Free speech doesn’t mean you can demean faiths, Suhakam tells politicians

The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) has warned political leaders that while freedom of speech under Article 10 of Malaysia's Federal Constitution is protected, it must not be exercised in a way that demeans religious beliefs or incites hostility. In a statement, Suhakam emphasized that sacred texts, religious figures and practices should never be sexualized, distorted or used for political amusement, regardless of whether they were intended to be humorous or not.

The rights body reiterated that Malaysia's diversity demands respect for all faiths, and those expecting their own religious traditions to be respected must accord the same courtesy to others. Suhakam also insisted that apologies for remarks that offended religious sensitivities must acknowledge the pain caused, rather than being treated merely as a public relations exercise following public backlash.

The commission urged law enforcement and relevant authorities to conduct ongoing investigations into such remarks independently and impartially, ensuring that restrictions on free speech comply with the law, are fair and not selectively imposed. The warning came in response to a vulgar "joke" made by Sepang Umno chief Noorazli Said about clergy, which also contained an inaccurate reference to the Bible.

Noorazli's comments during Umno's general assembly on Saturday have sparked widespread condemnation, with several police reports filed against him. Initially, Noorazli said he was "prepared to apologise" if he had caused misunderstanding or offense, particularly to Christians, before subsequently apologizing for the comment. National unity minister Aaron Ago Dagang has called on authorities to investigate Noorazli's remarks under Sections 298 and 298A of the Penal Code (crimes that wound religious feelings or threaten religious harmony and unity) and relevant provisions of the Communications and Multimedia Act.

Aaron stressed that religious institutions, clergy, sacred scriptures and beliefs should not be used as material for sexually themed jokes, regardless of the speaker's intention.