In our thriving democracy, the powers that be must move away from the dogmatic “my way or the highway” way of thinking or doing things. Suppressing peaceful or respectful competing views is not only undemocratic but can also threatens our nation’s interests and progress. Proponents pushing for restricting or banning opposing viewpoints should well remember Socrates’ wise adage that “an unexamined belief is not worth believing”. Restricting stakeholders, including the ordinary people, from expressing their respectful opinions or views infringe upon the freedom of the press and individuals. Respectful exchanges of researched or factual opinions would help to keep Malaysia moving forward instead of being mired or stuck in an unquestioning inertia.

Source: The Star June 07, 2019 00:33 UTC