KUALA LUMPUR – Criticism, opinions, and suggestions regarding race, religion and royalty (3R) issues are acceptable as long as they stay within certain boundaries, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
However, Anwar said actions that cause destruction, division, incitement, and insults based on race and religion are not permissible.
Healthy discourse on race and religion is encouraged including criticisms of certain implementations and policies, such as those within the Islamic Development Department (Jakim), he said.
“If there are opinions from the Christian community, on Gawai celebrations, or criticism against certain practices within the Islamic community or against Jakim, they are welcomed,” he said.
“Saying that these matters cannot be touched at all is simply untrue,” he added.
Anwar made these remarks while delivering his keynote address at the National Journalists Day (Hawana) 2024 celebration in Kuching today.
However, Anwar also noted that without freedom, there can be no mature democracy.
“In my view, without freedom, there can be no mature democracy. Great works of art cannot flourish, and significant achievements cannot be realised without the freedom to express.”
“But what are the limits? If we use this freedom to create division and sow the seeds of discord, it will undermine the foundation of our nation,” he said. – May 27, 2024