A brief but interesting debate that unveils itself on the net forum www.thefreemedia.com raises provocative questions about the use and misuse of freedom of speech on the Internet.

The Chinese language forum is meant to be an alternative platform to provide free space on the Internet for the posting of news and views. It came into being a few years ago after the silencing of critical expression in the Chinese press that followed inevitably upon MCA takeover of the Nayang Siang Pao .

The materials there make interesting reading, ranging from politics, international relation, art, and even lifestyle. Articles that have been spiked or censored by mainstream newspaper also find their way there.

Apparently, the forum has been invaded by individuals who, using various pseudonyms, allegedly inflicted linguistic violence against certain individuals and groups of people. A discussion ensued as to whether this rude invasion has violated the ethics involved in the freedom of expression intended by the net forum, and whether it is ethically justifiable to start banning such intrusion.