Many countries around the world, including Malaysia and surprisingly the US, bans music in assorted ways. Censorship is particularly severe in a number of developing countries, where music can have a big impact on those who hear it. But we all have to admit that Malaysia has some of the toughest censorship laws in the world. Can you imagine that every Radio stations in Malaysia have been told to submit scripts of live programs before they are broadcast?
The reason for this censorship law is because the government is keen to insulate the largely-Muslim population from what it considers harmful foreign influences. But I truly believe that each and every individual has the right to decide what music he or she –or does not want- to hear or create.
Censorship would just even weaken the growth of the Malaysian music industry. This statement is supported when censorship caused problems for music labels attempting to ship merchandise in/out of Malaysia. DemonZend, a prominent independent label based in Malaysia, reportedly lost US$5,000 due to customs confiscation and Bilharzia, a local metal band, said that they were placed under surveillance, resulting in an inability to receive mail from outside of Malaysia if it related to their music scene. I do fear that musical talent is being repressed like never before.
Freedom of expression for us requires freedom of expression for others. It is at the very heart of our democracy.
Rythem Malice 
censorship has its limits and from my opinion malaysia overdoes it like a crazy ass parent taking care of its child as though we do not have the right to choose or even not know of such words or meaning.they brandish people fools indirectly and the people who ask for such bans are fools themselves who has got nothing else better to do.Give the people thier own choice of freedom for godsake eheh.
I think, part of the reason why censorship still exists, is probably because part of the population condone it, and to a certain extent, some not only condone, but embrace it. Censorship happens not only in music but there is also heavy censorship when it comes to movies as well.. This occurs mostly on taboo topics topics such as sex, religion, as well as foul language. Oddly enough, violence does not receive much censure.
It is true what you say that every individual has a right to decide what kind of music s/he would like to listen too. Unfortunately it is sad to say that this freedom of choice is limited as long as people continue to be complacent about censorship and the like.. and life will continue to be, just as it is.
CENSORSHIP LAWS in Malaysia may be a little too extreme, that i’ll agree, however, it plays its very own crucial part in ensuring that our society maintains a certain level of moral. Look at countries with loose censorship boards and you can definitely agree with me that their society suffers a major set back due to unruly teenagers(my peers) that are exposed to elements from watching MTV. For example: Where do you think i learn how to use F***? or Where kids learn such words like Ni****! They use those words neither realising the real meaning they carry, nor the consequences of using such words.The ‘N’ word, i presume..not many people realise that it is used as a disparaging term for the Black people. It’s really silly for rap stars to incorporate such words in their music..however.. it is still their music. Hence, the least the government could do to protect its nation, is by imposing rules. Nonetheless, a teenager i am, and a rebel humankind are.. I can conclude that.. YES! I totally agree 110% that the government should loosen rules on the censorship board especially in music lyrics!!
well…i think that malaysia is in serious need of improvement in
it’s music industry…compared to other countries…malaysia’s music is
is not popular..the music industry can be improved by just having a
more open mind…that is by not banning every little thing… they may say their just protecting the moral of our country…but from my point of view..i think people should be given a choice to choose what sort of music they would like to listen to and what is good for them..i think
we can’t blame the media for bad moral…we all have choices…and it’s the choces we make that determine the people we are…therefore..i think that malaysia should do less banning and should create more wel known music..
Its a serious problem for the music lovers.Nevertheless,every country has its own legal restrictions in music industry too.music is choice for everyone…..
As music is the medium to express emotions independently but malaysian censorship law seems to be creating firewall to the liberty of artists according to ur post.
Anyway thank you very much for providing such a useful information though i am not interested much in music.i hope you will provide more information which is relavant in next post.see u there……..