YOURSAY | ‘It is not a licence to hooliganism.’Whip of dissent: Waytha condemns arrest over PM effigy floggingWhy nab protester if govt respects freedom of assembly, NGO asksEmEmKay: Malaysian Advancement Party (MAP) president P Waythamoorthy, I do not agree with you.The situation at the Turun Anwar rally took a disturbing turn when some individuals were seen flogging an effigy of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.In addition, previously, there were incidents where certain protestors stepped on or burned the flags of other countries - acts that sparked outrage both locally and internationally. These kinds of actions are deeply troubling and do not reflect the values of a mature democracy.In any functioning democratic society, public protest and dissent are legitimate forms of expression.However, resorting to violent symbolism, personal attacks, or showing disrespect to other nations crosses a line.Such behaviour not only undermines the protesters’ credibility but also embarrasses the wider movement and harms Malaysia’s reputation on the world stage. Ultimately, protests should be rooted in principle, not hate or provocation.Mature democracies thrive on debate, respect, and responsible activism, not on displays that incite anger or degrade others.Chiakberliao88: Amnesty International Malaysia’s freedom of expression campaigner Kiran Kaur said it was a peaceful assembly.In that case, Bersatu leader Badrul Hisham Shaharin, popularly known as Chegubard, should adhere to its motto, “Peaceful”, and they should be allowed to express their views freely.Why did he resort to canning an effigy of a leader he disliked, in this case, Anwar?Though it was only an effigy, it was like a provocation which could spark reciprocal actions.I am not a fan of Anwar, but the way Chegubard did it was wrong, in my opinion.As I have said before, the best and ultimate way to determine a government is by the ballot box.If Badrul dislikes Anwar so much, then stand against him in whichever constituency he may stand and let the voters be the judge.BlueCougar1744: Freedom to assemble, freedom of expression as enshrined in our Federal Constitution cannot and must not be misconstrued to the extent of slandering, whipping of a mocked effigy of leaders.These cannot be tolerated.If these are allowed, and if the protestors do not like certain leaders, they can do what they deem is right, then it must be condemned and brought to justice.We cannot allow such a culture in our society, as this is not our culture.I may not like what the government has failed at, and that does not allow me to slander or make effigies out of them to whip them out of my displeasure.We cannot behave like hooligans. Just a Malaysian: I am no longer a fan of the Madani government, but I feel Anwar gave more freedom to air opposing views when compared to previous prime ministers.But many, like Badrul, twist facts and figures to create hatred and fear of the masses towards the government.This is no longer freedom of speech; it borders on sedition, and if this had happened during Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s rule, Chegubard would have been arrested under the Internal Security Act and sent to Kamunting.Such toxicity must not be allowed to continue.Coward: We need to see the charges before deciding whether the arrest is justified. Freedom of assembly does not mean you can run amok during that assembly and still expect no consequences.One important distinction this time is that the organisers are not questioned by the police.For me, this is significant. So far, those arrested are simply participants in the rally.If they are arrested for canning Anwar, I do not believe their arrest is justified.Nonetheless, I still have to distinguish their arrest from the arrests made at previous rallies.GP2025: This is not a fight between neighbours to make personal comparisons.Besides, PKR did worse things during Mahathir’s time.When a public figure misuses his position and upsets large segments of society who protest and express their frustrations, yes, it offends sensibilities, but it’s legitimate freedom of expression, as no crime was committed.BlueCougar1744: I disagree with Waythamoorthy 100 percent.We do not need to mirror cultures of hate from other countries.He can move to these countries if he thinks such cultures and practices are welcome there, but in Malaysia, this is not our culture.MAT M DIN: Badrul should protest based on intellect and morals. To whip an effigy of a known person is humiliating and an insult.The protest should be directed at the known immoral behaviour of the person, not to insult him personally.Do you like to be personally insulted? If you do not like it, then do not do it to others.Drngsc: Kiran, freedom of assembly must come with responsibilities. You cannot claim freedom of assembly and then start breaking the law.If you break the law of the land, you must be held responsible and answer for your actions.I cannot assemble outside your house and then start throwing stones and breaking your window.Freedom comes with responsibilities. It is not a licence to hooliganism.Comments frequently deleted: Those currently in power don’t realise that if they lose the next election, they will be at the receiving end of the very same laws that they are reluctant to abolish (and use to the hilt) now?The above is a selection of comments posted by Malaysiakini subscribers. Only paying subscribers can post comments. 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