IGP: Freedom of speech is not to defame others

IGP says crackdown on seditious statements is necessary especially in a multi-racial country like Malaysia.

KUALA LUMPUR: The right to freedom of speech should not be used as an excuse to legitimise actions or statements which are seditious in nature which can threaten peace and public security.

Inspector-General of Police Khalid Abu Bakar said despite the numerous police warnings on the matter some still persisted on committing it.

I have warned many times especially political leaders and non-government organisations to be careful when expressing opinions and views specifically on social media because it can result in a situation which threatens public security.

I feel now I dont want to give warnings but instead any individual who breaks any rule will be immediately dealt with. And they should not seek cover behind freedom of speech, he said.

Khalid was speaking in a special interview with the media in conjunction with the 208th Police Day Memorial here, today. The event is to be celebrated on March 25.

Commenting on claims he was trying to curb freedom of speech when giving a directive via his Twitter account for action to be taken against any individual who made seditious statements, Khalid said it was necessary to prevent the spread of such statements.

My aim in issuing the directive via Twitter is for fast action against sedition and the spread of untruths.

I think this method is effective to prevent society from being influenced by untruths which should be immediately stopped, he said.

Police, he said, always respected the right of freedom of speech but freedom had its limits specifically in a multi-racial and multi-religious country like Malaysia.

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IGP: Freedom of speech is not to defame others