Freedom of Speech with Consequences

During one of my rare moments of pensive quietude I started to ponder on the meaning of ‘freedom of speech’ since this issue is being raised in greater intensity these days. And this question is all the more relevant for me since my appointment as executive deputy chairman of The Star.

Some Google-ing and reading revealed that the true definition of ‘freedom of speech’ is not just about speaking freely, but also about allowing other people to react to what is being said. It seems this second part of the definition is often overlooked.

In other words, there is real freedom of speech when the other party being talked about is permitted to give his or her defense without persecution. I don’t deny that there is limited freedom of speech still in Malaysia, but I don’t condone having it in its totality either … not now, anyway.

There is a reason why we’re still considered a developing country. According to our Prime Minister’s definition of ‘developed nation’, it means the Malaysian society has strong moral and ethical values, living in a society that is democratic, liberal and tolerant, among others.

Let’s be honest, putting aside the subject of politics and politicians. Are we all really that tolerant? If we are, then why is the Malaysian government trying so hard to inculcate unity? You have heard about 1Malaysia, but not really knowing what it really is, but are sure it has a lot to do with efforts to unite the various races.

A very easy place to spot disunity is our public universities and even our private institutions. Simply walk into one and you’ll see clusters of students among their own race. This phenomenon is not new. It has been happening for at least a decade.

That doesn’t mean I support draconian methods of shutting people up. Everybody wants to have their say without censorship, but I think there is a better time and place.

On the other hand, with the internet, you can’t really shut people up even if you want to. Poison pen letters abound in abundance. I’ve personally been lately on the receiving end, and had the most ridiculous things said about me, but that’s another story for another day.

I wonder whether advocates of freedom of speech considered the implications of having it in its truest form. There is also the question of whether our society is truly ready or mature enough to have it.

Of course, most people will say ‘Yes’ because it’s nicer on the ego to believe that. Some critics say that Malaysia is ready, but what evidence do they have to quantify this?

I think there is over-glorification of the ‘freedom’ in America. Upon closer study, you will realize that it isn’t all that great there either. Take for instance the case involving Miss California who lost the Miss USA 2009 title this year. The ex-Miss California Carrie Prejean could have won it if not for her honest answer on same-sex marriages. It is her constitutional right to speak her mind, but she suffers a heavy consequence. Moral of the day is: there is a price for everything.

In my opinion, we still need to work on tolerance and understanding between the races in Malaysia. If we really are that ready for such freedom, we wouldn’t be throwing animal parts at inappropriate places.

The Malaysian economy is just recovering from global recession. All we want as human beings is to enjoy a comfortable and peaceful life. At the moment, we can’t afford to rock the boat with racial instigations. However, we shouldn’t be made to live life walking on eggshells either.