KUCHING: Freedom of expressions must have its limits, especially when it is used to offend or ridicule an individual, said Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
In light of the recent public uproar after Singaporean stand-up comedian Jocelyn Chia distasteful joke about Malaysia, Abdul Karim felt the comedian’s jokes were unbecoming and offensive.
“Her comments (jokes) were wrong. It is wrong to ridicule this way and it is not right, especially when comments are made about the MH370 plane incident; imagine how the affected families would feel,” he said.
The right to express what she said had gone above and beyond the limitations of freedom of expression, he said.
“Malaysia, just like many other countries, has freedom of expression. However, every freedom of expression has its limitations.
“Therefore, this has gone above the limits of expression,” he added.
Meanwhile, asked if this incident would affect the flow of tourists from Singapore, Abdul Karim who is Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, he said it would not as Sarawak and the island republic had good ties through the Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office Singapore (STATOS).
“Sales (promotions) have been really good, and the relationship between Sarawak and Singapore has also enhanced,” he said.
