A reply to Jacky Teoh — Ivanpal Singh Grewal

JUNE 1 — Dear Jacky, I normally do not take the time to reply to the smut that is normally written online by keyboard warriors who feel that typing in a status on Facebook or tweeting or even writing a hit-job article they have somehow made the world a better place.

I respect those who do the real work, get involved, organise their local communities and register their protest (lawfully). Even though I may disagree from time to time with such activists, I respect them.

Your article on Dato’ Mah Siew Keong and Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon was an unfortunate piece peppered with half-truths, speculation and innuendo. Suffice to say, it is flat-out wrong.

In the coming days, Dato’ Mah will release his report card on what he has done in Teluk Intan. I do not need to say more on that but promises made are promises kept, that is the Gerakan way. As a former supporter I am sure you remembered that at least.

Now back to the other issues you raised, Gerakan did not do a volte-face on the Sedition Act but constructively contributed to the amendment process. Allow me to quote parts of an article I wrote on the amendments to the Sedition Act.

“On the amendments to the Sedition Act, again after a 12-hour debate parliament passed the amendment bill. Two important aspects of the amendments have been completely absent from the debate. Namely, criticism against the government of the day and the administration of justice can no longer lead to charges of sedition.

In the political drama perpetrated by the Pakatan Rakyat parties that included political theatrics of the most reprehensible nature, a legitimate and honest debate on the amendments to the Sedition Act was made very difficult.

In view of the rising racial and religious tension, it is important for the authorities to have the necessary tools to preserve societal stability and harmony.

The inclusion of an express provision to criminalise the incitement of racial and religious hatred which is evidenced in the amendment of Section 3(2) of the Sedition Act 1948 now puts the onus on the authorities to arrest and charge any individual, regardless our their racial, religious and political background, and ensure that stability and harmony is preserved.

Furthermore, it will no longer to be seditious to criticise the government of the day or the administration of justice in this country. Hence this shows that the government is open to criticism and is not using the Sedition Act to muzzle its critics.

I have always said that freedom of speech does not include the right to hurt or insult anybody.

Freedom of speech must protect the individual who speaks but also the individuals who are harmed by the exercise of the right to speak freely. This balance will ensure harmony and unity is protected.”

Hence, Gerakan evolved in its position in the national interest, something that I am tremendously proud of.

And in his two years as Gerakan’s National President, Dato’ Mah has taken many principled positions on issues of concern. Kindly take the time to read Dato’ Mah’s speeches at Gerakan’s last National Delegates’ Conference. (http://www.gerakan.org.my/ndc/president-speech)

Dato’ Mah and Gerakan have spoken out on integrity, social justice, fairness, poverty, education, moderation and other issues of concern. We will continue to speak up for the benefit of the rakyat. We do not believe in political grandstanding but we do our work and in Gerakan we are raised to not seek cheap publicity.

Gerakan (under Dato’ Mah) has also led on the issue of implementation of Islamic criminal laws in Kelantan. We have taken the Kelantan State Government to court while DAP stays silent like the lambs. Even though you are a former supporter, I am sure you will be proud of what we have done in this respect.

I also had the pleasure to serve Gerakan’s former President, Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon. Despite the caricatures created by his political opponents, I am proud to say that I have learnt a lot from him.

Dr Koh sought the virtues of probity in public life, honesty and patience. He displayed a steely resolve when faced with difficult problems during his time and did so with a smile and gentility. I continue to encourage him to publish his memoirs to set the record straight and I do hope he will do so.

And this constant generalisation of kow-towing to Umno is indeed deceptive and grossly unfair. BN is a coalition of 13 parties. Gerakan joined BN in 1974; BN belongs as much to us as any of our 12 coalition partners. Even Pakatan Rakyat has tried to emulate this model and imitation is the greatest form of flattery. But the marked difference between the two coalitions is that in BN, all 13 component-party chiefs actually do speak to each other.

Bismarck said “politics is the art of the possible, the attainable — the art of the next best” and in that spirit and the spirit of compromise BN has done its best to build a sustainable Malaysia.

So I do hope you will be fair in your assessment of our work. It is fine to disagree, but I also believe one must do so with grace and decorum, not ridicule others simply because one disagrees.

Thank you.

* Ivanpal Singh Grewal is the political secretary to Dato’ Mah Siew Keong.

** This is the personal opinion of the writer and does not necessarily represent the view of the Malay Mail Online.