Freedom Of Expression

Freedom of expression means that a person is naturally free to express record or observe any idea, feeling thinking and observation, in a civilised or cultured style as permitted or admissible under the prevailing norm of law and ethic, custom in a given society at any time. Freedom of expression is defined as freedom of individual to communicate openly or to express his opinion freely without being withheld by any party. Prof Hashim Kamali stated that freedom of expression means the absence of restrain upon the ability of individual or groups to communicate their idea to others, subject to understanding that they do not in turn to force others into paying attention or that they do not violate other rights essential to dignity of the individual.

In Malaysia, freedom of expression is more often than not restricted through old laws and in some cases restricted through the threat of violence. There are several acts of law regulate the freedoms granted by Article 10, such as the Defamation Act 1957, Sedition Act 1948, the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984, Internal Security Act and Police Act 1967.

In general, we are free to speak or say whatever things that we want without exceed the limit. As a multiracial society, many aspects need to be taken note and concerned about. The absolute freedom is unable to be given to all Malaysians. The freedom of speech and expressions is more restrained especially after the May 13 racial riot incident. The needs and feelings of all parties needed to be concerned and the security of public need to be taken

This is a serious blow to freedom of speech and expression in Malaysia. Although the laws and acts are enacted to use for the national security reason, most of the victim of these acts were member of opposition and journalists who had utilized their rights perfectly as a Malaysian and perform their role well in the society.

Moreover, the government should always ensure that they did not abuse the usage the laws. The passage of time had granted us a greater space for freedom of speech. Although print and electronic media is still being controlled and restricted, Malaysians can retrieve and gain information through the existing of internet. Internet had become a medium or option for the freedom of speech and expression. However, we still cannot abuse the rights to do so and might get ourselves into trouble if we abuse it. A harmony and peaceful society needs the commitment from all of us to enhance