While Gerakan advocates the right to free speech, including blogging, it certainly does not condone insulting the Royalty, Islam or any other religion for that matter. We have learned from painful experiences in the past that consequences of such talk could be dangerous and disastrous.

These matters could be discussed by responsible and knowledgeable persons behind closed doors, if there is a problem. Constructive criticism in the media is not such a bad thing.

However, there are ways of achieving this, with proper language and expression, not in a rude, derogatory or confrontational manner. One only has to read some of the mainstream British, American or Indian press to note how, in a subtle but effective manner, disagreements and ideas are put forth.

 

Dato Dr. S. Vijayaratnam,
Vice President,
Parti Gerakan Rakyat Malaysia.