#4 Thoughts: A Voice Against Cyberbullying

Let's talk about the freedom of speech in our country. Article 10 of the Constitution of Malaysia guarantees Malaysian citizens the right to freedom of speech, assembly, and association. Specifically on the freedom of speech, it governs, but with an absolute. Putting aside the controversies about how freedom of speech is limited by other laws enacted (CMA 1998, Sedition Act, etc), we look directly at the laws governing freedom of speech, whether online or offline. The undisputable fact that exists states that both the international human rights scape and the Malaysian picture of the freedom of speech limit to an extent that prohibits speech inciting violence, discrimination, or hatred.

Then again, one would argue that all of such above can be very subjective to each individual - where the speaker may not feel harm has been inflicted by his / her words; however, it has been felt by the listener - so does this solicits a hate speech/verbal/cyber bullying? We are discussing things in a grey area, so feel free to put forth your thoughts to argue.

"Bullying", in Oxford's terms, is an act that seeks to "coerce, intimidate or inflict harm upon someone". For one, we may or may not have been victims or bullies ourselves. That can propel me to stand up and write this - because, for the first time in my life, I am witnessing a malice so strong I never knew people could be so capable of. Reading the news and watching documentaries and movies, they have never explained cyberbullying as vividly as a close friend experiencing it.

We talked about inflicting harm, we talked about bullying, and let's talk about defamation now. Under the Defamation Act 1957, the simple definition of defamation is to expose a person to hatred, contempt or ridicule. Then again, prosecutors will tell you that the best defence to whether or not the statement made is defamation - is the truth. What is the truth - is it the stories you have written with your bare words and created an uproar with no jurisdiction or evidence you can present? Is it the bare words of the targeted individual trying to validate himself and putting out what can be a limited stand?

If words on screen could kill, I believe it starts with malice behind every letter an individual types on the keyboard. Shakespeare said, "Every why has a wherefore", and a Chinese proverb goes, "There is no smoke without a fire." Watching the incident unfold, I wish to ask for actual victims of all the allegations on the rumours to stand up and put forth evidence, if any. Better still, if proper witnesses exist, feel free to express openly and stop hiding behind the rectangular screen.

Coming from a team leader, I may be biased. Having known him ever since he stepped foot into university, I could say I witnessed his professional growth both in and out of the organisation. He excelled in all the roles the organisation placed him in, from a sales executive to a business development manager and then as the organising committee president of two flagship events. I believe in my judgement and my gut feeling that the person I groomed and placed in heavy positions would not disappoint the values I believe he possesses. I believe in the boy who told me about non-zero probabilities and has the capability to relish nothing to something. Then again, I may be biased - but all I have stated above comes with evidence and strong witnesses. Feel free to challenge me if you may.

Coming from a friend, I may be biased. Having known him for the past 2 years, I could say he has demonstrated enough for me to believe in his character. He is still searching for the values he believes in and often finds his beliefs challenged by his ego, but at the same time, I have witnessed humility to learn, willingness to listen and empathy to care for those in need. I have watched how he laughed, joked with peers, and lent a helping hand to friends in need or despair. I believe in the boy who told me his dreams and life values across supper talks and dinner plans. Then again, I may be biased - but all I have stated above comes with evidence and strong witnesses. Feel free to challenge me if you may.

Of course, my words mean nothing, and it can be regarded as a joke if any valid evidence is presented on all the allegations made. I take full responsibility for everything I write, with all the trust my team and I have in him, coming from a team leader and a friend.

If proven right, I hope this serves as a reminder before you speak and spread hatred - nobody deserves to be the victim of your envy.

If proven wrong, I hope this serves as a reminder before you speak and stand out for someone - that we shouldn't judge a book by its cover.

Disclaimer: I write from the perspective of a friend and a team leader - with no active responsibilities towards the organisation both myself, and he originated.

- Xiaotian Gan,

Just a kepoh and worried senior, representing Anatrum, sending love and support to our team member -