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

Today, the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) has cautioned politicians regarding the intricacies of free speech, especially when it comes to religious matters. They emphasized that while Malaysia's Federal Constitution guarantees the freedom of speech under Article 10, this right also entails a duty to refrain from demeaning faiths or fomenting animosity.

A Suhakam spokesperson stressed that sacred texts, religious figures, and practices must be treated with utmost respect, no matter if they were initially meant as jest.

Suhakam underlined the importance of equal respect for all faiths in Malaysia's diverse society, stating that those who expect their own religious traditions to be upheld must reciprocate the same courtesy to others. Furthermore, the commission urged law enforcement and pertinent authorities to handle ongoing investigations in an unbiased and impartial manner, ensuring that any restrictions on free speech are in accordance with the law, equitable, and not selectively enforced.

Their stance became particularly pertinent following the controversial remarks made by Sepang Umno chief Noorazli Said during Umno's general assembly. Noorazli delivered a comment that was deemed offensive, contained a false reference to the Bible, and was widely condemned. Noorazli had initially expressed readiness to apologise if his comment had caused misunderstanding or offense, particularly towards Christians, before reaffirming his apology.

National Unity Minister Aaron Ago Dagang called for a thorough investigation into Noorazli’s remarks under Sections 298 and 298A of the Penal Code, which pertain to offenses that wound religious feelings or threaten religious harmony and unity. He also urged authorities to consider relevant provisions of the Communications and Multimedia Act.

The minister stressed that religious institutions, clergy, sacred scriptures, and beliefs should not be employed as fodder for sexually themed jokes, irrespective of the speaker’s intent.