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By Mihar Dias (C) Copyright November 2022
Just because you call yourself a "Superman" it does not mean that you are immune from prosecution for committing an offence.
In Marvel comics, Superman could get away with committing offences because he is out there to protect the people of Gotham City!
In comics, law enforcement may be lenient on superheroes for all the laws that they break because of their vigilantism. But in real life, such heroism will be judged more harshly by the law.
Allow me to draw your attention to the consequences of being carried away by saying anything you wish because you think that you have an inalienable right to express yourself in a free and democratic country like Malaysia.
The country does not put unnecessary barriers to anyone wanting to upload materials on social media. Neither does it bar you from publishing your thoughts on platforms available on the web.
But you would need to weigh the consequences of all statements made in public, particularly over social media which may gain wide attention almost instantaneously.
Some of these may offend others almost immediately as in the case of "Superman Hew".
Controversial speaker Hew Kuan Yew who calls himself "Superman Hew", was reportedly arrested on 23 November for telling an audience at a Pakatan Harapan ceramah that the Chinese community should take advantage of Malay disunity. (FMT)
His video which went viral a week before the election was widely shared raising alarm among Malaysians from all walks of life.
The Police said Hew’s speech in Cantonese delivered at a ceramah in Raub on Nov 17, was found to have "elements that could threaten public order." (FMT)
According to the police Hew is investigated under the Election Offences Act 1954 for allegedly "making a statement that promoted ill-will, discontent or hostility between people of the same race or different races." (FMT)
He is also being investigated under the Penal Code for statements that might threaten public peace and the Communications and Multimedia Act for improper use of telecommunication network facilities.
In addition, Hew is under investigation for his speech in a political programme at Taman Pandan Mawar, Melaka, on Nov 18.
Obviously, Hew is no Superman. He did not go out to save anyone in distress the way you would see in many Superman series but instead, he could have caused others to be hurt by his words.
By nature of being vigilantes, superheroes are often seen to be breaking the law, but they get a lot of leeway since their good deeds may often outweigh their bad actions. However, this does not apply to every superhero out there.
Some costumed heroes like Superman Hew are unaware of the damage they could cause by their actions.
Because of this, some of the harshest critics like Hew would be arrested the moment their superhero careers begin.
Be wary when you write or speak because you'll never know whom you may offend.
But more importantly, it's better to be law-abiding. Avoid getting on your high horse to fight for lost causes which is against the law of the land.
Don't end up as Superman Hew or whatever superhero costume you might be wearing.
The law does not distinguish you by the costume you wear.
Law enforcement officers judge you by what you say and do!
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