Gopeng MP Tan Kar Hing has issued a stark reminder to the Madani government: do not become the very “oppressive regime” you once fought. His critique follows police probes into Associate Professor Syaza Shukri and C4 CEO Pushpan Murugiah regarding alleged plots to topple the government.
Tan argues that questioning academics and activists for their professional opinions creates a “culture of fear.” He highlights a dangerous perception of double standards, where intellectual discourse is swiftly investigated while genuine 3R (Race, Religion, Royalty) incitement on social media often sees slower action.
Gopeng MP Warns
• The Rhetoric of “Toppling”: Tan clarifies that “overthrowing” a government is often democratic political rhetoric for “changing” a government—a strategy Pakatan Harapan themselves used while in opposition.
• Democratic Mandate: He asserts that without the courage of academics and NGOs, the current administration would not exist.
• Restoring Trust: The MP calls for a distinction between legitimate dissent and actual hate speech to prevent the erosion of public trust.
Ultimately, Tan’s message is a plea for the government to return to its reformist roots, ensuring that national security concerns do not stifle the “truth-telling” essential to a healthy democracy.
