Banning is merely sidetracking the issue, Rafidah Aziz says

Banning certain publications do not solve any issues at hand as the move but it would only upset more people towards the government, said former International Trade and Industry Minister Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz.

Admitting that freedom of speech is not absolute, she said the media must not be unduly penalised for carrying out its duties.

"While freedom of speech must have parameters determined by factors such as decency, respect for the religious beliefs of others, and the rights of the majority, it is important that media is not unduly penalised , not for going beyond those parameters..but for reporting what some determine to be unsavoury.

Rafidah, in a Facebook posting Saturday, said knee-jerk reactions taken had diverted people from the main road to problem resolution.

"Maybe we should delete the word "ban" from our political vocabulary and adopt approaches that reflect 'clear-minded-ness' and rational thinking," said Rafidah.

She added that while freedom of speech must have parameters determined by factors such as decency, respect for the religious beliefs of others, and the rights of the majority.

"It is important that media is not unduly penalised for reporting what some determine to be 'unsavoury. Surely, we are not going the way of some countries where media is directed what to print and not otherwise?" said Rafidah.

She also said that the responsible quarters must give members of the public facts and figures and to be transparent in communication national issues that are of public concern such as the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).