Government in no way will curtail freedom of speech, PM Oli says

Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli has said that the government will not bring any law to curtail freedom of expression. “We have come to the power after fighting against the situation in which there was no freedom of expression, so the present government will not in any way suppress the people’s power for free speech,” Oli said addressing a programme organized by Nepal Chamber of Commerce to release the book related to former chairman of NCC and renowned business entrepreneur Rajesh Kaji Shrestha in Kathmandu on Friday.

Releasing the book titled “Rajesh Kaji Shrestha: Personality and Contributions” published by Ishwor Lal Pratisthan in Kathmandu PM Oli, however underlined the need to regulate the social media sites, which have become irresponsible and abusive thereby creating chaos in the society.

PM Oli said this at a time when the Bill relating to regulate social media sites is being tabled in the Parliament has invited criticism from the opposition parties, who claimed that the government intends to curtail free speech and press freedom. We had revoked the decision made by previous government led by Pushpakamal Dahal “Prachanda,” which had banned popular social media site Tiktok,” Oli recalled.

“We, however, will not tolerate anti-national activities such as creating communal disharmony, disturbing peace and security and creating anarchy in the name of freedom,” Oli made it clear.

In a different note PM Oli said that the government is committed towards maintaining good governance so as to move the country towards economic prosperity. As good government is a challenging task, we are bringing laws for maintaining good governance and end corruption, Oli claimed. He also dismissed media reports that alleged him of depositing millions of dollar in the banks of Cambodia and Switzerland.

Editor of the book Badri Koirala on the occasion shedding light on the book elaborated contributions made by Rajesh Kaji Shrestha in various fields.

During the programme chaired by Pradip Lal Shrestha, president of Ishwor Lal Pratisthan, board member of the Pratisthan Prashant Lal Shrestha delivered vote of thanks.