BACHELOR OF EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION WITH HONOURS

MAY 2020

OUMH 1203

ENGLISH FOR WRITTEN COMMUNICATION

NAMA PELAJAR :

NO. MATRIKULASI :

NO KAD PENGENALAN :

NO. TELEFON :

E-MEL :

PUSAT PEMBELAJARAN :

i
NO TOPIC PAGE

1.0 Outline Format 1

2.0 2.1 Introduction 2

2.2 Content

2.2.1 Freedom Speech 3–4

2.2.2 Using Freedom of Speech In Social 5-6

Media

2.3 Conclusion 7–8

3.0 Reference 9 – 10

ii
1.0 OUTLINE FORMAT
Freedom of Speech
I. Introduction
Introduction of the Freedom speech and the used of social media in Malaysia
- The definition of freedom speech
- Political speech in Malaysia
- The freedom of Speech in Social media
- Rapid growth of social media

II. Freedom of Speech in Malaysia

a. Freedom of Speech in Malaysia should not neglected.
b. No physical threats whoever use media social.
i. To be careful with what been posted
c. Freedom speech of often associated with treason
d. Government misunderstood by society on government policies
e. Freedom of speech needs to be given reasonable control.

III. Social media for freedom of speech

a. Rapid growth of social media
b. Disadvantage of social media
c. The challenges concerning social media
d. Restrictions on freedom of speech.
e. Extraordinary power by media

IV. Conclusion
- Implementing changes to achieve better level
- Exercise of freedom of speech without limits
- Freedom of speech is protected
- Considerable right and responsibilities in shaping the country
- The balance between right in a multiracial country

1
2.0 ESSAY – FREEDOM OF SPEECH

2.1 INTRODUCTION

Freedom of speech is indeed something that all human beings crave. Freedom of speech gives us
confidence in something, and it will motivate us to do. The whole world practices freedom of speech to
respect human rights. The same goes for Malaysia. However, freedom of speech in Malaysia is limited,
and some issues need to be avoided. What is freedom of speech? In Wikipedia, freedom of expression in
Malaysia is subject to the Federal Constitution, the supreme law of Malaysia. In the federal constitution,
Part II provides for the freedom of human rights. Freedom of speech has been guaranteed under Article
10 of Federal Constitution. However, it is not an absolute right and has become controversial issue for a
long time. The ability to go undercover by writing anonymously in an online environment and the advent
of blogging have been catalysts for individuals to express their grievances more openly.

This article seeks to know things of political speech in Malaysia, the argument in favour of restrictions on
political speech, and therefore the problems that prevent political speech from being practised effectively.
For example, two particularly sensitive issues—ethnic rivalry and religion—are considered taboo, and
discussion of those issues is severely restricted. Furthermore, freedom of political speech and therefore,
the political rights of people are secondary to the goals of national prosperity and national development.
Therefore, the government is predisposed to impose some form of political discipline to serve the greater
social good. In this respect, the Malaysian government are often accused of being less democratic for its
restriction on political speech.

The whole world is moving forward, and everything is at your fingertips. This includes the rapid growth
of social media. It can be concluded that social media is being used rapidly around the world. As we
experience, all the information we know in the blink of an eye, social media is the main platform in
expressing opinions and expressing feelings. The widespread use of social media, to some extent, has a
positive and negative impact on users. It can be said that all walks of life generally know about social
media and are even good at using it. Hate speech is when we say things that are offensive or dangerous,
targeted at a particular person or group of people. An important feature of modern democracy is the
fundamental right to freedom of expression.

2
2.2 CONTENT

2.2.1 FREEDOM OF SPEECH IN MALAYSIA

The freedom of speech allocated to the people of Malaysia should not be neglected and abused. As
enshrined in the federal board, it is clearly stated that citizens have the freedom to speak. Freedom of
speech is essential because, through it, the community can know or discuss topics openly and frankly.
This will be able to open the eyes of society to see the truth. This freedom of speech also gives the people
the opportunity and right to express their opinions and views, including political issues. We know that
Malaysia is a democratic country, which, to some extent, allows the people to express their views,
including criticizing the government so that the government can reconsider the opinions that have been
put forward.

We should also not encourage physical threats to anyone with the use of social media. Such views or
comments should be avoided, and this can be achieved through self-regulation by the respective portals.
Nevertheless, the entrance to manage the content in their comment space is a reasonable request.
Essentially, it reinforces the fact that we uphold the right to speak but also emphasizes accountability as a
consumer. So, as been said before, we need to discuss this further. The intend to discuss this matter with
everyone involved, including the colleagues in the media to find a way to develop a framework and agree
on some mechanisms by which we can address the complaints received. Meanwhile, once again, it is to
reminded to be careful about what we display on social media. While we respect freedom of speech and
freedom of the press, we must remember that this freedom is not absolute but subject to the laws
necessary to maintain public order. The views and suggestions from the upcoming media council on this
matter and promote the more responsible use of social media while providing space for freedom of
speech in the country.

Freedom of speech is often associated with acts of treason. Anyone who mentions writes, prints, sells or
publishes words that have the meaning of treason is considered by law to be guilty of an offense
punishable by up to five years in prison or a fine of RM 5,000. Freedom to express an opinion on an issue
is different from inciting those who try to cause chaos. A person's intentions while speaking are not
necessary. This means that if something the person says tends to inspire, they will be charged with
sedition. If a person does not utter seditious words but causes chaos, he will also be charged with treason.
In the article Political Freedom According to the Federal Constitution of Malaysia and its Application, its
author, Faridah Jalil, once touched on issues on freedom of speech in the Malaysian context. Issues

3
mentioned are restrictions on the right to free expression in Malaysia in certain things like the special
privileges, the position of the Malays, the sovereignty, and the position of the Malay language. Such
things are unquestionable; only the means of their implementation can be discussed. The problematic
country is developed because society will think that the government is unwilling to accept various
criticisms and ideologies in the implementation of its government policies. Freedom of speech is always
closely related to political freedom. The issue raised here is about government restrictions on the right to
speak through the political medium. For example, in the past, the Internal Security Act 1960 (ISA) which
stated that detention occurs when it is found that a person can pose a threat to national security and order.

So, it is clear that the ruling government was unwilling to give too much freedom of speech to the
Malaysian society at the time. However, freedom of speech and expression needs to be given reasonable
control. If it is not well regulated, then there is a possibility of chaos in a country and society. In the
Malaysian, situation where the community is made up of religions and races. Therefore, the government
needs to be careful in dealing with the right to speak, especially speech that involves religious and racial
matters. Recently, hate speech against the government, race, and other races are increasing. To ensure the
peace and harmony of the multi-racial country, the government should limit statements that touch on
sensitive issues which can lead to misunderstandings and even fights involving the race.

4
2.2.2 SOCIAL MEDIA FOR FREEDOM OF SPEECH AND THE OFFERING OF SOME
SUGGESTIONS.

Today in a world without border, society is always looking up the latest information at a fast pace. If
before the news about any program or event planned to be held took days to spread to the general public.
In the past, the fastest method of conveying information was by telegram, which took at least a day for it
to reach the recipient. Although fast, the number of words that can be included in a telegram is very
limited. However, the situation today is very different. Now, with the rapid growth and development of
mass media and social media technology, an event or news can spread widely around the world
immediately after it happens. Before the arrival of the internet, information was controlled by the
government. The government can determine what information is generally accepted. After the arrival of
the internet, the government's monopoly on information was increasingly eroded. This information
citizenship means that the government is just one of the merchants in the information market and has to
compete with other merchants. The most crucial development in the citizenship of this information is the
existence of social media - has succeeded in empowering the people, as if they just realized that they
have rights and can practice those rights. Freedom of speech and expression is celebrated on social
media. But social media also has its downsides. It can be where false information is spread, where insults
and curses are hurled, and where all kinds of harassment can occur. Social media can bring a thousand
and one harms, and because social media is so easy to use and so widely used, social media can bring
considerable harm.
The biggest challenges concerning social media can be summed up: how we can balance freedom of
speech and express opinions with limits on those freedoms. This challenge is not easy to deal with, let
alone considering that social media is continually changing and evolving. Unfortunately, the
government's response to these challenges is not proportional, or disproportionate to the problems it seeks
to address. The government acted to close the democratic spaces that were previously open, and this has,
to some extent, created a chilling effect or effect of fear on freedom of speech and expression. Do not
irritate mosquitoes, burn mosquito nets. Do not because of the negative effects of social media, and
freedom is restricted carelessly. The Federal Constitution guarantees freedom of speech and expression,
and this right can be restricted only if permitted by the Constitution itself.

At the same time, we must ensure that the essence of the discussion does not deviate to the point of
violating the law and endangering public order or affecting national security. All freedoms must be
exercised with respect and responsibility. This is why portals, including news portals, must be

5
responsible for what is displayed in the portal, including the comment section. Therefore, with support to
the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's order in Parliament, which recommended using social media responsibly.
Today's portals provide news and also provide space for the public to exchange views on news reports.
While discussions on social media and news portals benefit the community, there is also a need to use
such platforms prudently. In this context, news portals to establish self-regulation through news
monitoring and comments on their websites. This is not intended to restrict freedom but to maintain order
and avoid offensive comments that could affect national security. Freedom of speech is not designed to
encourage indecent, offensive, or sexist remarks.

Our approach in facing social media's challenges must lead to supporting freedom of speech and
expression. The law should only be applied in particular circumstances. Restrictions imposed must be
reasonable and proportionate. It must be determined accurately and clearly without the space to apply
such restrictions arbitrarily and selectively. Restrictions on freedom of speech should not be placed at too
low a level. The law should not be used every time someone feels offended by the words of others. In
such a situation, the government does not need to get involved. Yes, we are angry when we see our
religion, race, or religion insulted. But that is not enough to justify action being taken against those who
insult. This is because our level of tolerance varies, depending on the individual. Things that offend one's
sensitivity may not offend the sensitivity of others. The practice of freedom of speech and expression
should only be acted upon if it threatens physical harm to individuals or property. This ensures that the
limits of freedom of speech are not only an illusory and ineffective right. We must realize that our society
is actually maturing. Social media is an essential element in the development of our society. The
democratic practices we support and the maturation process of this society depend on the free and
democratic spaces that exist. To restrict freedom just because of the harm that can be brought by social
media will result in stunted growth of our society and country.

There is no denying that the media today plays a very important role and is a major medium in the
process of delivering news and information to every layer of society. In this era, the media has a very
extraordinary power that is able to shape the thinking and beliefs of society in a matter. Media
practitioners need to be aware that the power they carry through their pen points and computer keyboards
must be borne responsibly. An inaccurate reporting and publication that has been widely spread can lead
to irreparable losses, chaos and disharmony. Although an incorrect report can be corrected, but often
damage has already occurred. Therefore, every word and stanza of expression should be made prudently
thoroughly and accurately. As Malaysian says “The Pen is Mightier Than The Sword”.

6
7
2.3 CONCLUSION

Malaysia as a democratic nation which values human right must continue to respect fundamental
freedoms. Progress will not be possible without change. Therefore, as a developing and competitive
country, the Government is always striving and taking proactive steps in implementing the necessary
changes towards achieving a better level than the existing one. The Transformation Program was
launched in 2012. Through this initiative, the Government has taken bold steps to repeal laws that are no
longer considered relevant through several legislative reform initiatives. In this regard, the law relating to
control over the media is also not left behind.

Freedom of speech is the freedom to express our thoughts and expressions without limits, while hate
speech is the abuse of this freedom to hurt others, or speech intended to provoke violence. In other words,
and free speech means we can say whatever we want. is generally accepted that this right is one of the
human rights and an important part of modern democracy. In Malaysia, as in most countries, freedom of
speech and expression is protected. However, the sanctions imposed, for this reason, the authorities then
looked for ways and means to perpetuate the restrictions. In the process, new reasons were sought to
justify the application and enforcement of heavier human rights abuses. The need to enhance economic
development is one of the main reasons given.

True the freedom to speak and comment is closely related to freedom of speech. Freedom of speech is
one of the internationally recognized human right and guaranteed with Federal Constitution. As a
sovereign and independent nation, we have considerable right and responsibilities in shaping and
determining the most appropriate mold for our people and country. What is suitable for another country
not necessarily the same for Malaysia. The same goes for the principle of freedom of speech. As a
member country of the United Nations, we must responsible for always respecting and to abide by the
resolutions have agreed to internationally. Unfortunately, our determination to shape media freedom
according to this particular mold is sometimes misunderstood by the international community. Malaysia
is often criticized as a country that does not support the principles of democracy based on human rights.

The government must recognize the critical role the media has to play in tackling disinformation. The
role of an independent media, adhering to professional ethics standards, cannot be undervalued in time
like these. The public must be able to access reports and opinions on a wide spectrum of issues and
government information. All of this content can help to inform and empower people to act in the best
interests of their communities without coercive enforcement. The World Health Organisation warned of

8
an “infodemic,” which is an overabundance of information. Some of which is inaccurate, making it
difficult for people to find trustworthy guidance when they need it. We must avoid such an infodemic in
Malaysia and a candid, calm, and right-respecting. As a multi-racial, multi-ethnic, and multi-religious
nation, finding a balance between the rights and responsibilities of each of its citizens is not an easy task.
Therefore, in our passion for upholding the principles of fundamental freedoms, let us not a mortgage and
threaten the most valuable characteristics of Malaysia, namely racial and religious harmony among the
multi-racial Malaysian society.

Freedom of expression and speech shouldn't taken for granted and must be respected, no one can stop
from anyone to express something and say something according to their beliefs, but one must keep in
their mind every action and every words has an impact and has a consequences at some point, in action
and words everyone should be careful.

2709words

9
3.0 REFERENCE

Assoc Prof Dr Alias Mohd Yatim, Assoc Prof Hazidi Abdul Hamid, Mohd Helmi Abdul Rahim, Teo
Hui Thian ( December 2012) OUMH2103 English For Written Communication. Kuala Lumpur. Open
University Malaysia

Lata Nott (n.d). Free Expression on Social Media. Retrieved from

https://www.freedomforuminstitute.org/first-amendment-center/primers/free-expression-on-social-
media/

Malay Mail (23 Jun 2020). Protection of freedom of speech and expression — Suhakam. Retrieved
from https://www.malaymail.com/news/what-you-think/2020/06/23/protection-of-freedom-of-
speech-and-expression-suhakam/1878253

Mohd Azizuddin Mohd Sani (26 March 2008). Freedom of Speech and Democracy in Malaysia.
Retrieved from https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/02185370801962440?
mobileUi=0&journalCode=rasi20

New Straits Times (20 September 2012). UNDONE: Governments are at wits’ end trying to tackle
frontier. Retrieved from https://www.mcmc.gov.my/en/media/press-clippings/blight-of-unfettered-
freedom

Salleh Buang (2 January 2019). Freedom of Speech: Do not cross the line. Retrieved from
https://www.nst.com.my/opinion/columnists/2019/01/446413/freedom-speech-do-not-cross-line

Stefan Theil (n.d). Freedom of expression on social media. Retrieved from

https://www.law.ox.ac.uk/research-and-subject-groups/digitalisation-human-rights

Timothy Garton Ash(2011) Free Speech Debate (The Project). Retrieved from
https://freespeechdebate.com/the-project/

Timothy Garton Ash (2017) Free Speech: Ten principle for a connected world. London. Yale
University Press
10
Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (2019). Article 10 of the Constitution of Malaysia. Retrieved from
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Article_10_of_the_Constitution_of_Malaysia

11