Do your part for peace and harmony
Sritharan PalanisamyPublished: Jun 18, 2009 5:18 PM | Updated: Jun 18, 2009 5:18 PM
If we refer to the news around the globe we could deduce that virtually every day, there are reports of street protests, arson, bombing of vehicles and buildings, slaying of innocent people and the list goes on. We Malaysians might not have experienced similar catastrophes (except for minor disturbances here and there) thus far.
Many Malaysians would not realise how devastating the above examples are and how precious peace and harmony are. Only those who have experienced such turmoil would know how painful and depressing they are. We should thank our leaders, of both ruling and opposition factions, for being considerate and mindful of this.
However, many Malaysians take peace and harmony for granted without realising that they need to apply restraint and follow the laws of the nation in order to preserve it. Of course, until recently, nearly all Malaysians did their role perfectly.
However, due to the developments in information technology, our peace and harmony are under threat. Blogs, e-mails, chat rooms and the ‘image transfers' are now easily accessible to many Malaysians. Of course, these facilities are meant to be for positive purposes.
Nevertheless, there are some Malaysians who abuse such facilities and this has resulted in slander, filth, rumors and an intrusion into the privacy of others. This abuse cannot be eradicated completely though it could be curbed using proper control measures and extensive surveillance.
Many of us (including me) would want to exercise our right to complete freedom of speech and expression. Yes, of course it is our right, no doubt. However, just imagine the menace that could be posed by certain irresponsible individuals.
Of course, others can argue that they are responsible citizens and know their limits. Please note that it takes only one irresponsible Malaysian to destabilise our national peace and harmony (especially in a multi-ethnic nation like Malaysia).
If 100 percent of all Malaysian vouch that they would not abuse their freedom then total freedom should be awarded.
Street demonstrations should only be allowed if they are conducted in a peaceful and calm manner. They should not affect the traffic flow and create unnecessary traffic jams which affect motorists emotionally and also cause them to be late to reach their destinations.
The leaders of such demonstrations should be held totally responsible irrespective of their political or social affiliations. The enforcement authorities, too, are accused of being biased whenever such gatherings involve political parties. Maybe the authorities concerned should be more transparent and be seen as non-partisan.
The clashes between contesting parties in the elections is on the rise in terms of magnitude and frequency. If unchecked, this might pose a threat to the safety of the voters.
In order to have Malaysia remain peaceful and harmonious, each and every citizen must contribute a little bit and ensure that whatever right that is given is exercised in a responsible manner.
Many Malaysians would not realise how devastating the above examples are and how precious peace and harmony are. Only those who have experienced such turmoil would know how painful and depressing they are. We should thank our leaders, of both ruling and opposition factions, for being considerate and mindful of this.
However, many Malaysians take peace and harmony for granted without realising that they need to apply restraint and follow the laws of the nation in order to preserve it. Of course, until recently, nearly all Malaysians did their role perfectly.
However, due to the developments in information technology, our peace and harmony are under threat. Blogs, e-mails, chat rooms and the ‘image transfers' are now easily accessible to many Malaysians. Of course, these facilities are meant to be for positive purposes.
Nevertheless, there are some Malaysians who abuse such facilities and this has resulted in slander, filth, rumors and an intrusion into the privacy of others. This abuse cannot be eradicated completely though it could be curbed using proper control measures and extensive surveillance.
Many of us (including me) would want to exercise our right to complete freedom of speech and expression. Yes, of course it is our right, no doubt. However, just imagine the menace that could be posed by certain irresponsible individuals.
Of course, others can argue that they are responsible citizens and know their limits. Please note that it takes only one irresponsible Malaysian to destabilise our national peace and harmony (especially in a multi-ethnic nation like Malaysia).
If 100 percent of all Malaysian vouch that they would not abuse their freedom then total freedom should be awarded.
Street demonstrations should only be allowed if they are conducted in a peaceful and calm manner. They should not affect the traffic flow and create unnecessary traffic jams which affect motorists emotionally and also cause them to be late to reach their destinations.
The leaders of such demonstrations should be held totally responsible irrespective of their political or social affiliations. The enforcement authorities, too, are accused of being biased whenever such gatherings involve political parties. Maybe the authorities concerned should be more transparent and be seen as non-partisan.
The clashes between contesting parties in the elections is on the rise in terms of magnitude and frequency. If unchecked, this might pose a threat to the safety of the voters.
In order to have Malaysia remain peaceful and harmonious, each and every citizen must contribute a little bit and ensure that whatever right that is given is exercised in a responsible manner.
View Comments0