Sense & sensitivity
Wednesday, 15-02-2006Last week, I wrote an article for my usual Sunday column in Sin Chew. Unfortunately my article was spiked because I touched on “sensitive ground” because I briefly mentioned the controversy surrounding the publication of the caricatures of the Prophet Mohammad in the Danish paper, Jyllands– Posten.
Before I wrote, I considered the sensitivity of the topic and then wrote it in a very careful manner. I put “sensitivity” as the topic of my article, but yet, the editor still killed the column.
In the article, I pointed out three incidents that happened during Chinese New Year and drew a conclusion that the people involved in them were “insensitive”.
The three incidents were:
1) the fallout over the publication of the caricature of Prophet Mohammad,
2) the head shaving of the mahjong players, and;
3) the reproduction of the caricature by Sarawak Tribune and the subsequent ban of that paper.
The reaction of the Muslim world is expected, it reflects the accumulated unhappiness and dissatisfaction of the Muslim community towards the West, due to the imbalance of wealth and discrimination faced by the Muslim community in certain parts of Europe.
I mentioned the content of the letter written by the International Secretary of Social Democratic Party of Denmark, Ms Anne, which is an opposition party in that country. She explained the system of freedom of press in her country, and she also mentioned that when the caricatures were published, 11 ambassadors from Islamic countries have signed a joint memorandum to be presented to the Prime Minister. Unfortunately, the Danish Prime Minister from the right wing Liberal Party did not meet them and did not address the issue at the early stage. She said that if the PM had met with those ambassadors, the present diplomatic crisis could have been averted.
I also described the incident as a clash of civilisation as well as the clash of value systems, because the Western media and community viewed it as freedom of speech and expression. The western world has not only mocked Prophet Mohammad—they have done similar to other religious icons, notably Jesus Christ. Two quick examples are the movie “The Last Temptation of Jesus” and the novel “Da Vincci Code” which also attracted much protest worldwide.
In my article, I did not criticise the ban of Sarawak Tribune by the government but I took to task the editors of that daily for being insensitive. As we are living in a globalised world now, we need to remain sensitive in whatever profession or position that we are in.
When I read about the two Guangming Daily (Sin Chew Jit Poh’s sister paper) chief editors having to go to the Internal Security Ministry in response to the show cause letter sent to them for re-publishing the caricature of Prophet Mohammad, and the suspension of the night edition from tomorrow until March 1, I then realised why my carefully written article was spiked: this was because Sin Chew press doesn’t want to add to the problem.
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Cabinet reshuffled yesterday and yet I cannot write about it. I received a call from the editor of Sin Chew in charge of my weekly column. He told me not to write anything about the reshuffle in my column this Sunday as this was a sensitive topic too.
The harsh sanction against the newspapers, rightly or wrongly has created a climate of fear, and .. wither Freedom of Speech in Malaysia ? 
敏感郭素沁
短短两个星期的农历新年，国内外发生了好几件引人注目的事，特别是丹麦《日尔兰邮报》（Jyllands– Posten）所刊登的羞辱默罕默德先知的漫画所引发的风波、加影警察局把11个聚赌的华裔男人剃光头，和国内的砂劳越论坛报因转载有关漫画而被政府取消出版准证。这几宗事件看来都一个共同点，即涉及者都极度的《缺乏敏感》。
数天前，我收到丹麦在野的社会民主党国际秘书安妮阿拉尔解释有关默罕默德先知风波的函件。她在文中除了解释该邮报是份完全独立和不受政党或政府控制的媒体，和对闯祸的《日尔兰邮报》的道歉声明和右翼的自由党的首相所发表的言论感到欣慰之外，她也对该国首相没在事情还恶化之前作出适当的反应，感到遗憾。
据安妮阿拉尔说，在有关漫画刊登后，11个回教国家的大使集体致函丹麦首相拉姆生，对有关漫画表示不满和沮丧，呼吁他干预丹麦的宗教和文化容忍的辩论，但是该国首相没有会见这些回教国家的大使。安妮阿拉尔认为如果该国首相当时会见这些大使，那么或许可以阻止目前这样的外交危机的发生。
《日尔兰邮报》上个月刊登那些开默罕默德先知玩笑的漫画时，他们绝对没料到那几个漫画会引发全球性回教社会这么大的反弹。对强调言论自由与新闻自由的西方社会来说，他们认为这是言论自由的一部分，因为他们也以同样的态度来对待其他宗教信仰，因此西方的艺术创作者会制作出羞辱耶稣基督和歪曲圣经故事的《耶稣最后的诱惑》和《达文西密码》等著作和影片。
虽然基督徒社会也对上述的艺术创作作出严厉的批判，但是他们的抗议方式和幅度远不及于回教徒社会目前对《日尔兰邮报》漫画这般激烈。这反映出两个社群在价值判断与文化方面的差异。另外，一些分析报道也指出，欧洲的回教徒社群藉着对有关漫画的抗议，来表达他们在欧洲被视为次等民族和长久以来被歧视的不满，而其他世界各地的回教徒则藉这事件来表达他们对西方社会累积已久的抗议。
虽然上述课题都不是三言两语可简单分析的，处在不同国度和不同岗位的人对上述事件都有不同的看法。但是上述事件让给我们的教训是，处在这个全球化的时代，无论我们身在世界上那个角落和那个领域，我们都应该对不同的文化和宗教保持高度敏感，以避免类似事件重演。
（10-2-2006）
“Two quick examples are the movie “The Last Temptation of Jesus” and the novel “Da Vincci Code” which also attracted much protest worldwide.”
There is a big difference between those two and caricaturing the main prophet of a religion as a terrorist, especially given the discrimination muslims are facing recently in parts of Europe and the USA.
It’s a question of whether you allow people to yell “FIRE” in a crowded dark theater….freedom of the press and speech is all and good, but in the real world, various factors have to be taken into consideration.
Comment by kalim — Wednesday, 15-02-2006 @ 08: 54.17
I have to say that the publication of the cartoons were wrong but also the attacks on embassies are also very wrong. The muslims can protest vehemently but in a civilised way. Now they just reinforced the view (rightly or wrongly) that their religion preaches intolerance and violence. There is already a call for the moderate muslims to come out and protect the good name of islam which is a religion that preaches fairness and humanity.
The countries where the protest were most violent are the countries were the government are autocratic, corrupt or oppressive. I believe they support or did not stop the mob because the protest provided an outlet and distraction from the selfish, intolerant, corrupt government in those countries. Luckily Malaysia is a far more sensible nation.
I think, however, Tribune and Guong Min should be judged not only by the photo (in GM’s case, a photo in a photo), but also the accompaning article. If the article criticize the insensitivity of the Danish newspapers and highlight the disatisfaction of the global community, then this factor should be considered.
If government ministers can get away with what they said and done in recent times, double standards is well and alive.
On the cabinet reshuffle, I think not even changes is being made. Prime Minister is sticking with under-performing people and not bold enough to make drastic changes.
On a personal note, I was hoping that our dear Minister “if the foreigners think we are zalim…” be transfered to MITI so that he can deal more with foreigners and work on his skills in communicating with people outside Malaysia. My wish wasn’t that to be fulfilled.
Comment by lee wee tak_ — Wednesday, 15-02-2006 @ 09: 02.14
I agree ‘Freedom of Speech’ is useless if it is at the expense of peace, respect and harmony.
But a pity in Malaysia, there is not much freedom a media to report a truth even for justice for the rakyat if it touches the issues related to the top brass of the Civil Servants and Umnoputras.
Comment by viking — Wednesday, 15-02-2006 @ 13: 47.21
I suggest that you discuss your relationship with Sin Chew. If the Cabinet reshuffle is a sensitive issue, then what is left that is not sensitive that you can write on?
It is sad that the public is being deceived by this newspaper that is reporting only the slant that it wants and perhaps not the true picture. Already Sin Chew is afraid of the new Information Minister.
We have been independent for 48 years and if independence has come to this, then we are gone-la. I always thought the Chinese press is more independent and willing to take a stand, but if it has deteriorated to this, then the community can expect to slide even further and lose its credibility like the English newspapers.
Comment by sheriff singh — Thursday, 16-02-2006 @ 00: 04.20
First they silence MIC by suspending Sothinathan. Then they silence all non-muslim cabinet ministers except Kayveas. In the process label them ‘kurang ajar’. Now they indirectly shut all non-muslims up.
Comment by firehawk — Thursday, 16-02-2006 @ 04: 01.10
Frankly speaking while I think what was done by the Danes was stupid and insensitive, I don’t stand on the side that it was morally wrong. To say Danes have no right to practise something that they have been doing for years among themselves without any consequences is to say that they were morally wrong all this time and to allow someone else to impose their standards on them. Its no less than admitting there is a clash of civilization and its their (the Danes).
While its impractical to debate these issues now because of the conditions of the Muslims world, the West is correct in apologizing but not interfering in the free press.
Many have compared the incident to falsely shouting fire in a crowded room, what the Muslim world is demanding that no one can falsely shout fire (intentional or not) at all in any circumstances. That is unacceptable
Comment by Bigjoe — Thursday, 16-02-2006 @ 07: 44.21
“Frankly speaking while I think what was done by the Danes was stupid and insensitive, I don’t stand on the side that it was morally wrong.”
It might not have been “morally” wrong, but it sure as heck is “stupidly” wrong, from any practical standpoint. Like I said, you can moralize all you want, but there must come a time when practicality and sensitivity to the deeply held beliefs of a large proportion of the human race takes precedence, if only to prevent further bloodshed.
Comment by kalim — Thursday, 16-02-2006 @ 09: 38.18
I will not comment on whether the Dane are right or wrong. The reactions and aggressive and destructive nature of the Muslims is more frightening. Ironical that they preach tolerance and kindness.Actually what I perceive now is this- when you say or do something ‘sensitive’, expect this reaction.,worst still some are calling for executions and vengence.They are allowed to say anything they want, and they more often than not get scott free. We,as non Muslims , are supposed to keep quiet. Anything and everything that we suggest or propose, pertaining to religion,we are immediately told to shut up or else….. For example when our MP from Kepong politely bringing up a kind suggestion to lower the volume of their prayers, especially the morning Azan, he was immediately’shot down’ because it is a very ‘sensitive issue’ . How sensitive (or insensitive ) of them.
Comment by countryman — Thursday, 16-02-2006 @ 10: 28.44
ms.Kok, i read with surprise that u can tolerate or silence on certain issues just to ensure u article can appear in Sin Chew -wat a pity.
Comment by soon san — Friday, 17-02-2006 @ 09: 48.42
You know lah, you cannot talk anything about religion ,very sensitive, but in Malaysia cari makan hidup bolih, but jangan cakap pasal ugama atau bumi rights ,you are OK. Let me tell you , one day all this is coming to an end. No nation will get away from the judgement of GOD, whatever your religion. No one of whatever religion is beyond judgement of GOD, he is a fair and merciful but a righteous GOD. GOD have mercy on us all.
Comment by ravim — Saturday, 18-02-2006 @ 06: 17.37
“you cannot talk anything about religion ,very sensitive”
Kami di sini negeri USA juga harus hati-hati berbicara tentang agama. Banyak orang-orang fundamentalist.
Comment by kalim — Saturday, 18-02-2006 @ 08: 36.20
Soon san, when i write for a paper, I play by its rules. The editors have absolute power to dictate what goes in and what stays out While I may not be able to touch on some issues, there are also many that I could. Most of us are not writing to make a living. I only get RM80 for each article. Would you rather read what I have managed to get publiched or what you hope could be published?
Comment by teresakok — Saturday, 18-02-2006 @ 20: 07.03
teresa, you stand is correct. An opposition member has to snatch any oppotunity he/she gets to be heard in the main stream media. Despite the constrains and with RM 80.00 to boot, why not!
Comment by Libra3 — Saturday, 18-02-2006 @ 20: 40.04
MS.KOK, U said in u article ” u didnt criticise the government on the ban on Sarawak Tribune but u criticise the editor- so r u supporting government to ban on ST?
u critise the west on the carton but u didnt critise on
the violence by the protester – so wat is u stand on this violence?? and btw there is no need to mentioned about the RM 80 lar – i know u write not for money but wat i wanted to point out that we should be consistent all the time -even under very difficult situation , we must stand by our principle – right is right ,wrong is wrong!
right??
A lot more to learn fr our uncle Lim! thanks!
Comment by soon san — Monday, 20-02-2006 @ 13: 47.38
I cannot understand this, can someone enlighten me?
1) Muslims all over the world are more angry about the Danes than Sunni Muslims using suicide bombers on Shia Muslims in Iraq
2) Local news paper condemn vehemently the publication of cartoons in Danish papers but when I read about Muslim separatist in Thailand beheading monks, teachers, fellow muslims, government officials, our newspaper tone is neutral?
3) When Taliban destroy the Buddhist Statue of historical and religious value, how come no buddhist movement anywhere resort to violent protest?
4) when the atrocity of the Taliban to its own people are revealed to the world, muslim nations did not react anywhere close to the Danish cartoon episode?
5) when Hamas win the election and stand firm on its stand on Israel, why does it needs to ask for continuing aid from EU countries while rich Arab nations would not volunteer financial aid?
Comment by lee wee tak_ — Monday, 20-02-2006 @ 15: 18.59
“I cannot understand this, can someone enlighten me?”
Begitulah kehidupan….menerima keadaan lah.
Comment by kalim — Tuesday, 21-02-2006 @ 06: 27.40
Sedihnya jika kita orang rantau ini hanya terima penindasan dan ketidakadilan tanpa persoalan.
Ini adalah warisan sistem feudal masyarakat lama.
Kini, sebarang pegawai, masing-masing macam ada sikit “kuasa”, “daulat” dan entah apa lagi. Sebarang tindaklaku tidak boleh dipersoalkan.
Kononnya rahsia kepentingan rakyat, sebenarnya takut diketahui betapa lemahnya dalam perlaksanaannya.
Kini, para hakim mahkamah tertinggi malaysia pun memberi perlindungan kepada majlis perbandaran – jika tanah runtuh, mereka tidak bersalah (Highland Tower Case).
Mungkin tak, jika pegawai telah cuai dalam meluluskan satu permohonan rumah runtah orang mati dia tak payah tanggung.
Sioknya!
Comment by lee wee tak_ — Tuesday, 21-02-2006 @ 08: 23.04
well ms kok, maybe your article was filtered to keep the exchange of views civil… something you must be very familiar with as it is practiced on this very blog as well…
i hate to harp on old issues but just to refresh your memory, i made a fairly innocent comment with no vulgarities, racist remarks or childish arguments in your article about the police report being lodged against you in relation to the nude ear squat video and it was deleted… so please don’t complain about others when you yourself practice the same thing…
sorry if i come across as being hostile but i was extremely shocked by what was done… honestly, this was the last place i would have expected to see censorship… disappointing really…
Comment by iiiii — Tuesday, 21-02-2006 @ 13: 34.55
Cheh… soon san trying to show tough… LOL
Comment by AdmiralChengHo — Tuesday, 21-02-2006 @ 14: 02.08
Soon San,
If you have sense and sensitivy (as the topic of this blog) then you should understand YB Teresa what she is trying to address.
Think you got alot more to learn from her too..
Comment by echia — Tuesday, 21-02-2006 @ 21: 02.31
semes ms.Kok doesnt want to answer and instead let her 2 horse-son to suppor her huh!!
ok lah ,just stop here lar. i also appreciate u work hard for the rakyat and hope u dont merajuk and stop writing because real gold dont scare fire ahh,right?
Comment by soon san — Monday, 27-02-2006 @ 14: 13.30
Hi Teresa,
Long time no blog. We have the chicken thing, the petrol hike and other cases…..what is your view about it?
Comment by lee wee tak_ — Tuesday, 28-02-2006 @ 11: 25.47