In multi-racial Singapore, more focus should be placed on freedom of expression or on social responsibility?

From Wikipedia, freedom of the expression implies that all people should have the right to express themselves in writing or in any other way of expression of personal opinion or creativity. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights indicates: "Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive, and impart information and ideas through any media regardless of frontiers" This freedom of expression is the foundation of democracy and it is impossible for a country to be democratic if its populations are not allowed to express their views freely.

However, in Singapore, even though it adopts a democratic political system, it is a multi-racial country and thus more focus should be placed on social responsibility rather than the freedom of speech.

Freedom of speech is essential in a democratic country, but it is frequently abused by the people. Many people abused this freedom by stating mean remarks which often causing damage to individuals and even government. If everyone is given the freedom of expression, what about the freedom of the people whom have been affected by the hostile remarks some people make?

We should not underestimate racial remarks people make. Take the example of the cartoon drawn by David Irving , depicting the Prophet Muhammad, which have provoked rage in Muslim world. This issue had caused death of at least 30 people in Syria, Lebanon, Nigeria and other Islamic countries during the protest against the cartoon.

In multi-racial Singapore, racial harmony is one of the crucial issue in maintaining peace and security in the country. Without racial harmony, the country will fall into chaotic situation and it would not be able to develop properly. If a complete freedom of expression is allowed in Singapore, some people may abuse it and make racial remarks which would increase racial tension and eventually will lead to riots.

Therefore, in multi-racial country like Singapore, where there is cultural and religious pluralism, more focus should be placed on social responsibility. Thus freedom of speech should be limited. The people must be sensitive towards other people of different race or religion and should not be allowed to make any remarks which may stir up racial tension.