Is Malaysia Risking A Charlie Kirk Incident Of Its Own When Certain Rabble Rousers Are Not Muzzled

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THE world is seemingly transfixed by the assassination of popular and controversial American political influencer Charlie Kirk who was slain by a single gunshot during a speaking engagement at University of Utah on Sep 10.
The 31-year-old was a divisive figure for his outspoken views on race, immigration and gun rights. He was also pro-Zionist.
Rightly or wrongly, there has been a lot of noise surrounding the killing of the evangelical Christian activist with many “celebrating” his demise due to his controversial views.

Now, let us draw comparisons with a similar local fiery character whose brimstone rhetoric is designed to inflame racial sentiments. He is always rallying the public – or at least a certain segment of it – to rise against perceived traitors in the name of unpatriotic citizenry.
This is done by espousing that foreign values are anathema and go against local cultural norms, hence a threat to conservative religious values that are cherished by his demographic.
Sound familiar? I think we all can guess who this local character with large following is.
Now, this letter is no way advocating any form of violence towards anyone regardless of their views or political affiliation/stance.
Access to firearms
But this local youth leader sees fit to constantly stir the hornet’s nest of 3R (race, religion and royalty) sensitivities.
At least, the late American orator engaged his opponents in open debates which was precisely what he was doing when he met his demise. The local loudmouth does no such thing but instead relies on rallying angry mobs to tunjuk perasan (display their anger).
Charlie KirkWith social media, these inflammatory remarks go viral, further stoking emotions. People on both sides of the fence are angry.
The latest development in the US is that a lone gunman – Tyler Robinson – has confessed to the cops for Kirk’s murder. His exact motives remain unclear.
While in Malaysia, there is obviously no gun culture that is similar to the US. But that does not mean, a person can’t get hold of a firearm illegally and a disgruntled lone wolf could be motivated to create his or her own moment of infamy.
Former Japan premiere Shinzo Abe was gunned down on the campaign trail in 2022. The Land of the Rising Sun is also not known for having a violent gun culture but that didn’t seem to deter the assassin.

Act before too late
The point this letter is stressing that we should NOT wait for an unspeakable crime to happen before reining in personalities hell bent on stirring volatile situations.
By then it would be too late as the landscape will be forever altered.

Unlike the US where the first amendment right to free speech is vociferously exercised, debated and defended, it is very different here in Malaysia. There is a tonne of restriction on what you can or cannot say.
So why are we allowing some personalities to keep pushing buttons that are quite obviously making people upset and angry.
What is to stop a lone Malaysian from deciding that enough is enough and to take matters into his or her own hands?
Far-fetched? Impossible? Alien concept even? Better not to throw caution to the wind. 
Peaceful Malaysian
Kuala Lumpur
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of  MMKtT.
- Focus Malaysia.

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