Read and think, not read and believe

Good intentions are not permits to simply do anything that goes against law and religion. As we live in harmony and solidarity in our country, tolerance and brotherhood is the root in maintaining our journey in living peacefully together. We practice democracy here in Malaysia and we strongly oblige to the federal constitution as the highest law among other laws too. Same goes to religion; we have one to hold on to as it is the guidance in bringing us to be a better person day by day.

In Islam, Al-Quran stated that:

“Dan berpegang teguhlah kamu semuanya kepada tali (agama) Allah dan jangan bercerai-berai, dan ingatlah nikmat Allah kepadamu ketika kamu dahulu (sebelum Islam) bermusuh-musuhan, lalu Dia menyatukan hati kamu. Maka menjadilah kamu kerana nikmat-Nya bersaudara, padahal dahulu kamu sudah berada di tepi jurang neraka, tetapi Dia menyelamatkan kamu daripadanya.” (Ali-Imran: 103)

Same as other countries, Malaysia faced a number of dark incidents throughout the 56 years of its independence. There are several cases of riots, animosities and protests that happened along the journey and one of the most famous cases was the 13^th May 1969 incident. However, the government, under the police and military control succeeded to appease the scenario and rein it back to normal.

However, a significant incident happened four years back contested the credibility of Polis Diraja Malaysia (PDRM) for causing the death of an Indian detainee. Furthermore, the verdict of the case found Inspector-General of Police (then the Selangor police chief) Khalid Abu Bakar, Khalid’s predecessor as national police chief Ismail Omar and three other defendants liable for misfeasance that lead to the demise of the detainee.

Forthwith, incertitude arises throughout the nation especially the Indians where they used this case and some other previous cases as the evidence to contest the accountability of the police force. Taking advantage on this incident, some irresponsible people created rumors and related it with racism issues, adding more fuel to the already controversial fire.

Undeniably, the case showed that professionalism was not properly practiced by the police, but as a forward-thinking and wise society, we have to think things thoroughly and not just simply believe any information that we could find from unreliable sources. Again, the internet was used a spark towards the rumors, further igniting the nation’s distrust and hatred towards the police force. 

2011 England riots or also known as 'Blackberry riots' happened after some citizens spread the rumors through messages and social media

The uncertainty thoughts from writers and readers have created many perceptions and hesitation and leads to bigger issues. The emancipation of speech given by the government to us does not meant that we can intentionally do anything we perceive as true. And again, each and every one of us including the police force and the society can molest the law for we are not above it.