KUALA LUMPUR: Character assassinations by “mercenary bloggers” in today’s political sphere are undoubtedly detestable and a threat to civility, Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Dr Salleh Said Keruak said.
In comparing contextual similarities with prominent and bloody assassinations in the past, Salleh said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib had become the latest target of denigration by such bloggers.
“At the end of the Roman empire, its princes constantly tried to kill off one another in their tussle for the throne. During the Mughal rule, Emperor Aurangzeb whom in order to preserve his powers imprisoned his own father, who later died behind bars.
“In modern politics, we bear witness to a similar spectacle. United States president John F. Kennedy, Pakistani prime minister Benazir Bhutto, Indian prime ministers Indira and Rajiv Gandhi, Filipino president Benigno Aquino and Burmese independence leader Aung San were among those who became victims to political assassinations.”
Salleh said Najib however, remained impervious and tactful in parrying the attacks by the mercenary bloggers.
“His elegant character is being assassinated (by said bloggers) without the fear of committing such sins. The attacks are made to disgrace Najib and ensure that he loses out to pressure and (ultimately) bow out from politics.
“However, despite the relentless attacks, Najib remains tactful and civil in defending himself. He believes that character assassination can silence the truth, destroy democracy and slowly quell the people.”
Salleh said instead of character assassinations, it would be better to hold arguments on ideas and policies through a debate and within a democratic framework.
“Indeed, Najib has shown an exemplary, commendable character by rejecting political character assassination, as he is aware that it can also erase a civilisation.”