PETALING JAYA - Non-governmental organisations and civil societies have called for the immediate repeal of the Sedition Act and an end to all selective prosecution using the Act.
"From May 2014 until February this year, more than 40 people have become victims of the Act, such as politicians, lawyers, reporters and social activists," said activist Hishamuddin Rais (pic).
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Hishamuddin said the arrests violated international human rights laws and fundamental rights as established in the Federal Constitution.
"We feel that the police should not just respect the rights of the rakyat to freedom of speech and assembly, but also protect these rights so they can be exercised freely," added Hishamuddin.
He criticised the actions of the Inspector-General of Police, Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar.
"It is surprising that he is so active in monitoring the social media of politicians and activists, arresting them for voicing criticisms when at the same time, crime watchdog MyWatch reported that there was a 20,000-case increase over a 60-day period in 2014," said Hishamuddin.
He said that civil societies and non-governmental organisations called for Khalid's resignation.
"We call for his resignation because of his actions and statements that have tainted the image of the police," said Hishamuddin.
Speaking at the same press conference, Bersih 2.0 chairperson Maria Chin Abdullah said that from 2013 until today 56 people have been investigated under the Sedition Act.
“Why are they bringing in people to silence them, using the Sedition Act now that they do not have the ISA? We want the Sedition Act to be repealed, and for a stop to the use of repressive laws to silence dissent. We have room for discourse and debate," said Maria.
Similar views were shared by Amnesty International Malaysia executive director Shamini Darshni, who said Malaysians have a right to freedom of speech and opinion.
"The attacks on human rights activists in Malaysia has been noted by the UN and this has been mentioned by Ban Ki Moon. The world is watching," said Shamini.
Meanwhile, Lawyers for Liberty programme coordinator Michelle Yesudas said that there was a shrinking of democratic space in Malaysia.
"Twitter is supposed to be part of the democratic process, not to silence the youth," said Yesudas.
She added judgments produced by the courts should be open to criticism as judges are not democratically elected.
"Every judgment that is put out is open to criticise and this is something that happens in law schools," said Yesudas. - ANN
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