BY: SYAFIQAH JALANI

Malaysia is not immune to riots and demonstrations. Just like other countries, there are, from time to time, demonstrations and this is not a good sign as these protests create a lot of chaos and confusion and disruption to daily life.

If Malaysians of whatever stripe, and for whatever reason want to show or vent their frustration, anger and resentment openly in public, there needs to be a certain restraint and self-control by the protesters.

Peaceful assemblies should obviously be allowed, provided the organisers have all the documentation and police permit in order, and these protests should express the complaints and grouses of the protesters.

But demonstrations and protests that go haywire, are violent and bloody, should be prevented from happening by nipping in the bud the problem and police closure of the site where protesters plan to meet to express their displeasure.

Instead of taking to the streets, the organisers of these rallies must exhaust all channels and avenues open to them under the cover of free speech to argue and debate their agenda or proposal.

Going to the streets must be a last resort option and it must be pertinent that the government of the day must be fully responsible in throwing the book at those who create trouble and mischief unnecessarily and without thought or consideration for others.

-THE MALAYSIA VOICE

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