Balancing Freedom of Speech and National Security in Malaysia

Abstract

This article examines the essential need to balance freedom of speech and the promotion of national security in Malaysia. It traces the theoretical debate of the nexus of liberty and security. Then it moves toward debating two perspectives of free speech, namely, absolutism and reasonable regulation, which can also be observed in Malaysia. It is argued that the Barisan Nasional government practices comprehensive security and favors national security too much. It limits free speech through several restrictive laws. Critics argue that in reality the restrictions enable the longevity of the regime in power. Therefore, the opposition, civil society, and the Malaysian Human Rights Commission (SUHAKAM) demand political reform to permit people to practice more free speech. Due to such pressure, the ruling government has introduced the National Transformation Policy (2011–2020), which is yet to be fully implemented. There is doubt as to whether a balance between freedom of speech and national security can be realized.