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Sinar Daily
14-06-2025
- Politics
- Sinar Daily
Why youth are afraid to speak out on social media
Yet, within the vast freedom of the digital world, a worrying phenomenon has emerged: the fear of speaking openly. By SINAR DAILY REPORTER 12 Jun 2025 03:39pm Fear of criticism, cancel culture and legal repercussions were among the main factors contributing to this culture of silence. - Photo illustrated by Sinar Daily SHAH ALAM – Teenagers are among the most active social media users in Malaysia. Yet, within the vast freedom of the digital world, a worrying phenomenon has emerged: the fear of speaking openly. Fear of criticism, cancel culture and legal repercussions were among the main factors contributing to this culture of silence. - Photo illustrated by Sinar Daily Observations show that many teenagers now feel now more comfortable being passive observers rather than expressing their views, especially on issues related to politics, religion,race and national institutions. Fear of criticism, cancel culture and legal repercussions were among the main factors contributing to this culture of silence. The rise of cancel culture on social media often prompts users to refrain from expressing personal views, even when harbouring good intentions. Those who share opinions risk facing personal attacks, cyberbullying and the spread of misinformation. As a result, teenagers opt to remain silent to avoid unnecessary emotional and social stress. This fear is also influenced by legal constraints such as the Sedition Act 1948 and the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998. Although these laws were enacted to preserve national harmony, teenagers view potential punishments—such as fines and imprisonment—as threats to their freedom of speech, particularly when statements can be misinterpreted or manipulated. Concerns about digital footprints contribute to the rise of this phenomenon. In an era where every virtual interaction is permanently stored, teenagers are increasingly aware that statements posted today could impact their future reputations and opportunities. Employers, higher education institutions and the public scrutinise online records and activity as indicators of personal and professional values. Internal factors also contribute to teenagers keeping silent. Low self-confidence, fear of peer rejection and worry over a lack of support discourage many teenagers from sharing their views, especially if their opinions differ from the majority. This particularly concerning phenomenon has posed major implications for the development of critical thinking among youth. Suppose the voices of young people are silenced in a digital environment that is supposed to be inclusive. In that case, the democratic process, civic engagement and identity formation of future generations will inadvertently be negatively affected. It is a shared responsibility among educational institutions, families, authorities and social media platforms to create safe spaces that support responsible freedom of expression. Education on digital ethics, legal awareness and skills for respectful opinion-sharing must be strengthened. Overall, teenagers must be assured that their voices matter. With the right guidance, they can blossom into mature, intelligent and influential agents of change in Malaysia's digital society. More Like This (From left) Pahang Fire and Rescue Department former director, Datuk Dr Wan Mohammad Zaidi Wan Isa, 60; Pahang Committee for Communications and Multimedia Chairman, Youth, Sports and NGOs, Fadzli Mohamad Kamal; Pahang Chief Syriah Judge, Datuk Abdul Walid Abu Hassan, 62; and Pahang Education Department Senior Officer, Yahaya Tahir, 59, proudly display their medals after the King of Sungai Lembing run held recently in Sungai Lembing. - Bernama photo


Sinar Daily
14-06-2025
- Politics
- Sinar Daily
Iran defends itself with retaliatory missile strikes on Israel, dozens Injured
Iran asserts its right to self-defence following deadly Israeli strikes, launching retaliatory missile attacks on major cities across Israel. By SINAR DAILY REPORTER 14 Jun 2025 08:44am This picture shows a trail from an Iranian rocket in the sky above Jerusalem on June 13, 2025. Iran fired a barrage of ballistic missiles at Israel in a counter-strike on June 13, after an unprecedented onslaught hammered the Islamic republic's top military brass and targeted its nuclear facilities and bases. - (Photo by AHMAD GHARABLI / AFP) SHAH ALAM - Explosions rocked Jerusalem and Tel Aviv on Friday night as Iran launched long-range missile strikes targeting major Israeli cities, in a retaliatory move following Israel's largest-ever military assault on the Islamic Republic this week. Foreign media reported air raid sirens blared across Israel as Iranian missiles pierced the night sky with at least 40 people were reported injured, including two critically, after several buildings were struck. The Israeli military said fewer than 100 missiles were launched in two waves, with most either intercepted or falling short. However, significant damages were still reported, especially in densely populated areas. Israel's airstrikes earlier in the week had targeted critical Iranian nuclear and military infrastructure, including the Natanz pilot enrichment facility, which United Nations (UN) nuclear watchdog chief Rafael Grossi confirmed was "destroyed." In a fiery warning, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei declared that Israel "must expect severe punishment" for what he labelled a "crime" - the assassination of several senior military officials and six nuclear scientists. First-responders gather outside a that was hit by an Israeli strike in Tehran on June 13, 2025. Israel hit about 100 targets in Iran on June 13, including nuclear facilities and military command centres and killing senior figures including the armed forces chief and top nuclear scientists. - (Photo by MEGHDAD MADADI / TASNIM NEWS / AFP) Among the high-ranking Iranian casualties were the armed forces chief of staff Major General Mohammad Bagheri and Revolutionary Guards commander Hossein Salami. Iran said the total death toll from Israeli strikes has risen to 78, with over 320 people wounded, most of them civilians. Reaffirming Tehran's stance, Iran's UN envoy accused the United States (US) of complicity in the Israeli attacks and held Washington fully responsible for the consequences. After the Israeli attacks on Iran, a nearly three-hour emergency Security Council meeting saw the Iranian ambassador to the UN Amir Saeid Iravani stating that Israel's attack on Iran is a declaration of war. He said it was a premeditated act of aggression, calling it "barbaric and criminal" and a direct violation of numerous international legal instruments, including the IAEA Statute and the Geneva Convention. He dubbed these actions "deliberate and systematic killings" were not only "illegal, but inhuman." "Iran affirms its inherent right to self-defence, as enshrined in Article 51 of the UN Charter and will respond decisively and proportionately to this act of aggression at a time, in a place and by means of its choosing. "This is not a threat. This is a natural consequence of an unprovoked military attack," he said. People and first-responders gather atop a building a that was hit by an Israeli strike in Tehran on June 13, 2025. Israel hit about 100 targets in Iran on June 13, including nuclear facilities and military command centres and killing senior figures including the armed forces chief and top nuclear scientists. - (Photo by MEGHDAD MADADI / TASNIM NEWS / AFP) Meanwhile, Israel's ambassador Danny Danon said this was an act of self-preservation for the state of Israel, saying they not only attacked Iran's nuclear sites, but also military leaders, the nuclear programme and military infrastructure. He claimed that "Israel waited for diplomacy to work, but it didn't." He claimed that there were supposed to be more talks between the US and Iran to try to reach a peaceful resolution this weekend. He said he came to the Security Council not asking for permission, but instead, recognition that the international community has failed to stop Iran's nuclear programme. In other news, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio says the US was "not involved" in the strikes and warned Iran against attacking American bases in the region. More Like This


Sinar Daily
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Sinar Daily
Anxiety singer Doechii speaks out on protest crackdown, Gaza during BET Awards win speech
"I feel like it's my responsibility as an artist to use this moment to speak up for all oppressed people," she said. By SINAR DAILY REPORTER 10 Jun 2025 03:28pm Doechii accepts the Best Female Hip-hop Artist award onstage during the 2025 BET Awards at Peacock Theater on June 9, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Paras Griffin / AFP) SHAH ALAM - American rapper and singer Doechii used her moment on the BET Awards stage to raise awareness of the situation in Gaza and the suppression of ongoing immigration raids and protests happening just miles away from the ceremony in Los Angeles, United States (US). After being honoured as the best female hip-hop artist, a milestone marking her first-ever BET Award, Doechii took a moment to recognise her fellow nominees before shifting the focus to pressing societal issues outside the venue. US rapper and singer Doechii attends the BET Awards 2025 at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles on June 9, 2025. (Photo by Michael Tran / AFP) "I want to address what's happening right now outside of the building. There are ruthless attacks that are creating fear and chaos in our communities in the name of law and order. "Trump is using military forces to stop a protest. I want you all to consider what kind of government it appears to be when every time we exercise our democratic right to protest, the military is deployed against us. What government is that?" "People are being swept up and torn from their families. I feel like it's my responsibility as an artist to use this moment to speak up for all oppressed people.... We all deserve to live in hope and not fear. I hope we stand together," she said. Her speech drew applause from the audience at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles where the awards aired live. The BET Awards 2025 celebrated people in Black culture, including writers, musicians, filmmakers and more. More Like This