like Badrul, twist facts and figures to create hatred and fear of the masses towards the government. This is no longer freedom of speech; it borders on sedition, and if this had happened during Dr Mahathir Mohamad's rule, Chegubard would have been arrested under the Internal Security Act and sent to Kamunting. Such toxicity must not be allowed to continue. Coward: We need to see the charges before deciding whether the arrest is justified. Freedom of assembly does not mean you can run amok during that assembly and still expect no consequences. One important distinction this time is that the organisers are not questioned by the police. For me, this is significant. So far, those arrested are simply participants in the rally. If they are arrested for canning Anwar, I do not believe their arrest is justified. Nonetheless, I still have to distinguish their arrest from the arrests made at previous rallies. GP2025: This is not a fight between neighbours to make personal comparisons. Besides, PKR did worse things during Mahathir's time. When a public figure misuses his position and upsets large segments of society who protest and express their frustrations, yes, it offends sensibilities, but it's legitimate freedom of expression, as no crime was committed. BlueCougar1744: I disagree with Waythamoorthy 100 percent. We do not need to mirror cultures of hate from other countries. He can move to these countries if he thinks such cultures and practices are welcome there, but in Malaysia, this is not our culture. MAT M DIN: Badrul should protest based on intellect and morals. To whip an effigy of a known person is humiliating and an insult. The protest should be directed at the known immoral behaviour of the person, not to insult him personally. Do you like to be personally insulted? If you do not like it, then do not do it to others. Drngsc: Kiran, freedom of assembly must come with responsibilities. You cannot claim freedom of assembly and then start breaking the law. If you break the law of the land, you must be held responsible and answer for your actions. I cannot assemble outside your house and then start throwing stones and breaking your window. Freedom comes with responsibilities. It is not a licence to hooliganism. Comments frequently deleted: Those currently in power don't realise that if they lose the next election, they will be at the receiving end of the very same laws that they are reluctant to abolish (and use to the hilt) now? The above is a selection of comments posted by Malaysiakini subscribers. Only paying subscribers can post comments. In the past year, Malaysiakinians have posted over 100,000 comments. Join the Malaysiakini community and help set the news agenda. Subscribe now. These comments are compiled to reflect the views of Malaysiakini subscribers on matters of public interest. Malaysiakini does not intend to represent these views as fact.
Malaysiakini
4 hours ago
- Politics
- Malaysiakini
Freedom not licence to hooliganism
YOURSAY | 'It is not a licence to hooliganism.' Whip of dissent: Waytha condemns arrest over PM effigy flogging Why nab protester if govt respects freedom of assembly, NGO asks EmEmKay: Malaysian Advancement Party (MAP) president P Waythamoorthy, I do not agree with you. The situation at the Turun Anwar rally took a disturbing turn when some individuals were seen flogging an effigy of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. In addition, previously, there were incidents where certain protestors stepped on or burned the flags of other countries - acts that sparked outrage both locally and internationally. These kinds of actions are deeply troubling and do not reflect the values of a mature democracy. In any functioning democratic society, public protest and dissent are legitimate forms of expression. However, resorting to violent symbolism, personal attacks, or showing disrespect to other nations crosses a line. Such behaviour not only undermines the protesters' credibility but also embarrasses the wider movement and harms Malaysia's reputation on the world stage. Ultimately, protests should be rooted in principle, not hate or provocation. Mature democracies thrive on debate, respect, and responsible activism, not on displays that incite anger or degrade others. Chiakberliao88: Amnesty International Malaysia's freedom of expression campaigner Kiran Kaur said it was a peaceful assembly. In that case, Bersatu leader Badrul Hisham Shaharin, popularly known as Chegubard, should adhere to its motto, 'Peaceful', and they should be allowed to express their views freely. Why did he resort to canning an effigy of a leader he disliked, in this case, Anwar? Though it was only an effigy, it was like a provocation which could spark reciprocal actions. I am not a fan of Anwar, but the way Chegubard did it was wrong, in my opinion. As I have said before, the best and ultimate way to determine a government is by the ballot box. If Badrul dislikes Anwar so much, then stand against him in whichever constituency he may stand and let the voters be the judge. BlueCougar1744: Freedom to assemble, freedom of expression as enshrined in our Federal Constitution cannot and must not be misconstrued to the extent of slandering, whipping of a mocked effigy of leaders. These cannot be tolerated. If these are allowed, and if the protestors do not like certain leaders, they can do what they deem is right, then it must be condemned and brought to justice. We cannot allow such a culture in our society, as this is not our culture. I may not like what the government has failed at, and that does not allow me to slander or make effigies out of them to whip them out of my displeasure. We cannot behave like hooligans. Just a Malaysian: I am no longer a fan of the Madani government, but I feel Anwar gave more freedom to air opposing views when compared to previous prime ministers. But many, like Badrul, twist facts and figures to create hatred and fear of the masses towards the government. This is no longer freedom of speech; it borders on sedition, and if this had happened during Dr Mahathir Mohamad's rule, Chegubard would have been arrested under the Internal Security Act and sent to Kamunting. Such toxicity must not be allowed to continue. Coward: We need to see the charges before deciding whether the arrest is justified. Freedom of assembly does not mean you can run amok during that assembly and still expect no consequences. One important distinction this time is that the organisers are not questioned by the police. For me, this is significant. So far, those arrested are simply participants in the rally. If they are arrested for canning Anwar, I do not believe their arrest is justified. Nonetheless, I still have to distinguish their arrest from the arrests made at previous rallies. GP2025: This is not a fight between neighbours to make personal comparisons. Besides, PKR did worse things during Mahathir's time. When a public figure misuses his position and upsets large segments of society who protest and express their frustrations, yes, it offends sensibilities, but it's legitimate freedom of expression, as no crime was committed. BlueCougar1744: I disagree with Waythamoorthy 100 percent. We do not need to mirror cultures of hate from other countries. He can move to these countries if he thinks such cultures and practices are welcome there, but in Malaysia, this is not our culture. MAT M DIN: Badrul should protest based on intellect and morals. To whip an effigy of a known person is humiliating and an insult. The protest should be directed at the known immoral behaviour of the person, not to insult him personally. Do you like to be personally insulted? If you do not like it, then do not do it to others. Drngsc: Kiran, freedom of assembly must come with responsibilities. You cannot claim freedom of assembly and then start breaking the law. If you break the law of the land, you must be held responsible and answer for your actions. I cannot assemble outside your house and then start throwing stones and breaking your window. Freedom comes with responsibilities. It is not a licence to hooliganism. Comments frequently deleted: Those currently in power don't realise that if they lose the next election, they will be at the receiving end of the very same laws that they are reluctant to abolish (and use to the hilt) now? The above is a selection of comments posted by Malaysiakini subscribers. Only paying subscribers can post comments. In the past year, Malaysiakinians have posted over 100,000 comments. Join the Malaysiakini community and help set the news agenda. Subscribe now. These comments are compiled to reflect the views of Malaysiakini subscribers on matters of public interest. Malaysiakini does not intend to represent these views as fact.
Malaysiakini
17-07-2025
- Politics
- Malaysiakini
MACC sorry over Beng Hock death, but still no accountability
YOURSAY | 'Ensuring that such incidents never happen again requires more than words and gestures.' Beng Hock's death: MACC apologises to family, offers contribution for son Robbie98: To start, you need to review the offence for which the late Teoh Beng Hock (an aide to then-Selangor state executive councillor Ean Yong Hian Wah) was called to, the MACC offices that fateful day in 2009. It was over allegations that Ean Yong, then a Selangor exco member, had misused his allocations. A princely sum of a few thousand ringgit in a country where millions routinely go 'missing'. The keyword here is allocation, not stolen money. Teoh died in a secure building with limited access. The coroner and court initially said it was suicide, but this decision was overturned by the appeals court, which also sought to seek the truth with a verdict of death due to 'external' influence. How many people were in contact with him in a secure place at night was the obvious question. The answer we don't know forever tarnishes the credibility of MACC. An apology from MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki is certainly the right start after a long 16 years. We shall give you compensation, get on with your life, and nothing else can be achieved. Sir, this is the wrong answer. What the grieving, courageous family is looking for is justice for their loss, to know who killed Teoh, and for closure of this deplorable saga. This tragedy is a stain forever on the MACC and the political games our 'elites' play. EmEmKay: The formal apology from MACC is a historic development in a tragedy that has haunted Malaysia's conscience for years. However, for Teoh's family - and for many Malaysians - the path to justice is incomplete without decisive action to hold individuals accountable for acts committed under the commission's watch. Ensuring that such incidents never happen again requires more than words and gestures; it demands transparency, reform, and the unwavering pursuit of justice. Amadeus: Azam, a mere apology will not bring Teoh back. The murderers should be held accountable for their actions. This isn't a matter of turning the other cheek when being slapped; this was someone's son, brother, husband, and father. Shouldn't the murderers be accountable for their actions? Attorney-General Dusuki Mokthar, what if this happened to your kin? Would you say no further action (NFA)? As for the compensation offered, is that from the murderers or the people's money? MarioT: An apology without taking any action against those responsible for Teoh's death only brings more trauma and pain to the family. Sixteen years of waiting for justice turned out to be a fiasco. The MACC chief commissioner should, in all honesty, ask himself whether he has truly carried out his duties in a fair and just manner by avoiding taking action against those responsible. Would he treat the case in the same manner if it had happened to one of his family members? Coward: Don't take the money. It's not atonement on their party. They just want to pay to shoo you away. Moreover, it is not atonement that you want or need. If you accept the money, then the perception is that you settle the matter with MACC. Your lawyers will tell you that this will have a big impact on any legal pursuit and redress later. TC: Can MACC or the police call up all the MACC officers in court to hear their versions, and let the public see them, their names, and their current positions? It does not mean they are guilty, but why hide themselves if they are not guilty? Will they dare to appear in public? Why are they mysterious, faceless, and nameless? Ringgit: Death in custody, and you just offer your deepest sympathies and extend an apology? Malaysians want justice for Teoh. According to the country's rule of law, no one should be allowed to die in your custody with any form of cover-up or hiding of information. Please instruct your team at MACC to provide the utmost cooperation to the police, arrest the culprit and charge them in court. You are no judge, so do not conclude on behalf of the public. Please do your part! Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim may appreciate your work, but most Malaysians don't share his view. Quigonbond: MACC is so tone-deaf. The family have already succeeded in a civil case against MACC. It's hilarious to try to bribe them with a goodwill contribution, which is not even a proper function of MACC. The only thing missing here is criminal accountability. Sun n Moon: Still no closure after 16 years for the family. On a bigger scale, why so much focus and attention all these years just on this case and family? What happens to other unexplained death cases in the custody of other families who have suffered the same fate and agony, but not much attention and investigation is given? BrownMacaw9225: This unfortunate episode has tarnished MACC's reputation. Let us all pray that all the affected parties be magnanimous about the matter and move on. Let it be a lesson to all government agencies that the life of any Malaysian matters and not to abuse their power or authority. May God guide us daily. Blue Lights: This apology has long been overdue in Teoh's case; we can finally see the family getting some closure. The tragedy needs this magnanimous public contrition. Sighhhhhhh: Where does the buck stop? All those who were involved, even those who were not there in person, especially if they are in charge, must take some responsibility. The above is a selection of comments posted by Malaysiakini subscribers. Only paying subscribers can post comments. In the past year, Malaysiakinians have posted over 100,000 comments. Join the Malaysiakini community and help set the news agenda. Subscribe now. These comments are compiled to reflect the views of Malaysiakini subscribers on matters of public interest. Malaysiakini does not intend to represent these views as fact.
Malaysiakini
17-07-2025
- Politics
- Malaysiakini
MACC sorry over Beng Hock death, but still no accountability
YOURSAY | 'Ensuring that such incidents never happen again requires more than words and gestures.' Beng Hock's death: MACC apologises to family, offers contribution for son Robbie98: To start, you need to review the offence for which the late Teoh Beng Hock (an aide to then-Selangor state executive councillor Ean Yong Hian Wah) was called to, the MACC offices that fateful day in 2009. It was over allegations that Ean Yong, then a Selangor exco member, had misused his allocations. A princely sum of a few thousand ringgit in a country where millions routinely go 'missing'. The keyword here is allocation, not stolen money. Teoh died in a secure building with limited access. The coroner and court initially said it was suicide, but this decision was overturned by the appeals court, which also sought to seek the truth with a verdict of death due to 'external' influence. How many people were in contact with him in a secure place at night was the obvious question. The answer we don't know forever tarnishes the credibility of MACC. An apology from MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki is certainly the right start after a long 16 years. We shall give you compensation, get on with your life, and nothing else can be achieved. Sir, this is the wrong answer. What the grieving, courageous family is looking for is justice for their loss, to know who killed Teoh, and for closure of this deplorable saga. This tragedy is a stain forever on the MACC and the political games our 'elites' play. EmEmKay: The formal apology from MACC is a historic development in a tragedy that has haunted Malaysia's conscience for years. However, for Teoh's family - and for many Malaysians - the path to justice is incomplete without decisive action to hold individuals accountable for acts committed under the commission's watch. Ensuring that such incidents never happen again requires more than words and gestures; it demands transparency, reform, and the unwavering pursuit of justice. Amadeus: Azam, a mere apology will not bring Teoh back. The murderers should be held accountable for their actions. This isn't a matter of turning the other cheek when being slapped; this was someone's son, brother, husband, and father. Shouldn't the murderers be accountable for their actions? Attorney-General Dusuki Mokthar, what if this happened to your kin? Would you say no further action (NFA)? As for the compensation offered, is that from the murderers or the people's money? MarioT: An apology without taking any action against those responsible for Teoh's death only brings more trauma and pain to the family. Sixteen years of waiting for justice turned out to be a fiasco. The MACC chief commissioner should, in all honesty, ask himself whether he has truly carried out his duties in a fair and just manner by avoiding taking action against those responsible. Would he treat the case in the same manner if it had happened to one of his family members? Coward: Don't take the money. It's not atonement on their party. They just want to pay to shoo you away. Moreover, it is not atonement that you want or need. If you accept the money, then the perception is that you settle the matter with MACC. Your lawyers will tell you that this will have a big impact on any legal pursuit and redress later. TC: Can MACC or the police call up all the MACC officers in court to hear their versions, and let the public see them, their names, and their current positions? It does not mean they are guilty, but why hide themselves if they are not guilty? Will they dare to appear in public? Why are they mysterious, faceless, and nameless? Ringgit: Death in custody, and you just offer your deepest sympathies and extend an apology? Malaysians want justice for Teoh. According to the country's rule of law, no one should be allowed to die in your custody with any form of cover-up or hiding of information. Please instruct your team at MACC to provide the utmost cooperation to the police, arrest the culprit and charge them in court. You are no judge, so do not conclude on behalf of the public. Please do your part! Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim may appreciate your work, but most Malaysians don't share his view. Quigonbond: MACC is so tone-deaf. The family have already succeeded in a civil case against MACC. It's hilarious to try to bribe them with a goodwill contribution, which is not even a proper function of MACC. The only thing missing here is criminal accountability. Sun n Moon: Still no closure after 16 years for the family. On a bigger scale, why so much focus and attention all these years just on this case and family? What happens to other unexplained death cases in the custody of other families who have suffered the same fate and agony, but not much attention and investigation is given? BrownMacaw9225: This unfortunate episode has tarnished MACC's reputation. Let us all pray that all the affected parties be magnanimous about the matter and move on. Let it be a lesson to all government agencies that the life of any Malaysian matters and not to abuse their power or authority. May God guide us daily. Blue Lights: This apology has long been overdue in Teoh's case; we can finally see the family getting some closure. The tragedy needs this magnanimous public contrition. Sighhhhhhh: Where does the buck stop? All those who were involved, even those who were not there in person, especially if they are in charge, must take some responsibility. The above is a selection of comments posted by Malaysiakini subscribers. Only paying subscribers can post comments. In the past year, Malaysiakinians have posted over 100,000 comments. Join the Malaysiakini community and help set the news agenda. Subscribe now. These comments are compiled to reflect the views of Malaysiakini subscribers on matters of public interest. Malaysiakini does not intend to represent these views as fact.
