Hakam notes that lawyer and activist Fadiah Nadwa Fikri was called for investigation by the police under Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act 1948 and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 for publishing an article online in respect of the monarchy.
Hakam heavily condemns the authorities’ continued reliance and enforcement of repressive laws such as the Sedition Act and Section 233 of the Communications & Multimedia Act. These oppressive laws are arbitrary in nature, chillingly restrict our freedom of expression, and have no place in a democracy such as Malaysia.
Hakam would like to remind the authorities of Pakatan Harapan’s manifesto for the 2018 general election, notably Promise number 27, which clearly outlines the current government’s pledge to revoke the Sedition Act and to abolish draconian provisions in the Communications and Multimedia Act.
Several ministers have even publicly said the government will move to repeal these oppressive laws when Parliament is convened.
It is therefore appalling that the authorities today continue to rely on such oppressive laws to investigate and police the lives of ordinary Malaysians. This is a blatant disregard of the spirit of reform espoused by the current PH government.
- Sign up for Aliran's free daily email updates or weekly newsletters or both
- Make a one-off donation to Persatuan Aliran Kesedaran Negara, CIMB a/c 8004240948
- Make a pledge or schedule an auto donation to Aliran every month or every quarter
- Become an Aliran member
Hakam therefore urges the government and the Attorney General’s Chambers to impose a moratorium on any use of the Sedition Act and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act – as well as other oppressive laws – until they have been repealed by Parliament, as promised.
The freedom of expression is a cherished constitutional right and the building block of every democracy. Any issue, however controversial and sacred, must be open to discussion and criticism.
Malaysians have long been shackled by fear and retaliation in the past for merely speaking their minds – and our systems of check and balance, accountability & rule of law have suffered greatly as a result. Let us not repeat such mistakes.
Lim Wei Jiet is secretary-general of Hakam. This statement was issued on on behalf of the Hakam executive committee.
AGENDA RAKYAT - Lima perkara utama
- Tegakkan maruah serta kualiti kehidupan rakyat
- Galakkan pembangunan saksama, lestari serta tangani krisis alam sekitar
- Raikan kerencaman dan keterangkuman
- Selamatkan demokrasi dan angkatkan keluhuran undang-undang
- Lawan rasuah dan kronisme
There is so much serious crime out in the streets that needs to be controlled, but the police have a lot of time for “cases” like this!! Where or what are the priorities?
Sedition law is Outdated and pure nonsense and have no business to exist in the 21st century.
It’s time to stop the rot and allow decent people to speak up if it’s affects the nation!
Stop this sedition charge. It is hampering human development in Malaysia.