YOURSAY | ‘The coalition should not let opposition’s fearmongering dictate its priorities.’

Is the gov't serious about revoking the Sedition Act?

Jasmine: I would certainly agree with Malaysiakini contributor Nathaniel Tan’s views if I were to live in my version of Malaysia. A Malaysia that could be, but isn’t now.

His views and analysis of Pakatan Harapan’s pussyfooting are probably very correct. However, as is obvious, until the Sedition Act 1948 is abolished, and in the absence, presumably, of any policy directive to the police, the police are compelled to react to reports against “seditious speeches”.

Let’s give the benefit of the doubt to the men in blue. Their enthusiasm here may even be perceived as a form of “preventive harassment”, thus putting fear into the hearts and minds of others who might adopt a similar stand against the 3Rs (race, religion, and royalty), especially the royalty.

Harapan and its leaders, on the other hand, while winning the general election, did not expect the Malay populace’s support to be so relatively low.

And this is the trump card that the defeated and seriously wounded Umno - and PAS to some extent - are playing daily, through their leaders and rabble-rousers by raising the ostensible threat against race, religion and royalty.

Harapan has no option but to take heed of the effects of such fearmongering. Political expediency dictates this concern, thus putting aside moral courage and political will.

Being caught up in the early self-inflicted 100-day trap, and maybe some internal divisive forces, Harapan seems incapacitated and unable to act decisively and quickly.

What then is required is a massive and well-planned counteroffensive, aimed especially at the rural Malay-majority population, to allay and put to rest forever these self-defeating and politically engendered fears.

This will take time, but must be done nevertheless for the long-term betterment of our country, a nation like mine and that of Nathaniel Tan.

Anonymous 2413471460628504: The Sedition Act is for the weak and insecure. The truly mighty who are strong in their convictions and beliefs do not fear criticisms.

The writer's example of the British royal family is a good one. All kinds of "kurang ajar" behaviour have been heaped upon them throughout the years, yet they appear as royal as royal can be.

I like to think that the royalty in Malaysia is capable of a similar dignity.

Puzzling: I am aware that the Sedition Act has been used by successive BN governments to punish anyone whom the government has deemed to have said something "seditious", a term which is defined very broadly.

I am dead set against the misusing of the act for political purposes. However, in the Sungai Kandis by-election on Aug 4, I notice that a number of politicians made racist speeches infused with religious extremism which had the sole intention of dividing the people along racial and religious lines.

Can someone tell me whether there is any law other than the Sedition Act which can be used against such people?

As for criticising certain very important people, my view is that because we are not God but mere human beings, we can be criticised for our wrongdoings as long as the criticism is constructive in nature.

Fairplayer: The Harapan government did not get their priorities right. They should have repealed all draconian and destructive laws in their first 10 days, right after the first batch of cabinet ministers were appointed.

Now, about 100 days later, and with all the cabinet ministers in place, the unjust Sedition Act is still being used to harass Malaysians.

Harapan, buck up and have all unjust and inhuman laws repealed immediately. If not, you are just like the old, unjust regime.

Dr M wants Harapan MPs to be disciplined, warns gov't can collapse

David Dass: Those in Harapan must realise how precarious their hold on government is. The continuous bickering is getting tedious and worrying. It is as if some have no clue as to the enormity of the change that has taken place.

For the Indians and Chinese in government, the change is quite significant. MCA and MIC had no real power. The Indians and Chinese in government now have real power.

It is also clear to us that the leaders in government today are inclusive in their approach to government and regard it as their duty to look after all Malaysians. This is the significance of Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad's point about equality among the coalition members.

The transition from opposition to government is a big one. Old habits die hard. The learning curve is steep. Inexperienced cabinet members should be mentored. Experts in strategic communication should be retained. Mistakes will be exploited by the opposition.

The big issue is whether the new government will look after Malays. Malays, accustomed to dominance, will have to adjust to a real multiracial government. The new government will need time to demonstrate their effectiveness.

PKR leaders Rafizi Ramli and Azmin Ali should work out their differences. As should PKR president-designate Anwar Ibrahim and Mahathir.

Mahathir is not an interim prime minister. He holds the position in his own right.

He has his own style to government and is impatient to complete the Harapan reform agenda. But that will take time. Internal skirmishing will distract and delay the reforms.

Anonymous 2436471476414726: What Mahathir said is very true. The Harapan coalition is very fragile unlike BN previously, in which Umno was dominant and able to maintain discipline in the coalition due to its strength.

In the Harapan coalition, on the other hand, there is no dominant party and therefore it doesn’t take much to rock the boat, just like the allegations by Abdullah Sani.

If the members are not disciplined, the boat will sink and all in it may perish in the sea. All must be prepared to sacrifice for the good of the coalition and the country.

Anonymousytmq123: Yes, there should be discipline among Harapan MPs, because we certainly do not want to see a collapse of the current government.

But that does not mean that the backbencher MPs cannot ask questions which they ought to ask the ministers during the parliamentary session.

For example, Works Minister Baru Bian said that the cost of abolishing tolls would be more than RM400 billion, which was allegedly grossly overstated. None of the Harapan MPs questioned Baru Bian on this.

Anonymous_4171: I agree with Mahathir on this. But I hope Harapan MPs will voice their opinion when Mahathir tries to force his opinion onto them.

Mahathir needs to be checked, so decisions should be made collectively and not merely based on one man's ideas.

Lots of people are still sceptical of Mahathir, such as how he is sitting as Khazanah Nasional Berhad's chairperson.

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