Preventing a great divide
Maybe some of you have been waiting for my take on the development of things. Or to see what I'm going to do next, for example, take it to the authorities-ke, make it known to more important circles-ke, so that some kind of justice and action can be taken towards the kind of insult that so many of us have had to endure over the past week.
And then, if you sit and think again, is it really necessary? Because I'm not very keen on bringing in authorities into the picture when all that is warranted, is a public apology, and a commitment on Mohd Elfie's part to tone down on his mission 'to expose and destroy (misrepresentation of) Christianity'.
Which brings me back to the original discourse, and Mohd Elfie's fervent defense that 'Despite this, however, I have never reciprocated with something similar or do anything outright discriminatory to Christians in general who only wish peace and respect for others' faiths.'
You know it's far more macho and dignified to at least own up to the kind of discriminatory remarks you have been dishing out in liberal doses for the benefit of your visitors. You expect us to believe you? Come on, take a look, the Net is literally, an open net and it catches evidence.
Click on image to see enlarged version.
Clarification
Look, MENJ, please get your facts right. I respect the site, Bismika Allahuma. I understand the need for its existence, and I acknowledge that sites like Answering-Islam are less than desirable. But in all respect, make it an educational site, one that has, besides the goal of 'correcting misinformation about Islam', another goal of 'increasing positive knowledge of Islam' on the web. A site that will actually make Answering Islam look like the under-researched crap that you claim it is.
As it is, replacing a destructive site with ANOTHER destructive site with intentions of 'proving one's might' is less than desirable. The reason why I'm annoyed? No, it's not because you've insulted and blasphemized my religion. It's because you're a sore thumb sticking out of the same body I'm a part of, and I trust and respect you enough to expect that you're decent enough to apologize, ON BEHALF of your site and the Islam you represent. I would do the same if you were Christian.
Why? Because you're Malaysian, and whether I like it or not, whatever you're doing over at Bismika Allahuma and especially in your own site, sends out a terrifying message. Have you seen this? I know you get angry and irked every time somebody says Malaysia is a nation of oppressed citizens, that all the 'peace' and 'tolerance' our leaders preach is but a lie.
Well, you see, I'm hurt too, and the surprise is, I'm on your side. You know, when I meet friends from abroad, and they ask me, 'Can you go to church in Malaysia?' I get offended. No matter how much the country's PR-representatives try to paint Malaysia in a positive light, it doesn't seem to be working because more frequently, I seem to have to mend the bruised image that my country is already suffering, no thanks to the behavior of over-zealous fundamentalists like you.
I know you get distressed when you read the news in pro-West media instigating Islamic bodies as responsible in 'violent acts of terror'. It worries me when foreign friends tell me they don't really want to come to Malaysia because they're afraid that we're growing, into a terrorist state. Of course you and me both know the contrary is truth, but you're not doing anything to prove the BBC article as a shitload of lies. What you're doing is quite the opposite. You're telling the world that 'yes this is the kind of Islam I want for my country, and the rest of the world can go and eat shit for all I care, kappish?'
Well I'm not going to go 'kappish' with you, MENJ, I think that much is pretty obvious. Can you be at least, decent enough to know that you've insulted Malaysians as a whole, and rethink the position of your blog and consider the kind of freedom you want your speech to represent?
I'm not asking MENJ to be a good Muslim, I'm not qualified to tell him what's right or wrong in Islam. But I know it's troubling, to say the least, to know that this is a a fellow Malaysian who is behaving like a complete ignoramus who insists that any invitation to intellectual discourse and discussion about differences in opinions is an attack on his character.
Don't bring this to the authorities, please.
Everyone has a right to freedom, so please, respect the bloke for his right to speaking his mind. All right, maybe on his agenda there is a mission to destroy Christianity (because, to be fair, this religion is in complete contradiction with his beliefs and of course, he has a right to that agenda). See, the desired effect is to tell MENJ to 'keep his mission to himself and stop making his brethrens look like complete fools. As it is, it is neither distinguished for concerned citizens to think of 'the law' and 'the authorities' in this case, when we can very well settle it within the blogosphere.
And I think it was completely out of line to take his blog to his host-providers. Like I said, one destructive behaviour ought not be replaced with another of the same genre.
All the same, as much as I hate the censorship board, I think sometimes, censorship is necessary in order for us to be able to support our claims of a peaceful and tolerant Malaysia. Freedom of speech doesn't entitle you to the right to say detrimental things towards your religion. And please, 'do not make Allah a target for your oaths for doing good or avoiding evil or reconciling people (2:224)'.
That said, the final call doesn't come from us, you know. It comes from the person who affected the whole 'blown-out-of-proportion' uproar, really, and it does not have to end with concerned Malaysians writing to the PM or to the PDRM or any other authority, for that matter.
It's quite simple, really. Here's the requirement we want from MENJ: just acknowledge that you've done a fairly rude thing, that the things you've said about our country's leaders and concerned bloggers were uncalled for, and that you'll shift the style of 'negotiation' on your blog(s) to better represent the message you're intending to disseminate to the public. With all due respect, you're an eloquent writer, and you can write well, I'm sure you're able to handle debates with more class, yes?
May 22nd, 2006 at 2:37 pm
Thanks Minishorts:
for latest update/comments, duly noted and will be mulled over deeply relating to the Nitiative I’ve started.
Meanwhile, I hope tehre’s a sign of some expression of “regrets’ and conciliatory response from MENJ.
May 22nd, 2006 at 3:01 pm
I understand where you’re coming from Minishorts and as best as I can, I’ll defend my decision to go to his host.
As you say in your last paragraph
That would honestly be the day the clouds rained yellow water. MENJ will never admit defeat as he’s too stubborn to do that. In life, when all negotiations come to a deadlock, we seek authority’s judgement on the issue.
His host is probably the only person who can tell him what to do and what not. And clearly highlighted in Exabytes TOS is that he must not be the cause of angst or public hatred. He has violated this rule. I’m asking that his host remind him of his reponsibilities and start blogging responsibly.
That aside, contacting his host is so much less extreme than going to the Prime Minister or PDRM. And that’s really what we’re avoiding here; the extremes.
May 22nd, 2006 at 3:08 pm
In my own humble opinion, the best way to handle a doofus like MENJ is to totally ignore him. He’s made that task easier by now banning any Malaysian IP - the ultimate (and stupid) act of self-servitude…
And I, too, do not agree with siccing the authorities on him - it sets a very dangerous precedent, and will be damaging to the bloggerhood. If there were any time, now is it to literally “turn the other cheek” (which cheek to choose is left to the individual… ;-).
I’ve posted something on this which I hope will return some chill to the scene…
Bigotry will be its own undoing - let’s not get overboard and start a process that would undo the freedom of the blogsphere…
Peace!
May 22nd, 2006 at 3:42 pm
Huh!!!? ROFL.
Minishorts, how can you fight against systematically promoted bigot thinking?
Racism/religious bigot are by-product of family, environment and societies. Unless one are mature enough to learn the truth, nothing can cure it.
Don’t forget the recent Penang forum, which interrupted by hooligans assisted by uniformed authorities.
May 22nd, 2006 at 3:43 pm
Why is going to the authorities so extreme?In one week’s time this whole thing will probably die down until the next guy comes along and tells some other religion to go and die and the whole episode will just repeat in ugly cycle.Yes, crying wolf will get you bad publicity, but after the dust settles, I believe people will think twice before shooting their mouth off at this.
I mean think about it people.What would have happened should the religion in question now be Islam.I can bet you my last bottom dollar it will be in the news and there will be press releases about it!
May 22nd, 2006 at 3:53 pm
I just stumbled across this debate between you (and several others) and Menj.
Firstly, let me applaud your activism in rebuttal and considerate response. I am a firm believer that people need to stand up and say something if they see something wrong. Apathy is a curse we don’t need anymore or any at all.
Secondly, let me make some observation to put the dynamics of the issue in a more critical context:
The first thing you should notice is that you and Menj are representative of a larger group of people. Your instinct to rebut comes from the fact that you both unconsciously knows that. Its why your comments are important because the debate must be done. In this issue, its highly important we continue to debate it at least we are not taking the issue to the streets and at each other throats. In fact, it would be in Menj favour if you don”t debate it. Menj for for all articulation, is provocative and marginalizing rather than persuasive and embracing of all. Persuasion and embracing will ultimately win except under the brutality of physical force.
Also, you will note, that you get more hits and support ultimately indicating the representation that both of you are. However, don’t undestimate the perversions of people especially in this country. As they say, there is a sucker born every minute.
Menj ultimately cannot win his argument because he makes a very critical assumption - that he take for granted the political aspect that supports him rather than persuasive intellect and reason. As they say, you make an ass of yourself by assuming. Not many would pay any attention if not for the fact Malaysia is a politically Muslim majority country. You on the other hand is getting atttention despite being politically disadvantageous. Sure people like Menj can change reality with force but we must believe that ultimately human beings are creatures of reasons and better instinct and force are temporary and ulitmately unsustainable.
May 22nd, 2006 at 4:00 pm
Because, if I haven’t said it clearly enough up there, it is not right to replace one man’s personal vendetta by reacting like an angry mob driven by emotions with a mission to overwhelm his right to freedom of speech–that will only serve to further antagonize him.
You’ve got to give him some time to consider this request for civil discussion first. You’ve got to give the time and space for more people to lend their support to this outrage at the slander towards both religions (understand that both Christianity and Islam have been hurt by the content on those sites).
Or, like xypre has mentioned, it is only right to attempt to tackle this whole thing entirely on the Net, as it is where it is happening for now.
May 22nd, 2006 at 4:03 pm
‘…where it is happening for now” LOL- meaning there is some intent to take it to the street?Jokes aside, yeah I suppose you have a strong point there as well.If it began here, it should end here.
May 22nd, 2006 at 4:26 pm
I’ll end the discussion here by saying that we will agree to disagree =)
Good luck with your side, I’ll deal with mine. I’m sorry if I’ve upset you or anything. Am looking forward to more of your blog entries ^_^
May 22nd, 2006 at 5:41 pm
Bring in the authorities. I think that’s a fantastic idea actually.
Lets see whether the authorities will regulate something like that as they have regulated other so-called ’seditious’ and ‘intolerant’ statements by non-Malays and non-Muslims
May 22nd, 2006 at 6:31 pm
Wait. Taking it to the authorities is the equivalent of walking up to your Mum/Dad and saying that you can’t handle a simple verbal fight in the sandbox in a children’s playground. Before you know it, Mum and Dad will be all over you and the poor boy plus a ton of other kids and weee…no more fun at the playground.
We need to learn how to fight our own verbal battles the right way. This is an open discussion on how we feel about Menj’s words/beliefs/actions/whatever it is you’re against. It’s hardly because we have a vendetta or this overwhelming to be really cruel. Come on. Humans are capable of civility, honourable contact and so much more.
Lets just hope by some discussion, Menj will come to understand a few things about himself and about this country. Taking him to the authorities in hopes that they arrest him isn’t going to teach him any lesson but the “eye for an eye” thing. If we can educate without the use of force, so much the better.
May 22nd, 2006 at 6:43 pm
I want minishorts’ body not your soul.
May 22nd, 2006 at 6:46 pm
But minshorts’ has a nice soul, as pretty as her body. I love her soul, totally.
May 22nd, 2006 at 8:06 pm
MENJ is an idiot, and he will always be an idiot if he himself does not change. No Muslim in his or her right mind will defend his twisted views of Islam. And to date, no one has.
It is good, however, that you have decided to rethink the whole situation. While what he has said is considered unforgivable to many, justifiably enough, I would like to think that we are civilized enough to handle this with proper finesse.
The mass movement against him over the weekend, I feel, has proven the point that religious facism has no place in Malaysian society, whether real or virtual. However I do feel that taking it up with the authorities is not a particularly advisable thing to do. Not yet.
The most diplomatic thing, in my opinion, is for the movement against MENJ to demand that he apologize unconditionally and promises the Malaysian blogging scene to tone down his brand of absurdity.
Forcing him to admit willingly to the baselessness of his belief system is a better conclusion to this whole fiasco, rather than making him a martyr for other religious extremists to look up to.
If he refuses to apologize, however, then that leaves the movement against MENJ no choice but to resort to a legal course of action.
May 22nd, 2006 at 8:40 pm
Mei’s got it precisely right. This is a storm in a sandbox. Make it any more serious and we must all reap the consequences, good or bad. I think we should respond in kind, if there should be any response at all. Show him, and everyone else, how ridiculous his arguments are and force scrutiny on what he writes - that is, if people are interested in doing that sorta thing.
May 22nd, 2006 at 9:06 pm
I think I have have posted some comments in his blog…….
Interesting that you say: “….same, as much as I hate the censorship board, I think sometimes, censorship is necessary in order for us to be able to support our claims of a peaceful and tolerant Malaysia….”
My opinion:
I thought he may be useful in the struggle for true democracy in Malaysia……
I totally don’t agree with the rationale that some form of censorship has to be enforced.
If people here think that he has to be censured, then what about other blogs and websites that post outrageous messages during the Muhammad cartoons fiasco in Denmark some time ago……
Some of these Malaysian websites clearly post anti-Islam/Islamophobe messages…. Aren’t they liable to be censured too? And some posted anti-Malay and anti NEP slogans… aren’t they liable to be censured too?
To those who insist on censuring Menj with the rationale that censorhip “is needed”… be careful of what you are asking……..
In cases like these, it is helpful to think the internet as a market place for ideas….. everyone is free to post his or her ideas….. however outrageous or stupid or dumb or silly…….. and it is up for the rest of us to accept or reject those ideas.
With these in mind: I think we should let the fight of ideas stay in the cyberspace… without involving the authorities…..
That is surely one step towards democracy both in cyber-space and in the real world in Malaysia……
May 23rd, 2006 at 8:14 am
Yes, democracy in cyberspace may well be the last bastion of freedom of expression in this country.However, note the cases of Jeff Ooi, Malaysiakini and even Harakah Online.They were subjected to law.Why shouldn’t anyone else?My point here is simple- not that censorship is needed or anything, censorship is ALREADY in place.There should be no double standards.
May 23rd, 2006 at 8:57 am
Do not forget Huai Bin of SixthSeal.Com… He went into trouble with the police for blogging about drugs.
PS: ExaBytes replied, we’ll be seeing less and less of MENJ’s controversial posts in the near future
http://www.drearyheavens.com/?p=205
May 23rd, 2006 at 9:20 am
I agree with Emmanual. Censorship of the Internet has already taken place in Malaysia - now is a question of whether the authorities will censor indiscriminately or otherwise.
There should be no double standards. At all. Ever.
May 23rd, 2006 at 9:34 am
Jon, emmanuel, tio: I did not think it was honourable for the person to report HB to the police either. You know resistance is made even stronger when one’s ideas are put down by force? The blogosphere is thriving because we cherish our rights to speak, and we respect the other person’s rights to return the favour (or disfavour, in this case). Fact is, the pressure (to get MENJ to realize the enormity of his mistake) can be enforced just by our combined opinions, there was no need to go to the authorities or to the website to put down his opinions.
so jon, i’m not going to congratulate you for getting the said hosting provider to take note of their customer’s online behavior . there’s nothing victorious about that effects. it’s very much a demonstration of taking 3 steps forward and 2 steps back.
it would have been far more meaningful had MENJ come to his senses of his own accord, without this constant pestering that his web-host is watching his blog’s content.
priyanka: perhaps i’ve missed out the word ’self-censorship’. obviously that must be practised all along — after all we’re thinking human beings, capable of discerning what is appropriate. the way you put it, its like saying ‘ oh it’s alright for MENJ to scream FUCK PM, FUCK MARINA MAHATHIR, it’s his right to say so.’ Come on, that’s not a celebration of freedom of speech. That’s blatant abuse and lunacy.
May 23rd, 2006 at 1:00 pm
The blosphere is to complement reality, not to be a reality on its own. In order to do that, the blogsphere has to submit to the laws the govern reality.
It is not a matter of just extracting an apology (at least to me it is not), but that his behaviour be recognised and that he be punished for it. Sometimes, things are not just solved by saying “Sorry”. Yes, that may sound good and wonderful - but in life, sometimes saying “Sorry” is just too little too late. What will you have accomplished if he says sorry? Absolutely nothing, he could say sorry till the cows come home and it wouldn’t mean a thing.
Howabout I say sorry after I kick somebody in the face and leave it at that to settle the problem?
May 23rd, 2006 at 1:36 pm
To get a simple “sorry” from MENJ and make sure he means it is not easy so when he does indeed apologise sincerely then it is a sign that he recognises his mistakes and is ready to correct it. Why punish a person when he already learnt a lesson? If he still insist on not apologising, continues what he’s doing and escalates his lil agenda a level higher then its a totally different story altogether. You cannot fault him alone for becoming what he is today and to bring him to the authority would only make him worse off than he is already.
Would you like it if your mother continues rotan-ing you even if you promised to not repeat the mistake again and apologise (which you really mean from the bottom of your heart)? Wouldn’t that make you more angry?
I’m pretty sure he’s got the hint that society will not tolerate his nonsense.
May 23rd, 2006 at 1:37 pm
“the way you put it, its like saying ‘ oh it’s alright for MENJ to scream FUCK PM, FUCK MARINA MAHATHIR, it’s his right to say so.’ Come on, that’s not a celebration of freedom of speech. That’s blatant abuse and lunacy.”
Actually, if he said that, that’s still his right. Abuse is when you defame, and lunacy is when you threaten.
Don’t confuse the current issue with the previous. It’s not related.
Don’t lump freedom of speech and abuse into one.
It’s ok to scream FUCK PM because the PM decided to use the tax payer’s money to fund Terrorists HAMAS instead.
There’re many instances and many cases where many people are very angry with the PM.
Again, please do not confuse the issue.
May 23rd, 2006 at 1:52 pm
Claire I salute you.
In spite of him blasting your religion like that you still managed to keep calm and argue the facts out in a civilised manner.
On the subject of MENJ, I think he’s not a very well liked person. As I said in one of my comments earlier, I used to read him until his crap got my emotions unstabile(pissy off) so I decided to stop all together.
Organise(ze?) a boycott? A little unethical but then its a form of censorship which you spoke of.
May 23rd, 2006 at 2:47 pm
S-Kay
“apologise sincerely then it is a sign that he recognises his mistakes and is ready to correct it. Why punish a person when he already learnt a lesson?”
So, how are you going to prove that he’s sincere and ‘already learnt a lesson’?
If that’s the case, there are a lot of criminals who are sincere about making a mistake commiting the crime and have ‘already learnt a lesson’. Does that mean we should let them all out?
Say in a fit of anger I burn down my office (arson). I’m caught, tried, sentenced to 2 years. Hell yeah I’m sorry. In fact, so sorry I’m saying that I’ll even pay out of my own pocket to rebuild my office. Do you think that will get me off the hook? Or will I just be seen as somebody who thinks money can buy everything?
I know the law, I break the law, I expect that I will be punished. You think MENJ doesn’t know the law? He probably knows it better than most people…. and yet he insists on behaving in such a way.
May 23rd, 2006 at 3:51 pm
Dr. Tan - boycotting a website is nearly impossible. Reverse psychology often interferes. If we go around saying “Don’t visit MENJ”… people will start visiting him to find out what’s going on. So boycotts are an absolute no-no.
Minishorts - Like I said, I respect you and the stand you’ve taken against MENJ and I will go so far as to admit that your method is more beneficial in the long term while mine only helps in the short term.
I never meant to do this to be congratulated much less acknowledged by the Malaysian blogosphere. I did not do it for faith. Heck, I’m an athiest, why do I care about christians?
No, the fact that MENJ has attacked christianity and buddhism makes me ponder what else he will attack next. Will he overstep his boundaries? First it’s the destruction of Christianity, will he defame the chinese after that? Or the indians? What will he do next?
And teaching MENJ what’s right is not an easy task to be accomplished by random bloggers. I merely told the hosting company about this and asked them to carry out their independent investigation. I never influenced the investigation at all.
If what I’ve done angers you profoundly, then I do apologise sincerely. I did not mean to cause you harm and as a blogger I have only the highest respect for you as a fellow blogger.
Lastly, I’m sorry.
Jon
May 23rd, 2006 at 4:14 pm
Thanks for for your response, Minishort
I respect your point of view, and others’ point of view with regard to Menj. I can understand the feeling or the anger.
But I feel that the anger has some how resulted in one more victory for those who oppose free speech. Even self censorhip is a weapon against free speech. Do note that self censorship is often the result of subtle threats i.e. the use of laws and so on. Indeed: “Censorship of the Internet has already taken place in Malaysia - now is a question of whether the authorities will censor indiscriminately or otherwise….”
So Jeff Ooi has fallen into the trap of self censorship. That is a victory for those who oppose free speech. Yes others too… as these bloggers were told to follow the line or some kind laws will be used against them…..
I am amazed that you have a list of demands for Menj to follow. But your demands assumes that you are in somewhat “higher” position. If you can demand that from Menj, what will stop others from demanding that certain offensive things be taken off from let say other blogs?
Indeed, the next victim will be some one that we hate. But what about future victims?
And what will stop the authorities from setting up some kind of standards that Malaysian bloggers must follow? And if this happens, what will stop the authorities from pandering to certain sections , in particular to any keris wielding or Communist hating* politicians?
I guess, from now on, we must not be “offended” if some one decides what is wrong or what is right to be published even in the internet.
Perhaps Zainuddin Maidin is right after all. Malaysian are too immature for liberal democracy in the true sense.
I hope I am wrong though. But it looks that I may be dissapointed.
* :twisted:The keris wielding politician is meant to refer to you know who. The Communist hating politicians refer to the “Lelaki Komunis Terakhir” debacle… or fiasco or whatever term you may use it…….:evil:
May 23rd, 2006 at 5:34 pm
While reverse psychology of putting the word out to NOT got to MENJ’s blog will actually draw more traffic, as Jon has rightly pointed out, I intend to do the following: stop commenting on his site, and make any rebuttals on my own site if I should have the need to.
IMHO someone like MENJ loves an audience and to a certain extent craves that attention he gets (for whatever reason fathomable). And the barometer for the attention would be the comments his readers leave.
As a Muslim, I am very, very concerned about how he goes about spouting hate-filled rhetoric in God’s name (or so he thinks). The truth is that there are many MENJ types in or outside cyberspace. A religion that preaches peace as its underlying principle (and Islam is not unique in this) should never, never, ever use hate to preach its message. And there are many who have, at some point, perhaps been guilty of doing just this.
An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth is gonna leave the world sightless and with nothing but gums to show when we smile. Violence breeds violence, hate breeds more hate, and the vicious cycle of hurt will continue ad infinitum.
Jon - if your complaint to MENJ’s host results in him coming to his senses, then I thank God for your action. However, if he persists, then do the honorable thing and totally ignore him - that’s the best medicine, IMHO, for an obnoxious person such as him. Don’t pander to his beligerance, and don’t provide him more attention.
That said, I wish everyone PEACE…
May 23rd, 2006 at 7:37 pm
Yeah. But it could be made as like, well.. I can’t put it into words now. But I stopped reading him because he’s such a tosser. People might go and take a look but they’ll stop sooner or later.
May 23rd, 2006 at 8:15 pm
Minishorts - since you could use a little chill time, I’m tagging you!
Enjoy…
something to take your mind off things…
May 23rd, 2006 at 10:57 pm
Dear all,
Could we not request respectfully from PPS itself and other blog aggregators to push the guy to apologize? I mean since your good self,Minishorts and some have expressed concern that calling in the police will be deprimental to the health of freedom of expression in Malaysia(though personally i believe the stand is more like ‘freedom of speech, lack of freedom after speech’)
I sent a letter to a close trusted friend of mine working at APIIT, asking for his opinion(he is neutral and will definitely not simply send it to upper management) on whether this guy done anything to violate the terms of his student agreement or anything.Interestingly my friend pointed out most of the managers are Christians.
Anyway that being said and being of little relevance, I believe any action should be taken as a community thing, rather than pockets or a smattering of this and that and individual actions, rather as ONE voice so whatever action we be seen as an action of the Malaysian Net/Blogging community.Or something like that.
May 23rd, 2006 at 11:47 pm
Great to see the muhibah spirit among Malaysian bloggers!
May 24th, 2006 at 12:11 am
If I woke up and found minishorts sleeping next to me, I’d give her a big hug!
May 24th, 2006 at 6:17 am
Oh wow. Minishorts, your way actually worked :O! MENJ has bowed under public pressure and made an apology. However, he has also banned Malaysian IPs, so I’ll repost his apology for the benefit of you guys in Bolehland
He doesn’t seem remorsful though =/…
But it’s a start =)
Jon
May 24th, 2006 at 7:03 am
Rather interesting comment by Menj…pinning the blame on someone else. But if it is true that it WAS authored by someone else, then i guess it’s fair enough. It’s also rather interesting to note that he admits wholeheartedly his ban on Malaysian IPs.
Priyanka > I think that what you say about self-censorship has its merits. True, self-censorship infringes upon our right to freedom of speech, but perhaps what should be done in its place is a more….subtle way of expressing things. I believe that if you want to express your opinions, word it in such a way that it doesn’t offend people too much.
But i would probably agree if you brought up a thorny issue such as this recent debacle - one that would most certainly piss off someone. Now, in that case…i would likely opt for self-censorship.
May 24th, 2006 at 11:07 am
That BBC article contains shitload of lies? Typical of blissfully ignorant Malaysians who think we’re really living in a country of pure harmony. Those things are really happening and it will only get worse somehow. Sure, there are many lovely people out there who truly can transcend the racial and religious barrier but _a lot_ still can’t. What you read in the BBC article will never be reported in our goverment controlled media but they are happening none the less. Dig deeper.
May 24th, 2006 at 11:10 am
Jimbo Jims: there is no such thing as ‘pure harmony’. sure, feelings of dissent will exist ANYWHERE, but the fact is… if digging up skeletons in the closet will only serve to fuel anger and cause disharmony, why should we allow that to happen?
Yes, I KNOW WE KNOW that ‘under the sea’ lies more dangerous creatures, but is it REALLY that’s ideal for us to wake them up and wreck havoc? Come on, have some sense.
May 24th, 2006 at 11:48 am
Havoc is wreaked. Your face is wrecked.
Good luck to your employers at your writing job. Very astute choices they make.
May 24th, 2006 at 1:13 pm
wahhh
still going on eh this issue?
May 24th, 2006 at 5:12 pm
Have more sense? Haha. Why you little devil.
Why wake up when you know your boss has been shortchanging your wages or deserved profits? Keeping quiet when there’s injustice just to preserve ‘the peace’?
Ah.. I love Malaysians.
May 26th, 2006 at 6:09 am
Minishorts,
You have just made it on the list of the sexiest women I know. The way you approached this issue, with unflinching conviction, coupled with the persuasive, reasonable way you put forth your argument caused a lot of unintended admiration on my part. Truly, maturity has less to do with age than with enforcing discipline upon one’s mind and soul.
If you will allow it, I’d like to post a link to your page on my blog. There truly is nothing hotter than a woman with the intellectual equivalent of an iron fist nested within a velvet glove.
With much admiration,
El Nino.
May 26th, 2006 at 9:00 am
El Nino: you are terribly eloquent lah… aiyoh… cut it out! HAHHAHAHAHA