When speculation becomes a public verdict

THE recent school attack in Kuching has understandably raised public concern about youth violence, school safety, and the influence of online subcultures ( "Private school teacher injured while trying to confiscate sharp object from student in Kuching" , The Star , Oct 21, 2026).

However, equally disturbing is the speed with which speculation is being presented as fact, unverified narratives are being circulated, and those who challenge such claims are subjected to personal attacks and online harassment. Those engaging in such conduct must be reminded that freedom of expression is not a licence to spread harmful falsehoods, intimidate others, or interfere with the administration of justice.

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古晋最近发生的校园袭击事件，理所当然地引起了公众对青少年暴力、校园安全以及网络亚文化影响的关注（《古晋私立学校教师在试图从学生身上没收尖锐物品时受伤》，《星报》，2026年10月21日）。

然而，同样令人不安的是，人们以惊人的速度将猜测当作事实传播，未经证实的说法四处流传，而那些质疑此类说法的人则遭受人身攻击和网络骚扰。必须提醒那些从事此类行为的人，言论自由并非散布有害谎言、恐吓他人或妨碍司法公正的通行证。

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