Madani government must protect spaces for open debate

I REFER to the recent police investigation into the Universiti Malaya Association of New Youth (Umany) over its proposal to abolish the matriculation system. Such action strikes at the very heart of our democracy, undermining not only the constitutional right to free speech under Article 10(1)(a) but also the values that the Madani government claims to uphold.

If Malaysia is to embody the spirit of Madani, criticism should be encouraged. Public debate, dissent and disagreement are not threats to national security; they are signs of a healthy society. A government that listens only to praise and silences opposing views does not inspire confidence; it signals fear of accountability.