Freedom of speech should not be abused, says King

By Shazwan Mustafa Kamal - The Malaysian Insider

KUALA LUMPUR, March 15 — The Yang Di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin said today that freedom of speech should not be exploited to distort the truth at the expense of “flaming conflict and inciting racial sentiments.”

The King, in his royal address to Parliament, pointed out that while freedom of speech is a feature of a democratic and mature society, it should not be used to demean others.

“We are very much disappointed that there are parties within and outside the country who take advantage to exploit the situation at the expense of public order and national dignity.”

“We call upon all parties to learn a lesson from the dark episode in our history and avoid from stirring sensitive issues that may risk public order and harmony,” said the King.

Tuanku Mizan also pointed out that distortion of facts in some newspaper reports were still evident, and urged the authorities to take action.

“We are also disappointed that slander, lies and distortion of facts still prevail, especially in the new media. All parties involved must realise that no religion condones such actions. We urge them to cease committing these irresponsible acts. At the same time, the authorities must take stern actions against those involved.”

In addition, the Agong also maintained that unity between the many races and religious groups in Malaysia must be preserved, and that only through mutual respect and cooperation will there be a peaceful society.

“The position of Islam as the religion of the federation, while other religions are free to be practiced must be respected. We call upon all religious leaders to instil a sense of responsibility to maintain religious harmony among the followers of the respective religions,” said the King.

Tuanku Mizan also congratulated Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and his administration for successfully implementing various programmes for the well-being of Malaysians for the past 11 months, since he took over the helm of the government.

“We welcome the 1Malaysia concept, People First, Performance Now, premised on the Federal Constitution. Our Government has identified 6 National Key Result Areas or NKRAs to be achieved, which are, widening the access to quality and affordable education, improving the poublic transport, combating corruption, reducing the crime rate, expanding rural infrastructure and raising the standard of living of the low income group...The people, therefore should work together with Our Government to ensure the success of this programme,” said Tuanku Mizan, giving his stamp of approval on the Najib administration.

Some of the other key issues which were touched on during the speech were on the economy, and how Malaysia was slowly moving out of the global economic crisis.

Noting that subsidies in 2009 alone cost RM24.5 billion, the Agong stressed that the amount last year had benefited not only the low-income group, but also the rich and foreigners.

“These subsidies will be restructured and gradually reduced. However, target groups like the vulnerable groups will continue to be assisted in order to lessen their burden. In this regard, We call upon the people to be far-sighted and ready to accept the change.”