KUALA LUMPUR: Caution must be exercised to prevent the misuse of hate speech laws that can stifle freedom of expression.
Unity Advisory Council member Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said that while he commended the National Unity Ministry's efforts to draft regulations against hate speech, he warned of the potential for abuse, where such laws could be used to censor legitimate speech or criticism of the government.
"The intention behind these laws is noble. Regulations against hate speech can foster a more inclusive and tolerant society by discouraging discriminatory language and actions. They also provide legal recourse for marginalised communities, helping to protect them from verbal abuse and incitement to violence," he said.
"By addressing hate speech, the government may reduce the potential for hate crimes, thereby promoting public safety and social harmony. However, enforcing these laws can be complex, especially in a multicultural and multi-religious society with diverse interpretations of speech," he added.
Lee said it was important to address the root causes of hate speech, which extend beyond the media.
"The media merely reports speeches made by others, particularly politicians. Why should we target journalists and media managers? Shouldn't politicians be the focus of education and re-education efforts?
"Politicians often hold significant influence in society. If they possess a better understanding of hate speech and its implications, they can set positive examples for the public," he said.
Furthermore, Lee suggested that similar educational initiatives be extended to other professionals.
"Educating professionals from diverse fields together can foster collaboration and ensure various perspectives are considered when addressing national issues. The focus must be on stemming hate speech at the source, rather than targeting conduits like journalists' organisations," he added.
Acknowledging that mainstream media journalists had generally acted responsibly, he said: "In the past, newspapers across all languages practised self-censorship when confronted with hate speech. However, nowadays, hate speech often emerges on social media, perpetrated not by professionally trained journalists but by others."