If Pas Can T Handle A Cartoon How Can It Be In Govt Dap Rep Asks

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Perak opposition leader Razman Zakaria’s “excessive” reaction to a cartoon of himself as a clown hints at the “thin-skinned and easily offended” nature of Perikatan Nasional politicians.
According to DAP Youth chief Woo Kah Leong, who is being investigated by police over the allegedly offensive caricature of Razman, the PAS man’s actions have cast doubt over whether the party deserves to be part of the government.
“(Razman’s) excessive reaction shows that he fears freedom of expression, dreads criticism, and is seeking to misuse agencies to silence dissent to create a ‘white terror’ phenomenon.
“Our country practices a democratic system. Can PAS not accept a single satirical image? Just imagine if they were given the chance to govern again - how would they treat dissenting voices?” Woo questioned in a statement today.
Stressing that satire is a form of public oversight and not a personal attack, Woo, who is also the Perak domestic trade executive councillor, said there would be “unimaginable consequences” if politicians who file police reports at will were to hold power in the future.
“As the state opposition leader who frequently spreads defamatory statements, (Razman) should accept public oversight, criticism and resistance from the public.
“If he cannot accept criticism in various forms, then it would be better for him to retire and no longer be involved in public affairs,” Woo asserted.
Wasting police resources
Claiming that politicians who demand all images and writing to suit their tastes are “not fit” to live in a democratic era, but rather belong in a dictatorship, Woo also accused Razman of wasting police resources.
“I want to stress that this is an unhealthy political culture… A satirical image does not harm one’s reputation and is certainly not a criminal offence.
“Political satire is not equivalent to shaming a person or touching on private matters, but is a way of responding to actions, statements, and stances from public figures, especially politicians,” he added.
ADSEarlier today, it was reported that Woo was questioned by two investigating officers from the Gerik district police headquarters over the caricature, with his lawyer Syahredzan Johan noting that Woo’s handphone and SIM card were seized to assist with the investigation.
Free Malaysia Today quoted Syahredzan as saying that the police report was likely filed by one of Razman’s aides in Gerik.
In April, Woo suggested that Razman go off-grid and “stay in a cave” to avoid social media.
This was after Razman reacted negatively to a caricature the Pasir Bedamar assemblyperson posted depicting the former as a clown.
Pahang DAP chief Lee Chin Chen, who is also the Bilut assemblyperson, has since urged police to drop their probe into Woo.
He warned that freedom of speech and the democratic system will be under threat if politicians like Razman are free to spread slander and hatred without any accountability, whilst those who deliver criticism are subjected to investigations. - Mkini

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