The Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) condemns the continued investigations into Universiti Malaya Association of New Youth (UMANY) over the group’s recent statement arguing that the Yang di-Pertuan Agong should not interfere in national affairs. According to a media invite by UMANY last night, six of their committee members will be questioned at the Kajang district police headquarters at noon today.
Freedom of speech and expression underpins the fundamental right to seek, receive and exchange ideas, opinions and information that would enable the public to form their own opinions. Any unnecessary censorship and disproportionate restrictions of speech and expression is an indication that our government fears alternative positions on issues of public interest, and would ultimately challenge the promotion of accountability and good governance, thus spiralling our nation into an undemocratic state.
We are, thus, disappointed that the State continues to arbitrarily use the Sedition Act and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act to silence any unconventional opinion. Expressing a legitimate and academic opinion does not warrant criminal prosecution. We believe this is the case for UMANY’s 30 October 2020 statement.
In this connection, we urge the State and its actors to do the following at once:
- Drop the police investigations into UMANY and cease questioning, raiding the homes and intimidating their members by initiating investigations;
- Protect UMANY members who are being harassed, cyberbullied or threatened online over their statement, and;
- Ensure that freedom of expression and speech is upheld and protected at all times for everyone, as per Article 10 of the Federal Constitution.
9 November 2020
Ms. Wathshlah G. Naidu
CIJ Executive Director
For media inquiries, contact Mr. Vinodh Pillai at media_comms@cijmalaysia.net
