Aliran Media Statement

People's Right to Comment and Criticise

It is unfortunate and regrettable that the deputy minister in the Prime Minister's Department, Ibrahim Ali, in reacting to the Bar Council's statement, has not shown any understanding of the rudiments of a democracy. His response to the Council's well-thought out and rational argument is pathetic, to say the least.

By no stretch of the imagination can his reasoning be sustained that commenting on the workings and policies of the government is tantamount to interference in the government's affairs. It is a right guaranteed to the citizenry of any country that claims to be a parliamentary democracy.

A functioning democracy demands the active participation of the people. Any attempt to curb this right only exposes the dictatorial tendencies of the government.

It is absurd for Ibrahim Ali to state, "I am unhappy with the Bar Council's press statement on i Mohtar Abdullah's stand..." He has a right to be unhappy and express his views. But he has no right to expect the Bar Council or, for that matter, any other self-respecting NGO to come out with statements to make him happy. It is very elementary and doesn't need any emphasis.

However, he cannot contend that others have no business in telling the government how to run the country. Likewise, he cannot interpret the right of citizens to comment and dissent as meddling in politics and the country's policy matters.

Ibrahim Ali needs to be reminded that he is occupying the position because of the people. It is the people who elect the government and give it a lease of life to serve the people. All the projects implemented by the government and the salaries and perks enjoyed by the top officials whether elected or, as in Ibrahim Ali's case, appointed, are paid for by public funds.

As such, the people have a right to expect an exemplary code of conduct and acceptable level of performance from them. When this is not up to expectation, then the people have a right to criticise them and question them. That right also includes the right to tell them how to run the government in the interest of the people.

It is incumbent on the government to explain and clarify, to change and modify policies and not to respond arrogantly. The servant of the people must not at any time pretend to be the masters. If this simple and basic foundation of democracy is not understood, perhaps it is time for these public officials to step aside, and let others rule.

P Ramakrishnan
President
19 May 1999