KUALA LUMPUR: There’s a Malay proverb that goes “Kuat berdiri pohon kerana akarnya, kuat akar kerana tanah”, which directly translates as the strength of the trunk derives from the roots, the strength of the roots derives from the ground.
What it essentially implies is that the strength of a government is attributable to its great leaders, and great leaders come from people who are united.
This is the notion that all Malaysians should remember as we celebrate National Day this month; without unity, we will not be able to reap the benefits of independence gained 66 years ago.
Unity is essential to building a nation-state and safeguarding national sovereignty.
Issues pertaining to royalty, religion and race (3R) that frequently surface on the Malaysian political scene at this time are viewed as a potential threat to the country’s unity and sovereignty if left unchecked.
National Professors Council (MPN) senior fellow Prof Emeritus Datuk Dr Teo Kok Seong said that the current situation, in which the 3R sentiments are often played up, is so alarming that there is an imperative need to enact legislation to monitor it.
He stated that “attacks” made in the context of the 3Rs, whether in a closed conversation like a WhatsApp group chat or in a public speech, have the potential to cause conflict.
“It must be curbed before it escalates into a crisis. It cannot be left unchecked until it gets out of hand.
“Therefore, it is very important that something serious is done right now, like enacting legislation that prohibits the use of language, which can incite public anger. The current government should be commended for its determination in addressing this issue,” he told Bernama recently.
Teo said that the legislation will educate people to respect others and refrain them from using derogatory language, regardless of how strongly they might disagree with others’ views or actions.
“Differences of opinion should be resolved through discussions that do not use abusive language. This is what we want to convey to the people through the formulation of this legislation. In fact, such laws already exist in many countries around the world,” he said.
Echoing the same sentiment, Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) political analyst Prof Dr Ahmad Martadha Mohamed said the government should proceed with the proposal to formulate a special law to protect the 3Rs from any form of provocation that could cause disunity and threaten harmony in the country.
He said that although the government had previously agreed to review the Sedition Act 1948 (Act 15) in order to protect the royal institutions, the law was deemed too broad and a specific scope was needed for the 3R aspect.
“If we look at Thailand, there is a specific act that criminalises criticism of the King in order for the people to have greater respect for the institution.
“If we can create a more comprehensive act on the 3Rs, it will make it easier for the government to control and take action, as well as educate the public and politicians not to touch on sensitive issues,” he said.
The UUM deputy vice chancellor (Student and Alumni Affairs) said the special act was also needed to ensure the public is more cautious when posting and sharing information on social media.
“In the current context, there are some who question the country’s freedom of expression, which is protected by the Federal Constitution, but we must remember that freedom of speech is not absolute and there are limits that need to be clearly understood.
“For instance, after the Sept 11 tragedy, the United States established a special agency to deal with elements of provocation in that country. Some may say that ‘freedom is unlimited’ in the US, but the truth is that its people are not free to say things that can jeopardise the harmony and safety of the country,” he said.
‘Malaysia Madani: Tekad Perpaduan Penuhi Harapan’ has been chosen as the theme of this year’s National Day and Malaysia Day celebrations, in line with the government’s determination and commitment to develop the country with the people being united, possessing a high spirit of unity, and living in peace and prosperity.
The theme is also supported by the Malaysia MADANI concept as the master key inspired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to ensure that the people enjoy all forms of progress and modernity based on the sustainability of culture, creativity, confidence, well-being, mutual respect and compassion. – BERNAMA
