Stop using Sedition Act says SUHAKAM - Repeal it?

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