PM Anwar’s Meta episode underlines importance of protecting freedom of speech, expression

KUCHING (Aug 11): The action of Meta Platforms in removing an Instagram photo featuring a recent meeting between Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Palestinian politician Ismail Haniyeh could be deemed as one suppressing the freedom of expression.

Dr Muzaffar Syah Mallow, the Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia’s Faculty of Syariah and Law associate professor, believes that many Malaysians ‘feel angry’ over this.

“The issue highlights the importance of protecting the freedom of speech and expression, which should never be subjected to suppression or strict regulation.

“People should be encouraged to speak up. Their freedom and right to speak should be valued and protected at all times,” said the academician in a statement yesterday.

Muzaffar Syah further described the freedom of speech and expression as being a part of basic human rights, which should be practised by every human being in any country.

Adding on, he said everyone should welcome this freedom for it could bring many benefits to society, and the country as a whole.

“In Malaysia, the government should consider taking a bold step to examine or review all the existing laws, which have been enforced for a very long time.

“Some of these laws are deemed archaic and restrictive, which curtail freedom of speech and expression.

“As such, I proposed that if such laws are no longer relevant, they should be abolished entirely.”

Muzaffar Syah tagged the Sedition Act 1948 as one of such laws, adding that it had been regarded as the main law set to control the freedom of speech and expression.

“According to Amnesty International, in its report released in April, Malaysia continues to use restrictive laws to curtail freedom of expression and assembly.

“The Amnesty International’s report also highlights the shrinking space for freedom of expression in Malaysia, with increased censorship, harassment and restrictions on peaceful assembly,” said the professor.

He said a government that claimed to be ‘reform-minded’ should be honest about how the laws had been used to stifle expression and political participation, and should have the integrity to fulfil its own commitments to repealing draconian laws such as the Sedition Act 1948.

“Malaysia no longer needs laws that are irrelevant in the present environment.

“The government should examine the relevance and suitability of the Sedition Act 1948 in the country.

“It can consider either amending or repealing this Act,” added Muzaffar Syah.