Free speech doesn’t mean you can demean faiths, Suhakam tells politicians

 The national rights body says sacred texts and religious figures must never be sexualised or turned into political entertainment.

The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia today said apologies over religious sensitivities must recognise the hurt caused, rather than be reduced merely to a public relations exercise following public backlash.

PETALING JAYA:

The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) has reminded political leaders that while Article 10 of the Federal Constitution protects freedom of speech, it also comes with a responsibility not to demean faiths or stir hostility.

In a statement, Suhakam stressed that sacred texts, religious figures and practices must never be sexualised, distorted or used for political entertainment, regardless of whether they were intended as humour or not.

“Malaysia’s diversity demands equal respect for all faiths,” the rights body said in a statement.

“Those who expect their own religious traditions to be respected must extend the same courtesy to others.”

The commission added that apologies over religious sensitivities must recognise the hurt caused, rather than be reduced merely to a public relations exercise following public backlash.

Suhakam also urged law enforcement and relevant authorities to conduct any ongoing investigations independently and impartially, ensuring that restrictions on free speech follow the law, are fair and are not imposed selectively.

The commission was responding to a lewd “joke” by Sepang Umno chief Noorazli Said about the clergy, which also contained a false reference to the Bible.

Noorazli’s remarks during Umno’s general assembly on Saturday have drawn widespread condemnation, with several police reports lodged against him.

Noorazli initially said he was “prepared to apologise” if he had caused misunderstanding or offended anyone, particularly Christians, before stating he was apologising for the comment.

National unity minister Aaron Ago Dagang has urged the authorities to investigate Noorazli’s remarks under Sections 298 and 298A of the Penal Code (acts that wound religious feelings or threaten religious harmony and unity), as well as relevant provisions of the Communications and Multimedia Act.

Aaron said religious institutions, clergy, sacred scriptures and beliefs should not be used as material for sexually themed jokes, regardless of the speaker’s intention. - FMT