YANG di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim has reminded Malaysians that freedom of expression comes with responsibility, urging them to show respect and restraint in their use of social media.
His Majesty said some people had turned online platforms into spaces for provocation and hatred, fuelling divisions within society.
“Do not turn social media into a platform to insult, swear at, vilify or humiliate others. Differences in opinion are no reason for us to become enemies. We can disagree, but we must express our views decently and respectfully.
“If you wish to criticise, do so constructively. If you wish to correct someone, do so with courtesy,” he said.
“Do not let the desire to be the first to share unverified information result in you becoming a spreader of slander and hatred,” stated Sultan Ibrahim.
Sultan Ibrahim remarked that differences in opinion are no justification for hostility; instead, such views should be expressed using polite and civil language.
Sultan Ibrahim, who is also Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Chancellor, was speaking at the university’s 105th convocation ceremony at the Tuanku Canselor Grand Hall in Shah Alam today. – October 17, 2026