Use freedom of speech responsibly, warns Dr M
KUALA LUMPUR: The government has no intention of restricting freedom of speech but it will not hesitate to take action against those who abuse and threaten public peace and order, said Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
The warning was issued when Dr Mahathir took to the floor in the Dewan Rakyat to brief lawmakers on the recent riots at the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple in Seafield, USJ 25, in Subang Jaya.
The Prime Minister said the government has promised not to curtail freedom in communication and news reporting but such freedom should be used in a responsible manner.
“It should not be used to fan flames that could bring disunity or a split in the racial harmony.
“It is also not the time to point fingers at anyone. The police have been given the responsibility to control the peace and conduct investigations.
“The wrong will be wrong and will face the law,” he added.
He also stressed that it was not in the government’s intentions to punish anyone blindly, but democracy has its limits and everyone must understand its limitations.
“No one can act as they please, break the law and give rise to unrest among the rakyat and cause chaos in the country.
“The right and freedom of speech do not mean a person can say whatever that is deemed provocative and hurt the sensitivities of others,” added Dr Mahathir.
He said the rakyat must understand the actual incident and not merely react based on rumours.
“It is vital for us to realise that the safety and stability of the country is a collective responsibility.
“Together, we must work to maintain this peace. I urge everyone not to take any action or issue any provocative statements that could cause unhappiness to any parties.
“There has already been much false news and information being spread.
“To politicians as well as non-governmental organisations and others, do not try to make the situation murkier,” he said.
Dr Mahathir also said the government will uphold the rule of law and will take action against anyone who flouts the law.
“I want to stress once again that this is not a racial issue nor is it related to religion, but criminal action that should not be given any room to ruin the relationship among the races in the country,” he added.
On the probe into the temple fracas and related incidents, Communications and Multimedia Minister Gobind Singh Deo said the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is working closely with the police special task force set up for the purpose.
Based on the evidence, he said recommendations would be made to the Attorney General for prosecution to be carried out.
He advised the public not to spread unverified news reports or make inflammatory statements on social media as the MCMC is still monitoring the situation.
“Freedom of speech does not mean absolute freedom of speech as there are laws and limits,” he added.
Those found guilty can face a maximum fine of RM50,000 or a maximum one-year jail term, or both, as well as a further fine of RM1,000 for every day the offence is continued after conviction.