INSTANCES of cybertroopers spewing malicious lies by bending the truth to suit a particular agenda has become a staple in local social media landscape.
Many of those targeted by such damning narratives tend to resort to legal action in the shape of a gag order or even sue for slander and defamation.
But not for political activist Liyana Marzuki who apparently has come under constant attack in her role as a political writer/influencer.
The self-proclaimed centrist proudly claimed that in almost seven years of writing, she has not once issued a LOD a.k.a. letter of demand or sought any form of legal recourse despite being a lawyer herself.
In her contention, it is better to turn the other cheek and wish such individuals well.
A recent example involved a cybertrooper identified as Akim Tarmizi. He had apparently hurled the accusation that Liyana was an apostate yet instead of taking legal action, the lawyer chose to deal with the matter differently.
Despite many of her peers having urged her to take the necessary legal action, she was determined to accept that such criticism, lies and untruths in stride as a political activist.
Ada rakan netizen dah tolong saya trace, Akim Tarmizi yang gelar saya “murtad” semalam.
Ramai yang suruh saya report police dan hantar LOD. Jangan dibiarkan mereka ini.
Untuk rekod, sepanjang 7 tahun menulis, satu LOD atau saman saya tak pernah keluarkan. Walaupun saya… pic.twitter.com/6eI6B4HPUt
— Liyana Marzuki (@liyana_marzuki) March 5, 2025
After all, the legal eagle viewed cybertroopers as mere political pawns who would be left to fend for themselves by their masters once they have served their purpose.
Noting an update on the social media profile of Akim’s spouse that the offender was facing health issues and had undergone surgery, the author of Jangan Pajak Otak even wished her detractor a speedy recovery while appealing to netizens to refrain from attacking the couple.
This was after she had received a message from Akim’s wife seeking for forgiveness as her hubby had regretted his actions and admitted that he was in the wrong.
Indeed Liyana’s nobility is commendable as she has shown great restraint in the face of abhorrent name calling and character assassination.
However, a few wondered if this was wise as it may further embolden cybertroopers in deploying their dastardly deeds online. They need to be taught a lesson, contended some netizens.
One commenter regarded legal action as the only means to improve a situation, otherwise justice will not be served.
One even offered to trace all personal details of the offender for this member of the Bar to serve her LOD.
Some noted that social media had become increasingly toxic these days whereby such name calling was being normalised.
A few noted that those who accuse others of straying from the path are the holier-than-thou types who have a warped sense of religion.
However, one netizen shared that offender was battling cancer and that those who are willing to forgive his past misdeeds have a heart.
At the end of the day, one netizen summed it up hy stating that trying to get even benefits no one.
As one commenter aptly put it, “to forget and forgive” chimes perfectly with the spirit of Ramadan. – March 7, 2025
