Freedom Of Speech In Malaysia Article
Every citizen has the right to freedom of speech and expression as provided for by article 10 1 of the federal constitution.
Freedom of speech in malaysia article. The vote marked a clear decision by the malaysian people to no longer tolerate suppression of media freedom online speech and government criticism. Suhakam wishes to remind the government on its duty and responsibility to protect the people s right to free speech in line with article 10 of the federal constitution of malaysia which guarantees malaysian citizens the right to freedom of speech freedom of assembly and freedom of association as a democratic nation should be. The malaysian government has for many years used a raft of new and old legislation to silence critics and control narratives surrounding governance and corruption. A core islamic value.
Article 10 of the federal constitution guarantees our right as citizens to freedom of expression with the caveat that it does not thread between the lines of hate speech. Abstract this article seeks to understand the situation of political speech in malaysia the argument in favour of restrictions on political speech and the problems that prevent political speech from being practised effectively. Article 10 of the constitution of malaysia guarantees malaysian citizens the right to freedom of speech freedom of assembly and freedom of association unlike comparable provisions in constitutional law such as the first amendment to the united states constitution article 10 entitles citizens to such freedoms as are not restricted by the government instead of absolutely guaranteeing those. Malaysia was ranked 145th in the reporters without borders rsf press freedom index when ph took over government in 2018.
If there s one thing that can be established off hand it s that freedom of speech is indeed a constitutional right under article 10 of the federal constitution with some limitations. For example two particularly sensitive issues ethnic rivalry and religion are considered taboo and discussion of these issues is severely restricted. Malaysia is a democratic country. 1 subject to clauses 2 3 and 4.
Prior to the 31st of may 1960 article 149 and article 150 the old federal constitution contained a time limitation whereby it automatically expires within one year to the day of its proclamation. Freedom of speech is one of the fundamental rights that can be overruled by the government without the need to provide any reasons as malaysia is legally still in a state of emergency since 1969. As a democracy freedom of speech is certainly among the main issues to debate the various parties in the country. Article 10 of the federal constitution freedom of speech assembly and association in part.
The freedom of speech in malaysia is not and has never truly been free.