Zahid: Govt will not tolerate those who misuse freedom of expression

KUALA LUMPUR: The government will not tolerate those who misuse freedom of expression to touch on the four elements that could disrupt national harmony.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (pix) said the four elements are Islam as the official religion, position of Malay rulers, special rights of the Malays and the position of Bahasa Malaysia as the national language.
He said with the rise of the internet and openness in the online world, people are free to express their own opinion even if it touches on sensitive issues.
"We cannot allow such freedom to take its toll on national harmony and progress," he said this in his speech at the Umno International Forum 2014 at Putra World Trade Centre here.
Ahmad Zahid said the government provided leniency to the people to express their thoughts and ideas as long as it does not go over the limit.
"We may give freedom of expression for different opinions.
"However, if someone touches on religion, racial harmony and unity, I have no hesitation not to compromise with these groups," he said.