He said freedom of speech should never reach the point of defamation and baseless accusations.

“We draw the line, as a politician myself, an MP and now minister. We will definitely defend freedom of speech but it must be within the law, including the Communications and Multimedia Act. There are limitations and if offences were committed, there will be legal repercussions.

“What we voice out must have basis and can be defended in court,” he told a media conference after attending a briefing during his visit to Angkasapuri. Also present was communications and digital ministry secretary-general Mohammad Mentek.

Fahmi said among others, the ministry was focused on establishing close cooperation between the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and social media operators to protect freedom of speech but at the same time, ensuring compliance with the law.

“If there is a violation, then action must be taken,” he said.