Freedom of speech and information accorded to Malaysians are on par with international standards, said the government in response to the National Human Rights Commission.

According to the 69-page response to the Suhakam 2010 report , released to parliamentarians in the previous sitting of the House , the restrictions imposed were in line with the International Declaration of Human Rights.

"Article 19(3) of the declaration provides that the rights (to free speech and freedom of expression) can be limited by laws and considerations for the reputation of others, national safety, public order and moral principles," it said.

Based on this, the government says the laws which Suhakam asserts NONE infringe on freedoms of speech, expression and opinion are justified.

"Freedom of expression and opinion is not absolute... One must remember that Malaysia is a multiracial and multireligious country.

"Abuse of freedom of expression, like slander, threats and seditious statements, causes anxiety and strains relation between communities, and is a threat to national safety," it said.

Restricted freedom of speech allowed

The government noted that although Malaysians are accorded freedom of speech based on Article 10(1)(a), this is limited by another which allows Parliament to restrict this right through legislation.

"It is in line with Article 10(2) of the federal constitution that legislation like the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984, Official Secrets Act 1972, Sedition Act 1948, University and University Colleges Act 1971 and the Internal Security Act 1960 were enacted.

"These laws are meant to ensure that the freedom of speech and information in Malaysia are not abused and national safety and order are protected," it said.

It also said that for this purpose, the government proposed a media consultative council, which has since faced heavy resistance from the media.

"The government views ethical journalism as integral in a country that is multiracial, multicultural and multireligious like Malaysia," it stated.