KUALA LUMPUR: The National Unity Ministry's initiative to regulate the spread of hate speech is timely, but it should not suppress freedom of expression, according to Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.
The Unity Advisory Council member stated that laws against hate speech can promote a more inclusive and tolerant society by discouraging discriminatory language and actions.
He emphasised, "Such laws can offer legal recourse for marginalised communities, helping to protect them from verbal abuse and incitement to violence."
"By addressing hate speech, the government may reduce the potential for hate crimes, thereby promoting public safety and social harmony," Lee expressed when contacted on Sunday (Oct 13).
However, he questioned the focus on targeting journalists and media managers.
"Journalists merely report speeches made by others, notably politicians," Lee remarked.
"Shouldn’t politicians be the primary group for education and re-education?"
"Politicians wield significant influence in society. If they have a better understanding of hate speech and its implications, they can set positive examples for the public," he added.
Lee suggested that similar lessons should be applied to other professionals.
"Educating professionals from diverse fields together can foster collaboration, ensuring various perspectives are considered when addressing national issues."
"So, the emphasis must be on stemming hate speeches at the source, not the conduit, such as journalists' organisations."
"Journalists in the mainstream media have been rather responsible. In the past, newspapers in all language media have practised self-censorship when they encountered hate speeches," Lee said.
He added that today, when hate speech appear on social media, the perpetrators are not professionally trained journalists.
"While the Unity Ministry's intention is good, we must also be cautious of potential abuses where laws could be used to censor legitimate speech or criticism of the government, thus stifling freedom of expression."
"Enforcing such laws can be complex, especially in a multicultural, multi-religious society where diverse interpretations of speech may exist," Lee observed.
On Friday (Oct 11), National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang stated the need for policies and laws to regulate the spread of hateful statements and speech.
This was among the findings of a recent social study conducted by the National Unity Ministry.
The minister announced that the Study on Hateful Statements in Malaysia was jointly conducted by the National Integration Research and Training Institute, the National Unity and Integration Department, and UPM Consultancy and Services Sdn Bhd from Dec 7 to June 6.
