Fadhlina Sidek stresses etiquette in freedom of speech

Malaysian Education Minister Datuk Seri Fadhlina Sidek has emphasized that freedom of speech must be exercised with etiquette, responsibility, and strong arguments, rather than being used as a license for limitless expression.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the Arena Wacana Aspirasi Mahasiswa speech competition organized by Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka at Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka, Fadhlina stated that a culture of continuous learning should be built on the awareness that all views must be accompanied by manners. She noted that differences of opinion should serve to strengthen intellectual discourse rather than becoming an excuse to ignore communication etiquette.

Fadhlina highlighted that whether among parents or the wider community, while the space for expression is supported, it must be grounded in responsibility. She referenced the work 'Adab al-Ikhtilaf' by Dr. Taha Jabir al-Alwani to underscore the importance of maintaining decorum when managing differing perspectives.