Freedom Of Expression Requires Moral Responsibility - PM Anwar

PUTRAJAYA, June 8 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has stressed that freedom of expression must be guided by moral responsibility, warning that differences of opinion should never be used to divide society or undermine shared human values.

He said that in an era demanding more effective and responsible communication, public discourse must be rooted in wisdom, knowledge and civility.

“A society lacking knowledge, detached from truth, indifferent to justice and devoid of compassion in its judgement and actions will easily descend into a state of ignorance born of negligence, prejudice and misunderstanding,” he said in a Facebook post today.

Anwar said this was among the key messages he delivered during the Communications Ministry’s monthly assembly earlier, which was also attended by Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar.

The Prime Minister said a nation’s progress should not be measured solely by material prosperity and physical development, but also by the depth of its knowledge, the strength of its intellect and character, and the values that guide its people.

“In pursuing the national development agenda, we are not only tasked with advancing economic growth and technological progress, but also with nurturing a knowledgeable and ethical society, one that values learning and remains united on the foundations of truth, justice and compassion,” he said.

-- BERNAMA