Some Malaysians have once again reared their ugly heads, with Netizens taking to social media to post all sorts of crude comments following two recent incidents that have shocked the nation.
These keyboard warriors have proven themselves to be a judgemental lot who couldn’t care less about the feelings of others.
This was evident in the recent cold-blooded murder of a businesswoman in Penang, Ruby Lee Poh Ai, 49, who was gunned down by two men on a motorcycle while she was driving alone in her white BMW 3 Series after work last Tuesday.
At least 10 shots were fired at the victim, six of which hit her in the chest, killing her instantly. Instead of empathising with the family, Netizens took to Facebook to judge them.
Seriously, are these comments even necessary to begin with? Who are they to jump to such conclusions and judge the deceased and her grieving family?
They really ought to be ashamed of themselves.
Would these “online detectives” appreciate it if such comments were passed on them if it involved any of their family members?
And, just a few days earlier, keyboard warriors again showed their ugly side when they went to town bashing the parents of eight teenage cyclists who were killed when a car ploughed into a group of 30 cyclists in a dark, hilly stretch of the Middle Ring Road near the Mahmoodiah Muslim cemetery in Johor Baru at 3am on Feb 18.
The judgemental attitude of Netizens has even led to parents of the victims pleading with critics to stop heaping blame.
Even Permaisuri Johor Raja Zarith Sofiah Sultan Idris Shah advised that hurtful words must be avoided as angry words would not bring back the dead.
Netizens must be mindful that freedom of speech on Facebook does not mean freedom to openly criticise others at their whims and fancies, more so about those who are in mourning. There has to be a clear boundary that one should not cross.
Malaysians should consider themselves lucky as our country is not like some countries that have strict restrictions on the use of the Internet. That being said, they should not abuse the privilege accorded to them.
It is pointless for one to apologise after making a crude comment as the damage has already been done. The scar will stay on for a long time.
Instead of being judgemental, these keyboard warriors should
join the majority of Malaysians
who wished the families of these victims well. Give them the much needed support during these trying times.
Let us also join hands in prayer and hope that swift action by the police will lead to the arrest of Lee’s murderers soon. No one deserves to die in such a horrific manner.
To all keyboard warriors, do spend a few moments to ponder whether it is necessary to post that cutting remark.
Do unto others as you would have them do unto you... or if you have nothing nice to say, don’t say anything at all.
Audrey Dermawan is NST's Penang bureau chief. She enjoys the sun, the
sea and the sand, from which
she draws her inspiration