Thursday, March 19, 2015

Nurul Izzah has Parliamentary Privilege - but all people want their freedom of expression without risk of arrest?

Well Nurul Izzah and MPs have 'Parliamentary Privilege' to protect their free speech - they can literally say anything and they cannot be sued for defamation, etc... or even be charged for a crime. This is why we have heard of challenges to MPs to be brave enough to repeat the same outside Parliament if they dare. Bad language, however, in my opinion should not be uttered - so too name calling, racist or sexist utterings really should not be acceptable by any good person whether it is uttered inside or outside Parliament. Nur

Freedom of speech, expression and opinion - including also the freedom of peaceful assembly is a fundamental right that should be available to all persons in Malaysia. If we do not agree by what someone says, then respond in words....full stop. 

The use of Defamation Suits by the rich and politicians is embarrassing...and generally unacceptable. Such methods are used to suppress freedoms...and 'bully' especially the weak and less powerful. I am most disappointed when now even our 'alternative' Opposition MPs/ADUNs are doing the same... I am most disappointed when our own government uses Sedition Act and other laws to prevent freedom of expression and other freedoms...

Let the people judge...we are smart and we will decide on who to believe and support... who is right, and who is wrong...

Suhakam slams cops over Izzah's arrest

The Malaysian Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) has expressed regret over the police violation of Parliamentary privileges by invoking the Sedition Act 1948 against lawmakers' speeches made in Parliament or state legislative assemblies.
In a press release today, Suhakam chairperson Hasmy Agam, said the authorities must respect and uphold Parliamentary privileges in order for lawmakers to be allowed to dispense their duties without fear or favour.

"The Commission emphasises that the freedom of speech and expression in Parliament shall not be impeached or become the basis of criminal proceedings.

"It is therefore essential that MPs are guaranteed freedom from criminal prosecution, civil suits or superfluous disciplinary action," said Hasmy.

On Monday, Lembah Nurul Izzah MP Nurul Izzah Anwar was arrested under the Sedition Act over her speech to the Dewan Rakyat on March 11.

Last August, Seri Delima assemblyperson RSN Rayer was charged under the same law for directing the word "celaka" at Umno leaders during his speech at the Penang state assembly on May 20, 2014.

Although Suhakam recognises that there are exceptions to the privileges and immunities enjoyed by lawmakers as contained in Articles 63(4) and 72(4) of the Federal Constitution, Hasmy said the authorities must recognise that there are already existing measures to punish lawmakers under the Standing Orders.

"Nonetheless, the fundamental right of freedom of speech shall be upheld in Parliament at all times," he said. - Malaysiakini, 19/3/2015,
Suhakam slams cops over Izzah's arrest

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