Home Civil Society Voices 2016 Civil Society Voices MCMC, stop abusing power to investigate

MCMC, stop abusing power to investigate

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Suara Rakyat Malaysia (Suaram) strongly condemn the raid against Malaysiakini [on 8 November] conducted by the Malaysian Communicatiosn and Multimedia Commission).

The recent raid on Malaysiakini can only be described as politically motivated crackdown on free media and freedom of expression. There is no basis for any media to be investigated under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 for choosing to maintain video coverage of a press conference online.

The use of this Act against an individual or organisation such as Malaysiakini for an online item made to cover or reflect information or a statement made by another individual is simply absurd. This perverse line of logic suggests that a person can be ‘investigated’ for sharing a third party’s comments and be penalised for that.

The commission must immediately cease and desist from such an absurd practice as it has substantial repercussions for freedom of expression in Malaysia and will set a precedent that may potentially penalise millions of innocent Malaysia who merely viewed or shared videos online.

The commission must stop its attack on freedom of expression and immediately halt its campaign of abusing investigative powers to persecute and harass opinions and critical voices online.

Sevan Doraisamy is executive director of Suaram.

9 November 2016

The views expressed in Aliran's media statements and the NGO statements we have endorsed reflect Aliran's official stand. Views and opinions expressed in other pieces published here do not necessarily reflect Aliran's official position.

AGENDA RAKYAT - Lima perkara utama
  1. Tegakkan maruah serta kualiti kehidupan rakyat
  2. Galakkan pembangunan saksama, lestari serta tangani krisis alam sekitar
  3. Raikan kerencaman dan keterangkuman
  4. Selamatkan demokrasi dan angkatkan keluhuran undang-undang
  5. Lawan rasuah dan kronisme
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