What if Malaysia… had freedom of speech like the US?

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” 

The First Amendment of the US Constitution (above) is what makes “free speech” in the US so unique, even when compared to other countries in the West. The First Amendment makes it incredibly difficult (or impossible) to clamp down on hate speech, but it also arguably is one of the reasons why the US is seen by many as the bastion of creativity and innovation.

BFM talks to Nalini Elumalai, Malaysia programme officer with Article 19, and Wathshlah Naidu, executive director of the Centre For Independent Journalism, to explore what Malaysia could look like if we had freedom of speech just like the US.

Produced by Dashran Yohan and Teo Xing Yu

Presented by Dashran Yohan

The views expressed in Aliran's media statements and the NGO statements we have endorsed reflect Aliran's official stand. Views and opinions expressed in other pieces published here do not necessarily reflect Aliran's official position.

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