Express your views but within reason, PKR leader urges Malaysians

KUALA LUMPUR: The days of intimidating people whose views are not in agreement with the Government are over, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

He noted that there was a debate on where lines demarcating the boundaries of freedom of expression should be in a multiracial and multireligious country.

“But to go back to the old regime’s methods of intimidating people the moment they disagree with you is certainly out of the question,” he said.

Anwar was asked his views on freedom of expression following the recent general election.

“There’s always this contentious debate, whether we should be allowed to denigrate others, other religions, other races, these are considerations which we cannot dismiss.

“But generally I am for freedom of expression, which means you have the right to articulate your views,” the PKR leader said.

Anwar said he was all for Malaysians being able to articulate their views, albeit within reason.

Every Malaysian, he said, should be reminded that there were certain issues that should not be touched upon.

“This is difficult in our case, because who is going to decide that?

“And do we then represent the view that freedom of expression should be a free for all?” he asked.

In this regard, Anwar said concerned citizens could play a role to help balance the need for freedom of expression and keeping it within appropriate limits.