BY: SYED IBRAHIM SYED NOH
The Communication and Multimedia Deputy Minister, Datuk Jailani Johari’s warning to 22 million internet users last April 13, referring to the phrase ‘shaming leaders’, needs further clarification.
I agree if the warning was to prevent internet users from spreading false news.
Furthermore, when one looks at all the posts on Najib Razak’s Facebook, there are several fake account users posting #RespectMyPM.
The Government should investigate if these are posted by genuine account owners or are they paid for the sake of showing support to the PM.
I also agree with government’s view that we need control ideologies that threaten the country’s security such as Daesh and similar ideas from spreading.
I would also recommend the Communication and Multimedia Ministry to fight against writings and visuals that are racist and can destroy the nation’s unity and harmony.
The Umno-BN government should take appropriate action against those who are genuinely guilty and merely attempt to cover up the disgrace of Najib Razak’s administrative decay.
Citizens should criticize leaders. This include exposing a leader’s misconduct based on facts and proofs. Citizens have a right to know what is going on in the country, including in matters relating to economy, administration and social system.
Is the government’s action somewhat trying to prevent citizens from knowing the truth? If corruption and bribery scandals are not exposed, the authorities would surely not be pushed to investigate.
I hope the Communication and Multimedia Ministry’s warning is not eliminating the culture of democracy and encouraging criticism from citizens to leaders.
It reminds me of the words of a discerned personality, “If you cannot accept criticism, then don’t become a leader”. This phrase is similar to Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s words “If you are afraid of taking risks, then don’t talk about struggles”.
* Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh is the People’s Justice Party (PKR) Information Head.
Communication Ministry’s warning: Wrong to criticise leaders?
