Don’t hide behind free speech, top cop tells Malaysians

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar says free speech and seditious statements are different. – The Malaysian Insider file pic, March 20, 2015.

The right of free speech should not be used to legitimise seditious statements, says the nation’s top cop.

National news agency Bernama quoted Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar as saying that despite the numerous police warnings on the matter some still persisted on committing it.

"I have warned many times especially political leaders and non-government organisations to be careful when expressing opinions and views specifically on the social media because it can result in a situation which threatens public security.

"I feel now I don't want to give warnings but instead any individual who breaks any rule will be immediately dealt with. And they should not seek cover behind freedom of speech," he said.

Khalid was speaking in a special interview with the media in conjunction with the 208th Police Day Memorial in Kuala Lumpur today.

On reports that he was curbing free speech through social media, he said it was necessary to prevent the spread of such statements.

"My aim in issuing the directive through Twitter is for fast action against seditions and untruths.

"I think this method is effective to prevent society from being influenced by untruths which should be immediately stopped," he said.

Bernama quoted Khalid as saying that the police always respected the right of freedom of speech but it had its limit specifically for a multiracial country like Malaysia.

"Sometimes, society wants the police to act fast but when I do so some say I contravened the right of freedom of speech," he said.

Khalid said based on the observation of the police, there was a reduction in seditious activities through the social sites at the moment, and hoped it would continue, and no more quarters would abuse the platform.

On gatherings pressing him to step down from his post, Khalid said: "Regardless of their intention in asking me to resign, there are rules and laws governing a gathering."

Bernama reported that he said it would still be regarded as flouting the law if no permission was obtained from the owner of a place but the organisers still went ahead with holding a gathering.

- TMI