'Freedom of expression doesn't include freedom to insult religion'

Freedom of expression does not encompass the freedom to insult others' religions, PKR president Anwar Ibrahim said today. 

Commenting on several individuals being arrested for insulting Islam of late, Anwar branded these incidents "stupid and evil."

He added that such actions could disrupt national harmony if not met with strong action from the authorities.

"The right to voice opinions, criticising or questioning some aspects of religious belief, that is still acceptable," he told a press conference after an event at the Utusan Melayu Bhd office in Kuala Lumpur.

"But to insult aqidah (faith) and the Prophet, that is stupid and evil, and does not bring any good to the country.

"If there is anyone who believes that this is only the practice of freedom (of expression) and being liberal, this means that the person has a deviant understanding."

Yesterday, 22-year-old factory worker A Taneson was charged in the Shah Alam Magistrates' Court for insulting Prophet Muhammad, while senior citizen Wai Foo Sin was hit with two charges at the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court earlier today.

Police are also investigating another Facebook user for a similar offence.

'Negative impact'

As Anwar told the press conference, insulting religions could also have a negative impact on the Pakatan Harapan administration's efforts to rebuild the country, and urged authorities to act in a speedy manner.

"We want to focus on developing the country's economy, to solve the rakyat's issues and 'kesenjangan' (income inequality). 

"We do not want to be diverted by some who believe that this (insulting religion) is their right," he said.

Anwar also advised Muslims not to take such actions by several individuals as representative of all non-Muslims.

He recounted being approached by many non-Muslims expressing their disapproval of the insults against Islam and who assured him that they do not share the same views.

When asked about the by-election for the vacant Negeri Sembilan seat of Rantau, Anwar said PKR was still going through a list of candidates.

He said the party's political bureau would convene a meeting this evening.

Among the candidates on the list, he said, are the Rantau candidate for the 14th general election Dr S Streram and several women party members. - Mkini