AS a foreigner who has been living in Malaysia for the past few years, I am often disappointed and aghast at the way democracy is sometimes stifled by the powers that be.
A true democracy, among other things, is designed to protect minority groups and uphold their rights.
Strangely, here in Malaysia, democracy is only invoked to strengthen the status of dominant groups and to champion their cause.
A true democracy, among other things, is designed to protect minority groups and uphold their rights.
Strangely, here in Malaysia, democracy is only invoked to strengthen the status of dominant groups and to champion their cause.
If there is to be any semblance of a democracy, aggressive and immediate measures must be taken, including legislation if necessary, to safeguard the welfare of minority groups.
These must include defending the rights and civil liberties of minority ethnic and religious groups, as well as indigenous and marginalised communities even if such actions are unpopular with large segments of the community.
Sadly, current events and political rhetoric only make a mockery of the 1Malaysia concept.
Democracy has been paraded as a toothless tiger instead of an empowering force that protects minorities and champions justice for all.
May the government live up to the overwhelming yearning expressed by many Malaysians this Merdeka Day to rise above petty partisan politics and lead by example.
B. B. King
Petaling Jaya
These must include defending the rights and civil liberties of minority ethnic and religious groups, as well as indigenous and marginalised communities even if such actions are unpopular with large segments of the community.
Sadly, current events and political rhetoric only make a mockery of the 1Malaysia concept.
Democracy has been paraded as a toothless tiger instead of an empowering force that protects minorities and champions justice for all.
May the government live up to the overwhelming yearning expressed by many Malaysians this Merdeka Day to rise above petty partisan politics and lead by example.
B. B. King
Petaling Jaya
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