It has finally happened. Certain Malaysian bloggers are now being sued for defamation and libel.
My two cents, and I'm treading carefully here.
I've always maintained that the Internet's a tool of communication, which we have to be careful of. It's the public. As long as your words are available on the Internet, it's there for everyone to see and read.
I'm not advocating Jeff Ooi, Rocky Bru, etc's blogs, NOR do I want these people to be sued. Not even the slightest. I do enjoy reading Jeff Ooi's blog, albeit its sometimes controversial content. It's just that, sometimes, we have to take a step back, and look at the situation clearly. Would my entry affect another's well-being? What about their families and so on? More importantly, what about MY family? MY friends? Would my writing have any adverse effects on them? Call me a coward if you will, but my blog's not even worth a cent compared to my loved ones.
It's very common to read the words "it's MY blog, I can write whatever I want, if you don't like it, you can get lost, etc". These words are very easy to say (and write), but whatever outcome which arises from our words, we have to bear the consequences. And many a time, it's not a pretty sight.
We have to remember that there is no such thing as liberal free speech in Malaysia. We can argue till the cows come home, but let's face the facts, it's not likely to happen anytime soon, and not even the near future. We are NOT the US. We are not covered by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution. China is already filtering all blogs, Iran is currently doing the same. It won't be long before blogging is banned for good. What would we do when it comes to that?
Standing up for what you believe in is, no doubt, good. I certainly would not want to compromise my integrity and principles for something which I believe is clearly wrong. But do be careful that it does not also compromise your loved ones. I agree with AhPek. It's not worth it.
As Rocky Bru said, these are unchartered waters. Please tread carefully. There is a time and place for everything.
My two cents, and I'm treading carefully here.
I've always maintained that the Internet's a tool of communication, which we have to be careful of. It's the public. As long as your words are available on the Internet, it's there for everyone to see and read.
I'm not advocating Jeff Ooi, Rocky Bru, etc's blogs, NOR do I want these people to be sued. Not even the slightest. I do enjoy reading Jeff Ooi's blog, albeit its sometimes controversial content. It's just that, sometimes, we have to take a step back, and look at the situation clearly. Would my entry affect another's well-being? What about their families and so on? More importantly, what about MY family? MY friends? Would my writing have any adverse effects on them? Call me a coward if you will, but my blog's not even worth a cent compared to my loved ones.
It's very common to read the words "it's MY blog, I can write whatever I want, if you don't like it, you can get lost, etc". These words are very easy to say (and write), but whatever outcome which arises from our words, we have to bear the consequences. And many a time, it's not a pretty sight.
We have to remember that there is no such thing as liberal free speech in Malaysia. We can argue till the cows come home, but let's face the facts, it's not likely to happen anytime soon, and not even the near future. We are NOT the US. We are not covered by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution. China is already filtering all blogs, Iran is currently doing the same. It won't be long before blogging is banned for good. What would we do when it comes to that?
Standing up for what you believe in is, no doubt, good. I certainly would not want to compromise my integrity and principles for something which I believe is clearly wrong. But do be careful that it does not also compromise your loved ones. I agree with AhPek. It's not worth it.
As Rocky Bru said, these are unchartered waters. Please tread carefully. There is a time and place for everything.
9 comments:
Yes, I agree one should do what is comfortable for the individual. Not everyone share the same stand and is willing to 'sacrifice' in the name of their convictions.
Cheers
The era of self censorship has begun. It's all part of new education blueprint to build an advanced society.
There is always a thin fine line between what we believe and what can cause an uproar or so they say and the consequences is a swat team knocking on your door while you are still in your pajamas.
It's not worth anything to hurt anyone. Just turn the table around if your post hurts someone in a way, what if someone puts a similar post that hurts you the same way
Stupid right
Helen: My sentiments exactly. As much as I respect everyone's differences, there's a line a draw.
Anonymous: I think one of the most difficult thing to do is self-censorship. When do you draw the line between was you think is right, without compromising your principles? It's a thinker, all right.
Zeroimpact: I agree wholeheartedly. "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you".
u better stick to shopping honey. :)
Anonymous: I sincerely hope you do not think me as shallow just because I write a lot on shopping. Just because I do not write more personal entries, nor socio-political accounts, does not mean I know nothing of 'em ;)
But I thank you for dropping by ;)
hi Tine :)
my name's jack. i'm an indonesian. could you please mail me and tell the full story of why or how all of this were happened?
please send me mail here: gretong @ gmail.com
ps: would you barter link with me :)
thx
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