Obstacles and opportunities for free speech

The Emergency (Essential Powers) (No 2) Ordinance Bill came into force in March 2021 to target misinformation about Covid-19 and emergency lockdown orders. — 123rf.com

FREE speech faces a paradox in Malaysia. Despite the guarantees contained in Article 10 of the Federal Constitution, freedom of speech and expression has often been curbed by law.

The authorities’ recent track record in restricting free speech can be seen in cases including the investigation of the former attorney-general’s publication of his memoir, criminalising an online publisher for contempt of court and criticisms during the Covid-19 pandemic.