Wielding the Sedition Act even on those who opposed the government's move to use English in the teaching of Mathematics and Science in all schools from next year is truly in line with the way the ruling party works. If all else fails, use force.

I must however point out to de facto Law Minister Dr Rais Yatim that there are two responsibilities to democracy. The first is allowing the majority to rule; the second, protecting the minority so that their voices can be heard and their rights protected.

Unfortunately the learned law minister who finds himself on the camp of the majority so places upon himself the self-righteous task of whipping the minority into submission.

It is sad that the learned law minister has chosen to threaten the Malaysian people in this way. If this is exercising democracy in Malaysia, then I dread to know what the country will be when it declares itself an authoritarian. As it is, Malaysians already do not discuss or talk about certain issues in public out of fear.

In the latest development, by using the Sedition Act, the rakyat cannot even discuss education ̶ yet another topic to keep in our bellies — for fear of repercussions. Using fear and force may have been a good method 20 years ago but in today's highly informative society, that will only bring about greater disgust and discontent.