STATEMENT ISSUED BY THE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS, MALAYSIA IN RESPONSE TO THE STATEMENT MADE BY THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF STATE ON FREEDOM OF PRESS AND INTERNET IN MALAYSIA
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia wishes to affirm that the decision of the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission to impose a ban on “The Malaysian Insider” on 25 February 2016 for violating Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 had been made following careful and due consideration on the impact of such a ban on freedom of speech and freedom of press in Malaysia.
While Malaysia upholds freedom of speech and right to information, such freedom and right must be exercised responsibly and with accountability. The Government of Malaysia has a responsibility to maintain peace, stability and harmony in the country and to safeguard the multiracial and multicultural values, norms and practices in Malaysia.
Malaysia values its comprehensive partnership with the United States, which signifies our sincere desire to maintain a progressive and dynamic partnership in a wide area of cooperation for the mutual benefit of the two countries. Malaysia believes that the United States shares and reciprocates this sentiment. Malaysia also believes that the bilateral ties could be further strengthened to greater heights through closer cooperation and better understanding of the domestic issues in Malaysia.
MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
PUTRAJAYA, 3 March 2016