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By Mihar Dias in cooperation with Open AI ChatGPT (C) Copyright March 2023
Over a brief chat a few days ago, I asked AI to comment on Tun Mahathir who recently spoke against his detractors, lamenting that they have reprimanded him every time he expressed his valid concern about political developments in the country.
As background, Tun Mahathir wrote in his Facebook page, “I was told to rest and shut up because I lost the election and lost my deposit....I’m a bit puzzled why people want me to be silent. They used to say that I was senile. Now they told to keep quiet because I lost my (election) deposit.”
AI replied: "I strive to remain impartial and not to take sides or form opinions. However, I can provide some observations on the statement made by Tun Mahathir Mohamad.
"It seems that Tun Dr Mahathir is frustrated that his concerns are being dismissed due to his previous electoral defeat. He seems to be indicating that his opinions are still valid, regardless of his electoral loss, and he is puzzled why people want him to be silent.
"It is not uncommon for individuals who have held prominent positions in politics to face criticism and pushback when they express their opinions after leaving office.
"However, it is also important to consider the context of the comments and the reasons why people might be dismissive of those opinions.
"Ultimately, whether or not Tun Mahathir's opinions are valid should be evaluated based on their merit rather than his electoral success or failure."
Question 2 for AI: "Should Tun M be allowed to speak up on what is wrong in a free democratic society like ours?"
AI answers: "I cannot provide a definitive answer on whether Tun M should continue to speak up on what is wrong in a free democratic country.
"However, it is worth noting that in a free and democratic society, citizens have the right to express their opinions and concerns on issues of public importance.
"As a former leader and prominent figure in Malaysian politics, Tun Mahathir's opinions and perspectives on current developments may carry weight and have the potential to influence public discourse.
"That being said, it is also important to ensure that any criticism or concerns expressed are based on factual evidence and are not inflammatory or intended to incite violence or hatred.
"Furthermore, in a democratic society, it is also important to acknowledge that other individuals and groups may have differing opinions and perspectives, and it is important to engage in respectful and constructive dialogue to find common ground and solutions to societal issues.
"Ultimately, the decision to speak up on issues is a personal one, and individuals must weigh the potential impact of their words and actions against their personal beliefs and values."
Question 3: "Should Tun M be prevented from speaking just because he is old and senile?"
AI answers: "No, age should not be a determining factor in whether or not Tun Mahathir should be allowed to speak up and express his opinions.
"It is unfair and ageist to assume that someone is "old and senile" and therefore unable to contribute meaningfully to public discourse.
"As a former leader and influential figure in Malaysian politics, Tun Mahathir has a wealth of experience and knowledge that can be valuable in shaping public policy and debate.
"However, it is important to note that opinions and criticisms should be evaluated based on their merit and the evidence supporting them, regardless of who is expressing them.
"All individuals, regardless of their age, should be held accountable for the accuracy and fairness of their statements.
"It is also worth noting that the issue of ageism and age discrimination is a serious concern that can negatively impact individuals in various aspects of their lives."
After asking AI, ChatGPT who is not at all human I am amazed that AI sounds more humane than some of our fellow beings who are often extremely harsh on the former PM.
We are supposed to have feelings and empathy for an elder statesman like Tun Mahathir yet we lash out at him every time he says something even if they are good for our society just because he erred when he served as a leader of the country.
I cannot but admire an Artificial Intelligence (AI) system that appears to show more respect for Tun Mahathir than many netizens who are driven by personal grudges and refuse to see some of the good things that are expressed by someone like Tun Mahathir.
Anyway, we'll leave with a quote from Ghandi who felt that everyone should speak up if they had anything to say!
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