Freedom of Political Speech and Social Responsibility in Malaysia
This book is about freedom of political speech in Malaysia, and explores some general arguments both in favour of and against freedom of political speech in the Malaysian context. A principal aim of this book is to evaluate the official reasons for restricting freedom of speech in Malaysia and to what extent existing legislation and practices can be justified in these terms. This book discusses freedom of speech from two theoretical perspectives: the contemporary Western liberal approach and the 'Asian values' approach. Finally, it sets out and defends the 'social responsibility theory' as most suitable for Malaysia in ensuring more extensive freedom of political speech than currently exists without jeopardising important cultural and societal values. This book is suitable for all interested in free speech processes in Malaysia as well as those interested in civil liberties, democratisation, political theory, law and Malaysian studies.
