YOURSAY | Drawing the line on freedom of speech

 

YOURSAY | ’Freedom of expression is not freedom to lie.’

‘Casino’ crackdown: Ex-PKR veep, groups slam govt

Coward: As a politician, Bersatu leader Badrul Hisham Shaharin, also known as Chegubard, should know the potential ramifications of posting comments on social media.

Being a politician, he should know the potential of causing unrest when commenting about socks bearing the word “Allah” and alleged plans to build a casino.

While it is too much to ask him to clarify the situation, he could make a post to say this is fake news.

The decent thing to do, and what we expect responsible politicians to do, is to refrain from reposting the news.

He knows he is playing with fire, and that the fire can burn us all. Because of that, in the current context, it is fair that he was charged in court with sedition and defamation.

He got burned in the fire he was trying to start. Thank god he is the only casualty.

Vijay47: There is a strong likelihood that Chegubard (above) will not win even bronze in a “favourite online activist” contest.

Also, considering his support for alleged unsavoury causes, many would like to see him get a comeuppance or two.

All the same, he is also entitled to the same protection others may enjoy. So what is he being charged with?

He has no defence if he claims he was merely stating what others had printed on their websites. If it was originally libel, it remains libel upon repetition.

Further, things will assume more serious proportions if intrusions into royal images are cast. But what did he say that was offensive?

That certain parties had discussed some business directions? Or that such possibilities included the opening of a casino?

We can go on to ask what is so offensive about operating a casino. Don’t we already have a legal gambling centre where many make and lose fortunes?

Or are casinos now suffering the same fate as socks and high-heeled shoes?

Which reminds me, whatever happened to those two cases and the charges against former MP Tony Pua that the Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain was so enthusiastic about?

Back to Badrul, why is there action against him only? Why are Bloomberg and The Edge Singapore still spared a visit from the police – if at all an offence has been committed?

And why are there no demonstrations against the US Embassy and Singapore High Commission?

It also appears that the latest fad in town is making police reports – if their reputation has been tarnished, Berjaya should be suing the pants off Bloomberg and The Edge.

Ultimately, restrictive actions go against any of this government’s pledges of more openness. Only a mediocre prime minister would make broken promises.

Anonymous_3f4b: When it comes to the Sedition Act and freedom of the press, the present government is worse than BN and Perikatan Nasional.

When they were in opposition, they pledged that the archaic act would be abolished when they took power. They say one thing but do another.

Hrrmph: Politicians are all the same. Because many Malaysians are the same. They can criticise, but cannot bear it if they are the ones being criticised.

Just check how many in Malaysia support China and its brand of “benevolent” dictatorship. If they are in charge, it is alright for them to silence critiques.

These people believe that the end justifies the means. And that they, and only they, know what is good for the rest of us.

They know that power is open to abuse but conveniently forget that when they are the wielders of power. Because somehow, they know best.

Koklatia: We know Badrul talks rubbish but charging him in court is a clear suppression of freedom of speech.

The coalition government is not walking the talk but going in reverse. They are behaving like hypersensitive losers.

Jaded: Freedom of expression is not freedom to lie. The lie was concocted with the malicious intent of damaging the present authorities.

The lie was presented as a fact, not even as hearsay. It is a serious matter and not to be taken lightly. - Mkini