We in Persatuan Sains Sosial Malaysia (Malaysian Social Science Association - PSSM) view with increasing concern and apprehension some of the developments that have caught the limelight over the last few years that do not bode well for the future of our nation, Malaysia.

We are concerned, in particular,  that the basic foundations of our society and nation, namely freedom of expression and independent thought, respect for diversity and inter-ethnic and inter-faith accommodation and tolerance, as well as respect for the rule of law, as enshrined in the federal constitution, have come under increasing attack and are being seriously undermined.  

As social scientists, we are very concerned that learned individuals and scholars continue to be pressured and harassed by the powers-that-be for holding contrarian viewpoints, be they secular or religious.

As citizens, we are appalled that our multiethnic and multireligious society which used to be held up as a beacon of tolerance and accommodation is becoming increasingly polarised, with tension and intolerance being stoked by some dark forces with their own agendas. We are shocked and disappointed that respect for the rule of law and doing what is right as prescribed by the law, as expected of those entrusted with the mandate, is not being upheld.

PSSM believes that for many decades now, the strength of this country we all call our home has been in our diversity, our ability to accept and respect each other, and even celebrate, our multi-cultural, multi-religious and multi-ethnic mix. It is with this strength that we can build our country and move forward. We need to hold on to these values and nurture them further.  

PSSM also believes that our future lies in us enjoying the freedom to think, and the freedom to express ourselves freely based on facts and reason without fear or favour. This is one of the cornerstones or pillars for the flowering of our insitutions of learning and a prerequisite for the advancement of knowledge, and of a democratic, civilised society.

Silencing alternative viewpoints has never helped to advance societies. Silencing different viewpoints and individuals who hold on to them will never help to advance Malaysia.

We believe that we cannot move forward and transform into a developed nation without the rule of law and respect for the law and its related institutions. It is our sincere hope that those entrusted to uphold the rule of law, to interpret and dispense the law with justice, without fear or favour, remain true to their oath of office and be steadfast in upholding their legal and moral responsibility.  

We also expect our leaders to exhibit their statesmanship and steer the country away from the abyss it is now slipping into, and lead Malaysia to become what it was promised to be - a united, democratic, liberal, progressive and developed nation.