Be careful of what you blog.

In the beginning of the year, a blogger was arrested for defamation of the late sultan of Johor. Aduka Taruna was arrested and charged but this had apparently not tamed and of the angry people out there. He had received death threats for his actions which prove to us that, writing untruths can cause serious consequences.

Blogging is a form of writing in which Putnis and Petelin described that writing, reading, listening and talking are how people use to communicate with each other. Therefore, blogging should be something that shows intellectual writing and thinking instead of nonsensical and insulting writing in which some people use to destroy and disrupt peace. There have been many cases were bloggers are arrested for writing untruths and insulting messages towards a person, a celebrity, towards society, a religion or whatsoever. 

Blogging should either have postings based on facts or personal experiences and should not be misused for improper usage. Words can be used to influence or change the perception of how a person thinks. Therefore, blogging should be a source of good influence and motivation for readers out there.

In this case where Aduka had insulted the King, he has caused problems both offline and in the online media. Writing things based on your own personal judgment to cause harm and conflict should not be written at all, what more posted on the online media where information is disseminated faster with a wider audience. Blogging should be a passion, like writing a book, and one should not take advantage of the freedom of speech online. A blog should not be abused for personal gain or for the disruption of peace among society and country.

References 

Anis, M, Zolkepli, F, 2010, 'Hisham: Blogger must answer for insulting late Sultan', The Star Online, viewed 14 November 2010, < http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/1/28/nation/5558582&sec=nation >

Chandranayagam, D, 2010, 'Malaysia: Insult to royalty not so easily forgiven', advocacy.globalvoicesonline.org, viewed 14 November 2010, <http://advocacy.globalvoicesonline.org/2010/02/15/malaysia-insult-to-royalty-not-so-easily-forgiven/ >