This item has been updated since initial publication.
The
Malaysian Bar is troubled by the racially-charged comments reported in
the media in connection with the recently concluded federal and state
elections. Such divisive rhetoric has the effect of demonising
Malaysians by virtue of their race, fostering ill will, and causing
disharmony and disunity, and is a potential precursor of conflict. This
is wholly irresponsible and should have no place in Malaysian politics
and public discourse.
We
ask that the Prime Minister show leadership for the country, and we
welcome his call for national reconciliation. As a nation we must move
away from racial divides; instead, we should emphasise commonalities and
promote a shared Malaysian identity.
Malaysian
leaders should not resort to reprehensible and dangerous gimmicks as a
convenient camouflage for perceived weaknesses or shortcomings, or as
comfort for disappointments. Only those bereft of ideas and leadership
abilities would resort to such tactics. It serves no good purpose, but
only self-interest, to speak of and emphasise the elections results
along racial lines. Former leaders should retire graciously and
gracefully, and refrain from expressing views that serve to fracture
rather than build the nation. They should strive to nurture peace.
Spewing venom and spreading discord must not be the Malaysian way, and
right-thinking Malaysians must reject such practices.
The
media also have a responsibility to refrain from writing and publishing
articles that would foment racial discord. Whether as politicians,
journalists, bloggers or netizens, those who participate in the public
sphere should exercise freedom of expression responsibly and
respectfully. Our leaders must not, and should not be seen to, endorse
the publication and dissemination of racist messages. Ultimately, it
was Malaysians who were substantially the electors.
The
Malaysian Bar commends the police for their prompt response and action
in investigating such publications, in particular their investigations
of a national newspaper for its publication on 7 May 2013 and of
comments on blogs.
Christopher Leong
President
Malaysian Bar
No comments:
Post a Comment