PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has emphasised that institutional and legal reforms in Malaysia must be examined holistically, not based solely on judicial rulings.
He said the government must assess legal decisions carefully and strive for balance between individual freedoms and the core principles of the nation, ensuring reforms do not undermine social harmony.
“Institutional reform must be studied in its entirety; it is not solely about the courts’ decisions. The courts provide their views, and if they align with the reform agenda, the government will implement them,” he told reporters after officiating the ASEAN Law Forum 2025 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.
“However, certain matters warrant close scrutiny. Take freedom of assembly, for example. Demonstrating at a palace raises questions, as the Rulers have emphasised that certain limits must be respected. We must approach this wisely,” he added.
Anwar was responding to the Court of Appeal’s recent decision that the use of the words “offensive” and “annoying” in Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 is unconstitutional — a ruling the government is considering appealing.
While reaffirming his government’s support for free speech and peaceful assembly, the Prime Minister also stressed the need to respect national sensitivities, particularly with regard to the monarchy.
“Sometimes, in our enthusiasm to uphold freedoms, we may encroach on areas or institutions which, in our context, ought not to be challenged — such as the palace grounds,” he said.
The Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) is expected to file an appeal at the Federal Court against the Court of Appeal’s ruling that deemed the terms “insulting” and “offensive” under Section 233(1)(a) of the Act to be unconstitutional.
Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil noted that the provision in question was inherited from the previous administration, and confirmed that the government is reviewing the appeal process carefully, leaving the matter in the hands of the AGC. - August 21, 2025
