KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 5 — Minister of Communications and Multimedia Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek today reminded the people that freedom of speech in this country is bound by existing laws.
He said this was to ensure that statements issued, including online, do not violate existing laws and the Rukun Negara (National Philosophy), which also stresses on loyalty to King and country. “For example, if the words are defamatory, there is the Defamation Act. If seditious, there is the Sedition Act,” he told reporters after launching Kelab Kembara Malaysia here today.
Ahmad Shabery said this when asked whether the ministry will be issuing special guidelines to the public on making statements online following a handful of Internet users questioning the action of Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah of Selangor in withrawing the “Datuk Seri” peerage awarded to Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Wednesday.
Asked about the withdrawal of the award, Ahmad Shabery said it was the duty of all Malaysians to respect the monarchy institution, whose functions and role pre-dates Merdeka (Independence).
“In fact, in our country, in terms of awarding titles, it is not done by politicians, the Prime Minister for example... but by the King or the Malay rulers.
“So, in this respect, to honour them (Malay rulers) is part of our responsibility to make it (monarchy) always a venerated institution. “And it is their right (Malay rulers) also if they feel that something is not right for them to withdraw the awards they have conferred. This also must be respected,” he added. — Bernama
