Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim says freedom of speech must be grounded in awareness of constitutional limits, shared values, and truth in a diverse society
PUTRAJAYA: The freedom of speech in a democratic system must be accompanied by an understanding of constitutional limits, shared values, and truth, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He stressed that while the public has the right to express views, including dissatisfaction, such expression must be grounded in knowledge, decorum, and moral awareness.
“We give the people freedom of speech, but I ask that it be accompanied by understanding,” Anwar said during a townhall session at the closing of the Rancakkan MADANI Bersama Malaysiaku programme.
He said Islamic political traditions emphasise that freedom must come with responsibility and the ability to assess issues fairly and civilly based on truth.
Anwar said education, government agencies, and communication initiatives play a crucial role in fostering continuous understanding among the people.
The Prime Minister pointed out groups that condemn corruption while glorifying individuals who offer bribes.
“In this democratic system, those who embody the most corrupt values are not only angry at those who receive bribes but at the same time, they glorify those who openly give bribes,” he said.
He said the people must understand the Constitution, its boundaries, and the foundational principles governing a multiracial nation.
Nation-building requires openness to differing views and accepting criticism constructively, not an attitude of believing oneself to be the most correct, he added.
“You may reprimand, you may criticise, you may offer counter-proposals… but you must not insult, abuse or slander,” Anwar said.
Commenting on the cost of living, Anwar said the government has noted public concerns and responded with important announcements.
He cited the targeted RON95 petrol subsidy under the BUDI MADANI initiative as a prudent approach, contrary to a World Bank proposal to float fuel prices.
“This reduction is highly significant as it reflects not only our political will but also our economic capability,” he said.
The government is also expanding the RAHMAH Sales programme as an immediate measure to assist people affected by inflation.
Anwar said the government continues to dismantle cartels and intensify enforcement to curb smuggling, estimated to have reached RM15.5 billion.
He noted this major enforcement success has yet to become a serious point of debate in Parliament or part of the public narrative.
“It is only right that we recognise the enforcement personnel who have succeeded in saving RM15.5 billion of the country’s funds,” Anwar said. – Bernama
