PRESS
STATEMENT
“THE
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION OF MALAYSIA CALLS ON THE AUTHORITIES TO IMMEDIATELY END
THE USE OF THE SEDITION ACT 1948”
KUALA
LUMPUR (3 APRIL 2015) – The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM)
expresses its serious concern over the recent arrests of a number of
politicians, activists, students and academicians, as well as members of the
media under the Sedition Act 1948, which have escalated alarmingly in spite of
the Commission’s recent call on the authorities to desist from such actions as
well as to reconsider the proportionality and necessity for such arrests.
The
Commission is also appalled at the manner in which these arrests have been
made, which appears to be tantamount to harassment and intimidation by the
authorities and in breach of the rule of law.
Furthermore,
the arrests of members of the media to prevent them from performing their legitimate
duties are a clear violation of Malaysia’s obligations under international
human rights law.
The
Commission therefore recommends that the Government take unwavering steps
towards guaranteeing freedom of expression and assembly, including media
freedom, in line with the Federal Constitution and the Universal Declaration of
Human Rights 1948.
The
Commission also reiterates its well-known position on the Sedition Act 1948 and
recommends that consistent with the Government’s commendable advocacy of
moderation at the global level, it repeal this repressive and undemocratic
domestic legislation, which directly violates the right to freedom of
expression.
The
Commission would like to further state that it fully supports the rights of all
individuals to assemble peacefully, to express their civil and/or political
views without fear of arrest or detention, including the responsible exchange
of opinions on social media. The Commission thus urges the Government to uphold
its commitment to these freedoms, and to ensure the effective enjoyment of the
rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly in Malaysia.
TAN SRI HASMY AGAM
Chairman
The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM)
3 APRIL 2015
Source: SUHAKAM Website
No comments:
Post a Comment