Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin has suggested that Asean take a tougher stance against hate speech, including harassment based on race, religion, gender or sexual orientation.

"Asean could also consider stronger legislation pertaining to hate speech that, among others, compels digital platforms to remove or/and mete out punishment for any speech wilfully promoting violence and attacks, be it verbal or physical, including but not limited to harassment and threats against a person or persons based on their race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, disability or nationality," he said.

He said the legislation could be considered to compel digital platforms to take action on hate speech.