KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the government has never restricted academics from discussing the 3R (race, religion and royalty) issues as long as it does not incite hatred and seditious.
He said the government has never denied the freedom of speech but it must be utilised accordingly by expressing statements, criticisms, or views that can bring benefit to the people.
"In this country, I emphasise to the Higher Education Minister (Datuk Seri Zambry Abdul Kadir) that any discussions about the 3Rs should only be restricted when those statements have crossed the line, inciting hatred between races, using religion to harm others, or easily manipulating people, as it could bring disaster among the public," Anwar said during the Memorial Ceremony for the Late Syed Husin Ali.
He also warned about the usage of 'kafir harbi' against non-Muslims as 'harbi' referred to 'war' in Arabic by certain political leaders.
He said such labelling may cause misunderstanding among its followers.
Besides, Anwar also told the Education Ministry to answer all the claims made by certain parties that easily accused the government's policies were aligned with communism and supportive of LGBT.
"For example, there was a recent political party 'muktamar' where it was claimed that the Education Ministry is ruined because communism is being brought in and LGBT views are allowed to be taught in schools.
"That might be the perception among their supporters. Of course, we have to respond. I'm not saying we need to take legal action, but it shows that it is not easy to debate or control the 3R issues," he said.