Importance Of Freedom Of Speech And Expression In Malaysia

Freedom of speech and expression is one of the fundamental liberties provided under article 10 of the Federal Constitution. Article 10 provide that, “every citizen has the right to freedom of speech and expression. This provision explains that every person has the right to hold opinions and to receive and impart information and ideas without government interference. Therefore, all Malaysian citizen have the right to express views abud through various ways either through articles, books, radio broadcasting or communication of internet. However, the freedom of speech and expression in Malaysia is not absolute and subject to certain restrictions thus a person cannot simply speak whatever he wants.

Malaysians do enjoy the right to free speech

The constitution also prohibits speech that advocates the forcible overthrow of the government. Political speech, it is argued, must be circumscribed by the need for national stability and ethnic

The other defendants, Fan Yew Teng was charged with publishing the seditious words in the Rocket news magazine and while Kok San and Lee Teck Chee were charged with printing it. The court held that the speeches went beyond the limit of freedom of expression and it must noted that the right to freedom of expression is not absolute but must be within reason to maintain an effective balance.The speech also challenged the special position and privilege of the Malays (Muslims) under Article 152 and 153/181 thus it promote of ill will and hostility among the different races in Malaysia which expressive of a seditious