Harith’s comment on social media about the recent “ham and cheese” controversy has led to an uproar. —LOW LAY PHON/The Star
IT’S no laughing matter when police reports are lodged against a stand-up comedian like Harith Iskander or when a cartoonist like Fahmi Reza ends up in lock-up while under remand.
It gets even less funny when Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri issues a warning about making jokes that “cross the line”.
Thankfully, she clarified later that the law that punishes obscene jokes is not aimed at comedy as a form of entertainment, but cited those who used words or gestures that insult a person’s modesty.
It’s good that Nancy clarified what she said as earlier reports had many comics worried. Even ordinary Malaysians were worried – some asked on social media if we had lost the plot and were no longer tolerant of humour.
We should ask ourselves if the bar of tolerance has dropped further. Malaysians should not be allowed to be subjected to people who can’t wait to pounce on stand-up comedians over the slightest utterance.
But more importantly, the thinking majority should not just keep silent and cower down.
By right, the ones who should be losing sleep are the serial jokers in Parliament who are known for their distasteful sexist remarks.
Ask Seputeh Member of Parliament Teresa Kok. She can probably compile a dossier of things said by these recalcitrant lawmakers.
Of course, comedians often have their targets, especially public figures and politicians, wriggling in embarrassment. But these are people who enjoy hogging the limelight; they cannot choose to bask only under a positive light.
It’s a price they have to pay for being celebrities.
Our police shouldn’t be too worried about these people, however powerful they may be.
Unfortunately, when someone makes a report, the police are required by law to investigate, but they really have better or more urgent things to do.
In a democracy, it is absurd – and ironical – to target humour which is simply a tool to question power, provoke thought, and provide relief when people are caught in what they believe are hopeless situations.
There is a caveat, though. Every stand-up comedian knows he cannot touch on the 3Rs – race, religion, and royalty.
No one can, not politicians, not journalists, and certainly not comedians.
When it comes to religion, it is best to stay away as it is sensitive. Not everyone shares the same sense of humour.
A remark by Harith on social media about the recent “ham and cheese” controversy has led to an uproar.
Stand up comics have always been skilful at tiptoeing around political issues, which in Malaysia happens to be mostly involving race and religion.
They have learnt to throw out the punchline while knowing where the fine line is drawn and the risks that come with crossing it. Most navigate it well and wisely chose to perform in the Klang Valley, where the audiences are more open-minded and appreciative.
I think we all know our comedians and satirists are not about to destabilise the country or any state or overthrow a leader. The only ones that politicians should worry about are their opponents – not comedians or cartoonists.
There is no law that prohibits one from embarrassing a person. If indeed a law is crossed, than the offended party can raise a defamation suit under civil laws. There is no crime involved.
Comedy and satire, however, does not mean slandering and defaming people. If you call a person a liar, a corrupt person or a thief without being able to prove it, then you have to face the consequences. That is not freedom of speech.
But Malaysia does not have an “Anti-Laughter Act”.
Thank God, though, that we have not come to a stage where powerful people can no longer tolerate comedians. Most lawmakers sportingly accept parodies and do not rush to make police reports.
In fact, making police reports for frivolous reasons should be made an offence. It’s an abuse of a privilege. There are people in this country who suffer from the inane addiction of making police reports. Most are probably lackeys following orders.
The police shouldn’t be burdened with having to decide whether jokes are funny, dangerous, explosive, or seditious. That’s not what they are trained for.
Neither is it the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry’s job to scan for nasty jokes.
The police or the ministry can’t be posting enforcement officers at every stand-up performance.
If there is a lesson to be learnt it is that restricting comedy often backfires and the very act of repression becomes an even bigger joke.
The real jokers are a few socially challenged politicians who have to rely on using race and religious issues, along with comical masculine posturing on social media to feed followers.
The problem really lies with these sneaky ones, or should I say Snakey ones?
We can expect plenty of these jokes during the Chinese New Year reunion dinners. So just chill.
