LETTER | Sedition in a facade

LETTER | When politicians deny something, it is usually true and credible, especially when it comes to outrageous statements they were caught saying.

Lately, there have been heightened incendiary speeches and statements made on various social media platforms. Many of these speeches and statements are not on the fringe but outright seditious, intolerable, and hateful. Non-Malays and non-Muslims are usually at the receiving end of this attack. 

For the sake of gaining power, these politicians have no qualms about using this strategy again and again.

When their hate speech and statements were highlighted for criticisms or legal actions, they would generally claim three defences.

First, they would claim that they were misquoted or the things said were taken out of context. Second, the statements were put up by their aides or administrators. Third, they would “apologise”. Very rarely they would take responsibility for the speeches or statements made.

I think I know the strategy being used here.

These politicians are fully aware of what they are doing. Their intention is to create fear, hate, and insecurity among the various races in the country. 

It does not matter if they have to deny or apologise later for their speeches or statements. The objective is to cause damage and unease among the people first.

What is the point of apologising when hateful acts are repeatedly committed? In Malaysia, an apology has become a performance. There is no guilt, no remorse, and no sincerity. It is just a technicality to get one off the hook.

What is the point of saying it was the aides or the administrators who did the hateful postings? Again, the objective was to cause dissension among the people first.

I believe this is a cowardly act. They were not brave enough to do it directly, so they colluded with their aides or administrators.

What then should the authorities do if the strategy causing discord and discontentment is being used with increased frequency, especially with the impending state elections.

So far, I think the authorities have been slow to investigate and charge those responsible. I do not know why.

Maybe the authorities see nothing wrong with their antics so far. Maybe they are apprehensive of charging these politicians fearing that someday they may become their bosses.

So far, it appears to me that ordinary citizens who made seditious remarks are investigated and charged in double time. But not our politicians.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.