PETALING JAYA: Civil society organisations have expressed their opposition towards the proclamation of the Emergency Ordinance 2021 in a street protest near the Parliament building on Sunday (March 14).
The Freedom of Expression Cluster in a statement said it wanted to reclaim democracy and the exercise of fundamental liberties that are currently being eroded.
The group also demanded that the Parliament reconvene as soon as possible.
“We come to the streets today to defend our fundamental constitutional right to expression, including the right to assemble peacefully and the right to seek, receive, and impart information of all kinds. At a time of a public health crisis – this right is more important than ever.
“Any law that severely limits our fundamental liberties as enshrined in the Federal Constitution must without any compromise be enacted by all Members of Parliament and the Senate and receive the Royal assent before taking force,” it said, claiming that the government is using the Emergency Ordinance to undermine people’s fundamental rights and freedom.
The group insisted that the country return to a path of good governance and accountability, as well as transparency and check and balance of powers with the lifting of the suspension of Parliament.
The Freedom of Expression Cluster is a group of civil society organisations working to promote freedom of expression in Malaysia. The cluster is co-chaired by the Centre for Independent Journalism and ARTICLE 19 Malaysia.
Source: The Star Online
