The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) wishes to express its concerns over the actions by the police using specific laws against activists, politicians, journalists and human rights defenders for exercising their freedom of expression.

Suhakam is of the view that the enjoyment of freedom of expression should only be restricted as provided by the law to the extent necessary and proportionate to achieve legitimate aims such as national security and public order. Restrictive laws which are essential for political stability, racial harmony and economic prosperity cannot be used as tools to restrict any political contestation and peoples mobilisation against it.

Suhakam notes that Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act and laws such as the Sedition Act 1948, the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012 and Sections 504 and 505 of the Penal Code and The Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma) are being used to censor, intimidate, silence critics and curtail freedom of expression and speech.

Suhakam is concerned with the ongoing use of restrictive laws, which are not in line with human rights principles as expounded in Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and Article 10 of the Federal Constitution of Malaysia on freedom of opinion and expression. Anyone exercising their right to freedom of speech and expression should not be made to suffer or be fearful of retaliation or intimidation.

Therefore, Suhakam calls on the government to:

Suhakam wishes to remind the government of its duty and responsibility to protect the peoples right to free speech, in line with Article 10 of the Federal Constitution of Malaysia, which guarantees Malaysian citizens the right to freedom of speech, freedom of assembly and freedom of association, as a democratic nation should be.

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Protect freedom of speech and expression - Suhakam - Aliran