Freedom of speech, expression are rights under the Constitution, says Ti

KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Ti Lian Ker has emphasized that freedom of speech and expression are fundamental rights protected by the Federal Constitution. The MCA vice-president further stated that these rights encompass the ability to question or debate any policies. He firmly asserted that politicians or parties must not use religion, race, or culture as excuses to encroach upon, curtail or suppress these rights. Ti urged Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Salleh to demonstrate humility and reverence for the law and Constitution by allowing Malaysians to voice their concerns freely.

Addtionally, Ti highlighted the importance of respecting Islam as the official religion while remaining vigilant against the potential dangers of “political Islam.” According to him, political manipulation of religion can be damaging to society and previously caused hardship and social calamities during the 1980s and 1990s, transforming the nation’s fabric into a political agenda rather than a religious one.

Ti cautioned that politicians exploiting religion poses a threat, recalling historical instances where intolerance and persecution were orchestrated by secular powers with political motives. His statement came as a response to Akmal’s warning that Umno Youth would oppose any opposition to the proposed “Imam Al-Nawawi 40 Hadith” module in public schools, even from allies of the party.

Earlier, Dr Wee Ka Siong, the president of MCA, and the Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism, and Taoism (MCCBCHST) expressed concerns regarding the new module. Ti supported their concerns and criticized Akmal’s statement as “brutish” and “uncouth.”

Ti acknowledged that Dr Wee’s concerns about the terminology used, such as “pioneer project” and “expand,” were valid and called for clarification. He argued that these concerns and rights deserve respect and expressed disappointment in Umno Youth’s behavior damaging the public image of Umno and Barisan Nasional.

Ti called upon all parties involved to adopt the spirit of the founding fathers Tunku Abdul Rahman, Tun Tan Cheng Lock, and Tun Sambanthan, advocating for humility, respect, and tolerance instead of the confrontational political culture of the 1980s and 1990s. On August 19, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek launched the “Imam Al-Nawawi 40 Hadith” appreciation module, aimed at promoting the values of Prophet Muhammad’s sayings or “hadith” at the school level.

The module will initially be implemented in National Religious Secondary Schools (SMKA) and Government-funded Religious Schools (SABK) before being expanded to other public schools. After concerns were raised by non-Muslim communities, the Education Ministry clarified that the module would only involve Muslim students.