Aliran is appalled by the legal suit instituted by Prime Minister Najib Razak and Umno Baru against news portal Malaysiakini over readers’ comments published on the site.
While we abhor defamatory remarks in principle, Najib and Umno Baru’s action is tantamount to instilling fear in other alternative media and their concerned readers.
Malaysiakini, as a matter of principle, provides enough space for any aggrieved party to respond to any critical pieces or readers’ comments – a practice that is common in any thriving democracy.
By not taking up Malaysiakini’s offer of a right of reply, Najib and company only reinforce the suspicion that the powers that be are inclined to muzzle the news portal, which is known for its relentless pursuit of truth without fear or favour.
- 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
Just as important, Malaysiakini is noted for living up to its objective of making politicians accountable for their actions, particularly those who claim to rule the country in the name of the rakyat.
Bearing in mind the wider implications of this legal action on democracy, we call upon Najib and Umno Baru to drop their legal suit.
Aliran executive committee
4 June 2014
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
Sue anybody you want, it is the only democratic way and not detaining anyone without trail. But make sure the judiciary is not in your control and you or you have no influence in anyway. Can anyone in Malaysia be guaranteed of that in this country ? It has been proven (it happened under the) egregious Mahathir (adminstration) … when … the Chief of the judiciary (was sacked).
Since then the conduct and the final decision of the judiciary appears to be in the control of the … schmucks (Is that) why Najib and Umno are now suing Malaysiakin instead of the other means you and Umno have tried and used before(?)
It is very well known how wealthy you and Umno are and as such between the two of you the litigations both of you have initialed can go on as long and as far, regardless of the costs, as the two of you can and wish !