Freedom of expression should not be absolute, says Ti

PETALING JAYA: Freedom of expression should have its limitations and constraints, MCA Religious Harmony Bureau Chairman Ti Lian Ker says.

Speaking to FMT, Ti said that if freedom was being used or abused to undermine the government or nation, then it could be considered “treasonous” and the authorities should look into it seriously.

“We need to look into the forces behind these troopers, the cowardice of the hidden accounts, the damage and negative impact it has created via the repeated ‘brainwashing’, as well as the propaganda and lies that have been spread systematically and insidiously to disrupt or undermine the government of the day,” he said.

He explained that fair criticism and comments should be tolerated and permitted but that if the comments and criticism crossed the line of responsibility with a hidden and irresponsible agenda to promote the “downfall of the government”, then this crossed the borders of propriety.

“When there’s impropriety and abuse, then actions or monitoring must be made in order that the country’s evolution or changes via the democratic process is gradual and at the right pace.

“Any pushed or forced changes not in tandem with the nation’s aspirations will fail to be healthy or may be counterproductive instead.”

Ti was commenting on renewed criticism from pro-Umno commentators against Malaysiakini for allowing “wild, racist and irresponsible comments” by readers, as well as its slant towards Opposition parties.

The criticisms came from Awang Selamat, the pseudonym for Utusan Malaysia editors, as well as Ab Jalil Backer of the pro-Umno blog MyKMU, whose remarks were quoted in the Awang Selamat column in Mingguan Malaysia yesterday.

In yesterday’s column, Awang Selamat was sympathetic to Ab Jalil Backer, who was quoted as saying some Malaysiakini readers were feeble-minded (“tidak mahir berfikir”) in making negative comments on the website.

Ti was of the opinion that the “irresponsible and unaccountable” comments have indeed influenced and swayed many politically “feeble minds.”

“This is particularly so when strong, harsh and emotive words are used to stimulate and inflame emotions against the government of the day or its officials,” he said.

Mukah Pages bring you trending news media Free Malaysia Today