SEDITION is a serious offence and must be understood as such. To even think that the freedom of expression is such a sacred cow that words uttered to incite social unrest must be tolerated is the rationale of an irresponsible individual, if not a little idiotic. In recent weeks, the provisions of the Sedition Act have been enforced. Indeed, there is intention to repeal the 1948 Act and replace it with the National Harmony Act, but while it remains on the statute books, those infringing the law must be dealt with. And, there is no mistaking that some have felt the need to push the envelope to the very limits of legal tolerance, disrespecting everything, including those institutions that underpin the stability of this nation. Liberalisation in no way means the freedom to unleash provocative sentiments that test the durability of the pluralism upon which this nation was formed.
For, it is this very plurality that demands the legislation, whether it is called the Sedition Act or National Harmony Act. While the country has had peace and prosperity since the race riots of May 13, 1969, it in no way means that every rift between the communities is mended. At best cemented over, some fractures remain. Sometimes there is a sense that education has not — in Malaysian minds, at least — created a real sense of understanding. Rather, it has lent itself to abuse because what the White masters of the past referred to as the WOG — the Westernised oriental gentleman — is a social phenomenon still very much alive in this country. Learning has meant access to European concepts, while missing out on sufficient understanding or insight. A superficial understanding of human rights has left confusion in the minds of the chattering class. Unhappiness with corruption, for example, has been the impetus for an undiscriminating attack on the very institutional fabric upon which this country rests.
The parties of the parliamentary opposition, meanwhile, have undoubtedly shown a manifest lack of political maturity. Manipulation of due process, like the last Kajang by-election, was tolerated, despite its lack of good reason and waste of public money. However, those responsible, thinking that they have gotten away with it, are perverse enough to think that, maybe, the authorities are afraid. What they do not see is that until they break the law, pure and simple, their shenanigans are just that. To react would be to dignify the actions of fools. But when the monarchy is berated, politicians hide behind the skirts of political satire — with injudicious remarks and overt challenges intended to rubbish the dignity of law enforcers or threaten to provoke violence — then, the law kicks in. Charges have been proffered against the alleged offenders. That it is being used as further provocation to incite the people is an additional basis for charges of sedition. If truly they are deserving of leadership roles, then they must let the courts decide.