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The issue of freedom of voicing political views in Malaysia was discussed by Prof. Dr. Mohd Azizuddin Mohd Sani in conjunction with his inaugural professorial lecture entitled Freedom of Political Speech in Malaysia which was held at the Auditorium, School of International Studies (SOIS).

The lecture among others discussed the situation of freedom of voicing political views in Malaysia and made clear arguments that support restrictions on political views as well as the problems which hinder the freedom of voicing political views from being practised effectively.

According to him, the two main sensitive issues namely race and religion are considered taboo and discussions on these issues are very restricted.

"Article 10 in the Federal Constitution provides provision on freedom of speech primarily concerned with political views."

The use of the word "expression," according to Shad Saleem Faruqi (2018) is broader "encompassing mouth conversations, signs, symbols and signals and through the works of art, music, carvings, pictures, films, videos, cartoons, computer art, architecture, print media and cyber speech."

"However, in reflecting sensitivity to this issue, the list of restrictions that inhibits the right to freedom of speech is laid out on the basis of maintaining political stability and harmony of the people.

"In addition, freedom of voicing political views and individual political rights are essential as we move towards securing the nation’s prosperity and development. The tendency of the government imposing some form of political discipline is to ensure that service to the community can be further expanded and better implemented," said Prof. Dr. Mohd Azizuddin who also touched on the freedom of voicing political views during the Mahathir Mohamad administration, Najib Razak administration and Pakatan Harapan administration.

At the end of the lecture, Prof. Dr. Mohd Azizuddin Mohd Sani concluded that freedom to voice political views needs to be strengthened for the sake of democracy which is based on public negotiations.

"It certainly can be strengthened through the implementation of theory and practice of social responsibility. It requires political will by the government that permits it. Promises have been made by the Pakatan Harapan government to promote freedom to voice political views.

Also present at the event was Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), Prof. Dr. Ayoib Che Ahmad.

The Inaugural Professorial Lecture is a platform for all professors at UUM to present lectures regarding their respective fields of expertise. The lectures are recorded and the recordings are kept by the University for reference.