Freedom of expression from a Malay-Islamic perspective

Abstract

This paper examines freedom of expression through Malay cultural practices that emphasise Islamic civilisational values and the Malay moral concept, which these practices provide to shape the framework of expression. Unlike Western liberal human rights, which promote absolute freedom of speech, Malay culture emphasises social responsibilities grounded in Islamic values such as akhlak, public interest, justice, and the protection of human dignity as the basis for normative guidelines for expression. Drawing on secondary data and document analysis, this paper argues that free expression should not be an absolute right but rather be guided by a moral compass aimed at maintaining collective order and harmony. It is particularly important to emphasise that protecting social responsibilities in Malay culture is not a means of hindering the right to speech or expression, but rather a way to liberate public space from language harassment and inflammatory remarks, in line with the demands of Islam. Therefore, this finding highlights that Malay civilisational values, which safeguard the right to free expression through ethical norms, offer a perspective on the Islamic approach to free expression, taking Islam into account and turning it into a practical, culturally resonant model that can be implemented in society.