BY: CHRISTOPHER FERNANDEZ

The idea of gagging discussions, debates and comments on race, religion and royalty by the Malaysian government is considered necessary for peace and stability to prevail in the country but more Malaysians are now appealing to have their say.

There is now feedback and information from Malaysians that it is inevitable that there will crop up from time to time people using race, religion and royalty to suit their agendas and therefore they surmise that the gag order does not really work.

Instead, what should be done is for discussions and debates to be conducted by observing decorum and for a commenting order to be issued for those who want to express their views on race, religion and royalty.

This is a much better method of ensuring that discussions and debates can be conducted in a civil and orderly manner without hurting or offending anyone in the country and is in full observance of the rules and regulations on the 3 R’s.

But to stifle and silence any discussion or debate goes against the spirit of freedom of expression as Malaysia is a parliamentary democracy since Merdeka or Independence from the British colonialists.

It is important that individual Malaysians do not lash out or use the race and religion cards or offend our beloved Majesty the King and his brother Malay rulers but anyone should be able to voice their views by playing by the rules of the game.

-THE MALAYSIA VOICE

** The views expressed on this opinion is of the writer and not the publisher