ANAK BUKIT - Former Prime Minister, Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, claims that the government's enforcement of the ban on discussing the 3R issues (religion, race, and royalty) is denying freedom of speech in the country.
He stated that if the government is serious about making this a matter to be avoided in discussions, it should be debated on and then incorporated into the country's legislation.
According to him, the current actions of the government are not based on any existing laws.
"The problem with the ban on 3R is that it's not in accordance with the law. There's no law that specifies that we cannot discuss 3R issues.
"If it's not allowed, it should be made part of the law. Suddenly, the people are being told that we can't talk about 3R issues because it's their own problem," he said after casting his vote at the Titi Gajah National School
Dr. Mahathir was accompanied by his wife, Tun Dr. Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali, and they finished casting their votes at 9:22 am.
The former Langkawi Member of Parliament claimed that decisions made without consulting the Parliament or the country's laws are unfair to many parties.
"This is not democracy if threats (statements) are made that your candidacy in the state elections will be canceled if you talk about 3R issues.
"Is there a law where 3R issues cannot be discussed? The Prime Minister makes these decisions without consulting the Parliament or the law. Suddenly it's said action will be taken if you talk about 3R issues,"
Dr. Mahathir described the current situation as different from the atmosphere during previous elections.
"In the past, there was freedom of speech where there was no restrictions on what we wanted to express when voting. Now there isn't.
There are even claims that police officers are required to monitor candidates to the point that they can't talk about 3R issues,"