Over the past two weeks, we have seen the government cracking down on dissent in an intensity never seen before under the Datuk Seri Mohd Najib Razak administration.

Not only were opposition leaders had the book thrown at them, even an academician and a journalist were not spared the perceived persecution on the part of the government.

This has created a lot of anxiety within the society at large, including civil society groups like CENBET.

This is largely stemmed from the perception that State apparatus, such as the police and the Attorney-General’s Chambers, are being used to clamp down on dissent.

To allay such fears and disquiet, the Prime Minister as a statesman should clarify why a swoop appears to be taking place, especially against those whose views are different from that of the government’s.

Datuk Seri Mohd Najib also need to state whether such a “crackdown” will intensify or will be rolled back.

He needs to reiterate his commitment that state apparatus would not be used for political means and will remain apolitical. This includes action against members of his administration if they were found to have flouted the law, like inciting racial hatred.

Failure to satisfactorily allay concerns about a crackdown on dissent would only fuel speculations that the government is giving in to right-wing groups which of late had been pressuring the authorities to come down hard on those critical of the government or members of the ruling elites. Justice must be delivered swiftly and apolitically.

We wish to put on record that CENBET is all for the PM's statement that the rule of law must be upheld at all times.

But going after only those who are on the opposing side of the political divide (or perceived to be linked to it) will only deepen the yawning divide this country is already facing and put paid to the Prime Minister’s pledge of reconciliation after last year’s general election.

As we evolve into a matured democracy, contestation of ideas should be encouraged – not clamped down. It is perfectly normal and healthy to agree to disagree on ideas in a civil and rational manner.

This is also in line with the Prime Minister’s policy that the era of government knows best is now behind us.