Najib gives assurance on free speech in social media

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Najib (second right) laughing over the portrait of himself and Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mukhriz Tun Dr Mahathir (second left) from the latter, who is also the Jerlun Umno division head, after attending the Umno meeting. — Bernama photo

JERLUN: The government will not retract the freedom of speech in the social media but wants the freedom to be exercised with accountability, said Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

The Prime Minister said the government practised an open attitude but it was the responsibility of the people, especially the young generation or ‘Gen Y’ to understand that there was a limit to freedom.

“I want to issue a warning that the existing law will be imposed on anyone attempting to jeopardise peace. This is certainly in force,” he said in his speech when opening the Jerlun Umno divisional delegates meeting at the Sekolah Menengah Sains Kubang Pasu, here yesterday.

He said that the Sedition Act would be abolished and would be replaced by the proposed National Harmony Act, but matters pertaining to religion and race would not be neglected.

Najib said the government would not allow freedom that did not adhere to the principles of accountability especially regarding Islamic religion, the other faiths as well as the special privileges of the Malays and the Malay Rulers.

“We must defend…(we are) not saying there is a new legislation and the rest will be put aside…but we will add in more appropriate provisions,” he said.

He said although there would be freedom and openness, he hoped these would not result in extreme cases cropping up because there must be maturity in thinking in whatever action taken.

“There must be a limit…(because of) this principle of accountability, we must look for a formula where we provide space for the freedom of speech including comments on the leaders but, at the same time, there must be a limit so as not to destroy peace and national harmony,” he said.

Najib said that in implementing anything new, including legislation and action which were open in nature, he took into consideration the views of many groups before implementing it.

“We discuss and seek opinions including from members of the MT (Umno Supreme Council), component parties, members of the public from various races.

We don’t adopt (the views of) the Bar council only.

“We look for a national consensu…if we get a national consensus then only we make a decision. People say this takes too long but to me, it’s better late but safe. This is the way we administer the country…move forward,” he said.

The prime minister said that as a leader, he would be happy when there were views offered to him.

“I’m criticised, it’s okay as long as the criticism made does not affect the interest of the party, country.

“We can correct this situation because there is no human being or leader who has no weaknesses, mistakes.

“The government does not have any monopoly on wisdom…this era is over, we share ideas,” he said.

Najib said that the various issues faced by the nation lately were a test by Allah for the country to do better in future. — Bernama