Is Khairy Jamaluddin the new Thanos?


THE generational endgame bill to bar people born in 2007 and thereafter from smoking is a smokescreen for an authoritarian law designed by hypocrites. It goes against the spirit of Undi18 to welcome youth participation in deciding the fate of the nation.

Some laud the benefits of this bill but have they weighed the costs to one’s freedom as a citizen? The bill allows police extensive powers to stop, seize and search anyone suspected of breaking the provisions of the bill.

This includes give the cops the authority to compel those suspected of purchasing a tobacco product to provide the passwords and encryption codes to their electronic devices and accounts, search vehicles and premises, and conduct body searches.

The bill risks a clear invasion of privacy and freedom akin to the formation of a police state.

The same minister who wants to legalise drugs while criminalising tobacco and vape has left us confused.  Why is he prioritising criminalisation of smoking while ignoring and the detrimental effects of a psychoactive drug om a functional society? 

Is Khairy Jamaluddin playing Thanos and deciding who gets to enjoy their life?

Perhaps it is worth noting that Padang Rengas MP Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz has warned that  enacting the bill would expose the government to the possibility of being sued for infringing on the fundamental rights of citizens. 

We should not wage a war against a generation under the pretext of achieving a smoke-free and healthy lifestyle for it. 

There are better ways to regulate and educate. – August 12, 2022.

* Shahimi Hashim reads The Malaysian Insight.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.


Sign up or sign in here to comment.


Comments