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Don't treat us like brainless school kids, riled comedian tells gov't
Published:  May 19, 2016 4:00 PM
Updated: 8:22 AM

Well-known comedian Afdlin Shauki has hit out at authorities over reports that it is barring those who ridicule the government from international travel.

"Today I read that if we were to chastise the government and its lack of transparency, we will not be allowed to leave the country.

"Does the country belong only to the government? What about the inherent rights of the rakyat?" he asked in a Facebook post.

Freedom of expression is part and parcel of democracy, Afdlin reminded the government.

"I am sorry, but doesn't democracy mean that the rakyat has the right to speak out if there is something wrong with the powers that be?

"Isn't that part of our universal rights as human beings?" asked the comedian.

Afdlin also took offence over the statement by Deputy Home Minister Nur Jazlan Mohamed (photo) that the passport is a privilege and not a right.

It sounded like the government is saying that Malaysians have no right to hold a passport and that it is something granted to them by the government, he said.

"How is it, that it came to this O! YBs... why do you insist in making the people hate the government more?" he sniped.

Afdlin wondered what else will come next from the government which he argued is a democratic body enacted to care for the welfare of the rakyat, and not do the opposite.

"My dear sirs, you (the government) are all working for the rakyat, and not supposed to be an organisation to terrify and oppress the rakyat," he lambasted.

Expressing his total disagreement with the government statements, Afdlin appealed for the government to do their duty and help the rakyat instead.

"Help us instead! Do not oppress (treat) us like we are a bunch of brainless school children, dear sirs," he said.

"If I am wrong please correct me, I am after all just a comedian," quipped the comedian in conclusion.

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